Star Wars Rebels: When Hope Is Lost

Chapter 26: Resistance

If he had to see one more grey, colourless cell, Ezra swore that he would personally come back to this Star Destroyer just to dump paint on Darth Vader after he was rescued.

Although, if Kanan could hurry up on saving him, that'd be nice. There were lots of pointy things in this interrogation room and judging by the amount of restraints that Vader's stormtroopers were putting on him, Ezra was getting the feeling that he wasn't going to enjoy spending time in this room.

Just then, the Sith walked in. No, not walked. He stalked, a powerful presence that people feared. Except for Ezra. "I strongly encourage you to change your mind," he said. "After all, this type of interrogation was not meant for children."

"Like I said, Vader. Bring it on." Ezra said fiercely. "I'm not afraid of you."

"Not yet," he said chillingly. "After this.... experience, you will be begging for mercy. That I can assure you, young Padawan." He gestured with a hand. "You may think the worst is over. Do not be deceived; the worst is yet to come."

A small, scary-looking droid moved from the corner to float in front of Ezra, who braced himself for the torture. You can handle it.... Just breathe. Kanan will come for you. This might be the worst yet, but you can take it.

The worst was even more horrible than he could have imagined. Even worse than when Vader had entered his mind.

And as he screamed in unbearable agony, Darth Vader smiled under his mask.

Foolish boy. This was simply to weaken him before the REAL pain began.

He was just getting started.

And soon, Ezra would be his.

*************************************

He heard the scream the moment the Phantom jumped into hyperspace.

"Did you hear that?" Kanan jolted in his seat. Horrible agony washed through him, but it wasn't his own. The other members of his crew shook their heads.

"You okay, Kanan? You're awfully pale." Zeb commented, concern written all over the Lasat's face. His ear twitched unknowingly.

Kanan couldn't reply. His body was on fire.... He felt like he was being burned alive. The pain was excruciating, but again, it wasn't his. He fell out of his seat and writhed on the floor.

"What's happening? Kanan, can you hear me?" Sabine asked frantically, leaning over him, waving a hand in his face. He couldn't move. He was in too much pain.

"This is just great. He's unresponsive. This plan to rescue Ezra won't work without Kanan!" Zeb exclaimed, clearly frustrated. "What are we going to do?"

Ezra.

The pain was coming straight from their bond, he realized.

The pain was Ezra's.

"Need to hurry," Kanan managed to gasp, cradling his stomach. "Ez.... Need to hurry. Before....

"Before it's too late."

Ezra? He cried through their bond. He hoped his Padawan could hold on a little longer.