Hey everyone! Wow, sorry for such a long wait. There's just been a lot going on lately in my life, so the chapters might not be as long as they used to be. But I'm also hoping to update more regularly to make up for that! :D So, I hope you enjoy this chapter everyone!
Q/A's and Reactions:
AnimeAngel- #ProtectTheBlueberry!
Guest- Yeah, school is really annoying sometimes. So hopefully, this chapter can cheer you up a bit! ;D
Ezraismybae- The feelz! They're everywhere! And meek is like being shy, or timid.
Silver's Dream100- It's strange, to write Ezra like this, but also fun at the same time! :D
DevilSPR- Well yes, there will be bad memories (that greatly out-weigh the good ones), but all memories are important at this stage. After all, it was his horrible past that shaped him into the street smart teen we know today.
Purpalz Miner- Sorry for the wait, but I hope this chapter makes up for it! The next one hopefully won't be as long of a wait. :D
Thunder Angel13- And every word so true. :D
Fantasie Adventura Dreamwriter- XD Well there's a bit of father son bonding in this chapter, so hopefully you enjoy! :D
EmilyBridger- Season 3 yeah! I haven't even gotten over season 2 yet! XD
Jl- Yes, I plan to keep writing this story. I really enjoy typing it! :D
Taylor Fireheart- I keep trying to imagine what it'd be like to have amnesia. I can just imagine that it would be very confronting and scary. :(
Jedi Jelsa777- Thanks! I hope this chapter is worth the wait. ;D
Rebels Lover- Man, I wish I knew binary. XD And yes! Ahsoka is totally like the aunt in this story! :D And as for the memories question, refer to the response to 'DevilSPR' above. :D
Paint the Fangirling Uniwolf- 'Remember me,' AKA, 'The child in a teenager's body'. XD
Mpathy- I totally agree! Ezra and the crew deserve happiness! All their backstories are so sad. :(
Midnight Luna- Did I say they were a different colour? Geez, that's embarrassing. Sorry about that. I probably meant blue. :D
Bloodyfeather- Wait! Let me join in! *Grabs lightsaber* Come here Kallus! Mwuhahahha! XD
Coral Iturbe-¡sí! Tendremos que ver cómo el futuro juega ! Disfrute del capítulo!
Schyrsiochter- I'm so glad to hear that! :D And sorry for the long wait. Hopefully I can start updating more regularly. :D
Guest- ?
Guest- OMG! DUDE! THAT'S AMAZING! I'm so excited for you! Did you have a great time? Was it amazing?! :O
Alex Jarrus- Awesome! I loved the force awakens too! But so sad. :( I mean, I'm still stuck on Legacy here. I've watched it like, 10 times now, and it still gets me every time. :( But if I were to have a lightsaber, I'd want it to be black! That'd be so cool! :D How about you?
aCapriccioso- Yes! Ezra is too adorable! XD
Guest009- I'm glad you're enjoying it! :D And hopefully you like future chapters to come as well!
Mecha'war- Wow. That's a really good idea… I think… I'm going to fit that in somewhere… yes! My brain is already scheming it! XD
Guest- XD
Guest- Yeah! I totally support you! *Turns to Kallus* "Don't you dare touch our little blueberry!" Kallus- "Did you say Blueberry?" "It doesn't matter what I said! You can't touch him! He has immunity from the fandom!" Kallus- "Aw, damn it!" "Ha!"
Guest- Sorry for such a long wait!
AnimeAngel- Yeah! That was me! And I'm so glad to hear that it touched you! :D I made that post to try and make people more aware, and I'm glad I got that message across! Have a great day, and may the force be with you too! :D
DisneyandWildKrattfangirl- Because: Ezra. Is. ADORABLE! XD And sure, I'm sure I could find somewhere to slip a little Kanan x Hera. And yes! I want them to kiss at some point this season! :D
Chapter 8: Lothal
Ezra's POV
I smiled as I nuzzled up to Hera's chest, her arms engulfing me in a warm embrace. "Don't worry Hun," she cooed. "Everything's going to be fine."
I let her warmth heat my soul as the sun began to set over the lush, grassy horizon. The grass swayed with the light breeze, and beautiful shades of yellow and red bled into the sky. I sighed deeply, my mind at peace as we just sat there on the hill. A few minutes later, footsteps crunched from behind, and another figure came to join us. I glanced up and realised it was Kanan, his expression soft and forgiving. I smiled, and he smiled back. He raised a hand up to my cheek, assuring "You're safe now. Nothing is going to hurt you again."
I leant into his warm touch, closing my eyes and basking in the love and courage emanating from both adults. This is more like it. No more memories, no accident, just us…
Suddenly, a horrific screech erupted from the tall grass in front of us. I froze up, my eyes becoming wide as Kanan and Hera leapt to their feet. "Kid," Kanan murmured. A low grumble sounded again, and I backed away slowly. Two yellow eyes suddenly peered at us from the grass, its piercing gaze digging deep into my soul. "Ezra," Kanan repeated, tone raised. A fiery pain shot up through my stomach, and a sleek, black creature suddenly pounced forward, straight for my face…
"Ezra!" Kanan yelled, and I shot up with a gasp. I panted heavily, my eyes alert as I searched desperately for the monster. Firm hands grasped onto my shoulders, and I was forced to stare right into Kanan's teal eyes.
"Ezra, Ezra! Calm down… calm… down…" He soothed. "It was just a dream."
Slowly, I realised that I was back on the Ghost, safely wrapped in Kanan's arms. I allowed the tension to release from my muscles, the adrenaline fading from my bloodstreams. Sighing, I leaned my head against his shoulder and took a moment to calm myself. "I'm… safe," I echoed, slightly dazed.
Kanan was a bit tense, but patted my back in a reassuring manner none the less. "Yeah," he murmured. "You're safe."
We stayed like that for a moment, until my stomach released a long, loud whine. I pulled back and exchanged a sheepish grin with Kanan's amused smirk. "That explains a lot," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck bashfully.
Kanan rolled his eyes, but smiled. "Come on then. Let's get you something to eat," he said while standing up. I followed after him quickly into the kitchen, and after a tasty sandwich for lunch, he led me back into the cock-pit of the ship, as Hera had called it. Hera was sitting on the front seat, glancing over her shoulder as we walked in. She smiled. "Hello boys," she greeted warmly. "I see you're finally awake Ezra."
I smiled timidly. "Yeah, I… got hungry," I explained with a chuckle, even if I knew it was much more than the call of my stomach.
She inclined her head thoughtfully. "Well, you would be. It's been a few hours since you fell asleep," she pointed out.
I perked up. "Hours?"
She nodded, turning back to the controls while saying "You fell asleep a while ago, and Kanan had to stay with you to keep you calm."
"Keep me, calm?" I repeated numbly. "Why? What would happen if he didn't?"
Hera seemed to tense, and she didn't reply as she stared out the window blankly. I could feel those familiar emotions weighing down on my shoulders again, part of me wishing things could have stayed like in my dream. No worries. No troubles. Just peace.
Suddenly, Kanan grasped onto my shoulder and twisted me to face him. "Nightmares," he stated, expression soft. "You would get nightmares."
I took a moment to register it, before asking "Nightmare, nightmares? Or… memory nightmares?"
He seemed slightly surprised at first, not expecting that response. I guess he wasn't expecting me to twig on so quickly. When I had gotten over the initial shock of last night's dreams, and Kanan had explained to me how memories were being unlocked in my sleep, I figured they could be separated into two categories. The first one being full on memories, like the first scene in my dream, while the others were just nightmares. Like that monster guy killing the others. Of course that never actually happened, but it would be nice to know which ones were actually happening to me in my sleep.
Kanan wore a nervous expression, and after a long moment, he replied softly "Both, it seems. I'm… not completely sure."
I frowned, but glanced up at him expectantly. "So… you can help me though, right?" I asked hopefully.
His lack of response sent a chill down my spine, and it made my blood go ice cold. But, as if sensing this, he mustered a smile and said "But hey, it seems to be working so far right?"
I hesitated, before smiling. "Yeah. I guess so."
Turning back to glance at Hera, I realised the view outside was different than usual. Instead of the black canvas with white, glinting spots, a large, blue, green and white sphere awaited ahead of us. I stared at it in awe for a long moment, before slowly heading forward to get a better view. Hera and Kanan watched me curiously, but I paid them no mind, engulfing myself in the beautiful sight. The white fluff shifted and glided over the surface of the blue and green ball, a gentle wisp calling me towards it. Blankly, I took a seat across from Hera, my eyes still fixed on the sphere as I asked "What… what is it?"
"It's Lothal," she replied. "It was your home planet."
Lothal…
The word seemed to echo, bouncing inside my skull and sending shudders down my spine. My vision blurred momentarily, and a flash of scenery faded into view. Tall, yellow grass swayed in the wind, crystal blue water rippling ever so slightly in a nearby pond. White, fluffy clouds were painted onto the blue sky, the sun beating down on the grassy plains.
It was so beautiful!
So calm.
So… familiar.
"Lothal," I whispered, reaching my hand out. "I… remember…"
Something spiked in the back of my mind as Kanan stepped forward and asked anxiously "You do?"
I frowned, the scene fading from my vision as I was dragged back to reality. "I… wait, it's going," I mumbled, trying to desperately claw onto the picture. "How do I bring it back?!"
Suddenly, a calming hand rested on my back, and Kanan's soothing voice cooed "Clear your mind Ezra. Don't focus on what you want to see… Just relax…"
I inhaled sharply, my eyes sliding shut as I released a long sigh. The gentle hum of the ship and the steady pace of breathing began to drown out, all that could be heard being the soft whistling in my head. All of my previous emotions seemed to fade as a warm feeling spread throughout my body. And in a flash of white, the image reappeared. I indulged in the beautiful sight, smiling and saying quietly "I see it… I see Lothal…"
"Tell me what you see," Kanan's voice murmured.
"Grass," I replied, though my mind was still in another place. "Long, soft grass… With blue skies and white, puffy clouds…"
There was a hum of approval, before Kanan said "Good… you're doing good…"
But suddenly, the colour began to fade from my surroundings. I glanced around nervously as a thick, grey smog began to fill the sky. The grass shrivelled, dying right in front of my eyes while I watched in horror. The ground hardened and shifted, shadows beginning to form as large structures arose from the land. "K-Kanan," I called, fear flooding my system again.
A gust of ice-cold wind hit my skin, penetrating deep into my soul and forcing me onto my knees. I wanted to scream so badly, but my throat closed up and left me kneeling there in a panic.
Tall buildings loomed over me, and one, smaller looking home with a more rustic look lay ahead. I stared at it for a long moment, before a cluster of loud bangs pierced my ears. Bending down instinctively, I covered my head as screams and roars of fury filled the air. "Kanan help!" I cried out, voices swirling through my skull and yelling at me fiercely.
"Ezra, stay down here!"
"Arrest the Bridgers men. Take them alive."
"No matter what Ezra, you must stay quiet. Promise Daddy you'll do that son!"
"Sir, they've locked the door."
"Blast it open!"
"Mira! Watch out-"
The screams increased, a loud explosion deafening me before I was suddenly sucked away from the scene and back into my body. My eyes shot open and I gasped, my muscles tense as I pushed myself further into the seat. A firm hand grasped onto my shoulder, and the chair swivelled till I was facing Kanan head on. "Ezra, what happened?!" he asked, concern lining his tone.
I panted heavily, my hands latched onto his arms tightly. Instinctively, my fingers raked into his shirt and skin, causing him to wince ever so slightly, but not enough to protest. He just watched me with a steady gaze, eyes never wavering and expression unchanging. "Ezra, take a deep breath," he instructed calmly.
His serene tone and confident presence eased me slightly, and I followed his orders obediently. I inhaled sharply, releasing it in a tense sigh. "I…. I could hear their screams," I whispered, eyes vacant.
"Who Ezra?" Kanan asked softly.
My brows furrowed as I tried to pin a name, or even an identity. In one way, it felt like I knew whoever had talked, and in another, it was like they were complete strangers. "I… I don't know," I mumbled, bowing my head.
"What else did you see?" he quizzed.
My eyes began to sting as an unsettling pain hit my heart. Voices filled my ears, unfamiliar sounds, tastes, sights and emotions tingling my senses. But for some reason, a wave of loneliness hit me in full force. I froze up, the pain becoming unbearable. "Please," I sobbed, tears leaking from my eyes. "Don't ever make me do that again…"
Kanan seemed confused at first, but I couldn't hold my emotions back any longer as the tears began to flood. I felt so empty inside. Like someone had just come in and ripped away every warm thought, touch or feeling I've ever had. Leaving me just an empty void, cold and stagnant.
But, not a few moments after I began to weep, I was pulled back into a strong embrace. I gasped instinctively, surprised at the comforting warmth that began radiating onto my skin. "Don't cry," Kanan whispered as he rubbed my back soothingly. "You don't have to do it again… just stay calm. You're okay."
I wheezed, before relaxing my muscles and melting into his touch. And slowly, the warmth began to rekindle within. The darkness scattered from my system, replaced only by Kanan's pure light.
The two of us stayed like that for a long moment, neither one wanting to break the embrace. And just when all of the coldness was emptied from my soul, Kanan pulled me back and sighed. "There," he murmured, expression soft. "Better?"
I blinked once, before mustering a weak smile. "Y-Yeah," I sniffled. "How… how do you do that?"
He tilted his head, puzzled. "Do what?"
"Make me feel… warm when I'm cold," I explained awkwardly. "Or whenever I'm in a bad dream, you always pull me back. How do you do that?"
Kanan's brows furrowed, and he seemed to get lost in thought. Finally, he replied "You and I have… well, had a strong connection. So I guess I can still… tap into that bond to keep you calm, in a way."
I frowned, not fully understanding, but nodding anyway. Kanan sighed. "I'll explain it another time. Just try to take it easy for now, okay?"
I nodded rapidly, causing Kanan to smile. "Good. Now go find Sabine or Chopper and talk to them for a while," he chuckled.
I stood up, and he ruffled my hair playfully, a more joyful energy flowing back into the atmosphere. Giggling, I slowly departed for the door, but not before stopping for one more glance at Lothal. The colourful sphere was getting closer and closer, now almost taking up the whole view in the window. I smiled, a warm, tingly feeling spreading throughout my chest.
Lothal…
Hmm. If it was anything like I imagined… or, remembered, in this case, than it seemed like a very beautiful, yet also dark place.
'I can't wait to see what else this place holds!' I thought gleefully, before skipping out of the room. And even despite the cold shudder that ran down my spine, my curiosity and unexplainable excitement overruled my fear…
Okay! So there it was! Chapter 8! Now I'll just warn you all, the chapters won't be as long as they used to be. It's just I've got a lot on my mind, a lot of stories to finish too. But I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Tell me what you thought about it in the reviews, because your support so far has been absolutely amazing! I mean, I'm blown away. You're all so awesome! :D
And the new rebels trailer is coming out soon! And by soon I mean, less than 2 hours! :D So I hope you all have a great day, and may the force be with you, always!
-Superherotiger