I don't own Star Wars Rebels or its characters, but my OCs I own only.

Enjoy!

Sparks of Rebellion

Chapter 24: A Princess on Lothal

Kanan talked with Hera via hologram about his, Ezra and Chopper's recent adventures on Lothal.

"How's he taking it?"Hera asked sadly.

"As you'd expect."Kanan responded. "We both knew Ezra might not get the news he hoped he would about his parents."

"Governor Azadi, we're grateful you stood by them for so long."Hera admitted.

"Not sure what good it did."Ryder said. "Things don't seem any better here on Lothal."

"At the moment, maybe, but we hope to change that in the future."Hera complemented and looked at Kanan."Speaking of which, Senator Organa heard about our losses on Garel. He's sending us reinforcements. His agent is coming to Lothal with three cruisers."

"Three cruisers? That is good news."Kanan replied with a smile. "Maybe a mission like this is just what Ezra needs."

"I hope you're right."Hera said. "We'll be there as soon as we can to help."

In Space...

Above the planet Lothal, three unidentified cruisers dropped out of hyperspace and were intercepted by a light cruiser.

Inside the Light Cruiser...

"Sir, three unidentified starships have just entered our sector."An imperial officer stated.

"Launch fighters to intercept. Open a channel."Lieutenant Lyste ordered. "Attention. This is Lieutenant Lyste. Lothal is now a restricted system by order of the Emperor. Identify yourselves immediately."

"Greetings, Lieutenant."A pilot replied. "We come bearing relief supplies for the citizens of Lothal. Our mission is sanctioned by the Imperial Senate."

"I wasn't informed of your visit, nor do you have a landing permit."Lieutenant Lyste said.

"Permit's coming through now, sir."the imperial officer commented.

"They're from Alderaan."the second imperial officer admitted.

"Another meddling delegation from Alderaan."Lieutenant Lyste muttered in a irritated tone. "I'll handle this personally."

In one of the Alderaanian Cruiser...

"Attention, senatorial convoy."Lieutenant Lyste responded. "Your landing has been granted and fighters will escort you to the Jalath City Depot for processing. I'll see you there."

Then a fifteen year old girl came out the shadows.

She had dark brown hair tied up in a braided ponytail, chocolate brown eyes and wore a white suit.

The figure was Leia Organa, the Princess of Alderaan.

"This is Princess Leia Organa. I look forward to it, Lieutenant. End transmission."Leia stated and smiled confidently. "Well, there's no turning back now."

Back at Ryder Azadi's hideout...

Ezra sat in the field with Chopper next to him.

"Ezra, we're gonna miss our rendezvous."Kanan stated. "Let's go."

"If you're going into Jalath City, be careful."Ryder warned. "The fleet may be gone, but Imperial security is bound to recognise you."

"Maybe dressed like this."Kanan responded and threw the cadet helmet to Ezra. "But who's gonna notice an extra stormtrooper and cadet?"

"Great."Ezra said simply and walked away from the two men.

"They know our ship, too."Kanan admitted. "Ryder, any chance we could..."

"Borrow my bike? Take it."Ryder answered. "But I'm not getting involved any further."

"Even after what the Empire did to you?"Kanan questioned. "Come on, get back in the fight."

"I won't go back to prison, Kanan."Ryder complemented firmly. "Please don't ask that of me."

Afterwards...

Kanan and Ezra, disguised as a stormtrooper and an Imperial cadet respectively arrived at the garrison as the Hammerhead corvettes were just landing.

"Those are our reinforcements?"Ezra asked. "Some old transports?"

"In our position, you take what you can get, kid."Kanan stated.

Kanan and Ezra walked up to the second corvette as the ramp lowered causing Leia to come out.

Ezra became surprised when he notice Leia resembled Lisa a lot except Lisa's hair was blonde and Leia's hair was in a dark brown colour.

But Lisa was more of his type than the Alderaanian princess.

"Hey, excuse me, miss."Ezra said. "Uh, where's your commander?"

"Not much of a welcoming committee."Leia complemented with a hint of disappointment and looked at Kanan. "Trooper?"

Kanan removed his helmet.

"I'm Kanan. This is Ezra."Kanan replied. "We're from Phoenix Squadron."

"I know who you are."Leia stated. "And unless you want the deck officer to know, too, I suggest you put your helmets back on and keep your mouths shut."

Leia walked away causing Ezra to glare at her while Kanan placed his helmet back on.

"Excuse me?"Ezra questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"You heard her."Kanan said. "Shut it."

Ezra frowned and placed on his cadet.

"Deck Officer, I'd like to start distributing my relief aid."Leia commented.

"Stand by. My orders are to inspect the cargo for contraband, and detain these vessels until the lieutenant arrives."the deck stormtrooper responded and looked at his crew. "Scanning crew, move out."

The stormtroopers walked away leaving the brown haired princess with the disguised rebels.

"Well, this plan's off to a good start."Kanan said.

"As a matter of fact, it's going perfectly."Leia remarked. "Where's the rest of your team?"

"They'll be here, eventually."Kanan replied.

"Good."Leia admitted. "Then you can steal my ships."

"What?"Kanan and Ezra asked in shock.

Then Lieutenant Lyste's shuttle landed at the garrison.

"I'll explain later. First I have to deal with the lieutenant."Leia complemented. "Follow my lead and try and keep up."

"Wait, why does she get to give orders?"Ezra asked. "I don't get to give orders."

"Do you ever listen to yourself?"Kanan asked.

"Yes, and I happen to be very interesting."Ezra answered.

Leia walked up to Lieutenant Lyste with Kanan and Ezra following from behind.

"You must be Leia Organa, princess of the royal house of Alderaan."Lieutenant Lyste said.

"And aide to my father, Senator Bail Organa."Leia said. "I come with relief supplies for Lothal's needy, who are suffering terribly as a result of the rebel insurgency here. Surely you don't want innocents to starve."

"No, of course not."Lieutenant Lyste replied. "Lothal has indeed suffered as has Alderaan. From what I hear, your ships have an unfortunate habit of falling into rebel hands. I assure you, that won't happen on my watch."

Several stormtroopers began attaching devices to the fronts of Leia's ship.

"What's that?"Ezra asked quietly.

"Gravity locks?"Leia questioned with a frown. "This is hardly necessary."

"I insist."Lieutenant Lyste said. "Plus a trooper detachment and for extra security Walkers will guard your ships from the rebel insurgency."

A Gozanti-class cruiser flew in and deposited two all terrain armoured transports in the garrison.

"All for your safety, miss."Lieutenant Lyste stated.

"It's Your Highness."Leia corrected coldly. "As my ships are detained, I will require your shuttle to begin my work."

"Oh? Um, my shuttle?"Lieutenant Lyste asked. "Certainly I could arrange for other transportation."

"No. Your shuttle. I need to leave immediately."Leia responded firmly before looking at Kanan and Ezra. "You two, bring those supplies and escort me to the trauma area at once."

"Yes, ma'am."Kanan answered. "Right away."

Kanan and Ezra followed Leia and brought the supplies onto Lyste's shuttle.

Then the shuttle flew away from the garrison.

Inside the Shuttle...

"I hate to say it, but whoever came up with this plan severely underestimated the Empire's security."Kanan stated.

"I'm sorry."Leia apologised.

"Don't be."Kanan responded. "It's not your fault."

"Yes, it is."Leia admitted sadly. "This was my plan."

"We need those ships."Ezra said. "Why didn't you just hand them off to us in deep space?"

"You don't understand. It's not that simple."Leia replied with a frown. "If the Empire could prove Alderaan provided ships to the rebels, we'd lose our seat in the Senate and be charged with treason. But if they're stolen on a planet controlled by the Empire."

"Alderaan would be blameless."Kanan finished. "Have to admit, that was a good plan."

"Well, now we need a new one."Leia said.

Then a beeping sound was heard.

"Yeah, what is it, Chopper?"Ezra asked in his comlink.

Chopper beeped a response.

"Stormtroopers?"Ezra said in confusion.

The shuttle landed at Ryder's hideout, where they find a group of stormtroopers arresting Ryder and Chopper.

"Friends of yours?"Leia asked.

"Not for much longer, by the look of things."Kanan said.

"What are we going to do?"Leia questioned.

"This time, you follow my lead."Kanan admitted.

The three walked out of the shuttle and went up to the commander stormtrooper.

"This is a secure site."the commander stormtrooper said. "State your business."

"I'm taking the princess ambassador here on a scouting mission for possible refugee relocation."Kanan replied.

"This is not a safe area for you."the commander stormtrooper admitted. "There's a high level of rebel activity happening at the moment."

"Well, we're finishing our survey."Kanan stated. "We could take these prisoners back to Jalath for you."

"That won't be necessary."the commander stormtrooper complemented. "We have orders to terminate one of them immediately."

"Hold on, trooper."Leia said as she walked forward. "As a representative of the Senate, I demand to know what this man has done."

He's a fugitive from an Imperial prison."the commander stormtrooper stated. "Now, depart immediately for your own safety. Where you find one rebel, there are usually more."

Chopper suddenly started spinning around wildly.

"Chopper's receiving a signal."Kanan whispered.

"You know what that means."Ezra said. "Hera's here."

On cue, the Ghost appeared and shoots at the Imperial transports.

"More friends of yours?"Leia asked.

"Yeah, I'm a likable guy."Kanan remarked and helped up Ryder. "You're coming with me!"

Kanan grabbed Ryder and pulled him behind a toppled Imperial Troop Transport, along with Ezra and Leia.

Zeb and Sabine disembarked and a firefight began.

Chopper rolled toward the Ghost, but Sabine blocked him from coming inside.

"No, you can't come on board!"Sabine stated. "You have to go get the Phantom. Get moving!"

Chopper grumbled and flew towards the Phantom.

"Your friends might shoot you wearing that armour."Ryder said.

"That's not a bad idea, Governor."Kanan replied. "Take the princess hostage."

"What?"Ryder questioned.

"If I'm seen escaping with you, I'll be labeled a traitor."Leia explained. "You have to take me prisoner."

"Well, you better make it look good."Ezra said. "I'll warn Sabine."

Ezra does a signal causing Sabine to notice.

"We got two incoming."Sabine commented.

"What about Ezra and Kanan?"Zeb asked.

"They're the troopers on the left."Sabine responded.

Ryder shoved Kanan onto Ezra before grabbing Leia by the wrist and they run for the Ghost.

"Help! Help!"Leia shouted. "Commander!"

The other stormtroopers move in, but Kanan prevented them from doing so.

"Hold your fire!"Kanan ordered. "She's my responsibility! I'll get her back!"

"Kanan's coming."Ryder said. "He said to make it look good."

Zeb smirked and knocked out Kanan when he came forward.

"No, Zeb, wait!"Ezra protested. "Easy! That's Kanan!"

Zeb knocked out Ezra as well.

"I know."Zeb said smugly.

Zeb dragged the unconscious duo onboard the Ghost causing two of the fighting stormtroopers to get surprised.

"They're taking prisoners?"A stormtrooper asked.

"They do that now?"the other stormtrooper said.

Chopper, piloting the Phantom, destroyed Lyste's shuttle and followed the Ghost.

Inside the Ghost...

Zeb was telling Kanan to wake up.

"Kanan!"Zeb said. "Wake up! Kanan! How's your face?"

"Why did you hit me?"Kanan asked.

"What?"Zeb chuckled. "You had a helmet on."

"Did you have to hit us so hard?"Ezra questioned with a frown while rubbing his jaw.

"Hey, you wanted it to look good."Zeb remarked.

"Where's the princess?"Kanan demanded.

"In the cockpit with Hera."Zeb replied.

Back at the Garrison...

"We've completed our search of the transports and found no contraband."the deck stormtrooper stated.

"Very well, Corporal."Lieutenant Lyste said and answered his comlink that was beeping. "Yes?"

"Sir, my squad was ambushed by rebels."the deck stormtrooper reported. "They escaped with the fugitive Ryder Azadi."

"What?"Lieutenant Lyste asked.

"They also abducted a cadet."the deck stormtrooper added. "And some princess ambassador."

"She's under our protection."Lieutenant Lyste admitted. "Deploy search patrols, now!"

Inside the Ghost...

"I owe you my life."Ryder admitted. "You have my gratitude."

"It's the least we could do after leading the Empire right to you."Hera responded.

Leia quietly followed the two adults before noticing Ezra talking with Zeb and Sabine.

"We heard what happened."Zeb said sadly. "Sorry, kid."

"Hey, at least now you know."Sabine commented.

"Yeah."Ezra responded and walked away. "I guess I just need some time."

Leia looked at Kanan.

"Is he all right?"Leia asked.

"He's okay."Kanan replied. "He just lost some people close to him. It's a challenge being his age with so much responsibility."

"I know that feeling."Leia admitted with a hint of sadness.

During her childhood, Leia remembered she was taught by her father Bail to appreciate the effort of Alderaan's workers, but also the importance of her duties as the planet's eventual queen.

Kanan placed a comforting hand on Leia's shoulder.

"Maybe he could use a friend."Kanan suggested.

Leia walked up to Ezra, who was at the nose gun watching the hologram image of himself as a young boy with his parents.

"I know who you are. You're Ezra Bridger."Leia said as she walked forward. "I heard your transmission."

"Yeah? My parents heard it, too."Ezra stated. "But they're gone now."

"I'm sorry."Leia apologised.

"It's just there's so much against us."Ezra admitted. "Do you ever wonder..."

"If this fight is even worth it?"Leia finished. "Every day. But I'm still here."

"But you're a princess."Ezra reminded. "You don't have to risk your life doing this."

"I feel like because I can fight, I have to for those who cannot."Leia commented. "And I think you might be the same way."

Ezra remained as he placed off the hologram image and grabbed his cadet helmet.

"Let's figure out a way to get your ships."Ezra said confidently.

Ezra and Leia walked into the common room where the others were.

"We did a scan of the landing field, and looking at the Imperial security, I just don't see us living long enough to get near those ships."Sabine stated.

"Two walkers are a big problem."Zeb admitted.

"Ugh."Kanan sighed. "Even if we reach the ships, they're not going anywhere until we can disable those gravity locks."

"Those defenses are formidable."Leia explained. "Why? Because the Empire doesn't underestimate you. They know how good you are."

"We might be able to get one out, but we'll never get all three."Kanan said. "It's impossible."

The Ghost crew remained silent.

"I know you need those ships, so don't tell me why we can't get them."Leia stated. "Tell me how we will."

"Well, Kanan and I still have our disguises, so we can get onto the platform."Ezra suggested. "But to get close to the ships, we'll need a distraction."

"I can handle that."Leia assured proudly with her arms folded.

"The Ghost can act as air support."Hera commented.

"And I can use detonators to blast off the gravity locks."Sabine suggested.

"Won't work."Ryder replied. "You can't forcibly remove the locks."

"You know this how?"Hera questioned.

"In prison I put those locks together, so I know how to take 'em apart."Ryder explained.

"Ryder Azadi, does that mean you're getting involved?"Kanan asked.

"Just this once."Ryder responded. "It's clear I can't stay on Lothal, so I'll help you, if you get me outta here."

Back at the Garrison...

Lieutenant Lyste and his soldiers see the Phantom touch down.

"Over there."the deck stormtrooper said.

"This is the rebel ship we've been looking for."Lieutenant Lyste stated. "Set weapons for stun."

Leia came out of the Phantom followed by Kanan and Ezra, who still had their disguises on.

"I'd think you'd be pleased to see me safe and sound, Lieutenant."Leia said with a frown.

"Of course, Your Highness."Lieutenant Lyste assured. "Very pleased. Just, um, surprised."

While Lieutenant Lyste and his soldiers were distracted, Ryder, Chopper and Sabine went up to one of the gravity locks.

"We need to cut open that access panel, and bypass the primary power flux coupling."Ryder commented. "Hurry."

"This brave trooper saved us both from those rebels."Leia remarked smugly. "He deserves a medal."

Chopper disabled a gravity lock.

"He did it!"Ryder responded and looked at Sabine. "Sabine, you take this one. We'll move on to the next ship. I'll call in the air support."

Sabine goes inside to pilot the cruiser, signalling for their air support, while Ryder and Chopper move on to the next one.

"As you can see, your ships are safe and sound right where you left them."Lieutenant Lyste admitted.

"If you're trying to impress me, Lieutenant, you're doing a miserable job of it."Leia stated coldly.

"What do you mean?"Lieutenant Lyste asked.

"You don't know?"Leia questioned disbelief pointing at one of the corvettes.

Lieutenant Lyste and his soldiers notice the corvette was moving.

"I didn't authorize this!"Lieutenant Lyste protested. "Who's piloting that ship?"

The stormtroopers spotted Ryder and Chopper disabling a gravity lock.

"Sir!"the deck stormtrooper shouted. "Rebels!"

"Blast them!"Lieutenant Lyste ordered.

The stormtroopers began firing at Ryder and Chopper.

Sabine, piloting her corvette, fires on the troopers, knocking them over.

Kanan and Ezra then knock Lyste and his two soldiers out cold.

One of the AT-ATs attacked the ship and the Ghost swoops in and fires proton torpedoes at the walker, temporarily disabling it by causing it to kneel.

"Sabine's away."Kanan said. "Let's get outta here."

"I'm not sure we're going anywhere."Ezra admitted.

The AT-AT got back to it's feet, preparing to fire at Ryder and Chopper.

"Secure the third ship."Kanan ordered and ran off. "I'll handle the walker."

"Handle the walker?"Leia repeated in disbelief. "How?"

"Just trust us."Ezra instructed. "Go!"

Ryder, seeing a stormtrooper running towards him, prepares to fire, but Chopper sees Kanan pulled out his lightsaber and stopped Ryder.

"Unlock that ship!"Kanan ordered.

"He's a Jedi!"Ryder said in surprise.

Still in stormtrooper armour, Kanan charges the AT-AT and severs two of its legs, causing it to topple.

"Did you see that?"Leia asked excitedly.

Ezra nodded at her.

"Drop your weapons!"

Ezra sees two stormtroopers threatening Ryder and Chopper.

"If you like that, watch this."Ezra stated with a smile.

Ezra used the force to pull the stormtroopers blasters from their hands.

Ezra caught one blaster, but the other hits him in the head.

"Get down!"Leia ordered.

Leia grabbed the fallen blaster and shoots the approaching troopers.

"Whoa!"Ezra chuckled.

"That is impressive."Leia replied with a smirk and handed Ezra the blaster. "Well, mostly."

Ryder and Chopper disabled the second gravity lock.

Kanan rushed up to Ryder.

"She's all yours, Kanan."Ryder said.

"Two down, one to go."Kanan admitted and removed his helmet.

The Ghost continued to harry the other AT-AT, but was having little effect.

Then imperial reinforcements arrived to the garrison.

"I'll handle this."Leia assured.

The young princess walked up to the approaching stormtroopers.

"Thank goodness you've arrived."Leia said. "The rebels are stealing my ships."

"AT-AT 36, you have new orders, shoot to kill."the officer stormtrooper said. "Repeat, shoot to kill."

"No, you can't!"Leia protested.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness."the officer stormtrooper replied. "We can't let your ships fall into rebel hands. Destroy that ship now!"

A hint of worry appeared in Leia's eyes.

Ryder looked at Chopper.

"Finish up here."Ryder ordered. "I have to help them."

Realizing that the rebels need help, Ryder goes aboard the third ship while Chopper disabled the gravity lock.

Ryder guns the ship's engines, straining against the gravity lock.

Once Chopper finished disabling the lock, Ryder used the corvette's thrusters to topple the second AT-AT.

Ezra hurried up the ramp of Ryder's corvette and Leia approached hom.

"Time for me to go."Ezra said.

Leia grabbed both of Ezra's hands.

"Wait, what are you doing?"Ezra asked.

"Stop that rebel! He's stealing my transport!"Leia shouted and whispered. "Make it look good."

"Oh, we gotta make this look good."Ezra said.

"You have my permission."Leia stated and went off the ramp.

"See ya later, Princess."Ezra remarked.

Ezra stuns Leia to avoid suspicion.

"The princess!"Lieutenant Lyste called out.

Lieutenant Lyste and his soldiers went to check on Leia as Chopper takes off with the Phantom, following the rebel ships.

Lieutenant Lyste helped Leia up.

"My ships."Leia said with a frown. "You lost my ships."

"I'm afraid so."Lieutenant Lyste responded.

"You should be afraid!"Leia admitted with a glare. "Just wait until I tell the Senate that the Imperial presence on Lothal is helpless against the rebels!"

"No, no, no. That won't be necessary."Lieutenant Lyste assured. "I-I assure you, Alderaan will be fully compensated for your lost ships."

"Fine."Leia replied. "Oh and I'll need your shuttle so I can return home."

"My shuttle. Right."Lieutenant Lyste agreed and notice his shuttle was gone. "Uh, where is it?"

"Lieutenant, did you lose your ship, too?"Leia questioned.

"I'll summon you another right away."Lieutenant Lyste replied.

Leia secretly smiled as the lieutenant went away.

In Space...

The rebel fleet were travelling with the stolen cruisers.

Inside the Ghost...

Ryder and Ezra walked to the common room.

"So, Governor, we need to find a safe place for you."Hera said.

"I already know where I'm going, back home."Ryder admitted.

"I knew you'd come around."Kanan remarked proudly.

"I couldn't see it before, but going to prison with the Bridgers started something."Ryder explained. "That something has grown bigger than I ever imagined. I owe it to them and I owe it to you to see it through to the end."

The Ghost crew smiled at Ryder.

"Welcome back to the fight, Governor."Ezra stated.

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter