Epilogue

His eyes felt heavy as he struggled to open them. Once he did, he was blinded by the light of the room. He raised his hand to shield himself until his eyes adjusted to the light. His body no longer felt like it was pressed up against the wall of the Gauntlet, and he felt more comfortable. It was then that he realized he was in a bed of sorts. His surroundings were that of a medical chamber.

"Morning, Commander Bridger."

Ezra turned in the direction of the voice. Mon Mothma stood in the corner of the room. From the look of her posture, she arrived not that long ago.

"Senator." he said as he sat up, "Where am I?"

"A medical facility, on Yavin 4." she answered

He was on the Rebel base Hera had spoken about, "How long was I out?"

"Two rotations." she replied, "Today would've been your third. Exhaustion is quite consuming."

She then slowly approached his side as she continued, "The Alliance owes you its gratitude Ezra. You managed to save what was left of Phoenix Group on Atollon, and then, saved the entire Rebellion, along with an entire planet from Imperial rule."

Ezra smiled as he chuckled slightly, "Well, I didn't do it alone…"

"You're quite right." Mon Mothma agreed with him, "Your friends are still here, including the man Ozpin."

Ezra nodded slowly before two more thoughts came to mind, "What about Ironwood?"

"Imprisoned, as of now. We have plans to transfer him to Sunspot Prison soon." she explained, "Ozpin will be speaking with him soon."

"And…Sabine?" he then questioned

Mon Mothma smiled, "She woke up last rotation. I shall clear you, so you may see her."

Several minutes later, Ezra was cleared from the medical wing and allowed to leave. As he made his way through the corridors of the base, several personnel stopped to either salute him or acknowledge him as he walked by.

"Commander." one said

"Good to have you back kid."

This continued on for a bit until Ezra noticed the familiar back of Hera within the outer reaches of the hangar. Kanan and Zeb were with her. Kanan immediately nudged her to get to turn around. Once she did, she immediately ran over to Ezra and hugged him.

"Ezra!" Hera exclaimed in an exhausted tone before letting him go, "Are you ok?"

"I am now." he replied, "Just glad to finally be home."

"Yeah well you are not going anywhere off planet for the time being after what you went through." Hera sternly told him, though it was obvious she wasn't angry at him.

"Yes ma'am." he replied, happy to be back with them after being separated for so long. But it was then that he noticed one certain individual was not no among them.

"Where's Sabine?" he asked curiously, to which Hera smiled in amusement before Zeb spoke up.

"Eh, she's your ship kid." he explained, "Said something about finishing up a project left unfinished. We'll let you go see her."

"I'll take you there." Kanan added before leading Ezra out towards the base' exterior. He then continued to speak, "I think these belong to you."

He proceeded to hand Ezra his lightsabers. First giving him his pink one, which the younger Jedi clipped to his belt, before handing him his now broken green one. Ezra took both pieces in both hands, luckily for him the kybar crystal was still intact.

"Sorry…" Ezra muttered, though it wasn't him who broke it in the first place

"Don't worry, it can be fixed." Kanan assured, "I'm proud of you. Both of you and Sabine. Saved the Rebellion, and gave hope to an entire planet."

"There's more though." Ezra clarified, "Something's different about Remnant. A shadow in the Force. Whatever it was, it was enough to drive Ironwood insane. I feel like my destiny has altered, like I was meant to be there."

"Well, whatever happens, I'll be sure to be there to help you Ezra." Kanan assured him, "Now you better go find Sabine, I have to deal with our new prisoner."

Ezra smirked before turning off in the direction of the Gauntlet. All while Kanan went back into the temple.

The sound of automatic doors sliding open filled the room as Ozpin appeared in the door frame.

"Thank you." he said to the guards of the cell as he entered and approached the lone occupant inside. The now former General Ironwood sat at the table. His uniform tarnished and stripped of his jacket, hair disheveled, and prosthetic arms replaced with a new dull gray one. He looked up and glared at his former ally, clearly sore over his defeat. Ozpin remained ever neutral in his expression as he sat down across him.

"Come to see me off?" Ironwood muttered, "I already know I'm not staying in one place for long."

"Why?" Ozpin asked bluntly, "What was all this really for James? After all we've been through? You just cast it all aside like it was nothing. For what? A bunch of mere robots left from a forgotten war?"

Ironwood frowned as he leaned in, "You know exactly why I did this Oz. You were the one who showed me the truth about Remnant, its secrets, its past. You showed me the bigger picture, and I took it a step further, because you were cautious to action. This is all on you."

Ozpin folded his arms as he let James continue, "And now…I'm curious. How long will it take for them to know the truth? What will you do when the Jedi learn what you really are? There's a war coming Oz. Your students are caught in the middle, and you know that."

Ozpin remained silent for a moment before he spoke, "I have hope. Hope that we will win. And when that day comes, I'll take all blame if I have to, even if it kills me."

With that said, Ozpin stood up from his seat, grabbed his cane, and made his way back to the door as it opened. He then stopped once more in the frame and turned back to face Ironwood.

"And Oz, is what my friends call me." he stated, "To you, its Professor."

With that, he then left the prison cell, and the door slid shut. Ironwood then shouted out loud so Ozpin could hear him.

"You can't stop what's coming Ozpin! The game has changed! She is coming!" he cried out before sinking into his seat.

"She is coming…"

"...Sunspot Prison is our remote supermax facility." Mon Mothma explained to Ozpin as they arrived outside the base along with Glynda, Qrow, Winter, Kanan, Hunter, and Echo, "He will be secure there, for now."

"If only it never came to all of this." Ozpin sighed, "Regardless, thank you Senator, for help us."

"The Alliance shall do more." she continued, "It's not much, but we have the resources to help reconstruct your communication tower. It'll take time, but it's progressing."

"Thank you." he repeated, thankful to know Remnant may not be dark for too long.

"Now if you may excuse me. I must deal with the Council on Imperial matters." she said before excusing herself.

"Well, I guess we should be heading out too." Hunter announced

"You're not staying?" Kanan questioned

Hunter shook his head, "The fight's been long over for us. We had fun the past few days, don't get us wrong. But it's time for us to take it easy."

"Back to Remnant I presume?" Qrow muttered

"Nope, not for us. Our fight has been long over." said Echo, "We know of a secret island we can stay at for now. But Omega volunteered to stay here for now to be a pilot."

"But if you need us, we'll be back to help." Hunter added before extending his hand, which Oz shook. The two clones then took their leave.

We should get going to Ozpin." Glynda spoke up, "The senator has prepared a shuttle for us. RWBY and JNPR have volunteered to stay for now. I'm shocked Qrow was accepting such a choice.

"Well, I can't keep them on the ground forever. Their mother would be proud of them." he chuckled, "We should get moving."

"One more thing." Kanan said to them as he folded his arms, "I have the feeling you're keeping something from us. Something we should know."

"And you are right, Master Jedi." Ozpin answered, "But now is not the time. James, regardless of his reckless actions, was right. There are threats to Remnant, and it needs more than ever now. The cycle has to change, and I must make things right."

Kanan nodded slowly as they all left, it wasn't the answer he wanted to hear, but he was right. Now was the time to rest and be patient. When the time comes, all will be revealed.

"The Force will be with you..." he then heard Ozpin say as they left for their shuttle, "Always."

The common room of the Gauntlet was an absolute mess. Ezra had to walk over several items scattered on the floor. It was a heck of a battle in the sky, so no wonder things were bound to have shuffled. Yet, despite the messy state, Ezra didn't mind one bit. He felt the echoes of the room through the Force, the memories created during his and Sabine's time here. Ruby and her friends were not to be left out either as they too were part of the journey. One that had finally reached its end.

Ezra felt his feet brush against something on the ground. Looking down he found his scout trooper helmet and Sabine's own helmet laying there. He picked them both up and gazed into them. Their colorful paint jobs were beginning to chip away, no doubt from usage, which revealed their respective primers underneath.

Ezra then went over to the holotable and placed them both beside one another.

"I was wondering where you were." a voice called out to him

Turning around upon hearing someone, Ezra found who he was looking for. Standing in the entrance to the common room was Sabine. She leaned against the doorframe with her arms folded. Her hair had changed, now black to its original black, but with the ends fading into a deep purple. A bacta patch was on her cheek from where she was hit with the Darksaber.

Ezra could help but smile before he ran over and hugged her. The lack of resistance and feeling of reciprocation was a sign that she was not complaining, as they remained silent for a few seconds.

"You changed your hair." he muttered, still embracing her

"You know me." she replied before they both broke apart. Ezra then gestured at the bacta patch on her.

"How's your new look?" he then asked

Sabine proceeded to remove the bacta patch. Her own pair of twin scars ran over her right jaw, just like Ezra's on his left cheek; a permanent mark meant to remain. No nano droids or microsurgery would remove it. But that didn't bother the Mandalorian one bit.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked

"I'd say you're trying to copy my look." he quipped playfully, to which she laughed

"What can I say, you're an inspiration." she said as she approached him and took his hand, "Come on, there's something you need to see."

Going along with her, Ezra allowed Sabine to guide him down the hall, soon arriving at her room. Ezra entered first, followed by her. The young Jedi gazed at the various colorful works of art that covered the walls and ceiling. But his attention soon shifted towards the newest piece Sabine had added, or dare he say, completed.

Plastered across the entirety of the left wall, was the mural Sabine had been working on since their time on Remnant. During that time, she added everyone she considered family, including her own and those on the Ghost. She then further added Ruby and her friends later on down the road. But the only two who weren't there were themselves. All that Sabine did make were rough sketches in the very center of the mural. Now, it was real, as he and Sabine stood in the center, hand-in-hand, looking at one another.

Ezra was dumbfounded upon seeing it. Sabine laughed at his expression as she joined him by his side.

"I knew what I wanted." she said, "I just…couldn't get it right, no matter how hard I tried. Then, it finally came to me the day I left you behind, just before we arrived at the factory. I envisioned what was to come, and this was what I saw."

Ezra was still mesmerized by the mural as Sabine continued, "I guess it was then I had a feeling that I like you, and Kanan too…I don't know what will happen to us. But, whatever it is, I don't want to be alone. Like you said: together."

Ezra heard what she said as he continued to stare at the mural. Slowly he turned to her and took her hand. The Force called to them both, as that familiar feeling they felt for so long returned.

"I love you too." he said, which was all she needed to hear. She leaned in and pressed her lips against his own. Finally, after everything they went through, it was all over…

…Though that wouldn't last very long as the door to the room slid open. The couple promptly pulled apart once they saw Tristan standing there.

"Whoa!" he said, not executing them to be doing…that. Granted, he had a feeling it was gonna happen sooner rather than later, but still.

Sabine then marched over to him and swatted at his head in frustration. All while Ezra laughed at the scene unfolding.

"Sorry!" Tristan exclaimed, "I heard Ezra just woke up, we all did."

"Well this better not become a recurring theme from now on." Sabine replied

"Wait, we?" Ezra questioned

The Jedi was answered by the sound of footsteps, which was followed by Ruby appearing in the door.

"Is he here?" she asked blankly before seeing Ezra, "He is!"

Ruby then ran up and hugged them both. Yang and the others then arrived as the four left Sabine's room.

"Welcome back." Yang said with a smirk while slugging Ezra in the arm, "So Lover Boy, did it work out?"

Weiss sighed at her friend's instigation, "Yang, please leave them alone."

"Oh it worked alright." Sabine was the one to answer, clearly amused, "Isn't that right, love?"

"Really, now?" Ezra muttered, "Right in front of them."

"Aw, you're nervous already." Sabine cooed in response

Blake then chuckled, "Wow you both have the banter."

"And its not like we already knew." Nora added, "The writing was all over the walls…literally."

She then pointed at Sabine's newly completed mural on the wall.

"Really? Who told you?' Ezra asked curiously

Pyrrha shrugged, "Figured it out, I mean it wasn't that hard. Plus Chopper was a bit of a helper."

That last part caught their attention. What did they mean Chopper 'helped'?" Fortunately their question was answered by a series of holograms displaying their time together. The sound of mechanical laughter filled the air as Chopper stood at the end of the hallway; he had swooped in on them both since the very beginning.

"CHOPPER!" they screamed in unison as the droid darted out of the ship, laughing as he did.

"That boltrat!" Sabine hissed in anger, "I'll scrap him for parts!"

Ezra then put a hand on her shoulder, "Let it go, I'm sure Hera will get to him first anyway."

He then turned back to the huntsmen, "So…I guess you guys came to say goodbye?"

"Actually…" Ruby began, "We thought about staying for now. Remnant can wait, for now at least. Ozpin's going back to help rebuild and the Alliance will be helping us. They have hope, we have hope."

Ezra and Sabine were obviously happy at this news. Both then turned to the last individual amongst them.

"And you? Are you saying goodbye?" Ezra then asked Tristan

Tristan then sighed, "I do have to leave and good home. Mother needs help with the war on Mandalore I'm afraid…"

Sabine, while obviously sad, understood why her brother had to leave. She leaned her head on Ezra's shoulder.

"But…" Tristan continued, causing his sister to perk up, "That doesn't mean I have to leave just yet."

"Perfect!" Yang shouted, causing several of them to jump back, "Now comes the time for us to have some fun! Where to boss?"

Ezra sighed a little as he rubbed the back of his head, "Well you see Hera kinda…grounded us for the time being. Guess that happens when you get stranded on an unknown planet for over a month."

"Boo." Nora muttered in disgust, "I hate being grounded."

"But…" Sabine added, "That rule usually applies to when we're on her ship, not ours."

A relative silence then swept over them all, as they processed the words she had just said. That ws, until Ezra gave out an order.

"To the cockpit."

"YES!"

Everyone then went in the direction of the cockpit. Jaune originally wanted to fly the ship, but was beaten to it by Ezra. He and Sabine stain their own respective seats as pilot and co-pilot. While everyone else sat in the back.

"You guys never answered my question though." Yang then said to the Jedi and Mandalorian, "Where should we go?"

Both looked at one another, before Sabine looked out at her room. The doors were still open, allowing her to see her mural. She felt the Force call out to her, for she already knew the answer.

"It doesn't matter where we go." she exclaimed, "As long as we're together."

Within the deep forest outside Vale sat an abandoned city. It had been long inhabited by anyone, save for the occasional Grimm horde that was. Only now, that has changed. Within the intersections of the city was a massive base for the White Fang.

A TV sat on a table that displayed the events during the battle over Vale. The screen then shifted to images of both Ezra and Sabine before a red sword was thrusted into its screen, causing the images to freeze and crack, leaving Ezra's face in place. A man huffed in anger at the recent events that took place, that man turned out to be Adam. Torchwick, his associate, was nearby.

"I just bought that, you know." the latter muttered

Adam then turned to face the criminal in anger, "Are you even in the slightest worried at what just happened!? The plan! Months! Days! All gone! Its should've been us attacking Vale! Not Ironwood and his metalhead freaks!

Torchwick grimaced, "Of course I'm worried! An entire fleet of unknown origin just came outta nowhere! The CCT is now gone, all that's left are mere rumors!"

"That's enough, both of you!"

Both men turned to see three individuals standing before them. The one in the middle shrouded in darkness. The first on the right was the one who shouted at them. It was a young woman with medium-brown skin and dark-red eyes. Her hair was a light, mint-green with a straight fringe and bangs as well as two long locks on each side in the back. She wore two bronze-colored rings on her middle fingers as well as a pair of strappy high-heeled pumps. Her attire consisted of an intricate white top and an olive-colored crop top. She also wore a gold, three-ring armband on her left arm and a string of gold beads near the same wrist. She also sported white cropped pants with brown chaps that attach to her brown belt.

The figure on the left was a boy who was leaning against a wall with a smug expression on his face. He was a pale, young man with gray eyes and gray hair, partially slicked back while unkempt at the front. He had a slate gray and black two-tone partial-zip jacket that covered his upper body. He also wears a single notched belt with what appears to be a sash or bandana draped over it. Protecting his arms are a set of rerebraces and vambraces.

Torchwick snorted, "You three? I thought you were captured at Beacon?"

"Please, they could've tried all they wanted." the boy retorted smugly while examining his hand, "They never stood a chance."

The girl then walked over to them with a hand on her hip, "I see you two made yourself at home since then."

"We didn't have much of a choice." Adam hissed, "Especially after Atlas showed up. Our plan has been completely sabotaged!

"Not entirely…"

Everyone turned back to the figure in the shadows as they emerged. It was a fair-skinned young woman with amber eyes and ashen-black hair that covered her left eye. She had lipstick and violet eyeshadow. Her attire consisted of a dark red, off-the-shoulders v-neck mini dress with yellow designs. There was a blue feather-like accessory on her right hip at the top of an open portion of her dress. The dress ended in an upside-down triangular tail in the back, ending just above the was a quarter-circle shaped keyhole on the dress' upper back at the same height as her chest. The sleeves ended in a triangle shape, which were wrapped or tied around her middle finger, with the gold designs of the sleeve taking over at the wrists. Her fingernails were painted dark red. She wore black shorts underneath her dress, as well as a black choker on her neck. She had a gold hoop earring with a black gem dangling from it on her right ear. She had dark, glass, high-heeled shoes and a jeweled anklet on her right leg.

The woman walked slowly past the mall as Torchwick spoke, "And what exactly do you have in mind sweetheart?"

The woman went over to the now damaged TV and examined the image of Ezra's face. A devious smile found itself on her.

"I want to know everything about this boy." she said in a sweet and sickly tone, "His whereabouts, his secrets, his power. All of it."

THE END