*Episode 6 (3)

                                    

                                          
Author's Note: One of the things that was repeatedly mentioned by reviewers is that the book's pacing is slow at times. I believe this is either because I attempt to write at pace with the canon Star Wars: Rebels series or focus on character development when I write original episodes. I will attempt to move my original episodes along from now on, but the canon episodes may still drag (especially the filler episodes, which I am doing my best to omit). A gentle reminder that this book is supposed to be read as an adjustment to the canon TV series, not just as a replacement. 
                          
I'm afraid this chapter (and the rest of this episode) is more on the character development side. Thank you to everyone who is bearing with me and responded to my probe for feedback and criticism. You were all so supportive and helpful, and I hope to learn from what you've told me. Lots of love!!! <3 



                          
After a minute, Ezra said that he wanted some time to think. Knowing there was no better place to think than in a cockpit, Anakin let him be and left to check in with the other Ghost members. He ran into Hera first.
                          
"I was looking for you," she told him, stopping in the middle of a hallway. "Have you seen Ezra?"
                          
"He and I were just talking," Skywalker explained, pointing over his shoulder. "He wanted to know more about the contact he ran into the other day. Did you need him?"
                          
"Just wanted to know where he was." Hera looked around to make sure no one else was listening. "Speaking of talking, I think Kanan could use a minute or two."
                          
Anakin crossed his arms. "Is he okay?"
                          
She shrugged. "I don't think so. He said he was going to brush up on his dueling, but he doesn't normally do that when we have guests. Especially you."
                          
He sighed, letting his gaze drift off a bit. "I owe him a conversation anyway. After leaving you all hanging out to dry with the Inquisitors, it's the least I could do."
                          
"You've done more than enough," Hera assured him, "but a pep talk could go a long way right now."
                          
"Where does he normally train?"
                          
"Cargo hold," she answered, pointing toward the Ghost. "I'm assuming you know your way around by now?"
                          
Nodding, he walked off in the appropriate direction. "Thanks, Captain."
                          
"Thank you," she returned, watching him go. If there was anyone who could sort out what Kanan was going through, it was Skywalker. 
                          
Sure enough, when he got close enough to the hold, Anakin heard a lightsaber humming from inside the room. He walked in and up to the railing on the side of the ledge, leaning over it to look down at Kanan. It took him a minute to realize that he was being watched, but he ran through the end of a sequence before looking up at the other Jedi.
                          
"Nice work on your heels," Anakin praised, nodding to his feet. "Have you noticed a difference in your balance?"
                          
"Huge," he responded, grateful that Anakin hadn't asked why he was training. Deactivating his lightsaber, he stepped out of stance and looked down at the ground. "I've felt more grounded recently than I used to. You're not surprised, I'm sure."
                          
He shrugged, walking to the ladder and climbing down. "I'm glad it's been helping. Anything to keep you alive a little longer."
                          
Kanan laughed, though he knew it was entirely serious. While Anakin still had his back turned, he asked a question before he lost his nerve. "Can you tell me something?"
                          
"Sure," Anakin responded, turning around and sitting on a supply crate nearby. 
                          
"Why is Rex training with Ezra so often?" Kanan asked, crossing his arms. "Is he trying to say something to me? About how I'm teaching him?"