Previously on The Jedi and the Mandalorian...

"It's a Jedi Temple..."

"Alright, I was in a black void, and I saw a woman."

"A woman..."

"A lunar crystal..."

"My father gave it to me..."

""I don't know…where to go on from here…But I can tell you this: I promise you, that I will find a way. A way to overcome my fear."

"I love you..."

"Go to the Yavin system and warn them. Find Hera and the others, and tell them I sent you."

"The rebellion is in danger?"

"Show me the truth..."

RWBY: The Jedi and the Mandalorian

Chapter 18 - The Jedi Knight

Premise: As Remnant braces for war, Ezra must face a difficult test.

The speeder emerged from the thick foliage of the forest before coming to an abrupt stop. Ezra disembarked as he approached the temple once more. He had nothing on him but his lightsaber and the Force as his weapon and guide. He stopped as he took in the sight of the temple's appearance. The Force called him here, he knew that, but why did it feel wrong? What were the Jedi doing here? What is his test? But most of all: How will he save Sabine?

After escaping the droid factory, Ezra and the Bad Batch returned to Vytal to lay low for a while until the heat died down. From their hideout, they witness Atlas move the Separatists warships into the atmosphere. After a day of hiding, they decided to make a move.

Ezra, along with Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair, returned to the village in the Forever Fall. There, they managed to rescue Eli, Doc, and a majority of the villagers from an Atlas death squad who planned on arresting them for conspiring with them before. They escaped in the Atlas Mantas they acquired from the SDC Mining Facility weeks ago, while also taking the weapons that Ezra and Sabine sold to them.

Afterwards, Ezra sent Tech and Echo back to the droid facility to recon Atlas' operations there. They discovered that Ironwood resumed droid manufacturing, from standard B1s to Atlas AK models. No doubt they didn't have the proper resources to produce the former. It was clear that Ironwood was choosing quantity over quality.

Yet there was nothing they could do now. This was a planet-wide occupation, no way they were gonna pull it off in one swoop. The only option they had was to wait for RWBY and JNPR to return on the Gauntlet with Alliance support.

Yet as this was happening, Ezra continued to have the same dream that haunted him since he got to Remnant. He ignored it briefly as he and Sabine were still learning their way around the planet, working with RWBY and JNPR, searching for the droid base, up until he discovered the Jedi Temple.

Speaking of Sabine, what the hell was he gonna do about her? They literally poured their hearts out to one another before Beacon was overrun, and finally she outright kissed him before stunning him. Next thing he knew, he found himself on the Marauder, with only her pendant. all so she could buy them all enough time to escape.

Ezra was furious, not at her, or Ruby, or Hunter, or anyone. He was furious at himself, the very person who couldn't do anything to save someone he grew incredibly close to. All because he was afraid of taking that one step, one that could either be a blessing or a sin.

Yet that very same fear was leading to the one place he could relate to on this planet. The temple was calling to him, it had to be. It was the pillar in the living Force. It was holding something within, something that Ezra needed to know.

"Kid…" Hunter's voice said through his comlink, "You sure you wanna do this on your own?"

Ezra quickly responded, "I'm sure. If I'm not back in three days, you know where to find me."

"Copy that." Hunter replied, "Oh and kid, good luck."

Ezra nodded slightly as he entered the temple. He ignited his lightsaber to give him light in the dark hall. As he did so, he heard the sound of the entrance closing behind him.

After the debriefing, Hera and Kanan brought the battered and exhausted huntsmen back to the Ghost, where they could continue to speak in private.

Millions of thoughts were running through each of their heads. For days on end they worried extensively for the whereabouts of Ezra and Sabine. A report on the Holonet, an Imperial refinery being destroyed in a blaze of paint and glory, something, anything that could be a sign of hope. Yet nothing showed, and soon enough Rebel Command all but abandoned the search, and they were ready to do just the same.

Yet, as if it were a miracle, the Gauntlet miraculously returned, and that hope was reignited once more. But if luck was trolling them, it certainly did when they discovered a group of kids and Chopper had arrived with unfortunate news that Sabine was captured and Ezra was missing in action.

Then came the cherry on top: the fact that a crazed general had not only access to Separatist droids and a small planetary fleet, but also had the location of the Yavin 4, and had plans to relay this information to the Empire.

While possessing a fleet of many warships, transports, and starfighters. The Alliance to Restore the Republic was still disorganized. Having incorporated the remaining members and ships from Phoenix Squadron, while also still being smaller compared to the might of the Imperial Navy.

For Hera, nothing would make her happy than to go to Remnant, save Ezra and Sabine, and shoot this Ironwood in the face. All in order to save both her kids and the Rebellion as a whole. She actually hoped Alliance Command would actually agree to such an operation, as they planned and waited too long to unite, and all of that to be destroyed would be disastrous.

But more news had yet to come, and this was something that got Kanan's attention.

"...A Jedi Temple?" the old Jedi muttered in disbelief as he, Hera, and the others found themselves in the Ghost's common room. The huntsmen were there as well, telling them about their additional findings.

"Yeah, Ruby and I saw it with our own eyes." Blake explained, "It's on the island of Vytal. Very remote, its the last place Atlas would wanna look for anyone."

"Then no doubt Ezra and the boys returned there after fleeing the droid factory." Rex theorized, mentioning the Bad Batch briefly as well

Hera then turned to Kanan, "Kanan, do you know anything about this?"

Kanan shook his head, "No. I know that the Jedi had secret temples and outposts all over the galaxy. Coruscant, Tython, Deveron, Lothal, but nothing in the Unknown Regions."

"Maybe it was old and forgotten as time went by." Ruby suggested, "Ezra did say the Jedi existed for quite a long time."

"Maybe, the Jedi had expansion programs before the Clone Wars." Kanan muttered, "But that was over a thousand years ago, during the age of the High Republic, and a lot was going down during that period."

Hera then turned back to the huntsmen, "Did Ezra ever venture inside the temple?"

"Yeah, he did." Yang replied, "Only once, and didn't even bother to tell us. Left Sabine's room in the middle of the night and flew the Gauntlet there."

"...What?"

Yang was met with a elbow to the side by Weiss, as the sound of Zeb being thrown into a coughing fit followed suit.

"What did you just say?" Tristan asked, rather intrigued at what Yang just said

Yang began to stutter, feigning innocence in the process, "I-I uh said that he flew the ship back without telling us."

"Before that." Tristan clarified

Yang cursed silently as an uncomfortable nervousness fell upon her. But instead of her explaining her statement. Someone else beat her to it, and that person was Chopper. The droid grumbled something that none of the huntsmen understood. Omega rolled her eyes at the droid, while the crew of the Ghost had a more…interesting reaction…and for Zeb yet another coughing fit.

"HUH!?"

"He was WHAT!?" Zeb shouted

"Ok, what the hell did that rust bucket tell you?" Weiss asked, the confusion and slight annoyance in her voice were painfully obvious.

"Bridger was sleeping in my sister's room on the ship!?" Tristan muttered

"Alright! Fine! Yes! Ezra was sleeping in her room!" Yang admitted, "They were sleeping together!"

Hera was honestly surprised, her lekku had quivered slightly in embarrassment as a result. Kanan, on the other hand, remained quiet and composed. While his mask covered his blind eyes, both half of his face remained calm. He grasped Hera's hand to support her.

Tristan however continued, "Why were they sleeping together!?"

"Because they're in love." Weiss answered

Tristan looked baffled, "...What?"

"You heard her." said Yang, "It's why they aren't here with us. It's why Sabine is in Ironwood's hands and Ezra stayed behind."

"She stayed to protect him…" Tristan muttered

"But he stayed to save her." Ruby added

"They told us about their pasts." Ren spoke up, "Their lives. Their families. The Empire. Ezra is lost, Sabine is broken, it turns out all they needed to be found and restored were each other."

"Ezra didn't agree with it though. Even though he wants it so badly." Yang continued, "He was afraid of losing himself."

"To the dark side…" Kanan muttered, "I understand his fear, that of the unknown. He's been so close to the darkness once that he doesn't want to go near it again."

Tristan was beyond baffled. He looked around the room at everyone, a million thoughts were running through his head. He needed to think. He needed space. Excusing himself, he left the room, making his way for the ship's exit.

Ruby wanted to go after him, but was stopped by Kanan, who placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't." he said calmly, "He just needs time to think."

Just the, Hera's comlink went off. The twi'lek promptly picked it up, "Come in."

"General, your presence is needed in the Command Room." Kallus' voice said on the other end, "Your report needs further clarification."

"Understood, I'll be right there." she replied before hanging up, "Looks like they've talked about your findings."

"Should we go with you?" Blake asked her

Hera shook her head, "Not yet. They need me to voice my opinion on the matter. I'll contact you all when we come to a conclusion."

Hera then left the room, as Kanan went to address everyone, "Until then, I'd say we remain on the low for the time being."

"If its alright with you, we wish to remain on the Gauntlet." Ruby requested, "Our stuff is there after all."

"That can be arranged, but you'll be under surveillance should you try to leave." Rex said to her

"Fine by us." Weiss, "Besides we don't plan on leaving until we get answers anyway."

Omega then spoke up as she turned to Rex, "While you guys are there. Rex, care to talk?"

"Sure thing." the old clone replied as they made their way towards the door, with Zeb right behind them.

"Where are you going?" Kanan asked his friend as he began to leave

"I need some shut eye." the Lasat muttered, "A lot to take in if you know what I mean."

"I get it, everything we know is at risk." Kanan sighed

"Uh, I was actually referring to the kids sleeping together." Zeb corrected him, even the words rolled off his tongue in an uncomfortable way. He then left and made his way to his room.

"...I just hope he doesn't lose his way." Kanan muttered

"He won't, Ezra's strong." Ruby assured him, "We've seen him."

"I felt him return." Kanan continued, "He went back to the temple."

The hum of his lightsaber was the only sound he could hear as Ezra walked through the singular hall of the temple's interior. He didn't know how long he had been there, all he knew was that he was definitely lost. The Force was at it again, as he turned back to discover the hall he was in was now blocked by a wall, just like the first time he was here.

Then a familiar voice spoke to him, "You've returned…"

Ezra grimaced slightly as his surroundings changed. He was once more back on Dathomir, his green misty torches and altar were back. The robotic footsteps of Maul were right behind him as he turned to see the rogue Sith approach him. His hands behind his back, while his lightsaber hung from his belt.

"Brave, but not wise." he said as he grabbed his weapon and ignited it. Two crimson red blades emerged from both ends of the hilt.

"This ends now." Ezra declared as he readied his lightsaber

"Your confidence blinds you apprentice." Maul said to him, "Why come back to this place? You are wobbling on the edge of darkness, when a greater threat is imminent."

Ezra frowned even more Maul continued, "Are you seeking penance? Or perhaps you are blinded by a false sense of purpose, all in the name of saving her…"

Ezra's breathing became more prominent as he tried to control his anger. He knew this Maul was not real but it was surely getting under his skin.

"Well then my young apprentice." Maul declared as he got into a fighting stance, "Prove your worth to save your friend!"

Ezra charged at Maul ready to strike him, but was blocked by Maul's lightsaber. He proceeded to disengage and tried going for his legs, but was once more blocked, and was pushed back. Now it was Maul going on the offensive as he went for Ezra's head, the young Jedi managed to block his strike before dodging another oncoming attack twice. Ezra then made another advance, which was promptly blocked as well.

Maul started to fight more and more aggressively, causing Ezra to duck and roll out of harm's way before reengaging. The two engaged several more strikes ast one another before locking their blades together.

"You're trying to resist, I can feel it." Maul chuckled, "The darkness is closer to you than it has ever been before. Tell me, apprentice, are you that afraid to give in? Are you truly conflicted on what to do?"

"Enough!" Ezra shouted before using the Force to shove Maul away, breaking their locked blades. But something happened as he did so, when he extended his hand to use the Force, blue lightning emerged from his fingers, disintegrating Maul and dissolving the room around him.

Ezra was shocked at what he had just done. He felt cold, lost, and above all afraid. How could he? What would Kanan think of him? Hera? Ruby? Sabine?

"You were unable to save her…" a voice said to him, "Remnant is mine, and it will serve the Empire."

Ezra looked up to see General Ironwood approaching him. The dark void they were in, abruptly started to change into the corridors of a Separatist frigate.

Ironwood held up the Darksaber as he inspected it, "She fought well, might I say, always thought you would come to save her."

He then ignited the blade, giving off its iconic whistling sound, "I guess she was wrong."

Ironwood then engaged Ezra in a duel. Unlike Maul, who was a Force-wielder, Ironwood was not, his blows were much heavier and with more strength behind them. Despite not having a connection to the Force, his aura made up for it…or at least that what it appeared to be, as Ezra knew this was an illusion.

Ezra managed to push Ironwood back, but as he did so, the door to another corridor opened. Maul then emerged and engaged Ezra. The young Jedi was startled by Maul's sudden reappearance. In that fear, Ezra yet again summoned Force lightning, knocking the two back. Not wanting to deal with both of them, Ezra decided to make a run for it, towards another door. Once it opened and he entered however, this was quite different.

Gone were the halls of the Separatists frigate, now replaced with a forest, ash floated in the air, the sky dark. Ezra continued running until he thought he found a clearing that led to a cliff, but the view was far from pleasant.

Beacon was in ruins, as TIE fighters flew overhead bombarding the academy. Ezra looked up to see Star Destroyers in the sky as they flew towards Beacon.

"No…" he muttered in fear as he looked on in horror. But as he did so, he heard the sound of breathing. It was almost unnatural and mechanical, and Ezra knew it all too well. He swiftly turned around as he reignited his lightsaber to meet his attacker's crimson red blade. Rather than stare at the yellow eyes of Maul, Ezra met the cold, black, metal helmet of one of the most feared individuals in the galaxy.

"You have failed Jedi." Darth Vader said to him, "It would be wise to surrender."

Vader then pushed Ezra to the ground before raising his blade to strike him, but the young Jedi rolled out of the way in the nick of time before trying to strike back. But Vader proved to be more powerful, and simply pushed him back with the Force, causing Ezra to fall off the cliffside. But just before, he lands in a completely different place. This time the floor is made of metal, the sound of a Star Destroyer's alarm was blaring out loud.

Ezra promptly got back on his feet as he ran toward a door, which led him to the ship's bridge. No one was on the bridge, but that wasn't the problem. The real problem was what was outside the bridge's viewport. The ship was in space, in orbit of Yavin, as the Star Destroyer and its fleet were bombarding the planet.

Ezra was mortified at what he was seeing. Despite it not being real, it was slowly starting to feel like reality. He turned back to exit the bridge but was stopped by a blue humanoid with red eyes, wearing a white Imperial uniform.

The officer spoke in a cold and calm voice, "You have failed Commander Bridger, just as you failed to protect your friends on Attollon."

Ezra then noticed Maul, Ironwood, and Vader behind him. The four were surrounding him, ready to strike.

"...It is time for you to embrace your destiny." Maul said to him

Ezra, giving into his emotion more than ever, blasted them all once more with force lightning. This action vaporized the entire room they were in and drained Ezra's strength as he fell to the ground. His surroundings promptly changed back to the altar on Dathomir, only now he was surrounded by Grimm. The creatures growled in anticipation as a woman surrounded by darkness stood amongst them. But just behind her, as if part of the darkness itself, Ezra visibly noticed a figure just behind her.

This was his dream. The very dream that has been haunting him since he arrived here on Remnant. He looked around as a small voice began speaking out in a thousand tongues all at once.

"Come to me."

"I can help you."

"You can save your friends."

"Join with me. Save me…"

Ezra continued hearing these voices, slowly they started to feel right. As he stood back up, Maul, Ironwood, Vader, and Thrawn appeared before him, the former three having their lightsabers ready.

"As you can see apprentice, you have failed." Maul said

"You are unable to accept the truth that the Empire is the true answer." Ironwood proclaimed

"Your master is not here to save you boy, you shall meet the same fate as Ahsoka Tano has." Vader added

"This is the end Bridger." Thrawn then said, "Only one other shall deal with you."

Ezra heard the sound of the Darksaber igniting, and while the illusion of Ironwood was holding it. He knew of only one other who did as well. He turned around to see Sabine, her eyes glowing green just as they were; she was possessed by the spirit of a nightsister.

Ezra ignited his weapon, knowing he had to fight her, but before either one of them could make the first move, Ezra noticed something on the ground that caught his eye. Tied up by a small cord, was the pendant Sabine had given him. The kybar crystal was shining ever so bright, casting a bright pink light over him, as some of the creatures hesitated.

He reached down slowly as he picked it up, he felt something. Something he hadn't felt for awhile. The warmth it emitted was the very same that had felt since arriving on this planet. He felt it when they were close, when they were painting the mural on the Gauntlet, when they were…together. Him and Sabine. It felt…right.

Looking up from the crystal he stared at the illusion of Sabine, still gripping the Darksaber in her hands. Not moving an inch, Ezra stared directly into her glowing green eyes.

"You would never hurt me Sabine, I know that." he said calmly, showing no fear as he reached out through the Force, "You gave this to me, a kybar crystal. These crystals power a Jedi's weapon, and those weapons are our life. By extension these crystals are as well. You gave this to me Sabine. You gave me your life to hold onto, and I promise you that I will protect you…"

From within a cell in the observation deck of the dreadnought over Vale, Sabine was suspended about a foot off the ground by an energy cell. She was given a full view of the city but the Mandalorian could hardly care as she had her eyes closed and head down. That was until she felt something. Nobody else was in the room, but she felt as if they were right beside her. She gasped quietly as one person came into thought, and it brought her hope.

"Ezra…"

Ezra continued staring at the illusion as if it were actually Sabine, "...and I will save you."

Those last words trigger something as the illusion seemed to hesitate for a moment. Shaking her head, Sabine's eyes reverted back to normal as she lowered her stance before looking at Ezra. She smiled before closing her eyes and faded away.

Ezra smiled at the result, he knew Sabine would bever hurt him. She cared for him. She…loved him. He knew it, he felt it, and it was strong. He felt the Force suddenly become stronger when came to this realization, as he then did something he never thought he could do.

As if it were muscle memory, or without thinking, Ezra channeled both the Force and the thought of Sabine through his body. Lightning was sparking at his fingers, only now instead of it being blue, it was now green. The Grimm, mirages, and illusions all hesitated for a moment as Ezra eyed them all. Then without hesitating, Ezra stretched his arms out, sending a shockwave of green Force lightning in all directions. The illusions of Maul, Ironwood, Vader, and Thrawn were all disintegrated, followed by the Grimm and the mysterious women, who screamed in agony.

"NNNNNOOOOOOOO!"

Ezra finally came back to his senses as he realized what he'd done. Looking down at his hands he asked himself.

"How?"

It felt like nothing he had ever felt before. The Force practically joined with him, it flowed through him more than it already had. When he first used Force lightning on the illusion of Maul, he felt his hatred. But now, it felt as if the light was flowing through him.

Before long, the entire illusion was gone before dissipating into a space-like void. Ezra noticed he was now standing on a white ringed floor. He recognized this place; he had been here before in the Temple back on Lothal, where he met…

"Hmm, electric judgment." an old yet wise voice uttered with slight interest, "Powerful in the hands of a Jedi it is. At your age, a gift to possess is."

A wave of relief swept over Ezra's shoulder at that voice, turning around he saw a small green creature with green eyes and pointy ears. He wore tan robes and carried a cane. He had a smile and expression that showed great wisdom.

"Master Yoda…" Ezra muttered as he smiled, relieved to see a familiar face. He had only met Yoda a few times through the Force, but at this point, it was like seeing an old friend.

"Young Ezra Bridger…" Yoda greeted him, "Missed you have I."

Yoda then turned a bit as the floor extended into a walkway. The old Jedi master then gestured for Ezra to follow him.

"Come…much to discuss we do."

To say that the atmosphere surrounding Yavin was utterly tense would be an absolute understatement. It was an emergency on full display. Patrol fleets were doubled, then tripled, ground crews prepping ships for immediate takeoff, and several personnel were transferred to cruisers. It was the beginning of a full-on evacuation.

In reality, it wasn't even an official one. News of the possible discovery of the Rebel base had spread fast despite higher ups ordering for the news to be known to a select few. But nonetheless, it was enough to set the mood for the entirety of the Rebellion.

As for Ruby and the others, they were outside the Gauntlet, waiting on the word from Hera regarding the outcome of their findings. Most of them were bored, remaining calm while they watched ground personnel going about their duties. The only one who wasn't with them was Yang, who had decided to go and find Tristan.

"It's been awhile…" Jaune muttered, breaking the silence amongst them all, "Think they've come to an agreement?"

"Could still be arguing." Weiss answered, "Politics are politics. Even if they're on a different planet."

"Well I'm not one for politics." Nora exclaimed as she hung upside down from the Gauntlet's wing, "So they might wanna hurry things along."

Blake sighed heavily, "As much as I hate to admit it, but Nora's right. Every second wasted, means the more likely Ironwood will eventually have total control."

She then looked out as she witnessed ground personnel doing their duties, "Just…look at them. They've been fighting for who knows how long. To have it all taken away would be…would be like it was all for nothing."

It was then that two humans approached. From what the huntsmen knew from looking around the base, both were wearing orange flight suits with boots and gloves. The first had fair skin, dark brown hair, and hazel eyes. The other also had fair skin but had blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Is it true?" the first one asked them blatantly, "Bridger and Wren have been taken?"

Jaune raised an eyebrow at them, "Do you know them?"

The guy realized what he said, "Sorry, I'm Wedge, this is Hobbie. We served with Ezra and Sabine back in Phoenix Squadron."

"Sabine was actually the one who helped us escape the Imperial Skystrike Academy, when we chose to defect from the Empire." Hobbie added

"I know, Sabine told us about it, I'm Ruby." Ruby introduced herself, "The thing is though, only Sabine was captured, Ezra stayed behind"

"To save her?" Wedge guessed

"And to fight." Blake added

"Wedge." a voice barked out, a man in an orange flight suit was behind Wedge and Hobbie, "We need you ready at your ships."

"Yes Captain." Wedge replied as he and Hobbie saluted the man before looking back at Ruby, "Hope the Council comes to a decision, good luck guys."

"You to Wedge." Ruby said as Wedge and Hobbie left

Not far from the Gauntlet, Rex and Omega were catching up, "So, deaged huh? Hmm, never thought that could happen to us clones. No doubt Tech's handy work?"

"Mostly." Omega replied, "Tooks years and nearly half of the Kaminoan's technology to succeed."

"Well, not bad." the older clone muttered, "Only wish I was like you fellas."

Omega was silent for a moment, "Well..."

Rex looked at her funny, "What?"

She then handed him a syringe, which he took.

Tristan walked through the halls of the Gauntlet, millions of thoughts ran through his head. How did it come to this? His sister and Ezra? The young Mandalorian felt anger rise within himself. Was he angry at Sabine? No. Was he angry at Ezra? No. So why did he feel like this?

Making his way into the ship's common room, he found the place in a small mess. Granted, it was presumably in such a state due to the crew having to make it quickly to Yavin. But for some odd reason, it felt normal. Poster's covered the walls, most of which Tristan guesses came from Remnant, along with what he immediately recognized as Sabine artwork.

Walking over to the holotable, Tristan noticed a holochip, taking it he placed it into the table as a holovid displayed the crew enjoying a game of dejarak and cubikahd, the latter a game Tristan never thought anyone other than Mandalorians would play. To add a cherry on top, and to Tristan's amusement, Ezra was winning against Sabine as Yang and Nora were cheering the Jedi on, while Sabine rolled her eyes in amusement. For a second though, Tristan swore he saw her gaze soften when looking at the Jedi.

Removing the holochip, he continued out of the common room and through the crew quarters before stopping at the final two just before the cockpit. The right one was closed and locked, the left one on the other hand, was open. Stepping inside, Tristan found himself in what he immediately knew as Sabine's room. Multiple works of art adorned the gray walls and ceiling, ranging from stormtroopers, to black-colored creatures, her iconic starbird, to even Clan Wren's own crest. Tristan hummed in amusement until his eyes fell on the wall just left of him.

Painted from one side of the wall to the other, was an unfinished mural. Adorned with himself, Ursa, his own father, the crew of the Ghost, and the huntsmen. Tristan would never consider himself a critic of art, but he would definitely -and confidently- admit to himself that this was Sabine's masterpiece…if it were finished that is.

At the very center were two unfinished sketches, presumably of Ezra and Sabine. While a rough sketch, Tristan was unable to tell if the two were holding hands, or just standing beside one another. But his mind was slowly coming to a conclusion about something else.

He wasn't angry at Sabine. He wasn't angry at Ezra. He was angry at himself.

So many new memories were made on this ship by Sabine, just like what he and Ursa saw on the Ghost. New memories, new lives. Something he himself, was never a part of.

But Tristan soon realized he wasn't alone.

"You know, she missed you."

The young Mandalorian turned towards the door and was surprised to find Yang standing right there. The huntress was leaning against the door frame as he continued speaking, "She missed all of you, both families, equally. Neither was put above the other."

Tristan was silent as he looked away before he answered, "When Sabine returned home, all she would do was talk about her friends, her other family. About Kanan. About Hera. About…Ezra. I felt jealous, bitter, maybe even angry. She made a new life, a life without any of us"

He then composed himself, "But now I realize I was never angry at any of them, I was angry at myself. That I was never there for her. When she left the academy, when she spoke out against the Empire, when she joined the Rebellion. But I never thought that a new life would find her with a Jedi."

Yang looked at him with sympathy, "I wish I was there with them, on Remnant, fighting side-by-side, making sure that she was safe. Being a part of her life."

Yang stood up as she spoke, "My mother left me when I was born, I don't know what life she's leading right now. But what I do know is that I've made my own, with my sister, and with my friends. Now I don't know if there's a chance that I'll find her or if she even comes back, but you have one. Rebel support or not, we're going back and we're fighting. But there's always room for more…"

Tristan seemed to get her meaning immediately. He straightened himself before answering.

"I'd be honored." he said, "Thank you Yang. For helping my sister. And now I'll help you."

It was then that the two heard the sound of footsteps hitting the ground. Heading out of the room, they saw Ruby bolting down the hall before stopping in front of them. The younger girl looked excited and nervous.

"Ruby?" Yang muttered

"Is everything alright?" Tristan asked her before seeing that she was out of breath. The two let her get her bearings before she answered.

"Hera called, they're ready to speak to us."

The two looked at one another before nodding in agreement.

"Let's go." Yang declared before leading them out of the ship.

Joining up with the rest of their friends, Kanan escorted the huntsmen to the Command Room, alongside Rex and Omega. Zeb was waiting for them, alongside what appeared to be Fenn Rau.

"Rau?" Tristan muttered upon noticing him, "What are you doing here, I thought you returned home?"

"Your mother has sent me in her place." Rau answered, "She's been informed of the situation, but was called to Mandalore shortly after. She sends her regards."

"I understand." Tristan replied, slightly disappointed that Ursa wasn't going to show up. But then again, while the Rebellion wasn't at war, the entire Mandalorian sector was. Sacrifices had to be made on all fronts, but Tristan knew that his mother would trust him to help the Rebels find Sabine.

"Better head inside." Zeb declared, "They're waiting, can't wait to hear."

Zeb then let the group in before joining them. The command room was semi-lit with a holoboard in the middle. Ruby and the others quickly recognized Mon Mothma, Hera, and Kallus among those gathered. The others included the members of Alliance Command; Tynnra Pamlo, Nower Jebel, Vasp Vaspar, and Bail Organa. Lastly, there was Admiral Raddus and General Dodonna.

Organa then spoke up as he addressed the newcomers "Which one of you is Ruby Rose?"

Ruby, upon hearing this, quickly took a step forward, "Me, sir. And you are…?"

"I'm Senator Bail Organa." he introduced himself, "On behalf of the Rebellion, we thank you and your friends for assisting two of our most loyal members."

"I guess you wish to tell us about our findings." Ruby assumed

"The schematics obtained by C1-10P have shown overwhelming evidence that this James Ironwood has been constructing a communication system to contact the Empire about the location of our base of operations here on Yavin." Kallus began, "He is in possession of an army of which is his own, and made up of Separatist battle droids including a small fleet of two figates and one dreadnought."

"He's obviously pro-Imperial judging by his actions." Jebel stated, "Forced labor, imprisonment of enemies, and military occupation."

"The Rebel fleet is more than capable to take on such a defense force of this size…" Raddus began until Jebel cut him off

"That is out of the question Admiral!" Jebel said, "This meeting is merely to assess the danger the Rebellion is in!"

"So you're not gonna help us!?" Weiss exclaimed

Mon Mothma looked rather upset, "That's not what we meant. What Senator Jebel means is…"

"While there is substantial intel regarding Ironwood's objective, there is little regarding his forces on the ground." Senator Vespar explained, "We cannot mount an attack with such intel. I am not against open war, but without additional intel there is nothing we can do."

"The best we can do…is order an evacuation of the base…" Pamlo added, slightly depressed

Ruby looked down in defeat. All of this…was for nothing. So much time, patience, traveling across an entire galaxy only to be stopped by Alliance bureaucracy. Weiss comforted Ruby, while Tristan clenched his fist at the Council's incompetence and refusal to rescue his sister. Maybe it was good that Ursa wasn't there after all. Even Hera looked ashamed, a glint of disillusionment lingered on until Yang broke it.

"Then we go back." she declared

Pamlo looked surprised, "What?"

"You want more information?" Yang questioned her, "Send us back. Ezra, Hunter, Echo, they're all on Remnant gathering forces. No doubt they're also spying on Ironwood as well."

"Yang's right." Blake spoke up, coming to her side, "We'll go back, learn more about Atlas' defenses, and we'll come back with more intel."

Kallus shook his head, "That would be impossible. From what you already found, Ironwood has only three days until his communication system is complete. It took you all a standard day to get here. We won't have enough time."

"We could provide them with the proper comm equipment?" Hera suggested, "One that could get past the droid fleet."

"Once we relay all our findings, you can send your fleet to take on the droids." Jaune added

"General Syndulla and the boy have a point." Vesper declared, "Besides as Admiral Raddus said before, we can take on what we have so far, and we've prepared for war no doubt. I propose we send them and a detachment of our own to return to Remnant at once."

"I volunteer." Tristan announced, stepping forward, "But I'm going nonetheless."

"You can count me in too." Hera added

"No General." Dondonna said to her, "We need you here if we decide to stage an attack. Phoenix Squadron's gonna need you."

"Then I'll go, in her place." Kanan stated, looking at Hera who gave him a 'thank you' look.

"Same here." Zeb added

"Here as well." Rex added as well

Ruby smiled as relief swept over her, and the rest of RWBY and JNPR. While it wasn't what they expected. The results were better than nothing. The Rebellion just needed a better look into the situation, but now they had to do their part and go back home.

"It's settled then." Mon Mothma declared, "The huntsmen will return with a detachment of Rebel troops to gather more intel on the occupation of Remnant and forward all data to us so we may launch an attack on the planet."

"We accept this mission, thank you." Ruby said to them

"Then return to your ship for preparation." Organa said to her, "And may the Force be with you all."

Ezra walked along the astral floor alongside Yoda. He didn't know how long he had been there, but he knew he was safe for the time being. Walking with Yoda felt like a privilege. He knew about Yoda's wisdom and role as Grand Master of the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars through both Ahsoka and Kanan.

"Powerful place this is." Yoda hummed, "In the Force that is."

"The Force feels different here." Ezra said to him as he gazed at the Void surrounding them, "Almost called to me. I wonder what happened to the Jedi here?"

"A temple this is, yes." Yoda muttered, "Built by the Jedi, it was not."

Ezra was abruptly pulled from his thoughts by Yoda's statement. The temple wasn't built by Jedi at all?

"But, the emblem outside was that of the Order." Ezra claimed

"Former Jedi they were no doubt." Yoda explained, "Fallen from the path they did. Lost their way, one by one. Left Coruscant years ago, disillusioned. Fell to the Dark Side they did, a fate young Bridger, you nearly did."

"Yeah…" Ezra muttered as he rubbed the back of his head

"Worry you must not." Yoda assured him as the floor soon turned into a circular platform. Yoda then sat down, "Come, sit."

Ezra did as Yoda said and knelt down opposite him as he spoke, "Different from most Jedi you are, young Ezra Bridger. Stronger in the Force you are now. Far from you friends. Yet conflict, I sense within you. Reluctance that is. Tell me, what troubles you?"

Ezra sighed as he spoke, "Someone I care about has been taken. The people of this planet are being occupied by Ironwood and his forces. He plans on revealing the Rebellion's location to the Empire!"

Yoda hummed as he nodded slowly, "Care about this person you do?"

"Yes, she's my friend." Ezra answered, "Sabine is important to me."

"Important?" Yoda claimed with a knowing look, "Love her you do."

Ezra looked down, "Yes, I do. But I won't act on it. It goes against the Jedi Code, and won't give into my emotions. I did that before, and I nearly lost everything. But what I just felt before, when I…reached out. It felt different…and I felt it before."

"Yes yes, generous the darkness is." Yoda stated truthfully, "Patient and winning it feels. But, in the heart of its strength lies its weakness. Enough to hold it back, one lone candle is. Love is more than just a candle. Ignite the stars, love can."

"But the Jedi are forbidden to…feel…" Ezra retorted

Yoda chuckled a bit, "Much to learn you still do, young Bridger. A story for you now. Years ago, there was a Jedi. Powerful in the Force and with a lightsaber. Very different from his peers, he was though. Always looked away he did, to stars, to the horizon. Yet, respected he was, by his peers, by his padawan, and his master. However, found something he did, and his heart he followed. Love, yes, love he found. And that love, save the galaxy it will."

Ezra looked confused, "Save the galaxy? What are you talking about?"

"Changed your destiny has, young Bridger." Yoda continued, "Guide you the Force shall. Lost their way, the Jedi did. Looked away from everyone, stuck to the code for too long. No different than those who built this place. Gone the Jedi are...fear of the unknown they had. Changed the rules have...move on from the past, we must."

"How do I do that?" Ezra asked

Yoda smiled, "The answer, you already know."

Ezra was silent for a moment. He thought for a second or two until the only word came into mind.

"Sabine."

Yoda grinned in satisfaction in the Jedi's response. Their surroundings slowly changed as it reverted to a room in the temple. It was circular with eight doorways that led to long hallways. There were the remains of Jedi nearby as well.

"Accept your feelings you have." Yoda said to him as he stood up and began walking back and forth slowly, "A powerful Jedi you shall become. But danger lies ahead. The dark side, surrounds this planet it does."

"So there is a threat here…" Ezra muttered

"But first, you must confront Ironwood." Yoda declared, "Save the one you love, you must. Only then your path will be laid out for you."

Yoda then stopped in front of Ezra and extended his hand, "Your lightsaber, if you please."

Ezra was confused but didn't see any harm in it. He reached down to his belt and removed his weapon before handing it to Yoda. Flipping the switch, the green blade emerged from the hilt.

"Lower your head." Yoda instructed him

Ezra was once more confused but did as he was told. What was Yoda doing? But he was silent as he listened to him.

"Stronger than any Jedi I've known. Your devotion to life is unmatched. A Jedi with no order, but a code to live by. There is no light without the dark. Through passion you have gained focus. Through knowledge you have gained power. Through victory, you shall gain harmony. There is and will only be, The Force…"

Yoda then pointed the green blade above Ezra's shoulder before doing the same on the other, "By the right of the Council. The will of the Force. Ezra Bridger, rise you may."

Ezra was baffled at what Yoda had said, what did this mean?

"I don't understand…" he said as he stood up, "What's happened?"

Yoda used the force to return Ezra's lightsaber to him, "You are, what your master is. A Knight of the Jedi Order, you've become."

He didn't say a word, but he understood the gravity of his newfound position. No longer was he considered a Padawan. He was now a fully-fledged Jedi Knight, he was practically an equal to Kanan.

It was then that Ezra realized that he still held Sabine kybar crystal in his hands. He inspected it carefully before lookin back up at Yoda. The Jedi Master smiled and simply nodded, "Feel the Force flowing through you. The love you share. The memories you bare. Let that love…be forged."

Ezra did just that. He opened himself up to the Force like he did before, and began focusing it into the crystal. Slowly but surely, it began turning pink and flickered. Ezra concentrated more and more as memories flashed through his mind. When he met his new family, hanging out with Sabine, the mission the two were on, the time on Remnant, all the way to the nights they spent together. Each second the crystal's pink glow grew brighter until it covered the entire room. Ezra felt the power it held radiate off of it. Eventually he felt it reach its limit and stopped.

Reaching out he summoned the pieces of lightsabers left by the Jedi remains. A silver hilt, a slanted emitter, a hexagonal bottom with a clip, a simple activator button, and a leather grip wrapped around the center. Lining them all up together, Ezra placed the crystal at the very center before putting them all together. They fit perfectly like a puzzle piece finding the correct spot. Ezra then grasped the new hilt and pressed the button.

A high pitched fizz sound no similar to Ahsoka's white lightsabers emitted before a bright pink blade emerged from the hilt. Ezra smiled at his creation, as he swung the new lightsaber around, testing its weight. He could feel the power and warmth emanating from the crystal, the very same feeling he and Sabine had felt since their time on Remnant.

Ezra then looked down at Yoda, "Thank you, Master."

Yoda smiled as the sound of a door sliding opened was heard. Ezra turned to see the door to the temple open up. Relief and happiness quickly hit him. He turned back to face Yoda, but to his surprise, he was already. But he soon heard his voice echo through the halls of the Temple.

"The Force will be with you, always…"

Ezra then deactivated the lightsaber before clipping it onto his belt next to the green one. Oh boy, he now had two lightsabers. More than Kanan! No doubt he would be jealous and try to hide it.

Ezra laughed to himself at such an idea as he made his way for the exit. When he emerged from the temple, he realized that it was dark outside. The planet's shattered moon hung in the sky. Ezra knew going back to base at night was not a good idea, so he went over to his speeder to set up a place to rest.

"Good thing I came prepared." he muttered to himself.

Once he was done making a small campfire he noticed a large rock nearby. Looking at it for a brief moment, he remembered what Yoda said about electric judgment. He then extended his hand and reached out with the Force, resulting in green lighting firing from his hand, striking the rock.

Ezra chuckled, slightly happy that he could do that. On instinct he brushed his hand on his clothes as if he were wiping them clean. It was then that he noticed just how beat up his attire was. His jacket was stained from grass and dust, shoulder armor was beaten up and dented one side, and his pants had rips on the legs.

Ezra sighed as he looked at himself. He really needed to change into something new. But he did remember if he brought any spare clothes with him. Going through the sack he had with him, he found something inside. Not clothes, but rather a burnt orange-colored cloth, several pieces to be exact. Just past them was a pair of dark gray pants.

Ezra then hummed to himself as he got an idea.

"Kanan?"

The Jedi Knight was pulled from his thoughts by Hera, who had entered his quarters on the Ghost. What she immediately noticed was the smile on the man's face.

"The team is just about ready." the Twi'lek said as he stood up, "Is everything alright?"

Kanan just smiled as he went up and embraced Hera. She was surprised at first, but quickly sunk into his arms as he said, "Yeah, everything is great. Ezra's good."

The two separated as Hera continued, "Come on, the team is waiting outside."

Hera and Kanan exited the Ghost and headed towards the Gauntlet. RWBY and Omega were just outside talking with JNPR.

"…You guys are staying here?" Weiss asked, a hint of bewilderment in her voice.

"Hera needs an extra pilot, and the ground team may need more people." Jaune explained, "We couldn't say no."

"We'll be fine." Pyrrha assured them, "Besides we'll be back to help nonetheless."

Yang nodded in agreement, "Alright then, good luck guys."

"Same." Nora replied, "And be careful."

JNPR then left as Hera and Kanan arrived. Zen then showed as well, having just come from the ship.

"Tristan getting the ship set up, and we're fully stocked." Zen announced, "Looks like we're all set."

"Not yet, Rex hasn't showed up." Ruby spoke up

"Yeah, where is he?" Kanan muttered, suddenly noticing the absence of the old clone.

"I'm right here."

The group turned around, and we're greeted by not an old clone, but a much younger one. Rex had also redonned his entire phase II armor as well. His helmet was under his shoulder, while his face still held a full beard, now blonde.

"Karabast…" Zeb muttered in disbelief

"Rex?" Hera began asking, "What happened to you?"

"You can thank Omega." Rex simply put it while raising a now empty syringe, "Tech really outdid himself."

Omega simply smiled, "Well, not everything changed…"

"True, I had to keep the beard." Rex muttered as he rubbed his facial hair, "Old habits die hard."

Kanan then spoke up, "We better get moving. Time is at the essence."

"Agreed." Yang said before leading everyone towards the ship. But was stopped by Hera.

"Wait!" she shouted, "Thank you… for helping them

Ruby simply smiled and nodded, "Thank you, for helping us."

Hera smiled back as they boarded the Gauntlet.

Once on board, Kanan, Ruby, and Omega entered the cockpit, where Tristan was waiting for them in the pilot's seat.

"Ship's all set." Tristan announced while turning to face them, "Ready when you are."

"Take is up kid." Kanan said, to which Tristan powered up the Gauntlet. The ship lifted off the ground, before flying up into the sky. The Gauntlet whizzed past the Rebel fleet and into space. Ruby then turned to Kanan.

"You know, Ezra told us that he was still a Padawan." she said to him, "Is there a reason why?"

"Ezra isn't a Padawan anymore, even I'm surprised now." Kanan replied. Ruby could tell he was slightly proud, despite only seeing half of his face due to his mask. But he then responded as the Gauntlet entered hyperspace.

"He's now a Jedi Knight."

Next on The Jedi and the Mandalorian...

Chapter 19 - The Calm