Author's Note

So in honor of Celebration, I release this chapter. It's really rough, but I think y'all will dig it. There is a dream in there, so for that I'd recommend just having fun with it.

Chapter 21

Dinky found herself in a grassy field. It stretched as far as the eye could see. Above her was a night sky, filled with stars, moons and even planets. It was an unfamiliar place to her. She felt at peace. Serene even.

“Hello?” Dinky called out. Only echos answered her. She had never been so alone. She has felt this alone. As far as Dinky knew, she was the only pony in Equestria that could feel the Force. “Is this what it’s actually like-?”

“From a point of view.”

Dinky turned around and saw a tall cloaked figure behind her. The figure had a female voice.

“Who are you?” Dinky asked.

“A guide.” The figure replied. “It’s not everyday a fellow Force user comes forward.”

Dinky looked around. “Is this place, the Force?”

“A representation of it. The Force covers the universe, and while all life is connected, a true connection is hard to manifest.”

“But then, what about Discord? He knows how to use the Force.”

“Alas, while he claims to know a great deal, his connection has been severed. It will take time to reconnect.” The figure kneeled down to Dinky. “But you are just beginning on your path.”

Dinky nodded. “I want to do more, but I’ve been getting so many warnings about my path.”

“Again, young one, these are points of view. There is no proper path. Just the path that you yourself must create.”

“But, what about the Dark Side?”

The figure chuckled. “The Dark Side is merely an interpretation. There are truly evil people who use the Force, but they are just truly evil. There are many abilities out there than can lead to many different possibilities.”

“I just want to help people though. I know how it feels to be bullied or put down. I want to help people out!”

“A noble goal. And do you believe being a Jedi can help with that?”

“I do. It’s one thing to be a police pony, or a guard, or a princess. But to be a Jedi, it’s your life to help. I want that.”

“Are you sure?” The figure patted Dinky on the head. “In any case, you’ll need to be tested.”

“Tested?”

“Yes. This will truly determine if you can stand with the Force. It’s something every Force user has gone through.”

“Okay… is there a place I have to go to or-?”

“The place will reveal itself in time. For now, just keep an eye out.” The figure walked past Dinky and miraculously took flight.

“Wait!” Dinky cried out. “Who are you?!”

The figure chuckled. “Someone who has been around the block in terms of the Force. I’m someone you can trust.”

“I’m not so sure. I mean, I’ve been taking advice from so many people. Yoda, Discord, Hunter, my mom. Where does it end?”

The figure laughed. “The path to true wisdom lies in experience, Dinky Do. Hearing words, true or false, can lead to your very own enlightenment.”

“Why would lies lead to enlightenment?”

“Because then you know they are lies.”

Dinky groaned. She was not amused.

“Trust me, Dinky. I’ve gone what you’re going through. Keep an open mind.”

“I don’t think I have much of a choice at the moment.”

“Yup.” The figure replied cheerfully. “Go forth, young Dinky.” The figure dissipated, leaving Dinky alone in the field.

~~~~~~~

As Hunter made his way from the dining area, he looked out a window to see Dinky sitting in a courtyard with her eyes closed. I guess she’s taking this seriously. Hunter thought. His thoughts were interrupted by a blaring on his communicator. He pushed a few buttons and saw he had received a text message.

DECODING MESSAGE…

DECODING …

DECODING COMPLETE

FROM THE OFFICE OF REPUBLIC INTELLIGENCE

LIEUTENANT HUNTER OF THE 1ST SENATOR’S GUARD DIVISION TO RECEIVE THREE UNITS.

UNITS:

CT-5674 SERGEANT BURST/ PREVIOUSLY OF RED SQUADRON/ RE-ASSIGNED TO 1ST SENATOR’S GUARD DIVISION

CT-0711 TECHNICIAN CRANK/ PREVIOUSLY OF 501ST DIVISION/ RE-ASSIGNED TO 1ST SENATOR’S GUARD DIVISION

CT-9945 CORPORAL GLASS/ PREVIOUSLY OF 101ST DIVISION/ RE-ASSIGNED TO 1ST SENATOR’S GUARD DIVISION

REPUBLIC FRIGATE SHIP REGAL WITH CARGO/ PREVIOUSLY OF 3RD ARMY/ RE-ASSIGNED TO 1ST SENATOR’S GUARD DIVISION

UNITS WILL ARRIVE IN ONE GALACTIC WEEK

ORDERS: ONCE SIGNAL IS RECEIVED, ACTIVATE BEACON FOR UNITS TO FIND LOCATION

Hunter tapped his communicator. So, Crank, Glass, and Burst. Hunter thought back to Blaser. He was the senior on the ship, but rank hardly mattered there. This was his first command. Something he didn’t want. I wonder what they want me to do with my old ship? Scuttle it? Hunter shook his head. I’ll continue repairs when I’m back in Ponyville. Maybe they can help- Hunters thoughts were interrupted by a tap on his leg. He looked down to see Twilight.

“I thought you handled yourself great in there, Hunter.” Twilight said cheerfully.

“It was no issue. Although I feel like I scared a few of them.”

“In what regard?” Twilight asked.

“Telling them the size of the Grand Army of the Republic and the population of Coruscant. I’m not sure if they’re ready for it all.”

“Well, it’s not like we’re all moving there or anything. We’re just connected now. More knowledge, more experience, a step forward. What’s scary about that?”

Hunter laughed. “More than you think.”

“I was going to practice my flying for the Summer Sun Celebration. Will you join me and the girls?”

Hunter nodded and followed Twilight. Hunter looked at the decorated halls and stained glass windows. It really is a castle. “By the way, Twilight. You might want to have a talk with Dinky Do and her family.”

“I was thinking the same, actually. That magic she performed against Discord was very strange.”

“It looked like what the Jedi do when they use the Force.”

“Ah, the Force. It raises a lot of questions.”

Hunter chuckled. “A little over my head I’m afraid.”

“I wish you knew more about it. I’d talk with the Jedi about it, but I’d like to get it from an unbiased source.”

“Unbiased? They’re the only ones that know how to use the Force.”

“Not the only ones. There’s also the Sith.”

Hunter stopped in his tracks and kneeled down next to Twilight. “You don’t want to get information from them Twilight.”

“Why not?”

“You remember Count Dooku? He’s a Sith Lord.”

“You mean he’s one of the two?”

“One of the two?” Hunter asked.

“In Sith ideology, there can only be two Sith at a time. One to have power, and another to learn from it. This ensures there’s no power struggle in an organization.”

“I don’t know about that, but the Sith are bad people Twilight. They’re not to be trusted.” Hunter stood up. “Where did you hear all that anyway?”

“Chancellor Palpatine gave me the information.”

“When was this?” Hunter asked.

“Last night. I was feeling stressed, so I asked for his advice.”

Hunter facepalmed in disbelief. “‘Asked for his advice? You do know what you did right?”

Twilight tilted her head. “What?”

“You distracted the most powerful man in the galaxy from his very busy duties because you couldn’t sleep well!”

Twilight’s eyes widened. “Oh my gosh… I- I didn’t-”

“It’d be like a pony out there asking for Princess Celestia in the middle of the night.” Hunter sighed. “It’s too late now, but refrain from that in the future.”

“But.... he said he’d like to talk more, Hunter.”

Hunter looked back down to Twilight. “He said that?”

Twilight nodded.

“Well, I guess if he’s okay with it.” Hunter and Twilight walked off towards the field where Twilight’s friends were waiting.

```

Elsewhere, a pony named Lily was enjoying her day off by sleeping rather late. She snuggled next to her pillows and enjoyed the dream that she was having…

Ponyville was under siege! Fires were everywhere, children were running, and at the center of it all, Equestria’s greatest heroes were defeated. The Elements of Harmony were used up, the Princesses’ power all but spent, and even the local guard proved useless under the combined assault of three of Equestria’s greatest villains. Sombra of the North, a dark spirit. Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, and one thought to be good, Discord.

Spectating this all, was Lily, who had been captured by the dastardly villains.

“HAHAHA!” Laughed the villains. “We have captured the fairest maiden in the land!”

“Curse you all!” Princess Celestia cried out. “She’s too hot for you three!”

“Yeah!” The other princesses and Elements of Harmony cried.

“Silly ponies,” Chrysalis cackled. “With Lily’s hotness, we will rule the galaxy!”

“You are most unkind!” Luna cried out.

“It matters not,” Sombra said. “You have no way to resist us. All your greatest heroes have failed. Who’s left?!”

“No one! That’s who!” Discord laughed. Beside the villains, the subdued Lily said softly,

“Not everyone…”

In the distance, when all hope had died, and the hour of losing Lily’s hotness seemed nigh, a hero covered in a gold cloak appeared.

“Who’s that?” Chrysalis asked.

“Why’s he up on two legs?” Sombra asked.

“And why is he so muscular?” Discord asked.

The hero moved closer and closer to the three villains. He pulled down his hood to reveal himself.

“You.” Discord said.

“Him?” Sombra asked.

“Me.” The figure said.

“Hunter.” Chrysalis growled.

Hunter, hero of the totally hot and exotic aliens, within his tight suit, revealing every muscle, cracked his knuckles.

“Release the fair Lily, you curs.” Hunter said. “Or else I will have to destroy you.”

“He is so merciful!” Rarity exclaimed.

“His power knows no bounds!” Fluttershy yelled.

“His muscles match Lily’s hotness!” Twilight cried.

“It’s true, your muscles are extremely impressive. However, I will see them destroyed!” Sombra yelled, baring his fangs and shadow claws. He lunged toward the hero, who moved so fast that none could see him. “What? Where did he go?”

“Perhaps if you focused on your skills as much as you stalk fair maidens…” Hunter appeared behind Sombra and held his sword aloft. With a quick swing, Hunter removed Sombra’s head. “You’d be able to see that I only stepped to the right.”

“That fool Sombra couldn’t even see Hunter right in front of him. Nevermind.” Chrysalis stepped behind Hunter. “I’LL BE YOUR EXECUTIONER!”

Chrysalis bared her fangs, ready to bite into Hunter, until she stopped when Hunter turned around to face her. Hunter did not dodge, he did not appear to flinch, and he certainly showed no fear.

“Why don’t you fear me?!” Chrysalis yelled. “FEAR ME!”

Hunter shook his head. “I saw the inner beauty inside of you, Chrysalis.”

Chrysalis gasped. “But I-”

“What made it disappear was your dark heart and ambition. I free you from it now.”

The last thing Chrysalis heard was a whistle. Everyone gasped as the Changeling split into two. Hunter shed small tears that appeared at the lens of his helmet. “A shame…”

Discord laughed. “Excellent. Let me be your opponent. I’m far different than those fools.” Hunter appeared to be not listening. Discord stepped closer and closer to Hunter. “I was taught in the ways of an ancient form of combat you have never even conceived of.”

Hunter still did not turn. Rather, he made his way towards Lily and kneeled down next to her. “Are you alright?” Hunter asked. Lily nodded.

Discord growled and curled his talon and paws into fists. “Why you… YOU DARE IGNORE ME?!” Discord charged forward towards Hunter. But before he could attack, he was stopped by Hunter’s elbow to his face. Discord reeled back in pain. Hunter then picked Lily up and placed her next to the others. Discord, feeling the intense embarrassment and anger within him, charged with everything he had. Hunter stood up and turned around to face Discord.

“What’s wrong?” Hunter asked. “Go ahead and do it.” Discord growled and then smiled. He raised his thumbs and quickly placed them against Hunter’s temples.

“HAHAHAHA!” Discord laughed. “I have landed the ancient head exploding attack… you are already dead.”

“In how many seconds?” Hunter asked in a bored tone.

“I suppose a dead man should know when he’s officially dead.” Discord said. “In ten seconds, I’ll count it down for you.”

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1-!” But before Discord could finish he felt his head start expand. Before he could yell anything, his head exploded. Only Hunter was there.

Fool. Hunter thought. The ancient head exploding attack is not easily mastered… especially by one born of chaos. All around him ponies cheered in happiness. The Princesses and the Elements bowed before him .

“We can’t thank you enough, Hunter. You have said the day again.” Princess Celestia stood back up. “I can grant you a boon-”

“What’s a boon?” Luna asked.

“It’s a word for gift except it’s fancy.” Twilight said. “I’m the smart one.”

“Indeed.” Celestia said. “What is it that you want?”

Hunter stood silently until, “I would love to have unending sex with Lily.”

“That request cannot be granted by me, but it can be granted by-”

“YES!” Lily said. She charged forward and lept into Hunter’s arms.

“I guess she really wants to get to the good part.” Pinkie said.

“The good part?” Celestia asked.

“Nothing~!” Pinkie exclaimed.

*Adds to moment*

And so, Hunter walked off with Lily in his arms to a hotel, where he would buy her an expensive dinner, give her a massage, and then-
~~~~

Lily smiled contently in her bed, and let out a simple, “yeh.”