No Going Back

60.

Summary:

Ahsoka and Rex get married.
Maul and Obi-Wan duel.
Jinn has a heart to heart with Rey.
Ezra finds his master.

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It had been 3 months since they returned from Coruscant. Slick ended up staying behind to become the new Clone Representative in the Senate. Rex wasn't worried about him. Senator Amidala took Slick under her wing. She hadn't gotten over Anakin's death, but she had to think about her twins.

Jinn informed Senator Amidala that she should request a new representative from the Gungan people and her replacement before she delivered her children. He told her JarJar was not a suitable representative since he was too easily swayed by the opinions of others in naming Palpatine Supreme Chancellor in his timeline.

Senator Organa became the new chancellor, and he started peace talks with the Separatist representatives. They ordered a cease fire, and a peace treaty was signed last week.

However, the fate of the clones was still up in the air. Most were reassigned as construction workers to help rebuild what was destroyed during the war. Though, most wanted to remain soldiers. Slick got the Senate to recognize clones as humanoids that deserved the full rights of a humanoid being. He was working on granting clones' full citizenship in the Republic.

The cure Jinn developed was now offered to every clone in the army. However, private citizens worried about their population being too saturated with one man's genes in the future.

Ashoka offered Atollon as a safe haven for clones. They had a steady stream of clones resigning their service to join them on Atollon.

Rex huffed and remembered visiting Jinn. He and his people were building their new home with their Force powers on a plot of land on Atollon. It was like a fortress. It was impressive with natural rocky defenses and an underground cave system. They even started cultivating the land.

Many of his brothers joined Jinn's Clan and helped him settle in. His brothers all had a good opinion of Jinn since they learned that he developed the cure.

The clones on Atollon were building a settlement of their own. Some even brought their families. They didn't have many visitors, but they had clients who wanted to hire them as their private army.

He and Ashoka refused to let anyone hire more than a certain number of clones for a limited time. They were an independent organization. The clones belonged to no one.

Rex rubbed his brow. He realized that running a city was harder than running a legion. However, all his brothers were helpful and eager to construct anything they needed.

He had task teams for different regions and building sites. Waste and supplies were an issue. In fact, there always seemed to be something.

Suddenly, there was a knock on Rex's door.

"Come in."

Fives strode in with Cody. They were both smiling when they saw him.

Fives patted Rex on the back when he rose from his chair.

"Are you nervous, Rex? Today's the big day."

Cody turned to Fives and said, "I told you he'd be in his office working."

Fives laughed and said, "Yeah, you were right. They can take the soldier out of the army, but they can't take the army out of the soldier. At least when it comes to you two."

Cody interrupted and greeted Rex by grasping his arm. "You're looking good, brother. I don't think your armor has been that clean since you were a shiny."

Rex looked down at his armor. It was polished for his wedding. It was bright white except for his personal designs. Over his shoulders, he wore a long blue cape with a clip with the seal of the Jaig eyes. He thought it was a nice tough and made his armor look fancy. His helmet was clipped onto his belt.

He checked his comm and saw it was time for him to go meet Ahsoka.

"It's time."

Cody asked, "Are you nervous?"

Rex shook his head and replied, "No. I waited a long time to be with Ahoska. Us being together is overdue."

Cody grinned and patted him on the shoulder. "Then, you better not keep her waiting."

Rex returned his smile, and together, the three left his office and went out of the building and into the town square. Outside, his brothers were cheering, and crowds of people came to greet him.

Rex turned to Fives and said, "What is all this?"

Fives laughed and said, "Didn't you know? Your wedding is the talk of the town. Everyone came to celebrate!"

Rex gave Fives a suspicious glare. He didn't know his wedding was going to turn out to be such a public event. He thought it was just going to be a party with some friends.

Cody kept his smile and led Rex to the center square where food stalls and music played. Someone had decorated the buildings for a parade.

He was surprised to see Padme, Obi-Wan, Jinn, and many other friends came to greet him.

Padme greeted him with a kiss on the cheek and said, "Congratulations, Captain!"

Rex rubbed the back of his neck and said, "Oh, uh, thank you, Senator."

He saw she was showing her pregnancy now. She looked tired but happy. He was glad for her.

Next, Kenobi greeted him with an arm grasp. "Congratulations, Captain. I'm sure the two of you will be very happy."

Jinn looked around and said, "Speaking of the bride, where is she?"

"I'm here."

Everyone turned to look and saw Ahsoka wearing a beautiful sheer white dress that matched Rex's polished armor. She wore a gold headdress with a white stone and gold bangles on her arms.

Rex was speechless. The crowd grew quite as Ahsoka approached him. He didn't even notice Barriss and Rey were escorting her. He had only eyes for her.

When she drew near, he offered her his hand. She took it with a smile.

He gazed at her lovingly and said, "You look beautiful, Ahsoka."

She smiled and said, "Thanks. You look handsome, Rex. I don't think I've ever seen your armor looking so white before."

He smiled and then reached up to caress the end of one of her head tails and said, "Nothing compares to the white in your lekku, cyar'ika."

She gasped and blushed at his touch. However, Rex thought it was better to flirt in private and lowered his hand. He then tucked her hand under his arm and led them to the center of the square on a platform. At the center, the couple turned to face each other and held hands.

Rex glazed into Ahsoka's beautiful blue eyes. He nodded his head and whispered, "Are you ready?"

She smiled and replied, "Yes."

Rex took a deep breath, and together, the pair recited the Mandalorian wedding vow together.

"We are one when together, we are one when parted, we will share all, we will raise warriors."

When they were done, they sealed their vow with a kiss. The crowd suddenly erupted with cheers. Multicolored confetti filled the air, but the newlyweds were only focused on each other.

When they pulled apart, Rex laughed and picked the confetti off Ahsoka's head.

The moment was broken when Wrecker jumped on top of a stall and shouted, "Let's get this party started! Yay!"

The crowd cheered again, and music began to fill the air. People started dancing in the square while others took to the streets to celebrate.

Rex took Ahsoka's hand and shared a smile. They joined the other dancers and started to dance. Rex couldn't remember when he had ever felt so happy in his life.

Ahsoka was elated. She never thought Rex would want to dance without some convincing. She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Rex picked her up around the waist and began spinning her around.

Ahsoka gasped and started to laugh. This was the happiest moment in her life. She never thought she'd get a chance to change the past for the better and marry Rex. It was like a dream come true.

When Rex put her down, she pulled back to touch his face.

"Is this real? It feels like I'm dreaming."

He caught her hand on his face. He turned his head to kiss her palm and said, "No, Soka. You're not dreaming. You're the one who made my dreams come true."

XXX

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan received a message on his com. It was Maul. He had requested his presence at the location of the New Order.

Reluctantly, Obi-Wan sighed and excused himself from the celebrations. He knew he couldn't keep Maul waiting. He had wanted to get revenge for some time.

Obi-Wan hoped that Maul might let it go, but that was only wishful thinking. He was a Sith. Siths don't let go of their hatred. He was thankful that Jinn had influenced Maul for the better. His otherworldly son seemed to have a knack for making friends with Siths.

Obi-Wan took a speeder to the site. Atollon was mostly desert, but somehow, the New Order had transformed the landscape into a paradise.

The land had been tended, and inside was an enclosed garden with an aqueduct. The rocks had been arranged into a meditative space and training ground. Younglings of different ages were training and playing. Clones tended the grounds while others were instructors.

It was a beautiful place that reminded him of the Jedi Temple. He knew Jinn had Jedi roots, but he often forgot due to his rebellious nature.

"It took you long enough."

Obi-Wan turned and saw Maul standing in the shadows of a stone building. His arms were crossed over his chest.

"So sorry to keep you waiting. I'm surprised you aren't at the celebrations."

Maul stepped forward and replied, "What fun is a wedding without a funeral? Come. Follow me."

Obi-Wan fell into step behind Maul, who led away from the New Order and out into the coral desert. He stopped and turned to face him.

"Let us begin."

The Sith drew his double lightsaber and activate the blades. The red lasers hummed in the dry climate.

"I suppose there's no way for me to talk you out of it. After all, we were allies."

"That was a temporary arrangement. Now, enough talk."

"If you insist."

Obi-Wan drew back his lightsaber and extended his left hand. Maul also readied himself to attack with his dual lightsaber staff at his side.

There was a long pause. The wind blew past them across the barren landscape until Maul lunged forward. Obi-Wan parried, and soon, the two began to clash. Maul tried to find an opening. Obi-Wan moved to strike down at Maul. However, instead of blocking, he used the Force to shove Obi-Wan back.

"You'll have to do better than that."

Obi-Wan got up and used the Force to shove Maul back, but Maul dispelled his attack with a wave of his hand. Maul leaped forward, and the two clashed again with sweeps and parties, but there was no clear winner.

Obi-Wan strained to defend against Maul's blows and said, "I see you've picked up a few new tricks as Jinn's apprentice."

Angered, Maul roared the called his darkness to grab Obi-Wan's leg and sweep his feet. He fell onto his back, and Maul swung his lightsaber and slashed across Obi-Wan's shoulder as he rolled out of range. The laser burn sizzled as he held his shoulder in pain.

"I am no one's apprentice! You took everything from me and now I will take your life."

Obi-Wan got up and blocked Maul's next attack.

"And you killed my master. You came after my friends. This ends now."

Obi-Wan then waved his hand and summoned a rock to hit Maul in the back. Maul stumbled forward. Obi-Wan raised his lightsaber to strike the Sith down.

Maul deflected his blow. Their lightsabers sparked as they made contact. Unexpectedly, Maul kicked Obi-Wan away from him and raised his lightsaber to deliver the finishing blow, but he hesitated when he stared at the Jedi Master's face.

To Obi-Wan's surprise, he deactivated his duel lightsaber and turned away from him.

"Take your leave, Kenobi."

Obi-Wan got up bewildered. "Why?"

Maul kept his back turned toward him but replied, "I don't know."

XXX

Meanwhile, across the dunes, Jinn spotted Rey sitting by herself and away from the party on a balcony.

"Are you alright?"

Rey turned to Jinn and said, "Yes, I was just thinking."

He smiled and sat beside her. "What's on your mind?"

"The friends I left behind. I wonder if they're going to be alright without me."

"I don't know. It's like I told you, there may be no going back. Not without a bond."

Rey sadly said, "Yes, I know. I didn't bond with anyone in my world. It's not like there was anyone to bond with. I've always been alone."

Jinn put his hand over hers to reassure her and said, "Not anymore. Though, you might be able to talk to Mr. Ren. You had a connection to him, but I don't know if you consider him a friend."

Rey drew back in her seat with a frowned and said, "No, he's definitely not a friend. Besides, you said it was a Sith that created the connection between us."

Jinn said, "Yes, the Sith in that world undoubtedly has plans for you. If you go back, there is bound to be trouble."

"It's not fair. I'm safe, but my friends aren't. It's wrong to leave them behind, but what if I lose every I have here? What should I do?"

"It's up to you to take the risk, but however far you go, you will always have a home here with me."

Rey felt overwhelmed. No matter how many times Jinn said she was a part of his family, it was still hard to believe.

"Why do you even want me?"

"You're strong, talented, brave, need I go on?"

Rey laughed and said, "Are you sure?"

Softly, Jinn said, "You needed me. And you understand what it means to be alone. I see myself when I look into your eyes."

"I don't know who I am."

Jinn kneeled in front of her. She could see his eye shine in the dim light. His eyes were yellow like a Sith, but he was warm. He was always warm, ever since he took her hand in the other world.

"We are who we want to be and who we are can change. It's both frightening and exhilarating. When I look at you, I see a true warrior. A woman of silk and swords. Someone I am proud to call my family. You just need to believe in yourself, then perhaps one day you'll save someone who needs you."

The two then heard someone clear their throat. It was Obi-Wan.

"Sorry to interrupt, but may I borrow you for a moment, cousin?"

"Of course."

Jinn gave Rey's hand a reassuring squeeze before joining Obi-Wan out into the streets. It wasn't long before they were alone.

Obi-Wan broke the silence and said, "I had my duel with Maul."

Jinn raised his brow and asked, "Did you kill him?"

Obi-Wan stopped walking and said, "Is that all you have to say about it?"

He stopped walking a few paces ahead of him and said, "You know I couldn't stop him."

"How would I know? You didn't even try."

The amber Jedi tilted his head and asked, "Are you angry because I didn't try and save you from a fight? Or is it because it isn't the Jedi way?"

Annoyed, Obi-Wan replied, "Both. You're a role model for Force's sake. You have a school, students, and responsibilities. What does it say when its founder condones duels to the death?"

Jinn crossed his arms and said, "Since when did you care about my reputation?"

"Well, you clearly don't."

"I don't control Master Maul. I don't control anyone. It's not my place to stop him. I didn't try, not because I don't care about you. I didn't try because I respect him, and I trust in your abilities."

Obi-Wan wondered why he even bothered. He knew he operated on a different set of rules outside of the Order. Yet, he thought he cared about his well-being over the reformed Sith.

"He's alive. He stopped the duel."

"Really? That's unexpected."

"I asked him why. He said he didn't know."

"So, my horned friend does have a heart. I'm glad you survived, cousin."

"Thank you, Jinn. Where are you off to now?"

"To get a drink. Care to join me?"

"It depends. Are you buying?"

"Of course."

He then placed his hands on his shoulders and moved Obi-Wan so his back was against a wall. The Jedi Master frowned and gave him a pointed glance.

"Jinn, what are you doing?"

"Hold still for a moment."

He then leaned closer. Obi-Wan was very uncomfortable and started to panic and placed his hand on Jinn's shoulder.

"Jinn, please stop."

"Huh-what are you two doing?"

The two men looked to see Ezra staring at them.

Jinn then grabbed Obi-Wan's shoulder.

"Ouch!"

The amber Jedi then used the Force to heal Obi-Wan's lightsaber burn. After a few minutes, he let him go and took a step back.

Obi-Wan rubbed his shoulder and said, "You could have told me you wanted to heal me."

"I figured you'd protest."

Jinn then wrapped his arm around Ezra's shoulders and said, "You know better than that Bridger. Obi-Wan isn't my type. Now, we can go get a drink now that my apprentice is here."

Ezra wasn't so sure. Jinn was an unconventional Jedi. There really was no telling what crazy plans he might be hatching. Though, he noticed Obi-Wan hesitation.

Ezra said, "Isn't Obi-Wan coming?"

Jinn said, "Of course he is. It's not every day that his grand apprentice gets married. We need to celebrate. The first round is on me."

Obi-Wan joined them and said, "Fine. As long as you're buying."

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The End.

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