HAPPY MAY THE FOURTH!

I hope you're having an awesome International Star Wars day, and here, have this new chapter of 'The Light in the Dark' as my gift from me to you! Sadly it's not the Super Bomb, but the plan is that this chapter can act as an entrée before the main course, aka, Super Bomb #5! It may still be a few weeks away, but I'm hoping to have it finished by the end of the month!

But until then, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and thank you so, SO much for all the amazing support you've shown this story! It really does mean a lot to me!

May the fourth be with you, always! ;D

-Superherotiger

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Ezra's POV

...

"Karabast Kid!" Zeb exclaimed once he opened the door, his eyes wide in shock. "What the hell happened to ya face?!"

I wasn't planning on answering as I held my head low to hide most of the damage, but Kanan, who stood behind me with a displeased frown answered "Ezra here got into a fight with some seniors."

"They were pushing another kid around I wasn't just going to sit by!" I snapped defensively, baring my teeth in resent. "…I was teaching them a lesson…"

"Well, I think they got the message," Kanan sighed deeply, shaking his head.

"Did you give 'em a run for their money kid?" Zeb snickered light-heartedly, mustering a weak smirk from myself before Kanan interjected "Zeb, don't encourage him."

"What? He was just dealing out a lil' justice. Isn't that exactly what you do?" the male replied in a calm but slightly cheeky tone.

In the corner of my eye I could see Kanan's face, and I could tell he wasn't very impressed as he stared at Zeb with an unconvinced gaze. After a moment, Kanan gently placed his hand on my shoulder and ushered me inside the Ghost, stating "Well, now that you've decided to get yourself suspended for the day and beat up three seniors, we'd better fix you up before Hera and Sabine get back."

"Hera won't be mad at me will she?" I asked timidly, not wanting to get on her bad side. After all, she had faith and trust in me, a gift I was unwilling to let go of.

Sighing, the officer answered "I don't know. We'll see when she gets here."

Kanan led me into the kitchen and began rummaging around through the first aid while I collapsed into one of the chairs and relaxed my bruised muscles. It wasn't that big of a fight. Or at least, I had definitely been through worse. I was winning for the first part of the battle, managing to evade their strikes and deal a few blows of my own. But once one of the seniors got hold of me I was beaten senseless, with a ring of students just… watching the whole thing. It was only when Jai and Zare pushed through the crowd and split everyone up that the older teens let me go, leaving me with a bloody nose, bruises and a black eye.

I sat still, staring down at my raw red knuckles in shame. Kanan had been so disappointed when the Principal called him in from work to pick me up. I knew it was a brash move, but it felt like after just earning his respect yesterday I instantly lost it again today.

It was a strange and… empty feeling…

I glanced up a little when Kanan took a seat in front of me, a cold pack and bandages in his hands.

"Chin up," he spoke, his expression still firm.

Slowly, I raised my head to level my gaze with him. Maybe he hadn't fully realised the extent of my injuries, or maybe I hadn't given him the chance to, but I could see his face shift into a pained sorrow.

Taking a deep breath, he reached forward and began wiping away the dried blood that smeared my face. I was hesitant, but he was patient. And after he cleaned off the blood he applied some kind of cream on the cuts to lessen the pain. It stung initially but in time it numbed my pain. Lastly he grabbed the icepack and offered it to me, gesturing for me to put it on my black eye.

I took the cold pack in my hands but just… stared at it.

I had been blessed with black eyes before, but cold packs had never been available on the streets. The closest thing we could do was just hold a wet cloth to it, and I knew that was still a practise we had to use at Safe Haven today.

But just looking at this simple invention, this little pack that could help in so many ways, just reminded me of the struggles of the streets. And I could feel guilt bubbling within me again as I watched in a trance, once again realising how selfish I was being. It wasn't fair… I was being a hypocrite to my own people… I was becoming just like them-

"Ezra?" Kanan's voice broke my line of thought.

I blinked rapidly a few times, glancing up at him blankly, before I handed the pack back to him and muttered "I-I'm fine…"

Kanan seemed puzzled, asking "But your eye-"

"I don't w-want it," I growled tensely, wrapping my arms around my bruised chest. There was a long pause between us, his teal orbs boring deep into my soul. But the man didn't push me any further, simply saying "Alright," and placing the pack back into the freezer. "It's there if you need it, okay," he spoke calmly.

I nodded, but I wasn't really tuned in. My mind was adrift, thinking, like it always was…

After a moment he sat back in his chair and leant forward carefully. I avoided his eyes like the plague, but breaking the tension, he placed his hand on my knee. I immediately whipped my head up, about to bark back before Kanan said softly "I know you were only trying to do the right thing."

His response was so unexpected I was at a loss for words, just staring at him with wide eyes.

He took a long breath and stared at the floor, explaining "I understand you were trying to help… I understand wanting justice. But fighting is never a first resort."

I frowned, muttering hoarsely "It's the only resort I know…"

His teal eyes moved up again, sympathetic and forgiving as he replied "I know… I just don't want to see you hurt, Ezra."

I glanced down at my knuckles, flexing my fingers out hypnotically. Slowly, I could feel my anger fading, and I admitted quietly "…I just… didn't want to see others hurt…"

Smiling warmly, Kanan placed his hand on my shoulder. "And I'm proud of you for that," he said, his expression so kind and light. I offered a quick smile in return, my breathing still dishevelled due to the beating, but I don't think he cared.

And before either of us could say another word, Zeb yelled out "They're here!"

Kanan and I exchanged a glance, before I jumped to my feet and bolted down the hall, the officer following me at a much calmer pace. As I approached Zeb opened the front door, and for a moment the sun blinded my vision. I raised my hand, my eyes slowly adjusting until a figure leaped forward and wrapped me in a tight embrace. Instinct caused me to yelp as the excitable teenager exclaimed "Hey Ezra! Did you miss me?!"

It took all my will power not to lash out, managing to instead wheeze sarcastically "I miss… breathing…"

In realising her actions, she swiftly released me and laughed. "Sorry," she apologised as she rubbed the back of her head. "Guess I got carried away."

Rolling my shoulders, I shot her a quick smile and replied "It's alright…. I'm glad to see you again."

"Aw Ezra, that's so swee- HOLY CR-!"

"Sabine, language!" Hera intervened as she dragged the large suitcase into the Ghost.

"Crud! I was going to say crud!" Sabine quickly defended, before she fixed her attention back on me, her penetrating gaze locked onto my eyes. She visibly winced, asking hesitantly "What happened to your eye?"

I opened my mouth to reply, until once again, I was cut off by another outburst.

"EZRA!" Hera gasped in pure horror, pushing forward and cupping my face in her hands. She inspected my battered features carefully, her emerald eyes gleaming with concern as she asked hastily "Who did this to you?! Does it hurt?! Are you okay?!"

"Hera, I'm fine," I offered her comfortingly, trying not to make a big deal out of it.

"Honey this isn't fine. You're my child now, and nobody messes with my kids," she cooed warmly, pulling me close and wrapping me into her loving arms. It was unexpected, but not unwelcomed. As I leant into her touch I could hear her heartbeat drumming against my ear, a smile of genuine happiness escaping my lips.

"Well, don't worry too much," Kanan stated lightheadedly. "From what I heard, he made sure the seniors got what they deserved too."

"Seniors?" Hera piped up, still hugging me softly. "Can I ask what provoked such a fight?"

"Kid here gave 'em a taste of their own medicine," Zeb snickered.

She hummed in what seemed like disapproval, before saying "It must have been well deserved then, I assume."

"Always Hera," I murmured lightly, still resting in her embrace.

"I spoke to the new principal today," Kanan stepped in. "He was quite understanding, and said that he thought it'd be best to let Ezra have the rest of the day off. He said there would be no punishment for him when he goes back."

"And the seniors?" the woman pried.

Kanan shrugged, answering "Not sure. He didn't say."

"Alright then, well at least we can all relax for the weekend," Hera spoke optimistically as she pulled me back and smiled. "We've missed you three."

"You were gone for five days," Zeb chuckled.

"Yes, but that's five days I couldn't pull you into line, now was it?" she teased while giving the sturdy male a warm hug. After Zeb she moved to Kanan, giving him a kiss on the cheek and a tight embrace. When she pulled away, she murmured softly "And glad to see you worked things out on your end."

Kanan flashed a brief smile, admitting sheepishly "It was him, actually. He opened up… and, so did I…"

"I'm proud of you Dear," Hera said as she ran her hand through his hair and leant back into his arms.

My attention was recaptured by Sabine as she announced excitedly "Guys, guys! I've got a really big surprise for you all! One sec!"

She rushed out the front door while Zeb and I exchanged a glance of confusion, before the sounds of multiple, scratching footsteps approached the entrance. I tilted my head in curiosity, wondering what this 'Surprise' could be. Until suddenly, the sound tore through the silence, causing every single one of us to jump in shock.

BARK! BARK, BARK!

There was a short gap of silence, before Zeb muttered cautiously "Was that a-?"

A sleek figure leapt through the doorway, dashing around our feet in such a frenzy we couldn't even get a clean view of the creature. Out of sheer habit I had propelled myself to the rail of the stairs, keeping me high and out of reach while Zeb and Kanan both scrambled backwards defensively. Hera seemed to be the only one unfazed by the chaos as Sabine ran in and slammed the door behind her. "Chopper!" she exclaimed.

Suddenly the blur skidded to the girl's side, finally allowing us all to catch a good look at animal.

It sat on all fours, panting raggedly with its tongue lolling out the side of its mouth. A black, tan and somewhat orange pelt of fur glimmered in the light while a bushy tail swung back and forth across the floor hypnotically.

It took everyone a few moments to register what was happening, before Zeb recoiled in disgust and exclaimed "Karabast, what is that smell!"

"Hera," Kanan started, his voice steady despite his expression. "Please tell me that's not what I think it is."

The woman smiled innocently, and shifting our attention to Sabine, the teen stated ecstatically "Guess who the new member of the family is!"

"You have got to be kiddin' me," Zeb replied in awe.

"Hera I thought we talked about this," the officer reasoned to his partner. "I thought we agreed 'No pets'."

"Aw, but he was stuck under a broken down car Kanan, I couldn't leave him there," Hera cooed warmly.

"Great, a street mutt too," Zeb rolled his eyes, causing the dog to snarl at him disapprovingly.

Kanan shook his head with an exasperated groan, saying "You could have left him at the pound, or a shelter, or anywhere but here."

"Oh come on Love," Hera soothed, placing her hand reassuringly on his shoulder. But he wasn't convinced, giving her a sceptical glance as he studied the mutt carefully.

But when I turned to gaze over the creature myself, he looked up at me with wide, shimmering eyes. That look, that dopey, lazy posture conjured up my memories… memories of a dog… and memories of the boy who owned it…

I had barely even realised that my eyes were stinging before I'd lowered myself to the floor again and crawled down on my arms and legs in a trance. Now, I stood eye level with the mutt as he just sat there placidly, not at all paying attention to my actions. I shifted forward slightly so I was now within arm's reach and extended my hand out to him carefully. The dog sniffed my palm, glanced away uninterestedly for a moment, before jumping forward and licking me right up the side of my face. I laughed while falling back onto the floor, scratching him behind his ears as he wrestled me in a somewhat playful manor.

And as the dog jumped around me in circles I glanced up and asked Sabine "What's his name?"

The teen, who had been finding my act quite amusing answered "Chopper, the German Shepherd"

"Chopper?" I quizzed. "Well… not the strangest name I've heard…"

"Hera, don't you think we should talk before adopting this… thing?" Kanan pried again, giving Chopper a sideways glance. "I mean, we haven't even had a chance to debate this subject."

"Well let's debate it now," Hera smirked. "Kids, votes for whether Chopper stays or leaves."

"Stay!" Sabine exclaimed without hesitation.

"No way!" Zeb retorted. "The mutt is gonna stink up the whole house!"

"I think you're rushing into this," Kanan said as he crossed his arms in disapproval. "Leave for me."

Her brows furrowing, Hera's emerald eyes shifted to me as she stated firmly "And I say he stays. That's two on two. Ezra, you get the deciding vote."

All eyes were suddenly fixed in my direction, causing sweat to form on the back of my neck as I shifted uncomfortably. Attention was never a good sign in my books. But decision-making on the other hand was something I could handle.

Turning to face the German shepherd, I stared deep into his glassy, electric eyes. And there I could see a creature who was energetic, and loyal, and just like me, was needing a place to belong. He reminded me of myself in a way, what with his scruffy appearance and orphaned past. But most importantly, he reminded me of someone I knew… someone I cared about…

I smiled lightly and rubbed his head, the dog licking my hand as I did so. It seemed I'd already made my decision.

"Stay."

It was silent for a moment, before I turned up and smirked, repeating "I think he should stay."

Immediately Sabine jumped up in rejoice, as Kanan and Zeb both stood still in shock. "It's decided then," Hera announced proudly. "Chopper stays."

The dog barked in approval and licked my face again, before prancing around Sabine's legs cheerfully. With a hand from Hera she pulled me back to my feet, and before I knew it, I was dragged into another comforting embrace once more.

Laughing slightly, I murmured "It's only been a few days Hera, not a lifetime."

The woman ran her fingers gently through my locks, replying softly "I know… but I was worried about you."

My eyes shot open from the shock of such a comment. And yet through those simple words a warmth unlike any other coiled itself around my mind, relieving the stress I hadn't even realised was building within. Slowly, I melted into Hera's touch and nuzzled my face into the crook of her neck, finally hugging her back in return.

"I'm glad you're back," I admitted meekly.

She hummed in delight, soothing "I'm glad to be back."

The moment was cut short by Zeb's furious outburst as Hera and I both turned to see the teenager snarling at Chopper. "You dumb mutt!" he snapped, holding his fist up threateningly.

"Zeb!" Sabine yelled as she stepped between the two.

"That thing bit me!" Zeb roared in fury. "It ought to be in a pound!"

"You hurt so much as a hair on his back and I'll send you to the pound!" the teen retorted.

And before Sabine and Zeb could break out into an all-out war, Kanan stepped in, using his authority voice to gain their attention. "Enough," he stated with confidence. "There's no need to fight."

"Kanan," Zeb started, almost pleadingly. "You can't seriously be supporting this-"

"Zeb, we had the vote, and the vote said that Chopper is staying," Kanan cut him off swiftly. "Just try to get along, and at the very least act tolerable."

Rolling his lime green eyes, Zeb released a heavy sigh, muttering sourly "Fine."

"And Sabine?"

"Yes?" she asked nervously.

"Please," Kanan spoke, placing his hand on her shoulder warmly. "Stop fighting your brother."

She tilted her lip uncertainly, before nodding her head and replying "I'll try."

"Very good. Zeb, go take the suitcase upstairs please," Kanan added as he walked back towards Hera and I.

I could see the younger male almost attempt to protest, before deciding against it and begrudgingly picking up the suitcase, Sabine and Chopper tailing as she began telling him all about her camp. Turning my attention back to Kanan he gave Hera a serious glance, his eyes more distant than usual. "Hera," he spoke. "Can I speak with you? In private."

"Of course," she agreed, giving me a quick, reassuring wink before her and Kanan proceeded down the hall, out of hearing range.

I was about to go into the common room when something stole my attention.

It was a knock.

Cautiously, I turned my head to face the closed door. I waited patiently for another moment to see if I was mistaken, until like I'd predicted, another set of knock's sounded from the door.

Since everyone was busy, I figured I should probably answer it. So casually I stepped forward and opened the door, glancing up at the figure who stood on the front step. But as soon as I recognised her face I stumbled back in shock, the oxygen getting ripped from my lungs in one swift motion.

"Hello Ezra," Audrey greeted in her stern, cold voice.

Suddenly, it felt as if my surroundings were shattering, the ground falling out from beneath my feet. Thoughts ran through my mind a million miles an hour as I immediately jumped to the first logical conclusion.

They're getting rid of me…

My breath was picking up as I began pacing backwards.

The social worker had said the first day I came that they'd take me off their hands if I ever became trouble. Was that what was happening? Had I caused Kanan and Hera so much grief they wanted to ship me off again? Was I getting abandoned once more?!

No… this can't be happening… not again… not agai-!

I stumbled back into someone, and before I'd even had a chance to register anything Kanan had calmly placed his hands on my shoulders. His presence was like an anchor to my ever growing panic as I remained frozen, as straight as a board.

The woman at the door shifted her hazel gaze from my petrified form to my guardian, saying with a slightly more upbeat tone "Kanan, it's great to see you again."

"Hello Audrey," he replied as he offered her inside with his hand. "I didn't realise you were coming today."

But she simple raised her hand and spoke "This will only be a quick visit."

My jaw tightened painfully.

"Oh, alright," Kanan said in a seemingly confused tone while Hera took her place at his side. "What can I help you with?"

The breath escaped my lungs as realisation dawned on me. Kanan and Hera didn't know why she was here either… they weren't getting rid of me… at least not yet…

"Right, well I have some news," the woman started, pushing her glasses to the bridge of her nose. "In regards to Sabine."

"Sabine?" Hera and Kanan both gawked simultaneously. Even I was rendered speechless. Why on earth would the social workers be after Sabine? From what I knew, she was an A grade student, didn't cause trouble, and from personal experience was a pretty damn good friend too.

But I don't think any of us were ready for Audrey's next words.

"We've found a family. Sabine will be leaving in a week."

"What?!" the three of us exclaimed.

"You're journey as Sabine's foster parents has reached the finish line," the woman reworded. "She has an adoption family ready and waiting."

Hera and Kanan exchanged a glance of pure shock, and turning back to Audrey, Kanan stuttered "This… uh… t-this is a little sudden… we haven't even met these parents yet-"

"I can assure you they are quite a nice couple, and they live in the beautiful lands of Naboo," Audrey explained calmly.

"Naboo?" Kanan repeated, taken aback. "But… That's on the other side of the country."

"Understood, but Naboo is quite a high class area. Sabine will have access to all the best schools, careers, and most importantly, a secure future," Audrey continued without falter. "This is possibly the best family we've ever been able to adopt out to. And they're quite in love with Sabine from the information they've heard of her."

Releasing his hands from my shoulders, Kanan scratched the back of his head, his face a confliction of emotions. He looked to Hera for some kind of guidance, but she seemed just as lost. A frown worked its way onto my own features as my mind began to turn again. The idea that Sabine would be leaving so soon… discomforted me slightly. Sure, I hadn't known her for that long, but no one else had been quite as care-free as she'd been, something I envied a lot. And the idea of my, I guess you could call, friend leaving so suddenly made me hurt a little inside. The pain of loss… it was something I couldn't seem to escape…

Seeing that we weren't exactly thrilled with this information, Audrey's expression softened ever so slightly as she added "I have sent an email to you with all the information about this couple. And it's worthy to note that they are eager to get in contact with you as soon as possible."

There was still an unsettling tension passing between my guardians as they glanced at each other sceptically. "Usually," Kanan started. "We like to be in contact with a family for weeks, sometimes months before we adopt out."

Audrey seemed to show a sense of genuine care, which made it all the more striking when she spoke, almost hesitantly "I understand… and, I know how much effort you put into recovering these kids, especially for someone like Sabine… But I feel it's important to remind you that your foster care of Sabine ends tomorrow."

Hera audibly gasped, and I could even sense Kanan shift behind me. "Has it already been two years?" Hera asked softly, her usually vibrant eyes dulled.

The woman nodded solemnly, saying "I am truly sorry. But even if you didn't decide to continue with this specific family, Sabine will be taken away for adoption by next week regardless."

The two adults behind me had gone still, causing an uncomfortable silence that made the tension even worse than before. And when Kanan spoke, his tone was low, and gentle. "I see…" he murmured, his eyes going vacant. "…then… I guess we don't really have a choice, do we…"

"I am so sorry," Audrey replied in a strained voice. Reluctantly, she took a step back, her head bowed. "I'll be back in a week to pick her up," she finished, giving a quick, dreary nod before turning and walking away.

Kanan, Hera and I just stood there for a few prolonged moments, staring at where the social worker had once stood. I was the first to make a move, stepping forward and gently closing the front door until the lock clicked in place. For a few seconds just I stood there with my head resting against the wooden panel, trying to process what had just happened.

But when I turned my head I was faced with something far worse.

There, at the top of the staircase, was none other than the teen herself, staring with wide, hollow eyes into the abyss.

My expression became one of sympathy. "Sabine," I spoke softly.

This caused Kanan and Hera to snap out of their trance and whip around, turning up to face the blank faced girl. "Sabine!" Hera said, startled. "How… how long have you been there?"

She didn't respond at first. Her hazel eyes were void of the excitement and electricity that had been present when she first entered the house, and slowly, she shifted her gaze to the two below her. "A while," she finally replied, her voice meek.

Kanan and Hera were giving each other sharp glances, as if arguing through their minds on what to say next. I'd decided it best to stay out of the situation. After all, I had no say either way.

Finally, Kanan mustered some obviously fake confidence as he spoke optimistically "I know this is sudden but… t-this is good, if you think about it. It means this family must really like the sound of you, and from what Audrey said it seems you'll have an amazing life in Naboo."

"Exactly," Hera tried to jump in, encouraging the youth. "And you've grown so much from since when you first came here Sabine, and we're so proud of you. I'm sure this couple will give you all the love and support you'll ever need."

There was a drawn out pause, the teen staring at her guardian's with a hollow, lifeless gaze. Slowly, Kanan and Hera's faces began to darken as the two shot each other a nervous glance. I wasn't exactly sure how it worked when someone got adopted, since adoption was something I'd never experienced as a positive outcome, but even I could tell this wasn't the normal reaction. So I stayed silent, observing the scene that unfolded before me.

Until finally, Sabine's features softened and she offered a weak smile. "No… no, no, this is great," she spoke lightly, her tone warm and perky again. "This is exactly what we've been working towards… I… I-I'm excited."

"Are you sure?" Hera asked with concern. "If you're uncomfortable with this we can always find another option."

Kanan nudged her arm, proceeding to give a sharp, warning glare. I could tell what it meant. We'd all heard what Audrey said, and Sabine was leaving regardless of their decision. So I guess Kanan was trying to prevent and false hopes or promises from arising.

Hera simply ignored her partner, her focus instead fixed on the girl at the top of the stairs. But Sabine smiled, running a hand through her hair as she stuttered "I guess I'm just… surprised, that someone wants me…"

"Well who wouldn't want the smartest, most artistic and joyful girl in Lothal?" Kanan offered encouragingly.

Sabine laughed bashfully, holding her arm to her side. "But seriously… I… I am excited," she said in a little more of a serious tone. "I'm just… in shock at the moment."

"Alright then, but if you feel uncomfortable about this just let us know okay?" Hera said warmly. "It's completely normal to feel unsettled when getting adopted."

"I… I'm fine," Sabine replied as she smiled widely. "I'm happy, truly."

Kanan and Hera seemed to relax a little, the tension releasing its hold on the adults. But I was smarter than that. My eyes narrowed as I focused on the girl, her actions, her real feelings. Being the Phantom had it perks, as I had eight years of reading faces and seeing through lies behind my back. And as I watched her, I could see her jaw clenching behind the smile, her fingers twitching at her side, her eyes… wet with slow burning tears.

Kanan and Hera may have been fooled by the words and the grin, but I wasn't.

And in her eyes, I saw no excitement or relief…

Only sorrow...