The next few months were spent at Dooku's manor on Serenno and were filled with hours of vigorous training and sparing for Dooku and Grievous.

At the first meeting of the Separatist Council in months, the other Separatist members paused to take in the changes in Dooku's appearance. They took in his metal hands, old Jedi robes, and long hair, which went a little below his shoulders and was pulled back into a ponytail.

"Why are you dressed as a Jedi?" Nute Gunray asked finally, unable to keep quite any longer.

"It's time we go back to the Republic. Lord Sidious needs the Separatists to be able to carry out his plans. If there are no Separatists, he cannot complete his plans. He must be stopped. He planned to betray us all anyway, so we should turn on him before he turns on us. He already turned on me months ago when the Chancellor was kidnapped, ordering Anakin Skywalker to kill me as I knelt helplessly before him. Fortunately, Skywalker refused, thus sparing my life. Following a Sith Lord will only bring your own downfalls. I shall rejoin the Republic and fight alongside the Jedi and Clones instead of against them. If you wish to follow me, then do so. If not, it's your choice."

One by one, they all agreed to rejoin the Republic.

*********

After assisting in an important battle for the Republic, Dooku and the others were welcomed back, and Dooku was also welcomed back into the Jedi Order. He was even given a seat on the Jedi Council. He was often partnered up with Obi-Wan and Anakin, sometimes one or the other and sometimes both. He would also sometimes even assist Master Yoda in training the Younglings. It was so good be back among the Jedi.

*********

Dooku walked towards the créche in search of Master Yoda. He found the ancient Jedi teaching some of the Younglings how to use a lightsaber.

Yoda immediately sensed his former Padawan and turned to see the elderly man standing in the doorway.

"Younglings. Younglings, a visitor we have," he said.

The Younglings, each of whom Dooku guessed to be around for or five years old, turned off their training sabers and looked at the tall Master in the doorway, who stepped into the room.

"Hello, Master Dooku," they said in unison.

Dooku smiled.

"Hello, young ones."

He went over to Yoda.

"How help you can I?" his old mentor asked.

"Actually, Master, I have come to help you. Master Kenobi suggested helping teach the Younglings to calm myself."

Yoda nodded in understanding then turned to his class.

"Younglings, teach the class Master Dooku shall."

Younglings nodded and turned their attention to the tall, elderly Master, waiting for him to tell them what he wanted them to do first.

"All right, young ones, First, show me what you know."

They obeyed, showing Dooku all that they had learned.

"Good," he said with a smile when they finished and turned back to him.

Master Yoda watched with a small smile as Dooku interacted with and taught the Younglings. It was clear to him that his former apprentice's awkwardness with children was gone.

*********

Dooku returned to his quarters feeling calm, relaxed, and refreshed. His afternoon with the Younglings had driven away his stress and tension. As he made some tea he idly wondered if he should perhaps consider taking a Padawan. He drank his tea and decided to meditate on it.