Darth Maul: A New Dawn (A Swtcw Fanfiction)

Chapter 16: The Dawn rises

A/N: This chapter is essentially Crimson Dawn launching a blitzkrieg operation to cripple the Republic and the Jedi and it's VERY long. You can expect tons of battles, new characters, and the desire for more!

(Tython)

To say that Obi-Wan desired to leave the Jedi Temple on Tython was a gross understatement, he felt as though he were a caged animal that needed to be released and stretch its legs.

Though his presence was needed to help train new acquired younglings, Crimson Dawn was still out in the galaxy growing stronger every day. The Jedi Council had thought without Maul's leadership, Crimson Dawn would struggle, however, that was proven false as more reports from Republic Intelligence gave their reports to their superiors in Republic High Command and the Jedi Council that the Dawn was expanding to many new planets throughout the Outer Rim, the frigid and icy world of Kijimi was an example of one such planet, and the people of Kijimi City were caught in the crossfire between a war of control by the forces of Crimson Dawn and the criminal syndicate known as the Ashiga Clan, which comprised of the Melitto hive.

Every day the Republic and Jedi continued to dottle around, the Sith and their allies would grow to unprecedented heights of power and by then, it would be far too late to stop them.

Currently, Master Kenobi was meditating in one of the temple's gardens, surrounded by serene nature, beauty, and peace. The smell of the garden's vegetation mixed with the fresh air invaded his nostrils as well as the warmth of the sun caressing his face, made the Jedi Master relax for but a brief moment. Despite his respect to upholding the Jedi Code as well as the wishes of the Jedi Council, Obi-Wan hated to admit it, but Jedi like his old master, as well as good friend, Quinlan Vos, and many others in the order who preferred the life of a maverick was sounding more attractive by the day. He should be out there, stopping Crimson Dawn from gaining more power than they already have, at the same time, his wisdom was needed to help guide the future of the Jedi Order.

A Jedi Temple Guard sudden interrupted his peace with regret, informing him that Daesha Numa, Padawan to Zhao Wen has arrived and is demanding an audience with the Jedi Council. Obi-Wan thanked his fellow Jedi and made his way to meet with his fellow masters, who were already in their seats and merely awaited him to join them. Once the Jedi Council was gathered, the Padawan was summoned to the High Council Chamber, and she bowed her head in greetings to her masters.

"Padawan Numa, good it is to see you," Master Yoda smiled before continuing, "news for us you have, do you, hmm?"

Sensing the girl's sadness and fear, the Jedi Council was eager to hear what the young Twi'lek had to say. "Yes, Master Yoda. I... I regret to inform you that The Prism has fallen, and all of the galaxy's most ruthless and deadliest war criminals, traitors to the Jedi Order, and Darth Maul himself have escaped. A well orchestrated rescue mission orchestrated by Crimson Dawn led to the death of my master and our fellow Jedi and clones stationed there and the freedom of our enemies," the council members shared looks of dread with each other, Obi-Wan felt this dread the most, because he had an inkling that the prisoners housed there will have either joined Maul's cause or seek to spread chaos elsewhere. The Padawan continued, her voice strained as tears threatened to spill. "I... I felt Master Wen's pain and suffering before he met his hand at the hands of Darth Maul. And I... couldn't save my master."

As the girl burst into tears, Obi-Wan rose to his feet and embraced the Padawan, taking her by surprise before she buried her face into his robed chest and sobbed. "I understand your pain and your loss, young one," the Jedi Master cooed in understanding. "Whatever thoughts of survivors guilt you have, don't let them consume you," placing his hands on her shoulder and forcing her to look him in the eyes, he continued, "Master Wen did the right thing by ensuring your safety came first. You must stay strong, and carrying on his legacy with honor."