We were here for just a couple of hours...and Cornelius has already gotten himself into trouble.

I wasn't sure what he did but it was enough for the rebels to lock him up in a small cellar. No guards stood post because of Cornelius's constant annoyance and he wasn't going anywhere anytime.

Tua offered to check up on him every once in a while and bring him food. I would so often see and talk with him a bit when no one was looking. That was my plan at least.

So here I am, standing in front of his electrical field cellar door. It has now been two days since our arrival and everything seems different. Kanan still has not been found. The rebels have been quiet and the so called 'leaders' were hiding something. I could see it when they whisper to each other and glance my way.

"What do you think they are talking?" I asked, Cornelius.

"Well, you obviously," he said like I'm the most dense person on Earth.

"I know they're talking about me but what about me," I asked again. He hummed in thought and pursed his lips.

"Well...maybe they are talking about how oddly small you are Subject Pipsqueak. You are a very small guy for your age, don't you think?" he said, seriously. I glared at him a bit. Why does he always make everything seem like rainbows and unicorns, like life is one big joke?

This was a serious conversation and he's taking it like I'm just an oblivious child. I wasn't. I can tell when things have changed. I've seen it over the years of my life on instinct. And I'm not about to go against my instincts when they've gotten me this far.

"I think you're a crazy old man," I stated, bitterly. He sighed like I wasn't getting his point.

"Look, if it was something about you..." he started, forming his words carefully.

"...maybe they are trying to keep you safe from something or so you won't freak out."

"Are you kidding me? That's your best excuse?" I said in disbelief.

Then continued, "I've seen about as much as it gets to scar an adult for life and you think that there is something more that can get to me? Some scientist you are."

"And tell me this right here and now, Ezra...," he began, looking me straight in the eyes.

"Are you still scared?"

I opened my mouth to retort but thought over his words a bit more. Am I still scared? My mouth slowly closed as realization hit harder than a crate of rocks. Every time I see an Infected, I still freeze up in fear. The cold from the shadow figure does get on my nerves but at the same time, strikes fear into its prey.

The cannibals in the woods, the Empire, the crew's thoughts on me. Abandonment. It all breaks down to one thing when I see the rebels whisper behind my back and I don't know what's going on.

I am but a scared child in everyone's eyes.

I wonder if Sabine feels the same way when the crew talks behind her back. Except...she doesn't have to worry a lot about the things that I'm afraid of.

I bowed my head in defeat as Cornelius got his answer.

"In time..." he began. I raised my head to see him sit back down on his bed.

"You will know what is going on."

I nodded and gave the old man a smile.

"Thanks for the talk and sorry for yelling at you," I said

   "Teenage mood swings," I heard him mutter then I walked off. I was about to turn when Tua comes around the corner with a tray of food.

"Sorry," I apologized, quickly when almost bumping into her.

"It's alright," She said then continued her way to Cornelius. She was the only one that knows my secret meetings with him but promised to not say a word. I was grateful for that since I don't need anyone snooping in on my business.

I continued down the corridors until arriving at the main room. I spotted Ahsoka talking with Hera and Rey off to the side, coloring. My feet went in their direction but it seemed like they were talking about something important so instead went over to Rey. I looked over her shoulder to see what she was coloring.

   There was what looked like a small girl and next to her was a giant black figure. At the top of the page, it read, 'Monster lies beneath the mask.'

   "He talks to you, too..."

   Rey's voice made me jump and scaring me half to death. She looked over her shoulder and at me blankly.

   "Doesn't he?"

   I hesitantly nodded then asked, "He's dangerous...you know that right?"

   "He doesn't hurt me. He's my friend," Rey said, like any oblivious, innocent child. I stared at the girl in disbelief and shook my head.

   "He's manipulating you so don't fall for his tricks."

   "What's manipulating?"

   I paused for a moment to think of the right words.

   "It's like...tricking you to do something that you shouldn't do," I did my best at explaining.

   "How can I trust you? I just met you," Rey questioned.

   "Because I know what he's capable of, his intentions for people like us and it's nothing good. Just be careful, you're a smart girl. I know you will make the right choice," I said. Rey nodded and stopped coloring.

   "What's your power?" She asked, a childlike curiosity that was missing filled her bright brown eyes.

   "I can heal. What's yours?" I asked.

   "Um...when I touch something, I can see its memories," she explained.

   "That's cool," I commented and the girl smiled shyly up at me.

   "Come on, Rey. It's your bed- oh Ezra. I didn't see you there," Ahsoka said, surprised. Hera walked behind her and smiled at me.

   "And where were you? I sent Sabine and Chopper out to find you," Hera said, crossing her arms.

   "Exploring," I simply answered but she didn't approve of my answer.

   "Exploring..." She spoke with a monotone voice. She gestured for me to follow and I knew I had some explaining to do.

   We entered a private room and sat down at a table.

   "Now you want to tell me where you were before I call Sabine and Chop back?" She suggested.

   I sighed looking at the floor then back up at green eyes.

   "I was talking with Cornelius."

   "Why?" She asked, gently.

   "He...I was getting some advice because you were busy with finding Kanan and the rest of the Rebellion. You were busy with other things and I don't exactly feel comfortable talking with anyone else besides you and Cornelius," I explained.

   "Ezra...," Hera sighed with a smile, pulling me into her side.

   "You come first before any sort of work and I'm sure any of the other crew members would be the same. You are very important to us and if you need to talk, don't hesitate to ask," she said. I nodded and smirked in her direction.

   "Why Cornelius though?" She asked, a spark of curiosity flaring.

   "He may be mentally insane but he can give some good advice and is brutally and annoyingly honest," I answered. That made Hera laugh a little before letting me go.

Our little moment ended when running and yelled came from the other side of the door.

"WE NEED HELP!" Someone shouted.

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