Darth Minar

Chapter 9

On the flight to Lothal, Kanan suffered. He suffered the suspense of the actions about to take place. The suffered the pain of seeing a sith Ezra in his mind. He didn't want that for his young apprentice. He knew that Ezra wasn't strong enough to resist the temptations of the dark side, but he pleaded that he could. 
"Approaching Lothal."  The pilot said suddenly. A deep pit feeling of sorrow grew in Kanan's stomach. 
"Was there any report of a rebellion ship?"  Vader asked.
"Affirmative."  The pilot said. Vader smiled and Kanan frowned. He could and couldn't believe that his apprentice would actually bargain his own life for Kanan's. Kanan could never repay him.

When they landed near the Jedi Temple, Kanan sensed Ezra. Vader saw the boy standing and learning against his ship. He smiled; he would have a new apprentice soon. 
"Pilot, land near that shuttle."  Vader commanded.
"Yes, my lord."  The pilot answered, landing immediately. Ezra stood, unmoving.  Vader exited the shuttle with Kanan to face the young boy.
"Kanan?"  Ezra asked worried as he watched his master approach. His visor was gone and his saber holster was empty. He was bruised, bloody, and beaten. He was a mess.
"Ezra, don't do this."  Kanan requested. Ezra shook his head.
"Trust me, Kanan."  Ezra pleaded. Kanan frowned, pain of his face as Vader unshackled him and threw him to the ground.
"Come, young Jedi."  Vader demanded.
"Let me say goodbye."  Ezra requested.
"No, seize him."  Vader told his troops they grabbed a compliant Ezra. He knew if he fought, Kanan would die.
"Ezra?"  Kanan called. "Ezra, I will find you."  Kanan promised.
"Kanan," Ezra called as he was being dragged on board.  "Kanan, Tell Hera I'm sorry."  And like that, the shuttle was gone.

Hera watched as the missing shuttle approached the landing bay. She watched apprehensively as it was docked and the pilot exited slowly. It was Kanan.
"Kanan!"  She shrieked, running towards her lover. But, he was alone.  Sorrow came over her as she embraced him tightly.
"Kanan, where's Ezra?"  She asked. He shook his head.
"He told me to tell you he was sorry.  He's with Vader."  Kanan said simply and sorrowfully. Hera sank to the ground. First, she'd lost Kanan. Now Ezra?  What had she done to deserve this. She was broken. Kanan bent down and embraced her tightly. She noticed him covered head to toe in blood and bruises. She couldn't contain her sorrow.

Meanwhile, on Vader's Star destroyer, he attempted to convert the young man to his cause. It was definitely a struggle, but he knew the young Jedi would crack sooner or later.
"Face the facts, young Jedi.  You know the dark side is more powerful. You felt it yourself."
"Sure, but I also know how wrong it feels."  Ezra countered. Vader scowled, angry.
"I felt your pain, Vader. You loved her didn't you?" Ezra asked. Vader stopped suddenly, his heart skipping a beat.
"I don't know who your talking about."
"On Mustafar, that woman?" Ezra asked, challenging.
"That was a woman Anakin Skywalker loved. Anakin Skywalker is dead." Vader said simply.
"Was she pregnant?" Ezra pushed.
"She and Anakin were going to have a baby, yes. But how does that concern me?" Vader asked.
"You are Anakin, Vader." Ezra pushed.
"Enough!" Vader called out. He force choked the young boy.
"If you do not embrace the dark side, I will kill everyone you love. Starting with the destruction of Lothal." Vader decided.  Ezra stared, struggling for breath.
"Fine."  He coughed once let go. "I'll do it. I'll become a sith." 

Kanan's heart dropped. He felt it when Ezra turned to the dark side. But, he had no idea the cause was to protect Lothal. It'd only been days since Ezra had saved him, he knew Ezra was stronger. But, he'd given in. Hera walked in to see Kanan consumed by grief and despair.
"Kanan, what's wrong?"  Hera asked, although she knew the answer already.
"Ezra, is dead."  Kanan decided. "He's turned to the dark side."  Hera covered her mouth, horrified.
"Why?  Surely he was pressured?"  Hera tried to convince both Kanan and herself. 
"Even if he was turning to protect, once Your turned to the dark side, there's no coming back."  Kanan was grief stricken, which made Hera upset. She'd probably lose him all over again.
"If Ezra is sent as a sith, to defeat me, I cannot fight him."  Kanan said. "I would rather die."  Hera's heart skipped a beat.
"Kanan, if he dies by your hands, he'll become darker.  We'll never get him back."
"Hera, he's already gone." Kanan said. He'd already lost hope. Hera frowned.