Hey guys, I'm back!

Inner fangirl: Yeah, more like back at it again with the inconsistent updates YEET!

Dude, you're supposed to be on my side here.

*Inner fangirl shrugs*

Alright then, now that's over… here we are again! I've revised this chapter a couple of times because I wanted it to be perfect, and I think I'm finally happy with how it goes. I hope you guys enjoy it too! (Currently the next chapter is being rewritten as it was outdated, but the one after that is primed and ready to go!) I hope you like it, and prepare yourselves for some ANGST because you know I'm a sucker for drama!

May the force be with you, always!

-Superherotiger

…

Tiger Talks

Midnight Luna- Damnit Luna! Jet has been muttering to herself 'pink fluffy unicorns' in the corner for weeks now! Now we'll never know what happened to her mother! (And you're totally right, Kanan had one job lol)

Silverfox22- Yes! And back to stay hopefully!

Julien Caeg- Glad to see you're enjoying the story so far! :D

Guest- Ha ha *Snaps fingers* not going to happen

Guest- Actually I'm a girl, but thanks! ;D

Jedi Jelsa777- I know right, the pain is real! Wait till you read this chapter!

Guest- Hey, glad to hear you like it! Sorry it's been such a wait, but I do have the next to chapters almost fully complete so fingers crossed it won't take as long to update next time!

…

Jet's POV

My eyes crack open just a slither, the light making my head pound as I groggily shifted my body.

Fog seemed to cloud my vision as I rubbed my eyes wearily, wincing at the sharp jolt in my scarred eye and sitting up abruptly. An ache rippled across my right cheek as I pressed my fingers into the wound, surprised to find the protective cloth missing. Blinking the pain away I glanced at my surroundings to find a gloomy cockpit, the only light being from the windscreen ahead.

But, this wasn't the Ghost…

My eyes shot open with sudden awareness as I glanced around frantically, panic arising in my throat as I tried to move, only to find my wrists cuffed in binder. I remembered it all now. The crates. The bounty hunter. The fight.

Where was Kanan? Where was I?!

I glanced up in shock when a rough grumble broke the silence, muscles tense and ready to spring at my unknown danger. But from my position against the wall in the back of the cockpit, I could see my captor, the unnamed bounty hunter, sitting with his feet resting on the control panel, a knife twirling in his fingers. The bounty hunter hadn't realised I was awake yet, but glancing out the windscreen I could see the Garel city scape speeding by. It was only now that I understood he was planning to lift off.

No… No! I-I can't do it again!

My attention was caught by a bright reflection, and I squinted to realise the familiar shape of my whip hanging from his belt. The sun caught the elegant handle and shone like a gleaming star, almost acting like a hint to my next step.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to ease my senses by remembering my mother's soothing voice. With each passing day it became harder and harder to remember, but I would always hold on to that image of her sweet, loving face.

Carefully, I rose to my feet as quietly as possible, so not to alert the bounty hunter. Once I was sure he hadn't heard me, I stepped lightly to behind him, raising my arms to bring down my fists when he suddenly whipped around and tackled me in the waist. "Nice try!" he cackled as he pinned me against the second chair. I tried to get a few hits on him, punching wildly with bound hands in feeble attempts of escape. He was able to dodge my attacks for the most part, but one timely kick in the groin followed by a sharp uppercut sent him spiralling to the floor with a high-pitched yelp.

I grinned and used the force to pull the whip back into my grasp, activating the yellow stream and sliding into a defensive position.

The man growled from his position on the floor, before in a flash he had his gun out and blasted three shots at me.

The first one hit the roof. The second one just skipped past my cheek.

But the last one hit straight on my binders, breaking the cuffs in two and setting my wrists free.

I glanced from my hands to the bounty hunter and smirked, mocking "It's just not your day today, is it?"

He swallowed deeply and tried to crawl away, but not before I swung the whip and wrapped it around his ankle, one of the few parts of his body that wasn't covered with armour. He howled as the electricity rushed through his body, twisting and squirming on the floor until finally falling victim to unconsciousness. Once his body had gone limp I retracted the whip and nudged him with my foot, just to make sure he was asleep.

Once certain, I took a deep sigh of relief.

The floor shuddered beneath me as a low-pitched moan escaped the engines. Something on the control panel flashed an urgent red, running towards the light to gasp in horror at what the screen read. Auto-pilot activated. My throat tightened at the sight and I began running my fingers across the panel desperately for some kind of off switch, something that would deactivate this death ride!

"Shut off you dumb thing!" I snapped under my breath.

The screen suddenly beeped a warning, the message 'Voice match incorrect,' appearing in bold letters.

"Voice match? You're got to be kidding!" I snarled.

'Voice match incorrect.'

My eye twitched. "You son of a-"

'Voice match incorrect.'

A frustrated growl escaped my teeth as I slammed my fist into the metal, rewarded with a sharp boost from the engines as I fell backwards with a yelp.

Fear gripped my chest as I felt the oxygen escape my lungs, my vision blurring once more as hot tears stung my eyes. I felt as if I was going to be sick with the way my stomach was churning. The Garel city was now speeding just below, falling away from sight as the nose of the ship began tilting upwards. Faced with the dark abyss of space in view I recoiled into the pilot's seat, wishing the soft cushioned padding would just swallow me up and take me away from this retched place.

But it didn't, and I was stuck watching the ship blast further into the sky, further and further from the ground I so desperately craved.

I didn't know anything about ships, I couldn't even tell you where the control stick was! Not to mention this metal prison only responded to my captor's voice. So what hope did I have of getting out of here?!

My chest was aching with tension. Was I breathing still? Was I passing out? I couldn't tell. Maybe passing out was the better option anyway…

But my blood cooled like ice as I remembered where this ship was heading to.

My Father…

Clenching my eyes shut I felt my head spin in turmoil.

I wanted to cry, but I pushed the urge away, instead coiling my fingers tightly around the hilt of my whip. The metal felt familiar in my palms, secure and steady. Holding it I felt I had control. Felt peace. It felt like it was meant to be in my hands. But for just a glimpse I saw my mother, wielding it with such beauty and grace that it made my attacks look like wild flurries. She had been training one morning, and I had begged her to let me watch, promising I'd be quiet. She had obliged with a smile and moved with the whip like a dancer with a ribbon. Every move was precise. Eloquent. Perfect.

Clutching the weapon to my chest I held it close as a tear managed to break from my clenched eyes. This was hers. It belonged to her…

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you…" I whispered faintly. "I'm sorry I didn't save you…"

A warm presence curled around mine. I perked up as I felt it surging confidence through my veins, its touch so comforting and secure. It pushed the darkness from my mind and resharpened my focus, my mind centred and stable again.

My first thought was that it was the voice, but, this one felt different.

It felt softer, its heat less energetic and more caring. It wasn't abrasive or rough, but, like arms wrapping me in a loose, compassionate embrace.

As I pondered what or who it was my com suddenly sprang to life. I glanced over at the bounty hunter, my comlink attached to his belt as I scrambled over to pick it up. "H-Hello? Can anyone hear me?" I called weakly, rubbing the tears from my eyes.

"Jet!" a familiar voice rung. "Jet you're okay!"

My face brightened in joy as I exclaimed "Kanan! Y-You came back!"

"I'll always come back Jet," his warm voice cooed.

On instinct I flinched at the statement, and the Jedi must have realised his words too as a short, tense pause descended upon us. But now wasn't the time to bicker I reminded myself, shaking my head as I asked "H-How do I get out of here?"

Kanan replied firmly "We're in the Phantom trailing behind you. But your ship is picking up speed. We won't be able to keep up with you for much longer."

"The bounty hunter turned it on auto-pilot and I can't turn it off," I explained nervously. "I don't know anything about ships Kanan! I-I want to be back on the ground!"

"Jet, calm down, we'll figure out something," Kanan soothed.

I raked my fingers down the side of my face as the anxiety began to fester again. My stomach churned with each second that passed, my internal organs feeling like they were being squeezed together. My heartbeat was faster than I could count, and all I could do was just sit on the floor in paralysed trauma.

"Kanan," I murmured faintly into the com. "I-I'm scared."

There was no answer at first, just a deep, long silence.

Until suddenly, the com sprung to life again. "Jet, I promise you I'll get you back on the ground safely," Kanan assured, his voice strong and confident. "I have an idea, but I need you to press the button that opens the ramp and go into the cargo hold. Got it?"

I gritted my teeth and nodded, saying "Okay. Then what happens?"

"I'll tell you once you get there. Just put down the ramp and get to the cargo hold quickly," he spoke.

The com still clutched in my hand I clipped the whip to my belt and used the chairs to pull myself up onto wavering feet. There I scanned over the controls, looking for anything that might possibly mean the cargo-bay doors. My eyes were slightly blurry, and the panel seemed a mess of switches and buttons. "Which one? There are so many," I asked into the com shakily.

The line crackled before Kanan's voice chimed "There should be three green buttons lined up vertically somewhere. Pressing the… uh… middle one should work."

"Middle?" I replied as I began gleaning over the panel until I found the three buttons.

"Yes, it's definitely the middle one," he said, much more confidently this time.

"Alright then," I muttered before hitting the button. Green faded to red as the ship let out a whine, the sound of metal scraping metal radiating from somewhere in the back of the ship. "Uh, y-you sure that was the right one?" I stumbled, my hand gripping the pilot's chair fearfully.

But Kanan's voice was filled with relief as he exclaimed "Perfect! The bay doors are open. Now get to the hangar."

Taking that as a good omen I turned away from the controls and stumbled to the door, working my way through the corridor with a hand always against the wall to stabilise myself. The layout was so different to the Ghost though that I kept finding myself in dead ends or cabins. Surely there was a ladder down somewhere? Every door I opened seemed to either be locked or filled with useless trash. Nothing resembled a hatch to the cargo bay, and frustratingly enough, I found myself running in circles due to the strange design of the ship.

"Is everything alright?" Kanan's concerned voice called from my com.

"Oh just peachy Kanan," I snapped, my patience wearing thin in this maze of metal.

Until finally, with a sigh of relief, I found a concealed ladder leading down to a narrow corridor, a hatch with the words 'CARGO BAY' printed across in yellow. "On my way," I spoke into the com to calm the Jedi, flicking the panel to the right to open the heavy door. It let out a whine of resistance before two halves pulled away, a vacuum of wind tugging at my cloak.

My fingers only gripped tighter to the ladder strut, my feet planted in place as I gazed fearfully at he large hangar doors that lay open just past the cargo bay.

The Garel city was nothing but a blur from what I could see, my vision blocked by the crates and other equipment scattered through the hangar. Steadying myself, I inched my way into the room with my fingers still gripping the doorway. The wind howled eerily in my ear as I reached for a nearby crate and grasped onto its metal lid. My boots squeaked against the metal as I dragged myself closer to the gaping hangar door, trying to catch a glance of the Phantom if they were indeed still trailing behind.

Until suddenly, the ship lurched, tilting once more and throwing all the cargo -and me- towards the opening ahead. A scream escaped my lungs as I lost my footing and fell to the floor, feeling my body sliding as the crashing sounds of tumbling cargo and crates drummed in my ears. But the wind suddenly barraged my face, and in a sick realisation I felt my feet slide over the edge of the ramp, my fingers raking the smooth metal for any kind of grip.

But I only slid further until my legs were dangling off the edge, a desperate cry welling in my throat as I fought away the urge to flail. Now was not the time to panic. Now was not the time to panic!

A metallic tapping sound caught my attention, feeling the hilt of my whip knock against my belt as an idea sprung to mind. I could feel my weight being dragged down by the second but risked grabbing the whip with one hand and activating the sizzle beam. In a clumsy swing I directed it at the leg strut of the ramp, the stream coiling around it as I carefully tugged on it to ensure it wouldn't come loose. Once confident in its strength I began climbing with all my might, scrambling over the smooth surface until I managed to get my leg over the ledge.

A few more desperate hauls later and I found myself clinging to the strut in a blind panic. The thought that I could have just plummeted to my death dropped my heart into my stomach.

I dared a glance over my shoulder to gaze at what could have been my doom, but gasped to see the Phantom fly into view. It was trailing behind, under the ship by a reasonable distance as it struggled to keep up with the larger vessel. My eyes narrowed as I tried to focus on the figure who had just emerged from the open door and climbed onto the roof.

"Jet!" Kanan's voice called over the coms.

My eyes shot open in shock, and I grabbed my com and barked "Kanan, is that you?!"

"Yes!" he answered. "Are you hurt?"

"No," I managed to breath. My fingers still gripped the cold metal as I held the com close and mumbled "A-Alright, alright, n-now what?"

"Next," he replied firmly. "I need you to jump!"

My hands coiled around the struts and my body completely froze. "Are you crazy?! No w-way!" I roared as my eyes shifted to the racing surface far, far below us.

"Jet, you need to trust me!" Kanan yelled. "I'll catch you, you'll be okay!"

I pressed my lips together with petrified eyes, saying "You don't understand! I can't!"

"Why?!" Kanan asked.

"Rrr!" I growled, too afraid to let go of the metal pole. "I just can't!"

I glanced down at Kanan and saw that the Phantom had tried to get a little closer. I was just able to see Kanan's face now, taking in his guilty expression as he spoke into the com "Jet… I'm sorry."

"Seriously Kanan?! You're doing this now?!" I snapped.

"Look, I know I stuffed up," he called desperately. "I know it was wrong of me to trade you away like that! But I swear on my life, I'd never put you through that again! Just let me make it up to you by saving your life right now! All I need is a second chance, and your trust."

I ground my teeth and used the pole to climb onto my feet, the nausea hitting me in four-fold as I admitted wearily "It's not that I don't t-trust you Kanan! It's… It's s-something else!"

"What is it then?" he asked. "Tell me and I'll help you!"

The ramp went out under me for the slightest moment as the ship began to tilt upwards, my scream unable to be contained as I gripped onto the pole like it were my life. I clenched my eyes shut and whimpered as the wind tried to pry my fingers away. "Jet! We're running out of time!" Kanan yelled. "Just jump! Trust me I'll catch you I-"

"What if you don't?!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. "What if you let me fall just like my Father did?!"

The commlink remained silent. Too fearful to open my eyes I felt a tear slip down my cheek as my mind began crumbling under the pressure. Memories threatened to take control as the air grew thin, my head feeling dizzy as we climbed altitude. Surely I would black out this time. I could tell by the slackening strength in my muscles that I was starting to fade, no matter how desperately I clung to the pole.

And then, like a warm summer's breeze, a calming voice soothed through the com "Jet, I need you to look at me."

I hesitated, before he cooed again "Jet, trust me."

Slowly, I forced my heavy eyelids open and stared at the figure standing atop the Phantom. And that's when I felt it again. The presence I'd sensed when I was in the cock-pit tightened its grip around me, easing the fear I felt in my heart. And as I stared into his shimmering teal orbs, I finally realised who the presence belonged to.

Kanan.

"Jet…" he spoke, but not through the coms or by yelling. His voice reverberated in my mind, like he was somehow speaking directly through the force. "Please, trust me now…"

His presence was so serene and welcoming. So secure.

He battled my traumatic memories for control, but as I continued to stare into his eyes, and he stared right back at me, I felt overwhelmed with confidence.

"Kanan," I wheezed faintly. Images flashed across my already hazy vision, of the crew, and of Kanan. I remembered the day we met, the rain pouring down on us as he offered his hand in peace. I remembered the pride in his gaze the day we trained together. And I remembered the guilt etched in his expression as he returned to save me from my father. The suffering in his eyes for every day that followed, when I pushed him away and cut him off…

But levelling Kanan's gaze, I felt a connection flicker through the force, faint yes, but steady and secure. Prying my fingers from the leg struts and inhaling a breath sharply, the world seemed to grow quiet as we shared a final glance. One of hardships, but one of understanding.

"I trust you…"

That was the last thing I said before pushing myself off the ramp, my eyes never leaving the Jedi's as he threw his arms out to catch me. I could feel my cloak tugging at my throat as it streamed behind me, the bright lights of the city below growing closer and closer every second I plummeted downward. I wanted to scream but couldn't find the strength. I'd made my decision. All I could do was fall, and fall, and fall. Until I was caught, or until I was dead.

But Kanan's expression of determination became a picture of horror as I glanced down and realised the distance between the two ships had grow too large by the time I'd jumped. There was no way the Phantom would catch me in time, a fact that Kanan and I seemed to realise at the same time. And for the slightest moment, a single second in time, everything slowed and I caught Kanan's petrified gaze. I stared straight back, unwavering, and did something I had never done before.

I reached out.

I reached out in the force with all my might, clawing for the comfort of his presence. Neither of us had ever truly opened ourselves to the other. We both had secrets, regrets, guilt. He had been closed off from the moment I'd joined he crew, and I had shut him down every day since he'd given me up. But now wasn't the time to fight, to be cold, to be alone.

So I reached out pleadingly, silently begging him not to push me away.

And suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, an energy surged through the space between us as Kanan threw his hands forward and sent an invisible force around me, halting my deathly fall. The wind knocked out of my lungs I could only stare at the man in shock as his shaky hands kept me still, levitating me high above the chaotic city below. His brow was creased in concentration, his body quivering from the effort.

I could feel his presence, as clear and as vivid as I had ever felt it before. It was as if a dam had been broken as the force flowed through him steadily, his normally guarded signature open and vulnerable. And for a moment I sensed his heavy guilt and shame, the responsibility that weighed on his shoulders, the grief that still scarred his soul deep down.

It was if I was seeing him for the first time…

Then suddenly, he dragged his hands backwards, throwing me towards the roof of the Phantom with a boost of speed. I ignored the spinning in my head and reached out for the man, relief flooding my senses as my feet touched metal and I felt Kanan's arms catch me tightly. "I've got you! I-I've got you!" he stammered, partially in disbelief himself. "You're safe now…"

My legs felt weak beneath my weight and my knees buckled in retaliation, forcing me to lean against the Jedi for support. He didn't seem to mind though as he held on tightly, his heart beat drumming in my ear. I could sense the same shock from within me resonating from his own presence as it finally set in what had just happened.

It had been so fast, and yet so agonisingly slow at the same time. Everything seemed to hit me at once; the fight, the fall, the connection… Suddenly, hot tears forced their way to my eyes as I felt my breath hitch in dull sobs.

But Kanan didn't falter at sound of my weeping, only embracing me tighter as he mumbled encouragingly "You're alright… you're alright… it's okay now… you're okay…"

I clenched my eyes shut and desperately tried to stifle my sobs, the humiliation of my weakness sending my stomach churning once more. But his presence as clear as a Lothal sky in summer, I felt Kanan's warm embrace encase me in not only a state of safety, but care and concern. Had I ever felt that from my Father's touch? I couldn't imagine it if I tried. But right here, right now, Kanan held me close despite my trembling form, my silent sobs.

Why would he show such concern after the weeks I had ignored him, scowled at him, snapped at him?

It didn't make sense, and yet somehow… I understood…

Kanan's voice was gentle, almost getting blown away in the wind as he whispered quiet reassurance. "You're safe now…" he promised. "I've got you…"

Burying my face into his shoulder to muffle the cries I wheezed "I knew… I knew you'd c-catch me… I… I-I trust you…"

"…I trust you, Kanan…"

The man stiffened, his signature growing still in shock. For a moment I thought he would recoil, but to my surprise he only patted my shoulder comfortingly, swaying back and forth slightly to soothe not only my shaken mind, but his too. Raising my arms I hesitantly returned the Jedi's embrace, finding peace as our racing heartbeats pounded in sync with each other.

The sharp wind slowed to a breeze as the Phantom lowered its speed, now drifting above the clouds.

I tried to ignore the fact I was still thousands of feet in the air and instead glanced up at the sound of a boosting rocket. The bounty hunter's ship was just a blur through my hazy vision, but I managed to catch the bright tail of the engines before disappearing into space, it's destination far worse than any fall could have been.

"Are you hurt…?" Kanan mumbled after a few moments of silence.

I shook my head slowly, feeling his shoulders slack in relief at my response. "He'll be hurt though…" I said croakily. "That bounty hunter… my Father won't spare him when he returns empty handed…"

The Jedi's breath hitched in a weak chuckle, replying "All I care about is that it wasn't you on the ship instead."

Despite the ache in my lungs and the numbness in my fingertips I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you…" I breathed, my voice raw with emotion.

"No, thank you." Kanan said as he gazed down at me with caring teal eyes.

I shot him a puzzle look. "For what?"

Tears welled in the corners of his eyes as he smiled sincerely, answering "For trusting me…"

Super Bomb V

The Light in the Dark

Remember Me

Lost Chapters

O' Family of Ours

There is no Death, There is the Force

To Mend the Bond

Beasts of Legend

Family Ties