If It Ended Differently

Chapter 3

Like the morning before, the four friends woke up to find their host doing some push ups and other exercises but must had become too hot as he changed into some blue shorts but left his top resting on his bed...it showed off many horrific scars and a tattoo on his shoulder. They were in complete shock; that was the state Ezra saw them in once he realized that his guests were awake. "Morning guys" he greeted but raised a brow when he received no reply "guys??" Hera was the first to snap out of it "m...morning Ezra" her response concerned the teen who asked if she was okay. Kanan was next to finally speak "she's fine...just in shock" the kid was going to ask why but realized where exactly their gazes rested; Ezra sighed as he used a near by towel to wipe away his sweat "you guys are shocked by my scars and tattoos" it wasn't a question, but a statement.

 Anakin rubbed the back of his neck "yeah...how did you get all of those scars?? If you don't mind me asking??" they all sat down as Ezra hesitantly explained "being on the streets isn't easy, people will attack you, beat you up and steal all you have...and all of that happened to me but worse" he sighed "most of the scars for from gangs, knives, blasters, lightsabers and much more" hearing this startled and worried the friends "I...I can't believe you were forced to go through all of that...from the age of four" Hera stated as she moved over and embraced the teenager, not just for him but for herself - either way, Ezra accepted it openly "yeah well...that's life" he muttered "you win some, you lose some...that's how the world works" Kanan smirked from his words "you're a pretty wise kid" the gesture was returned "thanks". 

After the teenager had finished his training and work out session, he changed into his normal orange jumpsuit "what time is it??" Kanan asked as he looked around for a clock of some sort; Ezra looked out of the door and up at the sun for a moment "it's...half past eleven" he stated; the four adults shared a look which made the kid confused "it's em...time for us to return to our ship and get back to the temple" Kenobi slowly explained. Ezra felt his heart sink but hid his sadness through sarcasm "why did you guys need a B&B to stay at when you had a ship this entire time??" he chuckled, already knowing their answer but mostly at Anakin's reply "we saw this blue hair'd kid and wanted to get to know him...quite the interesting guy" they all laughed at them. "Okay, I'll take you back to Capital City" the teenager said before grabbing his bag and threw it over his shoulder before they all left the tower. 

After a ten minute ride of the sped bikes, they arrived at the location of the ship. For most of the ride, they were all silent as they were each deep in though; Ezra was sad as he knew he'd be on his own once again. Kenobi was thinking about how the teen was strongly force sensitive. Hera didn't like the thought of abandoning the boy, not after everything they knew he had been through; she already cared for him, even though it had only been a couple of days. Anakin was annoyed that they were leaving the teen as he liked his company; they got along great and Ezra knew how to have a laugh. And Kanan...Kanan's mind was all over the place. Why was his presence the only one that gave the force sensitive child a headache?? Why in the force were they leaving him?! He was going to miss the kid, that was for sure. 

Ezra allowed the adults to keep their speed bikes as he could only drive one back to the tower; Hera smiled when the boy complimented that she had one hell of a ship. The Ghost was her pride and joy after all. "Thank you for all of your help Ezra" Kenobi said as he patted the teens back; Ezra shrugged with a smile "it was nothing". The Jedi Master entered the ship. "I'm glad I got to meet you Ezra Bridger" Anakin stated as the two clasped hands and gave a hug bro style "and I hope to see you again some day" he then joined his old Master in the ship. Hera held the kid as soon as she was near "thank you so much Ezra, for everything" they parted as she placed a kiss on the boys forehead "stay safe and look after yourself" she lightly ordered, earning a chuckle "no promises can be made there Hera". The woman left and entered the ship to prepare to leave.

Now it was just Kanan and Ezra left alone. "Thank you for your held Ezra, continue following your instincts" the man placed a gentle hand on the kid's shoulder "if I was strong with...with the force, what would happen?? How would it change anything??" Ezra asked. Kanan saw the confusion and sadness mixed in the boys electric blue eyes "if I'm right and you are strong with the force - which I can sense you are - then you'll be given a choice" the teenager listened closely "you can stay here and continue to live on the streets" option one "or...you can come with us and live in the temple where you'll be trained in the ways of the force" and that was option two. All of a sudden, a yell could be heard coming from the ship "Kanan!! Come on!! We need to go!!" it was Anakin; Ezra looked down "you better go...they're waiting" this made the man sigh as his voice was clearly filled with sadness and disappointment. 

Kanan sighed as he sent a smile smile - it was the best he could form at that moment in time a he was also sad but hurt as well; he really wanted Ezra to come with them!! "Goodbye Ezra...my the force be with you" he turned around and made his way up the ramp and into the ship, not before hearing "bye Kanan...and may the force by with you too...always". The four adults were soon flying in the air, all sat in the cockpit as Hera piloted of course; they were in complete silence other then Chopper who was beeping away, asking where in the force they had been for the past three days?! "For force sake!!" Kanan exclaimed, catching everyone's attention "why do I feel so worried and guilty?!" that was a stupid question as he already knew why "I think that's how we all feel love" Hera sighed. The man stood up and stormed out of the room, down the hallway "Kanan?! Where are you going?!" Kenobi called; they only received one reply "to get what we just stupidly left!!". 

They heard the Phantom start up and detach from the main ship. Kana flew the small ship until he reach the familiar tower, landed and hurried to climb up the ladder; he entered through the door to see Ezra lying on his back, a few tears spilled down his face. "Ezra" this caught the teens alarmed attention; he calmed down once he saw who was at the door "Kanan?? What are you doing here??" the boy asked as he hurried to wipe his cheeks and eyes "did you forget something??". The Jedi nodded as he approached the teenager "yeah, I forgot something, something extremely important" he stated "...you" Ezra's eyes widened in confusion "what....what are you talking about?? What do you mean??". His mind was all over the place, questions popping up in his mind that he ignored, knowing the man was most likely going to explain himself.

Kanan crouched down in front of the fifteen year old as he spoke "Ezra...I want you to come with us, come with me....I can't leave you here on your own, knowing what type of past you've had and the horrific things you've been forced to endure" he sighed "I...I can't let anymore bad things happen to you...please Ezra, come with us to the temple??" Kanan pleaded; Ezra was a young boy full of different emotions "you want me to...to come with you?!" they were words he never imagined he'd ever hear "yes, please Ezra". All fell silent as the teen processed everything and thought deeply of what he was being asked...he was wanted....he was really wanted....it felt strange but nice at the same time. "I...I won't be alone anymore" Ezra mumbled before looking up at the Jedi in front of him "I...I want to...to go with you...to the temple". 

Both of them smiled as Kanan, filled with some much relief and joy, pulled the fifteen year old into an embrace; Ezra happily leaned into the hug. "Come on, pack your things and we'll get back to the others" Kanan instructed as they both stood up; Ezra happily did as told with a skip in his step. The man then realized something....the street smart and tough kid act was....well just that!! An act. A mask. Underneath all of it was a vulnerable child that had been deprived of so much. Once his bag was ready, the teen turned towards the man who led them both towards the Phantom; Ezra took one last look at the tower he had called home for so long before entering the small ship. 

Once they had rejoined the Ghost and entered the cockpit where Hera instantly attacked the teen, embracing him tightly; it was welcomed instantly as Anakin patted him on the bag whilst Kenobi sent him a smile. "Welcome aboard young one" Kenobi greeted once their Captain had released the kid; they were soon in hyper space. The five spoke about the temple and what it was like for a good four hours - Hera introduced the teen to her droid Chopper, as well as warning her small friend not to shock their new guest - until they arrived on Coruscant, just outside the temple; it looked amazing to the fifteen year old. "You ready to see your new life Ezra??" Anakin asked with a smirk as they were about to walk off of the ship "...yeah...I'm ready" and with that, they exited the Ghost.