With their Sith clients no longer able to compensate them for their efforts, the Kaminoans Nala Se and Nala Su were readily persuaded to disable the inhibitor chips, returning the clones to their normal selves. The clones would continue to serve as protectors of the Republic, after undergoing systematic removal of their inhibitor chips.
Security footage of the Chancellor attacking Anakin Skywalker with a red lightsaber was enough to make even the Senate apologetic over giving a Sith Lord the bulk of the Republic's political power.
All that was left was to rebuild the Jedi Order.
The bodies of the fallen Jedi were brought back to their final resting place.
Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ahsoka, and the remaining Jedi from around the galaxy stood and watched as Yoda gave his eulogy.
"One with the Force, they are, and our job, it is, to remember that we will, in time, also pass on. Luminous beings are we, but temporary vessels, our bodies are, and we shall all find ourselves here in time. A moment of silence, I ask, to remember and to move on."
The remaining Jedi bowed their heads for a moment of silence.
"Live for the living Jedi, we must. Live through us, forever they will," Yoda finally said.
The bodies lowered. They felt it in their hearts as their fallen friends became one with the Force.
(5 years later)
"Don't think…feel…be as one with the Force. Let it guide you," Anakin advised to the younglings standing before him.
The younglings were in the early stages of their training, using training sabers to practice the deflection of blaster shots fired by training droids.
One of the students, Petro, was having more trouble with the others and was getting visibly frustrated.
Anakin walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Have patience. Trust your instincts," he suggested.
Petro seemed to loosen up. He nodded.
"Master Skywalker." A familiar voice approached.
Anakin looked up and smiled. "Younglings, we have a visitor." The younglings moved to lift up their helmets.
"Master Tano," the younglings bowed. Ahsoka smiled and bowed in response.
"Apologies for the intrusion. I just wrapped up my class and wanted to sit in for your class's final moments."
Anakin smiled and nodded before turning back to the younglings. "Younglings, let us show Master Tano what you have learned." The younglings nodded excitedly.
After the class ended, Anakin and Ahsoka walked along the hallways of the Jedi Temple.
"You know, I think I'm the younglings' favorite teacher." Ahsoka said, with a coy smile.
Anakin smirked, "That's because you get to teach them the basics of lightsaber combat. The fun stuff. I wouldn't be your favorite teacher either if I was the one shooting at you with blaster bolts."
"You just don't want to acknowledge my charisma and charm," Ahsoka countered. Anakin rolled his eyes.
"I think I'm just rubbing off on you," Anakin replied.
"You've been doing that for a long time," Ahsoka chuckled.
"It could be worse. We could be like Obi-Wan and teaching the younglings…history." He shivered. Ahsoka laughed.
"I heard that," they turned and saw Obi-Wan walking up behind them, eyebrow raised.
"Master Kenobi," Anakin did a mock bow.
"You know, I'll never understand why Master Yoda made you Grand Master," Obi-Wan said, with a tinge of sarcasm.
Ahsoka and Anakin gave him an identical smile that said, We know you love us.
"We were about to go for a walk through the gardens. You're welcome to join us."
"No, no, you two go on ahead. I think I will enjoy some peace and quiet," he waved the two goodbye as he made for his quarters.
As they walked through the gardens, a memory resurfaced in Ahsoka's mind. The moment she reunited with Anakin, after escaping the Trandoshans, all those years ago.
"Ahsoka, I am so sorry," Anakin said, guilt across his face.
"For what?" Ahsoka asked.
"For letting you go, for letting you get taken. It was my fault."
"No, Master, it wasn't your fault."
"I should've paid more attention. I should've tried harder. I…"
Ahsoka stopped him. "You already did everything you could, everything you had to do." She paused before continuing. "When I was out there, alone, all I had was your training and the lessons you taught me. And because of you, I did survive. And not only that, but I was able to lead others to survive as well."
Anakin looked speechless. "I don't know what to say."
Ahsoka turned to face him and smiled. "I do. Thank you, Master." She bowed her head.
Anakin smiled and bowed back. "You're welcome, my Padawan."
Anakin and Ahsoka were standing at the top of the steps leading up to the Temple, gazing at the city below. They stood at the very place where they almost went their separate ways.
"Do you ever think about that day?" Ahsoka suddenly asked.
"I do," Anakin replied softly.
They stood in silence, thinking about how far they've come.
Anakin suddenly spoke, still looking ahead into the distance. "When we first met, I thought that I would be the one doing all the teaching. Little did I know, that I was as much the student as you and you as much the teacher as me." Ahsoka smiled.
Anakin continued, "I can't explain why, but your bravery to leave that day, it saved us." He paused. "It saved…me." Ahsoka's expression softened. "Because of you, the Order survived. And not only that, but the Jedi have become the peacekeepers they were always meant to be."
Ahsoka turned to look at him, speechless. "I don't know what to say." She felt like her heart weighed nothing at all.
Anakin turned to face her, smiling. "I do." He pulled her into a tight embrace. "Thank you, Ahsoka. For everything."
Ahsoka smiled, returning the hug. "You're welcome, Anakin."
A/N: The happy ending you probably knew you wanted.
I am satisfied with how it turned out, though I may rewrite bits and parts of this story in the future.
I would love to hear your thoughts – I always appreciate your favorites and reviews!
Thanks for reading!