WE'RE SO BACK (back to ur pov)

That night, to my surprise, I slept like a log—a deep, dreamless rest that my mind and body had desperately needed. It felt good to finally silence the whirlwind of thoughts that had plagued me. When I awoke, it was earlier than usual, before the soft light of dawn could spill into my room. Instead, my surroundings were bathed in the bluish glow of a setting moon, casting an ethereal light across the quiet space.

I rose and dressed, carefully donning the formal robes that I had worn countless times before, yet today they felt different—heavier, more significant. There were so many layers, but they had always been a source of pride for me. The robes were classic, immediately recognizable as the attire of a Jedi, each fold and stitch steeped in tradition. Mine were a mixture of soft cream and beige, with a leather belt cinching the ensemble together. It wasn't dissimilar to what I wore day to day, but this time, it all felt... ceremonial. A long tunic over a floor-length skirt, the high-waisted belt adorned with my lightsabers, and, of course, my brown cloak, the unmistakable symbol of the Jedi.

My hands worked through my hair, twisting it into a complicated mix of buns and braids. The intricate style wasn't just about appearance—it was another part of the tradition, a mark of the solemnity of the occasion. My fingers paused over my padawan braid, the small, symbolic strand that had hung from my head since I was first accepted into training. I twirled it around my finger, feeling the smoothness of the rubber band holding it in place. It would be gone soon, cut away in a moment I had dreamed of for so long. Yet, in a strange way, I knew I would miss it—the way it would swing every time I turned my head, its light tug at my scalp. That tiny, irritating braid had been with me through every trial and challenge, a constant reminder of the journey I had undertaken.

Once I was fully dressed, I made my way through the silent corridors towards the high council chambers. No one was around; the halls were eerily empty, though I knew this was intentional. The ceremony was private, reserved only for the council and the initiate. Still, the silence unnerved me, as if the temple itself was holding its breath, waiting for what was to come.

I knew the council awaited me inside—not only because I was familiar with the ritual of knighthood but because I could feel them. The strength of their presence in the Force was undeniable, powerful yet calm, like the stillness before a storm. It was a sensation that even those without the Force might be able to feel, the sheer weight of power that seemed to seep through the very walls of the chamber.

As I approached the doors, the sun began to crack over the horizon, sending a golden glow through the small gap between them. The light outlined the grand entrance in a shimmering halo, as though the very Force itself was welcoming the dawn of a new day, a new chapter. With a low creak, the doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of the council chambers. I was hit with an overwhelming wave of energy, the combined presence of the greatest Jedi in the Order, and for a brief moment, I had to remind myself to breathe.

"Come forth, Padawan Y/N L/N," the voices of the council members echoed in unison, filling the vast chamber. Their words carried both the weight of tradition and the warmth of familiarity. Despite the nerves that threatened to grip me, I stepped forward without hesitation, making my way to the center of the room. I stood there, feeling the gaze of each master upon me, as though they were reading every part of my being through the Force.

Master Fisto was the first to speak, his voice steady and kind. "Y/N, you are steadfast," he began, his words striking deep. He had been the one to bring me to the temple all those years ago, and now, here he was, acknowledging the very trait that had driven me from the start.

Master Plo Koon followed. "You are honest," he said, his words measured and thoughtful.

And then, one by one, the other masters spoke, each offering a trait they had seen or foresaw in me. "You are intelligent," one said. "You poses valour," added another. Each word felt like a piece of the puzzle coming together, a reflection of the person I had become through their teachings and guidance.

When it came to Master Windu, his voice was as commanding as ever. "You pursue justice, and you are forthright in your actions," he declared. His words carried a sense of finality, of judgment, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility that came with them.

Finally, Grand Master Yoda rose from his chair. The other masters followed suit, standing in unison as their lightsabers ignited with a collective hum. The air around us crackled with the energy of the moment. Master Yoda, his small form somehow towering in the vast chamber, stepped towards me, his saber glowing in the dim light.

"These are the traits of a Jedi Knight," he said, his voice as ancient and wise as the Force itself. "Bear them well."

With a single, graceful motion, he placed his saber over one shoulder and then the other, and with a flick of his wrist, he severed the padawan braid. I felt the weight of it fall, the final symbol of my apprenticeship vanishing in an instant.

"Rise, Y/N L/N, Jedi Knight," Yoda commanded, and I did as he said, standing taller than I ever had before. I bowed deeply, my heart swelling with pride and humility.

"I hereby devote my life to the Jedi Order. The Force will be with me, always," I vowed, the words flowing naturally from my lips. It felt right, like the culmination of everything I had worked for, the fulfillment of a destiny I had only begun to understand.

I finished, the lightsabers of the council extinguished simultaneously, as I pulled mine from my belt and ignited them. I held them firm in my hand, feeling the familiar hum vibrating through my palms. Master Yoda nodded, a small but meaningful gesture, and the council spoke in unison as I turned and left,

"May the force be with you."

The massive doors clunked shut behind me, the sound reverberating through the ancient stone hallways of the Jedi Temple, as if the building itself was acknowledging the significance of this moment. I took a deep breath, the familiar scent of incense and polished stone grounding me as I stepped forward. Before me, a sea of Jedi waited, their faces illuminated by the soft, golden light filtering through the towering windows. Many of them were smiling, their eyes filled with pride and warmth. Some were familiar faces, mentors and peers who had accompanied me throughout my journey, while others were Jedi I had seen only in passing—yet all had come to congratulate me.

Despite the war scattering many of the Order across the galaxy, there was still a considerable number present. It was more than I had expected. The temple, often filled with the weight of duty and discipline, now buzzed with quiet excitement, a rare and precious atmosphere amidst the darkness of war. The warmth of it all filled my chest as I moved through the crowd, receiving congratulations from one after another, each hug, handshake, and smile reminding me of the camaraderie that had sustained me over the years.

After being congratulated and hugged by nearly everyone, Ahsoka and I finally slipped away, our hearts light with the rare chance to share such joy. She looped her arm through mine, grinning broadly as we made our way out of the hall.

"So, breakfast before the military service?" she asked, a playful tone in her voice. Of course, Ahsoka wouldn't miss the service; as Commander of the 501st, she was expected to be there.

"Sounds good, i'm starving." I smiled.

We giggled and bantered as we made our way through the temple, the familiar paths we had walked so many times now feeling different with the weight of this new chapter in my life. The marble corridors, lined with ancient statues of long-gone Jedi, echoed with our hurried footsteps that in reality were almost skips.

"Let's grab breakfast in the mess hall," she suggested with a sly grin. "You know the troops won't let you slip by without a celebration anyway."

I laughed, knowing she was right. There wasn't time to go anywhere far in any case. As we turned the corner and entered the bustling mess hall, the familiar clatter of trays and low chatter of the clone troopers filled the space. The moment we stepped inside, a wave of noise hit us as a motley crew of clones from the 104th, 501st, and 212th spotted us and made a beeline in our direction. Their armor was scuffed and worn from battle, but their faces were beaming with pride and affection. Before I knew it, I was swept into a whirlwind of hugs, high-fives, and cheeky remarks. They surrounded me in a flurry of congratulations, their rough hands patting me on the back, squeezing my shoulders, and even lifting me off my feet in their exuberance.

"Hey, easy!" I laughed, as one clone planted a playful sloppy kiss on my cheek, causing an uproar of laughter from the others. Ahsoka stood nearby, arms crossed, watching with an amused smirk as I was passed from one enthusiastic trooper to the next.

Amidst the sea of faces, I suddenly caught the gaze of a familiar blonde-haired clone, standing a little further back in the group. My heart skipped a beat as Captain Rex met my eyes, his soft yet spirited smile standing out from the boisterous crowd. I could feel Ahsoka's elbow nudging me before I even had a chance to react—there was no doubt she had sensed the surge of emotion that flickered through me. Her knowing grin only made my face flush more as Rex began to push past the group, his smile growing wider as he approached

As Rex stepped forward, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, he gave me a once-over, his brown eyes sparkling with mischief. "Master Jedi," he said again, this time with a teasing lilt, crossing his arms.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, a soft laugh escaping me. "I'm no Master yet, Rex. You know that."

"Could've fooled me," he said with a chuckle. "From the way they're all treating you, I'd say you're on the council by now."

I nudged him lightly with my elbow. "Oh please, stop. I'm just lucky to have survived this long."

"Luck? Or skill?" His gaze lingered, the teasing fading into something more sincere. "Not many can hold their own like you can. I'd say you earned that promotion."

I felt my cheeks flush, suddenly very aware of the space between us—or rather, the lack of it. Ahsoka, standing just behind us, cleared her throat, an amused smirk plastered on her face. I shot her a look, but she only raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Well," I said, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up my neck, "I would definitely bet on you in a fight, Captain."

Rex leaned in slightly, just enough to make me catch my breath. "If we were on opposite sides I might let you win, Jedi Knight." he teased playfully. His tone wasn't suggestive, it didn't indicate anything, but the fact that he had said something like that had made my mind reel.

I blinked, caught off guard by his words. Ahsoka elbowed me again, harder this time, and I tried to shake off the flutter in my chest. "You'd better not," I said, my voice more steady than I felt. "I'd hate to go easy on you."

He straightened, giving me a mock salute. "I wouldn't dream of it."

-

Not long after breakfast, it was time for the service. The buzz of the mess hall quickly faded as the troops of the 501st and the 104th began to slip away, vanishing to Force-knows-where about twenty minutes before the ceremony. I exchanged a quick look with Ahsoka, who shrugged, equally in the dark. The energy around the temple shifted, becoming more formal and purposeful, the air heavy with anticipation.

Ahsoka and I walked in comfortable silence toward the entrance to the hangar deck. As we approached, the sight of familiar faces greeted us. Anakin stood near the entrance, his arms crossed over his chest, a proud grin already spreading across his face. Next to him was Master Plo Koon, his tall, regal figure commanding attention, though his expression was calm and reserved as always. Standing just behind them were Captain Rex and Commander Wolffe, both in full armor, helmets rested under their arms. Rex gave me a reassuring nod, while Wolffe, stoic as ever, raised his eyebrows shortly in recognition.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up," Anakin teased, raising an eyebrow as we approached.

I rolled my eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth despite the nervous energy bubbling inside me. "We weren't all sneaking off to mysterious clone briefings," I shot back.

"We'll keep you in suspense on that," Rex chimed in, his tone light but his eyes steady on me, that familiar warmth and reassurance making my heart do backflips in my chest.

Ahsoka crossed her arms and shot Anakin a playful glare. "Should we be concerned?"

Anakin waved off her concerns with a casual flick of his wrist. "Nothing you can't handle. Besides, this is your day," he added, turning his attention back to me. "Ready?"

I took a deep breath and nodded. Ready or not, it was happening. Ahsoka squeezed my arm gently before we all turned to face the rows of clone troopers lined up in perfect formation, their armor gleaming under the hangar lights. It was a sight to behold—rows upon rows of soldiers standing at attention, united in purpose. The sound of boots snapping together echoed across the deck as we began to walk between the lines of men who had fought beside us, who had risked their lives time and time again.

As we neared the pedestal where the ceremony would take place, the subtle hum of ships from the adjacent hangar filled the air. The faint scent of engine oil, blaster residue, and polished metal grounded me as I took my place at the center. Anakin stepped up beside me, followed by Plo Koon, who raised his hand in a gesture for silence. The rows of clones instantly went still, their focus entirely on the scene unfolding before them.

Plo's deep voice resonated through the hangar as he began to speak. "Today marks an important step in the journey of one who has proven herself time and again. Through battle, courage, and leadership, she has earned the respect of her fellow Jedi and the loyalty of those she leads." His eyes, glowing beneath his mask, settled on me with a quiet pride. "Today, we officially welcome her as General of the Grand Army of the Republic."

A soft ripple of acknowledgment passed through the ranks of troopers. I could feel their eyes on me, and from the corner of my vision, I caught Rex's steady gaze, a quiet strength in his stance that seemed to anchor me.

Plo Koon stepped aside, and Anakin took a step forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, I could give a long speech about how great you are, but I'll spare everyone." He smirked, causing a few chuckles from the surrounding troopers. "Just know that you've more than earned this. You're ready. Welcome to the 501st."

With that, he handed me a set of military grade vambraces, shiny and new, complete with holodisplays and comlinks—a symbolic gesture marking my new rank. I took them with steady hands, though my heart felt like it might beat out of my chest. A surge of pride and responsibility washed over me as I turned to face the rows of clones once more, now as their General.

Just as the ceremony was about to close, a loud cheer erupted from somewhere in the back of the formation, followed by a series of whistles and hoots from the clones. Anakin laughed, shaking his head as even Wolffe cracked a small smile.

"That's your army now," Rex said quietly from beside me, his voice low but filled with admiration.

I smiled, feeling the weight of the moment settling into place. "Yeah," I murmured, turning to him with a grin. "I think I love them already."