Star Wars Rebels: When Hope Is Lost

Chapter 40: Rebuilding Bonds.... Remembering Scars

"Chopper!" Ezra's yell echoed throughout the Ghost. "Kanan said you wouldn't disturb me!"

Zeb's ears perked up as the droid whirled and beeped loudly.

"Why you, little bucket of bolts! I just got back and already you're pranking me!"

Zeb, Kallus, and Dev looked at each other, the only ones in the common room at the moment. Dev and Kallus had been playing holochess, with Zeb watching and coaching. The two newcomers appeared confused, but Zeb looked amused.

Footsteps thundered nearby and Chopper raced into the commons room with a squeal, followed by an angry Ezra. His jumpsuit was covered in blue paint. Zeb burst into laughter at the sight as Chopper wheeled out of the room, chuckling loudly.

"If I catch you, Chopper, I'm going to dismantle you!" The teenager roared and practically flew out of the room after the laughing droid.

Kallus turned to Dev, who was currently leaning against a wall, watching the scene. "Does this happen everyday?" The former Imperial agent had a slight smile twitching at his lips.

Dev smiled slightly. "I have no idea."

"Oh trust me, it does. Welcome to the Ghost." Zeb grinned. "After all, somebody's gotta keep this place from getting boring. The kid's pretty good at it too. It's too quiet without him around. But he's not the best at pranks."

"Oh, really?" Came a familiar voice. Zeb felt his feet leave the floor and gasped as he rose up into the air, arms flailing in surprise and alarm. Ezra stepped around a corner, smiling cockily, hand outstretched. "One thing you forgot, Zeb. Jedi have super-enhanced hearing."

Kallus started laughing, holding his stomach and doubling over because he was enjoying himself so much. Dev simply smiled and left the room. "I'm going to go find Rex. I've got some questions for him about the Clone Wars."

Zeb's ears flattened in panic as he gravitated upwards even further. "Okay, okay kid! You've made your point! Now put me down!"

"You forgot the magic word," Ezra said in a sing-song type of voice.

"Please!" Zeb pleaded.

Kallus finished his laughing fit and strode from the room, still chuckling. "This place is a much more fun workplace than the Executor."

Just the two of them now, Ezra carefully set the Lasat down on the ground. After sighing in relief and straightening his purple ears, Zeb marched over to him and raised his arm. Ezra flinched instinctively, remembering when Darth Vader had lifted his arm and had sent Ezra flying into walls. Zeb noticed the reaction, but decided not to mention it as he slung his arm around the younger boy's shoulders. Not to noogie him or to tackle him, but just as a friendly gesture.

"Alright kid, maybe you do have some potential as a Jedi." The Lasat grinned.

Ezra lit up like a glow lamp in happiness at the compliment. "Thanks, Zeb. You're not so bad yourself." Smiling, he sniffed the air. "Did you take a shower today?"

"Ha ha. Very funny." Zeb scolded, but then suddenly wrapped Ezra in a brotherly hug. Ezra jolted, surprised.

"Spur of the moment. Kid, promise me something. Promise you'll never get captured again. Swear it on your lightsaber." Zeb spoke quietly.

Ezra paused, then gratefully hugged the Lasat back. "I promise. And if I break my promise, you can have my lightsaber. Once I build another one."

"Good," Zeb sighed in relief, then his eyes twinkled as he released Ezra. "Because I'm tired of attempting rescue missions from crazy Imperials, and I'm sick of Kanan being all over protective parent over the rest of us while he tries to get you back."