We are sorry for the long wait, so here is a extra long chapter for your patience. please read and review.
Ezra was nervous, but then again, he wasn't the only one. The whole crew was skittish at the moment. The doctors were looking Kanan over in the med bay to see if he could walk without support. Kanan had been eager at the possibility and was almost gittey at the idea of walking on his own again.
A small string of Kanan's emotions came from the room they were waiting outside of, mostly they were happy and it warmed Ezra's heart. Despite understanding the 'bond' between him and Kanan, it was still a unfamiliar, yet warm feeling, that he can sense and feel Kanan's joy. After all the Inquisitor's told him about bonds, Ezra found it was a useless skill; only giving one false hope that anyone could ever understand the struggles one had gone through. Over the past months however, this connection with Kanna was the closest Ezra had come to having comfort; and for that Ezra was grateful to Kanan for offering him that security.
The past two months were like a fazy dream of stability and comfort with the crew. Ezra not only was fed, showered and warm, but for the first time in almost three year, he felt...safe. The crew has been nothing but kind and patient with him, Kanan most of all. That was why Ezra was so anxious to see Kanan walking again. The child hoped that being able to walk around with no aid would help Kanan with getting better.
Just then the doctor came out. The crew looked at him anxiously as he gave them a small smile,
"Well nothing too strenuous in the beginning, but for small trips he should be able to go without help," the doctor told them as he smiled down Ezra, "It seems the two of you have been healing quite nicely." the doctor praised as he saw only a couple of bandages on the boy's neck.
Ezra smiled when he heard that Kanan was better, but he couldn't help but feel some anxiety over the news. If Kanan was healing, and Ezra was healing as well, it meant his time was running out, when he was healed, there would be no reason for him to stay with Kanan and the crew.
'Don't get too attached to them or to three three meals a day. It will only make it harder to let go off them.' Ezra told himself for the seventh time, that day. Yet he knew it was too late to shrug them off and pretend he did not care. Despite his best effort, Ezra had grown quite fond of the crew.
When Kanan held him in his arms he felt safe. Hera's hugs were even better, it almost felt like he was loved. Sabine and Zeb were always willing to talk to him like a real person. Not to mention that all of them fed him and kept complaining about how thin he was; just like … like they truly cared, and even possibly worried about him.
Soon however, he would have to leave all of this now that he was healing. Ezra would be back to stealing, starving, with no bed to sleep on or someone to talk to, freezing from the bittercold. Once he left, he would probably not see the crew again, worse he would not see Kanan again. It saddened him to the point where he could cry over it, but before he could think more about it, he heard a voice from the room.
"Can I leave now? I promised Ezra a tour." Kanan questioned eagerly as he slowly and on slightly unstable feet, came walking towards them.
"Kanan" all of them cheered.
They all moved to hug him but the doctor moved in the way.
"Not a full tour Jarrus, you still need healing and overstraining your body won't help. I don't think you want to move back in here. Second-," the doctor seemed to be talking to the whole crew as he comically pointed out, "please don't crush him, as I said he is still healing" the doctor reminded them, though he was pleased with how Kanan was doing.
The crew loosened up and were careful as they hugged Kanan. Ezra felt how nice it was to hug Kanan, but his mind tried to warn against it, soon he would not have that luxery any longer.
"Now kid, let me show you a few things on the ship and a few people before the doctor orders me back to bed" Kanan told him jokingly.
The whole crew grinned along with Ezra as they left the medbay, hearing the silent grumbles the doctor barley vocalized.
As Kanan guided, Ezra looked around the ship in eager curiosity. While Ezra had been on the ship for a couple months now, he had not seen the whole ship yet. Ezra mostly stayed in the med bay or in the Ghost with the rest of the crew.
Kanan would point out certain quarters as they passed them as they walked down the gray walkways. Finally what seemed like forever, they ended up in a conference wing, where several men were surrounding a holo table. An older man with graying hair seemed to be leading the meeting, and once he saw the crew he told them all to take five.
"Kanan," the man greeted happily, "it is so good to see you on your feet again. I would of come to visit, but Imperial activity has increased over Lothal and we've been surveillancing imperial transports on and off the planet."
Kanan smiled, "I get it commander"
At the mention of his home planet he peaked up like a curios Loth cat. That made Sato notice Ezra clinging to Kanan's side while also trying to hide behind him. Ezra remembered the man, it was the same one he bit when he was trying to hide when Kanan woke up. Sato smiled at him, "Nice to see you again young one. Im sorry, but I don't recall your name"
Ezra tightened his grip on Kanan Kanan though placed a reassuring hand on Ezra's head.
"Ezra, this is commander Sato, head of the Phoenix squadron."
Ezra waved shyly at the man. Sato giggled As he got down to Ezra's level.
"Yes I remember finding him when he came out of the vents when we all were looking for him. It's nice to formally meet the hero."
Ezra blushed a bit, at recalling why Sato looked familiar, and the man calling him a hero.
Ezra looked up at Kanan who nodded his head in encouragement, before turning back to Sato. "Sorry for running from you; and for biting you. I didn't know who you were."
Sato smiled at the timid child before he pointed out, "you remind me of my nephew, he's just a few years younger than you. I have a feeling he would of ran if he was in your shoes, so it's alright."
Ezra could sense the man was being truthful, and he liked Sato's honesty, he wanted to help the man, he could feel that Sato's feeling was hurting when he mentioned his nephew.
"Don't be sad. I am sure it will be okay" Ezra said trying to help.
Sato froze a moment and stared at him. That reaction made Ezra afraid, what had he done wrong?
"Kanan?" Ezra asked full of worries.
Kanan looked down and gently stroke him.
"No worries Ezra, you just surprised him that is all" Kanan assured.
"Indeed you did little one, how did you know that Ezra?" Sato asked.
Ezra looked confused at Sato.
"I sensed your emotions" Ezra said as a matter of fact.
"I see" did Sato say and looked at Ezra oddly.
"Well is there something you wanted to ask me about" Sato said after a short break.
Hera entered the conversation, "We were giving Ezra a small tour of the ship. Thought showing him where we have all these meetings would be a good start."
Sato nodded his head at the idea, "Well I can show you Ezra how everything works in here. Here the holo-projector…"
Sato began to explain to Ezra how all the the equipment in the room. While Ezra listened to Sato's explanation, Ezra thought of why they were showing him all this. That was when it dawned on Ezra that they might just be showing him all this as a last hoorah before they brought him back to Lothal. Was this their last act of kindness before they dropped Ezra off.
As Ezra thought of this, he knew he couldn't just wait for it to happen, it would be too painful, too hurtful to watch the crew leave him. Ezra knew he couldn't deny it, he wanted to stay, he wanted to be with the crew. But he also knew they would not want some street rat around. The crew had even pointed out that as long as Ezra was healing they would take care of them. But now that he was better, he knew his time onboard the Phoenix squadron was running out.
Ezra couldn't bear being left behind again; he had to leave on his own terms. It would be less painful, less complicated. All Ezra need was to figure out how he was going to get back to Lothal.
"Any questions Ezra?" Sato's voice cut in.
Ezra looked startled at Sato and the video cameras.
"Is this how you found me when I was hiding?" Ezra mumbled more to himself than Sato.
"Yes it is, it was making it much easier and they help keep track of everyone onboard" Sato said and smiled.
"Everyone?" asked Ezra with a slight disbelief.
"Yes everyone Ezra" Sato said and smiled. Ezra nodded but did not seem convinced.
"Why don't you try it Ezra. You hide anywhere you want and then I find you" Sato said.
Ezra looked at him before gave Sato a small smile.
"Okay" Ezra said softly.
"Then go hide. The crew and I will come in a short while" Sato said.
Ezra nodded and ran off, leaving his troubles behind for a while.
SWR
Ahsoka was deeply engaged in a datapad when she suddenly sensed a large group of people and one of them was a force users. Ahsoka smiled knowing that Kanan would take full advantage of finally being allowed to walk by himself. She felt a slight pain from Kanan and she shook her head. Of course Kanan would overdo it on his first day, he had been eager to be allowed to walk by himself ever since the doctor had started looking at the possibility. Then suddenly she felt another figure … Sato. What was their leader doing here with the rest of the crew? She followed the signatures and found the whole crew and Sato looking around.
"The kid might have done it this time" Kanan chuckled.
"I don't get it, I for once can't find Ezra on any of the surveillance cameras how has he found a blind spot" Sato mourned.
"Greetings" Ahsoka called.
"Good to see you Tano" Sato greeted.
"Indeed Commander but what are you doing here?" Ahsoka asked slightly confused.
"Well Ezra wanted to test the security cameras so I offered he could try to hide and then we would find him. It is the third time and where we have found him easily the first two times it seems like he has found a blind spot in the camera" Sato explained.
Ahsoka noticed the small smile on Kanan's face. Oh he knew what the boy was up to.
"Kanan are you okay?" Ahsoka asked.
"Fine" Kanan said trying to brush it off.
Hera immediately turned to Kanan.
"Kanan what is it?" Hera demanded.
"I might have overdone it a little bit" Kanan gulped to Hera.
Suddenly a small voice came out from the vent.
"You should rest. I can feel your pain besides I have won now so we can go back" Ezra said as he slided down next to Kanan. Kanan sent him a smile, but Ahsoka was startled, how had she not been able to sense him?
"You don't have to worry about me kid, that is Hera's job. Just like it is mine to worry about you" Kanan said.
"Hey, it's our job too," Hera protested as Zeb and Sabine nodded.
Ezra looked slightly confused at this.
"Now Kanan since Ezra has been found it is back to the medical wing march" Hera said in a motherly tone that allowed no room for debate.
Kanan knowing it was a lost battle extended his hand to Ezra and started walking back to the medical wing.
"Ezra how did you avoid the security camera?" Sato called to him.
"I just pushed one camera slightly to the side so there was two blind spots overlapping and I could lay there in the vents" Ezra explained.
Ahsoka looked startled at the boy, quit resourceful she had to admit, almost like he was trained for such things. Ahsoka knew it was a possibility but she did not like that thought or the consequences it would open. The crew and her was heading for the medical wing as Kanan no doubt had to be examined. Sato remained behind to go over the surveillance, Ezra helped to see holes in their security.
Suddenly a familiar voice called to her and she smiled and turned around.
"Where's the party heading to?" asked Rex as he came into view as he entered the hall.
"Rex!" Ahsoka greeted warmly and gave her old friend a hug 'how wonderful that you finally is back. I started to worry you would never get back"
The other crew members also greeted the clone back. Well, most of the crew did.
In the force Ahsoka felt Kanan's rather hostile feelings emerge. Ahsoka knew Kanan never really had gotten over the fall of the Jedi order and had a hard time around clone warrior. Hera, Sabine and Hera on the other hand greeted Rex warmly. Rex then suddenly eyes Ezra.
Ezra just stood next to Kanan as the other's greeted the man.
"Hello youngling, and who might you be?" Rex asked as he stepped closer to Ezra.
Kanan though stood in front of Ezra.
"His name is Ezra," Kanan spoke sharply, "We liberated him from the Empire. Any questions?"
Ahsoka saw the intense annoyance Kanan held in his glare towards Rex. Ahsoka could also tell that Rex found Kanan in a similar light. The dislike for one another in the room was obvious, even to non force users. That was when Ahsoka noticed Ezra fidgety, obviously seeing the uncomfortableness between the two men. Ahsoka saw him shaking, knowing very well how the boy's anxiety was increasing as he sensed the two's resentment for one another.
"Rex" Ahsoka chimed in, "Sato is going over some surveillance equipment. Maybe you could help him once you've settled back in."
Rez thought about it before he smiled, "I'm sure I can help them enhance those thing's."
Rex then headed to his corridor, "I'll tell you about the mission over dinner Ahsoka." Rex then waved to the crew, "catch you later sport," Rez waved to Ezra.
Ezra seemed to like Rex's energy and waved back, only to hear a slight annoyed huff from Kanan as he leaned on the wall to rest for a moment.
"Come one Kanan, lets get you back before the doctor comes looking for us."
As Hera and the other's aided Kanan back to the Ghost, Ahsoka noticed Ezra quite perplexed by what happened between the two men.
Ahsoka knelt down level to Ezra so she could check on Ezra, "You okay?"
Ezra, while still shaky nodded his head before he told her, "I haven't sensed Kanan so mad since…" Ezra couldn't say anymore, but Ahsoka knew what the boy was going to say.
Ahsoka was going to explain the Rex and Kanan thing, but Ezra already concluded, "They don't like each other. Do they?"
Ahsoka nodded Ezra to follow her lead as they followed the other's back to the Ghost as she explained.
"They do not know each other. Both bring up painful memories from their past, past that they would rather avoid. You know how that feels, don't you young one. You may not be as old as other rebels, but you are wise with your empathy."
Ahsoka saw Ezra in deep thought, knowing very well the child understood.
Ezra then asked, "You trust Rex, right?"
Ahsoka smiled and nodded. Ezra continued, "Then I don't get why he made Kanan mad. Why doesn't Kanan trust him?"
"It's not that they don't trust each other, it's just that they don't like each other."
Ezra did not like that idea.
Ahsoka continued, "Don't worry, they will become close. Sometimes one must confront the dark parts of their past to better light their future."
Ezra looked up at her rather confused, "I don't get it?"
Ahsoka chuckled, "It means in order for both to move on, they need to let somethings go."
Soon the crew with Ezra and Ahsoka in tow made their way to the Ghost.
Before Ezra rejoined the crew, Ezra smiled at Ahsoka, "Thank"
As Ezra checked on Kanan, Ahsoka smiled at her progress with Ezra.
SWR
"NO!" Hera protested angrily, "Kanan, Doctor may of cleared you for travel, but no way are you going to fly the Ghost to Lothal by yourself.
Kanan would not relent, "Hera look, we need to see if Ezra has any other relatives that can look out for him before he talk about what we're going to be doing with him next."
"I thought we agreed, we keep Ezra, and protect him from the Inquisitor." Hera pointed out surely.
Kanan rolled his eyes, "No that's what you, Zeb, Sabine, and Chopper agreed on. We still need to look at other options."
"Kanan, if there was anyone else, Ezra would of told us, you know that."
Kanan scowled a the logic, but knew that Hera was right.
"We still need to look, just to be on the safe side."
Hera was not pleased by Kanan's stubbornness, "The safe side!? Kanan you just escaped from imperial custody, if you get spotted-,"
"I'll wear a cloak, keep to the shadows. Anyone sees me, they will think I'm just some Lothal low life."
Hera rolled her eyes in annoyance, "You scratch her, you die." She threatened.
Kanan nodded as he began to head out, only for Hera to stop him by holding his shoulder.
"But please consider this. Ezra needs people to look out for him, who care about him. I know we all want him here, even you. So please think about it while you're gone.
Kanan, heading to the Ghost, began thinking of Ezra's fate. While kanan and him had developed a bond, Kanan wondered if the best thing for him was to let Ezra go.
SWR
In Zeb's room, he and Sabine were clearing it out a bit for the new addition to the crew.
"Remind me again why it makes the most sense for Ezra to bunk with you?" Sabine wondered as she painted the top bunk in an array of light blue colors along with many others.
"Well you know Hera and Kanan want there .. ahm privacy" Zeb chuckled.
Sabine grinned at that. Hera and Kanan thought they were super secret about their attraction to each other despite it being bluntly obvious. Zeb was pretty sure that even the cleaning bot at the lower levels on Sato's ship knew but for the fun of it they all played along.
"You think they are ever going to admit the 'secret' to us? Sabine asked
"Yes in a 30 to 40 years" Zeb teased.
Okay but that doesn't explain why he doesn't bunk with me, were both young?" Sabine said.
"With all due respect Sabine, you're a girl. Ezra might not be interested in that right now but it might be awkward for him later on to see a person he looks at as a sister without any of her cloth on not to mention the same goes for you" Zeb said.
Sabine had not considered that could be a factor, right now Ezra just seemed like a child and a scared one of that.
"Point taken. But let us hope he heals enough to take more of an interest in the galaxy. For a kid, he is way too timid, too serious" Sabine said sadly.
Zeb sighed, he had not thought of that.
"The kid will, we will help him with being a child again, he deserve that after all of this. We kind of owe it to him after what he hid, or didn't do i guess." Zeb said with determination.
"It certainly was brave of him to refuse the Inquisitor. I still can't believe he was meant to be an Inquisitor and kill Kanan" Sabine said.
"Me neither. The kid it certainly not what I normally think off when we talk about Inquisitors. Not to mention we were so close to lose Kanan that it makes me shudder, he looked like he was more dead than alive when we found him" Zeb mumbled.
"I never want to see anyone beat up like that again. I know it is a risk with us but I can't stand seeing people like that. It makes me feel sick to think that Kanan had a blaster pointed at him and it was held by Ezra" Sabine said with pain in her voice.
Zeb did not answer for a moment as the image of the situation played out in his mind.
"I know what you mean Sabine, dead is never pretty" Zeb answered with a deep sight.
"I am sorry Zeb, I did not want to remind you of your homeworld" Sabine said.
"It is okay Sabine I know, now return to the painting, still looks to gray" Zeb said. Both of them returned to the task, happy about taking part in helping Ezra adjust.
SWR
Kanan walked into the Ghost (which he had been allowed to loan from a very reluctant Hera). Kanan needed to know what was happening on Lothal and he needed to get out. Kanan had been on the ship base for months, and he was going crazy he needed to do something. Kanan figured going to Lothal would be a good way for him to stretch his legs, get some space, and be a little productive. Kanan also hated to admit it but he needed some space to think about rather or not he could truly train Ezra.
A part of him wanted to take him in and train him, yet he was hesitant to do it, the boy was pulled by the dark side no doubt about that. It made Kanan sick that the boy had so much hate in his heart, but on the other hand Kanan knew the kid's hate was just. Which is what lead to Kanan's other dilemma, he had come to care for Ezra incredibly much to the point where he was worried if he was becoming too attached. An act the Jedi Order would be against. But in these time where the Jedi Order was no more, was Kanan just in how he felt. Kanna was so confused about the kid. Train him, don't train him; keep him, find him another home; help him not to use the dark side or let the kid do as he wishes. It was so much for Kanan to process; which was why he needed to get away for a bit. Once he had Zeb and Sabine leave, Kanan typed in the numbers and detached before he started flying towards Lothal not aware of the little hitch higher that was with him.
SWR
Ezra was sitting very quietly in Kanan's room in the Ghost making sure he was hiding his force signature at all time. Ezra had heard Kanan and Hera talk about going to Lothal and had seen it as the perfect opportunity to sneak out before they kicked him out. Even so it had been one of the hardest thing that he would ever have to do. There was no belongings of his which had made things a little easier but all through this it was so hard. His heart was screaming to go back to the crew and he could not make it stop no matter what but he had to. A part of him wanted to stay, the crew had been ever so nice and it tore his heart to be forced to leave. Yet Ezra was healing which meant he had to go and better go himself than being kicked out. Besides getting to attached was dangerous he had told himself not to do so knowing he would be forced to move. Plus kindness never lasted, sooner or later they would demand something the other way, better leave before one had to do something he could not accomplish in return for the bed, food, showers and company. Ezra had heard Kanan mention other relatives even though it was hard to hear the rest and that had told him it was time to go. Ezra wanted to cry because of this but he could not knowing Kanan would hear them. Ezra would wait here until Kanan left and then he would head out then he would check out capital city to see if he could steal something before he would head back to his tower. Something told Ezra it would be smart to get away from Lothal the Inquisitor would no doubt be after him. If his dreams was any indications the Inquisitor would have to hurry to capture him or the man in black would be very angry. Ezra hoped it would not be too bad after all he had been hunted before why should this be a problem? Ezra could hear the Ghost land and sat very still not to be detected hoping that Kanan would not need the room but just leave so he could get out as well.
SWR
Kanan landed the Ghost carefully knowing that if he scratched the ship he would face something even worse than the Grand Inquisitor when he returned. Then he looked into the vent taking out an old and smelly jacket. A long time ago he had learned that if you smelled like something that had died several days ago people, including stormtroopers and imperial officers was very likely to stay far away from you, of course it also meant that you smelled horribly but he could worry about that later. The smell was horribly but he knew he would get used to it over time. Keeping his head low he walked to the ramp but as he passed his own room he got a strange vibe but he could not really tell why and he did not feel anything from there. Kanan went out and kept his head low as he made his way to the city. After only a few minutes he started to notice something differently. Despite still being outside the city there was an increased Imperial activity which worried him, could it have something to do with Ezra and him escaping from the Empire could it? Kanan had been wanted ever since he joined the rebellion and even more so when the Empire found out he was a jedi. Yet surely so much was he not worth it - he hoped. Kanan lowered his head, made his gang unsteady and made sure his clock was covering him. The smell intensified and he knew Hera would complain when he came back but it worked. People was staying far away from him. Slowly he approached the city and went in and what he saw made his mouth fall down and his heart fall all the way to the ground.
All over the place there was wanted posters of Ezra and him. The rewards was big and there was troopers all over the place showing pictures of Ezra and him checking cargo and looking at anyone passing by them. The feelings his Kanan gulped there was no way he could get away unseen and the thought of getting caught was horribly. Kanan was not sure he would survive a second time. If the Inquisitor got his hand on him he was pretty sure the Grand Inquisitor would make him suffer all the way to Mustafar where Vader would be waiting. As bad as the Grand Inquisitor was he was pretty sure Vader would be worse and there would be little to nothing left of him when Vader had have his hand on him. Kanan did not need a repeat of being captured and tortured, he might have survived but that did not mean he wanted it again, the memory of the pain was pretty bad even if he had come to terms with it for the most part. It still happened a few times that he woke up screaming afraid he was back at the torture table, he wished those memories would just leave him in peace. Kanan not willing to risk it, turned around and left unknowing that another person had started to approach the city.
SWR
Once Ezra was sure Kanan was gone, he left the Ghost. Ezra knew he couldn't go into the city. Not until Kanan was gone. Ezra though knew where he could go.
In the distance, he saw his tower. Ezra made his way to the old communication tower. Ezra was not sure why, but the trek there seemed to more exhausting than he remembered. Ezra wasn't sure if it was because it had been a while, or if it was because a part of him didn't want to return to his old life, to return to the loneliness.
After a while however Ezra made his way to his tower. As Ezra climbed up, he began to think about what day it was, if he should wait a few days to go into the city to scavenge supplies.
As Ezra entered the tower, he saw it exactly how he remembered it. The makeshift bed on an old shelf, his trooper helmets aligned on the far wall with some of his other meager possessions. It was not much, but for him, it was his only home now.
Ezra decided to go through the draws for any food. Ezra wasn't hungry, but he knew he had to plan ahead. Ezra though found nothing. He found one energy bar that was too stale to eat. Ezra then remembered why he had been in the Capitol that day.
Back to how things were." Ezra thought to himself bitterly.
As ezra sat on the bed, Ezra couldn't help but to weep. Not for the limited food or the cold conditions, but for the fact he was back to his lonely existence.
Ezra couldn't deny it any longer, as he cried he knew he missed the crew. The crew's warmth and comfort. Now it was gone because he had to heal, he had to get better. Ezra though knew that being hurt was the only way anyone would deal with someone as useless as himself.
SWR
As Kanan walked further away from the city, the more troubled he became. Not for himself, but for Ezra. The city where he was from were hunting for him. Everyone seemed to be against the child. As Kanan reached the natural rock pillars, his annoyance turned to anger.
"What could Ezra have done to deserve such painful life." Kanan thought to himself.
Though Kanna knew the bitter answer; it was because he was force sensitive that Ezra was cursed to his fate. These days being a force users equaled out to have a constant target on your bag if you did not agree with the Empire.
"Why do this to him!" Kanan shouted to the force loudly, "Ezra's just a kid, he doesn't deserve such a life!" Kanan then grew mad at himself. It was not the forces fault, but in the moment, it was easier to blame the force, or anybody, than to accept that fate was cruel in that moment.
As Kanan sat down in his despair he heard a voice.
"You did not deserve what happened to you." said a voice calm yet sweetly.
Kanna looked around, He heard it, but saw no one there.
"I'm a grown man, I can handle-," Kanan began only to be interrupted.
"I meant you didn't deserve what happened back then. When you were young, when everything was taken from you, just like everything is taken from Ezra now. You understand that pain, I know Caleb."
Kanan's heart stopped, he finally recognized it, and it made him fall to his knees in shock.
"Master?!"
Kanan looked around for her, but saw only fields. Kanan then heard her again.
"The temple...will have your answer."
"Temple?" Kanan questioned himself. Kanan didn't know of a running temple; he didn't even know where the closest one was.
Kanan then remembered what his master once told him. That every planet had a Jedi temple.
So Kanan went back into the phantom, and looked at a map of Lothal. As he gazed at the holo-image of Lothal, he used the force to guide him to one particular spot. It guided him to a cold mountainous area. Kanan knew he had to go there to get some guidance and some answers. With his mission in hand, he unintentionally ignored the nagging at the back of his head, telling him he was missing something.
SWR
Ezra heard a small ship fly by and looked out and saw the Phantom flying by. Kanan had to have left the city at least for a short time. This was the time to get something to eat now that Kanan owas gone. Ezra walked down the ladder and started walking towards the city. As he approached the city however, his abdomen began aching in pain. Ezra knew he was not in top condition, but he thought he had healed. Nevertheless, Ezra treaked on to the City.
Ezra finally made it to the edge of the city, only to have to find a place to hide immediately once he saw the increase in storm troopers. Ezra knew better than to approach the city from the road he would be spotted immediately. Instead he sneaked over to a house and crawled to the rough top but as he reached the top he was heavily breathing. How could he be so badly out of shape? Ezra wondered this while he was laid down, gasping for air. Even though his wounds had healed it almost felt like they were still paining him.
When he finally had caught his breath he walked over to look down but what he saw was shocked and scared over what he saw. All over the place there was posters of Ezra and Kanan promising high rewards for both of them. Troopers was everywhere showing pictures, checking cargoes and just looking at everyone. Worries for Kanan flew up despite his effort to suppress it. Kanan shouldn't be his concern anymore, he was trying to get rid of him after all he tried to remind himself but somehow it did not work, he kept being worried for Kanan. Right now though he needed to find a way to steal some food or he would soon be back to starving a feeling he hated so much. But how was he going to do that when everyone was looking for him? Ezra looked down on the city, and to his horror, he say him; Kallus.
Kallus seemed to be directing troopers in all sort of directions. Ezra was now in a panic. He was stuck in a city with troopers and mutton-chops looking for him. Ezra had to get something to eat and get to his tower to lay low, and fast. Why did this damn man have to ruin his life. At the base, on the streets; no matter how hard Ezra tried, he just couldn't escape from that man. Along with the panic came something else, hatred, he wanted to use the force and punch Kallus right into a wall, hoping to kill him. Suddenly the dark that had tried to capture him when he had hurt the Inquisitor, was back. Unlike when it had suggested to kill Kanan this was just, he could kill Kallus and finally be free of that nasty nerf hard. What a relief it would be to galaxy to rit it for this parasite. Ezra shook his head, no it was wrong, he had to get some food and then lay low, but even as he was preparing for stealing a part of him still wanted to kill Kallus.
Ezra found a small alley and crawled down knowing there was a shop nearby he might be able to steal a few pieces of fruit. It wasn't much but it was the most he could hope for right now. Ezra carefully peeked out from the alley and the sneaked over to the shop, but before he could do anything the owner turned around and saw him. It only took a few seconds before he recognised.
"YOU" the owner shouted.
Ezra did not wait for the rest but made a run for it.
"The boy is here!" he heard the owner yell.
Ezra ran as fast as he could but he could hear the sound of several troopers at his heales. Suddenly more was in front of him and he saw them raise their weapons preparing to shoot. Ezra jumped to the side between two shops and run further just as he heard the weapons going off. Based on the courses and swearing they had hid each other but he did not have time to check. Then he heard a voice he really hated.
"Don't just stand there get that street rat you idiots" Kallus tired and worn out voice was heard shouting.
Fear filled him as he hurried to hide his signature, if Kallus was near then the Inquisitor was not far behind and Ezra was not going back to HIM. Ezra ran all that he could but his body seemed to be protesting at it, it hurt more than it should be and his breathing was high pieced as he ran in and out of the shops, several of the owners yelling his position as he passed them. How could they do this to him? Tears ran down his cheeks and the feeling of betrayal burned in his mind. Ezra ran into a new street, but the troopers and Kallus wasn't far behind.
Suddenly he felt a pair of arms grabbing him lifting up and over the shop table and his mouth was covered. Ezra kicked out but it did not help.
"Schhs Ezra please stop, it's me." Came a familiar voice that sent relief through him.
"Mr. Sumar," Ezra greeted happily as he removed the man's hand from his mouth
Foot steps though got louder, Sumar opened a crate.
"Hide my boy," Sumar quietly order.
Ezra crawled into the tight space. Once Sumar laid the panel back over him, he heard another crate get pushed on top Ezra. Ezra limited his breathing, though he was sure his rapidly beating heart would give away his location.
"Where is he?" Ezra heard Kallus scream from the top.
Ezra was lying very still.
"Find him now. Ask anyone, stop everything. Just find that boy or the Grand Inquisitor will have our neck" Kallus warned the troopers.
Ezra heard several troopers walking around. Many of them yelling at the shop owners, turning over tables by the sound of it.
"You we saw this boy running down this street, where is he?" suddenly Kallus voice was heard above the table he was lying under, in the crate.
"I saw him run that way please I just saw him rush by that is all I saw I swear" Sumar said with his shaking .
"I will check it, remember lying to the empire, harboring escaped convicts or helping them will get you arrested" Kallus warned before he walked away.
Ezra let out a very low sigh before he just listened if anyone was nearby. There was many shouts and walking around. Ezra then felt the crate being moved. After some time, Mr. Sumar opened it, revealing he had placed Ezra in the building the stand was in front of.
Mr. Sumar opened the crate and hugged the boy.
"It brings me such joy to see you here Ezra."
Ezra had to admit, "It's good to see you too," but then Ezra turned to the matter at hand, "But what's happening? Why are there more troopers than citizens?"
The old man sighed as he knew he had to tell Ezra what was going on.
"About two months ago, they increased imperial presence. In all that time they keep asking and looking for you and this man. The Empire broadcast say they believe you two are going to be found here. They've been wreaking havoc ever since. Everyone is on edge Ezra. If they as much as suspect that someone is harbor you they arrest them and split everything apart to find you and this man. People has been under enormous strain for the last almost two month. Kallus seems to be more and more desperate and stressed as the day passes."
Ezra didn't know what to say. Lothal might not be perfect, but it was still his home; and now it was a nightmare, one that he had caused.
" Ezra what did you do to make them so upset? The last time I saw you agent Kallus was taking you into custody and you were out cold" Sumar looked so angered by the idea, "I'm sorry I couldn't of done anything
Ezra felt his stomach sank as Sumar talked, he had not meant for people to get hurt he had just wanted to get away. Ezra was also a bit angry about Sumar not stopping Kallus, but he sensed Sumar's regret at his actions, and knew not to hold anything against the old friend.
"It's okay, I know if you could of, you would of," Ezra assured the man.
Ezra then told Sumar, "I ran away from prison. Along with the man they are looking for too." They want to kill us."Ezra said sadly.
Ezra could see Sumar's shocked face, and felt bad for the man.
"I should leave you are in danger here because of me Sumar" Ezra whispered.
"No Ezra stay here, at least until I have contacted some friends I have that can help you" Sumar urged.
"Okay but only until you have called them" Ezra whispered.
"Shop owner" roared a angry call through the air.
Mr Sumar went back outside to address the agent "Yes sir" Sumar answered Kallus.
"The boy was not there so where was he really?" Kallus screamed like he was about to explode.
"I told you I don't know where he went as he ran by" Sumar said.
"Liar arrest him and search everything"Kallus screamed.
Ezra was not sitting by while someone who had helped him was arrested. Ezra came out the building and pushed the crates into the Troopers and Kallus
"Run!" he screamed to Sumar that ran for his life.
Ezra turned around and ran in the opposite direction with Kallus right behind him.
"You won't get away brat" Kallus screamed and from the sound of it he was right behind him.
Tears of fear ran down from Ezra's face, he could not, would not go back to the Inquisitor who would torture and kill him. In his panic he cried out for help, and was shocked by the name he called for.
"Kanan!" Ezra pleaded
SWR
When Kanan got to the site where the temple should be, he saw pillars of rocks, one in particular was larger than the other's. Large enough to hide a temple in plain sight. Kanan connected with the force to open the entrance. With the entrance opened, Kanan went inside. Though unsure of what he would find, determined he needed answers.
Kanan entered the cold chamber of the temple. As he looked around him, he found multiple of doorways. Though he did not know if he was meant to take them, or if it was a simple of his own struggle. Kanna knew that where he stood in life lead to many possibilities. Rather it was to find another place for Ezra to stay, place him in a protected location. The worst he could think of was just bringing him back to Lothal and just check in on him ever so often. But that would be too awful.
"I don't know where to go from her." Kanan admitted to himself.
Just then Kanan heard a whisper, "Caleb."
Kanan then looked around, and found the faint whisper coming from the path right in front of him. So Kanan entered the doorway. As he walked further down the doorway, everything became bitter black. But the voice that he knew belongs to Depa beckoned him to continue down. Finally Kanan saw saw a dim light. When he got closer he could make out the image, an alley. The city alley was cold and dirty, but in it was a dumpster. Kanan heard thrashing come from it, and when a being emerged from it, his heart broke when he saw it was Ezra.
The child was a little younger than what he knew Ezra was now, but sure enough it was him. The boy emerged from the dumpster, looking like a kicked puppy.
"There has to be something" Ezra mumbled desperate.
As the boy got out, Kanan saw the boy stumble. Not because he was clumsy, but because he was weakened from hunger.
Kanan wanted to help him, but knew this was not real. But Kanan couldn't but to see a little of himself when he saw Ezra like that. Knowing he was only a little older when he too lost everything. The experience of the cold, the hunger, the constant fear that someone would notice you and send you to the Empire was something they had in common.
"It's like looking into a mirror, isn't it" Depa voice spoke over him as the image of Ezra on the cold was replaced with an image of what Caleb once was; a street rat.
Kanan looked away from his former self, "Ezra and I are nothing alike." Kanan stated.
Dep though chuckled, "So Ezra did not have to survive through hardship, Ezra is not as curious as you are? My dear padawan, you found this boy, whom is so similar to you, for a reason."
Kanan wasn't sure he liked the idea, "What reason could there be for making him, making me, go through a living nightmare!?"
Depa hesitated before she answered, "Caleb, one's pain, while a hard reality we must all deal with, is what grows character and make us strong."
Kanan thought of Depa's words before she continued, "Kanan, the force cannot control people and their corruption. It can only give strength and guide us; and now it seems the force has guided you to someone who was once just as lost as you were. Yet despite such a path being right in front of you, you seem determined to avoid it. Why do you wish to ignore the force?"
Kanan didn't know what else to say but the truth, "Because I can't train him. I am not good enough for him, I did not even finish my own training"
"Yes you can my student. You are the only one who he trust to train him. Through the force I have seen both your struggles."
The image of a young caleb faded, and showed Kanan the base, of when the two first met. Kanan squirmed as he saw Ezra holding the blaster, Kanan never saw the boy's face in that moment. But now Kanan saw so clearly how much turmoil Ezra was in at that moment.
"Ezra knew the consequences, as did you, but despite them. Both of you were brave when you told him it was okay, and he told the Inquisitor no. I was very proud when I saw you still held my lessons about not being afraid of death to heart, that it is just becoming one with the force. You could see the bigger picture and accepted your time here had come to an end"
The image then faded to the cell Kanan was in, to the ship he and Ezra ended up escaping on.
"Despite only knowing each other for a short time, both you two bonded of your similar situations. Both sympathized with one another, and helped each other escape. Despite misgivings and second thoughts on both ends."
Kanan looked down in shame. Ezra may of had second thoughts but he should never had.
Kanan then saw Ezra using the dark side. Kanan though noticed right before Ezra connected with the dark side, he looked scared, not for himself, but for the Kanan in danger he was looking at. Kanan understood
Depa though pointed out "Even the strongest of Jedi have been tempted by the dark side. Though he did connect to it, his action came from a good place."
"To protect me." Kanan realized
Depe continued, "His motives is just. But that is why he needs you, to teach him how to fight good with good."
Kanan knew that Ezra needed to learn exactly what his master taught him. But he still questioned if he was the ideal person for Ezra.
"You came back to Lothal because you thought it is best for Ezra. Now he has done the same."
Kanan was confused, "What?"
The images now faded to one that truly scared Kanan. There was Ezra running for dear life. Fear and tears on his face as he ran from the image behind him; Kallus. To make it worse, Kanan saw the clothes that Ezra was wearing were the ones Hera gave him. This wasn't a past image it was now!
"Ezra!" Kanan exclaimed in horror "No I have to help him" Kanan said.
Depa looked at her former student, "I thought you weren't good enough to help him."
"That doesn't matter! As long as I am willing and able to, I'm going to help him no matter…" Kanan then realized his own words rang true.
"The boy needs you to help, guide, train and protect him. It was the will of the force that brought you together. The boy needs you and you him" Depa said.
"Master… thank you. Please though guide me so I can help him stay on the right path, like I should of."
As Kanna ran out of the temple to the Ghost he heard Depa say the very thing that sent a tear down his face, "I am proud of you my Caleb"
SWR.
Ezra was having a hard time keeping ahead of Kallus. Ezra had to find a way to avoid them. That was when Ezra remembered something.
Ezra made a sharp turn into an alley he knew a sewer line entrance was. Ezra just got to it when heard Kallus enter the alley. Above Ezra heard the disgruntled Kallus groan as he went about looking for the boy. Ezra ran through the sewer. As Ezra ran, he made his way to the sewer to the out part of the city. As he ran he finally found the large gutter out of the city. Once out he saw the tower. Ezra began running towards it when he felt aggressive arms wrapped around him.
"Nice try Bridger!" shouted the angered voice of Kallus, his grip getting tighter around him.
"Let me go!" Ezra shouted as he struggled and kicked to get away.
"I don't think so!" roared Kallus, "This time, I'm going to see to it you end up so broken it will hurt to even breath."
"NO! I won't go back the Inquisitor he will kill me" Ezra snapped out and struggled.
"Oh he will, but not before I have beaten you into a senseless pulp. I have not had a single restful day since you escaped and it is all your fault you filthy rat" Kallus spat.
Ezra felt how his shoulder was pulled extremely hard that his whole arm and shoulder was screaming in pain.
"Let go" Ezra screamed while the tears ran down his cheeks.
"Never you brat" Kallus sneered and pressed even harder.
Ezra was so filled with so much pain and hatred for this man that he bit into Kallus arm, not to get away but to hurt him. Ezra's teeth drilled into Kallus arm and he could taste the metallic blood taste in his mouth and he bit even harder until he hit something hard.
"Let go brat" Kallus managed to his through his scream.
Kallus slammed his fist into Ezra's skull nearly blacking him out and Ezra screamed in pain and started spitting Kallus blood and skin out of his mouth. As Ezra dropped to the ground he felt Kallus lifting him up with the hair.
"Wrong move street rat" Kallus screamed in anger, putting his arm around Ezra neck again.
Ezra felt it, his own airway closing as Kallus grip became tighter.
In a desperate please Ezra cried out again, "KANAN!"
Just then he heard it a shot fired, and Kallus fell. Ezra began heaving in air. When he saw someone approach him. Ezra looked up at his savior and his eyes welled up when he realized who it was, "Kanan!"
Kanan was putting away his gun when he took a hold of Ezra's hand.
"Come on," Kanan began to direct.
Ezra though hesitated, "I can't, I-,"
"THIS IS NOT UP FOR DEBATE!" Kanan hollered as he swung Ezra onto his shoulders and ran off.
Ezra's mind was a whirlwind; why did kanan come back for him, what did he do to kallus, how did he even find Ezra?"
After a quick run Kanan boarded them onto the Phantom, set Ezra down and flew the ship up towards the sky.
Kanan then turned it on auto pilot and checked on Ezra.
"Are you okay?" Kanan asked with panic in his voice.
Ezra took deep painted breath and was shaking all over the body.
"Why … why did you come back for me?" Ezra stammed confused.
Before Kanan could say anything an alarm went off and the whole ship was shaking as something hit it.
"We are under attack" Kanan shouted and ran to the cockpit.
Ezra followed on his unsteady legs. Kanan took the pilot seat and looked around and found two TIE fighters firing at them.
"Hold on tight Ezra" Kanan said and he quickly sat Ezra down in the seat.
"Kanan I-," Ezra tried to say.
Kanan had to make an evasive action and Ezra had no choice but to cling to the chair. Ezra was shaking in fear but Kanan did not have the time to help him. Right now he had to make sure they were not blown to pieces. Kanan started flying to some rock formations hoping to lose them there. Another few shots flew past them and Kanan cringed at how close that was.
"Ezra I need you to hang on tight" Kanan shouted as he reached the rock formation he made a dangerous swing around the hill which one of the two TIE fighters did not made out safely and collided into it.
"One down, one to go" Kanan mumbled.
The other TIE fighter fired at them again and Kanan had to make another evasive action. They needed some way of losing the TIE and fast, the longer this drew on the higher risk of more TIE's taking part in the hunt and them getting captured. That thought alone terrified Kanan enough to make him sweat. As a new hill was seen Kanan speeded up and took a full round around the hill so he came behind the TIE before he shot it. Kanan nodded good now he had to hatch to the Ghost and leave Lothal it was definitely not safe. But they could not go straight back or they risked exposing the fleet, they needed to lay low somewhere but where? Then it suddenly hit him, he could hide a few hours on Gorse, it was not perfect but it would have to do. Kanan had attached to the Ghost and grabbed Ezra and carried him the cockpit. All the way Ezra was shaking and at no point positively reacting to Kanan rather the opposite, he was just shaking and being resentful to his hold. Kanan was desperate to find out why but he had to save them first. Kanan turned on the motor of the Ghost and prepared the ship and in matters of minutes they had started leaving Lothal. Kanan could see it, then he saw something else making his blood going cold. A Star Destroyer was entering their system. It looked like it had just gotten out of hyperspace and if he aimed it just right he could jump before they could do anything. Kanan pressed the Ghost to fly towards the Star Destroyer pressing the ship to the highest maximum. A number of TIE's flew out but just as they neared them he shifted slightly and made the jump so he jumped right next to the Star Destroyer.
As the Ghost entered hyperspace, Kanan sighed in relief as he leaned back into his chair. Yet again Ezra and him escaped the Empire.
A/N Part 1 is almost ended, but don't worry we are writing part two which will be released right here, so you don't have to do anything beside reading, liking and support.