Visions

Thirty-Two/Whaaaaaaat??????

This isn't--No!!!!!
Sabine, how could you???????????
If you haven't seen the new episode yet, you can watch it here for free:
http://kisscartoon.se/Cartoon/Star-Wars-Rebels-Season-3/Episode-15?id=73622

Can I just say NOOOOOOOOO!!!! As in, Darth Vader NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! To quote Zeb, "You cannot be serious," Filoni!!!!! "Be reasonable!!!!!"

Anyway, you've been waiting for the chapter, not my rant on how stupid Dave Filoni is (I hate you, Filoni).

"Wait. You're...not coming with us?" Ezra asked, and Chopper whirred mournfully from the Phantom.
"I'm done running away," Sabine answered with a sad smile. "My father's on Mandalore, we'll find a way to get him back. And then..." She looked down for a moment, but when she looked back up, determination shone in her eyes. "Then maybe we can join the fight against the Empire. But...right now? I can do more good here."
Ezra looked sadly at Kanan for a moment, almost hoping he would say something, try to prevent her, but he knew she wouldn't change her mind, no matter what anyone said. Kanan only smiled sadly. "I am so--"
"Do not say you're proud of me." Sabine's playfully sad face belied her stern tone, and Kanan smiled slightly. "Me? Never."
Sabine's composure slipped, and she stepped forward into his arms, hugging him tightly. Kanan hugged her back after a moment of surprise. "But I am going to miss you."
Ezra smiled at her warmly, knowing she understood his expression. "We all will."
She smiled back at him as Kanan turned and entered the Phantom, leaving the two teens alone. They stood there, a foot apart, with Rau, Ersa and Tristen Wren standing behind Sabine. Ignoring them, Ezra raised a hand, caressing her cheek softly. She leaned into his touch, a tender smile on her face. "We'll see each other again soon."
Ezra nodded, trying to convince his heart to listen to her words. "I know."
He looked at her, trying to memorise every line of her face, just in case...
Wordlessly, he pulled her close, kissing her gently. When he pulled back slightly, she smiled softly at him. Ezra looked back at her earnestly. "I love you, my cyar'ika."
"And I love you, my kar'taylir darasuum."
Ezra looked down, puzzled. "What does that mean?"
Sabine laughed softly. "Ask me another time." She stood up on her tiptoes, kissing him again, then pushed him away gently. "Go on. Kanan's waiting for you."
Ezra nodded and stepped into the Phantom, looking back only once when they were in the air to give a cocky salute and smirk down at her.

~//~

Sabine watched the ship fly away, a smile playing at her lips. Ezra had called her sweetheart in her native language, and she had called him her love.
Behind her, Tristan cleared his throat. "Umm, what was that?"
Sabine turned around, giving him an annoyed look. "What was What?"
Tristan looked back at her incredulously. "You know very well--"
"Tristan," Fenn Rau warned, and Sabine gave him a smile of thanks.
"What? Some guy just kisses my sister and says he loves her, and you want me to pretend it didn't happen?"
Sabine sighed. "Things...happened while I was gone. A lot of things."
A heavy silence settled over them, and Sabine wished she hadn't spoken, but it had to have been said. Much had changed since she'd left the academy.
She shook her head to dispel the gloomy thoughts and broke the silence.
"Well, can you guys tell me what you know about where and how they're keeping dad?"
Ersa smiled, reaching out a hand to touch her shoulder. "Come, Sabine. I'll show you what we know."

~//~

The Phantom landed gently, and Arene smiled as the the doors slid open and Ezra stepped out, followed by Kanan. That smile quickly fell off her face as the door shut again, and Chopper flew down from the top. Hera and her exchanged a worried glance before the older Twi'lek stepped forward. "Kanan? Ezra?"
Arene watched Ezra look down, a pained expression on his face, and her heart sunk. Before either could answer, she knew. "Sabine stayed behind, didn't she?"
Hera turned back to her, wide-eyed, and Arene could feel her emotions fairly rolling off her in waves through the Force. She glanced between Arene and Ezra. "Why?" she whispered, and Kanan sighed. "She decided it was time to stop running."
Ezra was standing there next to Kanan, yet Kanan couldn't seem to sense the agitation and pain roiling just beneath his surface. Arene bit her lip, unsure whether to bring attention to it or not. Instead, she decided to ask him what was the matter, telepathically.
Don't be surprised, it's just me.
Still, Ezra looked up, shocked. She met his gaze, giving him an almost imperceptible nod. I said don't look surprised!
He didn't answer and she had to restrain an eye roll. Just envision me hearing you. Don't be so shocked, it's insulting. I've been practicing.
What the--? When did you learn to do that?
I just did. Are you okay?
Uh, of course. Why wouldn't I be?
Ezra, I can feel your turmoil. It's giving me a headache.
Well...I'm fine.
Of course you are.
What are you getting at?
Arene didn't answer right away, turning to leave. Ezra followed her. I know about you and Sabine.
Ezra's surprise was palpable. How did you--I mean, what are you talking about?
This time Arene didn't stop herself from rolling her eyes and huffed in disbelief, turning to him. They were far enough away now. "It was obvious! You and her both always disappearing for long periods of time, the significant glances across the room," not to mention the fact that Plagueis had told her, "I would be surprised if Grand Moff Tarkin doesn't know!" She threw her hands in the air.
Ezra shook his head, a frown furrowing his brow. "Do you mean the others know?"
Arene shrugged. "I cannot say, but I would not be surprised."
Ezra blew out a worried breath. "I see."
Arene frowned slightly. "So how are you? With her not coming back with you?"
Ezra's shoulders slumped. "I'll see her again soon, so I'll be alright."
Arene laid a hand on his arm, and he looked back up at her.
"We are here for you, Ezra. Don't forget that."
He smiled sadly. "I know."

A single chance is a galaxy of hope.

~Jedi Proverb