Ezra forced himself into a defensive position as the man from his dreams stood before him. Around them the battle continued as troopers clashed with their small band of rebels. Sabine and Zeb were holding their own but for Ezra it seemed like time had stopped.
The stranger was even more imposing in reality. His tall figure towered over the troopers while his posture showed a confidence that even a Hutt couldn't rival. As for his eyes, they were just as terrifying as ever. Ezra never imagined them to be so bright before. They were similar to the gaze of a predator at night: calculating, deadly, and never far from their target. The teen felt a pocket of dread fill his chest as those same eyes bored into his own but he refused to back down. He was a Jedi, or at least he was training to be one and if there was anything he learned from Kanan it was that Jedi always protected those in need. No matter how much fear he held, no matter how imposing the enemy was, he would protect his friends. Ezra loaded his slingshot with another charge before defiantly aiming it at the man from his dreams. The padawan was on edge, even as he readied himself for battle and he could tell his master sensed it.
Kanan instinctively backed away from the newcomer until Ezra was directly behind him. He brandished the hilt of his lightsaber with one hand while he blocked Ezra with the other. At this point there wasn't much to gain from hiding his identity. He knew what his enemy was. From across the room he sensed a presence in the man he hadn't in years. There was anger, hatred, the need for revenge, but above all else there was a coldness in him that had Kanan's instincts screaming. The Jedi had seen enough battles in his day to recognize a Sith when he sensed one and although this was no Sith Lord, he was certainly enough to be a challenge.
The Inquisitor laughed at the pathetic display of defiance. Soon, his eyes rested on Kanan as a twisted grin spread across his lips.
"So this is the so called Jedi that's caused the Empire so much trouble? You certainly don't look like much."
Kanan glared. He didn't have time for games, not when more troopers were sure to arrive, and especially not when a Sith was on their tail. He needed to think of something fast if they were all going to get out of this alive. Before he could even respond to the insult the Inquisitor focused his gaze on Ezra once again. Kanan didn't like the way the Sith looked at his padawan and he certainly didn't like the spike of fear he sensed in his and Ezra's bond as a result.
"Ezra, behind me."
The Jedi didn't have to say that twice. Ezra knew when he was outmatched. It was something you had to pick up if you wanted to survive on your own for so long. Besides, he senses told him he was in great danger. Something was surely about to happen. Without needing further orders the teen shielded himself behind his master. Kanan ignited his weapon: the hum of the blade masked by the chaos of battle. The Jedi knew what the Sith was after. It was common knowledge that the job of an Inquisitor was to locate and deal with Jedi, as well as target force users. The way the man looked at his padawan was confirmation enough. If they were going to get out of here, they needed to get to the ship. Now.
With his weapon ignited the Inquisitor's attention was back on him. Good. As long as he could keep that up they had a chance. Kanan took the opportunity to signal the others of his plan. It wasn't much but it would have to do. While he battled the Sith and focused most of the artillery fire on him, Ezra and the others would make a break for the ship. Hopefully, Chopper or Sabine could make it to the Ghost's canons, which would give Kanan just enough of a break to escape. If everything went according to plan, they would be in deep hyperspace in a few parsecs.
Ezra relayed the message to Sabine and Zeb: making sure they understood what was about to happen. The pair nodded as they continued to return fire behind the safety of armored crates. Then, he replaced his slingshot with his communicator as he hurriedly whispered the plan to Hera.
"Spectre six to Spectre two, do you copy?"
"Spectre two to Spectre six, I copy." Hera responded. "What's happening?"
"Well, we may have encountered some resistance." Ezra sighed as he scratched the back of his head. Across the room the Inquisitor powered his lightsaber: the red glow of the blade only making him look more demented as it reflected across his face. The teen shuddered. "Get ready for a pickup and make sure someone gets to a turret. We're going to need the cover."
Ezra pictured Hera frown while at the controls of the Ghost. He knew she didn't like it when he left out details, especially ones as important as these, but right now they had other things to deal with. At least with the ships sensors he knew she understood what type of a force they were up against. He heard the pilot sigh before responding.
"Alright Spectre six. Ready when you are." The Twi'lek said as she readied the Ghost for departure. Judging by the number of bodies her sensors were picking up, this was going to be a close one. She only hoped everyone would make it onboard in time.
Outside of the Ghost Sabine, Zeb, and Chopper prepared themselves for when Kanan gave them the order to run. Zeb held Xahna close to his chest. The youngling clutched at his fur with the strength of an anooba. Zeb felt his heart clench at the thought of such an innocent youngling being sold as a slave. Then, that sorrow turned into determination as he fired at incoming troopers. Luckily, he had Sabine to back him up. The Lazat had no idea where Chopper had gone off to, the rotten droid, but he was sure that he would turn up sooner or later. To his left Sabine armed another bomb. The moment gunfire paused the teen took the opportunity to toss the weapon over their makeshift barriers. It landed at the feet of several troopers, who barely had time to throw themselves to the side before it exploded in a flash of color and smoke.
At the same time Kanan and the Inquisitor began to circle one another. The Jedi kept one arm raised to his side, just in case Ezra fell behind but no matter how he moved he made sure to keep the padawan behind him. The Inquisitor was unimpressed.
"Do you honestly believe you can protect the boy?" the Inquisitor sneered as he moved his blade into an offensive position. "You can't even protect yourself."
"We'll see about that." Kanan taunted as he too moved his saber into a battle ready position.
Ezra watched the pair with unease. Suddenly, he felt his chest tighten. Something told him that the battle was ready to begin but before he could even think of doing something the Inquisitor rushed forward with a shout of rage. Kanan leapt into the air before meeting the Inquisitor half way. Red and blue clashed as Jedi and Sith matched each other attack after attack.
"Go!" Kanan shouted even as he blocked a fatal blow with his saber.
Behind him Ezra felt his heart race. From where he stood he could tell Kanan was at a disadvantage. No matter what he did the man countered every move and even as he fought with everything that he had, the Sith's movements were obviously faster, stronger, and undoubtedly deadlier. The padawan was torn. A part of him knew he needed to help his master and yet at the same time the other knew he wouldn't stand a chance. Kanan jumped high into the air; dodging another attack before landing steadily on his feet.
"Ezra!" he commanded. "Didn't you hear me? Go!"
Ezra could tell by the tone of his master's voice that there would be no room for argument. He also knew if he was going to run, it would be now or never.
