This story takes place about 2 years after "Jedi Night," an episode from the 4th season of Star Wars Rebels (which means Ezra is approximately 20 years old at this point). Do not read if you haven't seen the episode yet, because this fic contains MAJOR spoilers (we're talkin' Darth Vader is Luke's Father level spoilers here!) So, enjoy! :)
P.S. That's not a request!
P.P.S. You read that in the Beast's voice, didn't you?
Chapter 1: The Cave
Ezra Bridger tentatively clutched the lightsaber in his hand as he made his way through the valleys of Lothal. He was headed towards the cave that the rebels had briefly called home, back in the days of the Empire. Ezra knew he was close when the cave's musty smell wafted into his nostrils. The darkness of the cave gave way to a blue glow as Ezra ignited Kanan's lightsaber.
"So, the rumors are true. You really did find the lost saber."
Ezra turned around, startled, to see Sabine walk into the cave behind him.
"Yeah, I did, along with the rest of Thrawn's junk. What does it matter?"
Sabine walked up closer to Ezra, and they both sat down against the wall with the mysterious cave paintings. For a while, neither of them said anything; each one just enjoyed the other's company. Finally, Ezra asked, "How did you know I was going to be here?"
Sabine gave Ezra a look before replying, "Well, first of all, you own a calendar. I know you know exactly two years ago, you and Kanan were in this very spot, planning your rescue mission for Hera."
Ezra winced when Sabine said Kanan's name; the memory of losing his master was still painful for him.
"Second of all, I heard from a reliable source that after the Empire fell, your first mission that you took upon yourself was to track down Kanan's lightsaber that Rukh stole. I figured once you had found it, where else would you take it?"
"All right, good point," Ezra conceded, "but for the record… Chopper is not a 'reliable source.' He's a metal menace who can't keep a secret."
Sabine smiled at that. The two young adults stayed in the cave together until nightfall, when Ezra politely asked to be alone. Sabine begrudgingly agreed, flying away with her jetpack towards the newly established Capital City, governed once again by Ryder Azadi. Ezra sat watching the moons set and marveled how much Lothal had already improved since the Empire's factories had shut down. The skies were not clear yet, but with time, the atmosphere, along with the rest of the planet, would heal. Ezra thought, maybe with time I can heal too. And with that thought, he fell asleep.