The night was calm, the Ghost and Tempest were docked within two of the hangers within one of Garrel's hangers. Normally the Tempest would be docked on top of the Ghost but unfortunately that only works when in space were the weight of the ships wouldn't be a problem but when on a planet the Tempest would be too heavy for the Ghost to handle without damaging the landing gear, which is something Hera would never let happen.
Which is what led to Ezra and Sabine spending their first night together in the newly refurbished Tempest parked over the large walkway between the hangers. That was one of the reasons they were on Garrel, it had a very good reputation for being one of the best in the outer rim for selling ship accessories which included everything that you would need to make some modifications like clearing out a cargo hold and putting a couple of beds in there.
It took up the whole day of course but once it was all said and done, Ezra had to admit it was kinda nice to have a place just for him and Sabine. Out of the way of everything and everyone, it was a lot better.
Which is what led them to where they are now, Ezra was fast asleep now. His arm wrapped protectively around Sabine as they spooned, him as usual being the bigger one. With everything that's happening, it should be a very peaceful night and sleep all things considered.
But it's clear that is not the case. While Sabine's face held a satisfied smile as she pressed up against him, Ezra's was contorted into a frown as his head shifted slightly back and forth.
Within his mind Ezra couldn't help but try to understand what he was seeing; he was back on Lothal. Standing on one of the many large smooth boulders that overlooked the large grass landscapes, the two moons where visible in the clear night sky. He just stood there looking at them when a voice hit his ears.
"Ezra" a recognizable voice hit his ear
"Mira" he said in shock as he heard the voice of his foster mother, he hasn't heard her voice in a long time and to be truthful he hasn't thought about her in a while.
"Ezra" a second known voice said.
"Ephraim" he said again shocked "what the fuck" he muttered to himself as he looked around trying to see where they were "are you guys here? I can't see you" he added. When the words left his mouth, the whole world shifted around him, and he was in a very familiar looking imperial prison block "are you here?" he asked allowed as he looked around the small cell.
"We're right here" Mira's voice said, Ezra quickly turned around as he saw the entrance of the cell, but he couldn't help but tilt his head at what he saw. A Loth Cat? He was not expecting that, not really knowing what else to do he slowly walked forward and reached out his hand and attempted to touch the cat but as he did the cat hissed at him and Ezra felt himself go dizzy and bright flashes seemed to go past his eyes. He could see Mira and Ephraim sitting in a cell with a shadow hovering over them and himself peeking out from cover to see a large man standing in the distance.
When the flashes ended Ezra was back in the cell starring at the Loth Cat. He took a step forward but before he could get to the cat, the floor fell out from underneath him.
Ezra's eyes shot open and then he was back in the Tempest. Though unlike when he went to sleep, the position was different. When he opened his eyes, he saw Sabine facing him and starring right into his eyes instead of when she fell asleep on his chest, there was no fear or worry in her, but she was curious "are you alright?" she asked calmly as her head rested against the pillow.
Ezra frowned in confrontation for a moment before answering "I don't know" he said honestly "I need to talk to Kanan" he added as he scooted away from Sabine, slowly turning around he got off the bed and started to get dressed.
"you know I'm here for you, right?" Sabine said as she sat up, the cover falling reviling her naked chest.
Ezra turned to see her looking at her "yeah, of course" he said looking right into her eyes "hey, can you do me a favor and get the ship ready for take-off?" he asked, when Sabine tilted her head in confusion at the sudden request "I've got a really bad feeling" he added.
That seemed to be all Sabine needed "sure thing" she added before getting out of bed and getting dressed herself "are you sure you want to talk to Kanan so soon after..." she said.
Ezra sighed before turning towards the door "not really" he replied honestly "but it's not like there's anyone else who can help" he added before realizing what he said, he quickly turned around and saw Sabine was frowning at him with her hands on her hips "with force stuff, not every day personal stuff that I would very much like your help with and no one else's" with that he turned around and made his way out of the ship before he could dig himself an even bigger grave.
Though before he could reach the exit a hand landed on his shoulder, stopping his movements. Turning around getting ready for a stern talking too for what he said. Instead, something else happened "no" Sabine said "Ezra, you don't need him. You just want things to go back to the way they used to be but... I don't think you can" she added hesitantly. Her face adopted a sad look "I love Kanan, really, I do. But sometimes when you say something, you can't take it back"
Eight hours ago
"man, I'm beat" Ezra said as he leaned back in his seat as the crew all rested around the Ghosts lounge.
"I'm not surprised" Sabine said as she rested into his side "after what you all went through, I'm surprised you're not asleep already"
Zeb let out a chuckle "yeah, not every day you beat down an inquisitor" he punched Ezras shoulder "who knows, if you can take one then I can definitely handle a couple myself" he added while Ezra and Sabine couldn't help but roll their eyes at his confidence.
"I can't believe I have to say this but here we go" Hera added "we are not going to purposely look for Inquisitors" she said it seriously but it wasn't hard to see the smile on her face.
Before they could talk any more, Kanan walked in with a small frown on his face "Ezra, we need to talk" without another word or a glance at anyone else, he turned and left back the way he came.
"that's never a good sign" Ezra muttered to himself as he stood up and made his way towards Kanan's room. Once he entered, he did his best to ignore the strong sense of foreboding but when he saw Kanan's stern face and Ashoka's look of concern as she leaned against the wall, it seemed impossible to ignore.
"ok, what is it this time?" Ezra asked as he eyed Ashoka suspiciously, he didn't expect her to be here, he didn't take her as the type to be a part of what he can assume is a reprimand "why are you here Ashoka?" he asked politely.
"Kanan asked me to be here" she explained calmly "because he's concerned about your recent behavior"
Ezra turned and looked at his master "what behavior?" he asked stepping closer.
Kanan's frown left him for a moment as he sighed "Ezra, I think I've failed to teach you a very important thing when it comes to being a Jedi" he started "Being a Jedi means that you have to give up worldly attachments" he said.
Ezra frowned as his mind immediately went to what he thought Kanan was talking about "Sabine?" he asked with a small but strong tone.
"Normally" Ashoka interrupted before Kanan could "but that's not the case, don't get me wrong I'm not happy with someone with your type of relationship learning how to use the force" she said.
"excuse me" Ezra turned to face her "what are you talking about?" he asked.
Ashoka let out a small sigh before responding "Ezra, if you and Sabine where not in a relationship but just using each other for relaxation or releases of stress, that would be different. I wouldn't approve but I also wouldn't worry but this is different" she stepped forward and placed a hand on Ezra's tense shoulders "you love her, I've seen first-hand what love can do to a Jedi if the right person tugs on the strings"
Getting a very bad feeling in his gut, calmly he reached up and gripped Ashoka's wrist, lifting her hand from him he let go allowing it to return to her side. The look on his face could be described as hurt, betrayed and upset. Not something Kanan or Ashoka would expect to see from him "choose your next words very carefully Ashoka" he added.
"Ezra, you need to be made aware of the danger" Kanan said as he sat on his bed with crossed legs "and no, we're not just talking about Sabine. It's what you said back in that building where you fought the Inquisitors. The attachments that you're not supposed to have isn't just people but everything else. Including traditions, heritage" he added.
That was when Ezra realized what he was being asked "you want me to... what? Give up being a Mandalorian" now he was just getting pissed off "Kanan that's a pretty big part of who I am"
"that's the problem" Ashoka said as she crossed her arms "Ezra I hold a great deal of respect for the Mandalorian's, I've fought both with them and against them. It's because of that I know their creed" she explained "Ezra, I don't think it's possible to be a Jedi but still be a Mando at the same time"
It was the honesty in her voice that made Ezra blink, is it really that impossible? "What are you asking?" Ezra asked.
Kanan stood up and took a step towards him "you need to choose" he said calmly.
Ezra took a step back and slowly shook his head "I don't think I can do that" he added.
Kanan didn't smile, didn't look annoyed, didn't look angry. His face held an emotionless expression "I'm sorry Ezra, but I can't train you unless you do" with that he turned back around and took a meditative pose.
"so what? That's it then?" he asked as he frowned at his master "after everything we've been through, after everything we've done. Your just calling it quits" he said taking a step forward again.
He felt Ashoka place a hand on his shoulder, but he angrily shook it off "Ezra, there are no exceptions when it comes to being a Jedi" Kanan explains "it's all or nothing. There's no middle ground"
Ezra couldn't help but scoff as he half turned to exit "like that worked out so well for them" he added before turning to leave.
Present time
Ezra wanted to argue, he really did but there were some things that you don't say, some things you don't demand from someone "what are you saying?" he asked.
Sabine tilted his head to the side before responding "I think you and Kanan need to spend some time apart. You need time to think about the choice you have to make" she added. Of course, he told Sabine everything, needless to say she was angrier about the situation then he was. Though Ezra knew she would never say it out loud but she wanted him to choose his people over the ideology of the Jedi.
Ezra licked his lips before looking down for a moment, when he looked up he gave her a nod "Think you're ready for our first solo mission?" he asked.
She smiled back at him quickly "I was ready last week" she smiled back "so what's the mission?" she asked.
Ezra smiled back at her "apparently, we'll find out on Lothal" he said back.
"Lothal it is" she turned and made her way towards the pilot controls "you should tell commander Sato we're going on a mission though" he added.
"copy that" Ezra said as he sat on the chair beside her "Commander Sato, do you read?" Ezra asked as he felt the hum of the ship's engine come on.
It was only just a few moments before the body of Sato appeared "I read you Lieutenant Commander" the commander said "what is the reason for your call?" he asked.
"I'm taking the Tempest to Lothal, I believe the force is trying to tell me something" he explained as best he could, honestly he didn't know how else to describe it.
Sato reached up and stroked his chin in thought "very well, please keep your locater beacon active if we have need of you" he explained.
Ezra nodded back to the commander "understood, we'll see you soon" Ezra said.
"May the force be with you" the commander said before the connection was cut.
"how long will it take to get to Lothal from here?" Sabine asked as the ship lifted up from the hanger and started to slowly fly over the city.
"let's see" Ezra said as he turned to the right and saw a small monitor as set the course for Lothal "about two hours once we start the jump" he informed.
"good, that should be enough time" Sabine said as they started to pull the ship out of the atmosphere.
"enough time for what?" Ezra asked as he turned to face her with a grin.
Sabine just smirked "what do you think?" she said as she pulled the lever and the ship shot into hyperspace. After a few moments Sabine stood up and made her way over towards Ezra and without a word, she sat down on his lap and kissed him deeply while running her hands up his arms and settling in his hair.
Ezra and Sabine both held satisfied smiles on their faces as they watched the planet of Lothal get closer and closer. He had to admit, bending Sabine over the control console as he fucked her did add a certain thrill to it. Though a part of him couldn't help but think that he might just be overcompensating due to what Kanan had told him.
Give up attachment? Ha, as if he would ever do that. No, that was never going to happen.
Once the ship entered the atmosphere Ezra couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic as he saw the approaching city "Hey Sabine, I want to you to know. I really appreciate the help. Doing this alone would have been really shit compared to doing it with you" Ezra said as they just cleared their landing with one of the hangers.
"I'm happy to be here" Sabine said as the ship touched down "besides, you'd do the same for me right" she added as the two stood up.
"In a heartbeat" he calmly added as he walked over and gave her a small peck on the lips before feeling something touching his chest. Pulling away he looked down to see her pushing a helmet to his chest, he couldn't help but roll his eyes at her before smiling and throwing it over his head.
"so, walk me through this" Sabine said as the two left the hanger and began to enter the city "what's the plan?" she asked.
"well" Ezra started as he tried to find the best way to explain it "in the vision, I saw a lot of different things but what stood out the most was seeing the Bridgers in an imperial prison, an old man with a rifle and a Loth cat"
"that's not a lot to go on" Sabine calmly added as she followed next to him "so what's the first stop?" she asked.
"home" Ezra said back as he started to lead the way towards his old house. It didn't take them long to get there, only around ten minutes but when they did, Ezra couldn't help but get angry at the sight "they burnt it down" he said out loud as he walked forward and made his way into the now completely destroyed building.
"guess they wanted payback to make up for our last visit" Sabine spoke as she reached up and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Ezra gave her a glance before he made his way inside the building "the vision said I had to go back to Lothal. If not here, then where?" he asked aloud turning back to Sabine as she moved next to him.
"hold on" Sabine said as she placed a calming hand on his shoulder "isn't the force this all-knowing all-powerful thing?" she asked "if it is, then it must have had a reason for bringing you here"
Ezra listened to her words, she was right. Maybe all he had to do was listen to it. Ezra closed his eyes and reached out with the force, trying to find a calming presence and as usual, Sabine proved to be that presence. However before he could really begin to reach out and feel the force, a sound hit his ears. A sound he's heard hundreds of times before.
Opening his eyes, Ezra turned to see the small hatch that once housed the entrance to the basement. That was when he saw a white Loth Cat jump out and stand in front of them. Without a word Ezra started to move forward and when he saw the Loth cat just stare at him calmly, he thought that it may be a type of pet or something. Kneeling down he placed a hand on the cat's head "hey little guy" Ezra said as he continued to scratch the cat "what were you doing down there?" he asked as he reached into his back pocket and placed a small tracker on in its fur.
"you know it can't talk back right" Sabine added and even though he didn't turn around to see her, he could tell she wore a smile on her face.
"don't listen to her" Ezra said at the cat "I'm sure you could tell us somehow" he added. The cat didn't respond but it did however jump past him and start to climb up the rubble, it gave Ezra one more look before turning and running away "quick, we can't lose it" he added as he ran past Sabine and started to jog after the Loth cat.
"ok" Sabine said as she followed after him "so now we're following a Loth cat" the sarcasm in her voice was almost ridicules "Ezra, the force is just weird" she added.
"Ha" Ezra couldn't help but say "how do you think I feel?" he spoke.
It was a good few minutes of chasing, down alley ways, over roof tops and everything in between. It was during all this Ezra couldn't help but finally realize just how fast Loth cats really where, for a brief moment Ezra considered if it was true that some of the old Lothal Legends said that the Loth cats where magical 'huh, don't know how else to explain it' he thought to himself 'fast little shit' he continued. When Ezra reached a market, it seemed he lost it in a crowd of people "Damit, how the hell..." he trailed off as he heard and felt Sabine move forward beside him.
"what now?" she asked as she started to look around with him.
Ezra turned his head and stopped when he saw the cat jump onto the back of a small speeder "there!" he yelled running forward as someone who sat on the speeder started the engine "wait" he shouted but it seemed that the rider didn't hear him and soon sped off leaving dust in his wake "stop, you asshole!" he shouted.
"Ezra, you need to be quiet. You know there's still Troopers everywhere, right?" Sabine asked as she stopped next to him.
"we need to get back to the Tempest, I can track it from there" he said as he turned around and wrapped an arm around Sabine waist, trying to act normally as they walked down the busy street as a couple of troopers came walking past.
"wait, you can track it with the force?" Sabine asked calmly in order to not attract unwanted attention.
"No" he said back quickly with a shake of his head "well, at least I don't think so. I put a tracker on it before it started to run away" he explained.
"oohh" Sabine added slowly "that makes more sense" she added sheepishly and Ezra couldn't help but chuckle.
The Tempest flew over the Lothal landscape for ten minutes before they set it to land in a small clearing "the trackers leading to small cove in that mountain range up there" Sabine said as the two stepped down from the ships ramp.
"you know, this please seems familiar" Ezra said as the two walked forward.
"good thing he's here" Sabine said as she nodded her head in the direction of a nearby speeder.
"good thing to..." Ezra stopped mid-sentence when he felt the force give him warning, quickly stepping in front of Sabine. Ezra grabbed his sabre and activated it, just in time to deflect a blaster bolt that would have hit his head. He caught sight of the shooter and it looked like the same guy that owned the speeder, it looked like he was standing on some sort of makeshift shelter. If he was surprised by the lightsabre, he wasn't showing it. Instead, he fired again.
Ezra blocked the bolts as he walked forward getting closer and closer to him "wait a minute" Ezra said blocking another bolt, now that he was closer, he could get a better look at his face "X-TEN" he shouted "STOP SHOOTING!" he yelled noting that Sabine had her blasters drawn but wasn't shooting at their attacker.
"wait you know this guy" she asked taking a carful stance behind him.
"That isn't my name Bounty hunter, or whoever you are" the man said, surprisingly thinking that Ezra a bounty hunter, not caring that he has a lightsabre.
"Calm down asshole!" he shouted blocking another bolt "My name is Ezra Kryze, I think you knew my foster parents. Ephraim and Mira Bridger" he added.
There was a moment of silence as Ezra and Sabine looked at the man, who slowly but surely lowed his rifle "My name is Ryder Azadi" he said introducing himself "you're right, I knew the Bridgers" he said.
Seeing as how the threat was now over Ezra deactivated his sabre and but it one his waist, Sabine doing the same thing with her blasters. Though thinks where still tense when Ryder approached, he stopped for a moment when he was closer "it really is you" he spoke calmly "come on, it gets cold at night" he said as if Ezra didn't know that but did just notice that the sun was beginning to set.
The three of them stepped into a small makeshift tent, Ezra and Sabine were sitting around on some containers while Ryder sat opposite them "I can't believe you're here Ezra. I wanted to find you, but I guess you found me first" Ryder said calmly.
Ezra frowned as he starred at him "I swear, I know you from somewhere. I just don't know where" he said with a confused voice.
"Uh, you remember. I met you once when you first arrived at Lothal" he explained "Back when I was the governor just after the empires take over. I supported your parents and the messages they beamed out against the empire It was part of the reason I was accused of treason and sent to prison with them"
Ezra nodded at him, accepting the explanation "Ryder, the reason I'm here. I'm looking for the Bridgers. Do you know where they are? What happened to them?" he asked but when he did, he felt it through the force. He knew the answer to that question.
Ryders face adopted a sad look "Yes, I do" he said solemnly.
Ezra closed his eyes and looked down to the ground, he felt Sabine grab his hand for support, it seems she knew the answer too "they didn't make it, did they?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, son" he said back "They didn't"
Ezra sighed as he closed his eyes and looked down "shit" he sighed before looking back up "tell me what happened" he asked calmly with a sad expression.
Ryder took a moment before responding "You know, even imprisoned, the Bridgers would stand up for those who couldn't. That feeling, that duty they had went up tenfold when they heard a message of rebellion" he explained, he and Sabine shared a glance at each other, remembering the message Kanan spoke of back when Ezra was captured by the Grand Inquisitor "That message of rebellion that got beamed out somehow made its way into the deepest dark of Imperial prisons. They were inspired by it, Ezra. They rallied others to rise and break out. Dozens of us, rebels, sympathizers are free, thanks to them" there was a smile on his face as he retold the story.
Ezra tilted his head "but they didn't make it?" he asked.
"They got separated in the escape. It was just like them not to leave until everyone else got out first. But by then, it was too late" he added on finishing the story.
Ezra was quite for a moment as he tried to contain his emotions "You know, when they just took me in, they used to tell me "If we don't stand up, who will?"" he quoted with a small chuckle in his voice.
Ryder smiled along with him "that sounds like them"
Ezra stood calmly in the night as he looked out over the horizon, two moons where low casting light on the vast planes of Lothal. He's been standing there for an hour now, just thinking about what he's learnt. He honestly didn't know what he was feeling right now, anger, sadness, regret. Maybe all of them?
He also didn't know what Sabine was doing at this point either, maybe checking in with the rest of the Ghost crew. He could use the force to check but he didn't think he should. Looking down to the ground he saw a small rock, nothing too big, just big enough to fit in his palm.
They didn't make it, they were dead, if the story Ryder told him wasn't enough, he could feel it threw the force. They were gone "are you ok?" a voice broke him out of his thoughts. He turned around and saw Sabine walking up next to him with her helmet tucked under her arm.
Ezra took a moment before answering "no" he said honestly. Sabine gave him a sad smile before walking closer and placing a hand on his cheek "they were good people; they didn't deserve this"
"No, they didn't" Sabine agreed.
"This can't be allowed to happen again" Ezra said as he turned back to face the two moons "I won't let it happen again" his voice was hard determined.
"Ezra" Sabine added with a soft voice "you can't control that, you're not some all-powerful being that can just make things happen" she tried to explain.
"not yet" he said suddenly "I have the force, I'm a Mandalorian. I'll train, I'll train harder than I ever have before. I will push myself further than I ever have, I will break every bone in my body if it means they'll be built again stronger and if Kanan won't teach me how to use the force, I'll find another way to do it" he quickly turned to see Sabine looking at him with an uncertain look "I promise you" he added "I won't let anyone I care about get hurt again"
He looked down to the rock in his hand, with his own strength and the force to enhance him. It didn't last and turned to dust in his hand as it succumbed to the pressure "I promise"
Ok guys, we'll call it here. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, Kanan not wanting Ezra to be trained while he still follows the creed and Ezra having his own revelation. Let me know what you think in the reviews, and I'll see you all in the next chapter.
P.S. as some of you may know, next episode is when Leia first steps onto the scene. My question is, how would you guys feel about Leia, Sabine and Ezra having a one-night stand threesome. Just an idea, not set in stone. This won't affect the rest of the story, it will just be a onetime thing kind of deal, you know. Let me know.
