Hey guys!

Week two of the 'Found' special event! You excited?! I hope you are! Just so you know, a lot of these chapters were actually written months ago, so forgive the shorter chapters and slightly different writing style. I hope you can still enjoy it though, and I also hope you enjoy the ride on the feelz train! Woop, woop!

Enjoy the chapter, and may the force be with you, always!

-Superherotiger

…

Tiger Talks

Guest- I hope so too!

Raven J- I'm so glad you liked it! Oh, I've had a lot of family stuff going on, and I've been really stressed lately… but it's all good, and this story will get the ending it deserves! :D Also you don't have to fear about updates, as it will be getting updated weekly for the special 'Found' event that's currently on! Hope you had a happy New Year!

Midnight Luna- The angst is so REAL! This whole story line is pretty much made for you Luna, what with all the whump XD And keep reading dude, this is only the first chapter of pain I have in store for you! Mwuahhahahha!

Guest- Yeah dude, you'll have no idea how this story ends *Wink Wink* XD

… 13 hours left …

Kanan's POV

I wiped the moisture from my foggy snow goggles and glanced around.

It was the same scene every time I looked up. Snow. Ice. And even more snow.

The sun was hidden behind a veil of clouds, but I had the feeling its dimmed rays would do little to rid the numbness in my toes and fingers. I had been searching for almost 15 hours straight now, and I could feel my energy slowly depleting as I travelled, the crate full of ration packs Sylvia had kindly prepared being the only thing keeping me going.

I pulled out the map Thomas had given me and marked a cross over the fifth checkpoint. Throughout the day I had been skipping to each spot, all of which Thomas had told me were prime spots for hunting Kreptors, but each time I was coming up empty. No tracks. No readings. No signs of life what so ever.

My hope was slowly dwindling, and though I didn't know exactly how much longer I had left, I knew time was running short. I could only imagine how much pain Ezra was going through right now, and occasionally I would catch a little glimpse of his condition through the force. When I focused on his fading signature, all my insides churned and my skin began to burn with a pounding headache. A sharp sensation here. A shiver up my spine there. I knew he was probably going through much worse though.

But I knew I couldn't let it deter me. In fact, I used these feelings to my advantage, spurring me forward instead of dragging me down.

Walking back towards the speeder, I ducked my face away from the icy wind as I jumped onto the seat and started the engine.

Two checkpoints left, and noticing the bright blue sky shift and swirl into different hues of red and yellow, I knew daylight was almost at an end…

And so was my time…

…

Zeb's POV

Leaning against the wall, I watched the medbay door with sharpened eyesight, waiting patiently for the person I was looking for.

I wasn't willing to disturb whatever was happening inside. No, no. I had learnt my lesson after barging in when Ezra was having a massive vomit session, and then immediately getting ordered out again. That was enough to tell me it wasn't my kind of situation.

Instead I just played holochess with Chopper to distract myself from the horrors that were slowly breaking apart our crew. Our family.

But a few hours ago the droid went off to recharge, then went in to visit Ezra, and now he hadn't emerged since. Sabine informed me that he was now staying with the boy for the whole process, and that the stubborn droid had fixed himself firmly beside Ezra's bedside in case his friend awoke. I had decided it better to stay out of their way for now by going off to nap in my cabin. But I couldn't sleep without the presence of my bunk mate. The room was far too… quiet.

So now I stood in the hallway, waiting for my moment to spend with the sickly teen. It seemed that everyone else had gotten a chance to speak with him except me, and I knew his condition was slowly deteriorating, whether the others were willing to say it or not. So I wasn't going to waste my chances anymore.

Finally, the doors slid open and a distracted Hera stepped outside, her gaze downcast. "Hera," I stepped forward, startling her slightly.

"O-Oh, Zeb," she stuttered with wide eyes. "Sorry, I didn't see you there."

"It's okay, but, I need to ask you something," I spoke hastily.

Emerald green eyes narrowed carefully as her lips drew into a thin line. "You want to see him, don't you?" she quizzed.

My eyes grew large in shock, and I fumbled "H-How did you-"

"Don't worry Zeb, I know how important it is to everyone," she assured, smiling weakly with a warm, softened gaze. "You can go in and see him if you want to. But, just be warned, Chopper's pretty protective of him at the moment. And Ezra just had his stomach pumped, so he may not be in the most talkative mood."

I grimaced at the thought. "Really?"

Hera nodded drearily, explaining "If we didn't the acid would have eaten through the walls of his stomach. So it was the only option."

Sighing, I asked "Is he… in pain?"

For that Hera had no reply.

But I could see the answer in her eyes.

Inhaling sharply, I cleared my head and positioned myself in front of the door. "Well, maybe I can cheer the kid up a lil'," I spoke optimistically. "Who knows? Maybe a good laugh is all he needs."

Hera smiled loosely. "I'm sure he'd appreciate that."

I nodded my head once before opening the door and stepping into the medbay. Chopper stood guard at Ezra's side as the boy laid on the bed, his skin as white as the sheets that covered him. He didn't seem to notice my presence as his eyes watched the roof in a trance, barely open. Chopper on the other hand immediately twirled around, hissing something quietly in his robotic tongue.

The door closed behind me as I approached. "It's okay," I whispered. "I just came for a visit."

The stubborn droid rambled something under his breath before begrudgingly turning back to the vacant, ill Ezra. I took a seat on the stool beside his bed, watching, waiting for any sign of consciousness.

He didn't move.

It frightened me to see the boy in this condition. He looked worse than I'd ever seen him before, slowly fading away as the sands of time slipped through our fingers. Various machines monitored Ezra's health, one showing his heartbeat, another showing his lung function, even one with his brain activity. I didn't know what any of it meant, but I knew it wasn't getting any better.

My expression softened, and hesitantly, I lifted my hand and placed it gently on his leg.

Chopper immediately lashed out, warbling on about something as he threw his arms in the air. I snarled in frustration and shoved him away with my foot. "You're not the only one who's worried 'bout him, rust bucket!" I snapped.

The droid shook furiously, and he was about to roar back when a weak voice cooed "Chop…"

We both froze, our shocked gazes raising to the hazy blue stare coming right back at us. Ezra's expression was lax, and his eyes were slightly disorientated, but never the less, he moved his feeble hand onto Chopper's dome. "Shh…" he soothed to his companion.

Chopper slowly settled down, obeying his master's command.

"Good… boy…" he murmured.

I watched on with wide eyes, my grip on his leg unknowingly tightening. But Ezra didn't seem phased. In fact, he didn't even seem to notice.

For the slightest moment, Ezra's groggy gaze flickered in my direction and held there. We stared at each other for a prolonged second, an idea seeming to formulate behind those drowsy orbs.

Then, Ezra sighed with a sickly wheeze, turning back to Chopper and slurring "Can you… please get… m' Lo-th, cat… Chop…"

Chopper resisted until he pleaded again "Please… Chop… f'r me…"

The droid paused, before hesitantly pulling away from Ezra's touch and muttering something quietly. I may not have understood whatever language that tin can spoke, but I could tell he didn't want to leave his friend's side. Once Ezra's fingertips had finally left contact from Chopper's dome, the droid spun around and bolted for the door in a flash. It seemed he wanted to complete the task as quickly as possible.

"Zeb…"

I was facing the boy the moment his gentle voice hit my ear drums, waiting intently for him to speak again as I leant forward attentively. "Hey kid, it's me," I spoke warmly.

He blinked once. "Clos'r," he grunted, signalling me over with a flick of his fringe.

I dragged the chair forward and placed my hand carefully on top of his, being sure not to worsen his already fragile condition. Ezra smiled, his expression weak as he asked "Z-Zeb?"

"Yeah kid?"

"I need… a favour…"

"Sure, what is it?" I asked curiously.

"Get me outta here…"

My eyes widened in shock. "W-What?"

"Get me… outta… this room," he explained with a strained tone. "I can't… take it anymore…"

"But kid, you need to stay here so we can monitor your health-"

"Please," he croaked, his face scrunching up in pain. Tears were welling up in his eyes as he gazed at me with a desperate, fearful face. "P-Please Zeb…" he whispered, his tone hushed and innocent. "Lemme… see tha s-stars… just one more time…"

I felt a string hit within me.

I knew how much Ezra loved space. Kanan and him used to sit up in the turret when he was younger, just admiring the stars that twinkled millions of lightyears away. Even now that he was older he would still retreat to the turret and gaze out at space whenever he wanted alone time. It was his happy place. His sanity.

It was only fair that Ezra should see them before, and if, he goes.

Glancing at Ezra sceptically, I asked "What if someone catches me sneaking you out of the medbay?"

Ezra smirked, assuring "Hera… n' Sabine will be… waitin' for a transmission in the… cockpit… they won't know…"

"What about the junk bucket? He'll kill me the moment he comes back."

He flashed his teeth in a devilish grin. "I lost… my toy years ago…" he told me. "He won't… be comin' back… anytime soon…"

I shook my head with a chuckle. "You're a sneaky one kid."

He rolled his eyes lazily and quipped "From the day… I was born…"

My expression darkened as I gazed on his pale, sweating face. I'd miss that smirk. I'd miss that laugh. Karabast! It just wasn't fair! Why was it Ezra of all people? Why was the galaxy trying to take the kid away from us?! It just wasn't right.

"So…" Ezra sighed, his eyelids drooping in exhaustion. "Will you… help me…?"

I grinded my teeth nervously, knowing if I did it would almost be classified as an act of betrayal aboard the Ghost. Disconnecting the already endangered child from his life-support just so he could see the stars? I'd never be allowed within five feet of the kid ever again.

But it would also be unfair on Ezra if I didn't respect his dying wish…

Releasing a low growl, I stood up reluctantly and muttered "Hera's gonna kill me."

Ezra's face glowed with excitement, though it was obvious he was still tired judging from the dark rings under his eyes. I gently slid my arms under his body, one under his legs and the other just below his neck, making sure he was as comfortable as possible before lifting him up. He coughed a hostile grunt, clenching his eyes tightly shut as his body shuddered.

"Kid, are you sure about this?" I whispered uncertainly.

He nodded sharply, gasping for air in his weakened condition. "Do it," he hissed.

Carefully, I started pulling the different sensors and tubing away until he was completely detached from the medical machines. The screens went blank, the heart monitor went silent. I could already tell it was too late to turn back.

I quickly snatched Ezra's blanket and wrapped it over his shivering frame, resting his head gently against my shoulder to ease the pressure. His muscles uncoiled and with a sigh he melted into my arms. "T-Thanks…" he managed to breathe out.

"Thank me later," I muttered as I silently dashed for the exit.

I poked my head out from around the corner of the door to make sure the coast was clear, before quickly making a b-line for the common room. Once inside, I ran the options through my head. Hera and Sabine were in the cock-pit, so that and the nose gun were a no go. The top turret was too tight for me to lift Ezra into and Chopper would be within earshot. So the only other option left was the Phantom, which I had clear access to from the common room.

I carefully shifted Ezra into the arch of my arm, freeing my other one so I could climb the ladder.

Ezra muffled a painful groan as he clutched onto his chest weakly. It was heartbreaking to watch, but I continued forward – or more precisely upward – until we'd made it into the Phantom.

There, I gently sat the boy down in the pilot's chair and swivelled him around to face the open window. I bent down at his side with my hand still holding his head upright to prevent it from rolling backwards, whispering "Kid, open your eyes."

His crusty eyelids split open in a daze, his pupils dilated into large circles. But once he laid eyes on the open expanse outside his face brightened in joy, electricity surging throughout those blue orbs once more. He released a hum of delight.

"It's beautiful…" he murmured with a gentle smile.

My heart beamed with pride, and I pulled the corner of his blanket up until it was over his chest. He continued to stare out at the stars with a satisfied glow, finally at peace again.

I don't remember how long we sat there. However long it would take until one of the crew checked in the medbay to find it empty I assumed. But it didn't matter to me. Every second that ticked by was just another second I would remember spending with Ezra. Memorising his smile. Reminiscing in his presence. I had a dark feeling I'd never experience that again.

But right here, right now, it was as if time had frozen for us as we watched the vast expanse twinkle and gleam.

Ezra's cold, slender hand clutched onto the fur of my arm. At first I flinched at the contact, but the two words he whispered next made me swell with both pride, and sorrow.

"Good… brother…"

…

Kanan's POV

The speeder slowed, kicking up the snow beneath as I noticed the ravine ahead.

I pulled back on the brakes and finally halted, rubbing the mist from my goggles in a hopeless gaze. Barren. Just like always. No life. No Kreptor. No venom.

I released a painful sigh, my breath crystallising in front of my very eyes as I gazed out at the setting sun on the horizon. Beautiful hues of red and orange bled together and painted the usually white snow. But it gave me no joy, as I could already feel the temperature dropping, and with that, my search would have to end.

I didn't know how much time was left. Not enough to start again tomorrow.

Already defeat was upon me, and I felt a deep agony settling in my chest.

Slowly, I stepped off my speeder bike and stood, the wind almost knocking me off my feet before I stumbled forward and fell to my knees. My hands all but disappeared into the snow as the fur of my hood whipped around uncontrollably, the glass of my visor beginning to fog.

But soon I realised my vision wasn't blurry because of the goggles, but because of the tears that had welled within them.

My chest heaved in a ragged sob.

I failed…

My weeps grew faster, the tears pooling in my glasses as I felt the energy leave my limbs.

"I'm so sorry Ezra…" I whispered through my pain. "I-I couldn't save you…"

I stayed there for a few more minutes, my mind slowly losing grip on reality as the thought of collapsing into the snow seemed all the more appealing. Maybe then, I could be with Ezra regardless…

But suddenly, I heard a strange noise. A hiss? A growl maybe?

My eyes shot open and I scrambled forward in a spur of energy, peering over the edge of the tight ravine below.

And there, to my awestruck eyes, stood a baby Kreptor…

…And it's enormous, intimidating Father…