And we have another update. The reason I've been updating a little more frequently is because I have up to chapter 16 written, and I want to get the chapters out to you guys as reasonable as possible.
Now were still with Maul and Ezra, and a few days have passed since chapter 14.
Another two days of lightsaber training would come to pass and Maul had decided to allow Ezra to begin using the both ends of his newly acquired lightsaber at the same time. Ezra was steadily improving his handling of the lightsaber, getting use to the feeling of using both ends simultaneously. And as Ezra got better, he was less likely to receive a huge amount of scarring caused by Maul's lightsaber. Ezra was also adding some movement to their training, not afraid to use his slender frame to avoid being hit. This improvising turn of events did not stop Maul from progressively raising the intensity of their training, releasing more of his own skills to provide a challenge for the boy.
Combat was eventually thrown in, to help keep both individuals on their feet. It acted as some real world experience, since lightsaber fights weren't just done with lightsabers alone. And for a short period of time, projectiles were also used. Maul also wanted to give Ezra the experience of what it felt like to be under fire while he may be fighting another person using a lightsaber, a Jedi as Maul's mind liked to put it. This short lived obstacle was a great way for Ezra to get familiar with his surrounding, while still trying to teach Ezra how to stay focused with the problem at hand.
"You are a natural Ezra." Maul commented, while holding his ground.
"I've learned from the best." Ezra replied, neither accepting nor denying Maul's compliment.
"I could not have said it better myself, my apprentice."
The training continued as Ezra started to add additional maneuvering and acrobatics to the mix. Throwing in flips and sleek evasion to name a few tactics. Maul didn't let Ezra think he had to upper hand, and increased his output even more as well, in order to match his apprentice's changes. He added in his own experience with acrobatics into the mix.
Eventually some Force training started to welcome itself into their fight. That way they would get the full experience of a situation that requires the use of all three points. Ezra quickly noted the change and adjusted his strategy accordingly. Now they weren't only clashing fists and lightsabers, but they were also flying across the training grounds, avoiding what the other threw at them. Debris was the most common distraction. They would also send each other across their stage, Ezra being the one thrown the most by a small percent.
After a good two hours' worth of training, Maul decided to allow them both to take a break. Ezra took up his usual meditation to help keep his body in a relaxed and tension free position, while the Zabrak continued to fuel Ezra's mind with his corrupted desires. While it didn't faze the teenager's state of mental grace, the sound of something flying did cut Maul's lecture short. Having an idea as to what, or to be more precise, who it was, Maul promptly assessed what he should do with the information.
"It would appear that we have guests." Maul blandly stated, looking in the direction of where the object went. "We should welcome them, don't you think?"
"Yes master." Ezra responded, stepping out of his train of thought.
Ezra slowly stood up, body feeling rested, and followed the proud Zabrak to the landing dock.
Ezra just called Maul master again. And just as a heads up, I'll let you guys know, for the sake of clarity, where Sabine and Kanan were between chapters 13 and 15 in the next chapter's author's note, because I feel like that will need some form of addressing.