Hey guys! Wow, sorry for the long wait. It took me a while to find the right inspiration for this chapter, but I have a great plan for the next two after this one! I can't wait to write them and hopefully you enjoy! ;D
Also, as a side note. I've seen the Lost Commanders! Woo! I won't spoil anything, but it was awesome and I can't wait for the next one! Season 2 is going to be SO good! :D
Q/A's and Reactions:
Taylor Fireheart- Yes. It would be interesting to see what the Empire did if they were to find out about this. :O
Ichichi05- #PoorEzzy
Chiibe the Rebel- Wow. Headbanger really is the perfect name for him. XD
Mpathy- I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying it! I hope you like the chapter! ;D
Paint the Fangirling Wolfdog- I almost hurt myself from laughing so much. XD So many feels I tell you! TOO MANY FEELS! :D
Phoenix's Crystal Lightsaber- Of course. He's just a little weak after being in a coma for 2 weeks. XD
Azulablue92 (That's right, I knew it was you ;D)- To answer your question, yes. That would be a lot of information to take in at once. But you'll just have to see how it plays out. ;D Enjoy the chapter!
Coral Iturbe-Disfrute del capítulo!
Rebels lover- I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Have a great day too!
DevilSPR- No. From my research, people with amnesia get better at remembering things as time goes by so after a little adjusting, Ezra should be able to remember their names.
Guest- So glad you're enjoying it! :D
Rebekahtpe- ;D Enjoy the chapter!
Fantasie Adventura Dreamwriter- Aw, thanks. I try. :)
Midnight Luna- Well, maybe this chapter will cheer you up a bit. ;D
BaconKitten- Right now! XD
CptBcktHd- XD You storm troopers are hilarious. But yes, if you want to see what happens, it would be better for Kallus not to find out… yet. ;D
Ezraismybae- We'll see. :)
Jelsa777- Thank you, and yes, I get what you mean. ;D
ElsaSkywalker- I think you'll enjoy this chapter. :D
Mpathy- ;D Glad you like it! :D
Weirdness47- Yeah, sorry about the long wait. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 4: Home
Kanan's POV
I placed my hand on the cool glass surface while Ezra lay submerged in bacta.
He was wearing a simple pair of waterproof shorts, a mask providing oxygen to the unconscious teen that covered his mouth and nose. His skin was laced with healing cuts and faded bruises, all the minor injuries fixed and healthy. "This will be his last treatment," Ahsoka explained while walking up beside me. "Then he should be ready to go home."
I nodded numbly, gaze focused on my weak padawan. A moment of silence passed, until she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and said "I'm sorry we couldn't do more."
My eyes began to sting as a familiar sense of helplessness washed over me. But this time, it wasn't because I couldn't defend myself, but because I couldn't save Ezra. The boy I had grown so fond of now couldn't even remember his own name, let alone mine. And there was no way I could help.
"He didn't remember us," I spoke, my voice a hoarse whisper. "He didn't remember me."
Ahsoka squeezed my shoulder and sighed. "Let's hope it's just temporary," she said, though doubt lingered in her tone.
I glanced over at her and gave a short nod, before turning back to Ezra. The rebel leader released my shoulder and walked away, a concealed feeling of sorrow emanating from her through the force. Once she left the room, it was just me and the medical droid. I sighed and dragged a seat over, slumping back and rubbing my sleep-deprived eyes. My stubbornness had kept me here all day while the others got some rest. And despite Hera's protests, she gave up and let me stay with Ezra. I gazed up at Ezra's limp body, a burst of bubbles erupting from the mask whenever he exhaled. "I know you're still in there Ezra," I whispered, eyelids drooping and energy fading. "And I'm not going to give up till we find you again."
I tried to push out with the force, tap into the bond that once held so strong. If anything could help him remember, it was the connection between master and padawan. I closed my eyes and sighed, when a sudden spike in the force shot me up. My eyes widened when I saw Ezra's eyes opened, even if only a small crack. "Ezra," I smiled, walking up to the tank and placing my hands on the glass.
Electric, blue orbs followed me drowsily, a muffled grunt sounding through the mask. He floated closer to the edge and raised a hand to the glass over my hand. A flash of warmth spread through the bond as he blinked sluggishly. "The patient is awake," the medical droid stated. "Preparing for extraction." The droid attached something to the tank and suddenly Ezra's eyes shot open. A wave of bubbles exploded from the mask as the teen pushed off the floor and clawed to the surface.
I watched as a machine lifted Ezra out of the water and lowered him to a medical bed. I quickly ran to his side as he shivered slightly, skin sparkling in the light. "I will alert Commander Tano," the droid said while handing me a towel. I nodded and turned back to Ezra, wrapping the towel around his torso. The boy moaned and sat up, eyes opening slightly. "Hey Ezra, how you feeling?" I asked gently.
He shuddered, tugging the towel tighter around his shoulders and pulling his knees to his chest. "C-Cold," he stuttered, teeth chattering.
"I know," I sighed, grabbing another towel and attempting to dry his face. He was resistant at first, flinching away from me, until I mumbled "Hold still." Surprisingly, he stopped moving and let me wipe his face. I was amazed, and a little hesitant since Ezra wouldn't usually be so obedient. Maybe working with a blank slate wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"Ow," he yelped when I ruffled his soaking hair.
"Oh, sorry," I apologised, being more careful not to touch the wound on his head. "How are you feeling?"
He took in his surroundings and finally glanced up at me. "I… don't really know," he replied.
I nodded in understanding as the droid turned to us and reported "Commander Tano requests I check the patient's health. In the meantime, please wait outside. He shall be ready in approximately half an hour."
Fragile arms flung around my waist, my eyes widening as I gazed down at Ezra. "Don't go," he croaked, blue orbs staring up at me desperately.
"Don't worry, it's just a quick check up," I reassured, patting his back gently.
The teen glanced at the droid and only clung tighter to me. "Mmm hm," he moaned fearfully, shaking his head rapidly. "You can't leave me."
I sighed, a murky blue gaze exchanging with drowsy cyan. "I know you're scared, but it's okay," I cooed softly, combing my fingers through his drenched raven locks. "I'll just be outside, and I'll come back right after it's finished."
He frowned doubtfully, leaning his head on my chest. "But I have so many questions," he mumbled, voice hoarse.
"I know kid… I know," I whispered. "But be patient, and I promise we'll explain everything."
He looked up and stared at me with fearful, innocent eyes. Slowly, he released from the embrace and retracted his shuddering hands, tucking them under his arms and pulling his knees up to his chest. His electric eyes became hollow as he stared blankly into the abyss. "Good," I cooed, patting his back and turning to walk for the door. I exited swiftly so not to feel the pain of leaving my distressed padawan alone and slumped down in a seat in the waiting room.
Only now did my exhaustion hit me in full force, my eyes unable to stay open. I seemed to melt into the chair, my arms falling limply to my sides. "Don't worry… Ez-raaa," I yawned groggily, all my sleepless nights catching up to me. "I'm… right… he-ere…" I slurred, before the darkness took over and I fell into slumber.
Hera's POV
I walked sluggishly down the halls of the Rebel ship, my eyelids drooping and feet dragging. I had slept surprisingly well and had definitely got some much needed rest. Heading for the med bay, I was going to check on my 'fearless leader' and see how he was holding up. He needed sleep more than anyone else, but his stubborn attitude and deep threaded concern for Ezra had other plans.
As I rounded the corner and approached the waiting room, I was surprised to see Ahsoka leaning against the door at the end of the hall, watching something inside the area intently. I slowly strolled up to the Togruta, eyeing her suspiciously as a faint voice mumbled something in the other room. "What's up?" I whispered, just in case it was dangerous or secret.
Ahsoka glanced over her shoulder, but showed no signs of concern or surprise. She silently waved me over and stared back into the room while I walked to her side. I peered around the door and was surprised to see an unconscious Jedi slumped in a chair. And beside him lay his now much healthier padawan who was resting his head on Kanan's lap. Electric blue orbs stared at the wall vacantly, a blanket draped around the teen's weak figure. "I wish I could remember you," he mumbled, voice barely audible.
Kanan was still in a deep sleep though, his head facing the ceiling. "I'm sure you have so many stories," Ezra continued, a weak smile tugging at his lips, before it quickly faded and his expression glazed over. "Maybe I'll remember them someday…"
A pang of pity struck my heart. The poor child was so lost… so afraid. Ahsoka tugged gently on my shoulder and stepped away from the door. "The medical droid said his physical health is fine," she whispered. "The cuts and bruises will heal quickly, just make sure he takes it easy."
I nodded in understanding, until the Togruta's face darkened and she continued with a hush "As for his mental condition, I don't think it would be wise to keep him here. He doesn't remember anything, so has absolutely no concept of the Empire, the Rebellion, or maybe even the galaxy. We don't want to overwhelm him with information, so I think you should take him back to the Ghost and lay low for a while."
My eyes widened. "B-But, we still need to help you all," I protested.
She placed her hands on my shoulders and replied firmly "No. You need to help him. And the only way to do that is to make him remember." She paused, mouth drawing into a thin line. A deep, dreadful sorrow seeped into her blue eyes as she warned "But one wrong step, just one wrong push in the wrong direction, and we might lose him forever. Do you understand me Hera?"
I hesitated at first, considering the facts, before nodding slowly. "I… understand."
"Good," she smiled weakly. "Now, I want you to take Ezra back to the Ghost. Just let him settle in again and see if any memories return. The rebellion will provide you with supplies for the time being."
I bowed gratefully. "Thank you."
She nodded sharply, patting my shoulder and walking down the hall until she disappeared out of view. Sucking in a deep breath, I walked into the waiting room cautiously and spoke "Hun?"
Ezra immediately perked up, wide, indigo eyes fixing on me intently. "Mum?" he croaked.
I smiled gently, approaching the boy slowly. "It's me, Hera," I whispered, so not to wake Kanan. "How are you feeling?"
The teen rubbed his disoriented eyes with exhaustion, one hand grasping loosely onto Kanan's knee pad. "Tired… and cold," he mumbled.
I bent down next to him, trailing the back of two fingers down the side of his cheek. "How about we go home then?" I asked warmly.
Curiosity immediately sparked in his eyes as he murmured "Home?"
I nodded, placing my hand on his shoulder reassuringly. He attempted to get up, but Kanan stirred and slid a limp arm over the boy protectively, fingers twitching through the boy's damp hair. Ezra nuzzled his head into the man's touch, before slowly pulling away from his warmth.
"Come on," I grinned. "Let's let Daddy sleep." The boy urged himself up, swinging his legs over the side of the seat and moaning slightly as he clasped his head in pain. I watched patiently, standing up and offering my arms as support. After a moment, he pushed himself upright, stumbling slightly into my arms with a grunt. I clasped onto his elbows, gently leading him away from Kanan's sleeping form. Wrapping one arm around the teen's weak frame, I slipped the blanket off of Ezra's shoulders and placed it over the unconscious Jedi. Kanan murmured something in his sleep, tugging the blanket around his chest as he shifted back into a peaceful slumber.
"Come on," I whispered, leading the boy out of the room and down the halls. He leant into my side slightly, a shiver running down his spine and through his limbs. His fingers entwined with mine, eyes taking in everything nervously. Thankfully, not that many people were up at the moment or roaming the halls, which made our trip to the Ghost that much easier. "So…" Ezra croaked. "What is our… home like?"
I smiled, ruffling his hair cautiously. "Well, it's simple but practical, and cosy and warm," I tried to explain. "You share a room with Zeb, and Sabine loves to paint all over the walls. It's a really quick ship, the Ghost, and it has a smaller ship attached to it called the Phantom."
Ezra suddenly stopped, staring up at me with wide, empty eyes. "Ezra?" I mumbled nervously.
"W-What did you say the ship was called?" he asked, voice a hoarse whisper.
I hesitated at first, before answering "The Ghost."
His face contorted, lip pulling into a thin line and gaze down casting. My eyes widened. "Do you remember it?" I quizzed hopefully.
He glanced up at me and blinked slowly. "It… sounds familiar," he replied meekly, rubbing the back of his neck.
I smiled gently, placing my hand on his back and continuing our journey again. "Maybe once you see it you'll remember," I said, massaging circles into his tense muscles reassuringly. He melted into my touch, nuzzling his head into my shoulder. My warmth radiated onto his cold skin and past his loose fitting medical clothing. After a small stroll, we arrived at the airlock to the Ghost. "Here we are," I announced, leading him up the ramp and into the common room.
He glanced around the small area with wide, curious eyes. I smiled at his childish attitude, until suddenly being replaced with a tense, hopeful emptiness. "Do you… remember anything?" I probed cautiously.
He grasped my hand and squeezed it gently, expression glazing over. "No," he mumbled after a moment.
I sucked in a deep breath through my nose and exhaled it in a deep sigh. "That's okay Hun," I said while mustering a weak smile, hoping he couldn't see the disappointment lingering behind my eyes. "Maybe after some much needed rest."
He yawned, rubbing his eyes with balled fists. Suddenly, his stomach rumbled loudly in a defiant protest. Blood rushed to his cheeks as he asked sheepishly "Uh… can I please have something to eat first?"
I smiled warmly, slipping my hand out of his palm and saying "I'll go make you something. Why don't you have a look around?"
He nodded as I strolled off into the kitchen, leaving him to explore the unfamiliar area. After a few minutes, I had prepared a mug of hot chocolate and a small simple sandwich for the boy. I walked out of the kitchen and was surprised to find the common room empty. Swiftly walking down the halls, I searched quickly for Ezra in different rooms and the cockpit. Only when I slid down the ladder and glanced at the nose gun did I realise the teen sitting in the chair, staring out at the expanse of space. "Oh, there you are," I sighed in relief, approaching from behind and placing the mug and plate to the side.
His eyes were vacant, expression blank. "I felt it… calling me here," he said, voice quiet and ghostly.
I froze, suddenly at a loss for words. I wasn't exactly sure how to reply. Ezra shifted forward in his seat, raising his hand to the controls and treading his twitching fingers over the steering yoke. It was silent for a moment, until he gasped sharply and glanced out at the stars with wide, fearful eyes. "Ezra?" I asked, concern hitching my voice. His breathing became rapid and shallow, hands grasping onto the handles tightly. "Ezra? What's wrong?" I tried again, reaching my hand out cautiously. Knuckles turning white, his muscles shuddered and hollow eyes flickered. I began to worry, grasping onto his shoulder loosely.
He was mumbling something under his breath that I couldn't make out, behaving as if he was stuck in another dimension. I shook his shoulder gently, trying to snap him out of the strange trance when he suddenly gasped, jolting out of the seat and stumbling backwards into my arms. He panted heavily, sweat lacing his brow. "Ezra?! What happened?!" I asked nervously while cradling the paralysed teen in my embrace.
He didn't reply, his pale skin shivering slightly. I let the silence surround us, softly threading my fingers through his raven locks and rubbing his arm soothingly. He stayed rigid and frozen, vacant eyes staring out at the limitless galaxy. After a moment, he twisted around and buried his head into the crook of my neck, wrapping his arms around me tightly. "Hey, hey, it's okay," I cooed, patting his back encouragingly. "You're okay, you're safe."
"I-I-It's s-so c-cold," he stammered, teeth chattering.
I pulled him back and raised my hand to his forehead, before quickly pulling away with surprise. "Ezra, you're burning up," I stated while sweat still beaded his face.
His fearful eyes stared up at me pleadingly as he raised an arm and pointed out the window. "T-The cold," he mumbled, hand trembling. "H-He was after us."
"Who Hun?" I asked.
He thought for a moment, letting his arm drop to his side before replying "I-I don't know. I could just feel the cold… the fear… the anger… the hate…" He trailed off, electric gaze going stale again.
"Well what did you see?" I inquired, trying to find a reason for his strange behaviour.
He hesitated for a moment, before pointing to the chair and explaining "I-I was sitting here. And the stars were spinning, and something was in front of me, swerving and twisting. I kept pressing these buttons, and these red bolts shot at the object. Then everything just… froze… I felt empty, and cold, and afraid…" He hugged his chest tightly and stared down at the floor. "I still do," he whispered quietly.
Something sparked in my memory as the boy explained his experience. Is it possible… that he'd remembered the space battle with the sith lord? It's definitely possible I guess but…
Hope and relief suddenly washed over me as I realised something incredible. This unexpected event meant that Ezra's amnesia could be fixed! There was still a chance for him to remember, and maybe, just maybe, return him to his vibrant, energetic self. There was still hope! So despite the teen's shaken attitude, I smiled. "It's okay now, everything's fine," I soothed, pulling him back into my embrace.
"W-What was it?" he stuttered nervously.
I massaged circles into his back and rested my chin on his damp hair. "I'll explain tomorrow. But for now, you need to rest," I pointed out.
Ezra yawned, eyelids drooping. "Food first, right?" he asked drowsily.
I giggled, leading him out of the nose gun and picking up the plate and mug on the way. "Of course."
