Summary

Rex goes through the portal and wakes up to the most terrible day of his life and tried to make it right.

Maul goes through the portal and finds himself on Tatooine.

Obi-Wan passes through the portal and reappears on Mustafar.

Jinn goes home.

.

48.

When Rex opened his eyes, he blinked and saw nothing but white light. He raised his hand to shield his eyes but gradually the light disappeared. A second later he looked around and saw that he was on the bridge of a ship. He was standing in front of a window. The ship was in hyper-drive. The stars were zooming back in white streaks.

"How did I get here?"

Ahsoka turned to him, expect she wasn't how he remembered her. She looked a little older, but not her fully grown self. She was wearing a blue battle dress and a silver headdress. Rex's blood ran cold. He remembered the last time he spoke to Ahsoka when she was dressed like that. They were on the bridge of a Republic ship. It was just before Sidious issued Order 66.

"Rex, are you alright?"

"Did we just capture Maul?"

"Yes. Rex, what's wrong?"

Rex quickly turned around to face the men on the bridge and shouted, "Stop all incoming communications to the ship, immediately!"

"Sir?"

"That's an order! Tell every clone on the ship. No one is to receive any outside communications without my authorization."

The officer on the bridge saluted and said, "Yes, Commander."

Ahsoka narrowed her white marked brows and said, "Rex, what's going on?"

Rex ignored her. He didn't have time to explain. He had to act, and he had to do it fast. He turned to another bridge officer and said, "Trooper, take us out of hyper-drive."

The office replied, "Yes, sir."

The stars outside the window were no longer steaks of light. They returned to sparkling points in the dark sky. Ahsoka was even more confused. She saw Rex activate his wrist comm and said, "Jesse, I want you and 6 of your best troopers to meet me in medical room one."

Jesse replied, "Yes, Commander."

He then exited the bridge and began to head down to medical. He needed to get the inhibitor chips out his head and everyone clone on the ship as soon as possible. He rubbed the side of his head. This would make it the third time he had the kriffing chip removed from his head. The first time was in his original timeline and the second time was when he traveled to an earlier timeline with Ahsoka.

His next problem was figuring out his next move. They couldn't go back to Coruscant to deliver Maul to the Jedi High Council. The Jedi High Council would probably be gone by the time they land. Rex suddenly had a greater appreciation for Master Jinn and how he kept the timelines straight in his head.

Ahsoka followed him. She ran up to Rex as he entered the elevator to the lower deck. A look of concern was etched onto her face.

"Rex, talk to me."

He turned to her. He saw her worried expression. He immediately raised his hand to touch her face to comfort her but stopped short when he realized it was a mistake. He briefly shut his brown eyes. He knew she wasn't his Ahsoka. The Ahsoka he knew wouldn't need to ask him what was going on. This moment was the turning point in both their lives. Nothing was ever the same after this day. This was the Ahsoka he remembered. She was the child who left and came back a young woman. He loved her then, but it wasn't the same love he felt in his heart now.

He softened his voice and said, "I can't explain everything now, but I need you to trust me."

She noticed that Rex was about to touch her. She knew Rex normally wouldn't do that. She also noticed the gentle tone in his voice. She had never heard him talk like that before. Though, she couldn't think of anyone she trusted more.

"I trust you."

He let out a breath and said, "Thank you, Ahsoka."

He was thankful that Ahsoka, no matter what world he was in, was just as amazing as ever.

Ahsoka felt something strange. She suddenly felt something awful had happened to Anakin through the Force. She grabbed her head as voices and feelings filled her mind. Rex grabbed her shoulder to steady her. When it passed, she looked up at him at with worry.

"Rex, something terrible has happened to Anakin."

He gave her a mournful look, but he wasn't surprised. "It's alright, Ahsoka. We'll face it together. Come on."

XXX

When Rex and Ahsoka reached the medical room, they saw that Jesse and his men were already there and waiting for him. Jesse approached him as the men stood at attention when the two entered the room. The doors automatically shut behind them.

"Rex, what's going on? Why did you stop all outside communications? Why did you call us here?"

Rex sighed and said, "I stopped all incoming communications because the Chancellor has seized control of the Republic and has named himself emperor. I have-intel that he had the Kamionans implant inhibitor chips inside our heads to compel us to follow his orders against our will."

Jesse was shocked and said, "Are you sure your intel is a credible source?"

Rex turned to Jesse and confidently said, "Yes, the intel came from Fives."

Jesse quickly stopped his protest and said, "Alright, then what's the plan?"

Rex walked towards the medical table and pointed to his head and said, "First, we get these inhibitor chips out. We'll start with the men here and then every clone on this ship. We plan our next move after everyone is no longer at risk. Ahsoka, in the meantime, have the ship move to a new location. I don't want the Chancellor finding us."

Ahsoka nodded her head and said, "Alright, but I need a word with you after you're done here, Commander."

Rex knew he was in trouble by the sound of that. He knew Ahsoka had questions. He didn't blame her. He knew his actions didn't make much sense. He was counting on the trust of his men to see him through. His top priority was keeping them safe. Everything else was second. He just hoped that wherever his Ahsoka was that she was safe.

However, when Ahsoka opened the door, she came face to face with another Rex. She was startled and back up into the medical room. The other troopers were all confused. The second Rex looked just as baffled as they were.

"What the kriff is going on here? Who are you?"

Before Rex could respond, his counterpart reached out and grabbed his arm. Suddenly a blinding white light filled the room, and he was gone.

XXX

Maul shielded his eyes from the blinding light by raising his arm. He swept his arm down when the light disappeared and only silence remained. He looked around and saw that he was no longer on Exegol. He saw that he was standing in the middle of a desert. It was night and the stars littered the sky. The sand sank under his feet. He sensed that someone was nearby. It was someone familiar.

"Maul."

He turned around and saw a strange sight. He saw a man standing by a fire. He was sure he knew the person standing before him, but he was changed. Instead of a man in his prime, he saw an old, weathered relic.

"Kenobi." Maul frowned and said, "You look old."

"Yes, though you appear unchanged."

Maul frowned and shifted his eyes and said, "I see. So, he was able to open a portal. I'm in a different world." He then glanced at Obi-Wan and said, "And apparently it is one where you are not so fortunate. Well, I would say it's been a pleasure, but it never is."

He then turned to walk away but stopped when he saw himself approach him. The other Maul looked confused at the sight of him.

"What is this? Who are you?"

Maul gave the elder version of himself a disgusted look. He surmised that given the fact that the elder Obi-Wan was here that his version of himself was going to kill him for revenge. Maul was disappointed in his elder self. He didn't think it would take him so long to get his revenge on Obi-Wan. Yet, a part of him felt bitter that he had wasted his time. He was angry at this older version of himself. He was angry that he was so weak.

"If you're my future then I am disappointed in what I see."

The elder Maul glared and said, "What trickery is this?"

Annoyed, Maul said, "I have no interest in explaining myself to you. That fact that you've squandered your time when you could be doing better things its-its infuriating! Go, get your revenge. I have greater ambitions."

He then turned away from his elder self and marched through the dark desert night. However, elder Maul was desperate. He had lost his place with his former master. His body was beyond repair. He had lost his brother. He had no allies. He had nothing. Getting revenge on Obi-Wan was the only thing he had left. Seeing and hearing his younger self speak of a greater ambition was a glimmer of hope that glittered brighter than the finality he sought with his old nemesis.

"Wait, what greater ambition? What is it? Please, tell me."

Maul paused. He didn't like the vulnerability in elder Maul's voice. He took a deep breath and looked up at the stars. He realized that revenge against Obi-Wan felt meaningless after Jinn restored his body. He realized that Jinn had given him a new purpose. He offered him a chance to destroy his former master and prove himself the greater man. He offered him a place in his New Order and to create a legacy. He helped him see that his perspective was limited by his own expectations.

He turned his head to elder Maul and said, "What I seek is a power greater than the Darkness and the Light."

Elder Maul asked, "And what power is this?"

Maul made a fist and replied, "Both."

The elder Obi-Wan stepped closer to him and said, "That is impossible. The Darkness and the Light are opposites sides of the same coin. You can't obtain the power of both Forces."

Maul turned around and shouted, "You're wrong! Your training has limited your thinking. Darkness and Light. Sith and Jedi. Those titles are meaningless. You may be content to settle for only half the power of the Force, but I want it all."

Distressed, elder Maul raised his hands with his palms up and said, "Yes, but how?"

Maul groaned and said, "If I knew that then I wouldn't bother seeking it. Now, if you can point me in the direction of what passes for civilization on this rock then I'll take my leave."

Obi-Wan pointed off into the distance and said, "Mos Eisley is in that direction."

Maul wasted no time. He turned towards the direction the old Jedi pointed to and started walking. However, his elder-self wondered if his younger counterpart could help him get his revenge on Obi-Wan. He knew that together they could easily defeat him. He also wanted to know his secrets.

"Wait!"

Elder Maul reached out to grab his arm, but the moment he touched him a blinding white light filled the desert, and he was gone.

XXX

Obi-Wan lowered his hand from his eyes when the flash of light disappeared. He looked around and saw that he was no longer on Exegol. He was somewhere hot and oppressive. The landscape was volcanic and rocky. Large fountains of lava spewed out from geothermal vents. It was night and he was under a ship on a platform.

He turned around when he heard voices. He looked and saw Padme talking to Anakin. They were in each other's arms.

"What are you doing out here?"

"I was so worried about you."

"Obi-Wan told me terrible things."

"What things?"

"He said you that you turned to the Dark side, that you killed younglings."

"Obi-Wan is trying to turn you against me."

"He cares about us."

"Us?"

"He knows. He wants to help you."

"Anakin, all I want is your love."

"Love won't save you, Padme. Only my new powers can do that."

"At what cost? You're a good person. Don't do this."

"I won't lose you like I lost my mother. I will be more powerful than any Jedi has ever dreamed of and I'm doing it for you, to protect you."

"Come away with me. Help me raise our child. Leave everything else behind while we still can."

"Don't you see. We don't have to run away anymore. I have brought peace to the Republic. I am more powerful than the Chancellor. I can overthrow him and together you and I can rule the galaxy. Make things the way we want them to be."

Padme backed away from him and shook her head and said, "I don't believe what I'm hearing. Obi-Wan was right. You've changed."

"I don't want to hear any more about Obi-Wan. The Jedi have turned against me. Don't you turn against me."

"I don't know you anymore. Anakin, you're breaking my heart. You're going down a path I can't follow."

"Because of Obi-Wan."

"Because of what you've done. What you plan to do. Stop. Stop now and come back. I love you."

Anakin gaze turned the ship and hardened. He saw his former master standing at the top of the ship's ramp. He then faced Padme and shouted, "Lair!"

"No."

"You're with him. You brought him here to kill me."

Anakin then raised his used the Force to choke Padme. Padme raised her hands to her throat as the invisible power strangled her. However, the Obi-Wan in hiding had seen enough. He marched up to Anakin and snatched his arm and broke his Force-hold on Padme. She bent over and gasped for breath.

Obi-Wan said, "What are you doing? You could have killed her."

Confused, Anakin said, "What is this? Why are there two of you?"

Obi-Wan was puzzled and said, "What do you mean? There's only one of me the last time I checked."

Kenobi marched down the ship's ramp and said, "Anakin's not the only one seeing double."

Obi-Wan turned and saw his counterpart. He was stunned to see him. He let go of Anakin's arm and approached him. The two men circled around each other curiously. Though, Obi-Wan had gotten over the novelty of seeing a double of himself since he met Jinn. He and his alternate-son shared a strong family resemblance. Though, it confirmed that he was not in his proper timeline. He was somewhere else. He was relieved that it wasn't his Anakin he caught choking Padme, yet he was trouble by what this moment revealed.

He decided to ignore him for now and instead turned to Padme and said, "Are you alright?"

She looked at him strangely and said, "I'll be fine. Thank you. Who are you?"

"I'm-a traveler."

Obi-Wan remembered reading Ahsoka's report of the future. She said she that Anakin had fallen. She said he became a Sith and knew that he had done terrible things. He had overheard Padme say that Anakin had killed younglings. Obi-Wan never thought that Anakin was capable of such evil or that he would lay a hand on his wife. He suspected what his alternate self was here to stop Anakin. He was prepared to kill him, if need be, but he had learned from Ahsoka's report that he had failed to do so. He suspected it was because he couldn't go through with it. His attachment to Anakin was too strong.

He had no idea how to reach Anakin. His own Anakin had also fallen prey to Sidious' manipulation. He twisted his insecurities. He made him believe that power was the only way for him to achieve his goals. Obi-Wan knew all too well what it means to be a Jedi. He had regrets. He had given up much of what he desired for what he believed was for the benefit of the Republic. Yet, that service had become tainted with the ugliness of war. He thought perhaps Ahsoka, and Jinn were right in turning their backs on the Order. They had let evil in through the front door. As the Order stood, there would be no place for a man like Anakin.

"Then you should go back to where you came from."

Obi-Wan softly said, "Padme, go back to the ship."

"No-"

"Don't worry. I promise I'll bring him back to you."

"Obi-Wan."

"You have more than yourself to worry about."

She followed his lowered gaze. She placed her hand over her stomach and nodded her head in understanding. She silently returned to the ship but stood at the top of the ramp and watched as the double approached Anakin. Obi-Wan remembered the last conversation he had with Thea. He decided to take her advice and extended his hand.

"What's this?"

"A greeting."

Anakin gazed down at his hand and said, "I don't want your greeting. You're nothing more than an imposter."

"Then take my hand and prove it. Unless you're afraid?"

Irked, Anakin said, "I'm not afraid of anything. You are nothing. I'll prove it."

He then grabbed Obi-Wan's wrist in a violent grip with his prosthetic hand. Obi-Wan winced with pain. He used his other hand to grab hold of Anakin's arm to try and ease up the pressure of his grip, but he would not budge.

Kenobi stepped forward and said, "Anakin, let him go."

He shouted, "No! Stay out of this Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and tried to summon the Force around him just as Thea had. He felt Anakin's presence within the Force. It was surrounded by Darkness. He was steeped in anger and fear. Obi-Wan closed his eyes and tried to send him waves of peace and acceptance, but Anakin shook his head and let him go like he had burned him.

"No! Lair! You aren't Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan grabbed his bruised arm and held it to his chest and said, "That isn't true, Anakin. You know me and I know you. And the Anakin I know would never try to hurt Padme or me. The true enemy is Sidious. If you want to overthrow him then let's do it together."

Kenobi couldn't believe what he was hearing. "This is madness."

Obi-Wan interrupted him and said, "He planned this, Anakin. He planned it from the beginning. Why else would he make it so the clones would turn on the Jedi?"

"It's because the Jedi are traitors to the Republic. They got what they deserve."

"You're right."

"What?"

"The Jedi were wrong. I was wrong, but this isn't the answer. I don't want to fight you, Anakin. You are my brother."

Kenobi's heart ached at his double's words. He knew that the High Council had its flaws and that those flaws had repercussions, but he believed in his duty as a Jedi. To say that he had been wrong was something he never thought he'd say or hear another version of himself say. Though, it was true that he didn't want to fight Anakin. It was just that he could see no other way. He had committed such dark deeds. He didn't know if he could be saved.

Anakin glared at the double and said, "You're wrong. I have no brother."

He then ignited his lightsaber and moved to cut Obi-Wan down. Kenobi stepped in with his lightsaber to block his attack and shoved his double away. As the two men clashed, a flash of light swallowed up the platform and, in an instant, Obi-Wan disappeared.

XXX

Ezra woke up with a gasp. He sat up in a bed and saw that he was wearing different clothes. He was wearing plain white robes. His lightsaber, sword and communicator were gone. Abruptly, a woman approached him and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Hush, it's alright."

Ezra turned to the woman and was surprised to see who it was. He turned to sit at the edge of the bed and said, "Thea, where am I?"

She raised her brow and said, "You are mistaken. My name isn't Thea. My name is Lady Thrice."

The teen frowned but noticed there were differences between Thea and Thrice. Thea was a hired Mandalorian guard for the Duchess Satine. She wore Mandalorian armor and a long black robe. She also had short black hair and she carried two swords. Thrice had long black hair that was style into two braids that were coils behind her ears. She was also dressed in a fancy green robe with a black form fitted battle suit underneath it. She carried only one sword at her hip.

Ezra realized he'd seen this version of Thea before too.

"I know you. We met in the portal world. You're Jinn's mother."

"Yes, I am. Come, I'm sure you must be curious about Jinn's condition."

Ezra said, "Jinn! He's here?"

Thrice bent down and picked up a pair of boots and handed them to Ezra and said, "Yes. He is recovering."

Ezra took the boots and put them on. He then followed Thrice out of the room and into a corridor. As he followed her, he noticed the different rooms they passed by. One of them was study with different holo-displays and shelves full of books. Another was a garden, at the center was a large old tree full of white flowers. The tree looked out of place in the large modern building, but the fragile petals littered the stark grey stone floor. At the top of the garden was a large dome roof made of glass.

He had to run to catch up to Thrice as she entered through a door. He saw that this room was a medical wing. It had different machines and devices around three beds, but Jinn wasn't in any of them.

"Where is he?"

Thrice approached a large tube at the back of the room. Ezra stood beside her and saw that Jinn was floating inside a bacta tank. He was stripped down and wearing only white swim trunks. He had a facemask on his face that was connected to a tube. Ezra saw that the stab wound in his lower torso was healed. Ezra pressed his hand on the glass.

"Is he okay?"

"He's fine. He should be ready to release from the tank now. Wait a moment and I will release him."

Ezra stood back and watched as Thrice entered a command on a control next to the tank. A second later the tank began to drain. Bubbles and steam began to cloud the glass. Then, the seam on the tank opened and a hiss of warm air rushed out. Ezra saw that Jinn was laying at the bottom of the tank. Cautiously, Ezra approached him and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Jinn? Can you hear me?"

The amber Jedi groaned and blinked a few times before he opened his golden eyes. He looked around and raised his hand to his head and slowly sat up.

His voice was muffled inside the mask as he spoke. "Wh-Where am I?"

Thrice pressed a button on the controls and the bottom of the tank began to lower down to the floor level. The metal side of the tank then retracted and allowed him to step out. With a groan, Jinn got to his feet and took the mask off as he stumbled out. Ezra rushed to help keep him steady.

"Whoa! Take it easy, old man."

"Bridger? What happened?"

"Jinn."

The amber Jedi froze when he heard her voice. He turned to Thrice and let go of Ezra's shoulder. He stared at her like she was a ghost. He reached out to touch her. He grabbed her arm and gasped when he felt that she was real. She was here. He then wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

"Mother."

Thrice hugged him back and said, "Welcome home, Jinn."

He started to cry and buried his face into her shoulder. He then felt her lower her Force-shields and began to sooth him with waves of love and peace. She was just as he remembered. She felt like how he remembered. Slowly, he released her and moved to frame her face with his hands. Her red eyes met his with warmth and recognition. He gently lowered his head and pressed his forehead against hers. He felt their Force connection come alive. He was suddenly filled with her strength and love. Her presence was a living breathing fire. She was the one who taught him that the Darkness and the Light could dance. She taught him how to make them burn to match his fire. She was the one who taught him how to be strong.

"I've missed you, Jinn."

"I've missed you too, mother."

"I knew one day that you would return."

He took a step back, but held her hands and said, "Yes, I'm sorry I took so long."

Thrice squeezed Jinn's hands and said, "It doesn't matter how long you've been away. You have always been close to my heart, my warrior. Now, go get freshened up. Your father and sister can't wait to see you."

Jinn kissed her hand and said, "Of course, mother."

XXX

Jinn showered and put on a fresh set of robes. He could still smell the bacta on his skin. He had trimmed his beard and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He looked just as he did the day he disappeared. He wore a black battle suit and pants and over it a plain grey robe with a belt and boots. He rubbed his hand over his leather wrist guard and realized that even though the years didn't show on his face, they certainly wore on his soul.

He felt like a stranger in his own home. He had been gone for long that he felt like it was no longer the place he belonged. He knew he couldn't stay, but he didn't want to hurt his family.

When he stepped into the seating room, he saw that Ezra and his mother were waiting for him. His mother immediately went to him and grabbed his arm.

"Come, my warrior. Kiya and your father are waiting for you in the garden."

Jinn said, "Yes, mother. Bridger, come along."

Ezra shyly looked away and said, "No, it's okay. I'm sure you want to spend some time alone with your family."

"Bridger, you are my family. You're my apprentice."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

Thrice brought Jinn and Ezra to a roof top garden with a beautiful view of Coruscant. The garden was lush and slightly overgrown. Ezra saw a woman with long black hair wearing a long white sleeveless dress with pants ran to Jinn. She jumped into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Jinn!"

"Kiya!"

The two laughed and spun around in circles. Ezra had never seen Jinn act like that before. When they finally stopped, Jinn placed her back down onto her feet. She kept her arms around him and moved to cup his face between her hands.

"Welcome home, brother."

Jinn reached up to frame her face in his hands as well. He gently placed his forehead against hers before kissing her head.

"Thank you, my darling."

Kiya began to cry and wrapped her arms around his waist and said, "I knew you were alive. I could feel it."

"I could feel you too, Kiya. There's no one in the galaxy like you and I." Jinn rubbed her back, but then pulled away and turned to Ezra and gestured towards him with a hand. "Now, allow me to introduce you to my apprentice. Bridger, this is Lady Kiya Kenobi, my younger sister. Kiya, this is Ezra Bridger, my apprentice. I have never met a young man as brave as him."

Ezra awkwardly approached her and extended his hand and said, "Uh, it's nice to meet you."

Kiya looked like her mother, but instead of red eyes, her eyes were blue. She smiled at Ezra and gave him an unexpected hug. Ezra was surprised and didn't have time to react. She then pulled away and held him by the shoulders and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bridger. Please, think of me as your aunt. Now, come. Let's go greet father."

Kiya took Ezra's hand and brought him to a seating area inside the garden. He saw an older version of Obi-Wan gazing out on the balcony.

"Father! Jinn is awake. I've brought him and his apprentice, Ezra Bridger to see you."

Obi-Wan turned around and smiled when he saw his son. He raised his arms and gave Jinn a hug. Jinn returned his embrace. When they broke apart, Jinn and his father held each other's arms and locked eyes.

"Welcome home, my boy."

"Thank you, father. I've missed you."

"You're lucky you take after your mother. It doesn't look like you've aged a day since you disappeared."

Jinn looked away and said, "Yes, but I can't say the same for you, father. You should have mother regenerate your body."

Obi-Wan smiled and released his son's arm and said, "Nonsense, everything has it's time, Jinn. You know that."

"My greatest fear was that you would be gone before my return, father. I have met many versions of you in my travels, but none of them were you."

Obi-Wan said, "I'm sure you've been through a great deal, but you're home now, my son. As my former master once told me, you should try and be mindful of the present. Leave such hardships behind you."

Jinn shook his head and grabbed the hilt of his sword, but only grabbed air and said, "I will try, father."

Obi-Wan saw his son's unease and said, "Is there something troubling you, Jinn?"

Jinn dodged the question. He wasn't ready to tell his family he was going so soon and instead said, "During my travels I met earlier versions of you, father. Many disapproved of my path."

"Yes, I was rather stubborn in my youth, but you and Kiya are my greatest joy. You're a great Jedi and an excellent warrior. I'm very proud of you, son. I love both you and your sister."

Jinn's heart ached. He knew his father loved him, but he didn't know much he needed to hear him say it. For years, he had encountered different versions of his father. Some were old and some were young, but none of them were his real father. He raised his hand to cover his eyes as he silently began to cry.

Kiya gave Jinn another hug. He opened his arms and held her tight and kissed her head. Obi-Wan placed his hand on his shoulder. Jinn then felt his mother hug him as well. He could feel their love for him through the Force. It had been years since he felt them all. It was nearly overwhelming.

When he finally composed himself, he pulled away from his sister and mother and took their hands to kiss them.

"Thank you."

Kiya said, "I hate thinking of you all alone, Jinn."

He released their hands and said, "I wasn't always alone."

Thrice said, "Yes, I am grateful to you, young Bridger."

Ezra sheepishly looked away and rubbed the back of his head. He felt weird after seeing Jinn get a group hug from his family. He knew Jinn said he was a part of his family, but he still felt like an outsider.

"Oh, thanks but Jinn doesn't just have me. There's also-"

"Ezra," snapped the amber Jedi.

Kiya beamed and said, "Jinn, you can't keep secrets from me. I know there is more then what you are telling me."

Jinn groaned and looked away from her and said, "Kiya, please. There is such a thing as privacy."

She smiled mischievously at him and said, "Oh! Such protests. Now I must know."

Jinn blushed and rubbed his beard and said, "If you must know I-I met someone."

Kiya's eyes widened in shock before she squealed and grabbed his hands. "You must tell me everything."

Meanwhile, Ezra was taken back by Jinn's family. He could tell that Jinn had a close relationship with his family and especially his sister. He had never seen his master look so relaxed before. It made him miss his own family. It had been a long time since he lost his mother and father. He could only imagine what Jinn must be feeling.

Obi-Wan said, "You must be Ezra Bridger. My wife has told me about you. I am Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Ezra said, "Yeah, I know. We've met before in the other timeline. Twice."

"Then you have me at a disadvantage. Though, I'm impressed that you convinced Jinn to take you on as his apprentice. I didn't think Jinn would take on another apprentice after his first one passed on into the Force."

"Oh, Jinn told me about that. What was his first apprentice like?"

"Studious and passionate. Jinn learned a great deal from his Padawan. I imagine he will learn a great deal from you as well."

"I think I'm the one who's learning the most, but what about you? I thought attachments were forbidden to Jedi."

The elder Jedi smiled and said, "Some people are worth breaking the rules for. Though the rule of non-attachments has been done away with for a long time now. It's probably for the best. I know I couldn't imagine my life without my family. It's something I wish I had learned sooner."

They suddenly stopped when they heard Kiya shout, "A Sith! You fell in love with a Sith?"

"She's technically a dark acolyte."

Kiya rushed to Obi-Wan and said, "Father, do you know of a dark acolyte named Ventress?"

Obi-Wan replied, "Yes, she was Count Dooku's apprentice during the war. She left after he betrayed her. I lost track of her whereabout since then. Oh, don't tell me that's who Jinn fell in love with."

Jinn said, "Her name is Asajj Ventress."

Obi-Wan pressed his hand over his face and said, "Oh, Jinn. Of all the women."

The amber Jedi said, "She's magnificent. She's a war-maiden. My nightingale. She can slay me any day."

Obi-Wan said, "I'm surprised she hasn't tried to kill you already."

Jinn smiled and said, "Oh, she's tried but nothing in the galaxy is as thrilling as watching her swing her dual lightsabers."

The elder Jedi turned to Thrice and said, "This is why he's your son."

Thrice took her husband's arm and said, "Perhaps, sir knight but sometimes sparring can be another form of foreplay."

Kiya made a face and said, "Suns and moons, let's go, Jinn. Luke is here as well."

Ezra followed Kiya and Jinn out of the garden and said, "Who's Luke?"

Jinn said, "My adopted older brother. I'm afraid to see him. Father has been regenerated before, but I-I don't know-I've been gone for such a long time. We're about the same age, but Luke's human. Kiya, do you think he can forgive me?"

She stopped and turned to face him and said, "Don't be silly. There is nothing to forgive. Luke came to see you. Don't disappoint him."

"Yes, of course. You're right."

Jinn followed Kiya to the garden with the large tree that Ezra saw in the corridor. Ezra saw a hooded man from behind. As they approached the man turned around. He was old with long grey hair and a beard with blue eyes. The man removed his hood when he saw Jinn and stared at him in amazement.

"Jinn. Is it really you?"

"Hello, Luke. It's been a while."

Luke smiled and gave Jinn a hug. Jinn returned his hug and felt Luke pat his back. When they pulled apart, Luke held Jinn's arm and looked him over.

"Force, you haven't changed."

"I wish I could say the same, but it's good to know that somethings haven't."

"I know. I missed you too, you little twerp. So, are you going to introduce me to the kid?"

"Yes, Ezra Bridger this is my elder brother, Luke Skywalker, Grand Master of the Jedi New Order. Luke, this is my apprentice, Ezra Bridger."

Luke extended his hand and said, "Nice to meet you, Ezra. You must be pretty impressive to get Jinn to agree to be your master."

Ezra reached for Luke's hand and said, "Oh, I guess. I sort of just ask him and he agreed."

Luke winked and said, "Direct. I like it. Come on, let's get out of here. I'm sure the folks want us kids out of their hair. Let's go grab a drink."

Jinn smiled and fell in step beside Luke and said, "Are you buying?"

Luke said, "Well, you really haven't changed. Still always short on credits?"

"I could always put it on the Order's tab."

Luke put his arm around Jinn's shoulder and said, "Hey, I'm Grand Master, that means I would be paying either way. So, you still drink Jawa juice?"

"I prefer Naboo wine these days."

Luke laughed and said, "Gosh, you are such a mama's boy. That's mother's favorite."

"Well, how am I supposed to know that?"

Kiya grabbed Luke's arm and said, "Oh, no you don't. I'm coming too. Somebody has to make sure you two stay out of trouble."

Luke turned to her and said, "Who? Us? No. We're just going to catch up. Besides, this is between brothers. No sisters allowed."

Kiya frowned, but relented and said, "Fine, but get him to tell you more about his lady love."

Luke said, "Oh, you've got a girlfriend? It's about time."

It wasn't long before they reached a bar. Ezra was uncertain but followed the two men inside. It was busy place with live music and different aliens. Luke took Jinn to a booth in the back and made an order with a droid. Ezra moved into the booth and sat next to Jinn.

Luke said, "Hey, kid. What are you having?"

"Uh-I don't know. I guess I'll have whatever you're having."

Jinn interrupted and said, "He'll have a meiloorun fruit smoothie."

Ezra didn't like being treated like a kid but didn't argue. Instead, he nudged Jinn and said, "Hey, you said Luke Skywalker. Any relation to Anakin?"

Jinn said, "Yes, Luke is Anakin's son."

"What?"

"In my timeline, Anakin became a Sith and Padme died. My parents took Luke in and raised him as their own. That's why Luke is my brother. Luke has a sister, but she was raised by Senator Organa. She's only close to Luke. The rest of my family think of her as a cousin."

The droid returned with their drinks and placed them onto the table. Luke took a long sip of his drink and said, "So, tell me about your girlfriend."

Jinn said, "She's Dathomirian."

Luke spat out his drink and coughed. "Wait, did you say Dathomirian?"

"Yes, she's a fine war-maiden. And she used to be a dark acolyte."

"Oh, brother. You sure know how to pick them. I guess none of that matter if she makes you happy."

Jinn swirled his drink and said, "I love her. I'm going to be a father."

Luke was shocked. He placed his hand on his head and thought over what Jinn just revealed to him. He was in love with a Dathomirian dark acolyte. He was going to be father.

"Does mom know about this?"

"No, I haven't told them yet. They only know I'm in a relationship."

Suddenly, Luke understood why Jinn hesitated to tell them. He placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "You're going back."

"Yes."

"When?"

Jinn took a sip from his glass and said, "I don't know. I need a plan. I need to find my friends and then I have to figure out a way to slay a Sith."

"You know you can count on me, Jinn."

"Thank you, Luke, but the Order needs you. Besides, I've got an idea."

XXX

TBC

XXX

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Thank you for reading.

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