Hey everyone! Wow! Sorry for such a long wait. I've just been super, duper busy, like, moving out of my house and into a caravan crazy. I'll be starting my journey today and I'm pretty excited and scared at the same time. That being said, it means updates for ALL of my stories will become even more irregular then before. I know that sucks, but I'm really going to try and do updates on the road.

But really, thank you all for being so patient with me. The support is much appreciated guys. And guys! Over 200 reviews already? You guys are awesome! :D So in celebration of that fact, I made this one a bit longer than expect. And I think you'll enjoy this chapter, so hopefully it's worth the wait! :D Enjoy!

Q/A's and Reactions:

Neshina Yei- My innerfangirl: YEEESSS! XD

DisneyandWildKrattFangirl- Lothal! Yes! That's genius Disney! Ezra- Seriously? Ezra don't be jealous just because Disney came up with a great name. Ezra- :/

Paint the Fangirling Uniwolf- That probe droid is so in for it if you ever get your hands on it. XD

Weirdness47- Hurt Ezra? Pfft. What gave you that idea? *Thinks of all the times I've tortured Ezra in my stories* Oh, that's why. XD

Rebel Blueberry- I like that expression! I'm going to start using that in my everyday life now. XD

SWFangirl- I was going to originally, but then it would have been weird leading up to this chapter. But hopefully you still enjoy! ;D

Azulablue92- Why end the fun now? It's just getting interesting. ;D

DevilSPR- Ezra is really prone to getting hit in the head. XD

Silver's Dream100- All your questions will be answered in this chapter. ;D

Alex Jarrus and Midnight- That's awesome dude! :D Again, sorry for the long wait, but I'm pretty sure it'll be worth it! ;D

Rebels Lover- Well, you could say he's a rebellious rebel! XD Okay, forgive me for that horrible joke. XD

Chiibe the Rebel- In all honesty, I would have touched my own blood too if I'd had amnesia. But! Your questions shall be answered in this chapter! ;D

Guest- I'm so glad to hear that! Enjoy the chapter. :D

Jedi Jelsa777- I don't hate you. I love you so much I put you through an emotional rollercoaster full of cliff hangers. XD

Midnight Luna- Aw, thank you for that awesome hug! Inner fangirl, go give midnight a hug. *Inner Fangirl squeezes the life out of midnight and IF* Inner fangirl-"How was that?" Me- Good, but less powerful than usual. XD I'm doing fine thanks. Just a bit stressed out, since I'll be leaving for my trip in a few days! O.o

Guest- Tell me you haven't gone too crazy yet? XD

Thunder Angel13- It's adorable, isn't it? But as you'll see in this chapter, Ezra's innocence may get him into a dangerous situation. :O

Purpalz Miner- It's a probe droid, just to clarify. ;D Enjoy the chapter!

ElsaSkywalker- XD Gotta love those cliffhangers.

Guest- ;D Guess you'll just have to find out.

Fantasie Adventura Dreamwriter- XD With a line up like that, you have a right to be on edge. :D

Agent Swartz- And finally the wait is over! :D

Starwarsgal5555- It would be pretty awesome, wouldn't it? ;D

BreadThief98 (AnimeAngel)- Dude! I'm glad you got an account. And, I love your name by the way. :D

Guest- I'm so glad! :D

JML- Cool. :D I'm glad you've been enjoying the story so far!

Guest- I will try my hardest to update faster this time.

Batladiee- It would be wise, wouldn't it? ;D

Chapter 10: Cold

Kallus's POV

I strode purposefully through the detention block, heading for my latest prisoner. Admittedly, I was surprised when I heard that a probe droid had found, and immobilised, the youngest member of the Ghost crew, and even more surprised to know that he was still in our grasp by the time the troopers got there. One trooper explained to me that the Jedi had tried to rescue the boy, but by the time he arrived, the young rebel was already in the transport.

Six troopers were lined against the wall, the two stationed in front of the cell door holding their elite rifles ready and tense. As I walked by, the troopers straightened and saluted. "At ease," I spoke.

The troopers nodded and relaxed ever so slightly. I twisted on my heel to face the cell door, ordering "Open it."

The soldiers cocked their guns as one pressed the button on the control panel, causing the door to slide open with a hiss. Artificial light poured into the dim cell, the prisoner who sat curled in a ball in the far corner wincing as the light hit his eyes. I held my head high and regally stepped down into the chamber, making sure each step was precise and deliberate. "Well isn't this a surprise," I smirked. "The cunning, swift little 'Jabba' is finally in our grasp."

The boy glanced up, his usually electric eyes hazy and absent. His posture seemed nothing like I had ever observed, his muscles tense and his posture reclusive. He seemed to lack his confident swagger and cocky smirk that once laced his features as he sat on the floor pitifully, staring up at me with wide, gleaming eyes. Finally, he croaked "My head hurts."

I tilted my head slightly in confusion. This was not like Ezra Bridger to admit such a weakness, or show any vulnerability for that matter. But never the less, he pushed himself onto his feet and clutched onto his bandaged shoulder with a hiss. "Where am I?" he continued to quiz as he swayed with unbalance on the balls of his feet. "Why does my shoulder hurt? Where is Kanan? Who are you?"

"Are you playing games with me child?" I spat.

The boy shook his head rapidly, replying with a cracking voice "No, I-I'm really confused. Please! Just take me to crew!" Tears began welling in his large eyes as he supported himself against the wall, his legs bucking from exhaustion. "I don't… f-feel well," he slurred.

He was about to collapse, but at the last moment I stepped forward and caught him gently. The prisoner was shaking, his hands trembling uncontrollably as he clung onto my torso. I tensed at the contact, my cheeks tinging red after the sudden change of events. I wasn't exactly sure what to do since the enemy who once loathed me was now embracing me for support. Hesitantly, I lead him over to the bench and urged him to sit down on the metal ledge, which he surprisingly obliged to.

He sat there for a few moments, breathing dry, heavy breaths. His hands were still latched onto my shoulders and his head was hung low, sweat sprinkling the exposed skin of his feet, hands and face. I fidgeted awkwardly, until finally, he pulled back and composed himself weakly. Scrubbing at his eyes, he grunted and said "S-Sorry… I'm just… feeling really out of it."

"Um…."

"But I'll be better once I talk to Kanan or Hera," he continued obliviously. "You wouldn't happen to know where they are, would you?"

I just blinked, completely dumbfounded by the stranger in front of me. Was he delirious? Was he purposefully acting like this just to get up my nose? Or was there actually something wrong with him?

Maybe the probe shot him in the head. Might explain his weird behavio-

"Whoa!" he exclaimed as his eyes sparked with curiosity. "I like your armour Mr. It's all shiny and stuff."

My brows furrowed, and I was about to protest when he blurted "Mind if I have a look?"

Before I even had a chance to answer, his sly hands had latched onto my helmet and dragged it back to his chest, being examined thoroughly in his palms by the time I even registered what had happened. "Cool!" he grinned as he slipped it over his hair. The helmet was a little too big for his head, and it wobbled slightly as he glanced around with glee.

"Hey!" I snapped, snatching it quickly from his head and placing it back at my side.

Ezra blushed, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully. "Sorry, I was just curious," he chuckled.

I stared at him with a piercing gaze and waited for the moment he snapped back to his old cocky self, but he simply returned the gesture with an innocent gaze. After a long moment, I groaned and bowed my head. "What happened to you?" I muttered through my teeth.

The colour seeped from his skin, and he murmured blankly "You mean the… 'accident'?"

I perked up. "Accident?"

"Yeah," he replied with a ghostly expression. "Y-You know… the crash."

"Crash?"

He cocked his head slightly, staring at me as if I was the one talking nonsense. "You haven't heard about it? The crew whispers about it when they think I'm not listening," he stated, until wincing at his own words. "It's the reason I can't remember anything."

"You… can't... remember?" I echoed hollowly. And all at once, the pieces clicked together, my eyes widening in realisation. "You can't remember anything!"

Suddenly, the cell door opened with a defiant 'swoosh!', interrupting the newly dawned revolution. Both Ezra and I glanced over to see the shadowed figure as they strode down into the cell, their soft footsteps rhythmic to the ear and their polished, black armour glinting in the dim light. I jolted onto my feet and bowed my head slightly.

"Inquisitor," I greeted as the Seventh Sister strolled forward gracefully. "This is a surprise."

Seventh Sister's POV

A wicked smile slipped onto my lips as both the prisoner and the agent stared at me with wide eyes. The discomfort from Kallus and the sudden pang of fear from the boy only made me glow with a sick sense of power. I waited in the middle of the room and stared at the two of them. The padawan just watched me warily with sharp eyes, while Kallus hastily stepped forward, his expression troubled. I straightened up, holding my hands behind my back and stating "You are dismissed agent. I can handle it from here."

Kallus tensed and shot a small glare, pacing to my side and halting abruptly. I glanced over my shoulder at him and raised a brow, until he suddenly hissed "He has amnesia."

My eyes snapped open, and any of my previous joy was replaced by stern shock. "Can you repeat that?" I murmured.

"He. Has. Amnesia," Kallus whispered. "He said he was in a crash. But that's all I know."

I pursed my lips, before asking "Are you absolutely sure?"

He nodded his head sharply, replying "Certain."

I ran this new information over again and again in my mind, and internally I was still utterly shocked.

Ezra Bridger, padawan of the infamous Kanan Jarrus, who was strong enough to hold his own against two Inquisitors, had amnesia. The strong rebel warrior couldn't remember anything. Not the rebellion. Not the force. Not the Inquisitors. Maybe… just maybe… I can use this to my advantage… if I play my cards just right, I will turn him to a student of the dark side, and the rebellion will perish…

Kallus cleared his throat softly, as if to remind me I was still standing there. I shook my head and spoke "Thank you, agent. I'll take it from here."

He nodded reluctantly, before turning and leaving the cell. Once the door had slid shut behind him, I approached the rebel who sat on the bench with a petrified, pale expression. When I reached out a hand, the boy immediately flinched and shuffled away. I frowned.

Come on. Fear is not my friend in this case. I need to take this nice and slow. I need to gain his trust.

Inhaling sharply, I instead sat down on the bench at a safe distance from the teen. "Hello there young one," I greeted with a forced warmth.

The boy stared at me with large, blue eyes, his expression unreadable. I hesitated, before trying again "You do not need to be afraid child. I will not hurt you."

This seemed to perk his interest. And ever so slowly, the tension released from his muscles, but the fear still lingered heavily around his presence. "Your mask…" he murmured sheepishly.

"Does it frighten you?" I asked.

He hesitated, before nodding his head and hugging his legs to his chest tightly. Sighing, I reached up and pressed the button on the side of my helmet, causing the mask to split and slide into the inner helmet. The cold air of the cell hit my now exposed face, and I watched the boy for a reaction curiously. But, not to my surprise, he winced and pressed his lips together tightly. He seemed even more terrified, and I wasn't sure if this reaction was any better than with the mask on.

Just when I was about to reach up activate the mask again, the boy protested softly "Don't. It's… okay… I don't mind." Something told me he was being more considerate then truthful, as if he believed I actually cared about his opinion of my appearance.

But never the less, I obliged and allowed my hand to rest on my leg instead. We stayed silent for a few moments, his nervous gaze shifting to every corner and wall of the room. Every once and a while his blue eyes would flicker back in my direction, before quickly retreating to his sweating palms or his dirty bare feet. I decided not to push him. He seemed very reluctant to be in my presence in general, but at least he wasn't shuffling away like the first time.

"What happened to my shoulder?" the boy suddenly asked, breaking the tense silence.

I glanced at his bandaged arm, and thought deeply on how I would reply. He obviously had no knowledge of a blaster bolt, let alone a blaster wound. So, instead of answering his question directly, I inquired "Does it hurt?"

He nodded slowly. "My arm aches, and it stings whenever I touch here," he explained as he pointed to a certain spot.

An idea sparked in my mind, and I soothed sweetly "May I see?"

His eyes scanned me quickly, piercing into my soul in an attempt to measure my trustworthiness. This would be the real test. If he moved closer, allowed physical contact, then I was one step closer to luring him to the dark side. But, if he declined. If he was unwilling to trust. Then we were still at square one, and it would just make my job that much harder.

But to my ever growing surprise, the boy slid over the metal ledge until we were right next to each other, his fingers twitching slightly. He cautiously turned his torso so his shoulder was in view, and he locked his gaze on me like a hawk. Slowly, I reached my hand up and touched the bandaged wound, causing the boy to hiss and retract away. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm your…" I flinched, my next word coming out awkward and disjointed. "…Friend."

Ezra blinked once, before nodding his head in approval. Once again, I reached out and touched his shoulder, but this time, he didn't pull away. "I trust you," he murmured.

I smiled. A horrible decision, really.

Continuing to probe his shoulder for a few more moments, I then lifted my other hand towards his face, making him instinctively wince. I hesitated, but a conflict seem to rage in his ocean blue eyes. A battle between fear, and loneliness. It seemed, though, that his overwhelming emotions caused him to crumble as he nuzzled into my touch and allowed his eyes to slide shut. I smiled, combing my fingers gently through his course locks. "See. I told you I wouldn't hurt you," I spoke.

He let out a faint whimper, shifting closer slightly and clenching his eyelids together. I continued to comfort him, until my fingers trailed over a strange lump near the back of his head. Curiously, I pressed into the bump, only for Ezra to yelp in agony and pull away. He rubbed his head with a pained grunt, and I asked "What was that?"

After a moment, he sighed and answered "Kanan said it was the scar from when I was in the crash. I… i-it didn't hurt before, but ever since I woke up I've had a headache…"

I smiled lightly, placing my hand on his good shoulder and stating "It'll be fine, I'm sure. We'll get a medic to check up on your head and arm later, and you'll be better in no time."

"Really?" he quizzed with new energy.

I nodded confidently, replying with a devious smirk "Of course. Anything for someone of your… reputation."

"Reputation?"

"Yes, don't you remember?" I gasped, acting surprised. "Why, everyone knows you, Ezra Bridger. You're a hero! Well. To us anyways."

He shot me a puzzled expression, like a lost dog sitting in the middle of a dessert. "W-What do you mean?" he stuttered.

I concealed a grin, exclaiming "We were so worried when we heard those terrorists had caught you! I can't believe they did this to you! Those rebels had the nerve to take our, precious young man and brainwash him into one of them."

His blue orbs widened even further, and he murmured in a rasp "I-I don't… understand…"

"Well of course you wouldn't. They did something to your head to make you forget us," I lied. "But we're your real family. Not those frauds."

"So they… l-lied to me?" he gulped.

I nodded, holding a sympathetic expression. "But you're safe now. You're safe with us."

His brows furrowed tightly, his lips pulling into a thin line. "But… they were so... so nice."

"Lies, Ezra," I snapped as I squeezed his shoulder. "Don't believe anything they told you, understand? They were all lies."

The boy seemed surprised, and a war of emotions battled through the force, conflicted on what to believe, who to trust. "Then… t-then," he fumbled, words getting caught in his throat. "Then w-what really happened to me?"

I smiled inwardly, hiding it behind a façade of concern and worry. "Why, we were just out for an excursion around Lothal when those monsters suddenly kidnapped you and took you away!" I fibbed on the spot. "They… uh… operated on your head! That's right. They wanted you to forget us, so then you'd join them."

He was on verge of tears now. "R-Really?" he squeaked.

I nodded drearily, replying "Yes. We were so worried about you."

The boy glanced down at his hands with glassy eyes, holding his arms in his lap loosely. "I… t-they… but… I felt something," he whispered. "I could have sworn there was… something, holding us together."

I shifted my hand onto his back and pulled him close. "Don't let their lies cloud your vision, Ezra," I soothed. "This is your real home, with us."

The boy glanced up, eyes wide and pooling with tears. "They… they were a bit weird around me," he reasoned aloud, voice hoarse and dry. "And… when I really think about it, they kept explaining things that I couldn't remember…"

"Exactly!" I exclaimed with a cruel grin. "They were just making that up. You can't trust them Ezra."

His eyes narrowed, and a new emotion surged into the picture. Frustration.

"Are you going to be like them?" he snapped. "Are you going to be disappointed when I don't remember things? Are you going to frown at me when I say something wrong, or sigh when I ask what something is?"

My grin widened. "Of course not, young one. We would never do that!" I replied. "We love you just the way you are. Even with your amnesia."

At this, his anger faded, and the tension unravelled from his muscles. He bit his bottom lip and glanced away for a moment, the tears freely slipping down his cheeks. We sat there for a few more moments engulfed in silence, until weak sobs broke the tension as he pressed his hands to his face. I patted his back to sooth him, pulling him into my arms to test how trusting he was of me yet. The action was foreign to me, but the teen embraced it freely, weeping into my shoulder and wrapping his arms around my waist. "I just want to feel happy again," he cried through clenched teeth.

"Shh," I hushed, stroking his head with one hand and rubbing circles into his back with the other. "Trust me. If you stay with here, you will be happy."

He didn't reply at first. He just continued to breakdown for a few more moments, until pulling himself together and regaining his thoughts. "If… if this is my home, then why do I feel so… cold?"

I frowned slightly. This was going to be a difficult, and delicate process, and I would bet my life that the rebels were already looking for their precious padawan. The bond shared by master and student would be hard to conceal, let alone destroy, but with enough effort and manipulation, I could cut the boy from his master and watch the connection disintegrate. And soon, Ezra Bridger would become a servant of evil.

I smiled, releasing from the embrace and standing up. The boy stared at me with wide eyes, and I could tell he was craving the comfort and warmth he somehow found in my polluted presence. I extended my arm and offered my hand, placing him to the final test and saying "Come with me, Ezra."

His gaze flickered to my hand, then back to my face, and back to my hand again, his expression uncertain. "I can assure you," I stated. "You will have everything you ever wanted."

His lips drew into a thin line, and he hovered his hand above mine, fingers twitching. I waited patiently, reaching out through the force to urge him to trust me. His blue eyes were murky, unreadable, but after a few intense moments, he made his decision.

I smiled.

His fingers curled around mine.

He had passed the test.