A/N: I know, I know, I'm a horrible person. But cliffhangers are such useful tools, they make you guys want to come back and find out what the heck happened to your beloved characters. And considering you're here and reading this, I consider it to have been worthwhile.

This will be the final chapter of Mistaken, which is sad for some of you, I know. Hopefully, though, you'll have considered this to be a good enough read that you'll go take a look at my other new Rebels story, Jumpstart. (First chapter features an adorable seven year old Ezra!)

Well, I'll let you all get back to this tale now. Enjoy!

-Triscribe

Chapter 3

"Well now, I certainly wasn't expecting to see you again." The cold, mocking voice of Agent Kallus came from behind him, freezing Ezra into place. He whirled about, bringing up his energy slingshot to aim at the Imperial officer. "Not all that bright, are you, boy?"

"Stay back," Ezra warned.

"Or what? You'll shoot me with that little toy of yours?" Kallus laughed. "I caught you once, Loth-rat, and I'll catch you again just as easily. We'll see how well you stand up to a second round on interrogation."

"N-no-"

"And this time, your friends won't be able to come save you." His breath coming faster, Ezra tried to grit his teeth and ignore the turbulent memories resurfacing with the agent's words. Skin only recently healed began to prickle unpleasantly, and it was all the boy could do not to heave the contents of his stomach across the walkway.

"Or perhaps, this time, they won't want to,' continued Kallus. "I saw how they looked during your rescue - as if they didn't want to be there in the first place. Why would they bother coming to save you again if this sort of thing's just going to keep happening?"

Trembling, Ezra released his weak grip on the slingshot, grabbing onto the railing just to stay upright. "Th-they- I was wrong, before- they do care- they do-"

"Really? Then why are you the only one out here?"

"Because the kid's faster than I am." Jerking with surprise, Kallus barely managed to avoid the blaster fire from Kanan, standing on top of the Ghost as it rose up level to the bridge. "And you're not gonna lay another finger on him."

The Imperial tried firing at the Jedi, only to be Force-thrown over the railing. Ezra, nearly giddy with relief, didn't have time to do anything but sigh before Kanan was standing in front of him.

"Are you alright?" Hands skimmed over Ezra's arms and shoulders, coming to rest on either side of his head. They tilted his gaze upward, so that wide blue eyes met fearful green. "Ezra?"

"I'm fine," he choked out. "C-can we leave now?"

-M-

Ezra managed to hold himself together until they were all back on the ship and in hyperspace. Once he saw the little wookie was back with the others, the boy promptly retreated to an empty hallway, where he sank down against one wall. It was there that he allowed himself to release the pent up fear caused by encountering Kallus again.

Only a minute or two into this, Kanan and Hera appeared at the end of the hall. Wordlessly, they each took up a position on either side of him, offering silent support that Ezra had never been more grateful for.

He didn't want to admit to any lingering weakness from his brief stint as a prisoner of the Empire. His physical injuries were all but gone, only scars and sore muscles remaining. But the mental... Coming face to face with the man who'd been present all through his interrogation made it all too clear to Ezra that he wasn't close to fully recovered.

Kanan's arm around his shoulder prompted him to lean into the man's side, while both his hands sought out Hera's and clung on. Again, neither of the adults made any verbal mention of it, but Ezra could practically feel the emotional anchors they were extending to him. This was something they knew he needed, that they were willing to give.

-M-

Kanan didn't approach him about the cube until the evening after the wookies left. After a conversation concerning the Force, a certain lightsaber, and a couple details about becoming Jedi, Ezra made his decision.

"I want to learn."

They announced it to the others at dinner that night, and earned several smiles in return. "Looks like you're stuck with us now, kid!" Sabine grinned.

"So, where's he gonna sleep then?" Zeb wondered aloud. "Not like he can stay in the med bay forever..."

"Thank you for your concern, Zeb. He can share with you." Hera ignored the Lasat's attempt at retreat, instead moving to give Ezra a hug - and this time, he returned it wholeheartedly.

He'd been mistaken back on the Star Destroyer, when informing Kallus that no one would come back for him. And Ezra had never been more glad to be so wrong.