Star Wars: Pathways

Chapters

Prologue: New World Order
1: Pathway
2: An Explosive Arrival

Prologue: New World Order

Author's Note

Just a quick note before you start reading. This prologue is skip-able. Most of this chapter is pretty much politics (very questionable politics at that). This chapter is meant to go into detail on how Myth joined the Galactic Republic and introduces one of the main characters. If you hate politics in general or don't care for back story then skip along to the first chapter and begin the adventure.

Prologue: New World Order

Being the ruler of Equestria was not what it was cracked up to be by the common pony. From running the courts to making and adjust the laws, it was one of the more mentally and some times physically demanding jobs. On top of that with no vacations, doing this day in a day out it was only a wonder how Celestia had been putting up with this for thousands of years and not turn into a tyrant yet. With another dull yet tiring day completed she returned to her bed chamber to let her sister take over for the night shift. She was more than thankfully for having her sister back with her to able to take a huge worked load and stress off Celestia's back.

She looked into a while removing her regal attire and started brushing her magical flowing mane. Her routine was interrupted by a beat of knocks on her door. Celestia could of sworn she was hearing things. She gently set her brush aside and and opened the door with her magic revealing a certain guards pony on the other side.

"Your majesty." The pony bowed.

"Hello there. Is there something I can do for you this fine evening?" Celestia responded with a slight yawn.

"Not for me your highness, but you do have a visitor waiting for you."

"A visitor? At this time of night?" If she was getting a visitor this late at night then there were only a few possibilities as to who that might be.

"Yes princess, we stopped her from entering the castle. It seemed suspicious what a dragon would be doing out here in the middle of Equestria requesting to see you."

A dragon they wouldn't let into the castle? That ruled out Spike, so that left only one possibility, but she had to make sure of it first.

"Did this dragon give her name by any chance?"

"She said her name was... Sousis I think."

A smile formed on her once when she knew she guessed right. "You can allow her in. Go and tell her she knows where to meet me."

"I'll get right on it." The guard snapped a quick salute before turning away to meet the dragon at the entrance once more.

Celestia quietly closed the door shut and went back to brushing her mane again. "I swear she picks the oddest times to have a reunion."

The Princess of the night, perched herself on at the highest point of the castle as she always did before she took over for the night. The moon was still shifting positions as her horn glowed with radiance that kept control over her symbol. She was almost startled by her own sister who just came onto the balcony with her.

"S-sister? Shouldn't you be in bed by now?"

"Now Lulu, you're the last pony in the world to talk to me about bed times." Celestia giggled under her breath.

"Hmph. May I remind you that you were the one that always kept me up at night?"

"After you beg and plead to play more games and I had no choice to accept."

"Just... just... quiet you."

"As always, I win again." Celestia always loved the feeling of having that victory grin on her face, especially when it was a victory against her sister.

"What brings you up here anyway at this time of night?"

"A good friend of mine is coming to visit real soon."

"Who might that be?"

"She's a young but wise dragon I met about twenty years ago."

"A dragon you say? She must be quite the interesting character."

A soft spoken female voice spoke from above. "Why thank you your majesty."

Both of the startled princesses looked up behind them on the roof. Perched up on top was slender adolescent winged-drake. Her pearly white scales complimented the night time sky and stars. Her draconic golden eyes could distract anyone from her bronze finned spines that traveled down from the top of her head to the tip of her tail including the crests on the sides of her head. One could tell that her four horns were only just growing out due them being somewhat stubby, but still sharp none the less. Based on her size anyone could tell she was only a "teenager" in dragon years for her breed. Her short snout was nothing to joke about when she opened her mouth to reveal her pearly razor edged teeth.

"Still illusive as ever Sousis?" Celestia greeted her old friend.

The drake hybrid leaped down from her perch and gave Celestia a small hug. "I try my best. Its been quite a while hasn't it?"

Celestia released herself from the hug. "About ten years?"

"Eleven to be exact." Sousis corrected her.

"Hello Sousis, it is good to meet you. I am sure you might know who I am." Luna greeted with a smile.

"Oh, you must be Celestia's sister. I've heard about your return. Its good to have you back with us." The dragon returned the smile with gripping hug.

Luna wasn't prepared for the sudden hug that Sousis gave her, but she returned the greeting anyway.

"You'll get use to her friendly nature in time Luna." Celestia failed to contain her giggle fit.

Sousis let go of the other princess and faced Celestia again. "So I assume everything in Equestria is running smoothly?"

"Besides a few incidents here and there, things couldn't be any better. How are your travels coming along Sousis?"

"Better than I expected. This is my fourth time going around the entire world and visiting every country. I'd say the world is a better place now."

"I'm glad to hear you're doing good for yourself. So tell me my dear friend, what brings you back to Equestria once again?"

This was the talk she wanted to have with Celestia. Sousis reset her face from her normally jolly smile to a straight face. She walked past the two ponies and stood at the edge of the balcony, looking out at the vast landscape of Equestria. There was a long silence to let the serious nature of the coming conversation set in.

"Celestia. Luna."

Both of the called princesses looked at her with great interest, wondering what her sudden shift in nature could possibly bring.

"I need to know that you are one-hundred percent sure your kingdom being well under peaceful and stable control."

"There is no doubt in our minds that the peace of Equestria is exactly what you've seen." Celestia spoke with her sister nodding.

Yet another long pause of silence stilled the air again before Sousis spoke.

"I can say the same for every country in this world. I've been around the globe four times now. While there are a few internal conflicts here and there, there hasn't been any international conflicts between any nation for the past four-hundred years now. Well... expect the little fiasco with the changelings invading Canterlot. I won't count that one in the books considering there were no real casualties after it was over. Seeing how things went down I would label it... a city wide street brawl if you will."

"Are you here to warn us of a conflict that may come in the future?" Luna asked.

"Quite the opposite. Tell me, do you two believe in the idea of world peace?"

"Absolutely." Celestia immediately answered with complete confidence.

"But if what you've have told us is true, then haven't we already achieved world peace?" Luna asked.

"Right, which brings me to my next point. World peace is quite the difficult task to achieve, but our world has been able to do this for centuries without a single violent conflict breaking out, again discounting the invasion which only ended up in a city wide brawl. If we can achieve something as difficult as world peace, maybe we can bring ourselves to do the next step which could be an impossibility."

"And that is...?" Celestia was starting to catch on to Sousis' ideas, and it was starting to scare her a little bit.

The drake turned to face them with the best serious face she could muster. "Maybe we're finally ready to reunite the world once and for all."

Both princess looked at each other with great uncertainty to this idea of hers. This was definitely not something they have thought about in quite a long time.

"That... does seem a little bit out of our reach." Luna admitted.

"I partially agree with my sister. While I'm not against this idea of yours, doing something like this is mostly next to impossible. Despite there being peace among us there is still bad blood between races, countries, and factions, with Equestria and the Changelings being the new addition. Peace is possible but join together as one?"

"If there's one thing I've learned Celestia is that peace doesn't last forever, you should know this better than any living being in this world. This world peace of ours will not hold forever, one day someone will jump the gun and a new war will start, destroying any chances we have of this for the next few centuries. Chrysalis was only an inch close to accomplishing that. While we can only prevent the inevitable securing the peace and minimizing is a better option then just letting the peace we have now just run it's course until someone's blood is spilled and a whole nation potentially being devastated. I think that by bringing this world together we can have the ultimate form of peace. No kind of peace is a utopia, but it can be better than what we have now."

The drake's words left a permanent burn in the back of the alicorns minds. This wasn't just some ordinary peace talk, this was bring an entire world full of different cultures and beliefs under a new world order. Something like this was on a scale that they've always thought was impossible to do, but Sousis was starting to change their view. A world where conflict would be abnormal? A place where a war could be stopped in a matter of seconds just by words and laws? That was the world Celestia always wanted. The ideal world to live in. Equestria was already a prototype of that world. Who said it can't be like this anywhere else?

"....You have our full attention Sousis."

"Good." The drake nodded.

"How should we go about this then?"

"I say we bring every world leader into one place to talk this out. Distant communication will never make this work. We need a place that will be considered neutral ground. That way no one has to play by another one's rules and we can settle this on equal grounds."

"Hmm... sister? Didn't your former student, Twilight Sparkle, just finish restoring our old castle?"

"That's it Luna! We can use the castle as neutral grounds and hold our talk there."

Sousis couldn't help but grin a little, all was going according to plan. "Perfect. Now all we have to do is get every leader to agree to attend. That means also making nice with Chrysalis."

"Of course. Everyone deserves a second chance. " Celestia agreed.

"Then it is settled, you should make the arrangements and preparation for this meeting. I'll do what I can do advise you."

"Very well. I'll have the guards notified that you'll be staying with us for some time and have a room ready for you. Come Luna, there is much to be done."

"Very well sister. Goodnight to you Sousis."

"Goodnight to both of you." The drake slapped her smile back one once again. Once the princesses left the balcony, Sousis closed her eyes and sighed with content. "The council will be pleased with my recent progress."

A few months later...

Midday had arrived and so did the world leaders. The three princesses of Equestria, plus Shining Armor, and his wife Cadence, stood on a stone patio facing the draw bridge as it lowered to let the newcomers inside its walls. Every guard posted at every corner possible kept a very close eye on every individual that entered, notably the guards the other leaders have brought with them.

"I hope this actually works out." Cadence thought out loud.

"I'm more worried about how long this meeting can take. I have a bad feeling this is going to last at least almost a year." Twilight said with a hint of annoyance.

"Rest assured that we'll hold this meeting no longer than it needs to be. If we can't come to any sort of agreement then the meeting will be adjourned." Celestia reassured her.

A small pack of griffons flew in high from the south and landed right on the draw bridge, cutting in front of the rest.

"That must be the king from the Griffon Kingdom." Shining Armor pointed out to him.

Not a second later a squabble broke out between the griffons and the other faction trying to get into the castle. It went from small pushes and shoves to highly aggressive punches and slashes. The Royal Guard quickly step in to end the fighting before things get out of hand.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all..." Twilight reiterated her doubts.

"Have faith Twilight. These types of things are expected to happen, but once they see the grand scale of this and see reasoning then just maybe we won't see situations like this occurring as often."

"As often..." Shining Armor trailed off.

"There's no such thing as a perfect solution dear. This is the best option we have." Cadence smiled peacefully at her husband, hopping her fluttering and lovely eyes would ease his doubts.

Celestia brought everypony back to the reality of the moment. "I say its time to greet our guest before they get more rowdy. It's impolite keep guest waiting after all."

All the international guest took a fancy to the restored castle with some added decoration to add a certain vibe that higher class folks would enjoy. The evening started off with a social dinner party to get to know one another, talking the usual politics and world events and possibly trivial matters of their own. What most of the don't seem to know or haven't caught on was that this was Celestia's plan to figure out who was or against the idea of world unification and their views on it. She specifically hand picked ambassadors from some of the other countries who did agree with the idea and sent them around to get information from the other leaders. The other royal pony members played their parts as well; seeking whatever information they can to gather.

If there is one thing anyone should never do is doubt Celestia's political strategies. Despite her looks she is the oldest living being in the entire castle. She could walk up to almost anyone in the castle and tell them about their great great great grandparents and how their countries us to be under their rule on a more personal level than what any text book can tell them. She's been at this game for more years than she could count and the best thing about this game for her was that the rules never changed, only the circumstances. If this meeting was going to be successful then she would need to use every second of experience in her political career to aid her allies in convincing the non-believers of securing a better future for years to come.

With the dinner part coming to a close the real meeting commenced inside a large sound proof meeting room. The room was mostly empty except for a few painting hanging on the wall and the large round wooden table that sat in the middle with plenty of seats available. As everyone took their seats Celestia noticed that a few of them purposely moved away from certain other individuals. At least now she knew who was against each other. The princess took her seat next to her royal family members and kicked off the conference.

"Welcome everyone. I am glad that all of us were able to attended this conference despite our differences. I hope that you have enjoyed the meal that Princess Twilight graciously prepared. With all the formalities out the way let us finally begin."

"I don't know why you bother wasting our time Celestia. We all know this "peace" idea of yours will never work." The griffon king impolitely spoke out.

"That is where you are wrong King Cyrus. This wasn't my idea from the beginning."

Everyone in the room looked at each other with confusion while making subtle whispers.

"...Then who is the one responsible for dragging me off my throne to bring me to this pitiful excuse of a conference?"

"I am." Everyone's attention snapped towards the door as Sousis entered the room.

"And just who are you?" The spiteful Queen Chrysalis asked.

"My name is Sousis Stormjumper. I was the one who convinced the Princess to hold this meeting." She walked past all of the gazing eyes on her and sat next to Celestia.

"So you were the one who told Celestia to waste all of our time and drag us out of our countries? I don't know if I should applaud you or kill you." King Cyrus gave her a smug look.

"Why thank you King Cyrus, I try my best." Sousis responded politely with a somewhat cocky smile.

"Do tell us Ms. Stormjumper, what exactly is your part in all this?" The King of Saddle Arabia asked the drake.

"I am an ambassador. Not for one country, but for the whole of this world."

More silent whispers echoed through the room.

"How can that be possible? You can't be the ambassador of the world, that would mean you would have to represent all of us." The Saddle Arabian King made his point.

"That is the point your majesty. I'm am here to speak for all of us in a way and to speak for those who do not have a voice such as non-politicians. Do not worry yourselves through, I have no say in the final decision you'll all come to. That is all your responsibility. I am also here to oversee this conference and await the final verdict."

The large green dragon, a clan leader from one of the many dragon clans, took an interest to her. "You're unusually for a dragon I have to say. Tell me, which clan do you reside from young one?"

"If I knew I would most certainly tell you. However I was lost to my clan before I was even hatched, so technically I don't really belong with any of the clans as far as I'm concerned."

"Hmm... you're an interesting one I'll give you that. You're quite mature for a dragon your age."

"Thank you, I appreciate your compliments and I hope you're on board for being united."

"I'm afraid we cannot see eye to eye on this matter Sousis."

"Neither can I. I refuse to fall under the same banner as weak ponies or any of the sort." Cyrus spoke out of term.

"Oh please Cyrus, don't get ahead of yourself. I'm sure there are plenty of us that are ashamed to even be seen with you brutish griffons." The Czar of Glascow chuckled to herself after her comeback.

"Quiet you heifer! Griffons are proud warriors born for battle! By agreeing to this awful idea not only will you destroy our culture by disgusting culture mixing, you will also destroy our very lively hoods. We were breed for war whether you like it or not. War keeps the strong alive and weeds out the weak. Ceasing war and conflicts will allow the weaklings the stay alive and waste our resources."

"That's awful! Everyone deserve a chance to live King Cyrus! Weak or strong!" Cadence refuted with anger.

"You're one to talk pony, or should I remind you of how you've almost sent us changelings into ENDANGERMENT! IF NONE OF US HAD WINGS TO FLY MOST OF US WOULD BE DEAD! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK ON THIS MANNER CONSIDERING THE NEAR GENOCIDE YOU ALMOST COMMITTED."

Chrysalis' outburst sent the entire room into one being cross room argument. Some argued the many faults of ponies and other races while others in the room ranted about their own survival and how they come first and foremost. It wasn't until a deep booming voice ended all verbal conflict.

"ENOUGH!" One would think it was Princess Luna adopting her Canterlot voice once more to demeaned attention, but even she was stuck in shock from the voice.

All eyes laid on the young dragoness who looked like she was ready set the room ablaze with dragon fire. "For the people who are suppose to be role models for your citizens I would have expected more from you. Is this how you want your people to see you as? Acting no better than a child? If this is your idea of leadership then from my view I don't think ANY of you are fit to lead. I've been to all of your countries and seen all of your history and culture. I know of your conflicts and pains but to reduce all of that into petty arguments puts all of your homelands pride to utter SHAME. Have you no respect for your homes or your people? I'd rather be lead by actual children than grown adults acting like children."

The room remained quite for a good ten minutes. Some could only look at the ground and think about their actions, some looked at her and snarled, feeling their dominance was in jeopardy. After a certain amount of time everyone took a deep breath and took their seats again.

"You are right... one behalf of everyone in this room, we apologize for our behavior..." Chief Thunderhooves spoke up.

"Good, now that we're all calm minded again, let use start from the top..."

The six months passed as the drawn out conference continued. Despite Sousis' scolding toward the leaders more arguments ensued. At first all hope seemed lost when all that was going on was arguing instead of agreeing or at the very least a discussion. Then slowly but surely they were taking baby steps in the right direction. They were going from subtle agreements to actually settlements. Leaders like Cyrus and Chrysalis were a hard shell to crack but even they were starting to come around thanks to Sousis' influence.

Today was the final day of these long and painfully meetings, or at least that's what everyone hoped for. Everyone entered the meeting room for what seemed the final time. The seating order never changed since day one since bad blood still existed despite the new agreements. Some didn't entirely agree but agreed out of necessity rather than their own opinion.

"Today might just be the day we may finally come down to a final conclusion." Sousis announced to the room. "Let us see where today will bring the future of the world. Have all settlements of land and property distribution been settled?" Sousis' mainly eyed Celestia and Thunderhooves. Everyone in the room nodded. "Will all related parties be compensated?" Another nod of agreement confirmed to continue. "Will all parties agree to the permanent peace pact?" That's when the room grew silent. Every set of eyes shifted towards one another, glares and looks of confusion being thrown around. "So I'll take that as a 'no' then?" Some of the leaders sighed in defeated while some nodded. "Will all trade routes be opened to all merchants from any city state?" The nods came once more. Now it was time for the two big questions. "Will all parties agree to fall under one name and one banner to become one with all?" The opposers knew they would never hear the end of it if they didn't agree to this, they knew what was best for their people, but then again they'd rather leave sooner than later. Some of the nods came through while the others were slower to agree. "Then now comes the most difficult question. You can all put your fears to rest if you feel your positions of leadership will fall under danger. You will all keep your titles and thrones, but unfortunately their can only be one supreme ruler who can represent this new nation of ours."

Sousis cringed when she finished her sentence. She was waiting for it, the fighting to bust out once more. The fight for the rule over the entire world. She shut her eyes and waited for the battle royal to begin, but all she heard was quiet mumbles. She opened to eyes to not fighting nor the likes of bickering, but peaceful whispers among the leaders. She let the small rambles continue for a minute more before she spoke out again. "Well then, who will anyone of you nominate for the role of supreme leader? Before any of you say it, you can't vote for yourselves."

A few of the leaders, notable Cyrus and Chrysalis, looked at the ground, saddened and disappointed.

"I was thinking," the dragon clan leader took the attention, "if it was possible to nominate you as supreme leader." Every head in the room perked up and looked at the younger dragon awaiting her response.

"M-me!? No, no no no no no no. I'm quite faltered some of you think I should take that position but I'm just an ambassador, I'm not fit to rule the world. Sorry but you'll have to pick one among you. I know most of you still have bad blood for each other but one of these days we'll have to get over it."

"Then how about this." Celestia offered an idea. "Since most of us would like to have you as leader, why don't pick who should be supreme ruler?"

Out of all the responsibilities I've ever had, why did I get stuck with this one....
Sousis groaned internally. This was no easy decision at all. To rest the fate of an entire world on one's shoulders was not a choice to be made lightly. She knew the kind of leader she would want to live under. A leader who was equally compassionate and caring while taking certain action when it need to be done. A leader who will put others before themselves and will fight for those who need it the most. Cyrus and Chrysalis were definitely out, she knew for a fact they would use their power to turn into tyrants and run this world into the ground and not care who got the short end. Celestia and Luna were definitely the kind and caring leaders who would put others before them and so was Twilight. However she did see this as them being "too nice" in way. While they were compassionate they lacked what it takes to to take necessary action. They would most likely get caught up with the peace that they would feel a greater defense wouldn't be needed.

So who among them could actually fit the leader she was looking for? From examining each of these individuals it seems that they were one or the other. All of them expect for two ponies that is, but then it come to her. Maybe she wasn't looking for a leader, but leaders. Then Shining Armour and Cadence came into mind. Cadence was the compassionate and caring leader while Shining was the leader who would defend the needy to the death. Both of them perfectly balanced each other and supported one another. That was the answer to Sousis' problems.

"I have just the ones for the job. Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadenza." Both of them focused their attention on the drake. "There's no one else better for this job than the two of you."

"Y-you mean it? But we've hardly have any experience running the Crystal Empire together, let alone the entire world." Cadence reluctantly smiled.

Sousis walked over to the couple and squeezed their heads together as she leaned in to whisper in their ears. "Look, I know you may feel that you're not ready for this, but you have to trust me. There's no one else in this room I would trust to lead this world better than you two. You might as well accept this while you can because if you don't we might be here for another six months fighting over who gets to rule the world. We came too far for this one detail to ruin everything we've worked for and possible start a war. I'm almost begging you to do this, because if you don't no will else will, or rather, they'll kill each other off until the last one standing will."

If sweat could be loaded like bullets then Shining and Cadence would have more than enough to supply an entire army. They looked at Sousis then back at each other. They knew she was right, whether they like it or not they had to take this role or things could get messy.

"Alright. We'll do it." Shining Armor accepted.

"FINALLY! I-I-I mean.... good. Now we can finally end this once and for all." Sousis took a huge scroll from under the table
and rolled it out to the entire table. "This document will be proof that we have all agreed to be under one banner and to name Shining Armor and Mi-Amore Cadenza High King and High Queen. Remember that none of your are forced to sign this and are welcome to leave at anytime. We do need every signature however, so by leaving you will be held responsible for wasting everyone's time. If you do sign this however, let it be know that this document will be permanent and if we have every signature, there is no going back."

Shining Armor and Cadence were the first ones to sign while Celestia, Luna, and Twilight were up next. After those five the scroll was then signed by the next willing leaders. The opposers knew it was pretty much past the point of no return and signed with the biggest frown they could put one their face and pout like a child. Once every signature was taken the scroll magically rolled back up by itself and was cased in a powerful seal to protect it from harm.

"Congratulations to all of you. No longer are you Equestrian or the Crystal Empire. All of you are now under the rule of Myth with High King Shining Armor and High Queen Mi-Amore Cadenza." Hooves stamped and claws clapped as the new government was created right then and there. The sore losesr got up and left the castle as fast as they could, no longer seeing the purpose of staying there.

"I would say we should celebrate this day but I'd rather advise all of you to return to your homes immediately. There's going to be huge changes made around here and all of you need to be prepared." With Sousis' point made the remaining politicians shake hooves and claws and packed their things to leave.

The Equestrian royalty and the newly crowned King and Queen sat at the dinner table in the palace of the Crystal Empire region which was now the capital of their new government. Only a few months have gone by ever since the end of the conference. They talked and laughed while discussing the ways their lives will change forever in the new world order.

Twilight was certainly enjoying her time with her family until her curiosity spiked when she saw caught a glimpse of Cadence's belly. "Oh, Cadence, I forgot to ask. How is the foal coming along?"

"Just fine. I haven't had much morning sickness though so I do feel a little better. Aunty, may I have fifths please?"

Shining Armor scotched over to Twilight's seat and leaned to her ear. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean she didn't lose the strange appetite..."

Twilight giggled at her brother's expense.

"This isn't funny Twi. I have to put up with this for another five to six months!" He whispered as loud as he could without being heard by his wife.

"Think about it like this, it'll be worth it in those five to six months right?"

"Yeah I guess you're right..."

Celestia looked over the room a few times with a growing question in her mind. "Anyone of you wouldn't have happen to have seen Sousis have you?"

"Not that I know of sister. I haven't seen her ever since the conference."

"I hope she doesn't miss the dinner, I made sure to invite her personally..."

As always, being fashionably late, the missing diner guest arrived. "So I guess I'm a little late then?" The door to the dining room opened to none other than the friendly dragoness. What threw off the ponies a little was the fact that she was wearing robes now.

"There you are Sousis, I was starting to worry that you wouldn't show up." Celestia smiled at her drake companion.

"What can I say? I like to be fashionably late." Sousis smirked back.

"Speaking of fashion, is there something special about those robes you are wearing? Dragons aren't typically known for wearing any sort of attire besides armor for battle." Luna pointed out.

"We'll get to the robes in just a minute, but first I hope you don't mind but I've invited a few... friends of mine to the party."

"We certainly don't mind at all. The more the merrier right?" Twilight said.

"I was hoping you would say that." As soon as she gave the signal two new people came into the room, both shocking the ponies inside. The first one was a dark skinned human wearing brown and tan robes and the second one being a short green old man walking with a wooden cane.

"S-Sousis, what is the meaning of this?" Celestia asked with maximum curiosity.

"Since all of you are already seated then I'll just go ahead and explain myself, this is going to quite the story."

And quite the story it was. With the aid of Master Windu and Mater Yoda, Sousis explained to the ponies about life beyond the their stars and the galactic society that they live in. From interstellar activity to the confines of the Galactic Republic was explained to them. The most important was saved for last, the Jedi Order. Everything from the beliefs to the daily life style of the order was explained to the very last detail. No one in the room knew how much time has past through out all the questions and explanations, but that didn't matter for the moment. Right now the ponies still had a hard time letting all of this information sink in. To actually think this was all real was more than mind blowing. For years of thinking they were the only ones who could exist out in the cold dark space.

By the time anyone even bothered looking out a window it was in the dead of night, but everyone was still wide awake to listen to the wise Jedi.

"So if I understand correctly Sousis, you are one of these Jedi?" Celestia asked.

"Right. Twenty years ago I took it upon myself to watch over this world. I was able to convince the Republic that I could bring a new ally in from my own world. The only thing that kept them from taking Myth as an option was the fact that were we still so primitive culturally since Myth had dozens of different factions they never really co-signed with each other, thus having no one to represent this world. There are planets out there with societies that are more violent and primitive than ours an are still able to be united together. At first the senate thought it was a waste of time to even bother coming out here. Twenty years later I proved them all wrong."

"So this was all just some sort of test?" Twilight asked sounding almost offended.

"Yes, a test we you were able to past." Sousis answered. "All of this was to change the senate's mind into bringing you into the Galactic Republic. Consider this an honor that you've have been offered to join us."

"I-I don't know.... this is all happening so fast. I've never expected anything like this." Cadence nervously spoke.

The dragon gently placed her friendly webbed-claw on the Queen's shoulder. "Trust me, I know how you feel. This is all quite a shock and we will understand if you need to time to let this all sink in."

"If I may, Cadence?" Celestia interrupted her niece's thought. "I for one think that we should take them up on their offer."

"You really think so Aunty?"

"Our crusade for a new world order may have been a difficult one, but a possible one none the less. If we were able to unite our world and bring peace then what would stop us for doing the same for the rest of the galaxy?"

Twilight also stepped in to convince her sister-in-law. "Think about what we would learn and gain from this as well. There could be thousands of cultures and races just waiting out there for us to go see. We can gain so much knowledge and technology beyond are current imaginations."

"Of course, the decision rest upon you. After all, you are the High Queen." Luna was able to point out.

So far Cadence has heard everypony's opinion, except for one. "What do you think about this Shining? You have as much of a say as I do."

Shining was already lost in deep thought while rubbing his chin. He was only brought back to reality with the sound of his wife's voice. "I'm not sure about any of this to tell you the truth. We've only just declared a new rule over the entire world and next thing we know aliens visit our planet and tell us to join them, telling us this was all part of their plan. As much as I find everything they've told us interesting, I don't think we're quite ready to just jump into space. We could be biting off more than we can chew at the moment. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure this Galactic Republic thing sounds great and all, but maybe we should keep our hooves to the ground for now and make sure our world is safe first."

"I understand your concern Shining Armor. In the end we all only want what's best for ourselves and the ones around us. However that won't stop invaders coming to this planet to ruin everything you worked for." Sousis argued.

"Invaders?" All the ponies asked at once.

"Despite the Republic's best efforts there are still bad elements out in the galaxy who will do anything for anything. Think of joining us as way to insure your protection. I won't force you to join us, but let it be known someone else will find this planet one day, and they'll more than likely not be as kind as us."

"Well when you put it that way..."

"Cadence." Shining stopped her before she could answer.

"I know you're worried about us not handling what's out there just yet but think about what everyone else said. We could make new friends that will come to our aid when we need them the most and much more. We wouldn't have to worry about outside forces coming here to ruin our world, and think about what the Jedi could teach us."

"...Okay, you win," the unicorn put a foreleg around her and pulled her in for a slight hug. "We'll do this your way."

"I'm glad were able to see things our way." Sousis smiled.

"By the way, Sousis." Twilight spoke up with a question. "How come those two other Jedi haven't said a word we could understand?"

"Well to be honest, they don't know a single word we're saying right now either. I had to translate this entire conversation to them. One of the downsides is that you'll all have to learn a new language if you're going to communicate with most of the galaxy."

"Wow. That was nice of you to leave that tidbit of information out..." The King spat sarcastically .

"No worries your majesty, Galactic Basic is quite easy to learn. You'll be able to pick it and speak it fluently in a week or two. As for the other two Jedi with me, they're here to oversee this meeting of ours in person."

"That explains a lot." Twilight nodded.

Sousis approached the King and Queen and offered a claw in friendship. "Then with everything out of the way, welcome to the Republic."

They both looked at each other before looking back at her webbed claw. With all doubts cleared in their minds they accept the claw and shook it respectfully. That marked the day the Republic gained a new ally.

As the three Jedi left the palace, Yoda stopped where he was on the way back to the shuttle. It didn't take long for the other two to stop as well and wait for the elder.

"Is there anything wrong Master Yoda?" Windu asked curiously.

"Hmm...", Yoda closed his eyes, "A strong connection to the Force I felt... in the palace."

"A connection? Wait, you don't mean one of them do you?" Sousis asked with a hint of concern.

The green man nodded slowly then opened his eyes. "Wrong I was, two I felt."

"Do you know who?"

Yoda remained quite for a few short seconds before he began walking again and passed the two. "Best not to answer for now. Come back we will, when the time is right."

1: Pathway

PATHWAY

For thousands of years the civilizations of Myth have thought they lived alone in the wide span of the galaxy, but it wouldn't be long until they will be proven wrong. Discovered by the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Order assigned Jedi Master Sousis Stormjumper to investigate the planet. After her first report to the Senate the Republic found the world too unstable for it to join their ranks.

Unsatisfied with the Senate's decision, Sousis remained on world to do what she can to increase it's odds to turn the eyes of the Senate. Her long journey lasted twenty years under the disguise as a traveler going around the world. She studies the cultures of the world while perfectly blending in with the population with her being a dragon. After careful consideration, she convinced Princess Celestia to hold a peace conference to form a new world order under one rule.

From what it seemed like a lost cause, the successful conference resulted in naming Shining Armor and Mi-Amore-Cadenza High King and High Queen of Myth. Not long after the conference the Jedi revealedher true identity to the newly named royalty and brings the Republic before them. Excited by their new discovery and possible potential they join the Republic and become bound by it's law. Two years later the Jedi Order suspects the newly born prince of Myth to be a force-sensitive. Now Master Stormjumper is on her way back to Myth to retrieve the prince and begin his training as a Jedi.....

Above the Myth System

Far above the lush green planet of Myth, trade and cargo ships orbited a near by space station under construction. Another ship came into the space from a jump into hyperspace. It was a Nu-class shuttle with the Galactic Republic's logo on the sides. Inside the cockpit was a human male piloting the ship with a tall, adolescent dragon, in light gray and tan robes, sitting in the co-pilot seat.

"We're here ma'am, so this is Myth?" The pilot attempted to make small talk.

"Quiet the beauty isn't it?" She grinned with joy, enjoying the beautiful view as well.

"Yeah, all I can see is green and blue down there. Looking at it now, its hard to believe this place wasn't on the star charts not even a decade ago. You're the one who discovered this place?"

"Correct. I'd rather not get into detail about how or why I stumbled upon this planet, its a long story."

The man nodded with understanding, "Understood ma'am. Where to?"

"To the capital." She answered, pointing in the general direction where the capital is.

He was quick to enter the coordinates and took the controls again, "Right away."

The pilot brought the ship down to it's descent into Myth's atmosphere; the ship's view cleared though the clouds as cities stared to emerge. Anyone who lived here definitely witnessed the global industrialization they were currently going through. From stone and wooden houses to steel an sturdy homes. A few large sky scrappers pierced the sky with a couple more still under construction. Beautiful architecture of the streets most of cities built all while keeping the destruction of natural land at the very bare minimum. The more the dragon saw all of this the more proud she was of getting this planet noticed by the Republic.

"The fruits of your labor I see, Master Sousis." Yoda slowly entered the cockpit from the back.

"I won't take credit for of it Master Yoda. I'll have to give it to the Mythians though, they work pretty fast."

"Exist, none of this could have, without your intervention."

"You have a point there I guess."

"We're coming up onto the capital ma'am; the Crystal region is it?", the pilot alerted the Jedi.

"Right, take us down to the space port." Sousis said.

Without another word the pilot guided the shuttle through the small amounts of traffic that was present and found the nearest spaceport. Once he got permission to land from the spaceport tower he set the craft down in a empty spot in the port next to a few other ships.

Sousis was first of the shuttle with Yoda slowly following behind. They took a whiff of the sweet air, "This planet smells even nicer than the first time I was here."

"Distractions we must not allow. Come, we must retrieve the youngling."

Sousis bright smiled flipped upside down when Yoda reminded them of their task. She walked along side him, revealing her preference as a quad walker. "Right um... the youngling..."

"What troubles you young master?"

"I've never had to retrieve a youngling from it's parents before. I know it's harder for the parents than it is for the Jedi to witness it most of the time. In this case however, I feel I might be one of the exceptions."

"Hmm... why is this?"

"I've gotten to know the king and queen personally over these last couple years. I'm nowhere near attached, but I do somewhat fear what they'll have to go through when I have to take their only child away..."

The elder lifted his cane and tapped his head. "Think too hard about this you do. Stay focused you must. Come to understand they will in due time."

"Y-yes Master Yoda." But despite the wise master's words she couldn't but the thoughts past her.

Etude Encore's personal chamber,

Crystal Palace, Myth

The Crystal Palace was still stood regal and shining as ever over the modernized buildings that rose around it. The palace was was also one of the few building left that hasn't been touched by the current industrialization; per request of the king and queen.

At least that's what the exterior looked like. The interior however has definitely used some of the new technology given to them with automatic security doors to surveillance cameras. Even the guards have received upgrades with armor that looked mostly like the old ones but made with better materials and offered more protection. Their old lances and swords replaced with vibrolances and vibroswords with other sorts of appropriate weaponry.

On the upper floor of the palace held the royal chambers. Each chamber could be recognized by the cutie mark on the door, but one chamber had a blank door with two guards posted at the door. Behind that door was three ponies; two of them were Shining Armor and Cadence huddled up together near a play pen. At that moment it seemed like they couldn't be any happier. The third pony however was a little pegasus colt, their very own son, Etude Encore.

The prince's coat was a slight dark shade of grape with his legs turning white going downward. His eyes matched the color of his mother's but had the integrity of his father's. Cadence held him in her forelegs with Shining Armor nuzzling close to his son he proud to have. The prince only looked at his parent's blankly as he sucked on his hoof.

"Did you feed Etude yet honey?" The father asked.

"Not yet, it's almost time." Cadence answered.

"Don't leave him starving now. he's a growing-" The knock on the door cut Shining off before he could finish. "You can come in."

The knocker acknowledged his permission given and opened the door to their room with a blue blast shield still in the way. The pony behind the shield was one of the door guards.

"Your highness, two Jedi have came and requested an audience with you."

"Oh, one of them must be Sousis then. Don't leave them waiting, please invite them in immediately." Cadence ordered in a light chipper tone.

"Right away your majesty." The guard quickly closed the door and left the royal family to their business.

Cadence got up from the floor and gently laid her child in the play pin. "We haven't seen her in person in the last couple years now haven't we? I can't wait to talk to her again and do some catching up. She was always quite silly when she wasn't serious."

Shining Armor got up after her and headed for the door. "Maybe she's here to see how things are going, after all she was the one to bring us this far." When he went to open the door the Jedi were already on the other side waiting. "And look who it is.", Shining Armor grind as he lowered the shield with his magic.

<"Hi there Shining."> She greeted him in their own language.

"Greetings King Armor." Master Yoda slightly bowed.

It took Shining a second to realize Yoda was speaking basic and remembered the language classes he had to take. "Hello to you Jedi Master... Yoda was it?"

"See? Told you basic wasn't so hard to learn.", the dragon chuckled reverting to basic as well.

"Sousis!" Cadence came trotting to the door. "It's so good to see you again." The pony gave her a friendly hug with Sousis returning it without hesitation.

"Hello Cadence, you seem peppier than last we met."

"Well considering we're not trapped in a meeting room full of grumpy politicians, I'd say I am a bit 'peppier'." She giggled.

"We were about to head out of this room to somewhere more suitable before you came." Shining armor stated.

"Actually we don't mind being in here if that's okay with you." Sousis said.

"Sure, why not, we can introduce you to our son quicker anyway."

The ponies left the doorway back to the play pin with the Jedi following in. Cadence picked up her son and presented him to them.

"Here he is." She cradled and nuzzled him.

Etude responded to his name with a cute childish laugh and squeak.

"We only got him to say a few words so far, but he's a fast learner. He's not too far from forming complete phrases and sentences." Shining Armor proudly said of his son.

"You two have such a wonderful child." Sousis complemented them with fake smile that was difficult to keep up. The guilt of what she was going to do was eating away at her.

"Very capable your son is." Yoda also complemented.

"Thank you, I'm very proud to have a special pony like him." The mother kissed Etude on the forehead with him giggling in response.

"Oh yeah! Cadence, should we tell them?"

"About what sweety... oh right!"

Yoda and Sousis both looked at each other, suspecting what they could be talking about.

"Somehow, we think Etude can use magic just like us." Cadenced announced.

"Magic you say?" Yoda asked.

"Yeah, just watch." Shining Armor took hold of him and placed him on the floor. He went into his play pen and grab of his toys and placed it right next to the prince. "Wanna play?"

Etude was more than excited to play with his daddy and giggled fanatically. When he reached out for the toy, but he didn't grab it with his hooves, the toy was being lifted by a invisible force. Without any type of warning however, Etude launched the toy at his dad's head.

"Ow! Hate it when he does that..."

The colt bleeped and giggled at his father's expense, then picked up the toy again with the mysterious force and fooled around with it. "Daddy! Hehehehe!"

"That's... quite the ability." Sousis said.

"I know right! It's like he's able to use magic without a horn. My sister researched everything that could possible let him do this but she wasn't able to find anything."

Then she wasn't looking hard enough... She thankfully left that in her own thoughts. "Shining... Cadence. May I have a word with you two for just a minute?"

"Sure thing." Shining Armor nodded.

The royalty and the dragon all left the room alone with the elder and the child. Etude stared at the old green man with great curiosity. Never has he seen anyone that wasn't a pony before now. Yoda slowly approached the colt and placed a hand on his forehead. He closed his eyes and examined the child closely with the Force.

"Hmm.... correct I was then."

The guards sidestepped from the door when it opened letting the ponies and dragon pass.

"You may leave us for the time being, we'd like to be alone." Cadence politely told the guards.

"As you say Queen Cadence." Both of the guards left the hallway, relieved of their duties for the time being. "Now then Sousis, what was it you wanted to say to us?"

The Jedi looked down at the ground for a moment, gathering her courage to break to good parent's hearts. "Um... I have some news for you two. Etude isn't using using any type of magic at all..."

"Huh? But if all that stuff isn't magic, then what is it?" Shining Armor asked with the confused look he shared with his wife.

"Etude is a Force-Sensitive... just like me."

"...A Force-Sensitive?"

Sousis could only nod for an answer.

Neither of them had a response. Only a mouth dropped to the ground and eyes bulging in shock was what they were able to offer before any actual words. "...Wow. Y-you're being serious right? Etude can use the force... just like you?" Cadence asked.

Sousis could only nod in return, fearing the hear breaking moment coming up.

"Ha... that'... that's terrific! I knew our son was special! There was no doubt about it!" The couple came together and bear hugged each other, pouring every inch of happiness into it.

Unbeknownst to them, they were only making things worse for the poor dragon. Every second that went by only made her guilt trip much worse. Clearly they didn't know why she was here. Apparently the memo didn't reach Myth yet. "It is quite the honor you two..."

The ponies let go of their loving hug and gleamed at Sousis with huge smiles plastered on their faces. "The Jedi will take him for training right!?" The proud father asked excitingly.

"Of course."

"That's just great!" Cadence chirped non-sarcastically. "When will he begin his training?"

"...Right now."

"...What?" The two were dumbfounded for a second.

"It's critical that your son start his training now."

"Oh... well I mean... I would say he's a little too young to be trained right now, but if the Jedi knows what's best, then so be it I guess. We do have a study room if you need a place to teach him in private" Shining Armor kept a smile on.

That was practically the nail in the coffin for Sousis. She knew exactly what was coming next. "I'm afraid I must turn down you're offer... he won't be staying here."

"But... but what do you mean? I thought you were going to train him?"

Sousis knew the stuttering in Cadence's voice showed that she knew what the Jedi's intentions are, she did her best to dance around it. "I'm sorry you two... I'm really sorry. Etude can't be trained here. He will have to come with us to the temple on Coruscant. Only there will his full potential be realized."

"But why? Why can't he just stay here where he's close to family?" The concerned father asked.

"I don't make the rules, I only follow them. During his training Etude will have to be removed from any elements he can grow attached too. Mainly... family."

Just as Sousis predicted, Shining was starting to get pissed. "That doesn't make any sense! You're telling me you're taking our son away because he'll be close to his family!?"

Cadence had to hold him back before he got into Sousis' face. "Please honey, calm down!"

Sousis sighed internally. Non Force-Sensitives never understood the potential dangers that came with just wielding the force in general. "For the short answer... yes. It's hard to explain to you the dangers that your son is already vulnerable too. There are those who would rather use your son for darker intentions. Some would rather have you son dead right now if they were to find out he had a connection to the Force."

"Which is why we have the royal guard for a reason! No one is going to harm him without a fight!"

"Shining plea-"

"No Cadence. I'm not going to sit here while they take our only son away just because he has a certain ability! Not even a decade had we been in the Republic and already they're taking what's ours!"

And here it was, the main conflict Sousis' anticipated. This must be a pain for the Jedi who retrieve younglings. She knew she had to dissolve this situation quickly or else not only would the order lose a potential member, but the Republic could lose a potential ally, the ones she spent twenty years getting into their good graces, and she didn't need of that blame placed on her. "Again, I'm truly sorry about this. I'm not here to tear your family apart, but I am here for what is best for your son. If he was born with this gift then he should be able to learn how to use it wisely. For all you know your son could be the next hero to end wars that start and stop further wars from starting. We raise peacekeepers, not soldiers. Your son would be in good hands. Besides, it's not like he won't be able to come back."

"He'll... be able to come back?" Shining Armor asked as he was returning to his senses.

"If he wishes to walk away from the order to be with you, he would be permitted to do so. Jedi are not forced to stay among us. Any of use may peacefully leave the order at any time. If however he decides to stay, he will still be able to come back at a certain point when he is ready to gain that freedom. I must inform you though that contact with him is not allowed..."

"Not even a visit?" The saddened mother mumbled.

"I'm afraid not Cadence..."

Shining looked down on his wife, looking for answers in her eyes. "I don't know what to do... on one hoof we keep him here but never allow him to use his talents and possibly become a target for assassins, or let him go with the Jedi and miss him growing up. What do we do Cadence?"

"...Maybe it's best for him to learn at the temple. It's no different than forcing a pegasus to stay on the ground or constricting a unicorn from magic or never letting an earth pony run free. We all use what we're born with to fulfill our roles and preform our talents each and every day. If Etude was born with the force to become a peacekeeper and use his talents where they're best suited, then should we really stop him?"

"Always the voice of reasoning Cadence..." The stallion chuckled as he nuzzled her. "Maybe you're right. It will hurt to see Etude go so soon and I regret every second I didn't spend time with him, but if you're willing to let them train him then I'll trust your decision. Sousis."

"Yes Shining?"

"When will you take him?"

"We're already prepared to take him right now, but I can convenience Master Yoda to give you one more day with Etude."

"Thank you so much. We won't waste a second." Cadence thanked her.

The door from the room opened up with the colt floating above Yoda's hand. "Use your time wisely, you should."

"Thank you Master Jedi, I'll take your advice into consideration." Sousis' was put off at the way he smiled at Yoda, it was definitely not a genuine one. Shining took hold of his son with magic and placed him in Cadence's care. "If you two would, we'd like to spend that time starting now."

"As you wish." Sousis bowed respectfully.

The parents went back into the room with the sound of the door locking. The Jedi walked down the hallway back where they came from.

"Master Yoda. Did you sense that feeling from the king as well?"

"I did. Plotting something he is."

"Against us or to hide the youngling?"

"Foresee the plot I cannot... be on our guard we should."

Shining Armor's personal chamber,

Crystal Palace, Myth

Most of the palace rested during the middle of the night with the active guards patrolling the empty halls, or so that was to be believed. The king paced around in his chamber with his wife, seemingly waiting for someone or something to arrive or appear.

"Ugh... where is he? He was suppose to be here by now." The frustrated Shining Armor grumbled.

"Maybe it's best we if didn't go through with this. I don't want Etude to get in trouble in the future because of this."

"Please Cadence, just let me have this. I'll never be able to rest at night if this doesn't work." His prayers were finally answered when a knock tapped the door quietly. "Come in." He matched the volume of the knock.

A lone guard pony opened the door upon getting permission. He wasn't a crystal ponies like the other guards, this pegasus was tangy orange with a blue mane and tail.

"About time Flash Sentry..."

"Sorry your majesty, I was caught up in other stuff. You said you had a special assignment for me?"

"Flash, it's best if you just go to bed. Don't worry about Shining, he's just being a bit emotional right now." Cadence tried her best to end this plan before it began.

"No wait. Don't go, I really need you for this." Shining begged.

Flash was already confused at this point. He was just given two completely opposite orders from both of the highest authorities that had the same amount of power. "Um... I'll hear what you have to say me king."

Cadence rolled her eyes and groaned knowing the fact Shining Armor will get his way.

"I won't take too much of your time, I promise. This stay between us alright?"

"I'll take this conversation to the grave then."

"I have a very special assignment for you Flash, but keep in mind this is optional. I won't force you to accept it and I'll understand if you don't. Not many ponies I can entrust with something like this, but maybe you're just the one for the job. We'll pay as much bits as-"

"Credits." Cadence intervened.

"Huh?" Shining looked back at her.

"We use credits now remember dear?"

"You get what I mean... like I was saying. You can choose to take this mission if you wish Flash, but if you do I can't guarantee you'll come back alive."

Flash gulped at the sound of that. This probably could be either the most dangerous mission possible or the most important. Probably even both. Either way he was already feeling the pressure to what this mission could be.

Crystal region spaceport, Myth

The next day came too early for the king and queen. Just the thought of letting go of their son so soon, way before he was of age, was beyond them. Little Etude was strapped to Cadence's back in a comfortable blanket, snoozing with no care in the world. The family was being escorted to their destination by two guards flanking each side and Flash Sentry taking the lead. Their method of travel was on hoof, the parents truly meant it when they said they wanted to spend every second they could with their son.

Every step closer they took towards the starport shattered their hearts little by little. Even the guards felt sorrow for the prince having to leave, but they knew they weren't allowed to show it. Not on duty at least. Despite their slow pace of walking the inevitable had finally come; inside the port awaited the Jedi's shuttle with said Jedi waiting next to it.

Sousis greeted them and bowed respectfully. "Your Majesties. Is Etude ready to depart?"

It was a ironic question to ask. A better question was, were they ready to depart from Etude? The obvious question would be a definite no, but that wasn't the answer that was given.

"As ready as he'll ever be...", the heart broken mother answered sadly. She used her magic to unstrap the foal from her back and into the gentle care of her forelegs. She cradled her only son loving with Shining Armor sitting close with them, enjoying their last moments together. The guards couldn't believe this was how this is going to end, was this even legal? To rip a child from two caring parents just so the child could be subjugated to some alien cult? Their job was to protect the royal blood, not let it get sent away to some far away world where they could be killed. Despite them being powerless to do anything to stop this, they knew they couldn't voice their opinion anyway.

Cadence and Shining were doing their absolute best not to tear up in front of everyone. If they were going to let their son go they were going to do it with dignity. "Here, take him. All we ask from you is to give him a good life and raise him to be a gentlestallion. He deserves the best.", Cadence choked a bit on her words.

"You have my solemn word Cadence.", Sousis nodded. The queen finally stopped nuzzling her son and let Sousis take hold of him.

"Goodbye to you your highness. Hope we meet again on better terms.", Yoda gave his goodbye.

"Agreed. So long Jedi. Make sure Etude grows up to be a fine example of a Jedi.", Shining said.

The two Jedi nodded in agreement and retreated back into the shuttle with the youngling. The shuttle's hatch closed as the ship rose to take off. Once at the desired altitude the ship slowly turned and flew off from the starport. The guards and the parents could only watch as the heir to the throne took off into the ends depths of space and out of their views.

Shining Armor spoke once the sentimental moment was over. "All of you are dismissed, you can return to the palace. Except for you Flash." All of the guards followed orders without a word and started their way back to the palace as ordered to. Once they were out of earshot Shining's view shifted to Flash. "Let's go Flash, it's time to get ready."

"I'm ready." Flash threw his king a salute.

Flash and Shining both prepared to leave the port when Cadence stop her husband with a grip at his leg.

"Cadence?"

She grappled him into a tight hug, soaking his fur with the tears she was holding back the entire day. "E-E-Etude will b-be okay won't he?"

Shining pulled her in closer to ease her sorrow, and his own. "Don't worry, we'll find out soon enough. Just you wait."

Author's Note

Just some things I want to get out the way.

Anything that's encased between <> is considered alien language. So when someone speaks and has <> they are not speaking basic (which is basically English). Another thing I want to get out the way before any questions arise about this. Despite Sousis being a dragon she is not some huge hulking beast that can magically fit inside a ship. She is about 7 feet tall (when bipedal) which is about the same height as Garble, hence being an "adolescent" in dragon years.

If there's anything that might confuse you or isn't really clear in the chapter, make a comment or send me a pm and I'll clear things up and make edits to the chapter if necessary. Same goes if I made any errors with the lore.

2: An Explosive Arrival

Author's Note

After carefully consideration and lots of things changing within the lore and Star Wars itself, I've decided that this story will also being using non-canon content (within reason). At first my aim was to keep it close to canon as possible within the Expanded Universe as I do with all crossovers I write, but with the announcement that EU no longer being canon (which personally I refuse to accept, I don't care what Disney says), and so many things to keep track of in the EU, I'm just going to let the gloves off and just go with what I know.

With that note out of the way I hope you enjoy the story.

2: An Explosive Arrival

Hyperspace

Jump Route - Corellian Run - Destination: Coruscant

Finally, the trip was almost over. Just a few more minutes until they finished the jump back to Coruscant. For Sousis, the couldn't get there any sooner. She cradled the small sleeping colt in her claws the whole duration of the jump, feeling nothing but guilt and discontent with herself and her recent actions. Sousis did little to nothing to hide her emotions, even a non-force user could feel something was wrong with her, Master Yoda finally popped the question.

"I sense conflict within you young master, what troubles you?"

Sousis continued to cradle Etude to give him a mother's comfort, she didn't bother looking back up at Yoda when she gave him an answer. "Master... I wish to resign from the Acquisition Division... I can't bring myself to do that again."

Yoda knew this was her issue, but her wanted her to admit it herself to help her let go of her feelings by talking them out. "Understand I do. Cannot handle such a task, many cannot."

"Well from what I've learned Master, that's an understatement. I know for a fact things could have gone much worse if I didn't change their minds quick... but its not only that. When we left, I felt their pain. Not just from the king and queen.... the guards as well. Just thinking about makes me want to..." Nothing else uttered from her maw, she knew it best not to finish that sentence.

"Know the feeling I do, Master Stormjumper. Allow you to resign from your assignment I will."

That was more than a relief to hear. She never knew being part of the Acquisition Division was this hard. She wanted something new to do ever since her promotion to Master. She heard from other Jedi that its one of the hardest jobs in the whole Order, but she thought they meant physically, not mentally. Only those who have complete control over their emotions were capable of these types of recruiting tasks. Sousis did have a good grasp of her emotions being the master she is, but being young as she was, she still somewhat lacked full maturity and experience to fully grip her feelings. With her being seventy-nine, she still had some years left before she actually matured into a grown adult. With her being the first of her kind to have known being a Jedi, not even the council knew what to expect after seeing her the way she was for decades and age as slowly as she did. One of the only other Jedi in the order knew that aged like she did was Master Yoda himself.

"We'll being coming out of hyperspace in twenty seconds Master Jedi." The pilot alerted them.

The dragon cringed on the inside when he announced their time of arrival. For some reason she disliked the idea of letting go of this pony, there was something about Etude she couldn't put her talon on. In one way or another she felt some sort of connection to him. She knew this boy will have a bright future, but what that future was was still a mystery, but she knew she wanted to find out one day.

Twenty seconds later the shuttle came out of hyperspace to be greeted by the glorious sight of the capital of the of the Republic, Coruscant.

Coruscant
Jedi Temple Docking Complex

The shuttle was on a direct course to the Jedi Temple, passing by all the crowded air traffic. The pilot sent the landing codes to the Temple before they were granted access to land at the Docking Complex. With a smooth landing the shuttle hatch opened with the Jedi Master's and the exiting the craft with Etude still in Sousis' arms. They were meet by a human Jedi female who appeared to be in her seventies. "Greetings Master Jedi. Is this Etude Encore?"

Sousis unwrapped the colt out of his little blanket to reveal him to her. "This is him. I'm hoping you'll take good care of him?" She asked with obvious concern in her voice.

Etude felt his blanket removed from him which caused him to stir and whine. The women took the colt in her grasp. "Do not fear, he's a good hands."

Unknown to them or anyone else in the hangar, there was a small noise of beeping coming from the shuttle next to the one that just arrived. The beeping was practically soundless until its audio started getting louder by the second.

"Wait... do you hear that?" Sousis alarmed them, looking around to see where the sound was coming from.

By the time anyone notice it was far too late, the source of the beeping created a deadly firework that blew the nearby shuttle to shreds, blasting everyone forty feet in the blast radius and gravely injuring just barely beyond that. Sousis and the other nearby Jedi we just lucky enough to not be in effective blast radius.

The ringing in the dragon's ear flooded her hearing along with the blurry vision from the explosion, all she could make out was a barely audible squealing cry with rapid footsteps following the source of the cry along with a humanoid figure that she could barely recognize. Sousis couldn't effectively react to anything until her vision and hearing cleared up a few moments later.

Master Yoda was still on the ground from the blast and the elder Jedi human looking around the hanger with a look of grave distress. Sousis first went over to tend to Yoda, helping him up to his feet.

"Master Yoda, are you alright?"

He gave out a few choking coughs from the smoke of the explosion before answering, "Worry about me you should not, the youngling you must pursue."

"Pursue? Wait..." She looked back at the elder Jedi who was still looking around the hanger like as if she.... lost a child. "Oh no..."

Before she could begin her search Master Yoda tugged at her clothing with another cough. "A disturbance I sense in the Force... be on your guard you should." With a nod in agreement Sousis rushed off on her four legs to search for Etude. Frantically asking person to person in the hanger who wasn't injured, none of them knew where the lost youngling went off to. She complete skid in her tracks when she felt something in the Force call out to her. She heard a foal's cry, but it was getting further and further away, but she could sense the direction the cries came from. Somehow, some way, the foal was no longer in the temple. Sousis unfurled her wings and took off into the city, following the source of the inner cry in her head.

She had difficulty concentrating where Etude could be when all the traffic and buildings were in her way. Luckily she picked up on it again, sensing she was below her somewhere. She dove straight down near a sector with plenty of shuttle platforms where she swore she felt him. The dragon landed on a vacant shuttle platform with no one appearing to be on it. Though she knew that wasn't the case, she slowly investigated the platform knowing full well she could feel Etude's presence. There was someone else with him, she could sense dark intentions from them. Once she was guided to Etude's location she pretended not to know where they were and casually walked by the edge of the platform. As soon as she felt fear from the kidnapper she flipped off the platform and hovered in the air right under it, revealing the kidnapper to be some kind of masked red skinned humanoid in a ragged bounty hunter garb who was hanging by a grappling cable in one hand and holding onto Etude in the other by the nap of his neck.

"Found you!" Before the bounty hunter could react she swiftly used the Force to undo the cable, dropping the hunter and the foal. With another push of the Force Etude was pushed right out of the kidnapper's hands, plummeting straight to the city with a squalling panicing cry. The hunter activated his jet thrusters on his boots to save himself from falling. Seeing his target fall he immediately dove to try and catch the pony. However the hunter's thrusters were no match for the speed of a dragon. Sousis zipped past the hunter at full speed and wings splayed out. She quickly caught the boy and held him close. "There you are."

In a vain attempt to get the child back the hunter brandished a DL-18 blaster pistol and started firing at the Jedi Master. Worrying for the youngling's safety she turned and flew back up to the platform away from the hunter to keep Etude from any further harm. Knowing that damaging the child could mean a failed job either way the bounty hunter didn't pursue, instead opting to give up for now and flew down to the city streets. Relieved that the chase was over she looked down at Etude to check if he was harmed. Aside from the fearful crying, he seemed to be as good as he was before the incident. With a huge sigh of relief and caring hug for the boy she flew back to the Jedi Temple.

Coruscant
Jedi Temple

After such a stressful day, well, stressful for Etude, things had a chance to go back to normal now. Master Stormjumper proudly brought him back to the temple safe and sound without a scratch. The Jedi that greeted her and Master Yoda waited in the nursery where an incubator was ready for the young foal in Sousis' possession, sound asleep on her back.

The Jedi approached her with hand over her heart in relief. "Ah, Master Stormjumper! I'm reveled you found the youngling safe and sound."

Sousis in turn replied with chuckle and a tiring sigh. "If by sound you mean constant crying, then you're right."

With no surprise from anyone, Master Yoda found his way to the nursery as well to see the return of the youngling. He approached Sousis from behind, using the Force with ease to levitate Etude into his hands. "Glad we are of his return. Have you to thank for, Master Stormjumper."

Sousis turned to give a slight bow to the Grandmaster before she raised with a straight look on her face. "Master, I need a moment to speak with you if you don't mind."

"Of course." With more use from the Force he guided the baby through the air into the caretaker's arms. "Now in your hands, his care is."

"I won't let you down Master." With vigor to do the best she can with the youngling she gently placed him in the ready incubator. The incubator's transparent hatch closed, sealing the foal inside while pumping in filtered air.

Meanwhile, Sousis and Yoda took their leave from the room and proceed to walk through the halls of the temple with Sousis matching Yoda's pace. "You were right Master. Something is afoot. The timing was all too perfect, I believe someone infiltrated the temple somehow, planing all of this just to kidnap Etude. I caught up to the kidnapper, he seemed well equipped and ready for something like this, though it seemed he wasn't expect a Jedi to literally fly after him. I couldn't get a good look at him though, he was wearing a full mask so I couldn't really get a hold of his identity. The only distinguishable feature I can really note about him is his red skin. My first guess is he's a Zeltron, but that's only an educated guess."

Yoda stopped his slow pace all together, prompting Sousis to do the same. Yoda looked at the floor with a low grunt. "Troubling this is... more clues did you gather?"

"I'm afraid not Master. I put the youngling's safety a priority over the kidnapper. He quickly gave up chase when I got Etude back. It seemed as though he didn't want to harm him, which I can rule out her wasn't out to kill him, other wise he would have already done the job."

Yoda turned his head towards the large windows and closed his eyes in concentration. "What could one want with this specific youngling?"

The question made her stop to actually think about it thoroughly. This was now less of a coincidence than she originally thought. It was all too planned out. If the kidnapper really wanted a youngling that badly and were able to infiltrate the temple, surely they could have managed to sneak into the nursery and snag a youngling for themselves. Then a bad thought crossed her mind that she wished she never thought of in the first place, but she couldn't help to linger on it. "Master... you don't think..."

"No." The Elder Master immediately disclaimed before hearing her out. "Doubt his majesty has deep connections such as this I do. If indeed planned this was, much more time needed to infiltrate Jedi temple."

Well he did have a point. There's no way Shining Armor could have made connections to the underground so quickly from his world. Even if he did Yoda's point still stands, breaching the temple would take much more time and effort on the kidnapper's part. If this was all true, that only meant one thing left. "Master, if you're right, then I fear this was an inside job. The kidnapper had know we were retrieving Etude long before our departure. I only hope the king has no part in this."

With a thud of his cane Yoda started walking again. "Done your part you have. A break you deserve, perhaps meditation you need. Begin investigation we will, need not to worry you should. Go, much to do there will be." With a slight nod and another grunt, Yoda proceeded through the temple by himself.

"Of course Master." She answered before he was out of earshot. She turned back down the hall to return to the nursery again where the foster caretaker was doing scans and other test on the sleeping foal with a datapad. "How is he?"

The caretaker ignored her for minute as she continued to run test on the foal before finally deciding to respond. "I'm intrigued, I've never encountered his species before."

Sousis stepped to the caretaker's side to see just exactly what she was doing. "Mythian Pegasus." She kindly aided her.

"Oh of course... how could I forget. You must forgive me, I sometimes forget we have new additions to the Republic. There's only been one other Mythian youngling who has entered these halls. I'm sure Etude will be good friends with him."

This interested Sousis, she wasn't aware another Mythian came before Etude. She wondered if he was another pony. Maybe a gryphon or diamond dog. Either way it would be a sight to see how they might interact. Now that made two... no, four Mythians to enter the order. "When do you think he'll be ready?"

The caretaker looked away from the datapad for second to answer Sousis' questions, seeing as she needed more information on Etude anyways. "We'll that depends. Can he walk?"

"Well... he has a ways to go but he's getting there."

Once more the caretaker went to work on her datapad, putting in information as she spoke. "I don't have much information on him from the databanks so I would greatly appreciate your assistance. Would you mind helping me make sure i get all of this correct?"

"I'll be glad to." The dragon smiled.

"Good. Now then, age?"

"Two standard years old."

"Okay. Gender?" Sousis stared at the caretaker for a second before she just crossed her arms and stared with annoyance. "Dear, I know it may sound like a dumb question, but I've been doing this for years now. With all the different species that enter these halls, you can never be too sure."

Sousis thought about it before she realized she made a good point, sometimes some aliens got sensitive when others got their gender wrong, seeing as how Etude is one of, if not, the only pony to ever be taken into the temple, it was an honest question to ask. "Male."

"Very good. I'll be able to take it from here dear." Sousis did feel a bit awkward from being called "Dear" when she was older than this women, but looks can be deceiving she supposed. "Thank you so much for your assistance, and think you for bringing us another potential member."

With not much left else to say she respectfully bowed to the other Master and glanced over at Etude one last time. With her mission done and the youngling in the hands of the order she left the room with Etude to be taken care of. She considered Yoda's advice and returned to her room within the temple. She closed all the windows and turned off all the lights while turning up the heat to a high temperature, or high by at least human standards. She knelled down on both knees to take a meditation position. Completely relaxed and in her element she lost herself in the Force and began meditating. For the next nine hours or so hours in meditation her thoughts were focused on Etude, trying to see if she could foresee his future.

One thing she did foresee in the future was that things were going to be interesting in the future, this was something to look forward to.