Hello, my loyal readers! Thank you for sticking around for the longest update in the world.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Before you read please give a special thanks to Mistress Malica, because without her, this story would not be possible. Enjoy.

Hera was racing through the trees of the woods, every once in a while she would look over her shoulders in panic.

After reaching a far distance in the woods, the grown woman ducked behind a massive tree. Hera tried to regain her lost breath as she leaned heavily against the tree.

A second or two had passed before a branch snapped just a few meters away from her.

Hera gasped, she had been found!

The sound of leaves crunching revealed that the person she had been running from was catching up.

"Found you, Mommy," a little girl's voice said, causing Hera to smile as she stepped out from behind the tree. Her chaser was her 2-year-old daughter, Sabine

"You certainly did my little artist," Hera said as she approached her child and gently picking her up into her arms, "As I told you, love will keep us connected forever,"

Sabine giggled as she hugged her mother back.

"Is Papa home? Can he play with us?"

Hera's smile faltered a bit, "Let's go and see"

The mother and daughter then made their way towards their cottage. In front of their home was a large cart packed with crates and climbing out of the cart was a tan-skinned, brown-haired man.

Sabine began to squirm in Hera's arms to the mother placed her on the ground. As soon as the little girls' feet touched the ground, she shot towards the man.

"Daddy!" she squealed as the man turned to see her, the man smiled and bent down to hug his daughter. The man was named Kyle Wren, husband to Hera.

"Hey, my little girl," the man said as he held the girl in his arms "I brought you something" Kyle reached into a crate and pulled out a small box full of paint "Made with the white shells from the North Side," he said as he handed the box to his daughter

"Yay!"

Hera walked towards her family smiling when she noticed something, Kyle was injured. Red blood was evident on the left side of the shirt.

"Uhh... Bean why don't you go paint something for Daddy?" The little girl nodded and ran towards the house where a german shepherd ran out to greet her, "Don't let Chopper eat the paint!" Hera called after her hoping her daughter heard that.

As soon as she was inside Kyle grimaced and cried out in pain as he held his wounded side, Hera immediately ran over to him, gently leading him to the carriage so he could sit down

"What happened?" she asked as she began to heal her husband's wound which turned out to be from an arrow that had scrapped the left side of his stomach.

"They're getting stronger, better, smarter," Kyle said as he sighs in relief from the pain "The rebellion could use your help out there,"

"Kyle, you know I can't, who will take care of Sabine?"

"It won't be for long, soon she'll be old enough to fight alongside us."

"Kyle," Hera sighed, "We have a wonderful life here, maybe the rebellion can wait so you can spend time with your family,"

Recently, assisting with the Rebellion had been the only thing Kyle was focused on, and this worried Hera. The woman was afraid that she would lose her husband the same way that she had lost her father.

"Hera, the time to fight is now. If we don't then who will?"

Hera shook her head and sighed, knowing Kyle wouldn't stop anytime soon.

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Kanan Jarrus was standing outside a tavern in a nearby town.

Normally he would be inside, drinking with the other pirates but he got kicked out for fighting... three times.

Kanan sighed and rubbed his head, tucked underneath his shirt was his amulet. The symbol of his old life. The only thing he had left from his parents. Ever since Kanan had joined the ship it had remained unused. No memories had been added nor had Kanan dared to see the memories himself. The other pirates would have laughed and mocked him for it. The only memory he saw was in his nightmare about the horrible day. Kanan shook his head to stop himself from thinking of his mother but he couldn't stop her last words from replaying in his head.

Run

A few feet from him, a beer bottle standing on a barrel shattered! People standing and walking by gasped at the sight Kanan growled and stormed away from the tavern. His emotions were getting out of control and so was his magic.

As Kanan walked down the town, he spotted a couple with their newborn child. Their happy smiles as a new life for them has just begun with this little bundle of joy.

Kanan stared at the family for a bit before shaking his head and storming away.

Sometimes he wondered what his life would have been like if he had never became a pirate, would he have found love? Would he have found a family? Will he ever have a family?

Right now none of those seemed to be in his future, ever!

It was a pirate's life for him, right? Kasmir still refuses to even consider his debt being paid and those times he asked he was sent to scrub the floor. Kanan had now done it so much that his hands hurt when he was washing the floor with the cold water. Was he ever going to regain his freedom?

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It was a new day in the Enchanted Forest.

Kyle, Hera, and Sabine were in a garden deep in the woods. Hera wanted to spend one day without worrying about the rebellion for once.

"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Kyle said to his wife when she didn't answer he turned towards her and saw she was reading a letter "Who's that from?" he asked

"No one, it's nothing important," Hera said looking up for a split second. Kyle didn't believe her and snatched the letter from her hands "Wait! Don't..."

Kyle didn't need to read it to know what it said, he just needed to see who it was from, Cham Syndulla.

"Another letter from your father?" Kyle fumed, Hera snatched the letter back and placed it in her pocket "What's he saying this time?"

"Nothing, he just thinks that having a family in the rebellion isn't... a great idea," Hera said calmly with a nervous gleam in her eye

"Do you think he's right?" Kyle asked in a heap of rage, Hera didn't respond and looked away, a realization came to Kyle "You think he's right, don't you?"

Sabine saw her parents fighting and didn't like it, so she wandered away. Pushing through a bush she found herself standing in front of a magnificent garden, filled with flowers in all the colors of the rainbow! The little girl smiled and rushed in.

"I want you to start thinking of our daughter," Hera said sternly

"You two are all I ever think about!" Kyle cried out "When I left Mandalore I swore that I would never let anything happen to my family. My family rejected me when I refused to marry the women they chose and married you instead remember? I could still take care of you even after that because I was a merchant with a good trading business under the queen but the inquisitor had me kicked out like so many others. We are poor now. We have enough to pay what we owe and get food on the table but nothing more. I want to give you a better life" Kyle said furiously.

"I know that Kyle. The day where they took everything from you was terrible. But what about us? Who will take care of us if something happens? How will we manage? Hera protested.

"Hera, I am doing this for you," Kyle pleaded.

Hera sighed and shook her head when she noticed something was missing, something very important!

"Where's Sabine? Bean?" she called out

Hera and Kyle both forgot about their argument and began calling out the little girl's name.

Walking through a bush they found Sabine in a garden picking flowers, not just any garden the royal garden! Suddenly the sound of horses caught their attention, looking up they saw a royal carriage and a band of knights coming their way.

Hera quickly rushed to her daughter in fear "Bean baby, come here. We have to go" she pulled the little girl into her arms and held her close

"Mommy pretty flowers," the little girl said unaware of the danger approaching.

"Yes, we have to go, now before-"

Too Late! The carriage stopped in front of the family, the door opened and the Dark Lord stepped out or as many call him: The Inquisitor. Knowing they had no other choice Kyle reluctantly bowed while Hera curtsied.

The Inquisitor looked at them coldly which made Kyle stood in front of his family protectively

"Hello, citizens" the King greeted with a fake smile "I believe you're in the royal garden, and I don't recall you asking permission to be here"

Sabine buried her head in her mother's shoulder, this man scared her.

"I'm sorry, we didn't mean any harm Your Majesty," Kyle said calmly trying to talk their way out of it and even greeted the Inquisitor by title even though he was strongly against it "My daughter just wandered off and-"

The Inquisitor didn't let him finish as he struck Kyle's chest and pulled out his heart. Kyle gasped as he felt his heart being ripped out his chest. The strange and overwhelming feeling of being without his heart nearly sent Kyle to the ground. Hera's eyes widened what dark power had the Inquisitor if he could rip people's hearts out and yet they still lived?

"No!" Hera cried, "Kyle-"

"It's okay, Hera" Kyle interrupted "Just take our daughter and go!"

"You would sacrifice yourself for them?" The King said in disbelief "You are a brave man few people would be willing to do such a thing. Perhaps I could use you as a henchman. I could even allow your wife and daughter to live in the palace. Give them new clothes they could certainly use it" he continued.

"I will never see them in your hands. You can have me but leave those two alone" Kyle sneered making the Inquisitor pressure a little on his heart making Kyle groan in pain and Hera nearly letting go of Sabine in fear for Kyle.

The Inquisitor looked at Hera who held Sabine tightly to her before he asked: "Why would you put your life on the line for others?"

"Because if all you do is fight for your own life then your life is worth nothing," Kyle said with bravery despite the situation he was in "But you wouldn't understand that, would you?"

The Inquisitor snarled before grinning evilly with sharp teeth

"I was going to spare you but you just made me angry" Without another word squished Kyle's heart making Kyle fall to the ground and cry out in pain. As the Inquisitor continued to squish the heart Kyle lost his consciousness and then a crashing sound was heard as the heart turned to nothing but dust and Kyle laid still.

"NO!" Hera screamed dropping to her knees while holding her daughter, the King was about to leave before he turned to his guards.

"Make sure they remove that. I don't want it spoiling my garden" the King said before he left without another word. The guard bowed and turned to them to keep an eye on them but Hera did not care all she wanted was for her to be a horrible nightmare.

"Kyle no, no" she cried as she shook the pale-skinned man, he wasn't breathing "Please, I need you" when he didn't stir Hera began sobbing.

"Mama?" Sabine said confused and scared, why was her mother crying and her dad lying on the ground? Why did he not get back up? What had the strange and scary man done to her daddy?

"It's okay Bean," Hera soothed kissing her daughters head "We're gonna be okay"

She didn't know if she was convincing her daughter or herself.

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2 Years Later...

Kanan was in a nearby town buying supplies for the pirate crew and buying it means he pays for a few items and then just steals the rest.

He was placing the items into a cart and was about to ride off when a scream filled the air

"Help!"

Kanan looked towards the edge of the village where a large grassy field was. A brown horse with black mane and tail was racing by at full speed and a little girl was on top of it, yelling in fear!

"Somebody please help me!" the little girl screamed

Kanan then realized that the horse was running in fear and had no intention of stopping. If someone didn't do something the horse would soon throw off the little girl.

Instinct took over Kanan as he unattached the horse from the cart, climbing onto it and racing onto the field.

"Help, Please!" the little girl cried again

Kanan kicked the horse to go faster as soon as he was close enough to the little girl he reached an arm over

"Give me your hand!"

The little girl didn't hesitate to reach over, Kanan pulled her off the horse and held her close. The little girl held tightly onto Kanan as he slowed the horse down when the horse stopped he gently slid off to stand on the ground.

"Are you alright?" Kanan asked the little girl.

The girl had brown eyes that matched her hair and the front of her skirt was covered in paint splatters. Her clothes were otherwise clean but she looked like she could use some new. It was well worn from a long time of use. She wore a blue skirt and a green shirt but the colors were fading. Kanan sighed internally. People were getting poorer with each passing year he saw the small signs everywhere. Kasmir had even started complaining that there was less to steal in the ports they visited.

"You saved my life" the girl gasped out, Kanan smiled gently. Just as he was about to ask for her name another horse began to approach them

"Bean!" a woman's voice called out

Kanan looked to the side to see a beautiful woman with brown hair and green eyes approaching them on a gray horse. The woman's clothing was like her daughter's clean but well used. It was a plain grey skirt and a white shirt. As colorful clothing was more expensive, it was clear the woman had given up on using such things one herself and instead used the money on her daughter.

Even so, there was a real beauty to her. Kanan had seen many women but she stood out. She carried herself with dignity and grace he had not seen since his mother had been around. Kanan had to remind himself to stop staring and the little girl who helped him through.

"Momma!" the little girl cried reaching out towards her, the woman quickly slipped off her horse and raced over to them, when she reached them she took her daughter from Kanan's arms.

"My little girl," the woman said as she kissed the little girl's head. Kanan smiled and was about to ride away when the woman spotted him, "Thank you, you saved my daughter's life"

"It was no problem really, just happy to help," Kanan said, hoping he didn't seem as nervous as he felt

"I'm Hera Syndulla, this is Sabine" the woman, Hera said as she adjusted Sabine into one arm so she could shake Kanan's hand

"Kanan Jarrus, it's a pleasure to meet you,"

"I don't believe I've seen you around this town, are you new?"

"Kind of, I'm here on a business trip" Kanan responded leaving out the part where he told her he was a pirate.

"Oh, are you a Miller? A Baker?"

"No, no. I'm a... I'm..." Kanan's eyes widened as he realized something "Late! I'm late, I'm very late!"

While Hera looked confused and concerned at his sudden change in mood, Kanan quickly climbed back onto his horse

"It was nice meeting you!" he said before racing back to the village

As Kanan rode away he wondered if he would ever see the woman again, unaware that she was thinking the same thing.

When Kanan was back Kasmir was furious for him being late and Kanan soon found himself scrubbing the floor once again. But even while his hands hurt he could not stop thinking about the two.

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A week had passed before the two saw each other again.

Kanan had been in the market collecting supplies when something grasped his leg. Looking down he saw it was a little girl, one he recognized.

"Hey Sabine" he greeted, when the little girl let go he kneeled down to her level "Hi," the little girl said

"Where's your mom?" he got his answer when someone tapped his shoulder

"I'm really sorry, my daughter wandered off and-" her voice trailed off as she recognized the man "Kanan?" Sabine giggled and ran to her mothers' side, hanging onto her skirt

"Hera, hi" Kanan greeted as he stood up and faced her

"It's so good to see you, I assumed you had already left town,"

"No, I'm here for a while. I've actually looked around for you" Kanan almost kicked himself, he sounded like a stalker,

"Yeah, me too" Hera responded "You found my daughter twice before me and I still don't know how to thank you"

"It's really not necessary, I mean a mother and daughter are together again. You know that's.. that's enough for me"

"Not with me it isn't, maybe you can come over to dinner"

Kanan was shocked, a woman he practically just met had just invited him to her house, did he hear that right?

"You want me over for dinner?" Kanan asked to make sure

"Yeah, is tomorrow good?"

Kanan wanted to say yes but then he remembered who he was. This family didn't need someone like him in their lives

"I don't know if I can, uh... because I'm..."

"JARRUS!" a loud voice behind Kanan yelled, turning around he saw another crew member standing there "Your late, the captain expected you back by now"

"Tell him I'll be back in a few minutes" Kanan grumbled in response, the pirate rolled his eyes and walked away

"Captain?" Hera's voice said behind him. Kanan had actually forgotten she was here, he turned around sheepishly to face her "You're a pirate?"

Kanan sighed, he knew that Hera probably never wanted to see him again and he didn't blame her. Who would want to have a pirate to dine with them?

"Yeah, I am. I'm really sorry" Kanan then gathered the supplies "Forget about dinner then," he said before turning around preparing to leave

"Kanan Wait!" Hera cried out, Kanan stopped but hesitated to turn around "I don't care that you're a pirate" Confusion overcame Kanan.

"Really?" he said as he turned to face her

"You saved my daughter's life, I don't judge," Hera said with a gentle smile "Please still come over for dinner"

Kanan was surprised, she really didn't care who he was? Realizing she was waiting for an answer he nodded.

"Yeah, yes I'll be there," Kanan said with a genuine smile

"Okay, come to the cottage next to the lily garden in the Northern Forest," Hera said then waved

"Bye Bye," Sabine said as Hera grabbed her tiny hand as Kanan headed back.

As Kanan reached the ship he walked back towards the small cabin with a big smile on his face. Kanan was so happy about finally finding someone who was accepting him. Pirates were never well seen in the ports they visited so he had always done his best to not be found out about. But here was a woman who accepted that he was a pirate. It was the best thing that had happened to him since his mother died.

Because Kanan was in such deep thoughts he did not see that Kasmir watched him go down below deck. Kasmir had an unpleased frown on his face and appeared deep in thought.

As Kanan came down below he saw some of the other pirates were sitting playing cards and drinking.

"Hey Jarrus, come and join us," one of them said.

Kanan was about to join them when a thought came up. Tomorrow he had to sneak off the ship to visit Hera and he wanted to make a good first impression. He could not do any of that with a hangover and a throbbing head. Hera deserved better than that.

"No you guys play without me," Kanan said.

The pirates stared at Kanan with wide eyes as he went to his cabin.

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The next evening had Kanan managed to sneak off the pirate ship to meet Hera.

It took him a while for him to find the cottage but he found the lily garden and soon there was the cottage.

After shaking off his nervous feelings, Kanan walked up and knocked on the door. After a few seconds, little Sabine opened the door.

"Kanan!" the little girl squealed hugging his leg

"Hey, little girl" Kanan greeted "Where's your mom?" Sabine stepped back to look up at him

"She's in the garden talking to daddy,"

Kanan's smile fell, Hera was married? Wait! Why did he care? It's not like he liked Hera... in that way, right?

"Come on!" Sabine snapped Kanan from his thoughts grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the backyard. Kanan didn't fight her off and followed

When they reached the garden, Kanan was surprised to see Hera there, alone.

Kanan was about to walk up to her when something nudged him back. At first, he thought it was Sabine but when he looked down he saw a German Shepard! The dog growled up at the stranger.

The growling caught Hera's attention, she sprung into action and held onto Chopper before he could jump onto Kanan.

"Chopper! Down boy, this is our guest" Hera said, Chopper growled at the man before sitting obediently "I'm sorry, he's not so great with strangers"

"It's all right," Kanan said before reaching out to pet Chopper, the dog growled causing the man to retract his hand

"So, shall we eat?" Hera announced, everyone nodded and cheered as they all went inside.

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After dinner, Sabine was put down for a nap while Hera showed Kanan the garden.

"It's very beautiful," Kanan said admiring all the flowers

"Thank you," Hera smiled, "It reminds me of my mother,"

Kanan looked out at all the flowers before noticing a small white wooden cross in the center of the garden.

"What's that?" Kanan asked, pointing at the small cross. When Hera saw what he was pointing at, tears filled her eyes which didn't go unnoticed by Kanan.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Kanan quickly apologized, "I shouldn't have asked,"

"No, no, it's fine," Hera said wiping her eyes, "It's for my husband"

"Oh," Kanan said now realizing why Hera was alone when Sabine said she was talking to her Dad. "I'm very sorry,"

"It was two years ago, it was..." Hera then cut herself off

"The Empire?" Kanan guessed before he could stop himself, Hera nodded

"I'm sorry I'm putting this on you"

"It's all right, I lost my mother to the Empire," Kanan said before freezing, he never told anyone that in all his life!

"I'm so sorry," Hera said

"It's all right, we just have to remember they wouldn't want us to mourn them forever I guess," Kanan said with a gentle smile

Hera nodded, subconsciously Kanan took Hera's hand, it felt right.

Both of them seemed shocked at the sudden gesture but no one did anything to stop it. After some time Kanan knew he had to stop the wonderful moment and pulled his hand away

"I'm really sorry, I don't know what I was thinking" Kanan looked up at the sky to see the sun was slowly setting "I should probably be heading back to the ship"

"Oh, okay," Hera said stunned from what just happened "See you again?"

"Yeah maybe" Kanan mumbled the last part.

As Kanan began to leave the front door opened and Sabine came out and ran towards Kanan

"Bye-bye," she said as she hugged the older man's leg

"Shouldn't you be asleep little one?" Kanan said, Sabine looked at him with pleading eyes "Don't worry, I won't tell"

Sabine smiled before raising her arms to him "Up up"

Kanan was unsure at first but he complied, bending down to hold the little girl in his arms. The little girl gently peck the man's cheek before hugging his neck

Kanan froze, he was unfamiliar with this type of affection so he froze up. Not since he had been a child himself did he participate in such behavior and it felt strange and uncomfortable. Awkwardly he patted Sabine on the back before placing her back on the ground

"Okay, you should go back before your mother finds you," he said as he nudged the girl back home

Sabine waved goodbye before racing inside, leaving Kanan in a state of confusion.

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Later that evening, Kanan approached the Kasmiri Ship with a goofy smile on his face.

As he climbed on board he was stopped by Captain Kasmir

"Where have you been, boy?" The captain demanded

"In town," Kanan said with as much attitude he could muster in the happy mood he was in

"Were you with someone?" Kanan froze in his tracks before putting hiding his fear

"Who would I possibly be with?"

Captain Kasmir smirked at his response

"Whenever you start thinking you're worth something or someone, just remember you belong to me and you are not even close to having paid your debt."

Kanan got angry he had worked so hard and done so much for Kasmir when would it be enough.

"How long before I have paid my debt? I want to live my own life. I want to be able to do what I want to without you holding me back" Kanan growled.

Kasmir smirked as he replied, "You will be an old man before you are done paying your debt. So you can forget about all of that. Also, forget to call me sir or captain again and I will hit you every time you do so"

"You mean bastard" Kanan growled but that made Kasmir angry and he had a pirate hit Kanan on the backside on the head but Kanan was too angry to notice.

"How dare you, boy. I took you in when you were wanted and learned you to survive. If you ever talk to me like that again I might change my mind and collect the bounty" Kasmir snapped.

Kanan got pale but he still opened his mouth to say something before Kasmir beat him to it.

"You better not say anything more for tonight unless you want to scrub the floor until next Saturday. Instead, you better go to your cabin and stay there and think about your options. Because the bounty on you has only grown since I took you in. Keeping this up and I will hand you over" Kasmir said.

Kanan stormed into his tiny cabin to resist punching the Captain square in his jaw but he couldn't. No matter how much he really wished he could. Kanan laid down on his small and much-used bed and wandered over Kasmir words while trying to ease his sore head.

The threat of being turned in scared him so much. Kanan had certainly not forgotten about what the Inquisitor had done to his mother and how eager he was to capture him. That was not an option.

Then there was the other option of staying with Kasmir. Kasmir had said he still owes him a big debt. Worse he had said he would be old before he had paid the debt. All that just for a loaf of bread? Kanan did not get it and he hurt. Kanan would never get a normal life with family and friends. Not as long as Kasmir was in control. Oh why did he ever agree to this? Kanan silently curled together and softly cried into his small pillow.

Back at the hospital, Kanan was looking through the videotapes with little luck while Doctor Sumar was searching high and low. Both of them knew they had to find the boy for both his and their own sake. If not the boy would be in danger again and they would both be out of a job. As Kanan frustratingly looked through another tape without results he heard a voice behind him.

"I have checked every ventilation opening but nothing. The boy must have sneaked out when the personnel wasn't there" Sumar said.

Kanan turned around and looked at Sumar.

"Except from one that is missing I looked through all the footage and there is nothing except I know now the boy has not left the hospital unless the missing tape shows otherwise," Kanan said worriedly.

Kanan did not say it but he had a feeling that someone had removed it. Suddenly they heard a voice from the door.

"Well, you better hurry finding him the time is running out. You have one more hour then I will handle it and you are both fired" the Mayor said.

Both men turned to him and nodded before hurrying out to look some more. Had they stayed a little longer they would have seen the cold smile on the Mayor's face. They would not find the child in time, not this time.

He would make sure of it.

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Kanan and Sumar hurried down the hallway but said nothing until they were out of hearing range before they said anything.

"I will try and ask the person," Sumar suggested and Kanan nodded.

Sumar hurried away while Kanan waited. First, when no one was around, did he take up the phone and dialed a number he knew in the head.

There were a few tones before someone took it. "Hera this is Kanan. Could you bring Chopper to the hospital?" Kanan asked.

For the next week Kanan snuck out to visit Hera and Sabine and during that time the bond between them grew. Unfortunately so did Kasmir's suspicion that something was up with Kanan despite his best efforts to remain unseen. Even so despite the risk, he was determined to see Hera as often as she wanted to see him.

For him the last week had been the best in years. Kanan not been drinking at all which had left him with a clearer head and not wasting all his day feeling horribly either because of the alcohol or because of the memories he brought. His self-loathing had gone down along with his nightmares and he realized the alcohol did more harm than good. All that thanks to Hera and her wonderful girl Sabine which really had started to grow on him.

Kanan did his best to wash and prepare for another visit. He wanted to look his best when he visited Hera. Hera was …. Kanan could feel himself blush when he thought of Hera. That made Kanan stop and think could he be falling in love with her? The thought was wonderful and terrifying both at the same time. Kanan wanted to be with Hera but how could he? Kanan was bound to Kasmir and even if he was not how could he support them?

While not starving it was clear Hera was not wealthy or just well off. Where would he find a job so he could help them keep food on the table? Hera and Sabine deserved someone who could do that. Then Kanan sighed, what was he thinking about? It was not like Hera saw him that way right? Kanan hurried to get done and prepared to sneak off.

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Kanan leaned back after another good meal with Hera and Sabine enjoying the moments of peace and quiet while Hera was putting Sabine to bed. It had been another great meal. Hera really was a great cook. Hera was making her living by selling food to people along with flowers and the food therefore always great.

As Hera came back he could not smile at her and she smiled back. Or at least he did until the sunset blinded him and saw the sun setting getting him an idea.

"Hera would you like a bit of fresh air?" Kanan asked.

Hera looked surprised but followed him outside and gasped at the beautiful sunset. The sun tossed long red and yellow lights over the grassy plains. For a moment they both stood breathleat and looked before Kanan turned his head and admired Hera who looked radiant bathed in the sunlight. Kanan had never seen a woman as beautiful as her not even when he had lived at the palace. Hera turned and he stared into those green eyes.

"Hera I … I … I love you" Kanan blurred out before he could stop himself.

Kanan's hands rushed to cover his mouth but it was too late he had already said it. Internally he kicked himself. Hera turned and looked at him in surprise.

"Kanan I don't know what to say," Hera said.

"It's okay never mind … I … I … forget that I …" Kanan rambled trying to cover up his mistake.

Hera took his hand and looked deep into his eyes.

"Kanan I don't know … ever since Kyle died … it has been so hard to move on" Hera said.

Kanan looked at her with sad eyes.

"It's okay. I understand" Kanan mumbled and was about to leave when Hera grabbed his hand.

"Please Kanan I did not say I didn't want you. It is just … so hard" Hera said.

Kanan's heart soared at that and he felt it as Hera squished his hand for reassurance. Unfortunately, it made him groan from the many times his hand had been washing the floor so often.

Hera looked surprised and he reluctantly allowed Hera to see his hands. Hera examined it and saw how the hand seemed to be partly blue like the blood flow did not circulate as it should be and Kanan seemed to struggle to use the hand properly.

"What have you done with it?" Hera asked worriedly.

Kanan opened his mouth to just shrug it off but then stopped. Hera had just been honest with him the least he could do was, to be honest with her.

"It is from when I scrub the floor. Our captain Kasmir well he is not exactly happy with me when I ask a question or if I am late or well he is easy to make angry so I usually end up having to scrub the floor as punishment" Kanan mumbled.

Hera looked at him with gentle eyes before she took his hand gently.

"Kanan the more I get to know you, the less you seem like a typical pirate. Why would you stay with him? Why did you even join him? You don't even seem to like him at all" Hera asked.

Kanan was not sure how to answer that. If he told her the truth about his heritage he would paint a target on both her and Sabines back. It was out of the question to tell and what would Hera not think about the former prince being a pirate? Even so, she deserved to get an answer at least to a part of the question.

"I was young and the empire was after me. I stole some bread in a crate that belonged to Kasmir. The pirates found me while doing so and dragged me to him. I had to promise to do anything he said for as long as he said or he would hand me over for the bounty" Kanan said with pain.

A gentle hand laid on his shoulder and he looked up at Hera.

"Why was the Empire after you?" Hera asked.

Kanan looked away making Hera feel guilty for asking. When the Empire had taken over many things had been banned. Many people declared outlaws for being loyal to the former rulers. Her own husband had seen his work taken over because the Inquisitor wanted to control a major trading organization. It was not fair to ask about such personal information. Even so, Hera couldn't help but wonder. Kanan must have been pretty young. What would a child do that angered the Inquisitor? Perhaps his parents had done something? Anyway, Kanan had told her something very personal. It was about time she showed him some trust.

Hera gently took his hands and started to heal them. Hera looked at Kanan as his hands returned to normal and then stared wide-eyed at her.

"Can I rely on you to not tell?" Hera asked.

Kanana smiled at her before replying. "Always. No matter what"

Kanan saw how the moon was about to rise.

"I better go or Kasmir will be angry with me again" Kanan mumbled.

Hera was unhappy but nodded as Kanan prepared to leave.

"Will you come tomorrow?" Hera asked hopefully.

Kanan smiled and nodded before he hurried back. While Hera looked at him unsure if she was ready to move on. Part of him wanted and yet it did feel a bit odd.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Later that night Hera was having a strange dream. In the dream, Hera was standing in the Royal Garden.

She looked around confused, she wanted to leave this place but she couldn't

"Hera," a voice said behind her. Turning around she saw-

"Kyle"

He was standing there with a gentle smile. Hera ran forward and hugged him tightly

"Hera," Kyle said, gently pushing her back "Love again"

"What?" Hera said confused.

"I want you to move on from me and love again,"

"But-" Hera whispered.

"I always thought the only thing that mattered was taking down the Empire, I let that passion drive me away from my family. Don't let that fear stop you from loving again. Promise me"

"Kyle," Hera began but was quickly cut off

"Promise me"

"...I promise"

Kyle smiled warmly before

After a few seconds, Kyle slowly stepped back while pulling his hand away. After taking a small breath and closing his eyes, Kyle's body slowly began to turn into a swarm of butterflies and he was gone.

Near the entrance of the hospital, Kanan was pacing around nervously. Checking outside the front doors as well as his watch.

They were running out of time, and if Hera didn't show up soon with Chopper…. God, Kanan didn't even want to think about the consequences.

Suddenly a familiar cold voice spoke up from behind him.

"You have less than 20 minutes left and you are standing for a break outside?"

Kanan spun around and saw the Mayor, barely being able to hold back a shiver. Whenever the Mayor was around he felt so uncomfortable and it would make his skin crawl. Sometimes his hands were hurting all though he did not know why.

"I am waiting for a dog. We hope that Chopper will be able to find the boy," Kanan reluctantly admitted.

"We? As in you are going to call in a dog that can make people sick because you want to be near a bar girl?" the Mayor spat out angrily, "No I will not allow it,"

Kanan had to bite his tongue to resist lashing out at Here being called "a bar girl," because if he started a fight both he and Sumar would lose their jobs and Ezra may not be found in time.

"Sir, the only way to find him in time is to get help from a dog. It is our best chance" Kanan managed to say past his anger.

"No. The patients can be sick. I will not allow you to risk the patients just so you can impress a low-class country girl and her brat"

Kanan wanted to protest but he was not sure he would have a job if he did so. Even so, how could he say this about Hera and Sabine? Hera was the most wonderful woman he knew and heard the mayor saying such things sat ill with him.

"Sir please, there is a boy's life at stake. We have to do more than just look. We need a dog who will be able to find him," Kanan insisted.

So much was at stake the poor boy along with their jobs if they did not find him.

"Please sir we need to find him and insulting Hera and Sabine won't annoy anyone" Kanan tried while fighting to hold back his anger.

"I will not let you bring that mug anywhere near the patients, just so you can get close with that stupid woman and her brat" the Mayor dismissed

Before the Mayor could say any more, a loud growl was heard and they turned to the side where Hera and Sabine with Chopper at their side. The large dog was growling deep from within its stomach. Every hair was standing up making him look even bigger. Hera had to put all her weight behind not having the dog spring up at the Mayor.

The Mayor looked scared at the large dog as it began to bark at the Mayor and tried to get loose clearly to bite him.

"Chopper down," Hera said but it did not seem to help Chopper was fighting hard to get to the Mayor.

"Alright you can use it but if the patients get sick or it bites them then I will order it to remain permanent on a leash at all time even back home" the Mayor sneered before he ran inside.

Chopper kept bargaining for a little while before he calmed down.

"Okay, that was strange. I have never seen Chopper like this" Sabine said and Hera nodded.

"Now Kanan can you tell us what is going on?" Hera asked.

"It's a long story and we don't have much time. For short the boy is missing again. Sumar and I are looking and if we don't both Sumar and I will be fired by the Mayor. I can explain everything later but we only have 10 more minutes before the Mayor `fire the both of us" Kanan said and looked at the clock once again.

Hera nodded and Kanan handed her a piece of Ezra's clothing which she gave to Chopper. Soon the dog barked and started walking inside with Hera, Sabine, and Kanan following after.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

For almost five minutes, Chopper wandered around the hospital, trying to follow the scent of the lost boy. Kanan, Hera, Sabine, and Dr. Sumar followed the dog everywhere he went.

Dr. Sumar glanced down at his watch for the millionth time, "We're running out of time. If he can't find the boy soon, it'll be too late,"

Kanan sighed heavily with worry, "Maybe it is possible that Ezra managed to leave the hospital,"

"Should we take Chopper outside to look for him?" Sabine chimed in

The group was so busy worrying that they didn't notice Chopped sniffing a nearby door.

"Perhaps," Hera said, "But I think we need to give Chopper a few more minutes to look around the hospital. There are still many places we haven't searched yet,"

"By the time he searches the entire hospital, there won't be any time to search outside!"

Kanan groaned and rubbed his temples, stress was pounding on his brain like a heavy hammer. That along with the fear of losing his job made it hard to focus.

"Okay, okay!" he said, "Why don't we all just-"

The officer was cut off by the sound of loud barking.

Everyone immediately turned and saw Chopper barking urgently at a small door to the janitor's closet.

"Does that mean that-"

"He found him!" Hera interrupted the Doctor, a large, relieved smile was on her face.

Kanan quickly rushed over, gently moving Chopper away before pulling open the door.

Inside the janitor's closet, Ezra was huddled in the corner. From the darkness of the closet, Kanan could see that the boy was shaking with fear.

When the rest of the group tried to get closer, Kanan gestured for them to stay back. Not wanting to overwhelm the frightened boy.

"Ezra?

"No!" the boy hissed, shaking the older man's hand off, "Go away, leave me alone!"

Kanan looked back at Dr. Sumar, confusion written on his face. He silently asked the man, What's wrong with him?

Sympathy was on the doctor's face, "Memory Lapse," he explained, "The stress of waking up put a heavy strain on his brain. He's reverted back to his age before the accident. It might happen a few more times after this,"

Hera and Sabine looked stunned at what he said.

How was Ezra supposed to have a normal life? Could he ever have a normal life after this?

Kanan shook off his thoughts and tried to reach out to Ezra again.

"Ezra, I have to take you to the ICU Room," Kanan tried to take his hand but the boy flinched again, "Please, kid. It's important that-"

"No!" Ezra practically screamed, "Go Away! I want my Mom and Dad!"

Kanan firmly grasped the boy's shoulder, but that only caused him to panic more.

"Get off me! Get off me!" the boy shrieked, trying to free himself.

Hera and Sabine watched with worry while Dr. Sumar could barely stand to watch.

"Ezra, stop it!" Kanan almost shouted, shaking the boy gently to grab his attention, "Ezra look at me!"

After several seconds, Ezra finally stopped thrashing and looked at Kanan. At first, the boy just stared at the older man with fear before he blinked heavily.

When Ezra opened his eyes again, there was a new look in his eye. Instead of fear, it was exhaustion.

"Kanan?" Ezra asked, barely above a whisper.

"It's me,"

"Where am I?"

"It's okay, kid," Kanan reassured, "I'll explain it all just-"

The officer was interrupted when Ezra suddenly wrapped his arms around Kanan and pressed himself close against his chest.

With a worried Sumar, Kanan, Hera, and Sabine looking at each other.

"Help me," the boy whispered against his chest

Kanan held Ezra closer against his chest, whispering "Don't worry, kid. I got you, I got you,"

Meanwhile, at the end of the hallway, the Mayor was watching the group with anger in his eyes.

Kanan continued to visit Hera for the next two weeks and their bond seemed to grow stronger and stronger. Unfortunately, unknown to Kanan, Kasmir had enough of his constant sneaking off the ship. One day he told them they were leaving this very night. Before Kanan had a chance to leave and tell Hera and Sabine about it Kasmir had grabbed him and ordered to scrub the floor until they were at open sea. To ensure it he had two pirates keeping an eye on him.

Kanan had rarely felt so miserable as he did while the hours went by without him having a chance to sneak off. As the evening drew closer he became desperate but nothing changed. The two pirates were always hovering nearby making it impossible to take more than a few steps away before they noticed. As the ship left Kanan almost felt the urge to cry. Why did this have to happen? As Kasmir finally allowed him to stop Kanan went to his cabin with arching hands once again.

He couldn't sleep, every time he closed his eyes he saw Hera, he could hear her voice in his head. For his internal eye, she stood there waiting beautifully as always, while holding a worried Sabine. The only other time this has happened to him was when his mother and father had died.

Why did he ever become a pirate? Why did he choose this life? All this because Kasmir had forced him to. Because he had been too scared to say no. That's why he could never be with Hera...

Or can he?

Kasmir would hand him over if he ran and yet that was what he wanted to do. Kanan had worked long enough for Kasmir. It was about time he started to think about what he wanted to do. Instead of what Kasmir ordered him to do.

Kanan looked at his amulet and his sword before smiling.

He wants to be with Hera more than anything.

Without a second thought, magic smoke surrounded his body and he disappeared.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Hera couldn't sleep that night, she kept thinking about why Kanan had not shown up.

Had something bad happened to him? Kanan had promised to come and yet didn't. What could have happened? Why was he so worried and worked up about it? Was she really starting to move on? Suddenly a small voice broke her out of her thoughts.

"Momma?"

Hera was looking towards the door she saw little Sabine standing there with sadness in her eyes

"Hey Bean," Hera patted the spot next to him, the little girl climbed onto the bed next to her mother "Why aren't you in bed?"

"I had a nightmare," the little girl said

"About what?"

"Daddy," Sabine's eyes fell to the ground as tears sprung and the little girl began to sob

Hera quickly gathered the girl into her arms as she let the girl cry her heart out.

When Sabine calmed down she said "I miss him"

"I miss your father too"

"No not Daddy. Kanan" Sabine corrected, Heras' eyes widened for a split second before turning into one of concern.

"Me too, Bean,"

"Is he coming back? or is he going away like Daddy did?"

Hera didn't know what to say, she didn't even know if Kanan was coming back. She was about to say something when the sound of knocking came from the front door

"Wait here Bean," Hera said as she walked to the front door. She opened the door and to her surprise, she saw...

"Kanan?"

"Hi," the man said, Hera was happy and confused at the same time

"What are you doing here? I mean, why weren't you here in the evening?"

"Kasmir forced me to stay and we left but I managed to getaway. I want to stay with you if you have me?

Hera was not sure what to say.

Luckily Sabine ran in.

"Kanan! You came back" she cried as she hugged Kanan's legs

"Yeah, I did. I'm staying in the kingdom" Kanan announced

"Here with us" Hera finished, looking at Kanan's confused look "He's staying here with us"

Sabine smiled before slowly drifting off, Hera picked her up into her arms and was about to bring her back to her room when Kanan spoke up

"Hera, I think we need to talk,"

"Maybe in the morning. It's been a long day"

Kanan wanted to argue but nodded as he was tired as well.

Once again, Ezra had been brought back to the ICU room. A breathing tube was up his nose and an IV was in his forearm.

Kanan stood in the doorway, the nurses had asked him to remain outside of the room until they could get Ezra back to a more stable condition.

They didn't want to risk worsening his health.

"He seems to really trust you,"

Kanan was startled at the voice before turning around to see it was only Dr. Sumar.

"Yeah," Kanan agreed before turning back towards Ezra, "He really does,"

"Which is why I have to ask you something. Something strange but very important,"

Kanan turned towards Dr. Sumar confused, "What is it?"

"Well," the doctor began nervously, "Given the... situation, when Ezra is discharged from the hospital, he'll need a safe environment to live in,"

Kanan's forehead wrinkled as he tried to understand where Dr. Sumar was leading to.

"And I was wondering if you would consider that safe environment… to be with you,"

The officer's eyes widened and his jaw dropped.

"What?" Kanan gasped, "You want Ezra to- to stay with me?"

"I'm asking you to consider it,"

At that moment, a million thoughts ran through Kanan's head.

He couldn't take care of a kid… could he? His work took up too much of his time and he barely earned enough money to provide for himself. But-

Kanan then turned his head back towards Ezra's sleeping form.

Could he?

"I- well I.. I don't know,"

"Nor should you," a voice spoke

Both the doctor and the officer turned to see the Mayor standing in the doorway. His eyes displayed hidden fury.

"When the boy is ready to be discharged from the hospital, he will be taken into my care,"

Early the next morning, Hera went to find Kanan.

He was in the living room looking at his sheathed sword but took it away hearing someone coming and turned to see Hera.

"Kanan, we need to talk"

"I think so too, but I need to ask you something"

Kanan kneeled and gently took Hera's hand as he looked up at her.

Hera could feel her heart beating a little faster.

"Hera you are the most wonderful woman I have met since I was a child, I want to be with you for the rest of my life if you want me. But Hera I am a poor man. I can't afford a big ceremony, or big gifts or even just small ones. I can't give you a big farm and I have no strong business. I am even wanted by the Empire and should Kasmir ever find me I will be in big trouble. Even so I ask you if you are willing to marry me" Kanan asked.

Kanan had never felt so scared and hopeful at the same time and it showed on his face. He wanted Hera to accept his proposal but she had every right to say no and she deserved to know how little he could offer and how dangerous it was to marry him before she made her decision.

Hera was speechless as she looked at Kanan could she accept such a thing? Kanan was a good man but he said it himself. He was poor, wanted and hunted. What could happen to Sabine if Kasmir or the Empire suddenly showed up for Kanan? Hera was not sure she could bear such risk or see a second husband die because of that.

Hera opened her mouth to say so but the words but they stuck in her throat. How could she refuse him? Kanan had saved her daughter. Been honest with her. Given her a new chance to find love again. Hera remembered her dream with Kyle. How she had promised him to not let herself be driven away from finding new love. Here was a man who was honest and loving to her and cared for her daughter. Sabine even liked him very much which was more than she could say about another suitor who had tried to get close with her. What more could she wish for?

Hera looked at how nervous Kanan was as he looked at her with love in his eyes. The thought of living without him was too much to bear, so she smiled brightly as tears came into her eyes.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes," she said as he stood she grabbed him and wrapped her arms around Kanan's neck and kissed him.

Kanan held her tightly as he kissed her back, Hera then pulled away

"Where?"

"Outside in the garden as soon as possible," Kanan said as he picked Hera up and swung her around. Kanan could feel how the necklace suddenly came to life and buzzed. Kanan nearly gasped in surprise realizing that he finally had a happy moment to add to the necklace after so long.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Kanan, Hera, and Sabine stood in the backyard of the cottage in the garden. It was at sunset the day after Kanan had proposed as it had taken a little while to prepare.

Kanan was in a simple black suit, Hera was in her wedding dress she had from when she married Kyle and she knew that somewhere out there he was smiling to her happy that she found love again. Sabine was in a purple dress. Kanan had managed to get the seamstress to make his and Sabine's clothes in exchange for him making errands for her to work off the debt. Kanan could not afford a ring but Hera didn't mind as there was no priest or guest anyway.

It wasn't the most traditional weddings, it was a private one because Kanan was a fugitive after all and they could not afford anything more than this but they couldn't be happier.

"I love you," Kanan said.

"I love you too," Hera said with a huge smile.

With no hesitation, they joined together for a loving kiss as Sabine threw flowers in the air.

Kanan had a family and Hera and Sabine had a complete one.

Kanan, Hera, and Sabine had not been this happy in a long, long time. Kanan's necklace had never stopped recording since yesterday and for once he could not have been happier about that.

Ezra remained asleep in the hospital room, resting peacefully as his body worked towards recovery. The closed-door was the only thing preventing the boy from overhearing the argument just outside of the room.

"What do you mean you have custody over Ezra?" Kanan exclaimed, barely controlling his tone. The officer then turned towards Dr. Sumar, "Did you know about this?"

The Mayor quickly intervened before Sumar could answer.

"That information was kept confidential for many of the staff for many reasons.

"It just seems a little strange that the Mayor himself would want custody over a boy no one knew existed," Kanan's eyes narrowed with suspension, "Unless you knew all this time,"

The Mayor's jaw tightened and his eyes darkened with anger. He stared at the Officer like a snake preparing to pounce on its prey.

"You are very much out of line, Jarrus," the Mayor said in a much more controlled voice, his fierce eyes shifted to Dr. Sumar for a split second, "But if you must know, I have a right over the boy because I was the one who found him and brought him to the hospital."

Both Sumar and Jarrus were both visibly surprised by this fact, neither of them had expected it or were ready for it.

"You found Ezra after the accident?" Dr. Sumar asked, just as surprised as Kanan was.

"I did, lying unconscious on the side of the road. Cold and bleeding to death I brought him here for treatment and now I want to claim him as my adoptive son" the Mayor said, cold and demanding at the same time.

"But I managed to find him, don't I have a say in the matter? I want him too" Kanan responded before he could even think on.

The Mayor's eyes widened, terror could be seen in his eyes for a split second before quickly being replaced by anger.

"No, you have no say," the Mayor quickly dismissed him, "Now Doctor, when can I bring him home?"

"No, I have a right. I want him as well" Kanan insisted all though he saw the dangerous gleam in the eye of the Mayor.

"Perhaps we neither of you can agree we need a judge to decide what the rules are for this?" Dr. Sumar said carefully.

The Mayor glared hard at both of them and his reply was ice cold.

"Very well I will call a judge and once he has decided I will take the boy home as soon as he can"

Kanan's heart felt through the floor upon hearing this for what judge would dare to rule against the Mayor?