Chapter 19 – The path of a Jedi
D85/0 ABY
After entering the ancient Mandalorian Stronghold, Kanan explained to Ezra the reason behind their visit. He told him to proceed on without him, while he would go outside and wait with Sabine, whose anxiety could be felt by the two. Ezra proceeded into the inner chamber, where Tarre's Beskar armour had been placed, which Tarre had later removed. He knelt on the floor, closed his eyes and meditated, seeking The Force's guidance on how to proceed.
After some time, he opened his eyes and saw a man as tall as Kanan, wearing a temple guard's outfit sitting in front of him. There was something familiar about him, though Ezra was sure that he had never met him before.
"I have been waiting for you, young padawan", the temple guard said, "I have watched you at your lowest and at your highest".
"Who are you?", Ezra asked.
There was a dry chuckle and the guard said, "Is it not obvious? I am a temple guard".
"Yes, but why would you be here. This is a Mandalorian stronghold, not a Jedi temple".
"True, but since you are Mandalorian now, I thought it safe to meet you here Ezra".
"Why?", Ezra asked.
"To kill your master, as compensation for the natural law that you have flouted", the temple guard calmly replied.
"I won't let you", Ezra said. He got to his feet and drew his lightsabres. He could feel the opponent's strength rivalled that of Vader's.
Opposite to him, his opponent didn't get up, but merely sighed, "So young and so brash".
"How is it going in there?", Sabine asked.
"I am not sure, but I think that Ezra is fighting someone", Kanan said, "But don't you worry… when I was knighted, I too had to fight someone", he said hurriedly as sensed Sabine's worry.
Just then a ship entered the planet's atmosphere, landed on the surface next to the two, and out came Fenrir, Bruce and Jesse. After quick introductions, Kanan and Sabine brought the two up to speed.
"I don't like the sound of this. If those Pagans are holding a meeting, it can't be for any good purpose", Bruce said.
Fenrir seemed lost in thought. After a while he said, "I just had a talk with Bendu, through the force. These Pagans have found a spell that can bind an Archangel".
"Tarre and Bendu have walked into a trap. Being Thor's apprentices, they would offer a direct connection to him. Take care of Jesse, you two, we are leaving now".
They both then rushed back into their ship and immediately departed for Dantooine. Kanan was curiously looking at Jesse, who had stayed quiet all this time. He felt quite strong in the force, yet he was filled with sadness. The same sadness, that Kanan felt from Ezra on Empire Day. Putting his arm on Jesse's shoulder, he comforted the boy, meanwhile Sabine looked at the two with visible confusion. Kanan made a 'tell you later gesture'.
Hera, Zeb and Chopper had managed to upload the emergency access codes, while landing the Ghost onboard The Avenger. Suddenly, they heard a loud voice, belonging to her father (maybe Tarre had forgotten to mention about it). "WHO DARES?", Thor bellowed. Realization dawned upon Thor and he asked, "Hera, what are you doing?".
Shaking with fear, Hera told Thor the complete story, about where they were and how Tarre had instructed her.
"Oh that idiot… I suppose he didn't take into account that if anybody but I used these codes, the ship would sustain some damage. But thanks to him and you, I am now re-connected to my ship. I am giving you complete control over my vessel. Use it well, my daughter".
Back in the stronghold, Ezra was fighting the temple guard, and was not doing well. The guard was able to anticipate all of his moves and counteract them without any effort. "Is this the extent of your knowledge? I would have thought that after being taught by Kanan Jarrus, Ahsoka Tano and the two members of the Aesir, you would have showed some skill. So far, I am quite disappointed".
"I've learnt enough. I have become stronger and more skilled than before", Ezra replied.
"It would not appear so", the guard said before sending out a force push through his hand, which Ezra barely dodged.
"Tell me why you want to kill him", Ezra said. He felt tired fighting such an opponent.
"On Lothal, you used the vortex to save two people – your master and Ahsoka Tano. Both of their time had come, but you interfered with the natural order. For Ahsoka Tano, there was no immediate consequence, but to save Kanan Jarrus you very nearly lost the time vortex's power to the Sith Lord. Because of your selfishness, the world was almost lost to darkness, and now you shall pay the ultimate price", the guard said.
"But the vortex's power is not with the Sith or the man behind them. I was selfish yes, but as a Jedi, I had the chance to save two lives, because that is what we do", Ezra said in return.
"You talk about saving lives. Hmm… I will show you what your actions have wrought", the temple guard said.
Immediately Ezra saw visions. The first one was Tarre, Fenrir, Bruce and someone who looked like Bendu fighting a white eyed person, who felt strong in the Dark side. The next vision showed him a blonde haired man (Lucifer) stabbing a brown haired man, who was as tall as Kanan, and whose eyes and mouth were glowing blue. Suddenly three pairs of white wings behind him erupted into flames. The next vision he saw was a giant (as big as the death star, Ezra thought) white figure with three pairs of white wings sprouting from its back, wielding an axe, that looked a lot like Thor's; fighting a larger serpent like creature.
"Stop, please. I accept the responsibility of my actions, but I would do them all over again, because it allowed me to save the lives of those who can ensure that the universe has a fighting chance.", Ezra said.
"Even after your brush with the dark side, you haven't learned", the guard said.
"I was selfish and short-sighted when I used the Sith Holocron. But I learned that I have only done that which I was meant to. Please spare Kanan, and take my life instead. This way, atleast the natural order will be restored", saying this Ezra deactivated his sabres, got on his knees, lowered his head and closed his eyes. His last thoughts dwelled on his family, and he silently apologised to his wife.
What happened next, Ezra was not sure. He had heard the swish of the temple guards lightsabre, but he didn't feel any injuries. Then the temple guard said, "By the right of the Council. By the will of the force, Ezra Bridger… you may rise".
Ezra looked up, visibly confused. He stood up and the temple guard removed his mask. Standing in front of him was a brown haired man, clean shaven, with the same exact steel blue eyes as himself, "What does this mean? Who are you?", Ezra asked.
The man smiled and said, "My name is Jaden Montarri, I am your ancestor Ezra Bridger. My master was Tarre Vizsla, and you are what I once was – a knight of the Jedi Order".