Jedi Council Forums - Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » The Saga »

Post Reply | Active Topic Notification | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

« 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 » - Previous | Next | Reload

Author	Topic: Dawn of a New Age:An AU of ROTS-if Anakin allowed Mace to kill Sidious - updated 10/27
Kevin_Solo Registered: Jun '07	Date Posted: 5/21 10:46am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated with Part 1 of Duel of Fates. 5/17 - Date Edited: 5/21 10:49am (1 edits total) Edited By: Kevin_Solo
	This update was well worth waiting for! I understand why Obi-Wan would let Maul escape...for now: It was impossible to believe that the Sith Lord truly wanted to escape, but Obi-Wan would allow him the opportunity despite his reservations. There was simply too much was at stake. With all the lives in the library and the Great Hall relying on him, it would be reckless on his part not to allow Maul to escape; if that was what he truly wanted. Regardless; Obi-Wan vowed that one way or the other the battle between them would end, here and now. Everything depended on it. Fair enough. This doesn't stop Maul from trying to test him: It was not surprising that Maul chose to test him. He took another step toward him, intent on testing Obi-Wan’s steely resolve while also looking for a hint of weakness that the Sith Lord could use against him. Obi-Wan felt the Sith Lord prod him with the Force, trying to find a crack in his wall of defenses that he could he could use to bring down his guard completely. But Obi-Wan stood fast. He fought fervently to cloak his emotions and fears he was feeling at that moment. Maul grew frustrated after being unable to break through the Force barrier that Obi-Wan had raised to defend himself from Maul’s attacks and backed down. HA, HA! I understand Obi-Wan's reasoning here: It made allowing Maul to escape almost impossible to bear, but Obi-Wan alleviated that tension by reminding himself it was better to live to fight another day then not at all. Even if meant more innocent souls must be sacrificed to feed this monster, at least those Obi-Wan most cared about would be safe and he could later face Maul on his own terms. There was simply too much at stake to risk trying to finish him off now, though Kenobi couldn’t help but bite his lip with the pain of wondering how many more would suffer because he failed to act. But they're still confronting each other: Each waited for the other to make the next fateful move that would force the other to react. Obi-Wan gave no further ground or any room to doubt that this would end one way or the other, depending on the choice Maul made. The tension was increasingly growing on Obi-Wan’s shoulders, believing that Maul should have made up his mind by now and was simply waiting for him to his make move. It made the stalemate all the more tense between them, since Obi-Wan was committed not to be the one who acted first. Hmmmm! He'd certainly be thinking of the first Duel of Fates on Naboo. Poor Qui-Gon. I can see him wanting this, all right: Yet despite all that he accomplished, what had happened that fateful day on Naboo still haunted his past and now he had a chance to finally set things right. Much of his service from that day on had been to prove he was worthy of the title he had achieved and pushed himself to be better than those around him, overcoming obstacles that Jedi much more powerful could overcome with ease. He had accomplished much of that by latching onto Anakin and relied on him to do what he could not. Anakin often reminded him during his angry outbursts that he would not be in the position he was without him and it had long formed a rift between them, until now. The only thing Obi-Wan held over him to hold Anakin back was his authority to do so as his master and the trust they held for one another. Ultimately it was the trust that kept them together and made them inseparable as brothers. In fact; he had become so dependent on Anakin that it felt awkward to fight this battle without him and not ne able to rely on his skills to watch his back or, admittedly, save him. Very interesting. The reasoning is certainly consistent with what we saw in Episodes I-III. He certainly did rely a lot on Anakin. I agree that letting Maul leave would not be a disgrace, however: Allowing Maul to leave now would not be frowned upon and his colleagues would praise his actions as the only sensible thing he could do. The Jedi Council would pat him on the back for not giving in to the dark side or as Yoda might express as: ‘becoming that which you destroy.’ Yet deep down, Obi-Wan knew he would always regret allowing Maul to escape. He knew he should’ve finished him now when he had the chance. He wished at that moment he could give into his feelings as Anakin often did and allow them, not his Jedi dogma, to move him to act. Anakin wasn’t the only one capable of this. Master’s Yoda and Windu were capable of stepping over that invisible line that existed between principle and righteousness, good and evil, dark side and the light. Anakin made it look easy and crossed the line without even having to think about it. It made him highly unpredictable and at times dangerous, but in that state of mind he was virtually invincible against any adversary who crossed his path. Master Windu’s own fighting style of Vaapad was based on pushing himself closer and closer to the dark side, sometimes even dipping over the edge, but never embracing it. That was something Obi-Wan could not do. True enough! I can certainly see him getting bored with Maul's dithering: The tension in the air thickened as Maul continued to pace back and forth, unwilling to commit himself to battle or seek out escape. He had reverted to the Shadow Hunter of old, not uttering a word to taunt or insult Kenobi while he considered his options. It left Obi-Wan in an awkward position because he had committed himself to defending this chamber with his life, yet also committed to not be the one who struck first. Maul was forcing him to make the first move and would react based on it. It left Obi-Wan with only one choice. “Well?” Obi-Wan asked directly. “Shall we spurn fate or oblige it?” He moves to confront Maul, and wins: He couldn’t hold back any longer and moved in for the attack, forcing Maul to either respond or move toward the Hanger bay. He brought his other hand back up his hilt and angled the tip of his hilt down so that it was pointed directly at Maul’s chest. “There’s no cooling pit this time Maul,” Kenobi reminded him. “But there is a way out. Either take it or I will destroy you.” \| \| “Very well Kenobi,” Maul declared. “You win this round.” It was hard to believe, but Obi-Wan watched a Sith Lord lower his guard and turn his back to him to make his way toward the Hanger Bay. Obi-Wan shadowed him step-by-step, and watched for any deception or tricks the Sith Lord might try to employ while keeping his blade honed on his back. He was genuinely surprised he would actually turn his back to him, but also knew that Obi-Wan would never strike down a man when his back was turned to him. He replaced optimism with skepticism, not allowing himself to hope that Maul was genuine in his desire to leave. He would not be content until he watched him boarded a vessel and leave the temple. Whoo-hoo!! Well done, Obi-Wan! Then things change completely due to Anakin's arrival: It was at that moment of glory that everything changed, starting with a disturbance in the Force that was powerful to stop both Kenobi and Maul in their tracks. Obi-Wan felt the presence of Anakin in the force long before Maul did and watched him sweat with the anxiety in regards to the source. It filled Obi-Wan with joy that Anakin along with the reinforcements had finally come, while Maul gagged from the surge of positive Forge energy the Chosen One left in his wake. Great! Then Kenobi changes his mind: Kenobi smiled with satisfaction and with the Force slammed the doors leading to the Hanger Bay shut. “Kenobi!” Maul furiously turned back toward Obi-Wan. The fury in his eyes told volumes for his feelings of hatred toward him. The look of betrayal and panic was there, but they soon hardened back to the sadistic cold warrior that Obi-Wan had always known. “We had an agreement that ... “An unspoken agreement,” Obi-Wan corrected. “Now you can’t leave.” And the fighting begins! The descriptions of the fight are very good. They certainly know how to taunt each other! Obi-Wan certainly hit him in a vulnerable emotional spot here: “I beat you before,” Obi-Wan reminded him, which brought a scowl upon Maul’s face. “I can do it again.” Maul roared in fury, with smoke beginning to pour from his horns, nose, and mouth. The blades of his lightsaber even sparked, becoming enveloped with fire as Maul rose the weapon over his head with both hands like a demented madman, crying out for Obi-Wan’s head. Obi-Wan simply stared in horror, convinced that at any moment Maul would become fully enveloped in flames. “Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?” Obi-Wan asked with good humor. Maul was not amused. Yes, Maul. You're a loser. I hope the Jedi later sue Maul's estate for all the damage caused. A nice strategy used against the fire, I see: Obi-Wan saw only one chance for survival and he took it. Before Maul’s attack pushed him back any further, he channeled all the Force he could muster and pushed back not on the fire, but on Maul himself. Maul was caught by surprise and stumbled backwards, interrupting the stream of fire just enough for Obi-Wan to break free and leap toward one of the nearby pillars. Maul screamed in rage and threw a fireball at Obi-Wan, but missed him entirely as Obi-Wan made it safely behind the pillar and braced himself against it. “Clever. Very clever!” Maul cried out. “But it will not be enough to save you.” I had an unexpected thought here: When he got no answer, he knew that Maul had no idea. “You are consuming yourself Maul.” Obi-Wan dared to leave the pillar completely and turn to face Maul who now stood directly across from him. He knew he had only once chance at this and if he failed it was likely he be burned to a crisp before he could try something else. Maul again raised his hands in preparation of another fire attack. He focused on Maul, like he had never focused before, with the Force and suggested with a hand gesture, “You do not need to burn me…” Maul ignited two more balls of fire, but did not release them. “I do not need to burn you…” Maul then proceeded to snuff out the balls of fire in his palms by squeezing them into fists. Will later ages have a song about this duel called Great Balls of Fire? Then something quite unexpected: “You have all you need to destroy me right here…” Obi-Wan suggested, while gesturing to his lightsaber. “Maul unsheathed his weapon and activated both blades. “I have all that I need to destroy you right here…” “Now you die…” Obi-Wan lastly suggested to him, focusing on him with everything he could muster to compel him to attack. At the same time he focused on pushing his knowledge of Force fire to the back of the Sith Lord’s mind. “Now you die!” Maul yelled and charged forward to strike with a fury unlike anything Obi-Wan had felt before. Obi-Wan brought his lightsaber up and managed to block the onslaught of lightsaber attacks that Maul unleashed against him. Yet despite the tenacity of the attacks, Obi-Wan couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face for what he just achieved. “I’ll wipe that smile from you face!” Maul snapped. Was Maul feeble minded enough to fall for a Jedi mind trick? Nice to see Obi-Wan's strategy beginning to work here: The Sith Lord’s strength seemed to increase with each passing moment and left Obi-Wan wondering if it truly was endless or if there was some other source that Maul drew such power from. It wasn’t until he backed off to try something else that Obi-Wan could tell that he was frustrated and that the Sith Lord now was back to square one of trying to figure out how to break him. We have the expected taunts: “I’m going to take you a part a piece at a time Kenobi.” \| \| “I will break you!” Maul swore. He gripped the hilt of his weapon both out of anger and frustration. “Just like your former master, you will fall to my blade.” To quote Homer Simpson, 'Boring!' Even Maul's disappearing act doesn't fool Obi-Wan: But this time Obi-Wan was ready for him. Without evening thinking about it he struck the area with a Force push where he believed Maul to be. The Sith Lord cried out in shock after being exposed and was pushed back against one of the smoking pillars with a thud. Obi-Wan was on him before he could vanish again and pinned him against the pillar with his blade. I was wondering if any Jedi ever tried this tactic: Obi-Wan responded by slamming his knee into his groin hard enough to make him cry out like a little girl and see stars. In that moment of helplessness, Obi-Wan could’ve finished him as Maul stumbled backwards in agony, all but lowering his defenses. But instead he merely pushed him back into the pillar with the Force and hit him with such Force that it left a made a crack down the middle of it. Maul groaned in agony and slid down what was left of the pillar. So clones in the GFFA do come complete. And I suppose him being evil does justify it and a lot of other things... But things begin to get serious here: Maul roared in fury as he managed to cut completely through the pillar and sent it tumbling back down toward Obi-Wan and taking along with it much of the ceiling it supported. Obi-Wan leaped to safety, but as he landed he felt a disturbance of the Force unlike anything he had ever felt before. It wasn’t until he realized the direction the pillar was falling that he realized the danger, for it was falling directly toward the library. It was falling with not only enough sufficient Force to rip through the walls, but would crush to death countless innocents that huddled together inside. “No!” Obi-Wan cried out. He tried to use the Force in a vain attempt to catch the pillar, but it was too late. The pillar slammed into the wall and brought it tumbling down along with it. There was nothing he could but watch as the walls came crashing down with a sickening crunch. Obi-Wan’s heart burst as he feared the worst and felt his entire world tumble before his eyes. Thoughts of Skywalker’s beloved Padme and their new born children crushed to death brought tears to his eyes, and this time it wasn’t the toxic smoke that made the tears flow freely. He didn’t even bother wiping the tears from his face, instead turning to find Maul who stood with a grin upon his face as he stood on what was left of the foundations of the pillar. The Sith Lord’s twin blades blazed with hatred, that was only matched by the coldness the Sith Lord exuded toward him as he basked in Obi-Wan’s sorrow. “You thought I didn’t know about those you cared about who huddled behind those walls,” Maul taunted him as he gestured to what ruins remained of the library. It was a grizzly sight that would haunt him always. “Now their deaths will be on your conscious!” (Note: I take it you mean 'conscience' there?) No wonder Obi-Wan feels the Dark Side: Again, he felt the pain of their loss grip him and like before on Naboo there was now only one thought that consumed him: revenge. Whether he turned or not, he no longer cared. All he cared about was avenging all those who had been lost today and making Maul pay for it with his life. There would be no offers of mercy any longer and his hand will not hesitate to deliver a kill blow with his blade at the next opportunity. Once again, the fate of the galaxy would be decided by the two men squared off against each other in the fiery inferno of what was once the heart of the Jedi Temple. With the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance, a second Duel of Fates was now at hand. Great stuff, Milteck! Do keep it up!
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 5/21 12:57pm Subject: conscience not conscious
	yes, I meant Conscience. Am changing that now Its just one of those things you miss when proof read yourself. -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 5/22 2:22pm Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated with Part 1 of Duel of Fates. 5/17
	Darth_drachonus wrote: Woot! I got the update! The reason wasn't able to send them before was because kept getting message unable to send due to having 5 unread messages. You've always been on my list though -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 5/23 6:37am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated with Part 1 of Duel of Fates. 5/17
	Wow! Great chapter! The Clone Wars has earned him a lot of respect from his peers and earned the reputation of the ‘Negotiator’ due to there being no mission he was assigned that he couldn’t accomplish. Now he was one the highest respected members on the council, but there was still that itch that never seemed to go away that he didn’t truly deserve it. He destroyed Grievous on his own, but it was relatively easy compared to a full-fledged Sith Lord, who despite how terrifying the cyborg was, Obi-Wan was able to easily overcome the terror tactics Grievous used through his Force advantage and Soresu technique. Though credited with slaying Dooku, the truth of the matter was that he was no match for him. He was knocked out rather easily during the fight and relied on Anakin to deal with him. The only reason he was credited at all for Dooku’s death was because Anakin never told the Council that he had been knocked out during the fight, leaving them to assume they had done it together. If they had known that Anakin had carried him unconscious on his back while saving the Chancellor, his colleagues would not be as quick to praise him as a hero. That distinction belonged to Anakin. It always would. -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Army Mom! HOOAH! Adopt a soldier: http://soldiersangels.org/
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 5/25 11:10am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Updated with Part 1 of Duel of Fates. 5/17
	Happy Memorial day everybody -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 5/28 7:14am Subject: Update
	Next update will be no later then Saturday -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Force_Chick Registered: May '08	Date Posted: 5/29 5:40pm Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS. Next Update on Saturday! Currently reading Invincible,
	WOW! It took me two days to read this. I couldn't wait to get home from work today to see if Ani was going to make it to the Temple in time I'm very impressed with both the story line and the character development. Please add me to the PM list for updates. I can't wait to see where this story goes. -----signature----- When Facism comes to the United States, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross. - Sinclair Lewis
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 5/30 6:32pm Subject: Feedback
	Force_chick wrote: WOW! It took me two days to read this. I couldn't wait to get home from work today to see if Ani was going to make it to the Temple in time I'm very impressed with both the story line and the character development. Please add me to the PM list for updates. I can't wait to see where this story goes. Thanks for reading. It is nice to get feedback from someone new who has read the story after so much of it has been written. It was really important to make Anakin's arrival as suspensful and nail biting as possible. Now it is the Kenobi vs. Maul duel. Will happily add u to PM list -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 6/4 7:12am Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS.
	Jedimaster_Jen wrote: Amazing post!! I'm on the edge of me seat. I sure hope Obi-Wan can reign in his emotions. Looking forward to the next chapter I am glad you enjoyed. I am sure Obi-Wan will be alright. At least I hope... Darth Kenobi would be interesting to see -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Darth_Sidious_1983 Registered: Jun '05	Date Posted: 6/6 9:16pm Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS.
	Why two weeks? -----signature----- ... if one is to understand the great mystery, one must study all its aspects, not just the dogmatic, narrow view of the Jedi. If you wish to become a complete and wise leader, you must embrace a larger view of the Force.
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 6/7 2:01pm Subject: RE: Dawn of a New Age: An AU Ending of ROTS.
	Work has been very insane the last two weeks, but I have this weekend off and have finally had time to sit down and write. Work has been crazy and been working crazy hours. There was a surprise audit last week and the work load I had to do was crazy: Over 70 hours. I have this weekend off so have been writing. I will be updating this either tonight or tomorrow. Dale -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 6/7 10:28pm Subject: Feedback
	Hewes wrote: Wow. That was cool. I thought the discussion of Obi-Wan's abilities (or his assessment as a lack thereof) was very interesting. Would Anakin have a similar view of his own abilities, I wonder, since he too has been put on a pedestal as the Chosen One. I have to say, I really liked the moment when Obi-Wan mind-tricked Maul into not using the fire. Very clever and effective too. I don't know whether I believe that everyone in the library is dead. Maybe Maul is blocking Obi-Wan from being able to sense anyone in there so he'll feel that guilt Maul is talking about? Either way, it seems to be backfiring on him. But somehow, it seems to me that an evil Obi-Wan is a bad thing. I know Anakin can't always be the calvary arriving to save the day, but it feels like now would be a good time for him to show up and bring our guy back to his senses. There are other things out there to still live and strive toward. Obi-Wan certainly would be having doubts and really wanted to bring that out. Anakin's own fears are more paralyzing that his actually abilities and that the Jedi who supposedly has no fear has to battle them on a daily basis, namely his fears for Padme's safety. The Force trick was something I decided to use because Obi-Wan is a master of it and really pulled the wool over Maul's eyes. Maul could be blocking Obi-Wan's Force sense or something else could be coming into play, you will have to read on to learn if Padme, the babies, and the helpless younglings are all really dead or not. Obi-Wan may turn dark, or perhaps not. Will have to read on to learn what happens *********** Raptor wrote: Yes! I was hoping this was going to be updated soon! Good to have you back! I bet Padme and company already left the library. Still, Obi had better be careful not to slip into the dark side now. Awesome update, as always. Raptor517 BTW, Metamorphosis has been updated. It is good to be back. No, they were still in the library. It is a room with no exits which is one of the reasons the Jedi Council put them in there. Its easy to defend and is also very large. Yep, Obi-Wan needs to be careful because his feelings are now bubbling on the surface. I hope he is strong enough not to fall to the dark side, yet able to defeat Maul. ********** Anakins_kiss wrote: riveting duel. Loved the banter. well done. Thanks, I worked really hard on the first part of the Obi-Wan vs Maul duel. I think everyone is going to love how it ends. -motions toward sig- I don't think I can ever learn to hate Padme though, she is simply too adorable and lovable. -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 6/7 10:40pm Subject: Feedback - Date Edited: 6/7 10:51pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Milteck
	Darth_kripp wrote: Terrific fight, and once again, Maul and Obi-Wan are even, be it on physical or on psychological grounds! What did Anakin feel? I wonder if this event in the Library will tip him towards the Dark Side or not. In any case, the consequences will be dire. Thanks I worked really hard on the duel and am glad everyone has liked it. I think they are even match for each other and Maul is now fighting like the Shadow Hunter we all loved to hate. I promise a very riveting finish for their duel. Will Anakin now turn to the dark side? It is possible, but you are going to have to read to find out ************* daramin_of_the_way wrote: Welcome back, with a gripping update, as always. I would say that Anakin has rubbed off on Obi-wan a lot, and Obi-wan's weaknesses are showing up in rare form. Interesting character development. I guess part of it is simply the fact that even the greatest Jedi have some weakness towards the dark side, even those we think would never turn, like Yoda or Obi-wan. It's hard to see the Jedi so weak. thanks for the feedback I didn't intend to make the Jedi appear weak, my goal was to make them appear more human then the cardboard cut outs that graced the prequals. I have really focused on their fears, short comings, and weaknesses. In future updates, you will see Jedi overcome their shortcomings and prevail. ***************** megacrafter wrote: being a while since i last reviewed, that was a really cool chapter. and is it just me or is everyone ignoreing the fact that the twins, padame, and (i think) the younglings have just been crushed to death? thou i expect that they will 'somehow' survive. I will neither confirm or deny that they will survive. I don't think anyone has ignored it, they just haven't seen any bodies yet... ******************* Vaderlvr64 wrote: Wow! Great chapter! The Clone Wars has earned him a lot of respect from his peers and earned the reputation of the ‘Negotiator’ due to there being no mission he was assigned that he couldn’t accomplish. Now he was one the highest respected members on the council, but there was still that itch that never seemed to go away that he didn’t truly deserve it. He destroyed Grievous on his own, but it was relatively easy compared to a full-fledged Sith Lord, who despite how terrifying the cyborg was, Obi-Wan was able to easily overcome the terror tactics Grievous used through his Force advantage and Soresu technique. Though credited with slaying Dooku, the truth of the matter was that he was no match for him. He was knocked out rather easily during the fight and relied on Anakin to deal with him. The only reason he was credited at all for Dooku’s death was because Anakin never told the Council that he had been knocked out during the fight, leaving them to assume they had done it together. If they had known that Anakin had carried him unconscious on his back while saving the Chancellor, his colleagues would not be as quick to praise him as a hero. That distinction belonged to Anakin. It always would. Thanks for the feedback It indeed always will belong to Anakin. Always the hero:) -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 6/7 10:50pm Subject: kevin_solo Feedback
	This update was well worth waiting for! I understand why Obi-Wan would let Maul escape...for now: It was impossible to believe that the Sith Lord truly wanted to escape, but Obi-Wan would allow him the opportunity despite his reservations. There was simply too much was at stake. With all the lives in the library and the Great Hall relying on him, it would be reckless on his part not to allow Maul to escape; if that was what he truly wanted. Regardless; Obi-Wan vowed that one way or the other the battle between them would end, here and now. Everything depended on it. Fair enough. This doesn't stop Maul from trying to test him: It was not surprising that Maul chose to test him. He took another step toward him, intent on testing Obi-Wan’s steely resolve while also looking for a hint of weakness that the Sith Lord could use against him. Obi-Wan felt the Sith Lord prod him with the Force, trying to find a crack in his wall of defenses that he could he could use to bring down his guard completely. But Obi-Wan stood fast. He fought fervently to cloak his emotions and fears he was feeling at that moment. Maul grew frustrated after being unable to break through the Force barrier that Obi-Wan had raised to defend himself from Maul’s attacks and backed down. HA, HA! I understand Obi-Wan's reasoning here: It made allowing Maul to escape almost impossible to bear, but Obi-Wan alleviated that tension by reminding himself it was better to live to fight another day then not at all. Even if meant more innocent souls must be sacrificed to feed this monster, at least those Obi-Wan most cared about would be safe and he could later face Maul on his own terms. There was simply too much at stake to risk trying to finish him off now, though Kenobi couldn’t help but bite his lip with the pain of wondering how many more would suffer because he failed to act. But they're still confronting each other: Each waited for the other to make the next fateful move that would force the other to react. Obi-Wan gave no further ground or any room to doubt that this would end one way or the other, depending on the choice Maul made. The tension was increasingly growing on Obi-Wan’s shoulders, believing that Maul should have made up his mind by now and was simply waiting for him to his make move. It made the stalemate all the more tense between them, since Obi-Wan was committed not to be the one who acted first. Hmmmm! He'd certainly be thinking of the first Duel of Fates on Naboo. Poor Qui-Gon. I can see him wanting this, all right: Yet despite all that he accomplished, what had happened that fateful day on Naboo still haunted his past and now he had a chance to finally set things right. Much of his service from that day on had been to prove he was worthy of the title he had achieved and pushed himself to be better than those around him, overcoming obstacles that Jedi much more powerful could overcome with ease. He had accomplished much of that by latching onto Anakin and relied on him to do what he could not. Anakin often reminded him during his angry outbursts that he would not be in the position he was without him and it had long formed a rift between them, until now. The only thing Obi-Wan held over him to hold Anakin back was his authority to do so as his master and the trust they held for one another. Ultimately it was the trust that kept them together and made them inseparable as brothers. In fact; he had become so dependent on Anakin that it felt awkward to fight this battle without him and not ne able to rely on his skills to watch his back or, admittedly, save him. Very interesting. The reasoning is certainly consistent with what we saw in Episodes I-III. He certainly did rely a lot on Anakin. I agree that letting Maul leave would not be a disgrace, however: Allowing Maul to leave now would not be frowned upon and his colleagues would praise his actions as the only sensible thing he could do. The Jedi Council would pat him on the back for not giving in to the dark side or as Yoda might express as: ‘becoming that which you destroy.’ Yet deep down, Obi-Wan knew he would always regret allowing Maul to escape. He knew he should’ve finished him now when he had the chance. He wished at that moment he could give into his feelings as Anakin often did and allow them, not his Jedi dogma, to move him to act. Anakin wasn’t the only one capable of this. Master’s Yoda and Windu were capable of stepping over that invisible line that existed between principle and righteousness, good and evil, dark side and the light. Anakin made it look easy and crossed the line without even having to think about it. It made him highly unpredictable and at times dangerous, but in that state of mind he was virtually invincible against any adversary who crossed his path. Master Windu’s own fighting style of Vaapad was based on pushing himself closer and closer to the dark side, sometimes even dipping over the edge, but never embracing it. That was something Obi-Wan could not do. True enough! I can certainly see him getting bored with Maul's dithering: The tension in the air thickened as Maul continued to pace back and forth, unwilling to commit himself to battle or seek out escape. He had reverted to the Shadow Hunter of old, not uttering a word to taunt or insult Kenobi while he considered his options. It left Obi-Wan in an awkward position because he had committed himself to defending this chamber with his life, yet also committed to not be the one who struck first. Maul was forcing him to make the first move and would react based on it. It left Obi-Wan with only one choice. “Well?” Obi-Wan asked directly. “Shall we spurn fate or oblige it?” He moves to confront Maul, and wins: He couldn’t hold back any longer and moved in for the attack, forcing Maul to either respond or move toward the Hanger bay. He brought his other hand back up his hilt and angled the tip of his hilt down so that it was pointed directly at Maul’s chest. “There’s no cooling pit this time Maul,” Kenobi reminded him. “But there is a way out. Either take it or I will destroy you.” \| \| “Very well Kenobi,” Maul declared. “You win this round.” It was hard to believe, but Obi-Wan watched a Sith Lord lower his guard and turn his back to him to make his way toward the Hanger Bay. Obi-Wan shadowed him step-by-step, and watched for any deception or tricks the Sith Lord might try to employ while keeping his blade honed on his back. He was genuinely surprised he would actually turn his back to him, but also knew that Obi-Wan would never strike down a man when his back was turned to him. He replaced optimism with skepticism, not allowing himself to hope that Maul was genuine in his desire to leave. He would not be content until he watched him boarded a vessel and leave the temple. Whoo-hoo!! Well done, Obi-Wan! Then things change completely due to Anakin's arrival: It was at that moment of glory that everything changed, starting with a disturbance in the Force that was powerful to stop both Kenobi and Maul in their tracks. Obi-Wan felt the presence of Anakin in the force long before Maul did and watched him sweat with the anxiety in regards to the source. It filled Obi-Wan with joy that Anakin along with the reinforcements had finally come, while Maul gagged from the surge of positive Forge energy the Chosen One left in his wake. Great! Then Kenobi changes his mind: Kenobi smiled with satisfaction and with the Force slammed the doors leading to the Hanger Bay shut. “Kenobi!” Maul furiously turned back toward Obi-Wan. The fury in his eyes told volumes for his feelings of hatred toward him. The look of betrayal and panic was there, but they soon hardened back to the sadistic cold warrior that Obi-Wan had always known. “We had an agreement that ... “An unspoken agreement,” Obi-Wan corrected. “Now you can’t leave.” And the fighting begins! The descriptions of the fight are very good. They certainly know how to taunt each other! Obi-Wan certainly hit him in a vulnerable emotional spot here: “I beat you before,” Obi-Wan reminded him, which brought a scowl upon Maul’s face. “I can do it again.” Maul roared in fury, with smoke beginning to pour from his horns, nose, and mouth. The blades of his lightsaber even sparked, becoming enveloped with fire as Maul rose the weapon over his head with both hands like a demented madman, crying out for Obi-Wan’s head. Obi-Wan simply stared in horror, convinced that at any moment Maul would become fully enveloped in flames. “Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?” Obi-Wan asked with good humor. Maul was not amused. Yes, Maul. You're a loser. I hope the Jedi later sue Maul's estate for all the damage caused. A nice strategy used against the fire, I see: Obi-Wan saw only one chance for survival and he took it. Before Maul’s attack pushed him back any further, he channeled all the Force he could muster and pushed back not on the fire, but on Maul himself. Maul was caught by surprise and stumbled backwards, interrupting the stream of fire just enough for Obi-Wan to break free and leap toward one of the nearby pillars. Maul screamed in rage and threw a fireball at Obi-Wan, but missed him entirely as Obi-Wan made it safely behind the pillar and braced himself against it. “Clever. Very clever!” Maul cried out. “But it will not be enough to save you.” I had an unexpected thought here: When he got no answer, he knew that Maul had no idea. “You are consuming yourself Maul.” Obi-Wan dared to leave the pillar completely and turn to face Maul who now stood directly across from him. He knew he had only once chance at this and if he failed it was likely he be burned to a crisp before he could try something else. Maul again raised his hands in preparation of another fire attack. He focused on Maul, like he had never focused before, with the Force and suggested with a hand gesture, “You do not need to burn me…” Maul ignited two more balls of fire, but did not release them. “I do not need to burn you…” Maul then proceeded to snuff out the balls of fire in his palms by squeezing them into fists. Will later ages have a song about this duel called Great Balls of Fire? Then something quite unexpected: “You have all you need to destroy me right here…” Obi-Wan suggested, while gesturing to his lightsaber. “Maul unsheathed his weapon and activated both blades. “I have all that I need to destroy you right here…” “Now you die…” Obi-Wan lastly suggested to him, focusing on him with everything he could muster to compel him to attack. At the same time he focused on pushing his knowledge of Force fire to the back of the Sith Lord’s mind. “Now you die!” Maul yelled and charged forward to strike with a fury unlike anything Obi-Wan had felt before. Obi-Wan brought his lightsaber up and managed to block the onslaught of lightsaber attacks that Maul unleashed against him. Yet despite the tenacity of the attacks, Obi-Wan couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face for what he just achieved. “I’ll wipe that smile from you face!” Maul snapped. Was Maul feeble minded enough to fall for a Jedi mind trick? Nice to see Obi-Wan's strategy beginning to work here: The Sith Lord’s strength seemed to increase with each passing moment and left Obi-Wan wondering if it truly was endless or if there was some other source that Maul drew such power from. It wasn’t until he backed off to try something else that Obi-Wan could tell that he was frustrated and that the Sith Lord now was back to square one of trying to figure out how to break him. We have the expected taunts: “I’m going to take you a part a piece at a time Kenobi.” \| \| “I will break you!” Maul swore. He gripped the hilt of his weapon both out of anger and frustration. “Just like your former master, you will fall to my blade.” To quote Homer Simpson, 'Boring!' Even Maul's disappearing act doesn't fool Obi-Wan: But this time Obi-Wan was ready for him. Without evening thinking about it he struck the area with a Force push where he believed Maul to be. The Sith Lord cried out in shock after being exposed and was pushed back against one of the smoking pillars with a thud. Obi-Wan was on him before he could vanish again and pinned him against the pillar with his blade. I was wondering if any Jedi ever tried this tactic: Obi-Wan responded by slamming his knee into his groin hard enough to make him cry out like a little girl and see stars. In that moment of helplessness, Obi-Wan could’ve finished him as Maul stumbled backwards in agony, all but lowering his defenses. But instead he merely pushed him back into the pillar with the Force and hit him with such Force that it left a made a crack down the middle of it. Maul groaned in agony and slid down what was left of the pillar. So clones in the GFFA do come complete. And I suppose him being evil does justify it and a lot of other things... But things begin to get serious here: Maul roared in fury as he managed to cut completely through the pillar and sent it tumbling back down toward Obi-Wan and taking along with it much of the ceiling it supported. Obi-Wan leaped to safety, but as he landed he felt a disturbance of the Force unlike anything he had ever felt before. It wasn’t until he realized the direction the pillar was falling that he realized the danger, for it was falling directly toward the library. It was falling with not only enough sufficient Force to rip through the walls, but would crush to death countless innocents that huddled together inside. “No!” Obi-Wan cried out. He tried to use the Force in a vain attempt to catch the pillar, but it was too late. The pillar slammed into the wall and brought it tumbling down along with it. There was nothing he could but watch as the walls came crashing down with a sickening crunch. Obi-Wan’s heart burst as he feared the worst and felt his entire world tumble before his eyes. Thoughts of Skywalker’s beloved Padme and their new born children crushed to death brought tears to his eyes, and this time it wasn’t the toxic smoke that made the tears flow freely. He didn’t even bother wiping the tears from his face, instead turning to find Maul who stood with a grin upon his face as he stood on what was left of the foundations of the pillar. The Sith Lord’s twin blades blazed with hatred, that was only matched by the coldness the Sith Lord exuded toward him as he basked in Obi-Wan’s sorrow. “You thought I didn’t know about those you cared about who huddled behind those walls,” Maul taunted him as he gestured to what ruins remained of the library. It was a grizzly sight that would haunt him always. “Now their deaths will be on your conscious!” (Note: I take it you mean 'conscience' there?) No wonder Obi-Wan feels the Dark Side: Again, he felt the pain of their loss grip him and like before on Naboo there was now only one thought that consumed him: revenge. Whether he turned or not, he no longer cared. All he cared about was avenging all those who had been lost today and making Maul pay for it with his life. There would be no offers of mercy any longer and his hand will not hesitate to deliver a kill blow with his blade at the next opportunity. Once again, the fate of the galaxy would be decided by the two men squared off against each other in the fiery inferno of what was once the heart of the Jedi Temple. With the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance, a second Duel of Fates was now at hand. Great stuff, Milteck! Do keep it up! Wonderful feedback and appreciate you taking your time to go through it Very interesting. The reasoning is certainly consistent with what we saw in Episodes I-III. He certainly did rely a lot on Anakin. I agree that letting Maul leave would not be a disgrace, Obi-Wan's success has been tied to Anakin, though I believe both benefited from each other and that Obi-Wan deserved his alcolades. I just wanted to point out that at this moment of need, he sure could use Anakin right about now. Yes, Maul. You're a loser. I hope the Jedi later sue Maul's estate for all the damage caused. I thought that was hilarious, u could sue him for his tatoo parlor and double bladed lightsaber prop. The jedi sure would like to know how to make those. Will later ages have a song about this duel called Great Balls of Fire? Maybe, but not as good as Ride the Lightning that should be played everytime Sidious enters a fray Was Maul feeble minded enough to fall for a Jedi mind trick? Yep, I think he would considering he is more a brute thug than a Sith Lord and Obi-Wan happens to be a master in using the mind trick. Remember how casually he made it appear to use it and was taught by Qui-Gon who also mastered the trick. I think Obi-Wan could use the trick on anyone, weak minded or not. To quote Homer Simpson, 'Boring!' Even Maul's disappearing act doesn't fool Obi-Wan: Yes, Maul used the disappearing trick one too many times and the next time he does it Obi-Wan is going to make him disappear permanently. -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Milteck Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 6/7 10:55pm Subject: CH 39
	Thanks for your patience with this next update It is a long one, so hope you enjoy. -----signature----- Milteck Vector Prime: A New Beginning: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26806805/p1/?4 Dawn of a New Age: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/25874280/p1/?241 Trial by Fire: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28846017/p1
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

« 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 » - Previous | Next | Reload

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » The Saga »