Hera's Room

"Good success on your mission Hera. With the kybercrystal out of the Imperials hands the galaxy can breath a little bit" Fulcrum told Hera who responded with "Thank you Fulcrum". After Ghost crew managed to stop the Imperial kyber shipment Hera had this thought in the back of her mind that her crew needed a day off from this work. Fulcrum could see this in the pilot.

So he asked Hera "Is something bothering you". Hera looked at the hologram with sort of a nervous look, even though Hera wanted this day off for her crew she didn't know if it was the right call. But Hera knew that Fulcrum was only going to urge on so she answered him "Nothing's wrong its just......*signs* its just my crew has been working very hard for these past 5 weeks especially Ezra. So I request to have the day off for my crew to get some rest".

Shockingly Fulcrum smiled even though Hera couldn't see it saying "Request granted, your crew deserves some rest. I'll contact you when the next mission is available". Hera chuckled sastified that her crew would be able to relax. Hera looked at Fulcrum with joy in her eyes like a toddler saying "Thank you Fulcrum". Fulcrum nodded at Hera before saying "Fulcrum out" shutting off their connection.

Outside

Sabine yelled as she lunged up round kicking at Stahl who blocked it and tried to hit her back. Sabine grabbed his hand using it to flip the kid over on his back. Behind her she heard Ezra's footsteps come closer as he tried to hit her. She dodged it moving her foot backwards so she would have better balance. Ezra stumbled forward losing all of his balance, he quickly felt Sabine's knee hit his stomach. Ezra dropped to the ground clenching his stomach in pain. Then suddenly he felt Sabine's boot on top of his head pushing his skull into the ground. Ezra yelled in pain trying to get her foot off his head. Sabines foot didn't budge, she instead pushed harder moving it on his head making Ezra scream more.

Sabine then kneeled down at Ezra with her foot still on him saying "Well Ezra, Stahl was right. You do need to be trained" smiling. Ezra couldn't help but smile back at her smartly remarking "Your enjoying this a lot aren't you". "Just a little" Sabine answered getting ready to finish this fight.

However before she could she felt herself get pummeled forward causing her to fall on the ground. As she swept the dirt pff her cloths she looked over to see Stahl breathing heavily standing in front of Ezra sort of.....protectively? Sabine was confused, Stahl was standing in her way of Ezra like he was some sort of brother to him. Sabine stood up whipping away the last of the dirt on jer arms saying "So you still think you can match me".

Instead of answering her Stahl just stood his ground willing to do anything to protect Ezra. Stahl didn't know what was going on in his body, it was as if it acted on its own. However there was no time to worry about that, he had to keep his eye on Sabine so he wouldn't be beaten by her so easily.

The two stared at each other for a few minutes one expecting the other to jump at them. However after a few more minutes Sabine began to get tired of waiting for Stahl to do something. So she told him "If your not going to attack me, then I will be the one to do it" running up to him. Stahl kept his guard up as Sabine lunged into the air swinging her right fist at him.

Stahl used his left hand to push Sabine's punch away from his face pivoting on his back knee so he would keep sight of her. As Sabine fell on the ground she started to get more angry, this was mysterious because usually in a fight she hardly got angry.

All of this felt too familiar to her, but she ignored the feeling she had spinning around as fast as she could throwing her left arm at Stahl. Stahl blocked it with his right arm throwing one of his punches at Sabine. Sabine grabbed onto the fist keeping it at bay.

The two looked at each other with seriousness in their faces. Both of them decided to take this as a real fight which meant no more holding back. Stahl pulled his right fist towards him using part of his arm to push Sabines out of the way as he elbowed her in the face.

Sabine returned the favor by taking her right foot kicking off his chest giving her some distance. As she landed on the ground she looked at Stahl who had his right hand on his chest while starring at her. Sabine held her guard waiting too see what was going to happen.

Sabine knew bettee than anybody that lowering your guard during a battle was fatal. She noticed that Stahl didn't have his up. Which meant that he doesn't know much about long or real fights involving fists. Sabine figured that she could take advantage of this. If she could just catch Stahl when he drops his guard then she could throw a decisive strike. However the risk for her was that if she waits on that or drags the fight out too long Stahl would eventually figure out her plan.

This fight has to end quickly.

Sabine readied herself to charge at Stahl, but before she could take a step Stahl lunged at her. He tried to punch her face, Sabine put her arm in front of her face blocking the punch, but not being able to see Stahl took its toll.

She felt a sudden pain below her chest plate seeing Stahl's palm in front of it. Sabine stumbled back for only a step raising her guard up again.

Stahl took another swing at her, but this time Sabine was ready for it. Sabine took the back of her left fist hitting it against the side of the punch pushing it away from her. Sabine then took her right fist trying to punch Stahl in his face.

Her hit was successful, the force caused Stahl to stumble backwards a bit. Sabine however wasn't showing any mercy, she took her left foot swinging it around and kick Stahl right in his sides.

Stahl winced at the pain on his sides, but he kept on fighting Sabine putting in every bit of effort as she did.

The two kept on trading blows with each other sharpening each other like a knife more and more. Until to the point where the knife was about to break if they kept of going.

Both of the young fighters stood a distance from each other sweaty and exhausted. Even though both of them were winded neither of them were ready to stop. No......for them the only decisive way to end this was for one of them to be on the ground knocked out.

The two of them readied themselves thinking to themselves *this blow will decide it*. Both of them stared at each other again keeping their breath even and pasted.

It felt like their starring competition was going on for hours when it had only been seconds. In those seconds one strand of sweat streamed down their faces reaching the bottom of their chin. The strand built off into a drop falling toward the dirt of the planet.

A quiet sound was made on impact triggering the two to attack. Both yelled at the top of their lungs charging at each other balling up their right fist.

As the two got closer Sabine started yelling "This ends....." with Stahl finishing ".....right now" throwing their fists at each other.

However before they could make contact with each other they heard a voice say "Ughmhhh". Both of them stopped instantly holding their fists inches away from the opposings face looking at the person who interrupted them.

Hera was the one who had interrupted them, their yelling had become so annoying to her and the others. She even informed them "Guys, if if you want to have a yelling competion do it someone else. Get preped we're heading to the beach" walking back inside the Ghost.

The two continuing to breath heavily backed off not wanting to deal with Hera's wrath. "That was.....intense" Ezra said walking up to the two giving off a worried smile to them. Sabine smiled back at Ezra remarking "Yeah, it was actually kind of fun. Right Stahl" looking at the boy.

Stahl just shook his head saying "Nothing fun about training" heading toward the Ghost. Sabine felt a bit harmed crossing her arms in disappointment at Stahl for not enjoying their little brawl. She was so upset that she said "Geeze you know how to take the fun out of everything".

This caused Stahl to stop instanetly in his steps turning around to face her. He couldn't believe it, she thought all of this was supposed to be for fun. She's a fucking mando and she considered this to be fun.

Stahl wasn't going to let this slide. No he walked right up to her face reminding Sabine "Sabine this isn't suppose to be fun okay? This was the deal we made for what YOU did. All of this training is so I can get stronger for future battles.". Sabine didn't understand, she thought the two of them had finally gotten along.

"Listen you little shit, what happened was because you picked a fight with me and my people in the first place. Why do you have my people? What the fuck did we ever do to you" Sabine aksed in anger. "You all FUCKING EXISTS" Stahl yelled at her making Ezra have to get between the two saying "Woah woah you two just calm down" holding a hand over each of their chests ready to stop them.

There was no need two because the two crossed their arms facing away from one another. There was soon an awkward silence before Stahl began walking back toward the Ghost going to his cabin.

Once he was gone Ezra turned toward Sabine placing his hands on her shoulders asking "Sabine....are you ok". Sabine muttered under her breath "Ungrateful little brat" tightening herself up. Ezra decided to hug her catching a bit by surprise, but she just snuggled into the hug smiling warmly feeling Ezra's love. Ezra quickly spun her around bringing her close to him asking "Sabine are you ok". Sabine chuckled running her fingers through his hair saying "Yeah, Stahl's just a pest" making them both laugh.

The two stared at each other for a few minutes before Sabine came back to reality saying "Come on Ezra, lets get ready for our beach day" walking toward the Ghost holding Ezra's hand.

Beach.

It took about an hour for Hera to fly the Ghost to the beach that she had found. Since the Empire had controlled Lothal many of the beaches had either been taxed to get in or polluted for the factory. Only a few remained hidden from them......like the one with a forest right next to it which hid the beach from the Empire.

As the Ghosts rail lowered onto the sand Kanan walked up to Ezra in his swim trunks placing a hand on his shoulder saying "Ezra before you can have fun we need to practice with using the force. You and Stahl". Both of the boys heard this with Stahl just shrugging his shoulders not really caring much.

Ezra however was deeply upset, this was meant to be his time to relax with Sabine. But instead he had to waist time with Kanan training, again. Ezra tried to get out of it complaining "But Kanan, Hera brought us here to relax and have fun. Not to train the entire day and besides......I already did that with Sabine and Stahl". Kanan raised an eyebrow grinning at the excuse Ezra tried to use.

Ezra wasn't wrong with what he said, Hera did say they were here to relax from their hard work. But Kanan reminded Ezra "Ezra part of being a Jedi is getting better at using your abilities to the fullest. So after we are done training then you can relax".

Ezra groaned walking out of the Ghost with his arms crossed sulking. The three set up in a triangle formation with Kanan holding a beach ball in his hands. Kanan began explaining "Now I want you both to try and stop the ball with the force and throw it back to me or each other" as Zeb ran up to the water hollering "Cannon bomb" jumping into the ocean creating a big splash.

This made Ezra fake sob wanting so bad to join. Kanan decided to pick Ezra first to help get his mind off of Zeb. "Lets start with you Ezra" Kanan said throwing the ball at him. Ezra closed his eyes extending his arm out trying to imagine the ball stopping mid air.

However with Zeb's splashing and Choppers whooping in the sand Ezra easily lost his focus costing him a face plant with the ball. Kanan shook his head in disappointment as Stahl chuckled expecting this to happen.

Ezra rubbed his face still feeling the slight pain from the impact. "What the heck Kanan" Ezra yelled at his teacher who simply shugged his shoulders saying "You should have stayed focus. I've told you many times that there will always be.....". Kanan's thoughts had left his head as he looked over at the Ghost seeing Hera in her swimsuit.

Ezra and Stahl looked over too to see what was distracting Kanan from lecturing Ezra. Ezra smiled at Hera knowing well that Kanan was being distracted by his wife in that suit. Luckly before Sabine came in sight Ezra threw the ball at Kanan smacking the grown man. The force caused him too fall on the sand.

Kanan looked over at Ezra upset asking with some anger "What the heck Ezra?". Ezra held in the laughs teasing Kanan "A Jedi is supposed to focus and not get distracted by anything". This really got Kanan cause Ezra was trying to lecture him about the importance of being focus.

So Kanan got the devilish idea to see if Ezra could focus his way out of getting thrown into the ocean. However as he walked over to Ezra saying "So you want to lecture me about focus. Well see...." he was stopped by Hera who leaned on him saying "Love stop with the training for today and just have fun".

Even though Kanan wanted to punish the kid he couldn't argue with her. So he reluctantly dropped his arms around her saying "Alright love. Ezra your off the hook this time.". Ezra smiled at Kanan saying "Glad to hear it master". Kanan just ignored him going with Hera to set up the towels and umbrellas.

As they walked back into the Ghost Ezra felt a hand on his shoulder looking over to see Sabine. Ezra grabbed her hand looking at her swim suit. By what he saw he was stunned, but he looked back at Sabine wrapping his arms around her saying "Glad you finally came out". Sabine smiled right back at him saying "Well getting into this swim suit isn't easy". "I can only imagine" Ezra joked staring into her eyes bringing his head to hers.

As the two stared at each other Stahl just rolled his eyes in annoyance walking over near the forest to continue training. When he was a good 10 feet from the forest he set up his stance and began practicing his form. First he closed his eyes letting his body moved through the form. Stahl blocked out all other sounds basically making the world around him turn into a black abyss. He didn't see his usual nightmares which meant all that time mentally training himself was worth it.

Hera and Kanan walked out of the Ghost seeing Zeb still in the water, but this time he seemed to be gathering it as he walked out of the ocean and over to Ezra and Sabine. The two only smiled at the Lasat as he through the cold water at the two making them yell at him and chase after him into the ocean.

Kanan and Hera walked over to Chopper who had been building a sand figure of himself. Hera set up the towels for everyone as Kanan had the umbrellas set in the sand to where everyone would have shade for when they decided to relax. When Hera was finished she set the cooler down near her towel taking out a cold water. She opened the tab taking a cold sip sending the chills through her entire body.

Kanan soon finished setting up all the umbrellas sitting beside Hera looking over at the kids playing. "It sure is beautiful, isn't Kanan?" Hera asked him lying her head on his shoulder. Kanan's heart warmed up as he answered "Yeah, it truly is something amazing too see. The kids having this much fun, almost makes you forget the Empire" lying his head on hers. The two sat in silence continuing to admire this image in front of them. This was what everything they did was meant for, this long battle against the Empire was meant to achieve. They just hoped that they would be able to win this battle.

The two stayed how they were for a few moments before Hera noticed that Stahl wasn't with the others having fun. "Kanan, where's Stahl" Hera asked him as she lifted her head from his shoulder. Before Kanan answered her he looked around on the beach trying to find Stahl. When he spotted the boy near the forest training he pointed toward his direction.

Hera looked over at the boy seeing him practicing his martial arts with confusion. A question of hers kept throbbing around her head *Why is he over there training and not with the others*. She kept watching him for a few more minutes before she got up from her towel and began walking over toward him.

As she approached him Stahl began to slow down his movements. She figured he probably knew she was coming, so Hera didn't bother side talking. She just straight up asked Stahl "Stahl why aren't you in the ocean with the others". Stahl just simply told her "I'll relax when I'm dead Hera. For now I have to focus on getting better on my fighting" looking at her. *Stubborn as Sabine* Hera thought to herself, Hera had gone through this before with Sabine back when Hera had just meet her.

However it was different with her because it was only with the fact that she just didn't know/trust them. Stahl knew her, he just wasn't wanting to have some time to chill. Hera began to think about how she could get the boy to join them, but everything she thought of she thought of a counter.

So Hera tried using reverse psychology saying "Your right, relaxing is only for people who don't really fight at all." (Sorry I know this isn't the best).

Stahl saw what Hera was trying to do and just agreed "Exactly" and began practicing again. This left Hera in a stun, usually reverse psychology worked on everyone, even on Kanan.

However even though she wanted him to join them, she knew best than to force someone to do something they didn't want to do. Before Hera began walking back to the beach the last thing she told Stahl was "You know, just because you want to become stronger doesn't mean you will. Its better to have people with you than to fight by yourself. Just consider joining us at least".

As Hera walked away Stahls shoulders began to slump down as he gave out a frustrated sign. Stahl wanted to join them, but he consider protecting them to be more important, even more important than having a real bond with them.

As Stahl began reading himself again his senses kicked up making Stahl dead in his tracks. The thing that Stahl was sensing was not something he had sensed before, especially since this wasn't something he was sensing from the force. This kind of sensation was much more dark and it felt more instinctive.

The feeling was coming from the jungle ahead of him. Stahl approached the forest with the utmost caution. Something in the forest moved too fast for Stahl to be able to see.

So like a child he moved the two big leaves out of his way. Then suddenly a small black furred loth-wolf jumped out in front of him making Stahl scream falling back on his butt. Feeling his heart beating fast Stahl stared at the small loth-wolf not knowing that it was a loth-wolf.

The two began to stare at each other looking into the others eyes. As they were Stahl began to see something inside the wolf's soul. Stahl kept on looking further and further feeling himself slipping from reality. As he got closer he began seeing some sort of light with a figure standing tall in front of it. The figure towered over Stahl with its shadow covering his face.

Stahl attempted to get a closer look, but he was abruptly brought back into reality by the wolf who wandered back into the forest. For some unknown reason Stahl felt the urge to follow it. "Hey wait" Stahl said holding out his hand trying to call the wolf back. When it became clear that that was useless Stahl stood on his feet and began chasing after the wolf.

However as he disappeared into the forest he didn't see Kanan and Hera who had been watching him the entire time. "Looks like your advice got to him" Kanan joked making Hera get a little bit pissed at him elbowing his chest. Kanan chuckled at her asking her "Do you think we should follow him".

Hera thought about that, it was probably best for them both to follow him to make sure he would be ok, but she did also consider that Stahl wanted to be alone earlier. Hera gave it a few more minutes of thinking before she said "No, I think its best if we don't".

Kanan was perfectly ok with the decision, but he could sense that Hera wasn't completely ok with it. "Are you sure Hera" he asked her getting a "Yes love I'm sure. Besides......" As she threw sand in his face finishing "we're suppose to be having fun". Hera got up just quick enough to avoid Kanans reach as he chased her into the ocean where everyone else was.

Forest

Stahl breathed heavily still chasing after that wolf. He had been running through the forest for about half a mile. Stahl was barely able to keep the wolf in his sight as he kept getting scratched by the sharp thorns that poked at his skin. Or the mud that tracked all over his shoes attracting more and more bugs to him. Eventually the wolf had gotten too far head for Stahl to even too see.

So with it out of his sight Stahl leaned against a tree trying to control his breathing. As he did he kept on swiping away many bugs that tried to land on his skin. Not too long Stahl began hearing the wolf give a low howl. Stahl knew that the wolf was calling him, but how was he able to keep up with it if he was hardly able to from the ground.

*From the ground* Stahl thought to himself. When this popped into Stahls head he began looking at the problem from a different angle. After a few minutes of thinking and not coming up with an answer Stahl looked at the tree.

The tree that towered over him was a sturdy one with many branches that would hold his weight. There were also some close enough for Stahl to reach so he would be able to climb up.

Hearing another howl from the wolf Stahl took another minute to breath before he gathered his strength. Stahl approached the tree feeling a bit nervous, but Nonetheles he grabbed the closest branch pulling himself up slowly. Once Stahl was high enough to be able to throw his elbow over he reached out to another branch that was just right above him.

However as his finger touched the branch the one he was hanging on too gave out on him making Stahl fall 5 feet down landing his back on a sharp rock. Surprisingly Stahl didn't feel the pain on his back. Instead he just got back up to climb up again.

This time instead of grabbing the nearest branch he crouched down focusing the force on his legs. Stahl then jumped flying through the air past the second, third, and fourth branch until he was at the top of the tree.

When Stahl landed on the hug branch he crouched down on it to maintain his balance as he began looking around. After a few minutes he spotted the wolf about 100 feet away from him. The wolf also spotted Stahl and began running away again.

Stahl noticed another sturdy branch about 10 feet away from him. Before Stahl was ready he closed his eyes taking a deep breath feeling his heart pound hard in his chest. Stahl opened his eyes and jumped across the field.

Stahl flew through the air for a few seconds landing on the branch. It gave a quick wable before stabilizing. Stahl chuckled a bit realizing that he had just jumped 10 feet from one branch to another. The moment was brief as he heard another howl from the wolf.

Stahl smiled at that sound and began jumping from branch to branch. As he did his jumps became much more precise sometimes jumping over another tree to gain much more ground. It wasn't long before the wolf came into sight running through bushes and leaves trying to keep ahead of the boy.

Stahl however caught up to the wolf quickly but making sure to at least keep the wolf in sight so as too know where the wolf was leading him.

The two kept on running for about 26 more minutes before Stahl began noticing something big ahead of them. The thing had a grey color on it and towered way above Stahl which explained the shadow. It didn't take a genius to figure out that it was a mountain, but Stahl didn't know if that's where he was meant to go there.

Looking back at the wolf Stahl saw the creature running straight at the mountain. So Stahl just picked up the paste moving ahead of the wolf so he wouldn't lose it when they reached the mountain.

Once Stahl had reached the last tree toward the mountain he jumped down back on the ground trying to get a moments breath before the wolf showes up. It was instantly brief as the wolf emerged from the forest a bit larger? The wolf easily towered Stahl as it approached the mountain.

Seeing the wolf moved towards it Stahl took precaution approaching the wolf. Stahl may not know anything about this wolf, but it wasn't no normal creature. Creautures didn't grow about 12 feet in under 10 seconds.

When Stahl was standing next to the wolf he noticed that the wolf paid little attention to him. Instead the wolf looked up at the mountain. Stahl did the same, but found nothing interesting about another mountain slope.

"What are you looking at" Stahl asked the wolf. The wolf gave Stahl a brief look making the boy on edge before he gestured him to the top. "W-wait? You want me to climb up there?" Stahl asked in confusion as to why the wolf wanted this.

The wolf gave Stahl a nod before it it began emitting black smoke from its body. The smoke blurred Stahl's vision making him unable to see the wolf disappear in its size.

When the wolf had vanished from any view the smoke instantly disappeared. What it showed next just amazed Stahl. In the middle of where the wolf had previously stood a black bird stood pecking at its feathers. The bird is basically like the one off of season 2.

Stahl approached the bird sticking its hand out towards it expecting it to launch at his fingers. Surprisingly though instead the bird hopped onto Stahl's arm climbing its way up to his shoulder. Once it reached the top Stahl scratched its belly for a second making the bird chirp at the contact.

After that the bird took off flying up to the top of the mountain. Seeing as Stahl didn't have much of a choice he mentally prepared himself for the climb ahead.

Stahl crouched down feeling the force engulf him as he jumped into the air. Stahl flew through the air at auch more dramatic rate than with the trees. This time he managed to jump halfway up the mountain before he crashed into it.

The force from the crashed effected Stahl for a moment causing him to fall down the mountain for a second. Luckly his hand caught onto one of the tiny ledges giving him grip to not fall or die.

Stahl breathed in heavily looking down the mountain. He was very happy that he wasn't going to be a space waffle for any predators, but at the same time Stahl had fear running through his entire body. Stahl reached out and grabbed another ledge while also finding a place to put his feet in. Once he did Stahl took a moment to close his eyes and try to calm his heart down. This was Stahl's first time being scared of something like this, being scared of falling and not being catched or surviving. It felt pathetic to him that he would allow himself to fall into this kind of fear.

So the only way Stahl knew his was going to overcome it waa by facing his fear. Stahl opened his eyes looking up scanning the mountain top figuring out how he was going to climb the mountain. After a few minutes Stahl found his way up.

So Stahl began climbing grabbing another ledge while placing his foot on the previous one. The climb was long and hard on Stahl. Every time it looked like he was almost there the mountain just mocked down on Stahl saying that he still had a long way to go. Stahl's muscles began to hurt from both the impact from earlier added on with the long climbing. The lack of oxygen didn't make things any better on Stahl, the hit her he climbed up the more he felt like suffocating. The toll was having such a huge effect that it caused Stahl to almost fall off the mountain side again if he hadn't had adrenalin course through his body at the last second.

Still even though all of this weighed on Stahl he just kept on climbing up never knowing when to give up and just let go. Just like that Stahl had finally reached the top pulling himself over the ledge as he laid in the grass.

As Stahl laid down on the grass feeling its smooth touch while also trying to get some air from the limited oxygen he heard a low chirping from behind him. Not ready to get up from his spot Stahl just stared at the bright blue sky.

While feeling suffocation Stahl also began feeling something else, something warm. It had been years since he had just looked up at the sky on grass, back to a time that Stahl didn't care or want to remember. While the night stars that Stahl saw on the Ghost, the sky that mixed with the color blue with some small shed of orange. This is what Stahl enjoyed looking upon.

However his time was cut short because he heard chirping from the bird again. Only this time the bird was a bit louder and it frantically flapped its wings to get Stahl moving.

So Stahl did, he rolled over onto his belly pushing up from his position still feeling really nauseous. It wasn't enough though however even with the aching muscles he could still move.

When Stahl made eye contact with the bird it began flying off away from him. Stahl followed after the bird in a slow and steady pace. Even though he could move running especially this high up with the mountain top being so close to his feet. He would most certainly fall if he tried to push himself.

The walk across the top wasn't very long for Stahl, after a few minutes he came across the bird who stood at the very edge of the mountain top. "So.....what do you want me to do. No wait how about one better, why did you bring me here. I'm tired, I'm basically suffocating, and my muscles feel like their about to give out" Stahl complained to the bird.

Without having the bird saying anything Stahl hated what he said. It was so disgusting that he would complain about something like this. This kind of stuff was what Stahl liked to do: testing his body to the limit. Yet today he didn't like it at all.

Realizing that Stahl straightened the best he could saying "I'm sorry. Please show me what you wanted to show me". What happened next almost made Stahl black out.

The bird took up from the edge and started flying down. However instead of hovering down gently it dived down through the air. As in the bird was saying Damn boy stop bitching and follow my down like this.

Stahl wobbled over to the edge looking over the horizon. As he looked down he felt his heart skip a beat from the height he saw. Stahl's body even began to shake a bit.

Am I afraid? Stahl thought this as he continued to scan the horizon. He didn't need an answer since his body was speaking for itself. This was new, and Stahl didn't like it. If he was simply afraid of looking down a mountain side then he would very quickly let his fear control him again.

Well a new fear would control him. Stahl would have rathered died than experience that. So Stahl stretched his arms out placing his right foot in front of his left foot still looking over at the jungle.

Stahl took in another breath letting his bodies weight fall forward and off the mountain. The wind rushed at Stahl acting as a opposing force trying to slow him down. It did so little, the only thing it managed to do was force Stahls eyes shut as a wave of images flooded his mind.

Stahl saw the image of him fending for himself, stealing from others in order to survive, taking Imperial lives, everything that was a darkness to him flooded his thoughts. Stahl quickly passed the bird who had been hovering down at a really slow pace for Stahl. The bird watched as Stahl came rushing by chirping at the speeding boy.

As the sound echoed into Stahls ear the dark images began to fade until his sight was only red and orange from the suns rays. Soon after Stahl began seeing more images, but this time was different. This time Stahl began seeing images of the Ghost crew and how happy they were.

It also made Stahl's heart feel weakened, like as if he was trying to find something list within that image.

Stahl was still shooting towards the ground, he had already passed the halfway mark being only 500 feet from the ground. At the bottom of the mountain was a huge pond that was a good 20 feet deep. As Stahl got closer and closer his instincts began to kick in warning him about something.

Even though he didn't want to stop seeing the image of the Ghost crew he knew that his instincts were more important. The image soon disappeared as Stahl managed to open his eye lids. With the wind at his eyes it was hard to make out what was going on, but just a few moments before Stahl would hit the ground his eyes burst open seeing the pond beneath him.

Acting quickly Stahl used the force to propel him backwards a bit to soften his landing. He managed to do it in time but the force caused him to spin forward with his back crashing into the water.

Stahl sank a few feet before he made out where he was and where the surface was. The water that surrounded him was warm but also muddy. This was a bit obvious since Stahl was in a forest.

Stahl began to swim up towards the surface seeing the light from the sun get bigger and bigger until he hit the surface. When he did he found his face smacking against something solid preventing him from leaving the pond. On instinct Stahl tried to smash throw the invisible wall, but no matter how much force he threw into his punches he couldn't break throw the wall. He didn't even notice a crack in it.

Stahls body began to worry as his lungs were beginning to feel like they were on fire, but his brain wasn't worried. With the situation that Stahl was in he began thinking So....this is it huh. This is how my life ends.

Knowing this, that his life would soon be over and his body would be good for what ever creatures layed in the dark Stahl took on a medative position. As the numbers dropped Stahl closed his eyes for the final time and began thinking about his life.

However despite everything that he had been through Stahl's only thought was about Hera. About everything she had done for him and how when she wanted him to join her just to swim around and do something with the sand. Yeah Stahl didn't really understand what thats all about, but he did understand that with his perishing life that he would have one regret.

In that very moment Stahl began to hear singing. At first it was brief, ending the second Stahl opened his eyes to see where it was coming from. But when he closed his eyes again the singer became louder. Stahl opened his eyes again still hearing the singing, there was also a small green light emanating in the dark pond.

Even though Stahl's lungs still burned he figured he had 47 seconds left before his heart led out. So just to pass the time Stahl swam over toward the light.

As he got closer the singing in his ear got stronger and louder as the light did. The light came from in the mud only visible from how strong it shined. Stahl began to did into the mud clawing at it until he felt something that was muddy or slippery in his hand.

The singing in his ear had also stopped when he grabbed onto the light. Stahl pushed aside the mud that laid in his right hand until he found something amazing. In the palm of his hand layed a green kyber-crystal. Stahl knew that it was a kyber crystal from the data pads that he read on the Ghost.

Stahl gazed upon the kyber crystals glow as he began hearing rumbling from above him. Looking up Stahl saw some kind of energy evaporate into thin air. This must have meant that whatever that was blocking him from going up had disappeared.

Well now that it was gone Stahl instinctively swam up to the service feeling the burning feeling in his lungs return. As Stahl hit through the waters service he coughed up the water that had made its way into his throat swimming towards the edge of the pond.

Stahl gripped onto the grass and mud pulling his body half way out of the water. As he laid in the mud he felt his muscles soar really bad like a thousand needles piercing them.

Sucking down air Stahl opened his palm looking at the bright green light from the crystal forcing out a chuckle. Stahl then lied his head on the mud letting his heavy eyelids close. Stahl lied there in the mud feeling the breeze hit his back along with the warmth of the water and the coldness of the mud.

Stahl didn't move an inch from his spot, not until he heard flapping followed by a chirp. Stahl looked up seeing the black bird that had led him all this way on the ground just a few feet away from him. The bird stared at the boy just like he was staring at it waiting to hear something come out from the boy.

Eventually Stahl brought himself to ask "Why did you bring me hear" feeling his scratchy throat from the lack of air and dehydration. The bird simple chirped flapping its tiny wings and flying away.

Stahl watched the little bird fly off into the distance until it became too small to see. After that Stahl began to hear beeping coming from his wrist comm.

Stahl forced his hand to move over toward the comm link pressing the button. Through the link Stahl heard Hera's voice "Spectre 7 where are you". Stahl heard the concern in her voice like he usually did with him, this made Stahl smile a bit but also concern himself about how long he had been away for.

"Hey Hera. I'm Uhhh in a shitty pond" Stahl smartly said. Hera must have found that remark funny since Stahl heard a light chuckle from her before she went back to her concerned tone asking "Well I need to get back her pronto".

"Yes Hera" was all Stahl said cutting off the comm link. Stahl lied down in the mud for a little while longer not wanting to move an inch. However if he didn't Hera was going to do much worse to him that what he had just gone through if he didn't. So Stahl pulled himself out of the water doing a quick stretch and began walking back to the beach.

It had been nearly 25 minutes after Hera had contacted Stahl and he was still nowhere to be seen. Hera stood on the sand facing where she had last seen the boy crossing her arms. She had begun to lose her patience and was about to walk into the forest when she spotted the boy jumping down from a tree branch.

Hera couldn't believe her eyes, Stahl's cloths were all muddy and wet. What has that kid been through Hera wondered as she walked over toward the kid.

When they stood in front of each other Hera still kept her arms crossed tapping her feet in the sand waiting for something. The two kept their awkward silence until Stahl spoke first "Um hi Hera".

"Hi" Hera coldly said back giving off one of ehr cold stares at the boy. "Um so how is everything going" Stahl asked her still seeing the others playing in the water, except for chopper.

"Its great, besides having fun with everyone else one of my newest crew members decides to not have fun with us. Then he decided to disappear into the forest for about 3 hours". Stahls eyes widened hearing this. He hadn't realized it had been 3 hours since he ran after the wolf. Guess time must have really flown for him.

Stahl knew that Hera was really pissed, not at not joining them but for being gone for so long. So Stahl straightened himself placing his hands behind his back saying "Hera I'm really sorry for not joining you all. I just never knew what fun was and considered it to be dumb. Sorry".

Upon hearing these words from Stahl Hera smiled at him saying "Well I'm glad that you finally decided to admit your fault, becauseeeee....". Hera didn't finish her sentence before a bunch of water balloons smack at Stahl followed by laughter.

The barrage had hit Stahl for about 2 minutes before Stahl looked up too see everyone with one extra water balloon in their hand laughing. Even though this was Heras idea Stahl looked at Ezra who stood between Kanan and Sabine frowning.

The blue teen continued to laugh as he heard Stahl saying "Ezra I'm really upset with you. You hit the wrong targets". Ezra didn't know what Stahl meant by this until he pointed over at Chopper and Zeb.

Ezra caught on throwing his last water balloon at Zeb who backstepped at impact. Everyone was silent as Zeb looked over at Ezra standing innocently. "Oh no kid your not getting off that easy" Zeb said throwing his water balloon with full force.

Luckly however Ezra's reaction was faster than the balloon as it zoomed on past him hitting Kanan straight in the face. Zeb instantly became still realizing what he had just done.

Stahl, Ezra, and Sabine put their hands over their mouths as they heard Hera say "Garazeb Orrelios". Everyone turned toward the Twi'lek who stood with a balloon in her hand saying "I hope you know this means war" throwing at the Lasat.

Chopper did the same thing as well as the two began chasing him followed by Kanan. Ezra on the other hand felt a water balloon upside his head looking iver at Sabine who tried to look innocent like he did.

Ezra wasn't falling for it however tackling the young mando tickling her in her sweet spots. As the sound of laughter filled the air Stahl looked upon all of them feeling something.

The feeling was a warm feeling inside of his chest, something so very lost to him long ago. Something he had longed for for so long and now. Now he had finally found it, he had found something really worth fighting for, something worth dying for.

Stahl soon noticed Hera gesturing for him too join and although he was a bit on edge he soon joined Hera and the others for the pummeling of Zeb.

Night

It was night time and most of the crew had gone back toward the Ghost to rest from a long day. Especially Zeb, the ones who stayed outside however were the 3 teens of the group.

Stahl sat outside of the Ghost star gazing like he did a little while ago. He was so focused on looking at the Stars he didn't notice Sabine calling his name until she punched him in the shoulder.

When she had his attention she said "So you enjoy star gazing too". Stahl didn't give her a verbal respond, instead he just looked back up at the stars smiling. Sabine did the same thing looking upon the stars beauty.

It wasn't every day that you could just do this, but when you did have time in a galaxy like this you treasured every second.

There was a long silence between the two until Stahl spoke first "Hey Sabine". The voice was very low almost unheardable. Sabine looked over at Stahl who kept starring at the stars continuing "About earlier. I'm sorry. I still have my past clouding my mind and I still have my problems with......your kind".

As Sabine heard this she began to see why he acted the way this morning. It was still very obvious that Stahl still had his problems, but at least he had the will to admit his mistakes.

Sabine smiled at him as he finished "Just know that when I say what I say. I'm not trying to mean it to you, more of just Mandalorians". After hearing this Sabine decided that there wasn't a need for words. Instead she just nodded looking back up at the stars.

Not too long after they both heard an "Awwww that's really cute you two making up" looking behind them to see Ezra with a blanket in his arms. All three of them just smiled at each other from what Ezra said.

Ezra walked down the ramp unfolding the blanket for him and Sabine too sleep on. As he unfolded it Sabine looked at his face seeing the stars reflect off of his face. She became so engulfed that she had found what else she wanted to paint.

Once Ezra was done he picked Sabine up placing her on his chest as he sat down. Sabine cuddling into Ezra's chest was the final signal Stahl needed too see before he got up from his spot on the sand walking inside of the Ghost.

But before he climbed up the ladder he heard Sabine say "Hey Stahl. Just know that the next time we fight I'm gonna kick your ass as payment". Stahl mentally laughed to himself whispering "I wouldn't have it any other way......vod." climbing up the ladder.

Hera and Kanan's room

After the long and joyful day today Hera along with Kanan had spent the last hour cleaning and relaxing themselves down. Hera was fixing her blaster not noticing Kanan walk right behind her.

Hera jumped at first, but she soon relaxed into Kanans arms feeling his hand force her too look at him. The two of them smiled at each other as Kanan asked "So how did you enjoy today love". "Well at least we will know what it feels like when the empire finally falls" Hera responded giving Kanan a quick kiss.

When they separated Kanan said "Yeah we do" tightly hugging her. Their moment was cut short when they heard beeping coming from Heras holo-link.

Both of them signed with Kanan remarking "Well now I know how Hera and Sabine feel when this happens" making them both chuckle. Hera reached over her desk pressing the button.

Hera half expected it too be fulcrum, but instead the informant was Vizago. The smuggler smiled at the Hera and Kanan saying "Ahhhh Captain Syndulla and Kanan Jarrus how lovely too see you". "Yeah well the feeling isn't mutual Vizago. What do you want" Hera coldly asked the smuggler. Vizago obviously noticed Hera wanting to get straight to the point. So Vizago straightly said "I have another job for you".

                      -Cliffhanger-

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I know its been a while but this chapter was insanely long and we all have lives. I will upload asap. Until then.....
Spectre 7 out