A/N: I OWN NOTHING OF DREAMFALL/DREAMFALL CHAPTERS OR STAR WARS REBELS! ALL RIGHTS GO TO THEIR CREATORS!
Chapter 2: Into Arcadia
Ezra's eyes snapped open. He slowly sat up, shaking his head slightly. He looked around the area. He was sitting on a cushioned bench in what seemed like a run-down restaurant or inn. He then noticed his clothing. It was a white top with black, leather armor, his pants were black and loose though were tucked into white boots. He turned to the area around him.
'This… looks familiar,' he thought. 'That's right! I've seen this place in other dreams!' He stood up and walked around the area. He passed the windows that were boarded closed, but sunlight shone through the boards and what he could see passed the gaps in between the boards seemed like an unbusy street. He also noticed a hole in the roof that he didn't remember from his dreams. He walked to the door only to find there wasn't a handle to open it with. 'Great.'
He then noticed a bowl filled with sticks and leaves. Inside the nest though was a familiar black bird. "Crow?" Ezra called.
"Ah!" exclaimed the bird as it startled awake. Ezra did the same at the sudden burst from the bird. "What's the matter?"
"You… scared me for a minute," Ezra answered.
"You scared me!" Crow retorted.
"What are you doing here? How did you find me?" Ezra asked.
"I didn't. I mean, okay, I did. You're standing right there, so technically yes I found you; but, I wasn't looking. This is my nest," Crow answered. Ezra looked at it. "Don't judge. It's a roof over my head, well a semi-roof. A roof that once was."
"Where are we?" Ezra asked.
"The Journeyman Inn. Or, it was once. Now, it's a dump," Crow answered.
"The Journeyman Inn?" Ezra repeated. A flash image of a woman talking to Ezra in a dream caught his attention for a moment, along with a name. "What about the Innkeeper? Benrime, right?"
"Dead and gone like everyone else, I suppose," the bird answered. "I have to admit, I thought you were dead, too. Last time I saw you… Poof! Vanished."
"I… don't think I was ever really here. All I remember of this place are dreams," Ezra responded.
"I remember it well, Ezra Bridger. You were here about a year ago. And then you just disappeared," Crow explained.
"I… don't remember it," the Padawan responded. "I mean, it's all vague in my mind, at least. I don't remember it much."
"Me neither. After your disappearing act, the next thing I remember, I was in Sadir. I just got back to Marcuria, which is why, y'know, this place," Crow told the young boy.
"Sadir?" Ezra questioned.
"Home to the Azadi. Those armored folks with exciting facial hair and a terrible allergy to magic," Crow explained.
"I remember the Azadi a bit. But magic?" Ezra responded. "All I know is-"
"Being a talking bird in a place where they hunt magicals for sport," Crow interrupted. "Boy, lemme tell you, I'm-"
"Maybe later, Crow. I need to find a way out of here," Ezra cut in. He turned to look around when he remembered something, "Hey, do you remember meeting me in a dream?"
"I remember dreaming about you last ni…" Crow paused seeming shocked. "Wait, how do you know about my dream?"
"It was my dream, too," Ezra replied.
"You're invading my dreams now?! Oh. Oh, God of Ravens, I hope you didn't see the one with the chicken and-" Crow began but stopped.
"Did Abnaxus say anything more after I left?" Ezra asked. "Anything at all?"
"The lumpy fella who looks like he's been repeatedly beaten with an enormous ugly-stick? Yes, he did," Crow answered. "To be honest, I can't follow what he says half the time. But it was something to the effect of: 'Bring him here. You will have brought him here. You will bring him here. You had have will be, etcetera'. I believe the basic theme was something about bringing someone somewhere. But don't hold me to that!"
"That place in the dream, Crow, where is it?" Ezra asked.
"You're asking me? I have no idea!" he replied. "I had a dream, that's all. It was a big white space. That could literally be anywhere! I'm guessing… the North Pole?"
"I'm not sure that's it," Ezra replied.
"The South Pole?" Crow guessed again.
"Uh, no. Abnaxus said something about finding the Purple Mountains and the Oular," Ezra replied.
"Ooo-no, never heard of them," Crow responded. "But the Purple Mountains? Those should be easy to find."
"So, you know where that is?" Ezra asked.
"No, but come on, purple mountains? Most mountains are grey and white. Not a whole lot of purple ones around. I'm sure they'll be easy to spot," Crow answered slightly annoying Ezra.
"I think we'll need some help with that," the boy responded.
"'We?' Look, I don't know where this 'we' thing came from. I am doing just fine on my own," Crow retorted. "Also, I definitely don't need another adventure. I'm done with adventures. From now on, I'm an unadventurous bird. No, you go off and find help yourself. It was nice seeing you agai-"
"Abnaxus told you to bring me there, remember?" Ezra fought.
"In a dream. A dream! If I was going to start taking advice from my dreams, I'd be in a whole heap of troubles," Crow retorted.
"It wasn't just a dream. It was a vision, I know it," Ezra told the bird.
"Dreams, visions, nightmares, hallucinations… They all belong under the same general heading called 'really bad ideas'," Crow fought further.
Ezra sighed. "Fine. I don't have anything else to go on, so I'm just going to try to find the Purple Mountains," he gave in. He then turned and noticed something on a chandelier. A handle! He took a deep breath and used the Force to bring it to him.
"Ezra! You have magical powers?!" Crow exclaimed.
"I have a connection to the Force," Ezra corrected. "Yes, they give me powers. But they aren't magical, really. There are several others like me." He shook his head and walked to the door. He placed the handle in the slot. "It was nice seeing you… again, Crow." He then walked out.
When he entered outside, he was shocked to see a more basic, medieval styled town that also seemed to be in the middle of beginning a festival. Though, there were strange pipes going around houses and on walls that seemed to be not normal for this town. Crow then flew down onto the railing by Ezra.
"I thought you said you were staying here?" Ezra asked with a slight smirk.
"In this godforsaken pigeon's nest?" Crow replied. "I'm done living like a gnatcatcher and not having any adventures. It was fun for a while, but I'm ready to live again!" He paused for a moment. "Uh, so what exactly is this thing we're doing?"
"Helping me find someone who can get me to the Purple Mountains and the Dream," Ezra answered.
"And what kind of adventure are we talking about here? A light stroll along safe, well lit streets? Camping out in the woods under mostly clear skies? Facing potentially life-threatening dangers on perilous mountain paths?" Crow asked.
"Knowing my luck, probably the second one," Ezra replied.
"Oh, great. That's great," Crow responded sarcastically. "Already regretting this." Ezra began to walk forward when the talking bird asked, "Is there a plan or are we just winging it?"
"Depends. My memory of this place is beginning to come back. Are the rebels still around?" the Padawan asked.
"I've heard mention of rebels, yes. Mostly preceded by cursing and followed by loud calls for slit throats and severed heads," Crow answered.
"That's the plan, then. Find the rebels," Ezra decided. "Do you know where we can find them?"
"I've only been back a couple months, and I've mostly been nesting, so no… no idea," Crow answered.
"Great," Ezra responded sarcastically. He then realized something. "Wait, nesting. Isn't that something only-"
"Stop! Let me stop you right there, and let's never speak of this again," Crow interrupted.
That's when Ezra noticed a note posted on the wall by the entrance of the Inn. "What's that?" he wondered. He then read it, "The Journeyman Inn is closed, but all patrons and well-wishers are welcome at the Rooster & Kitten! On Ayrede Avenue near South Gate!" He then added, "And there's a drawing of a rooster and a kitten, just to avoid any confusion, I guess. Well, this is as good a clue as any. Why don't we head to the Rooster and Kitten?"
"Alright!" Crow agreed and flew off calling, "Follow me!"
Ezra followed and began to think, 'This is crazy. I'm really here. And I remember it all. It all happened just before I was taken in by the Ghost crew. But… things look a bit different. But, wow, I'm back. And it wasn't a crazy dream, either.' He followed slowly, listening in on other conversations. People talking about the pipes and construction.
He turned to a man who told him, "Shame the magicals torched Oldtown, but what did you expect? Those leeches wouldn't be happy unless they ran the city. And now they've been run out of the city instead. Good riddance, if you ask me."
"Don't you think you're being a bit harsh on them? Maybe it wasn't them who burned Oldtown," Ezra responded.
"What would you know, boy? You're just a kid who doesn't know anything about today," the man retorted and turned back to his friends.
Ezra walked down a few staircases until he came up where people had gathered to listen to a man talking about how bad magicals are. It really irritated Ezra and it reminded Ezra of what the Empire did to those who didn't side with them.
He turned and looked around again, assuring himself that with his new attire, he fit in with the locals. He felt around for his lightsaber and was relieved when his felt it on his waist. He hurried forward and noticed Crow waiting for him. Despite Crow being one of the more annoying friends he had made here, he appreciated having someone he knew around.
He turned to another citizen who greeted him kindly and said, "It's good to see a tourist like yourself despite the… unrest."
"Unrest?" Ezra questioned.
"All that business with the magicals? Shameful. That is not what this city is about," the man replied.
"I would hope so," Ezra responded, hoping it didn't sound like he was more different on whether he was with the Azadi or not. Though, he knew he was not with the Azadi. The man nodded before turning to his work.
Ezra walked passed Azadi guards that stood at the entrance of Oldtown as he recognized it. The Padawan thought, 'The Azadi really remind me of the Empire. Strict, forceful, and full of hate of others who are not with their beliefs. They're basically the same, despite being from two different dimensions like it seems. The only difference is they have swords and the Empire and Sith have blasters and lightsabers.'
Ezra continued walking further into the city. He noticed the people around and was a bit confused when he realized he hadn't seen any magicals at all since arriving. 'What happened to them? They wouldn't have burned Oldtown. Did the Azadi…?'
Ezra turned a corner before noticing an indent entrance that had a sign by it. Crow flew onto a chair next to it. "The Rooster and Kitten, huh? Hopefully there's someone in here who knows something about the rebels here," he commented quietly. "If they don't, well…" He looked at the bird. "I'm going inside. Can you wait out here for now?"
"What else can a free bird do? I need an open sky over my head. Or at least a proper hole in the roof. I'll be right here," Crow replied. He looked to the side. "Or over there, where there's cheese and, oooh, is that a bread crust? Don't look at me!"
"I'm not. I'll see you in a bit," Ezra responded and walked in. He looked around the mildly empty restaurant. He noticed a large shaped bartender behind the bar and walked up to the man.
"Welcome to the Rooster and Kitten," he greeted.
"Uh, hi," Ezra responded. "It's nice to um…"
"What?" the man responded.
"Uh, sorry, I'm foreign," Ezra replied.
"You don't say. From where exactly? I'm a traveler myself, but I can't quite place the accent," the bartender responded.
"Uh, west," Ezra answered. "Far west."
"What? Azadir?" the man asked.
"Further west," Ezra replied.
"I didn't think there was a further west. I thought Azadir was a far west as west goes before it turns east again," the man responded.
"Right, well, you know. East, but you head west from here," Ezra lied.
"That makes no sense to me, but then there is much that I haven't seen yet during my travels. What's this land named? I'm Ulvic by the way," the man responded.
"I'm Ezra. And it's called, um, Lothal," the young Padawan replied, keeping with the lie.
"Lothal?" Ulvic repeated.
"Yep. Lothal," Ezra replied.
"So what will it be today?" Ulvic asked.
"What?" Ezra replied.
"You know, you're not the first person confused by that question. Even though, by all appearances, this is a drinking establishment. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Is it my demeanor? Do I not appropriately appear… barkeeperish?"
"What?! No, no! You're absolutely… barkeeperish. You really show your publicness. Um, drinks," Ezra replied. "Do you have anything festive? Maybe something sweet but not too strong?"
"I can water down an apple cider for ya," Ulvic replied. "After all, you're still just a kid by all appearances."
"Uh, thanks," Ezra responded. He wasn't fond of being called a kid, too much. But he didn't want to get any enemies here… other than the Azadi.
Ulvic handed it over. "Are you certain you're in the right place?" he asked.
"Not really," Ezra replied.
"Honesty," the man responded and gave a quick laugh. "I like it. It's all too rare these days. From your attire and… and, well, all of you, I'd say you're probably looking for a place up Highhall, not down here dockside. This is a rough neighborhood, and… Well, you do stand out in my usual crowds of ne'er-do-wells. And standing out isn't always a good thing these days."
"No, this is my kind of place. Trust me," Ezra responded. "I don't tend to go with any higher-ups. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say-"
"That's the nicest thing anyone's said about my pub in a long time," Ulvic cut him off with a slight grin.
"Maybe it's a language thing," Ezra responded.
"So what else can I help you with, young man?" Ulvic asked.
"So the Azadi… are they still running the city?" Ezra asked.
"Oh, they're not…" Ulvic stopped before continuing, "The Council runs the city, the Emissary is… She's an advisor. Her advice is invaluable. Of great value. To all of us." Ezra couldn't help but notice the uncertainty in Ulvic's voice.
"Sounds like a good arrangement. And the soldiers…?" Ezra continued.
"For our protection, and benefaction. They keep us safe from enemies outside and… and inside. From rebel terrorists and the like," Ulvic replied. Ezra could see in his eyes that he didn't truly believe the words he was saying, he was hiding something.
"Well, what's this grand ceremony coming up?" Ezra asked.
"It's the official unveiling of the tube network. I reckon it's where they tell us how all things will be efficient in the future," Ulvic explained. "The ceremony's taking place next week, on the day of the Feast of Reaping. The Emissary thought it'd be contribute to the celebrations. Won't make much difference to the Marcurians, to be honest. We'll still eat too much, drink too much, and pass out in the gutters when the sun rises." Ezra gave him an uncertain look. "I mean, it's tradition! And tradition must be honored!" Ezra gave a soft agreeable smile and nodded.
"Well, what do you know about…" the Padawan paused before continuing in a whisper, "the rebels?" He stayed silent for a moment, shock on his face. "You know, the rebels. The ones you mentioned before. The magical insurgents? No?"
"We don't discuss terrorists here, young boy," Ulvic stated.
"Oh, right. Sorry, I was just a bit curious," Ezra responded.
Ulvic then whispered to the boy, "Tell you what. There's someone you might want to talk to, over in the smithy in City Green. It's on the far side, close to the gate into the Bones. Go knock on the door, tell them you're there to inquire about the library." He then said louder, "But now I'm afraid I have some work to do. I've been neglecting my other customers for too long."
"Oh, sorry about that. Thanks for your help," Ezra responded. He walked out and found Crow on the wall. He told the bird, "I got something on the rebels. While I'm looking into that, I need you to do something. A mission."
"Mission is my middle name. No, that's not true. It's Edward. Nope, that's also a lie. I just always wanted it to be Edward," Crow responded.
Ezra sighed. "I need a bird's eye view of things," he told him.
"Are you trying to get rid of me, Ezra?" Crow responded.
"Huh?! Of course not. But I'd feel much safer if you're watching me from up there, while I continue to search down here," he replied honestly.
"I feel a swelling in my chest cavity that can only mean one thing," Crow responded.
"What?" Ezra asked.
"An imminent burp. But I will do this thing you ask of me, Ezra. And I will feign pride if you need me too!" Crow replied.
"Knock yourself out, Crow," Ezra responded and Crow took off.
Ezra walked around the area for a bit until he found an area with the entrance to the yard called Smithy Green. He knocked on a door that sat against the far wall and a man opened it cautiously.
"Uh, hi. I'm here about the… the library? Weird opener, I know. But I was told that this is-" Ezra was cut off as the man opened it wider. "Alright, I guess we're going inside?" He slowly walked in when the man closed it behind him.