SACRIFICE

Inspired by the Events of Star Wars Rebels Episode "Jedi Night"

Despite the Jedi Knight’s heightened senses, both walkers’ eery approach were oblivious to him. He was so focused on getting Hera into the ship and was still coming off the high that was a most memorable kiss. Although they’d kissed before, this one felt special. It was the one that followed the words that were always present but never spoken. The blast of laser-fire caught Kanan off-guard. He jerked his head around with a frightened expression and then he felt the blast make contact with the fuel pod. Although initially frightened, his mission was clear to him now. Fear became focus as he sprinted to the middle of the pod and held out both hands. The fire was all consuming, pushing hard against the force shield he had quickly constructed. His hands wobbled as he fought back the raging fire and he felt the creaks of the pod travel behind him. He knew it was only a matter of time before Hera went after him and no matter how hard it was, when she did, he would stop her in her tracks. And as Kanan predicted, she screamed his name before sprinting towards him. The name that had risen from the ashes of the Clone War. He was born Caleb Dume and would die as Kanan Jarrus.

The push of the fire became stronger because of his left hand now pushing back Hera, who was left levitating and motionless. Helpless. And without a doubt angry. He couldn’t show fear now, only determined purpose. He kept his face still as he turned his head towards Hera. He could sense her fear, her shock, her anger, and her sadness. She knew what he was doing and she knew that he wouldn’t let her risk her life too but she tried to save him regardless. He felt her gaze and it struck his heart. A small bit of guilt coursed through his body, remembering the fact that he didn’t say the words back when she finally had said them. He laughed it off and thought it was the truth serum. Although he knew she knew it, it was the only thing he regretted. But it was too late for that. It was too late for regret or what could’ve been. His mission was revealed to him and he knew he had to carry it out. He had to be brave, he had to confront his fear because he was a Jedi, surrendering his life so his friends—no—his family, could survive another day. With that thought, he pushed Hera into Ezra’s arms. He held the relentless, blazing fire with one arm and used the other to keep Hera not only from returning but to tell her it was going to be okay.

And then it happened. As he transitioned between reality and the cosmic force, his eyesight returned. Almost as if he knew it was coming, Kanan’s expression failed to change. When the blackness retreated to reveal the two people that had changed his life in so many ways, proudness overcame him. Their eyes widened at the disbelief to what was occurring. Kanan could finally see them one last time. Ezra, the boy he and the crew had met on this very planet almost 5 years ago. The boy who had given him the chance to show his true calling as a Jedi again. A chance to finally pass down the wise teachings from his master. Taking a peripheral glimpse at Ezra’s terrified face, Kanan saw the same fear he had once felt years ago. But it had gotten better. Ezra would too. And Hera. When his eyes had initially regained vision, they locked onto her. Her beautiful face filled with horror. He was sorry this was how it had to happen. He was sorry that he couldn’t grow old with his love and witness Ezra’s full potential as a Jedi Knight. Although he didn’t necessarily look forward to his death, he knew it was inevitable. The Bendu, the loth-wolves, and everything else had led to this final moment. He didn’t blink and focused on the last image of his life.

Then, with one final act of strength and bravery, Kanan let go of the fire and pushed the ship with both hands away from the explosion. Faces and memories raced through his mind in his last moments. While Ezra was like a son, Sabine was like a daughter. Although he couldn’t see her before, he felt her pain as he ran towards the fire. She was strong, maybe the strongest out of all of them and he knew she would fly the rest of them to safety because that was her duty. Zeb was the next face he saw and the memory of saving him from near death years before fluttered about his mind. He would miss him dearly as well. Finally, Chopper would take care of Hera and would be the one to pick her back up. That thought led back to Hera and as more faces fluttered about showcasing visions of his old master, Rex, and his old friend Janus Kasmir, Hera was the last person he concentrated on. He knew she would be safe. She was the bravest person he knew and she was the best leader in the galaxy. She would live to see the victory of the rebellion and his heart filled with joy. A glimpse of her and Chopper under a forest of tall trees quickly passed when the flames finally hit. Kanan waited for the pain of the fire but it never came. The force had recognized his sacrifice and awarded Kanan Jarrus the freedom of peace.