AN: This One Shot is written to brain storm a fanfiction idea. You may see a whole fic based on this one day. Not any day soon, though. My brain just really wants to get started, so here is how I would start said idea.
Ciao for now,
ABSOL_uteOG06
Two figures moved though Kothal in the dead of the night, like the shadows they are. Jumping from roof to roof, they didn't make any stop for the Imperial's patrolling the city, looking for them and anyone against the Empire. Both figures dropped into an alley, before stealing to a house, abandoned for years. The taller of the two asked, "Kid, you have the key?"
"Of course, master.", answered the second. He fished out a key and opened the door to the house. They walked in and opened the entrance to a hidden basement, right under a small table. As the older closed the table lid, the other asked, "What now? Master?"
His master sighed. "Honestly, I have no idea, kid. They found us, they probably found the other areas and the main quarters by now... they probably placed traps there, like they did with the Jedi temples..."
"So, hiding?"
"We always hide, Ezra. We hid when the Republic existed. The Jedi were public, but we kybers kept to the shadows.", said his master. "Wait, no. The Sith rule the dark, we are the dawn."
"Master Kazu, can you please stop the time day-night metaphors?", asked his apprentice annoyed. "Seriously, what do we now?"
His Master, Kazu, took down his hood, revealing ash blond hair, pale skin and green-blue heterochromatic eyes. "I... I have an idea, but it way be risky."
"Like all your plans.", pointed Ezra out. His own hood down revealed bluish black hair and blue eyes, shining purple in the light of the lamps in the basement.
"Yes. I will..." - He sighed. - "You stay here, while I try to find any surviving kyber knights. I do not plan to go to our areas, I want to warn any survivors from potential traps.", explained Kazu. He fished out of his backpack rations and a box. "You stay here, until I return in a week. Take the rations, you'll need them."
"And if you don't return?", asked Ezra worried.
"You'll be on your own as the Empire will have caught me if that is the case. I am sorry, Ezra, but I have no idea.", admitted Kazu. He then gave Ezra the box. "Take these. Even if you aren't an official Kyber Knight. I am sorry you were never officially made one. Please practice masking your force signature, Ezra."
Ezra took the box and opened it. In there he found two twin light sabers, the ones his mother wield, as well as her even older light saber as when she was a Jedi, and a two dual sabers that can be joined into a dual-sided staff saber, the one his father wield. As well as a Jedi Holochron and two Kyber Holochrons (that definitively aren't over-ridden Jedi Chrons as Kybers have no regard for the Jedi).
"I... well, you knew my parent's demand. They won't want me to be forced, I would choose when I'm sixteen. Which won't be for another two years...", said Ezra, inspecting his parent's old belongings.
"Well... if I get taken... maybe you find other kybers to officially recruit you into the order.", said Kazu. "I better get going. Stay save, Ezra. Farewell."
"Farewell, Kazu."
One week later, Kazu didn't return. Two weeks later, Ezra knew he never would. Three weeks later, Ezra knew he was now with his parents, in the beyond. Four weeks later, he accepted this and moved on. He adapted to live on the streets. He is stuck on Lothal, he does not have much options. And to be honest, he does not want to leave his home just yet. He somewhat hopes to find his master's ship. They abandoned it to hide from the Empire, he hopes the Empire hadn't found it.
Ezra was considering to just steal a ship, but that would be against the codex of the Kybers... on the other hand, he was never officially part of that order... and would it be really that bad of he stole from the Empire?
While he didn't steal ships, he snatched things from the Empire. One day while he was thieving, he sensed a presence in the force. He instantly knew it was not Kazu, or any Kyber for that matter. It was a Jedi's presence. While Jedi are rare these days, Kazu and him did manage to walk into a few. One attacked Kazu, thinking he was a sith (kinda like Ezra's parents met) and another tried to kidnap Ezra, to make him his Padawan. Also thinking Kazu was a sith.
Ezra tried to mask his presence – something he always sucked at – and hoped the Jedi won't sense him. He kept a metaphorical eye on the Jedi's presence. The Jedi kept close to the thing he wanted to steal. He was considering if meeting another Jedi was worth the loot. While most Kybers just dislike Jedi, he and Kazu avoided them because in their experience, if a Jedi is there, an Inquisitor is always close by. Inquisitors. There are the ones to avoid. But Ezra took the risk, he only felt the Jedi.
The force signature of a Jedi feels different to Sith and Kybers. Or anyone who doesn't hone their force abilities. Siths are dark voids, pulsing with heat. Kybers are a spectrum, rough around the edges, they tend to shift around. Jedi are sharp and cold, only some being warm and soft, namely some Jedi Sentinels (who tend to be similar to Kybers, take Mira Bridger as an example) and Jedi Counselors, albeit in lesser instances than their yellow saber wielding colleagues. Jedi bottle their emotions, while Sith are loosing themselves to them. Kybers and similar tend to have them in check. After all, they are in between.
Kanan sensed something was near by, something – no – someone force sensitive. Albeit they tried to hide themselves. Which made them just more suspicious to Kanan. Even though he was sure it was no dark side user. He just hoped this hiding person won't but into his mission. They need these supplies.
His green-blue eyes scanned the area for any imperial that may become dangerous for them. Subconsciously, he was looking for any person that could be the force sensitive. He was sure he saw a dark blue blur on a roof nearby, watching him.
Kanan walked though an alley and pat his leg, a small signal for a colorful Mandalorian and a purple Lasat. Kanan gave them a signal with his fingers, but he didn't feel secure doing so, the feeling that someone watches him nagging on him even more. By the second, Kanan gets more irritated by the presence that fails to mask themselves.
His crew jumped into action, and tried to take speeders loaded with the supplies. But to his luck one of the speeders got taken by a teen boy. He swooped in and sped off, he was so fast, Kanan nearly didn't notice it if it wasn't for the Imperials complaining about the menace. Apparently the kid pisses off the Imperials of Lothal semi-regularly.
His Lasat friend decided to chase after the thief. So Kanan and Sabine, the Mando, followed them as they were chased by Imperials.
Dashing down the lanes connection settlements, Sabine jumped onto the thief's speeder. She said sarcastically, "I am sure this belongs to us."
The thief acknowledged her but didn't answer her. Instead he accelerated the speeder, then the speeder jumped off the lane. Sabine in shock clung to the supplies pulled behind the speeder. She wanted to detach the most last box, but she saw it was already loose and followed the speeder on it's own.
"Never seen the force, Mando?", said the thief. The second box then floated away and smacked into an imperial following them. "Jump on, hanging on the supplies won't end well for you." He slowed slightly down and she sat behind him, then he sped off to a tower. Stopping there, he held his hand up and a box flew down from the tower. They then drove to a different spot.
"That village.", she said, realizing where they are going.
"I assume you meant to go there? Mm, what a coincidence. Well, looks like I can just drop you off there.", he said.
"Yeah..." The guy was just confusing Sabine. She wanted to ask about the force, but she didn't knew if it was a good idea to ask. Getting off the speeder, she saw he pushed the two remaining boxes to the village. "Do you need help?"
"Nope, I just push them with the Force.", he said.
They walked to the village – more like settlement – and Sabine asked, "Why are you so open about the Force with me?"
"Simple. The man in your group, he is a Jedi. I can sense is force signature. As sharp, stiff and emotionally diluted like any Jedi, albeit he tries to mask his presence. And you are against the Empire, so I doubt you sell me to the Inquisitors."
"You mean Kanan? And what are inquisitors?"
"Inquisitors are users of the dark side who work for the Empire. Tasked to kill Jedi, recruit force users. By far not as strong as a sith, but enough to be a tool.", explained the thief. "Mind you, their sabers are utter trash. You aren't surprised this Kanan is a Jedi?"
"Eh... not really. I once overheard our leader asking him to use his abilities to aid us, saying he wastes himself. An open secret, really."
"Mm."
A woman approached them. "Ezra, there you are. Oh, you brought something?"
"Of course, Miss Neera.", he said. "I meant to bring three, but I lost a box."
"It is okay. A different group brought us supplies as well.", said Miss Neera.
Ezra looked to Sabine, "I assume she means your group?"
"Yeah. I... better go to them.", she replied.
As Sabine walked away, she saw how Ezra gave the woman a box, the one from the tower. She soon saw her crew. A green Twi'Lek woman approached her. "Sabine! Where have you been? Are you okay?"
The Lasat asked, "Did that thief do anything to you?"
"No, he was pretty nice. Heck, he also brought his boxes to the settlement... I... I need to talk to Kanan.", explained Sabine as she took off her helmet.
"He's in his cabin. He seems to be bothered by something.", said the Twi'Lek.
Sabine sighed. "Hera, I know Kanan is a Jedi. He sensed Ezra, didn't he?"
"Ezra?"
"The thief, Zeb.", said Sabine.
Hera told her, "he didn't say he sensed him, but I have no idea what would bother him then... wait, does that mean this Ezra is, you know, force sensitive?"
"I saw him using it a few times.", said Sabine ass she walked into the Ghost, their ship. Well, Hera's. She made a bee line to Kanan. She knocked on his door, "Kanan! We need to talk! About the thief."
"Why?", answered Kanan though the door.
"He can use the force, Kanan!", said Sabine.
"And?"
Sabine sighed. "He sensed your force signature, he knew you are a Jedi."
Kanan opened the door. "That... he did? But... are you sure he is on our side?"
"In the sense that he is against the Empire, I am sure!"
"Why are you telling me about the kid?", he asked.
Sabine wasn't sure how to answer. Was it excitement to meet Ezra? Hoping his openness to use the force may rub off on Kanan? Sabine after all did agree with Hera, that Kanan's abilities can help against the Empire. But the Inquisitors Ezra mentioned, maybe it would be better if Kanan continues hiding and Ezra is the idiot for being so open about it?
Kanan seemed to have an idea as he crossed his arms and asked, "Sabine, I won't take him as my Padawan if this is what you want to ask."
"What? No! That is such a far-fetched idea, Kanan!", said Sabine.
"I would reject that offer anyway.", said Ezra, followed by Hera and Zeb. "Not that I could."
"Ezra, what are you doing here?", asked Sabine, surprised to see him there. But she was somewhat thrilled that he is here, in the Ghost.
Ezra gestured to Hera, "Hera wants to talk to me."
"Yes. Kanan, would you come, please?", asked Hera.
Kanan rolled his eyes. "But first, Ezra, right? Sabine told me you sensed me, is that true?"
"Yes. I also can sense your kyber crystal in your saber under your bunk.", answered Ezra nonchalantly. Kanan on the other hand was surprised by this.
"You know what a kyber is?"
"Duh, I said I can sense it, didn't I?", replied Ezra.
"I don't know if I like having two force users in the Ghost.", chimed Zeb in.
"Calm down, big guy. I leave when Hera let's me go.", said Ezra. He turned to the Twi'Lek, "Now why did you drag me here?"
"I wanted to ask you if you would join our crew.", said Hera. Her crew was shocked, her droid beeping offended. Only Sabine liked the idea. Ezra himself looked at her more confused while Kanan had a question, but Hera answered that one before he could even ask, "Kanan, no. I do not demand that you train him. Albeit I would prefer if you do."
To her surprise, both Kanan and Ezra said, "Not going to happen." Ezra added, looking to the Jedi, "Good that we agree on that part."
"But Ezra, won't you want to have better control of your powers?", asked Sabine.
"Eh, while betterment is always good, I think I am good.", replied Ezra. "And I doubt Kanan here has much to teach me."
"Oi, what is that supposed to mean?", asked Kanan offended.
"Simple. You're, what, around thirty? The end of the Jedi should have happened when you were around my age, so it is save to assume you never finished your training.", answered Ezra. "Not to mention, you seem to suppress your abilities – when was the last time you used your saber – you must be rusty."
Zeb was slightly laughing at Ezra's comment, while Kanan was very annoyed with their guest.
"Are you sure you want him to join?", he asked Hera. "he doesn't seem like a fit for our group. He is rude, arrogant, he is just a street rat!" Now Ezra looked at Kanan insulted, "I'm not a street rat... arrogant Jedi." "How could he help us against the Empire? Has he even a reason to fight them besides being a little menace?"
"Oh, I am very willing to face off against the Empire! I have reasons to.", said Ezra, "Also, I am not a street rat. If anyone is arrogant, it would be you, Jedi. My... Guardian told me arrogance was the Jedi's downfall."
Hera stepped between the two force users before a fight breaks out between these two. "Calm down, you two! And stop insulting each other! Ezra, would you join our crew?"
"Mm, sure. If the others don't mind.", answered Ezra. "Also, I, uh, have the habit of collecting stuff, like helmets and light sabers of the inquisitors."
"Really?", asked Sabine. "But you said they were trash?"
"Yeah, but taking them still pisses off Imperials.", answered Ezra. "Plus I can use the stuff to repair some stuff." Hera's droid beeped something and Ezra rolled his eyes. He told the android, "I could repair your module if you don't stop insulting me."
"You can understand the trash can?", asked Zeb surprised.
"He speaks a similar code to my mentor's droid... kriff, I forgot about Zero!", said Ezra. He walked out of the Ghost.
Hera followed him, asking, "Where are you going?"
"I need to find Zero!", answered Ezra. He climbed onto the speeder.
"Wait!", yelled Sabine. "Maybe we could help you?"
"Why would you?", asked Ezra.
"Yeah, why would we?", asked Kanan.
"Hera wants him to join us, doesn't she?", chimed Zeb in. "Hera, you want his help for that mission, right?"
Hera confirmed with a nod. "Jedi-" She saw Ezra's annoyed glare. "And force users in general are powerful. You know how Kanan is when he uses his abilities in rare cases."
"How do we know he isn't a dark side user?", asked Kanan.
"My eyes aren't yellow for once.", said Ezra. "If you have any skill with the force, you should be able to sense that my force connection is neutral."
"Well... I can sense you aren't dark.", admitted Kanan.
"Ezra...", asked Hera.
"You... can help me find Zero. If we find him, I help you. With that mission, I am not sure if joining is a good idea, considering Kanan.", answered Ezra.
"Good, now what kind of droid is Zero?", asked Hera, happy to have some deal with the force sensitive mystery that is Ezra.
"Well, there are actually two Astromechs... but Zero is more important to me, I admit. Zero is an R4-P Astromech, he is cardinal red and white. While the other droid is a green standard R4, he is nicknamed Bean."
"Bean?", asked Zeb, laughing.
"My mentor has a weird humor, which sadly translated into Bean's nickname.", said Ezra. "Honestly, I doubt Bean is still alive, well, functional."
"How do you and your mentor have an R4-P? These were mainly used by Jedi?", asked Kanan.
"Mm, the better question is where my mother got him from, as Zero used to belong to my mother.", answered Ezra. He knows where Mira got Zero from, she was a Jedi after all. He just is unsure how much to tell them."
"Where have you seen Bean and Zero last?", inquired Hera.
"That is the complicated part. My mentor and I were hiding from Imperials, the droids were supposed to flee and hide, away from Kazu's ship – which I also don't know where it is – Kazu and I were chased by a bunch of Inquisitors, so I have no idea where they are."
"But they have to be somewhere on Lothal?"
"And in Kothal, Hera."
"One city to scan for, then.", said Hera.
"Why were your mentor and you chased by Inquisitors?", asked Kanan.
"Because Inquisitors mistook us for Jedi? Apparently the Empire can't imagine that there are force users who are neither Sith – or wannabe siths in the case of the Inquisitors – and Jedi.", answered Ezra. "Now, has anyone of you an idea how to track down two droids?"
While Ezra and Hera discussed places where Zero and Bean could hide, Sabine wondered about Ezra. He hesitated to mention Kazu, calling him his guardian first. From what he said about Zero, his mother at least is dead. If this is why he is against the Empire? As well as him and this Kazu being chased? And what about the hostility to Kanan and the Jedi?
She heard Zeb complaining about Chopper. She walked to them, "Zeb, would you mind if Ezra joins?"
"I am not sure. If he argues less with Kanan, maybe.", was his answer. "I just hope his droids are less like Chopper."
"Lesser annoying or lesser trash?", she asked mockingly. Chopper beeped offended and rolled away.
"Both. Hey, you had some time alone with the kid, have you an idea what he meant with 'Not that I could' when Kanan assumed you want that he takes the kid as his padawan?"
"I... have no idea, I'm actually confused what he meant as well. If it wasn't for his hostility regarding anything Jedi, I would have assumed he is one. This Kazu guy mentors him in some way, right?"
"What are you thinking, Sabine?"
"Call be crazy, but what if Kazu used to be a Jedi, but after their downfall, he faulted the Jedi philosophy, and rubbed this dislike off on Ezra, his apprentice.", said Sabine. "It would explain why he refers him as his mentor and can use the force so well."
"Eh, ask him.", said Zeb. "Don't get me wrong, I don't see why your theory won't be wrong, but we don't know if you're right or wrong."
Hera came stormed into the community room. "I forgot to ask, Zeb, would you mind to share your cabin with Ezra?"
"Do I have to?"
"I wanted to ask Kanan, but...", said Hera. "I doubt they get along."
"I would behave...", said Ezra all innocently.
"I still won't risk it.", told him Hera. "Now, you said you may have an idea where Zero could be?"
"Mm!", confirmed Era with a nod, "My paternal grandparent's house. That is, if it is still standing. You see, it is in a different town. I know I said they are probably in Kothal, but Zero likes to hack ships and steal them."
"Wait, why paternal? Wasn't Zero your mom's android?", asked Hera.
"Yes... but mom isn't from Lothal. She stayed with dad when she first came to Lothal.", explained Ezra.
"Which town, Ez?"
"E-Ez?" Ezra was surprised Hera would call him by a nick name. "The town isn't far from Kothal, it is Rothal."
Zeb asked irritated, "Are all towns named like that?"
"Only ones that were funded in the first Lothal dynasty. So only ten.", explained Ezra.
"We'll get there the next day.", said Hera. "Now Zeb?"
"Fine...", agreed Zeb annoyed.
"He can share with me.", offered Sabine.
While Ezra looked super uncomfortable as she offered that, Hera asked, "Are you sure?"
"Nah, kid's with me.", said Zeb, "I don't trust Sabine. Best case, kid wakes up with cotton candy hair, worst case, Kanan's Sith assumption is true."
"Cotton candy hair?"
"Sabine is an artist and obsessed with colors.", explained Hera. "She dyed Kanan's hair once, it didn't end well." Zeb laughed at that memory. Kanan wasn't that pissed for a long time.
The next day, they landed on Rothal. It was a city like Kothal, but far smaller than the capital. Albeit Rothal used to be the capital city centuries ago. Ezra guided them to a borough that had a lot of older buildings. Quite expensive buildings. Which sparked a question for Hera. "Um, Ezra? What is your living situation?"
"I'm an orphan. Simple as that.", answered Ezra. "And yes, because of the Empire, if you want to ask."
"So, you are a street rat!"
"No, Zeb. I lived with my mentor, a friend of my parents.", explained Ezra. "I didn't grow up on the streets, so I am no street rat." They walked around a corner, there they found a building, destroyed. "Shit... well, that proves Kazu's theory...", he said.
Hera and Kanan took a closer look. "Seems like this was destroyed only a month ago.", said Kanan.
"Mm, matches the time frame...", muttered Ezra. He climbed into the ruin.
"Ezra, what are you doing?", asked Hera.
"Looking for something." Ezra soon found a table, similar to the one in his parents house, acting like a lid to a basement. He climbed in and the ghosts followed him.
"Karabast, no light.", said Zeb. "Even the hole won't light much."
"Kanan, do you have your saber on you?", asked Hera.
"No need for his saber.", said Ezra. He then activated a saber himself. It was white. He used it to light the basement. It was more spacious than the one his parents had. Partly because it wasn't filled with a massive radio station and decoder. "I wonder if..." As Ezra started to look for something specific. "Mm, I should've gotten earler to this place..."
The Ghost crew just eyed his white saber. Kanan asked what they all thought, "Where do you have this from?"
"Like I said, I steal Inquisitor's sabers. As for why the blade isn't red, I cleansed it. A side effect from a few experiments I did.", explained Ezra.
"Right, you mentioned that.", said Sabine. "What are you looking for?"
"Besides Zero?" Ezra chuckled a bit. "I am sure you will realize what I am looking for if you see it."
"Cryptic.", said Zeb.
"Not as cryptic as Kazu's master.", said Ezra. He opened a chest. There he found a little box. A dual Light Saber pair and a solo saber snug in there, his grandparents weapons from when they were Kyber Knights. "Mm, weird that they are in here..."
"Ezra?"
"I just wonder what had happened with my grandparents... the house had been abandoned since before my parents had me. It is just weird that these," - Ezra gestured to the box. - "Were in here. I mean, I'm glad I got my hands on them, but still."
"Are you telling us what you found?", asked Zeb.
"No.", answered Ezra. "At least not with your Jedi in earshot."
"What is your problem with me?!", asked Kanan annoyed and insulted.
Ezra wanted to answer, when Chopper beeped, getting the crew's and Ezra's attention. Ezra walked to him and saw what the noise is about. Chopper found something covered, shaped like a droid. Chopper pulled the cover off, revealing a green astromech, taller than Chopper with a cone head.
"Oh, it is just Bean... wait, why is Bean here?", said Ezra. He tried to activate Bean. "Mm, battery dead and the electrical system here is trashed..."
"We can bring him to the Ghost and fix him there as well.", said Hera. "Zeb, mind carrying Bean?"
"Sure, but how do we get him out of the hole?", answered Zeb.
"I move him with the force.", said Ezra as if it was the obvious thing to do. Ezra proceeded to just do that. Out of the hole, he put the saber on his belt and gave Bean to Zeb. They then made their way to the Ghost.
Hera and Ezra replaced Bean's battery and charged him. As they waited for him to reboot, Ezra told her, "You know, we may have only found Bean, but I am going to help you with that mission."
"Really? Thank you.", said Hera, "But what about Zero?"
"Mm, maybe Bean knows where he is... but if you would help me with that, too, I would help you with more than that mission, as a trade of services, essentially."
"I still would prefer if you join us.", said Hera. "But your issue with Kanan."
"It isn't that I have issues with Jarrus directly, I'm just not a fan of the Jedi.", explained Ezra, "For someone who ignores their past, he is pretty offended when I say anything negative about the Jedi order."
"You seem to know a lot about the Jedi order. How come?", asked Sabine, "Like that Kyber cleansing."
"Remember how I said that my mom isn't from Lothal? She used to be a Jedi, but she left the order to be with my father. I know about the Jedi mainly from her and Kazu's story..." Ezra refrained from saying that he and Kazu met a few survivors, mainly as he doesn't want to say how they met them, or why.
Hera was quite surprised by this, "This explains why you can use the force!"
Ezra sighed, knowing that this is not the truth. While Mira taught him enough to have his abilities under control and to mask, the most he learned he did from Kazu and some other Kybers. On the other hand, he is quite open with them, should he tell them about the Kybers? But Kanan. So many Kybers, namely the ones that make use of both sides of the force (like Kazu) tend to be mistaken for sith or dark side users by Jedi. Kanan seems prone to that.
He was saved from the need of answers when Bean finally rebooted. The astromech, as soon as he registered that he was in an unknown space, hid behind Ezra. "By Ashlan, you coward! Well, good to see you again, Bean." Bean beeped, when Ezra hushed him. "Bean, these people are nice but please don't reveal everything to them. And no, I haven't heard from Kazu since the chase. Now, do you know where Zero is?" Bean beeped his answer. "Zero attempted to make his way to the ship – despite Kazu and me telling him not to – so we don't know if he made it nor where he is? Kriff..."
"What ship?", asked Kanan as he and Zeb walked into the cockpit.
"My mentor's ship, which we abandoned when the Empire tried to capture us. Bean told me Zero made his way there, well, tried to.", explained Ezra. "I am not sure where it is... heck, the Empire probably found it. And Zero, if he found it... kriff."
"Hey, after the mission, we help you to find it and Zero.", said Hera.
"Yeah, about that mission.", said Kanan. "What do we with Ezra in the meantime?"
"I help you. Of course.", said Ezra. "We may not have found Zero, but we found Bean, a potential clue to Zero and my grandparents stuff, so I think I owe you at least something."
"That... makes sense.", said Zeb, "Now, ya need a code name..."
"Specter six.", said Hera.
"As if he was a member? Hera, no.", demanded Kanan.
"Seriously Kanan?", complained Hera.
"Mm, what about Specter Zero? Zero is a number, but not six and a nice hint for the request that started our cooperation.", proposed Ezra.
"That, mh, why not?", answered Hera.
"Now... what is the mission?", asked Ezra.
"We got intel that the Empire will bring Wookies to a working prison, one infamous for it's inmates dying there.", explained Hera. "We are going to free them."
A few days later, they started the mission. Their plan reminded Ezra of stuff Kazu's first apprentice would come up with. This is not good.
They decided to use Zeb as a Wookie, claiming he was just a rare sub species. Like Ezra expected, it did not work, so brute force was plan b. To their surprise, Ezra knows combat, including the use of blasters. The first Stormtrooper they found – that didn't get knocked out by Zeb – had gotten his blaster stolen by Ezra. It just flew out of his hands, into Ezra's. Sabine was impressed, Kanan was worried his open usage of the force won't end well.
"Oh, Jarrus! Even if I reveal myself to be a force user, it won't mean much to you guys, after I leave.", told him Ezra.
"If you leave.", said Sabine as if she would correct him.
"Mm, doubt Kanan wants me to stay.", said Ezra, "Until I find Zero – or his remains – I don't exactly plan to leave Lothal."
They made their way to the prison cells of the Imperial ship they broke into. Sabine asked, "Does that mean you and Kazu traveled a lot?"
"Exactly.", confirmed Ezra. As they freed the Wookies and guided them to the Ghost, Bean was at the door between the ships. "Bean! Go back in!" One of the Wookies roared and Ezra answered, "I didn't name him that, my master did."
"Wait, you understand Wookies?", asked Zeb, shooting a few Storm Troopers approaching.
"Duh, I answered her, didn't I?", said Ezra. "Bean! Leave the entrance!" Bean beeped. "What do you mean get out of the way?"
Ezra jumped as Bean shoot with a small build in gun at Storm Troopers. Ezra dodged the android's shots. Zeb commented, "Not bad for such a cowardly mech."
Bean gave an insulted beep, when he started to screech and rolled into the Imperial ship. They then sew why, a red haired guy captured Ezra. Bean rolled up to him, and started to hit the Imperial.
"Stop defending yourself, scum. Stop trash can.", yelled the Imperial.
"Bean, go!", yelled Ezra as he pushed Bean into the Ghost. Bean collided with Zeb, who was pushed into the Ghost as well. The door closed, Ezra yelled, "Leave me here!" Ezra didn't care that he used the force in front of the Imperial red head, he just does not want that Bean and his data sets fall into the Empire's hands. The Ghost detached and left Ezra behind, in the Empire's grasp. Literally.
"Mm, was that sacrifice worth it, Jedi?", asked the red head.
Ezra kicked him into the knees, yelling, "I am not a Jedi!"
"Mm, if you say so."
Bean was beeping angrily, rolling around the cockpit. Zeb was glad for once he couldn't understand Binary, as Bean had nothing nice to say. Hera answered Bean, "Bean! I feel bad for leaving him behind, but there is nothing we can do! He said we should leave!" Bean didn't like the answer. At one point it was Chopper's turn to be offended and he attacked Bean. "Kanan! Separate the astromechs!"
Kanan did as he was told, but he struggled. "Bean! I understand you are angry at us for leaving Ezra, but that is no reason to insult Hera like that!"
"Oi, what did he call her?", asked Zeb, intrigued by a potty mouthed android, but Kanan only answered with an angry glare. "Okay, no answer."
"Sabine, help Kanan!", demanded Hera as she piloted the Ghost, away from the imperial pursuers.
Sabine jumped as her name wascalled, she then helped Kanan.
"What was on your mind, Sabine? You're normally more attentive.", asked Kanan as he wrestled with Bean. "Ouch!" Bean didn't like that and used a taser on him.
"it is just, when answering that Wookie, Ezra referred to Kazu as his master.", she said, "Isn't that... well..."
"Weird? I honestly didn't catch it.", said Hera. "Mm, I doubt he meant slave master. What do you think?"
"I would say Jedi master, but knowing his hostility to Kanan, maybe not.", guessed Sabine.
"The kid, Jedi? That I don't laugh.", said Zeb. Finally, Bean and Chopper stopped their android wrestling and rolled out of the Cockpit. Zeb decided to keep an eye on Bean. Chopper likes to trash things, maybe Bean does, too? Albeit his name is Bean, so maybe he doesn't.
Bean rolled into Zeb's ( and temporarily Ezra's) cabin and fidgets at the kid's backpack. Ezra left it behind, saying he won't want his stuff to be anywhere close Imperials. He only took his white saber with him. Zeb saw that Bean took out the box Ezra found in his grandparents basement. Bean then struggled to get it open.
"Need help, Bean?" The astromech held the box as if he was thinking, not moving. He then beeped softly and gave it to Zeb. He had a feeling Bean said not to break it. Zeb does not much strength, Bean only struggles to open the lock as he has no opposable thumbs. He was somewhat curious what was in there, as Ezra didn't want to tell them. Should he take a peak or look away? Opening the box, he nearly dropped it in shock. There were light sabers in the box. He took one out and activated it. He was greeted by an orange blade. Zeb yelled, "Kanan! You need to see this!"
Kanan came, followed by Sabine. "Zeb! What-Is this a light saber?", asked Kanan as he saw the weapon."
"Wait, is that Ezra's grand parent box?", asked Sabine. "Zeb!"
"Bean asked me to open it for him.", explained Zeb. "Why did his grandparents have these?"
"Kanan, can Jedi have orange sabers?"
"No, Sabine. Jedi only have blue, green or orange, maybe a blend of these three, but not orange!", answered Kanan. He took the saber from Zeb. "This kyber feels weird, not in tune with the force like mine does. This I not a Jedi saber. It is still very odd that Ezra's family has these in their possession."
Sabine than took the other saber from the box. This one was purple. "Woah, what a beautiful color."
"Okay... Master Mace Windu had a purple saber.", said Kanan. "We need to show these to Hera."
They walked to Hera, while Bean followed them, cussing Zeb out for activating the sabers. She was as shocked and confused as her crew, but also slightly worried.
"We need to rescue Ezra.", she decided. Bean agreed with her on that matter.
Ezra was in a cell. His light saber had been taken off from him. This is why he didn't bring his backpack with him. Now Ezra was unsure what would happen to him. The door opened and the man who captured Ezra came in.
"My name is Agent Alexsandr Kallus of the Imperial Security Bureau. You have nothing to worry, if you cooperate.", said the red head – Agent Kallus – as he introduced himself. "Now what is your name."
"Ligma Shosol.", answered Ezra dead serious.
"Ligma Shosol-Hey!" Kallus realized the word play. "You little rat! Luckily, I already kno your name, Ezra." He tapped on some data pad. "Your parents have been jailed seven years ago for sending out podcasts whose content is against the Empire and everything it stands for. You vanished and could be taken into custody." He looked off the pad and to Ezra. "In other words, we missed a force sensitive for the Inquisitors. But that isn't of matter now. What is your connection to the rebel cell."
"I have no connection to them.", answered Ezra.
"Yet you worked with them.", countered Kallus.
"I owed them a favor for finding one my astro mechs.", admitted Ezra, "But I suppose you Imperials don't fulfill your end of deals."
"Actually we do. If you join the Empire willingly, we aid you in finding the other ones.", offered Agent Kallus, "But I have to wonder, how does a street kid like you own at least two astro mechs."
"I am not a street kid, I was taken in by someone after the Empire took my parents.", snapped Ezra at him.
"Mm, that explains why you were off our radar.", said Kallus, typing something into his pad. "Was that someone a Jedi?"
"What? No? What are you on to think that?", said Ezra insulted, "Aren't you too old to believe in myths?"
"I am young enough to remember they existed, right on Corusant. I saw their temple often enough. Not to mention, our force usage, the light saber.", answered Agent Kallus, "Good indicator that you're a Jedi or a Padawan at most."
"The saber was stolen from one of your inquisitors, albeit modified to be less trash, and Jedi aren't the only ones to use the Force. Even if they think they are."
That sentiment surprised the agent, "You don't seem to like the Jedi."
"And?", countered Ezra, "I've noted Jedi aren't exactly well liked by anyone these days. You should know, you experienced them, old man."
"I am not an old man."
"You are compared to me.", said Ezra. "The point is, I'm not a Jedi."
"What are you then?", asked Kallus.
"Dunno. Walking talking identity crisis?", guessed Ezra. "Either way not your business."
"I argue the last point. After your parents were taken into custody, you were meant to be send to an orphanage – after being tested for force sensitivity – but you vanished from our radar. Like I said, we missed a force sensitive for the Inquisitors. But that changes now."
"What'n that supposed to mean?"
"Simple. You have the chance to join the Empire willingly – which includes that you tell us everything you know about that rebel cell – we would aid you to find your other astro mechs.", offered Alexsandr Kallus. "The Empire could give your life a purpose, helping with that identity crisis of yours."
Ezra closed his eyes. He really lacked any purpose, now that the Kyber Knights are gone – he won't never be an official one at this point – but the Empire isn't it. If anything, his purpose is to break them, like the Kybers attempted from the shadows. Well, dawn. The shadows are Darth Sidious realm. "What if I don't join willingly?"
"We'll break you until you do.", answered Kallus sharply, "Or kill you. We can't have you assist rebels. Even if you aren't a Jedi like you claim. You seem to be a Kyber Knight, like the ones we broke down a few months ago. You have nothing to loose, just to gain."
They heard an explosion, the ship was shaken, and Ezra pushed Kallus into a wall with the force, "Yeah, like my freedom." He opened the door to the cell, two Storm troopers standing there. He pushed them away like Kallus, and stole one of their weapons. Running though the corridors and hiding behind something, Ezra realized the ship's crew was busy with whatever caused the shake. He climbed into the air vents, hiding even better before Kallus alarms anyone of his escape. "I may be on the bottom, but I won't go any deeper by betraying the Kybers."
The Ghost Crew attacked the massive Imperial Ship, they had to get Ezra out of there. Kanan wasn't fully on board with this, seeing the rescue as too much of a risk. Hera reminded him, "Hey, you want to ask about the sabers. Are you on it or not?"
"Fine..."
As they walked though the ship, they heard the alarm system blaring, "Attention! Prisoner escaped! Attention! Prisoner escaped!"
"Did Ezra seriously escape?", wondered Sabine.
"He has the force on his side – and unlike a certain someone – actually uses it.", said Hera. "But still, does he have experience escaping?"
Said force user then dropped out of a vent and told her, "Kinda have to, a friend of Kazu had terrible plans that backfired, like, a lot."
"You? Why did we worry about you?", said Sabine, shaken that he just appeared. She then dragged him into the Ghost.
They escaped and when they got the Empire off their tails, Ezra asked, "Not that I am thankful, but why did you come back for me?"
"Just leaving innocents with the Empire is not our thing. Even if they are as annoying as you, kid.", said Zeb, "And honestly, we won't want you to become one of those Inquisitors."
"I have questions I would like to have answers for.", chimed Kanan in. "But I won't ask until we're back on Lothal."
"I still think you should join us.", said Hera. Bean then rolled to Ezra, all happy. Hera added, "And Bean demanded we rescue you."
"Oh, Bean, were you a little ass to the Ghost Crew? Kamara rubbed too much off on you."
"Who is Kamara?", asked Kanan.
The Kyber Grand Master and Kazu's best friend, Kazu and Emphraim Bridger's Master. "The idiot whose plans constantly backfired.", said Ezra instead, "Hence me being good in escaping."
Zeb laughed at that answer. "Hey, what happened to that saber?"
"The Empire took it back. Well, not that I needed that trash saber.", answered Ezra, "Even my mods saved the Empire's cheapskate engineering."
"Oh, I believe you don't need that saber.", said Kanan.
Ezra looked to Hera, silently asking what he meant. He just rolled her eyes at Kanan. "Kanan, stop being rude to Ezra."
"I stop if he stops disrespecting me.", countered Kanan.
"Oh, I the Jedi offended I won't worship the ground he walks on?", asked Ezra mockingly.
"Eh, you really don't like Jedi.". Said Zeb.
"Of course I don't.", answered Ezra. "I go to bed, escaping and stealing stuff from the Empire is tiring."
"What did you snatch?", asked Sabine.
"Oh, a new saber, pistol and a data stick.", said Ezra.
Before he could vanish into the corridor to the cabins, Hera said, "You stole data from the Empire?!"
Ezra turned around and told her, "Yes, I did. You see, Kazu, a few others,", meaning most other Kybers, "and I were kinda doing what you're doing. With the difference we interacted with the Rebellion a lot. They asked us to fetch some data. While Kazu is probably dead, I want to keep up my part of the deal."
"You have contacts to the rebellion?", asked Sabine impressed. "We never interacted with them."
"Which is a shame, you seem to be a good fit. Well, Kazu and I had contact with someone who did. We were a bit skeptical to full on join them, so we were just allies. And even that just by proxy.", explained Ezra. "Do you want me to contact them for you?"
"I... well, I'm not sure.", answered Hera. Ezra then walked to the cabin he shares with Zeb, Bean in tow.
"Should we?", wondered Hera.
"Mm, we first get our answers regarding the sabers.", said Kanan, thinking about what Ezra said. Why does he hate the Jedi?
The next Morning, they were close to Lothal. As they flew over it, to find a spot to land, Ezra was with Hera in the cockpit, looking out. Bean followed Zeb around, hitting his legs. Era told him, "Bean! Stop hitting Zeb!" Bean beeped angrily to which Ezra replied, "Well, you asked him to open the box, so stop being offended that he saw my stuff." Beam beeped a bit more. "You may be Kazu's mech, but Kazu and I made the deal you would go into my ownership if he dies." Bean beeped. "He hadn't been seen for over a month and I can't sense him in the force, so I doubt he still is." That shut up the astro mech.
"Kazu died?", asked Hera worried. Sabine stopped in hear tracks as she walked in.
"He probably did. He said he would return after a week, if he didn't, the Empire got him. It had been over a month and I can't sense him anymore though our force bond.", said Ezra. "I doubt the Inquisitors corrupted him, then the bond would have been warped before breaking." Ezra looked out the window. He saw something... odd. A weird, yet familiar formation in the yellow of Lothal. "Hera? Would you mind if we land something? I-I think I found Kazu's ship."
Hera looked to him surprised, "Sure." Five minutes the Ghost landed.
Ezra was the first to can out, Bean in tow. Kanan and Sabine followed him. Zeb the while asked why they landed here of all places. Ezra approached a rock formation. He held his hand out and a massive rock slap moved away. Under it was a ship. Smaller than the Ghost, but by far not tiny.
"This ship, it looks like nothing I ever saw.", said Sabine, taking a closer look, "And how did Kazu manage to land it under there?"
"First of all, I actually piloted it. Kazu was a trash pilot.-" Bean was offended on his old masters behalf. "-and we moved it there with the force.", explained Ezra. "As for why you don't recognize the model, this ship is from the Unknown Regions, so, uh, you can't recognize it."
"Unknown regions? You can fly?", asked Kanan, "Why didn't you tell us?"
"Mm, I saw no point. Hera didn't seem like someone who would let a stranger fly her ship.", answered Ezra. "And yes, unknown regions." Saying it out loud, he realized something. "Maybe..." Maybe there are kyber knights still out there. They don't traverse the unknown regions like the kyber knights do.
"Maybe, what?", asked Hera as she, and Zeb approached the ship.
Zeb whistled impressed, "Woah, this ship looks dangerous."
"According to Ezra, this ship is from the Unknown regions.", chimed Kanan in. "Also, apparently Ezra is a pilot. See? He hides secrets from us, he can't join."
"From what Sabine told me, you hid being a Jedi.", snapped Ezra back. "But jedi never do as they preach."
"Ezra, would you mind if I fly it for a bit?", asked Hera, eyeing the alien machine.
"Mm, if I can take a round with the Ghost?", asked Ezra. "And I need to check the Shard first."
"Oh, it is called the Shard?", said Hera.
"Mm!" Ezra walked to the entrance and activated it with the force. "The Shard is modified in a way that some of the technology runs on Kyber Crystals. Including opening my mine and Kazu's – and a few other's force signatures. It still can be opened normally, I just needed to check if no one raided the kybers. The ship may have been hidden behind rocks, but there were gaps, as Kazu and I had to hide it fast."
"It runs on kybers?! How? And where did you get the kybers from?", asked Hera enthusiastically. "And who had the idea?"
"Mm, you would be surprised how many people mod ships that way if you look in the right parts." He walked in. "Nice to be home again. The Shard was technically fit, Ezra realized that soon, but it didn't stop him from checking every spot in the Shard. The Ghost Crew followed him around. Hera asked him dozens of questions while doing so. Sabine just said the ship needed more color. They then walked into Ezra's cabin. Well, everyone but Kanan. "I let you in my ship, but my cabin is where I draw the line."
"Fine...", said Kanan, leaning against a wall outside.
Walking in and activating the lights, they were greeted by pure chaos, dozens of kyber crystals and saber handles laying around as well well as crystal cubes and pyramids with metal corners, all in a more or less purple color. "Kriff, this is more chaotic than I remember leaving it behind.", said Ezra. He looked around, checking if anything misses. "Nothing seems to miss here, what happened here?"
They then heard a noise, something colliding. Ezra walked to a build in closet. Opening the door, silver and black R4 astro mech rolled out. It was instantly hugged by Bean.
"Aw! That is somewhat cute.", said Sabine, "A shame Chopper can't be so nice." Said mech is in the Ghost.
"Mm, normally Zero would terrorize Bean. Zero, I am so glad you managed to get here, but why is my room looking so?" Zero beeped. "Seriously? Getting scared by a shadow is Bean's job!" Said mech beeped insulted. "Oh Bean, you know it is true." Zero beeped something to which Ezra answered, "Kazu is dead-" Bean chimed in he is probably dead. "-Also, Zero, meet most of the Ghost Crew."
Hera leaned down to Zero, "Hello Zero, Ezra asked us to help looking for you."
"Mm, I thought R4's are smaller?"
"They are, Sabine, but Zero is very strongly modified. Which includes being taller.", explained Ezra. "Well, let's go put, so that I can take the Shard out of the rocks. And Zero, Bean, you help cleaning off the dust. The Shard being a month under rocks can't be good." They left the cabin and Kanan followed them.
"So, this is Zero.", commented Kanan. "What now?"
"Freeing the Shard, cleaning it, then, didn't you say you have a question?"]
"Yes."
After they witnessed how Ezra moves a whole kriffing ship (albeit it did strain him a bit), Hera and Sabine helped him cleaning the Shard. Sabine renewed some of the paint job that got ruined by the rocky storage. Bean introduced Zero to Chopper. To Zeb's dismay, Zero and Chopper get along too well. When Zeb got left alone by the mechs, he asked Kanan, "I know you don't like the kid, but give him a chance. Hera still wants him to join and... if we join that Rebellion he mentioned..."
"I would give him a try, but he is so hostile to me. I don't understand why he dislikes Jedi so much?", answered Kanan.
"Eh, I think that rudeness was his answer for your skepticism. What is your issue anyway, kid doesn't want to be your Padawan and Hera gave up on that front.", asked Zeb. "But what do I know, force users are weird."
"Honestly, I don't know what my issue is..."
While Ezra took a break and watched the sun of Lothal, Sabine sat besides him on the roof of the Shard. "Ezra... I have a question. Why are you so hostile to the Jedi?"
Ezra sighed. "Simple. Kazu and I got attacked by a few surviving Jedi who mistook us for Siths, the same happened to my parents – heck, that's how my parents met – and my grandparents got killed by the Jedi. And... I..." He sighed again, "Long story."
"Wait, how they met?", asked Sabine shocked.
"My mom used to be a Jedi. She walked into dad, assumed he was a sith. After he had proven to her he wasn't, she fell for him.", explained Ezra. "She left the order and they moved to Lothal, dad's home." He then took out his mother's old Jedi saber. He showcased the yellow blade. "She was a Jedi Sentinel. She told me Sentinels were somewhat infamous for leaving the order. Mom being such a case."
"Woah. Yet you dislike them."
"Mom left, seeing the faults in the order.", said Ezra. "I still won't tell you the long story."
We have time."
"I doubt that. I still have to answer Kanan's questions. Then our ways probably split.", said Ezra.
"Join us.", said Sabine.
"Mm, I prefer not to be in the proximity of a Jedi.", answered Ezra, "I'm sure he still thinks I worship Bogan."
"Bogan?"
"Personification of the Dark side, light side equivalent being Ashla.", said Ezra. "Albeit the personifications being seen as some sort of god is more a thing of the unknown regions, I suppose."
"Did you and Kazu travel there often?"
"Regularly.", he said. "Well, we better finish, then I answer Kanan's questions."
"Do that, I consider myself done.", said Sabine and climbed off.
"Typical artists."
Sabine told Hera and the others what he heard from Ezra. Kanan was quite shocked, why would Jedi kill innocents? At least that explains what his issue is with him and Jedi in general. Ezra then joined them in the Ghost's community room and Kanan asked, just ripping off the band aid, "You are trained in the force – and I got the feeling in saber combat as well – you know a lot about the Jedi despite them being erased before you was born, yet you aren't a Jedi. Just how? You referred Kazu as your master."
He sighed. "I assume Sabine told you? My mom was a Jedi Sentinel-" "And left?" "Yes, Kanan, she left. She opted for something better. You may not believe it, but Jedi and Sith aren't the only force user groups. One would be the Kyber Knights, which I am kinda part of. Kazu was one, mom and dad were, as wel as my grandparents. And Kamara was what you could consider our grand master, if he is still alive.
"Hera, the heavy kyber use, that is kinda our thing, it is in the name after all. According to Kamara, Kyber knights started out as Jedi who left the order. While the originals had issues with the order's codex, rules, actions and what not, the main issue they created the kyber knights was because they were annoyed with the limited usage of kybers. For once, our sabers have a little extra feature I think would do better in a showcase than explanation. Unlike Jedi, we are a secretive order. "
"So kyber ships are common in that order.", realized Hera. "Wait, what do you mean, you aren't real member? I know that Jedi are considered Jedi before their knighting."
"Kybers get knighted trice. I only got knighted once. As our sabers are a very special part of our identity, one trial is to successfully build one... but that one isn't counted until a certain ritual is done.", explained Ezra. "Due to the Jedi's practice of just taking children as infants and essentially forcing them into the order, mom wanted that I won't join until I'm like sixteen. Which now won't happen. Remember that I said Kazu and I were hiding from the Empire? They discovered the Kyber Knights, at least the ones on the known part of the Galaxy..."
"So a second Jedi genocide.", stated Zeb.
"I am not a Jedi...", said Ezra annoyed.
In an attempt to distract Ezra, Sabine asked, "Could you please explain how your light sabers are different from the Jedi? Kanan, can you battle him as a test?"
"Seriously Sabine?"
"Oh, I like the idea! Beating the Kriff out of a Jedi!"
"Of course you like it.", said Kanan.
"One thing we differentiate are the colors our blades can have. We are not limited to three colors, our colors don't indicate what part of the order we are – something else instead – which means some of us can have red sabers. Which caused issues for dad, Kazu and some others."
"Okay, that explains why they got attacked by Jedi.", realized Kanan.
Ezra corrected him, "That and we use the force differently, so our signatures felt different. Some of us straight up used a form of the dark side, so, yeah..." Ezra than activated his own dual sabers, one dark blue and one pale blue, nearly white. "I explain the meanings of the colors later, now it is showtime, Jarrus!" Ezra jumped Kanan, who barely managed to block his dark blue saber.
"Seriously, no warning for a show battle?", complained Kanan.
"Oh please, the Jedi who killed my grandparents didn't warn them either, be glad I'm not going for the kill." Ezra then attacked with his light blue saber.
Kanan jumped away and asked Hera, "Sure that you want him to join us?"
"Yes! Now Ezra, what is so different about your sabers?", she answered, then switching her attention to Ezra.
"This!", he yelled. His pale blue saber cut the air, ice shards erupting from it. The shards shot at Kanan who dodged the ones he couldn't crash with his saber. He then swung the dark blue saber around himself, water came out of the saber, the wave washing Kanan to Hera's feet. Ezra deactivated his sabers as he laughed at Kanan, looking to the water.
Kanan stood up, wet, and said, "This was... how?"
"Our kybers have elemental abilities that can be activated with special saber combat forms. Each element is shown my a different color.", explained Ezra. "Dark blue is water, red is fire – so is orange – yellow is lightning. Purple... is an odd case."
"Because?", asked Sabine.
"Purple is sound. For some reason.", answered Ezra. "Sorry for making you wet, Kanan."
"Oh, you apologize to me. Didn't saw that coming."
"I can insult you if you want that.", countered Ezra.
"Please stop arguing, you two.", demanded Hera. "Now, I talked with the crew and we decided that we want to join the rebellion, but also that you join us."
"Mm, okay.", agreed Ezra.
"You agree? Despite Kanan?", wondered Zeb.
"Sure. Since the kybers and Kazu fell to the Empire, I'm lonely and I like you.", said Ezra, "And tormenting Kanan is nice." Kanan sighed annoyed. Why did he agree to this? "Now, what do we do with two ships?"
"Oh, for now, I fly the Shard.", decided Hera. "You promised."
"Good point."