Author's Note: Wow... this was a long chapter. so much stuff that had to be put in, made it three times as long as my usual word limit. Oh well, more for you to enjoy I suppose!


Shipyard; Lothal - Lothal Sector

3rd person POV...

The shipyard on Lothal was proceeding on schedule as usual, with a Gozanti cruiser parked for refueling. A pair of stormtroopers patrolled along the TIE Fighters before a girl's voice called out to them.

"Miss me, bucketheads?"

The Stormtroopers turned around to find Sabine standing before them, hand on her hip and a paint sprayer in the other. She let out a small puff of pink spray paint, and they immediately raised their blasters.

"It's her!" one exclaims

They opened fire, and Sabine quickly ducked out of the way before jumping up a wall. She easily pulled herself forwards and ran along the top of the wall, the stormtroopers attempting to shoot her down. She ducked down the side for a moment, and they stopped shooting.

"Yep, you definitely missed me!" Sabine exclaimed, popping back up and waving her arms tauntingly.

They fired at her again, and she leaped down onto a lower crate, rolling out of sight. One of the troopers raised a hand to his helmet, activating his comlink.

"We have an intruder on the north side, Sector 9. The artist is back," the trooper reports grimly. "Sound the alarm."

The Stormtroopers took off after Sabine, and once they were gone, Ezra and Zeb peeked around the corner, grins on their faces.

"Sabine's distraction is working," Ezra said, and they quickly rushed across the yard in the direction of the Gozanti cruiser.

Unbeknownst to them, a small, but shadowy figure with red hair leaped off of a tall crate, and quietly stalked after them, keeping out of sight. Nearby, more stormtroopers had gathered to shoot down the Mandalorian teenager, but she easily evaded every of their shots without a sweat, flipping onto various crates and pulling herself up walls. Ezra and Zeb entered the lift to the Gozanti cruiser, which closed after them. The two rushed into the cockpit and Ezra stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles and sitting down in the pilot's seat. Pressing a few buttons, the ship turned on, and he gave Zeb a thumbs up as they achieved liftoff.

Sabine ducked from another blast before peeking her head out again, a grin underneath her helmet.

"You got a little better!" she admitted.

She then jumped off of the wall and rolled across the ground, jumping up again. Using a stormtrooper as a launch pad, she jumped onto the TIE Fighter platform, then climbed to the top of the fighter.

"But I got a lot better!" she added smugly.

The Gozanti cruiser rose up behind her, and the stormtroopers looked up in alarm.

"That's not one of us!" one exclaimed, and they focused their fire on the ship.

Sabine then ran along the tops of the TIE Fighters and jumped onto the extended platform, waving down at them.

"Bye-bye, bucketheads!" she called out

The Stormtroopers continued to fire at the slowly retreating ship before the sound of a primed detonator got one's attention.

"Not again. Everyone, evacuate!" he exclaimed, rushing for cover.

Moments later the entire shipyard erupted into a series of explosions, courtesy of Sabine, laying waste to the facility.

As the Gozanti cruiser retreated, a shadowy figure crawled along the top of the ship, seeing the ground rapidly getting further. Knowing she didn't have much more time, she speedily rushed towards one of the emergency exits and used the Force to pull the lever inside. The door slammed open, and she quickly jumped in, closing it behind her.


Space - Lothal Sector

The Gozanti cruiser was docked with the Ghost, which flew through space at a calm speed. In the main cabin of the ship, the Crew was sitting around the holotable, which had a projection of Mustafar on it.

"The transport you stole will get us close to the fleet over Mustafar. We know they have Kanan on Tarkin's Star Destroyer," Hera said, a hologram of the Sovereign appearing.

"And it's surrounded by a bunch of other Star Destroyers." Zeb pointed out.

"Uh, lots more," she replied in agreement. "We'll need a distraction to cover our entry. Sabine?"

"Engine room's here- all the power for the ship. If we could get inside the docking bay, I could rig something, black 'em out. But our transport ship's not gonna fit in there." Sabine told them.

"We need something small enough to get into that hangar bay," Hera decided, sighing I frustration as the holotable turned off, bringing the lights back on.

"How about a TIE Fighter?" a girls voice asked.

The crew all yelped in surprise, whipping their heads around, and Sabine pulled out her blaster pistol. Their eyes all widened in shock to see Mara sitting on a bench, leaning against the side of the wall with her legs on the bench. She was picking at her hands casually, and looked over innocently. Sabine's face contorted into one of anger, and she didn't lower her blasters.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"Sabine-" Hera started to say before being interrupted by Zeb.

"Forget that! How'd she get on board?!" he demanded.

"I snuck on while you stole that Gozanti. Nice distraction by the way," Mara said, winking at Sabine, who glanced at her in slight surprise and hesitancy, before glaring again.

"Thanks..." she answered slowly.

"So, you guys are planning to rescue Kanan huh?" Mara said, standing up.

They all glanced at each other hesitantly before Hera stepped forwards. "We are. Does Fulcrum know about this?"

"Duh. Why do you think I'm here?" she replied.

"Wait, what?" Ezra asked in confusion.

Mara rolled her eyes. "Fulcrum already knew you would go to rescue Kanan whether we liked it or not. So, Fulcrum sent us to help you!"

They all shared a glance of confusion, looking inquisitively at the young Jedi.

"Us?" Sabine questioned.

Mara stared at her warily, hesitating to answer before replying. "My dad."

Sabine widened her eyes in shock and fury, but Mara quickly cut her off before she could say anything.

"Look Sabine, I know you hate my dad and by extension; me. But we're doing this to help you rescue Kanan, alright? Besides, he isn't even going to be here with us, and you won't have to see him at all during this mission!" she reasoned

Sabine opened and closed her mouth a few times, attempting to formulate an angry response, but eventually gave up with a frustrated sigh, lowering her blasters.

"Fine," she replied angrily. Mara nodded in appreciation.

"So you're saying that your father, Jarik Shan, is going to help us rescue Kanan?" Hera asked, a hint of excitement showing.

"Yep," Mara replied.

"Well, how?!" Ezra asked eagerly.

Mara frowned thoughtfully, shrugging. "I don't know. He wouldn't tell me."

They all gaped at her in disbelief.

"What do you mean you don't know?!" Sabine exclaimed.

"Hey, all I know is that he and Tarkin have a history with each other, and he just told me that a few hours ago." Mara retorted defensively. "Besides, your plan is already sounding pretty good. So you said you needed a small enough ship?"

Hera nodded.

"A TIE Fighter would be a good start. If only we didn't blow up the ones back at that base," she said glumly.

Ezra perked up slightly, although extremely nervous, causing Mara to glance at him curiously. Just what was he up to?

"Well... there is one left! But, it's not at the base," he said.

Mara crossed her arms with a small grin, eager to hear this story. 'This should be good,' she thought to herself.


Mustafar - Atravis Sector

Jarik POV...

The Knight Hawk was moments away from exiting hyperspace, with Ahsoka and R5 in the cockpit. I was standing in front of the docking clamp doors, and the second emergency door behind me was closed. I was wearing an EVA suit underneath my Jedi cloak and armor, and the helmet over my head. This plan was crazy, but good, and R5 had already done the calculations to time it right.

...

Yeah that's worrisome, but when it comes to life and death he doesn't mess up, so I should be good.

"You ready over there?" Ahsoka asked over the comlink.

"Ready!" I replied, holding my arms together in front of me.

I could hear R5's beeping over the com, signaling that we were about to exit hyperspace.

"Exiting hyperspace in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... now," Ahsoka said, and I felt the slight lurch as the ship came to a stop, exiting hyperspace.

A moment later, the docking clamp door opened in a flash, and the vacuum of space immediately sucked me out at a very high velocity, sending me hurtling forwards. I glance behind me to see the ship turn and re-enter hyperspace, and looked forwards again. I was headed straight for the Sovereign, passing by his fleet of Star Destroyers on the way, Mustafar's glowing red surface bringing back memories.

I shoved those memories down and concentrated on flying straight, staying in a streamline position as Tarkin's ship got closer and closer. Narrowing my eyes, I quickly searched the ship for the proper place of entry, and then reached out an arm, using the ship as an anchor to help change my direction. I slowly aimed myself for an area on the lower bridge tower. Once I was close enough, I reached out both arms and used the Force to slow down, cushioning my landing against its surface, grasping onto a near ledge. If the Destroyer was in a planet's atmosphere, I would be standing horizontally, but luckily this was space.

Walking along the tower, I kept a tight hold on the ledge with my left arm and then placed my right hand against the surface, closing my eyes. I felt along the ship's surface for a proper opening, feeling with the Force. Eventually I found the right area, a small room that wouldn't alert or affect any other parts of the ship, and pulled out my lightsaber. I activated the blue blade and jammed it into the surface, cutting a small circular opening. Once I had cut all the way through, I quickly pulled myself out of the way as the covering was sucked off in an instant, two stormtroopers following with terrified screams.

Placing my saber back on my belt, I pulled myself into the small maintenance room, now inside of the Star Destroyer. looking around, I spotted a flat metal sheet larger then the opening I cut, and bounded over to it. Lifting it up easily in the vacuum, I carefully placed it over the open hole and pushed. Holding it in place, I then used the Force to open the door to the next room behind me. Air immediately flooded into the room, threatening to throw me against the wall.

Once the room was flooded, I carefully let go of the metal sheet, which to my relief, stayed on the wall. Just like I thought, the vacuum behind it was constantly pulling the heavy metal, but since it wasn't small enough it was stuck there. I grinned to myself and then pulled off the helmet, having no real need for it anymore and shook my hair free.

"Worked like a charm," I muttered, before stopping suddenly, a look of fear crossing over my face.

I could feel him... Vader was on the planet right now.

And he could sense me here too.


Vader POV...

I looked out the window at the fiery landscape that caused me so much pain, watching the lava flow by, a constant sight all day. Behind me stood Admiral Thrawn and his Lieutenant Vanto at a respectful distance. The latter was fearful of me, something I could sense easily, but I paid him no mind. It was rare for an Imperial Officer to not feel fear in my presence, and Thrawn was one of those few. Today the atmosphere was unusually clear, not free of smoke but enough for me to spot Tarkin's fleet of ships just in orbit, where the Grand Inquisitor informed me that he was transporting a Jedi for interrogation.

I could sense him the moment he entered the system... Jarik Shan.

The thought of him made my blood boil in anger, in how he assisted in the great pains caused to me by Kenobi, as well as conspiring with Yoda against the former Galactic Republic. Like Kenobi, he betrayed my trust, and helped make me into this state of constant torture, forced to wear a heavy and painful suit with life support just to breathe and survive.

There was also someone else with him... but it was too brief. They left only moments after entering with him. But no matter, for Shan is the true prize.

"It seems you were correct Admiral. Shan has just arrived in the system," I said, my breaths echoing through the room.

"Just as I predicted, Lord Vader," he replied, with an incline of his head. "I assume you wish to bring him into Imperial custody?"

I didn't answer, thinking it over. While it would be my dream to fly up to Tarkin's cruiser right now and face Shan head on, he would sense my arrival and exit the ship, if he hasn't already. No, confronting him now would only end in failure, and he came here with a plan to rescue Kanan Jarrus. I didn't care for the second Jed, and whether he died or escape was of no concern to me. So for the time being, I have to play it right, and catch Shan off guard when he least expects it. Our confrontation, while inevitable, must occur on my terms, and mine alone.

"No. For now, we shall allow him to continue with the rescue of the Jedi," I finally say, much to their surprise. "We shall catch up to Shan soon enough, on my terms."

I could sense confusion from the Lieutenant, and curiosity from the Admiral, but they did not question my decision, bowing their heads.

"As you wish Lord Vader," Thrawn said calmly.


Jarik POV...

As I made my way through the ship's corridors, I continued to mull over the plan in my head. Kanan was being held down in the detention level in cell block 32A, which I learned after taking over a computer terminal. It was a fair distance away from here taking the stealthy way, but I don't want to get spotted. At least through the conventional means.

No doubt the Grand Inquisitor was here, because he was the one to capture Kanan, and the two of them have a rivalry with each other. Tarkin would also have squads of deathtroopers at his disposal, who were not something to be taken lightly. Add that to the possibility that Second Sister was also here, and who knows if there were any other Inquisitor's present. So this definitely was going to be a really tough challenge.

The biggest concern of all was Vader. He knew I was here, that's for certain, so why hasn't the ship been put on alert yet? He's just... watching me through the Force, nothing else. And he wasn't exactly hiding his presence from me either, so both of us knew the other was watching us. The fact that he's doing nothing is more frightening then him putting the ship on high alert, or even coming here himself. It means he has a plan in place, something that I'm not sure any of us are going to like.

Halfway to my destination, the Force suddenly flowed strongly, a powerful presence nearby on Mustafar's surface, but it wasn't Vader. This was something older... and far more powerful. I focused in on it, shielding this action from Vader, and stopped in order to get any senses from it. And then to my surprise I actually... recognize it. Maybe not having sensed it myself before, but someone else showed me this.

Perhaps I could offer you, something the Jedi will not. Something they believe to lead to ruin, yet brings great strength to those who know of it...

Snoke's words came back to me, from way back at the end of the Clone Wars, when I encountered him in the World Between Worlds. He talked about this great power, and I the time I thought he was being ridiculous. Was I, wrong to think that?

~Flashback~

"Alright," I concede. "What could you have to offer me if you know so much?"

He smiled pleasantly, and waved his hand. The image of him shifted to show a fiery landscape of lava, on some sort of planet. Then the image moves underground, and I'm standing in a dark cave, with a boulder in the center. A dim, barely visible purple glow comes from the rock, and Snoke's voice speaks again.

"An object that has existed for eons... something of great power. We can use it to bring balance back to the Force, and to end all wars across the galaxy," he said, and the image sprang back to him, watching me expectantly.

"And that object is...?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

He smiles, and leans forwards to answer...

~Flashback Ends~

"Hey, you!"

I pulled out of my memory to see a trio of Stormtroopers standing nearby down the hall, raising their blasters. I silently cursed myself for going into a memory at such a ridiculous time, spurred on by what I was sensing on the planet. There was a time, and a place, and this was not the place!

The Stormtroopers opened fire, and I quickly evaded the shots and leaped forwards, rushing for them. One broke off in an attempt to escape and warn the others, and I narrowed my eyes. Rolling across the ground, I pushed upwards with a punch, catching the squad leader in the jaw with my metal fist before spinning around and kicking the second into the wall, knocking both unconscious.

The last trooper raised a hand to his helmet, but before he could activate his comlink I reached out with the Force and yanked him towards me, much to his shock. He flew through the air, and I swung my metal fist again, catching him straight in the helmet, where he was instantly knocked out upon hitting the ground. I glanced back and down the hall, sensing for anymore Stormtroopers before looking back at the knocked out ones. There wasn't enough time to hide them, so I just had to get to the detention level as fast as I could before anyone else found these three.

I quickly rushed down the hallways, making sure to remain out of sight from any Imperials. I was about three quarters of the way there when the ship suddenly shuddered violently, causing me to stumble. I looked down the hallway to see more Stormtroopers also stumbling, looking up to see me, much to their surprise. Before anything else could happen, a blue field of electric currents suddenly shot through the hallway and covered everything, probably across the whole ship, and the power was knocked out along the way.

The Stormtroopers screamed in pain as their electric components in their helmets were fried, falling unconscious. When the wave hit me, I groaned in pain, holding tightly onto my left arm, which was sparking and messing up, covered in blue electricity. The wave must have messed up the circuits in my arm, but luckily unlike the Stormtroopers, the damage would be fixed in a matter of minutes. This was Sabine Wren's handiwork.

I guess the Spectres were here... and Mara. I sighed in exasperation at the realization.


Mara POV...

Our ship came out of hyperspace before the fleet of Star Destroyer's Mustafar glowing in the background. Despite knowing I could handle this mission, I couldn't help but give a brief glance of nervousness at the sight, shivering slightly upon feeling a trace of the dark side nearby. Hera flew us in at a steady pace towards Tarkin's Star Destroyer at the back.

"I'll send in our transporter code as soon as we know Kanan is there. Ezra?" Hera asks.

"Well, here goes nothin,'" Ezra says nervously, and I nudge him, giving him a confident smile.

He closes his eyes and then opens himself to the Force, our transport moving closer to the destroyer.

"So, anything?" Zeb asked.

"Give him a minute!" Sabine scolded, shoving him slightly.

"We don't really have a minute! Why can't Mara do this?" he complains, and I rolled my eyes with a sigh.

"Because he knows him better?" I shot back with a raised eyebrow.

"Ezra, is he there?" Hera asked with growing alarm, the ship drifting by another Star Destroyer's bridge.

Ezra continued to focus intensely on the Force, struggling to find Kanan. I laid a hand on his shoulder and leaned closer.

"Relax, and try to feel for a 'light' through the Force," I suggest.

He relaxes slightly, and moments later I sense him connecting with something or someone else, and he opens his eyes.

"He's there. He's alive!" he exclaims excitedly.

"Sending codes," Hera says, quickly punching in the message.

"Transport Ship 63378 cleared for decking. We have 10 TIEs inbound with reinforcements. Open Bay 5," an officer's voice says over the com.

"They bought it. Chop, send in Sabine's present." Hera says.

Chopped beeped in confirmation and rolled over to the astromech port, plugging in. A moment later the TIE Fighter detached from the transport and headed over the the Star Destroyer without interference. We waited, and then Sabine raised her arm up and pressed the detonator. From outside, we could volts of electricity shooting across the whole ship, and all of the ship's power shut off until it was dead in space. Hera flew us in and docked onto the side of the ship, which was our sign to get ready.

I headed towards the back with Ezra, the rest of the group following after Hera gave a command to Chopper.

Me and Ezra both activated our lightsabers and began cutting through the wall, forming a circle. Once we had finished cutting, I raised a hand and used the Force to push the wall away. Ezra then crawled through, quickly pulling his hand back upon touching the metal surface, and I followed after him, the rest of the crew following after us. In the hallways we could see plenty of Stormtroopers laying slumped against the walls, unconscious.

"These guys will wake up soon," Sabine says.

"How soon?" Ezra asks.

"Too soon I reckon," Zeb comments.

"Come on, this way," Ezra says.

We began following Ezra down the hallways at a run, passing unconscious or groaning stormtroopers along the way. Hera's comlink then beeps, and she pulls it out, receiving a message from Chopper.

"Reinforcements already? That was fast," she says in concern.

"Dad did say Tarkin was efficient," I recall.

"Don't worry. On a ship this big, it'll take 'em a while to find us." Sabine says confidently.

We rounded a corner before stopping in surprise, coming face to face with a patrol of new stormtroopers down the hall, who raised their blasters at us, ready to fire.

"Drop your weapons! hands up!" the squad leader order.

"You were saying?" I deadpanned.

"Do not start with me!" Sabine threatened angrily.

Ezra let off a shot from his lightsaber-blaster thingy, hitting the squad leader full in the chest, and he toppled over with a pained cry. We turned around the corner we came from, but another group of stormtroopers approached.

"It's the rebels! This way!" one exclaimed.

We ran down the hall, and I stayed in the back of the group with my lightsaber activated, deflecting the shots they sent our way. A few moments later, Hera closed the door, and Ezra stepped forwards.

"Stand back!" he said.

He shoved his lightsaber into the door, and I deactivated mine as he continued to twist the blade through the metal, fusing the doors together.

"Pretty clever, kid. So what's next? Sabine asked.

Ezra puled his lightsaber out, a worried expression on his face.

"Kanan is down that hall. I just cut off only way to get to him," he told us.

"Might be our only way, but it's not yours," Hera said, looking up. We followed her gaze to see a ventilation shaft on the roof. Zeb opened the vent, and Ezra jumped up, looking back down at us.

"You coming Mara?" he asked.

I shook my head. "Kanan's your master Ezra. Besides, the Inquisitor is on the ship somewhere, so its probably best I stay with them in case we run into him."

Sabine took offense to that.

"You saying we can't handle ourselves?" she demanded.

"Against an Inquisitor?" I challenged with a raised eyebrow, and she growled in irritation, but conceded to my point.

Nodding in understanding, Ezra closed the vent and began crawling through, while Hera turned to the rest of us.

"Let's go. Let's go," she says, and we took off down the hall.


Space - Atravis Sector

Ahsoka POV...

I sat in the pilot's seat of the ship with R5, waiting for a signal from JArik to let us know when to pick him up. Just then, R5 beeped, saying he had an incoming message from Mustafar.

"That must be Jarik," I concluded. "Accept the transmission."

R5 complied, and his holo-transmitter activated. However, the figure in the hologram wasn't Jarik, and was instead a droid, much to my confusion. Luckily, our messages were designed to only transmit with the Fulcrum image, so my identity was still safe.

"This is Fulcrum. Who is this?" I asked.

The droid replied with an urgent message, and I widened my eyes at what he had to say, although not at all surprised all things considered.


Jarik POV...

After the electromagnetic pulse, my arm was back to normal a few minutes later, and I ran down the halls, closing in on the detention level. A group of stormtroopers were in my pathway, probably Tarkin's reinforcements, and they whirled around upon hearing my approach.

"An intruder! Blast him!" one ordered.

They opened fire, and red laser bolts flew past me as I ducked and weaved around them, continuing towards them at a run. I then activated my lightsaber much to their shock, and blocked their fire, jumping over them with a few flips while slashing with my lightsaber. The blue blade sliced through their heads, and they fell to the floor dead as I landed, deactivating my blade and continuing onwards.

Eventually I reached the detention level, and used the Force to weaken the metal on the door, before slamming into it with my left shoulder. the door flew apart from the Force enhanced damage done to it, and two technicians inside the entry room stared at me in shock. I waved an arm, throwing them into the wall where they collapsed unconscious, before continuing onwards. Quickly glancing at the cell tags, I eventually found the proper cell and stopped by it, opening the door.

I widened my eyes and then sighed in frustration upon finding it empty. Either Kanan already escaped, or my information was wrong, which is surprising. I then sensed something amiss through the Force and turned around with narrowed eyes. I realized it was Kanan, and the Inquisitor.


3rd person POV...

The door to the reactor room opened up, and Ezra walked through, supporting Kanan, who was still a little bit weak from the torture. Before they could go any further, they stopped in surprise and dread to see the Grand Inquisitor standing in the middle of the open walkway, waiting for them. He reached behind his back and pulled out his crimson lightsaber, activating it with a grin. The blade hummed as both sides stared each other down, and Kanan moved forwards, pulling Ezra's lightsaber off of his belt.

"Let me borrow that," he said, activating the smaller lightsaber.

"Yeah, no problem." Ezra quickly said, knowing that Kanan was still much better of a choice to fight even in his current state.

Kanan stared the Inquisitor down, and then charged at him with the saber raised. Grand Inquisitor smirked in anticipation, before Kanan suddenly deactivated the lightsaber and started shooting at him. Caught off guard, the Inquisitor waved his saber around to deflect the shots aimed for him, and then Kanan slammed his lightsaber down.

The two exchanged in a quick duel with each other, Kanan slashing overhead. the Inquisitor caught his blade and forced him back with a scowl, charging at him this time. He spun around, kicking his foot out twice, but Kanan backpedaled away from his blows. The Inquisitor charged, and Kanan back flipped through the air to gain distance and then started shooting again, forcing the Inquisitor to stop and block the blaster fire.

Ezra watched in awe. "I never thought of that!"

The Inquisitor jabbed his lightsaber at Kanan, who dodged the attack and swung his own blade. Inquisitor blocked the attacked and slashed at him a few times, before jumping over a jab made by Kanan, swinging his lightsaber wildly. Kanan ducked out of the way and spun around, the two separating briefly while Ezra inched closer. With a wild grin, the Inquisitor spun his lightsaber threateningly and dashed forwards, delivering quick and powerful blows that left Kanan staggering slightly. the two then entered a blade lock, and Kanan grimaced, being shoved backwards by the blades while the Inquisitor smirked at him triumphantly.

Seeing this, Ezra narrowed his eyes, spotting Kanan's lightsaber on the Inquisitor's belt. Reaching out a hand, he called on the Force and pulled the lightsaber to him, catching it in his hand and activating it. The Inquisitor glanced back and then shoved Kanan away, looking between the two Jedi.

"At last. A fight, that might be worthy of my time," the Inquisitor said eagerly, activating his second lightsaber blade.

Kanan and Ezra looked at each other with a nod, before charging forwards to the Inquisitor. Kanan reached him first, slashing his lightsaber, but was shoved back briefly by the Inquisitor. Ezra blocked a jab, and the Inquisitor focused on Kanan again, twirling around and occasionaly using his saberstaffs spin feature to keep Kanan on the defensive. He blocked and parried between the two Jedi, dealing with Ezra quite easily, and entered a blade locked with Kanan. He then reached an arm out and threw Ezra back with a Force push.

The Inquisitor then broke his blade lock with Kanan and then leaped up, kicking him quickly in the chest numerous times. Kanan staggered backwards with a pained grunt. He looked back up at the Inquisitor, who then raised an arm, lifting Kanan up in the air with the Force before throwing him overhead, slamming onto the floor painfully beside Ezra. He turned towards the bruised and beaten Jedi pair with disappointment in his eyes.

"Even with two, you still fail," he stated, and Kanan glared at him. "Now, to end Master and Padawan once in for all."

With those words, two figures suddenly leaped down from above to stand behind the Grand Inquisitor on either side of him. Kanan and Ezra stared in horror as both activated a crimson blade of similar style, revealing the mask of the Second Sister and a new Inquisitor they hadn't seen before. Grand Inquisitor smirked in satisfaction, beginning his approach.

"I was hoping you'd put up a better fight," he admitted.

"If you want a better fight..." a voice called out from above.

All five combatants looked up in surprise to see a new figure leap down from the walkway above them, landing in front of Kanan and Ezra. He then stood to his full height and pulled out a blue lightsaber, then a second green blade in the other, holding them by his side in challenge.

"...then I'll give it too you," he finished with a grin.

Kanan and Ezra widened their eyes in shock, the former realizing who this was instantly while the Inquisitor's scowled. Raising their own lightsabers in challenge.

"Jarik Shan. You've finally decided to reveal yourself for a friend, once again," Grand Inquisitor stated.

"You would know," he replied, getting into a ready Jar'Kai stance.

Kanan and Ezra got up behind him, the latter with a slightly awed expression, and held their lightsabers in preparation.

Grand Inquisitor, while the Second Sister snarled angrily.

"Oh I definitely would Shan," she hissed dangerously.

He smirked at her in reply, and moments later, both parties charged for each other. Jarik and the Grand Inquisitor reached each other first, and they clashed their lightsabers. Second Sister came flying in next, and he moved one of his blades to block her, while the third Inquisitor jumped over the two of them, entering a duel with Kanan and Ezra.


Mara POV...

We followed Hera down the hall towards and elevator shaft, guarding her as she got it open. Then to her surprise, the door popped open to reveal four Stormtroopers inside, equally shocked. She recovered first, blasting three of them before taking off, and I shot the last one with my own blaster.

"I hope Ezra's found Kanan by now!" Sabine exclaimed as we rushed down the hall, followed by a large patrol of Stormtroopers.

"Maybe even my dad!" I offered.

"On the day I die!" she yelled back angrily, twisting around the blast one of the stormtroopers chasing us before taking off again.


3rd person POV...

Jarik shoved both Inquisitors back and then spun forwards, swiping at their feet. Grand Inquisitor jumped away from the strike, and Second Sister blocked it, activating her second blade to catch his green one. Jarik twisted his lightsaber so that it angled hers toward the ground, and vaulted over her, slashing out towards the Grand Inquisitor. He deflected the strike, slashing upwards with his second blade, and Jarik backpedaled out of the way, when Second Sister brought her lightsaber down on him. He raised his blades over his head, and twirled around, catching both Second Sister and the Grand Inquisitor in a blade lock.

Nearby, Kanan swung his lightsaber at the third Inquisitor, who flipped out of the way quite nimbly, kicking Ezra in the chest in the process. Ezra stumbled back, but managed to raise his blade to block the Inquisitor, who broke away to strike at Kanan. Kanan blocked the attacked and shared a quick bout with the Inquisitor, slashing upwards. However the Inquisitor was ready, and ducked out of the way of his strike, using the Force to push him back. The Inquisitor stood over him, blade raised.

"Prepare to meet your fate from the Third Brother!" he proclaimed, swinging downwards.

Luckily, Ezra had charged forwards just in time, blocking the strike before it could connect with Kanan. The Third Brother growled angrily and spun his saberstaff at him, forcing Ezra to stumble back. Before he could go further, Kanan leaped back to his feet and kicked the Inquisitor away, moving forwards to stand by Ezra. They held their blades at the ready as the Third Brother whipped around and dashed for them again.

Jarik slashed and parried with both lightsabers, both Inquisitors in front of him. Second Sister swung her lightsaber in a wide arc, just barely missing his head before slashing downwards. Jarik sidestepped out of the way, only to get kicked in the chest by the Grand Inquisitor, and both stalked forwards. He rolled backwards and popped back up, twirling through the air to bat the Second Sister's blade to the side. Grand Inquisitor engaged with a series of quick jabs and slashes, which Jarik managed to deflect or evade before going into the offensive. Grand Inquisitor backpedaled, allowing Second Sister to rush forwards and slam her lightsaber into Jarik's green blade.

The Third Brother jumped into the air and swung his lightsaber into the ground, and Kanan and Ezra separated onto either side of him. Kanan shot his blaster feature, forcing the Third Brother to deflect his shots, and Ezra charged forwards. Unfortunately, Third Brother managed to spot this and spun around, roundhouse kicking Ezra so that he flew backwards several feet. He then jumped into the air again, over Kanan, switching places with the Grand Inquisitor.

The Grand Inquisitor separated from Jarik and Second Sister, maneuvering around him with a slash of his blade. Third Brother leaped over him and slammed his lightsaber onto Jarik, who blocked it before shoving him back. Meanwhile, the Grand Inquisitor rushed towards Kanan, swinging his lightsaber ferociously and catching the Jedi off guard. Kanan backpedaled before twisting around with a wide swing. However the Grand Inquisitor ducked underneath his strike and kicked Kanan in the back, sending him to the ground.

He then turned around to see Ezra getting up and activated the spinning feature of his lightsaber, throwing it at the Jedi Padawan. Ezra widened his eyes in terror and brought up his lightsaber. He managed to deflect it, but the force of the blow knocked him off of his feet, and he dropped the lightsaber, falling off the ledge with a cry.

"NO!" Kanan yelled in horror.

Second Sister and Third Brother both shoved Jarik away after a blade lock, back towards Kanan. He glanced over his shoulder with wide eyes to see Ezra far below them on another catwalk, not moving. He couldn't tell if he was still alive, but Kanan was devastated.

Kanan looked down, closing his eyes slowly in failure while the Grand Inquisitor smirked victoriously at him. Second Sister and Third Brother raised their lightsabers, the latter giving off a quiet but amused chuckle.

"Not even you can save everyone Shan," Second Sister hissed venomously.

Jarik put away his green lightsaber and laid a hand on Kanan's shoulder. The younger Jedi looked up at him, seeing the look of sympathy, sorrow, and understanding within his eyes, but also getting the message that there was still more to do. taking a deep breath, Kanan cleared his mind and then reopened his eyes, looking back at the Grand Inquisitor as he stood up, while Jarik faced the opposite way at the two other Inquisitors.

"That was a mistake," Kanan spoke warningly.

"Why? Because you have no one left, to die for you?" Grand Inquisitor asked mockingly.

In response, Kanan lifted an arm and used the Force to call his lightsaber back to him, now holding both blades in his hand with confidence, activating them.

"No. Because now I have nothing left, to fear!" Kanan declared.

Grand Inquisitor frowned at him, and the other two growled behind their masks while Jarik reactivated Ahsoka's green lightsaber, readying himself for battle once again with a confident smirk. Jarik got into a Makashi opening stance, followed by the Grand Inquisitor, and Kanan copied him, swiping with his blades.

Jarik then charged for the Second Sister and Third Brother, while Kanan charged for the Grand Inquisitor. All three Inquisitors rushed forwards with their own lightsabers, and the two sides connected with a clash.


Mara POV...

Hera ducked behind a few walls as we followed, and then peeked around a corridor. A moment later she pulls her head back, looking at us in alarm. "They're waking up!" she whispers harshly.

"That puts twice as many between us and Chopper," Zeb groans.

"I think I have an alternate plan!" Sabine declares happily.

"All right," Hera replied, and Sabine pulls out a detonators.

"Here's part one," she says, stepping out into the hallway and throwing the bomb at the stormtroopers.

Moments later, smoke began to spray out of it, blocking their vision as we run past, firing at them with their blasters.

"Part two, we go to Bay 5!" Sabine adds.

"I like this plan!" I state, and Hera nods.

"Huh. Where your masterpiece is," she realizes.

"That's got nothing to do with it!" Sabine says defensively.

"Hey, that thing is pretty! We're saving it!" I exclaim, leaving no room for argument.

"Wait, you're serious?" Sabine asks in genuine surprise.

"Duh! What kinda girl doesn't appreciate art?" I retort.

"Finally something we can agree on!" Sabine replies, and I throw her a grin.

Hera then pulls out her comlink in the middle of our run to Bay 5. "Ezra, we're finding another way out. Ezra? Can you hear me? Ezra. Can you hear me? Ezra!"

However there was no response, much to our worry.


3rd person POV...

While Kanan fought the Grand Inquisitor, and Jarik battled the Sister and Brother on the long walkway, Ezra lay unconscious on the walkway far beneath them. He shifted slightly, hearing a cacophony of voices saying his name, which then shifted into Hera's voice. He raised a hand, brushing along the side of his face, which stung from new marks. Drowsily, he sat up and pulled out his own comlink, listening to Hera.

"I'm here," he said slowly.

"Do you have Kanan? Is he okay?" Hera asked in concern.

Ezra looked up at the walkway to see Kanan battling the Grand Inquisitor. He slashed and swung at him before backpedaling, the Grand Inquisitor charging after him. He went into a backflip and then started shooting Ezra's lightsaber, bring him to a dead stop as Kanan charged again, second blade at the ready.

"Yeah... he's better than okay," Ezra stated a small smile on his face.

He then looked over at the sound of more lightsabers clashing, and widened his eyes in awe and wonder. Another Jedi fought off the Second Sister and the Third Brother, blocking their strikes with ease before lashing out with his own, spinning between the two.

Jarik swung around, lashing out with his green lightsaber and batting the Second sister's blade away while catching the Third Brother in the face with a kick. The Brother went down as he turned his attention towards the Sister, who activated the spinning feature of her lightsaber. She swung her lightsaber at him several times, and he evaded her strikes, jumping over a swing aimed at his feet. However she used that to her advantage and lashed out with her foot, kicking him to the ground. He slid across the ground, and the Third Brother rushed up to him, slamming his lightsaber down, but Jarik evaded the blow, pushing himself back to his feet. He then used the Force to throw back the Second Sister, turning his attention to the Third Brother.

Kanan and the Grand Inquisitor dueled at one of the computer terminals, with Kanan heavy on the offensive, slowly pushing the Grand Inquisitor back. He waved around his two lightsabers, and the Inquisitor ducked underneath them before retaliating with a swipe. Kanan flipped over the attack, slashing the console in the process and pulling out the blaster, firing at the Grand Inquisitor, who backed away quickly. His lightsabers spinning feature was activated to block the shots, and in the midst of backing up, he almost tipped over the edge of the walkway. He managed to recover, and swung at Kanan again, who ducked easily underneath the red blade, standing back up to face him. The Grand Inquisitor had a scowl on his face, angered by Kanan's new ferocity as he faced him.

"You were right, I was a coward. But now I know there's something stronger than fear. Far stronger; the Force!" Kanan declared.

The Grand Inquisitor widened his eyes in anger and held his lightsaber in front of him, activating his spinning feature with a scowl.

"Let me show you how strong it is," Kanan said with a grin, sticking both of his lightsabers through the small gap of his own saberstaff.

The Inquisitor widened his eyes in horror in realizing his mistake, and then Kanan slashed upwards, slicing the saberstaff apart with ease. The destruction of his lightsaber caused the Inquisitor to stumble off the ledge and grasp onto it desperately, his two crimson lightsabers falling beneath him.

The lightsaber blades plunged directly into the ship's reactor, creating a chain reaction that caused a massive explosion to surge through the reactor core, shaking the entire ship. Jarik and the other Inquisitors stumbled, the former catching a glimpse of Kanan and the Grand Inquisitor's position, as well the state of the core. Deactivating his own lightsabers, he thrust his arms out and blew the Sister and Brother far back down the walkway, the two slipping over the side and just barely grabbing onto the edge. He then rushed over to where Kanan was standing.

Kanan walked towards the ledge, the Inquisitor glaring up at him in rage, beaten. He crossed his lightsabers over his neck just as Jarik reached the two of them, staring down at the beaten Grand Inquisitor as well with an impassive look.

"You have no idea what you've unleashed here today," Grand Inquisitor said threateningly, and Jarik narrowed his eyes while Kanan drew his sabers back, deactivating them with contempt.

"There are things far more frightening than death," he continued, staring at Jarik knowingly.

Kanan was slightly confused, but Jarik knew with dread exactly who he was talking about. He was still on Mustafar's surface.

"He will never stop hunting you," the Grand Inquistor declared, his final words to them.

Then to their surprise and bewilderment, he just let go of the ledge in a suicidal move, falling to his death into the fiery explosion below.

Kanan knelt down to stare at his falling form in shock, while Jarik stared at the exploding core with worry, then realizing that two Inquisitors were still there. He turned around, pulling out his lightsaber hilts to see the Second Sister and Third Brother watching him from the far side of the reactor room, steaming with hate. However he could sense that they knew they were beaten, outmatched by the two Jedi in the room, and took off through another door, moving to escape the ship.

"Kanan?" Ezra said, and he jerked in surprise, looking up to see him standing at the terminal.

"I thought I lost you," Kanan replied in relief, walking over to his apprentice.

"I know the feeling. Let's go home," Ezra said with a smile.


Jarik POV...

I smiled at the Master and Padawan pair, arms crossed as I watched their full reunion. They then turned to me, mixtures of awe and wonder in their faces.

"Thank you... for coming here Master Shan," Kanan said.

"Master?" I asked in bewilderment. "What made you call me that?"

"Are you not? I mean... you're a hero," he said.

I moved to respond, but the ship shuddered again, another wave of explosive energy flowing through the reactor core.

"How about we discuss this after we escape?" I offered, and they both nodded in agreement.

We rushed out of the reactor room, heading through the hallways towards the hanger bay. Along the way, Ezra's comlink beeped, and he pulled it out, Hera's voice coming through.

"Ezra, we're in the TIE. Where are you?" she demanded.

"On my way. Go!" Ezra replied.

"We're not leaving without you and Kanan," she said, leaving no room for argument.

"Better answer," I suggested to Kanan, who leaned over to take the comlink from Ezra. "Will you just listen to the kid? Don't worry. I've got him."

"You mean, I've got you!" Ezra replied cheekily.

Kanan rolled his eyes in exasperation while I chuckled in amusement. "You take care of Zeb and Sabine. I'll get him out of here. Trust me."

"By the way, is Mara there?" I said into the comlink, having snatched it from him.

"Who's this?!" Hera demanded.

"Hi dad!" she replied cheerfully.

"DAD?!" the other three exclaimed in shock over the comlink.

"You are so grounded!" I yelled back.

"Oh come o-" she began to protest before her voice was cut off, courtesy of me shutting the comlink off.

Ezra snickered lightly and Kanan gave me a weird glance but shrugged it off. Soon enough, we entered the hanger to see two final TIE Fighters leaving the hanger, leaving the Grand Inquisitor's TIE Fighter and one other spare one remaining.

"The Inquisitor's TIE!" Kanan said.

"Well, we know he's not gonna use it," Ezra remarked with a grin.

"You know what, kid? You worry me sometimes." Kanan replied.

"Doesn't hurt when it's true!" I said cheerfully, heading towards the other TIE Fighter. "I've got your back!"

I jumped on top of the ship and opened up the hatch, closing it behind me as I sat down in the pilot's seat. I powered it up as Kanan and Ezra began to take off in the other one, the hanger beginning to groan around me. Kanan and Ezra exited the hanger, and I gunned the engines, flying after them and exiting just as the hanger exploded.

The TIE took off at lightning speed, and I followed after Kanan and Ezra, spotting a painted TIE Fighter fleeing from a squad of other ships.

"Why is it painted?!" I asked myself in bewilderment before sighing. "Nevermind."

The two of us in our ships opened fire, destroying the TIEs that were pursuing the painted one, and flew up alongside it.

"We got your back," Ezra said over the comlink.

"Thanks. But without Chopper's transport, we're going nowhere fast." Sabine replied.

My comlink beeped a certain frequency, courtesy of Ahsoka, and I grinned.

"Don't worry about it," I said.

"What do you mean don't worry you sicko?!" Sabine yelled back angrily, and I flinched slightly.

"Now's not the time Sabine! We got TIEs closing in," Hera interrupted.

I glanced back and at the scanners to see a whole swarm of about several dozen TIE Fighters flying straight for us, all firing their laser cannons. I widened my eyes in alarm and looked ahead again. Maybe there should be a reason to worry.

"We're in a bit of a tight spot!" Zeb stated worriedly.

"Yeah? Well, these things weren't built for four people Zeb!" Mara replied snarkily.

"I meant out there, not in here!" Zeb yelled irritably, and I rolled my eyes.

"Trying to concentrate!" Hera exclaimed in annoyance.

"If this is how you guys have handled the missions sent to you, it's a wonder you're still alive!" I replied over the comlink, weaving around a few incoming blaster bolts.

"Better than you could! You're already infuriating!" Sabine yelled.

"Hey!" Mara exclaimed angrily.

"Hey Hera, want to add a new flight move to your arsenal?" I asked, completely ignoring Sabine's comment. "Check this out!"

Putting on a boost of speed, I suddenly yanked on the steering and cut the power to the engines, turning myself around to face the swarm of TIE Fighters, my velocity allowing me to continue moving through space at the same speed. I opened fire on them, scoring a few direct hits due to their surprise at my maneuver before they began moving out of my line of sight. I quickly turned the ship back around, restarting the power to the engines and blasting off, quickly catching up to the others.

"That was awesome!" Mara yelled happily.

"Yeah, but there's still a lot of TIEs on us," Hera reminded us.

"I just want to say it was really nice getting to know all of you!" Ezra said.

Just then, a Gozanti cruiser appeared out of hyperspace before us.

"Chopper! He came back!" Zeb exclaimed happily.

Right after, the Ghost exited hyperspace, as well as the Knight Hawk, followed by three CR90 Corvette cruisers, courtesy of Bail Organa. I grinned in amazement, sensing Ahsoka to be piloting the Ghost.

"Jarik, I know neither of us like Tarkin, but did you actually blow up his ship?!" Ahsoka demanded over our bond in amusement.

"Wasn't my handiwork, but I'll take credit for it!" I replied cheekily. "Oh and by the way, Mara is in the painted TIE Fighter."

"Go figure," she replied sarcastically.

The rebel squadron opened fire on the pursuing TIE Fighter's, with Ahsoka and R5 scoring direct hits on several of them. They all surrounded us, providing cover fire while we docked with the ships. I headed towards the Knight Hawk while Kanan and Hera piloted their fighters towards the Gozanti. Once we were all docked, our ships all entered lightspeed, ensuring our escape from the system. I let out a sigh of relief.

Our mission to Mustafar was finally over.


Later on, the Knight Hawk and the stolen Gozanti cruiser were both docked on either side of the Ghost. I was currently stationed in front of the ladder in the middle of the Ghost with my arms crossed, R5 staying with the Knight Hawk for the time being. Ahsoka was going to come down in a moment, but she had to take care of some things first. The door to my left then opened and I glanced over to see Chopper come rolling through, as well as the rest of the Ghost Crew nearby. They all saw me instantly.

"Hey dad!" Mara exclaimed, rushing up to give me a hug. I hugged her back with a smile on my face.

"Hey kiddo. How's the crew treating you?"

"They're alright. Although there is, one problem..." she said nervously, pointing at Sabine.

I looked over to see her standing there, fists clenched as she glared at me with a truly hateful expression. I sighed in exasperation, shaking my head.

"Ah yes... the Mandalorian," I say with a hint of sarcasm, sighing.

"Uh oh, Sabine's mad," Ezra whispered to Zeb, who nodded in agreement.

Sabine growled and stepped forwards, about to say something before I interrupted her, raising a hand.

"Look. I know, the full reason why your people hate me so much. And some other time, I'll give you full permission to scream, yell, punch, whatever it is to me in order to cool yourself down, but not right now. Ok?" I tell her.

Sabine stopped, and slowly closed her mouth, considering.

"I want to be friends with you, I do," I said honestly. "But can we work it out later? After this message that Chopper has to share?"

"Fine," she mutters with an angry sigh. "But don't expect us to ever be friends."

"Fair enough," I said with a nod, glancing at Chopper.

He got the hint and portrayed a hologram of Bail, who smiled upon seeing the Ghost Crew.

"Hello, my friend. It is good to see you again," he said kindly.

"I don't understand." Kanan replied in confusion. "I met you once for a few moments. I don't even know your name!"

"His name is Senator Bail Organa." Hera answered for him, moving to stand on the other side of the hologram.

"And the crews of the blockade runners?" Kanan asked.

"Members of other rebel cells," Bail replied honestly.

"There are other cells..." Sabine muttered in wonder.

"We're a cell?" Ezra asked in surprise, leaning in to whipser to Zeb. "Wait. Did you know we were a cell?"

"Um, no," Zeb replied, just as bewildered.

"You weren't supposed to meet," I answered in reply. "That way, if captured, none of you or anyone else could reveal the other rebels to the Empire. That was the protocol, as you know."

I direct the last part to Hera, who nods her head in understanding.

"And as you know Jarik, the protocol has changed," Ahsoka spoke up.

She climbs down the ladder as Chopper ended the hologram of Senator Organa. Hera widened her eyes in surprise.

"Fulcrum," she said in wonder.

"Fulcrum is actually both of us," she replied, standing beside me and Mara with a smile. "He uncovers the intel, and I send it to various cells. As for me... Ahsoka. My name is Ahsoka Tano."

The crew all stares between the three of us and shock and wonder, before Kanan steps forwards. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was awed at being in the presence of two well known Jedi and Clone War veterans. We were basically his and many other younglings heroes back then.

"Why did you come here?" he asks.

"Because of you and your apprentice, many in this system and beyond have heard your message. You gave them hope in their darkest times," Ahsoka replied, kneeling down to pat Chopper's dome.

"We didn't want that hope to die," I added.

"So.. what happens now?" Ezra asked curiously.

"I don't know. One chapter has closed for you, Ezra Bridger. This is a new day. A new beginning," Ahsoka announced.

The Spectres all gave each other happy smiles, proud of the achievements they had made. I looked down at Mara, giving her a proud smile that she returned, and sharing a casual one armed hug with Ahsoka.


Capital City, Imperial Complex; Lothal - Lothal Sector

3rd person POV...

A single Imperial shuttle flew across the lake towards Lothal's Imperial Complex, a trio of Star Destroyers hovering over the city. The shuttle landed in one of the hanger bay's where Agent Kallus walked up to greet its passenger. As the ship touched down, the ramp was lowered, and Tarkin strode slowly down the ramp. Kallus stood at attention, the Grand Moff stopping to listen to his report.

"We are getting reports of unrest all over Lothal. There are whispers from Mustafar. Some people see the Empire... as weak, vulnerable," Kallus said in concern.

Tarkin stared forwards with a hard glare.

"Not to worry, Agent Kallus. The Emperor has sent an alternative solution," he states coldly.

Kallus gave him a glance of confusion, wondering what he meant until a heavy, mechanical breathing sound came from inside the ship. He looked up in surprise as a dark figure marched out of the ship, clad in black armor and a cape, with a terrifying mask. Tarkin walked forwards again, followed by the Dark Lord.

Darth Vader strode across the hanger, his mechanical breathing continuing to fill the air. With Jarik Shan having revealed himself once again to the Empire on Mustafar, he was ready to respond. It was time to get his revenge on the Jedi Knight, followed by the location of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Vader was prepared to do whatever it took to get what he and his master desired, and nobody would stop him.


There's the end of Star Wars Rebels season one! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I wasn't expecting it to be nearly this long. It's probably the longest chapter I've ever written, which is why took so long to write.

Darth Vader is ready for Jarik's blood.