My Little Star Wars: The Force is Magic

Chapters

Prologue: The Rise of Nightmare
Chapter 2: The Battle of Ilum
Chapter 3: Dangerous Threats
Chapter 4: Twilight of the Republic
Chapter 5: Shadow of the Sith
Chapter 6: The Return of Nightmare
Chapter 7: Dark Dealings
Chapter 8: On the Run
Chapter 9: The Way of a Jedi
Chapter 10: Redemtion
Chapter 1: The New Padawans

Prologue: The Rise of Nightmare

On the peaceful planet of Equestria, evil is stirring. The darkness known as Tantabus has awoken deep within the Everfree, and it intends to wreak havoc on Equestria. Celestia knows this, and she has tried to do everything in her power to stop Tantabus. However, she is getting nowhere. Meanwhile, her sister and padawan, Luna, possessed by an embodiment of Tantabus, is drawn to the Castle of the Two Sisters. Fearing the loss of her sister and the threat of Tantabus returning, Celestia arrives at the castle to rid Equestria of the uprising darkness…

~~~

Luna stared up into the night sky at the full moon. Tantabus's embodiment had released her for a moment to give her one last feeling of freedom before beginning its takeover of Equestria. Luna took a deep breath and let it out. She was in front of the thrones where she and Celestia governed Equestria from. Celestia was at the base of the stairs that led up to those thrones.

“Sister…” she whispered.

“The night is beautiful, is it not?” Luna asked. “It is quiet and peaceful.” She paused for a bit to let those words sink in. Celestia was near tears.

“Luna...” she stammered. “What is wrong?”

“There is nothing wrong,” Luna said.

“Sister, there is clearly something wrong,” Celestia said. “You aren't usually like this.”

“I have not changed,” Luna denied. “Nothing has been altered.”

“Then what's going on?” Celestia asked. “I need you back at the academy. The younglings are waiting.”

“The younglings all appreciate you,” Luna said. “Never the night. Only your precious light. The night is everything the day could never be.”

“Luna,” Celestia gasped.

“The sun hides itself during this time because it knows,” Luna said. “Her light can only blind and burn. I know that you know this.”

“Luna,” Celestia begged. “Please. Come back to Canterlot with me. Help me train the younglings, teach them to become Jedi, like you. Isn't that what you wanted?”

“Do not deny me!” Luna shouted, turning toward Celestia. “Admit it! Admit that the night is superior to the day!” At this, Celestia changed her tone.

“Luna,” she lightly scolded. “There is no superior. Both day and night are equals. Now please, come back with me.” Luna lightly stomped her hoof, slowly shaking her head.

“I will not,” she said. “I have found a new path. One that will bring true peace to Equestria.” She turned her head behind her. “Tantabus,” she called. Out of a small hole in the wall behind her, a star spider emerged and quickly crawled onto Luna's shoulder. The spider had become Tantabus's safe haven until Luna arrived. The star spider bit Luna in the neck, transferring Tantabus from the spider into Luna. Imbued with Tantabus's dark power, Luna levitated into the air, opening her wings. Celestia watched in horror as her sister's horn crackled with energy before pouring out dark magic around her. The ball of black magic turned a fiery red before exploding outward. Celestia jumped out of the way to avoid the blast. As the smoke cleared, Luna remained standing, her head hung low and her eyes closed. She now wore dark robes and a mask around her muzzle. Celestia cautiously approached.

“Sister?” she asked. Luna didn't move. Celestia started to walk up the stairs. All of a sudden, Luna opened her eyes and shot out a hoof. Lightning spewed from it, striking Celestia with tremendous force and propelling her back to the floor. Luna walked down the stairs toward her former master. Her eyes had changed from a teal hue to a bright red. She stopped about 10 feet away from Celestia, who had just gotten up, trying to recover from the shock of the unexpected attack.

“I will not fight you, Luna,” she said.

“Then you will die,” Luna growled. She took her lightsaber off her belt and jolted it out and down, igniting the blade. Half a second later, two plasma crossguards shot out from the sides of the hilt. The blade and the crossguards crackled and sparked with red. Luna's lightsaber was changed by Tantabus. Not only the design, but the kyber crystal from within. It had been cracked and transformed, giving the saber its now unstable electrical look. Frightened, but keeping her cool, Celestia pulled out and ignited her green lightsaber. Hers was stable, giving off a bright green glow and steady hum. She used a small bit of magic to heal herself. Luna whipped her wings open and charged at Celestia, lightsaber swinging. The red blade came down hard. Celestia blocked the attack, but the force of the blow drove her down to her knees. Luna pushed down hard, overpowering her sister. Celestia looked into Luna’s eyes as she struggled to hold back her sister’s violent downward force. The purity in her eyes was gone, replaced with hatred and suffering. Celestia quickly teleported away a few feet, and Luna hit the ground, instantly melting away a split in the concrete. She stood up and spun her saber once.

“Luna, snap out of it!” Celestia cried. “Resist the darkness!”

“Resistance is futile,” Luna hissed. “There is no escape from what is to come. The night will last forever!” With a swift movement, Luna blasted another wave of Force lightning at Celestia. This time, Celestia was a bit more alert, and she held out her lightsaber, absorbing the lightning into it. Luna increased the power and strength of her attack, slowly walking towards Celestia as she did so. Celestia struggled to keep the attack at bay.

“Luna!” she cried. “Please! Stop this!”

“You will join the Sith or die!” Luna yelled over the electricity. She let out a powerful torrent of lightning, which overpowered Celestia. Her lightsaber was knocked from her grip, and extinguished as it fell to the ground with a clatter. Luna continued her assault. The deadly bolts struck Celestia with the full might of the Dark Side. Celestia screamed and writhed in agony as the pain pulsed through her. Luna didn't let up. She kept the lightning going strong. Celestia cried out with pain. Luna stopped for a moment.

“And now, my sister, you will die,” Luna said. Celestia looked up at her former Padawan and sister.

“Luna,” she quietly said, barely audible. “I'm so sorry.” Luna raised her lightsaber for the final blow. Celestia acted fast and threw out a hoof, pushing Luna away with the Force. Luna slammed into and out of the window behind the thrones, shattering it. Some pain still coursing through her, Celestia stood up with much difficulty and walked over to her lightsaber. She picked it up and returned it to her belt. She looked back at the broken window with regret and sadness. She hung her head and closed her eyes, letting a tear fall to the ground. Celestia turned around and took off for Canterlot. Her sister had fallen to the Dark Side, changed by Tantabus. She had no idea what might happen to Equestria, nor to herself. But she did know one thing. She would prepare the younglings back in Canterlot for this threat, in hopes she could defeat Tantabus and bring Luna back to the Light Side.

Chapter 2: The Battle of Ilum

Over the crystal planet of Ilum, a Separatist blockade has been established. The young Equestrian Jedi, along with Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano, are forced to call for Republic reinforcements before they can continue down to the planet’s surface. With the Republic fleet under the command of Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi, the Jedi are prepared to take back Ilum to allow the younglings to retrieve their lightsaber crystals. But aboard the Separatist flagship, a new threat is in command. A threat that has not been heard from for a thousand years…

~~~

Out above Ilum, the Venator class cruisers opened up their main hangars, and Republic fighters poured out of them. Two large squadrons of ARC-170 starfighters each lead by a Jedi Eta-2 Interceptor flew out into space, ready to battle.

“Rouge Squadron, check in,” Anakin called from his starfighter.

“Rouge 5, standing by.”

“Rouge 8, standing by.” The rest of the Rouge Squadron checked in.

“All Rouge fighters accounted for,” Anakin confirmed.

“Copy that, Anakin,” Celestia said. “Yellow squadron, report in.”

“Yellow 8, standing by.”

“Yellow 5, standing by.”

“Yellow 9, standing by.” The Yellow Squadron all checked in.

“All Yellow fighters reported,” Celestia said.

“Copy that,” Anakin said. “Lock S foils in attack position.” The ARC-170 starfighters and the Jedi Interceptors opened up their wings, and accelerated to attack speed. The Separatist hangars opened up, and Vulture droids and Tri-Fighter droids zipped out into space. Aboard the bridge of the Republic Cruiser, Admiral Yularen was waiting for Obi Wan’s command.

“All ships, open fire!” Kenobi ordered.

“Fire!” the Separatist general cried. Both the Republic and Separatist ships fired on each other. Powerful laser bolts blasted through the area, damaging their targets. The clone and droid fighters engaged in a deadly dogfight, attempting to bring the other side down. Most of Anakin’s squad had broken off from attack formation, chasing down droid fighters. The clones that managed to stay in formation followed Anakin to the Separatist flagship. Celestia’s squadron made a hard left to one of the cruisers, laser cannons firing. The powerful blasts struck the shield generators, disabling the deflector shields around the ship. The Republic Assault Ship Prosecutor focused their firepower on the disabled Separatist cruiser. The main reactor on the ship exploded, causing a chain reaction of explosions that ended with the entire vessel bursting into a fiery blast, obliterating the ship.

“Separatist cruiser is down, General Skywalker,” the Yellow Squadron leader informed.

“Great work,” Anakin replied. “But don’t get too comfortable. This battle isn’t won yet. If we can bring down the flagship, the Separatists are sure to retreat.”

“Copy that, General,” One of the pilots in Anakin’s squadron said. “Let’s turn those clankers into scrap metal!” Anakin gunned his engines, and his remaining squadron followed closely behind. The Separatist flagship’s cannons were firing at full blast, trying to take out the small fighters. But the size and speed of the squadron ruined any chances the droid gunners had at blowing them away. Anakin led his squadron through the laser blasts and into the flagship hangar. The clone pilots launched torpedoes into the hangar, blowing away most of the droid forces inside. They landed their ships inside, and Anakin hopped out of his starfighter and ignited his lightsaber. There were still a few droids left in the hangar, and they started firing on Anakin. Their efforts were useless, as Anakin deflected each blast and cut the droids down to size. When the hangar was clear, he extinguished his lightsaber and turned on his com-link as the pilots exited their fighters. R2-D2 rolled over to the hangar door and sealed it shut.

“Obi Wan, we’re inside the flagship,” he informed. “We need more troops immediately.”

“You can’t take it yourself?” Obi Wan joked.

“Very funny,” Anakin sarcastically replied.

“I’ll send Captain Rex and Commander Cody to your location,” Kenobi said. “They should be there shortly.”

“Copy that, Obi Wan,” Anakin said. “Skywalker out.” He turned off his com-link. On the bridge, the general was watching the battle from the window when the tactical droid stepped up.

“What is it?” the general asked.

“My lady, the Republic forces have breached the hangar,” the droid informed. “A Jedi is with them.”

“Skywalker,” the general hissed. “Send all available droids to stop them. This blockade must not fall!”

“As you wish,” the tactical droid said. He pressed a button on his wrist, and droids on standby switched on, and the droids marched to the hangar.

~~~

In the Republic cruiser’s hangar, three gunships worth of clone troopers were loaded, ready to depart for the hangar. Four ARC-170 escorts were being fueled up. Ahsoka was inside of one of the gunships with Captain Rex, Hardcase, ARC Trooper Fives, ARC Trooper Echo, and more clone troopers. The ship was just about to take off when they heard a voice.

“Wait!” A young female voice cried out. Ahsoka turned to see Sunset Shimmer running to the gunship.

“What are you doing?” Ahsoka scolded. “I told you to stay with Master Yoda and the other youngings.

“My lightsaber crystal is on the flagship,” Sunset said. “I have to go with you to find it.”

“You can feel it?” Ahsoka asked. Sunset nodded. Ahsoka sighed. “All right,” she agreed. “Come on, but you stay close to me.” Sunset climbed into the gunship, and Ahsoka took her up in her arms. The gunships’ hulls sealed up, and they took off for the Separatist flagship. The ARC-170 Starships followed close, and escorted the gunships through the ensuing battle. The tactical droid issued orders from the bridge.

“Destroy those gunships,” it ordered. A squadron of Vulture droids that were tailing Celestia’s fighters suddenly changed course, heading for the gunship transports. Celestia noticed.

“Protect those transports!” she cried. “Yellow squadron, destroy those fighters! Check your fire on those transports.”

“Affirmative, general,” a pilot in her squad replied. Celestia’s squadron whipped around toward the Vulture droids, the pursued becoming the pursuers. The ARC-170 gunners blasted away at the droid fighters with pinpoint accuracy. The Vulture droids were blown away before they could shoot down the gunships.

“You’re all clear, Commander Tano,” Celestia announced over her starfighter com-link.

“Thanks for the help, Master Celestia,” Ahsoka replied. The gunships continued onward to the Separatist flagship. The tactical droid waved its mechanical arm with a whir.

“Fools!” it cried. “Shoot down those transports.” The cannons on the flagship fired, lasers blasting away at the gunships.

“Yellow Squadron coming in for a bombing run,” Celestia informed. She led her squadron to the flagship in a tight formation.

“Keep tight,” one of the pilots reminded. The fighters roared toward their target. The turrets were too focused on the gunships.

“Fire torpedoes!” Celestia ordered. The fighters launched their torpedoes at the flagship turrets, destroying them and blowing a hole in the flagship.

“Bombing successful,” Celestia said. “Continue toward the flagship hangar.” The gunships approached the hangar, and their escorts broke off and rejoined the battle. Celestia flew into the flagship hangar with the gunships. The transports landed in the hangar and their hulls opened up. Ahsoka, Sunset, and the clones quickly hurried out of the gunships. One clone trooper, Hardcase, looked around with disappointment.

“What is it, Hardcase?” Rex asked.

“The general didn't leave any droids for us,” Hardcase complained.

“Don't worry, trooper,” Rex assured. “There are still a lot of droids aboard this thing. You'll get your chance.” Ahsoka walked up to her Anakin.

“Good to see you here, Snips,” Anakin said. “Another Jedi might be useful.”

“As much as I'd like to help, Master,” Ahsoka said. “We have a different problem. This youngling senses her lightsaber crystal on board this ship. I'm going to help her find it.”

“You brought a youngling on board a Separatist ship full of battle droids?” Anakin scolded. “Ahsoka, you should know better.”

“As I said, Master,” Ahsoka reasoned. “The youngling senses her crystal inside the flagship. If the ship is destroyed, she won't be able to get her crystal, therefore being unable to make her lightsaber.” Anakin breathed a heavy sigh.

“All right,” he agreed. “But you be careful, understand? The youngling will be your responsibility.”

“Yes, Master,” Ahsoka nodded. She turned to Sunset. “Come on, young one.” Ahsoka and Sunset ran off to find Sunset's lightsaber crystal. R2 unlocked and opened the main door, and once Ahsoka and Blazing were through, he closed and locked it again. Celestia walked up to Anakin.

“I fear the worst for your padawan,” she worried.

“I trust her with my life,” Anakin said. “She may be a bit reckless, but I wouldn't pick a better Jedi to help a youngling.”

“Your trust in her may be deceiving,” Celestia warned.

“Don't bet on it,” Anakin murmured. Celestia shook her head and pulled out her lightsaber.

“Come on,” she said. “We'd better hurry if we're going to liberate Ilum.” Anakin nodded and followed Celestia to the awaiting clones.

~~~

Blazing Fire’s ship came out of hyperspace at the planet of Tatooine. Both Asajj Ventress and Blazing had collected the heads of their bounties, and they were going to Jabba’s Palace to collect the money. Blazing landed her ship in front of the palace, and she and Ventress exited the ship. Ventress slid her mask over her face, and they walked up to the palace gates. Blazing gave a hard knock, and a black sphere on a mechanical arm popped out of a hole in the gates.

“What do you want?” the sphere asked in huttese.

“We have come to talk to Jabba the Hutt,” Ventress replied. “We have collected two bounties for him.” The eye retreated into the hole it came from and the gate opened with a loud creak. The two bounty hunters walked inside and stepped up to Jabba the Hutt. Jabba’s protocol droid waddled up.

“Mighty Jabba,” Ventress said, a robotic echo in her voice. “We have come to collect the bounties on two targets.” She pulled up the hologram of the politician, and held up his head as proof. Blazing Fire did the same with the Dug criminal. Jabba gave a laugh and spoke. The protocol droid translated.

“The glorious Jabba is most pleased with your efforts,” it said. “He will gladly pay you the reward.” One of Jabba’s personal bounty hunters walked up to Ventress and Blazing and gave them each a case of unmarked credits with the correct amount.

“Thank you, Jabba,” Blazing thanked. She and Ventress briefly bowed their heads and left the palace. They walked through the courtyard to Blazing’s ship.

“So, what’re you going to do now?” Blazing asked Ventress.

“I’m going to use these credits to buy myself a ship,” Ventress replied. “Get off this rock and continue as a bounty hunter. By the way, you still owe me half of your bounty.”

“Oh, right,” Blazing remembered. She opened up her smaller case and took out half of the credits and gave them to Ventress. She held out her hoof.

“Good luck,” she wished. Ventress took Blazing’s hoof.

“You too,” she replied, shaking the hoof. Ventress stole a speeder and sped off to find herself a ship. Blazing Fire boarded her ship, chuckling and shaking her head. She got in the cockpit and looked out toward Ventress.

“Until we meet again,” she murmured under her breath. Blazing ignited the engines and took off for space. She had just left Tatooine’s orbit when she got a call on her ship’s holoprojector. She turned it on and a projection of Anakin Skywalker appeared.

“General Skywalker,” Blazing said. “What a surprise. To think that the last time met was during the rebellion on Corellia.”

“Good to see you too, Master Blazing Fire,” Anakin said. “There’s been a problem over Ilum.”

“Ilum? Isn’t that the planet where I found my lightsaber crystals?” Blazing recalled.

“That’s right,” Anakin confirmed. “I was your advisor then. Back to our little problem. I don’t know how we didn’t hear about this, but a Separatist blockade has surrounded Ilum. The Republic is currently trying to destroy the blockade, and we need your help.”

“You can’t take a blockade yourself, Skywalker?” Blazing joked, smirking. “I thought you could do anything yourself.”

“This is not the time for this,” Anakin growled. “I’m aboard the blockade flagship trying to take it out from the inside. We could use some of your skills. Mind helping a fellow Jedi out?”

“Not at all,” Blazing said. “I’ll be there shortly. See you there.” Anakin nodded, and his projection faded. Blazing punched in the coordinates and pulled a lever, and she jumped into hyperspace to Ilum.

~~~

Over Ilum, the struggle to break the Separatist blockade was still going strong. More Separatist ships had fallen than Republic ones, but the droids weren’t letting up. Droid and clone squadrons blasted away at each other in fast paced dogfights, and the cruisers held their ground, never letting up their attack. A Vulture Bomber squadron flew close to one of the Republic Assault Ships, and they let loose their bombs. The explosions ripped a hole in the cruiser’s hull, damaging the laser cannons. A clone ARC-170 fighter chased down the bombers and shot them out of the sky. Aboard the flagship, Anakin, Celestia, and the clones were reviewing schematics of the flagship stolen by R2.

“All right, men, listen up,” Celestia said. She pointed to the hangar. “We’re here, and our target vicinity is on the bridge. We’ll split up into groups to get there with less trouble. I will take the 212th and go through the droid storage racks. At the same time, Skywalker will take the 501st and advance through the main reactor. With luck, we should meet up at the elevator shaft to the bridge, and we’ll regroup and take the bridge together. Anything you’d like to add, General Skywalker?”

“I’ve called for another Jedi to assist us,” Anakin said. “She should be here soon. When she gets here, she’ll go at it alone, through the ventilation shafts. She’ll be keeping an eye on Ahsoka and the youngling. Any questions?”

“Sir, no sir!” the clones cried.

“All right,” Celestia said. “Move out!” The clones raised their weapons and ran over to the two hangar doors on opposite sides of the hangar. The two Jedi generals used the Force to open up the doors, and they advanced inside.

Blazing Fire’s ship came out of hyperspace at the outskirts of the battle over Ilum.

“Looks like I’m late to the party,” Blazing said to herself. She gunned the engines and blasted into the battle. Three droid Tri-Fighters closed in on her, cannons firing. Blazing smirked and fired her own guns. The blasts destroyed one of the droid fighters, and the other two flew past her. They whipped around and chased Blazing down. Blazing rotated around her wing cannon, and the droid fighters came into view on the screen. Alternating her focus from gunner to pilot and back again, she shot at the fighters, and one of them went down. One of the fighters shot a missile at Blazing, and she avoided it. But the missile was a seeker, and it came back around. Blazing barred her teeth and shot down the fighter. The missile started to close in on Blazing. Taking a carful aim, with some assistance from the Force, Blazing took a shot, and the blast struck the missile, destroying it.

“Down and out,” she said. She returned her focus to flying and skillfully piloted her ship to the Separatist flagship. She flew into the hangar and landed. She exited her ship and ran out into the destroyed hangar. She turned on her com-link.

“General Skywalker, I’m in the hangar,” she said.

“Good,” Anakin said. “Your mission is to advance to the elevator shaft through the ventilation ducts. Master Celestia is leading the 212th through the droid storage racks. I’m leading the 501st through the main reactor. I need you to keep an eye on my Padawan Ahsoka. There’s a youngling with her. Make sure they stay alive.”

“Understood, general,” Blazing said. “See you at the shafts.” She turned off her com-link and looked up. A vent grate had fallen open during the hangar’s destruction. Blazing opened up her wings and flew up to the ventilation duct. She climbed inside and started her navigation through the ducts.

In another part of the flagship, Ahsoka Tano and Sunset Shimmer were searching for Sunset’s lightsaber crystal.

“Oh, where could it be?” Sunset worried.

“Don’t worry, young one,” Ahsoka assured. “We’ll find it. Your crystal is connected to you through the Force. You must relax your mind, and concentrate on the living Force to find it.” Sunset nodded, and she sat down and closed her eyes. She focused her mind to the Force, and searched for her crystal throughout the ship. After a few minutes, Sunset opened her eyes.

“It’s on the bridge,” she told Ahsoka.

“Then that’s where we’ll go,” Ahsoka said. Sunset stood up and followed Ahsoka down the hall. Ahsoka suddenly stopped.

“What is it?” Sunset asked. Heavy marching was suddenly heard.

“Droids,” Ahsoka muttered. “Hide.” Sunset ducked behind an extrusion in the hallway, and Ahsoka hid across from her. She made the shushing motion at Sunset before peeking out from her hiding place. A whole platoon of B2 super battle droids marched across the end of the hall, and suddenly turned down the hall towards Ahsoka and Sunset. Ahsoka whipped her head back, her face in a panic.

“What do we do?” Sunset mouthed, frightened.

“I don’t know,” Ahsoka mouthed back. The super battle droids marched closer, arms up in a standby position. Sunset was hyperventilating with fear. The metal footsteps got louder and louder as the droids got closer. Ahsoka slowly reached for her lightsabers. Without warning, the ventilation grate above Sunset opened up, and a cloaked figure grabbed Sunset and pulled her into the vents. Before Ahsoka could react, a vent grate above her opened, and the figure pulled her in as well. When Ahsoka was safely up in the vent, the figure put a hoof to both Ahsoka’s and Sunset’s mouths.

“Don’t move,” the figure quietly ordered. “Let the droids pass.” The super battle droids marched underneath the vents, not detecting the life forms above them. The figure took her hooves away and removed her hood.

“Who are you?” Sunset whispered.

“My name is Blazing Fire,” the figure quietly replied. “I’m here with Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker.”

“So are we,” Ahsoka said. “But for a different reason. This youngling senses her lightsaber crystal on the bridge of this ship, and we have to find it.”

“Skywalker, Celestia and I are headed there as well,” Blazing explained. “I can help you get there unseen.”

“Thank you,” Sunset said. “My name’s Sunset Shimmer. That’s Ahsoka Tano.”

“A pleasure to meet you both,” Blazing said. “Let’s move.” Blazing, Ahsoka, and Sunset crawled through the ventilation ducts. The super battle droids kept on marching towards the hangar. Blazing turned on her com-link.

“Skywalker, I have the youngling and your Padawan with me in the vents,” she whispered. “The youngling has sensed her lightsaber crystal on the bridge, and we’re advancing to that position now.”

“Understood, Master Fire,” Anakin replied. “We’re running into a bit of droid trouble, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”

“See you at the elevator,” Blazing said. She turned off her com-link and kept crawling through the vents, Ahsoka and Sunset close behind.

~~~

Celestia and the 212th battalion made their way to the battle droid storage racks. The door into the storage was sealed shut.

“Waxer, get this thing open,” Cody ordered.

“I’m on it sir,” Waxer said. He stepped up to the control panel and started his slice.

“Just a few more seconds,” he said after a moment. The panel turned green, and the door slid open. Millions and millions of varying models of battle droids were in storage set to standby in the huge room. Basic battle droids, super battle droids, aqua droids, commando droids, dwarf spider droids, droidekas, and magnaguard droids.

“By the Force,” Celestia breathed.

“If we wake up just one droid, we will not make it out alive,” Cody said. “We must advance with the highest caution. Keep your fingers on the trigger and turn on your night vision.” The clones flipped their night vision mode on and Celestia ignited her lightsaber. The group carefully navigated through the droid storage racks. Everyone was on edge. A creaking noise sounded, and everyone whipped toward the noise.

“We must keep moving,” Celestia said. The 212th pressed on through the storage racks. One clone hit his head on a super battle droid’s storage casing.

“Careful,” his partner said. As the group passed underneath the droids, the racked super battle droid fell off of its hook, and fell with a loud clang on the floor. The clang echoed throughout the large room, causing the group to flinch. They looked back at the fallen droid, and they raised their weapons. The super battle droid woke up and started to stand.

“Destroy it!” Cody cried. The clones fired on the droid, shutting it down. The noise of the blasts woke up every droid in the storage racks, their eyes lighting up.

“Run for it!” Celestia shouted. The clones blasted away at the droids while running for the exit. The droids started to drop from their storage, guns blazing. Celestia ran up to cover the clones’ escape. The droids fired relentlessly, taking a few clones down. A super battle droid transformed its arm into a rocket launcher and fired. The rocket exploded near the clones, killing a chunk of them. The group was nearly at the exit, but the droids were closing fast.

“Commander!” Celestia cried. “Fire at the ceiling! We may just be able to crush the droids with the debris!”

“Yes, ma’am!” Cody responded. He turned to the clones. “Fire at the ceiling! Crush the clankers with their own metal!” The clones raised their rifles and shot at the ceiling supports. A couple of rocket troopers fired rockets, and they exploded, destroying the supports and raining debris down on the droids.

“Let’s go!” Celestia cried, deflecting another blast. She and the clones ran out of the storage racks as they collapsed.

“Shut that door, trooper!” Cody cried out to a clone. The clone pressed a few buttons, and the blast doors sealed shut. Celestia quickly welded them shut with her lightsaber. Inside, the droids were destroyed by the massive amounts of falling metal and debris. The rumble of falling debris shook the flagship. Celestia extinguished her lightsaber and turned to Cody.

“How many did we lose?” she asked.

“We lost eight good men,” Cody regretted. “Seven died in the firefight, and one didn’t make it out of the collapsing storage room.” Celestia sighed.

“We cannot mourn our losses now,” she said. “We have to continue to the elevator shafts.”

“That won’t be necessary,” a voice said. Celestia turned her head, and saw Anakin and the 501st behind her. Rex had a battle droid in an arm lock, and he shot it in the head. The bolt passed effortlessly through the droid’s dome, and it fell down dead.

“Blasted bucket of bolts,” Rex cursed. He sheathed his DC-17 blaster pistol. As he did, the ventilation duct from above rattled, and Celestia and Anakin ignited their lightsabers. A purple lightsaber blade stabbed through the ventilation duct and cut a circle in the metal. The cut metal fell away, landing with a clang on the floor. Blazing Fire, Ahsoka Tano, and Sunset Shimmer dropped down from the vents.

“We made it,” Blazing said. Celestia and Anakin extinguished their lightsabers.

“Good,” Anakin nodded. “Men, we’re nearing our objective. We will all board the cargo elevator and travel up to the bridge. Once inside, destroy any droids you encounter, and Blazing, Celestia, and I will blow the control panel with charges. The ship will be destroyed from the inside out. We’ll blow the charges when we’re off the ship with the general.”

“Let’s move, soldiers!” Rex cried. The three groups boarded the waiting cargo elevator and got going. While traveling up the shaft, the clones reloaded their rifles and blasters. They checked their armor and each other, as well as their extra equipment. Each Jedi was given three charges to detonate the bridge, all linked to Anakin’s detonator. The bridge could be seen at the top, and it was getting closer quickly.

“Get ready,” Anakin said. The cargo elevator stopped at the bridge, and two unsuspecting battle droids were facing the other direction.

“What do you think is down on Ilum?” one of them asked.

“It just looks like a planet of ice,” the other replied. “Probably nothing…” A laser blast to the droid’s skull cut it off. The other droid was looking away.

“Yeah,” he agreed. “You’re probably right. I don’t know why we’re guarding it.” Rex put a blast into his dome. Anakin, Ahsoka, Celestia, and Blazing ignited their lightsabers. The droids at their stations turned around, and the nearby clones shot them down. The tactical droid turned around.

“The general’s calculations have been 100 percent correct,” it said to the Jedi. “We have been expecting you.”

“Indeed we have,” the general said from her seat. She stood up and ignited her unstable red lightsaber. The red crossguards shot out from the sides of the hilt, and she swung around, cutting the tactical droid’s head off. The head and the body fell to the floor with a clatter. The Sith turned around, showing her masked face. Luna’s eyes were full of hatred, and the fiery urge to fight.

“Sister?” Celestia gasped.

“Celestia,” Luna hissed. “We meet again at last. When we last met, you were the teacher, and now I am the master.”

“Only a master of evil, Luna,” Blazing growled, twirling her double bladed saber.

“You can’t take us all, Luna,” Ahsoka dared. Luna laughed.

“Fools,” she said. “I knew you’d be here, so I’ve done your job for you. I’ve already rigged the bridge to blow. If you want to live, you’d best get going.” Luna jumped over the Jedi into the cargo elevator, spinning as she landed. The attack killed all the clones in the elevator.

“Get back here!” Celestia cried. She jumped into the elevator after Luna. Luna cut the thick elevator cord, and her and Celestia’s lightsabers clashed as they fell. A small crystal had fallen out of the tactical droid's hand, and Sunset ran over.

“This is it!” she cried. “This is my crystal!”

“Get to the escape pods!” Ahsoka ordered. The remaining Jedi extinguished their lightsabers and ran with the clones to the bridge escape pods. Sunset hopped onto Ahsoka's back, her crystal in hoof. They all got inside and jettisoned the pods, flying out into the battle. Anakin called the gunships from inside the pod.

“Get out of there!” he ordered. “The ship is rigged to blow! R2, get my fighter back to the cruiser.”

“R1, follow Skywalker’s fighter back!” Blazing ordered her astromech. Anakin and Blazing looked outside of the pods to see the gunships, Blazing's ship, and Anakin's starfighter fly out of the hangar back to the Republic cruiser. Sunset, in a pod with Ahsoka and some clones, was looking at her lightsaber crystal.

“It's amazing,” she breathed. She gave the crystal to Ahsoka. She turned the crystal over, and found quite a few cracks in the crystal.

“Uh oh,” she worried.

“What is it?” Sunset asked.

“Your crystal is cracked,” Ahsoka said.

“So?” Sunset said.

“A cracked Kyber crystal can be very unstable,” Ahsoka explained. “In constructing your lightsaber, be sure to consult Huyang on this matter.” Sunset nodded, and looked out the viewport to see three Republic Attack Shuttles fly to the escape pods. The shuttles attached their hooks to the pods and flew them back to the Republic cruiser. Once the pods were inside the cruiser's hangar, the Jedi in each one ignited their lightsaber and cut the hatch open. Obi Wan and Yoda were waiting for them.

“Anakin, good to see you back in one piece,” Obi Wan said. “Same for the rest of you.”

“A pleasure to see you again, Master Kenobi,” Blazing Fire said.

“To you as well, Master Fire,” Obi Wan said. “How's bounty hunting been? You haven't been killing anyone, have you?”

“Only if the bounty is a dead only one,” Blazing said. “Otherwise, I deliver alive.” Obi Wan smirked and shook his head. Yoda stepped up.

“Missing, one of you is,” he noticed. “Where is Master Celestia?”

“Her sister was the general of the fleet,” Ahsoka explained. “They both fell down an elevator shaft when they started to fight. They're probably both dead.”

“Hm,” Yoda grunted. “Unaware of this, I was. If dead, Master Celestia is, open to the war, Equestria may be.”

“Then I'll make it my duty to defend it,” Blazing said.

“Me too,” Sunset said. “Once I get my lightsaber built, I'll train as hard as I can to protect my home.” Yoda smiled.

“Strong with the force, both of you are,” he said. “Great defenders, you will both be.” Obi Wan got a call on his holoprojector. Admiral Yularen appeared.

“General Kenobi, the Separatist blockade is weak,” he informed. “The flagship has been destroyed, as well as most of the Separatist fleet.”

“Destroy the rest,” Obi Wan ordered. “Make sure none of the ships leave the system.”

“Yes, general,” Yularen said. The projection faded.

Admiral Yularen turned to the gunners.

“Target the remaining ships, maximum firepower!” he ordered. The Republic cruisers fired at full power on the Separatist cruisers, quickly destroying them. Soon, the entire Separatist blockade was destroyed, and Ahsoka and the rest of the younglings flew down to the planet's surface to claim their lightsaber crystals.

Chapter 3: Dangerous Threats

The Separatist blockade over the planet of Ilum has been dealt with by the Republic and the Jedi. The Equestrian younglings are now able to go down to the surface and retrieve their lightsaber crystals. But Jedi Master Celestia and Dark Jedi Luna were aboard the Separatist flagship when it was destroyed. With both of them presumed dead, the Republic seems to be safe for the time being. But deception is an ally to the enemy in times of war, and peace may not be around the corner just yet…

~~~

~~FLASHBACK~~

The cargo elevator plummeted down the shaft, sparks flying. Celestia and Luna were locked in fierce combat while falling. Their lightsabers clashed and echoed in the shaft. As they fell, explosions detonated in the rapidly passing halls. Celestia broke off and took flight, keeping her from falling further. Luna did the same, and Celestia bolted for an intact hallway. Luna chased her, lightsaber swinging. She came down with a powerful strike, and Celestia quickly blocked it. The two of them stayed in their standoff for a time, each trying to overpower the other. A sudden explosion from the nearby wall knocked the two fighters onto the floor. Luna recovered first and bolted for the escape pods. Celestia got up and chased after her fallen sister. Luna used the Force to open up an escape pod as well as jettison the others. She hopped inside the open one and took off. Celestia stopped and extinguished her lightsaber. She stomped in frustration before running off to find another way to get out. As she ran through the corridors, she encountered a group of battle droids. They were quickly reduced to a pile of scrap. Celestia kept searching. She knew she was running out of time. Another explosion rocked the ship. Celestia fell from the violent rumble. As she cleared her head, a grey hoof reached out.

“Come with me,” a masculine voice said. “We have to go. Now!” Celestia looked up. A tall, shadowy stallion in a black cloak was there. Desperate to escape, she took the stallion's hoof and he helped her up. The stallion led Celestia to another hangar, where his ship was waiting. It was a small Geonosian Solar Sailer. The ship's boarding ramp opened up, and Celestia and the stallion ran aboard. The ship closed up, and the pilot droid took off. The ship had just cleared the hangar when the flagship exploded into a fiery inferno. The stallion quickly punched in some coordinates, and the ship jumped into hyperspace.

“Thank you for your help,” Celestia said. “Who are you?”

“It doesn't matter,” the stallion said. “What does matter is your condition, and you need to rest.” The stallion waved his hoof, and Celestia passed out. The stallion took Celestia's lightsaber off her belt with his purple and green magic aura, and he hid it within his own cloak.

“Where we're going, you won't be needing that,” the stallion whispered. He looked out the viewport as his ship flew toward the designated point.

~~PRESENT~~

A few months after the battle of Ilum, Blazing Fire and Sunset Shimmer returned to Equestria. Blazing had taken Sunset as her Padawan, and she started teaching her in the ways of the Jedi. Blazing’s Delta 7B Aethersprite Jedi Starfighter was given to Sunset, and Sunset repainted it to her liking. Blazing took over Celestia’s task of training new younglings, since Celestia was presumed dead.

Sunset was sitting in a secluded, dimly lit room. Her lightsaber parts were laid out in front of her on a short table. The cracked Kyber crystal was in Sunset’s bag. She used her magic to take it out and gently lay it on the table. Sunset took a breath and closed her eyes. She focused her mind through the Force, and her lightsaber pieces levitated up. Keeping her mind on her construction, she bonded each piece at the molecular level through the Force. The Kyber crystal hovered in the middle of the hilt in the housing wires. Once the internal workings were complete, Sunset covered it with her custom designed curved casing. The pieces fused together, and Sunset opened her eyes. She took her lightsaber in her magic grasp and brought it close. She was nervous, because she didn’t know what would happen when she turned it on. The lightsaber seemed to call to Sunset. Sunset took a breath and pressed the ignition button. The blade burst out of the top. It was an unstable, fiery blue and its hum was a tormented growl. Sunset did admit to herself, the blade itself made her lightsaber a bit frightening, but she liked it. She extinguished the blade and stood up. She clipped her new lightsaber to her belt and walked out of the room. Blazing Fire was waiting for her.

“Is it finished?” she asked.

“Yes master,” Sunset nodded. “My lightsaber is finished.”

“Good,” Blazing said. She pulled out her lightsaber and ignited one of the blades. She held it out, slightly pointed toward Sunset. Sunset ignited her unstable blade and lightly clashed her blade with her master’s. The two Jedi held their blades there for a moment before extinguishing them. Blazing held out her hoof, and Sunset gave her the newly constructed lightsaber.

“Remember Sunset,” Blazing said. “This weapon is your life. You must never lose it.”

“Yes master,” Sunset said. Blazing gave Sunset’s lightsaber back to her, and they both left the academy and took a walk through the Canterlot Castle courtyard.

~~~

On the remote volcanic planet of Mustafar, the cloaked stallion was sequestered within one of the old mining facilities hanging over the molten rock below. He was working on one of the panels when a hologram appeared behind him. He turned around, and bowed at the sight of the Sith Lord.

“Is everything going according to plan?” the Sith asked in a raspy voice.

“There have been a few complications, my lord,” the stallion said. “The prisoner refuses to break. She’s useless to us.”

“She must not be killed,” the Sith said. “She will break eventually. Continue your efforts until I arrive at the facility.”

“Yes, my lord,” the stallion said. The projection faded, and the stallion turned back to his prisoner. Celestia was suspended in an energy field. Special cuffs held her there, keeping her from escaping. A magic restraint had been placed onto her horn.

“You won’t get away with this,” Celestia growled.

“We’ll see,” the stallion said. “The Jedi do not know you are alive. You are dead to them.”

“They’ll sense my presence eventually,” Celestia said. “You won’t win this war.” The stallion chuckled.

“Please, Celestia,” he said. “I’m not interested in the Clone War. I’m only involved to bring my master power in the ranks of the Sith. And soon, you will join us.”

“I will never become a slave to the evil of the Sith,” Celestia vowed.

“That remains to be seen,” the stallion muttered. He pressed a button on a nearby panel, and Celestia was hit with a few seconds of painful electricity from the energy field. The high voltage caused Celestia to pass out, and the stallion returned to his work.

~~~

At the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, Master Yoda was with the rest of the Jedi Council. A few of the members were projected as holograms, because they were unable to physically be there. Blazing Fire was one of the holographic projections.

“We've received a strange beacon from the Dagobah system,” Mace Windu informed. “It's a Jedi code, but we don't know who from.”

“Dagobah?” Blazing asked, seemingly remembering something. “That name sounds familiar.”

“The planet where your father went missing, it is,” Yoda reminded.

“That's right,” Blazing remembered. “He was presumed dead six months ago. That's when I left Coruscant to go bounty hunting. It could be him that sent the beacon.”

“Unlikely,” Windu said. “Your father has been missing too long. He can't be alive.”

“I refuse to believe it,” Blazing said. “I will personally investigate the beacon.”

“Very well,” Windu nodded. “Council adjourned.” The holograms faded, and the Council left for other matters. Blazing Fire put away her holoprojector and stepped into her ship with Sunset Shimmer. She fired up the engines and took off for space.

“Where are we going, Master?” Sunset asked.

“The Dagobah system,” Blazing said. “I think my father is still alive, and a Jedi beacon was received from there. We're going to see if he's still alive.”

“Can't wait to meet him if he is,” Sunset said. Blazing inputted the coordinates for the system and pulled a lever. The ship jumped into hyperdrive for Dagobah.

~~~

On Mustafar, the hooded stallion turned away from the panel he was working on. Celestia had since woken up, looking on with an angry scowl.

“I won't be gone long,” the stallion said. “Seems like one of your Jedi friends took the bait.”

“What bait?” Celestia hissed.

“I managed to send a false distress beacon from a Jedi transmitter on the Dagobah system. Once they arrive on Dagobah, I will deal with them myself.” The stallion left for his ship, leaving Celestia behind in the facility. As the door shut behind him, Celestia looked around. She found the control panel to her restraints. She noticed the release lever for them. Focusing through the Force, Celestia managed to release the lever, causing her restraints to pop free. Celestia removed the magic restraint on her horn and looked around for her lightsaber. It was nowhere in sight. She ran out the door to see the stallion's ship fly off. She stomped the ground, frustrated, and flew off to find another ship. The volcanic wasteland forced her to fly low to avoid the toxic fumes higher up. She eventually found a magnaguard droid starfighter docked at an isolated platform. A magnaguard droid was walking into another facility. Curious, Celestia quietly followed the droid into the building. Careful to stay out of sight, Celestia tailed the droid to a control room. On the center table was a projection of a hooded humanoid figure.

“Make sure you do not fail me, General,” a deep elderly voice said. “If this is done correctly, the Separatists will take control of Coruscant, paving the way for the Sith.”

“Of course, Count Dooku,” a raspy metallic voice said. “The Jedi scum will crumble before the might of the droid army.”

“I hope so, General, for your sake,” Count Dooku growled. The projection faded, and Celestia ran out of the facility. The droid general throught he heard something, and started to follow the noise. Two droid magnaguards followed him. Celestia ran to the empty droid starfighter and hopped inside. She started it up and flew away. The droid general stepped outside just as the ship flew off into space.

“Have that fighter tracked,” he ordered. He walked back inside the facility with a growl, coughing as he did so.

~~~

As Blazing Fire and Sunset Shimmer flew through hyperspace to Dagobah, Sunset was practicing her lightsaber form in the back. She had grown accustomed to Form V Djem So. It was a perfect balance of attack and defense. She was using a sphere drone to hone her skills in defense against laser fire. Blazing was sitting at the cockpit, keeping things in working order. A holographic message suddenly came through. A projection of Celestia appeared.

“Master Celestia?” Blazing gasped.

“Wait, what?” Sunset asked, losing her focus and causing her to get shot in the leg. She winced at the sudden sting for a moment before extinguishing her lightsaber and running over.

“It is good to see you Blazing Fire,” Celestia said. “You as well Padawan Shimmer.”

“How are you alive?” Sunset asked.

“I was rescued from the flagship by a stallion Sith,” Celestia said. “He flew off for Dagobah to intercept a Jedi search party.”

“I don't mean to alarm you, Master, but we're the search party,” Blazing informed regrettably.

“Be careful,” Celestia warned. “I fear that the Sith are plotting something that we do not yet fully understand. You must abort the search and rescue immediately. The beacon is false.”

“I'm afraid we cannot do that,” Blazing refused, shaking her head. “I'm going to Dagobah for another reason. I'm going to see if my father is still alive down there.”

“Do not let your feelings get in the way of what is at stake here,” Celestia reminded. “Your father is surely not alive on Dagobah, and we need you back at the Jedi Temple to discuss more important matters. Return to Coruscant immediately.” With that, the projection faded. Blazing adjusted her seat and kicked up her hooves.

“Aren't we going back?” Sunset asked.

“No,” Blazing responded firmly. “We're not. I don't care what Celestia says. I'm going to find my father. I know he's alive. I can feel it.”

“If you say so,” Sunset sighed. “But what about the Sith that Celestia said was waiting for us?”

“We'll deal with him when he crosses our path,” Blazing said. “But the main focus is to find my father.” A beeping noise sounded from the controls. Sunset sat down in the co-pilot's seat and Sunset pressed a few buttons. The ship slipped out of light speed at the Dagobah system. Blazing Fire flew down to the planet's surface near where the beacon was coming from. The extremely dense fog made landing difficult, but Blazing pulled it off. She landed down at the swampy surface, and she and Sunset stepped out into the humid air. Blazing Fire was dedicated to finding her father, and she wasn't going to let a Sith stand in her way of finding him.

Chapter 4: Twilight of the Republic

After Jedi Master Celestia escaped from Mustafar and the stallion Sith, she returned to Equestria. The Equestrian younglings had completed their lightsabers, and Celestia began to train young Twilight Sparkle as her Padawan. Blazing Fire continued to train Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight and Sunset would often train together with both of their masters. But Blazing Fire and Sunset Shimmer are currently walking into a trap set by the stallion Sith, disguised as a false Jedi distress beacon on the swamp planet of Dagobah…

~~~

Jedi Master Celestia stepped into the training room in the Equestria Jedi temple. Her new Padawan, Twilight Sparkle, was sparring with another youngling. Their lightsabers clashed weakly as they battled, for they were both inexperienced in lightsaber combat. After a time of light clashes, Twilight hopped over a low sweep and came down with a powerful downward strike. The attack’s momentum knocked her opponent’s lightsaber from her hoof and Twilight brought her blade to the youngling’s throat. The two combatants stood there for a moment before they started to laugh. Twilight extinguished her orange lightsaber and clipped it back to her belt.

“Good spar,” Twilight remarked. “I was almost caught off guard with that low sweep.”

“Thanks,” the youngling replied. “You didn’t do so bad yourself. Well, see ya, Twilight.” The youngling left the training room and Celestia stepped up to Twilight.

“Hello Master,” Twilight said.

“Hello Twilight,” Celestia responded. “Congratulations on your sparring victory.”

“Thank you Master,” Twilight thanked. “I’ve been practicing hard.”

“That is quite apparent,” Celestia nodded. “You are advancing quickly in your abilities. Master Yoda would be impressed.” Twilight smiled and walked out of the training room with Celestia.

~~~

Blazing Fire and Sunset Shimmer hiked through the dense Dagobah swamp. The thick fog made it difficult to see, even with the lightsabers’ bright glow.

“Oh, blast,” Sunset cursed. “We’re never going to find the beacon. This fog is way too thick.”

“And here I thought this planet would be a nice one,” Blazing remarked. She used the Force to push away the fog, but to no avail. She gave a frustrated growl and swung at a nearby tree. Her blade cut through it with ease, and the tree came down away from them. Blazing picked it up with the Force and tossed it to the front of them. A red lightsaber blade extended from the fog and cut the tree in two. Sunset took a step back and Blazing stepped in front of her. The fog flew away, and the two Jedi found themselves in a swampy clearing. An equine figure in a black cloak stood before them, red lightsaber gripped in his purple and green magic.

“Who are you?” Blazing demanded. The figure didn’t answer. He spun his lightsaber and charged at the Jedi. His lightsaber came fast, but Blazing blocked the attack.

“Sunset, stay back!” Blazing ordered. Sunset nodded and extinguished her lightsaber and watched the fight. Blazing and the figure clashed their sabers violently and quickly. Their blades created blurs of light in the dark swamp. The two combatants clashed their blades hard and ended up in a standoff.

“Who are you?” Blazing asked again.

“I am your death,” the Sith darkly replied. He broke the standoff and swung hard. Blazing jumped back, but the Sith’s lightsaber caught her in the leg. Blazing fell onto the moist ground.

“Master!” Sunset cried. The Sith walked up to Blazing and rose his saber high to kill her. Sunset jumped off the rock she was standing on and ignited her lightsaber. The figure’s lightsaber came down, and Sunset intercepted the strike with her blade. The Sith looked at her.

“You are reckless to challenge me,” he hissed. He swung his lightsaber at Sunset, who ducked to avoid it. She jumped over the Sith and swung down. The figure blocked the attack as Sunset vaulted over and behind the Sith. The figure spun around, and his hood slipped off of his head. His black mane seemingly flowed from the back of his dark grey coat. His horn started black at the base, then faded to a bright red at the tip. He had red colored retinas and the whites of his eyes were a bright green. Purple smoke radiated from his eyes. Sunset’s eyes went wide with fear.

“S…Sombra?” she stammered.

“Now you fear me, knowing who I am,” Sombra hissed, a scowl on his face. “The Equestrian Jedi order will die, and I will rule alongside my master in Celestia’s place.” Sunset dropped her lightsaber in fear, and it extinguished. She fell onto her flank and covered her head in her hooves, frightened. Sombra raised his lightsaber and pointed it down. Suddenly, Sombra couldn’t breathe. He dropped his lightsaber as he started choking. A pony stepped out of the dense swamp jungle behind Sombra. His outstretched hoof was curved inward. The pony was using the Force to choke Sombra. Sombra rose into the air and was spun around toward the pony. The pony had a tan coat, a dirty yellow mane and tail, mechanical wings, and a mechanical hoof. His wings were outstretched, and his horn was sparking. His mane, tail, and coat were a mess, covered with dirt and slime. His eyes were a fiery yellow. He brought Sombra close.

“Stay away from my daughter,” the pony angrily growled. He launched Sombra into a tree, releasing his grip on his throat. Sombra’s head hit the bark, and he was knocked unconscious. The pony calmed down ran over to Sunset Shimmer. He knelt down, and Sunset took a hoof away to see the pony.

“Are you all right?” he asked. Sunset nodded, still a bit scared. She stood up and ran over to Blazing Fire, who was gripping her wounded leg. She looked up to see the pony walking up to her. The mist had started to reform, and she couldn’t make out the pony. The pony lit up his horn with a gold aura, and Blazing Fire’s leg was covered with magic. Blazing felt the warm soothing magic coursing through her wounded leg. The magic spell dissipated, and Blazing looked down at her leg. Her lightsaber wound had been completely healed, and her leg felt as strong as ever. Sunset Shimmer helped her up, and Blazing ignited her lightsaber and pointed it at the pony. The pony’s face was lit up with the purple glow.

“Whoa! What are you doing?!” Sunset cried. “He just saved both of us!” Blazing Fire didn’t hear Sunset. The pony looked into her eyes.

“Who are you?” Blazing asked. The pony got a sad look.

“You don’t recognize me, do you?” he assumed.

“I don’t know who you are,” Blazing muttered. “I don’t have time for locals. I’m looking for somepony important.”

“You’re looking for your father,” the pony said. Blazing narrowed her eyes and brought her lightsaber closer to the pony’s face.

“How did you know that?” she growled. The pony cast a spell on himself to clean himself up. When he finished, his mane, tail, and coat were cleaned up, and his eyes had changed to a bright blue.

“Blazing, it’s me, Braveheart,” the pony said. “Your father.” Blazing’s eyes widened, and she extinguished her lightsaber. Braveheart smiled at his daughter. Blazing stepped closer to Braveheart and raised a hoof. Braveheart took his daughter’s hoof and embraced her. Blazing Fire wrapped her hooves around her father. They broke the hug. Blazing wiped a few tears from her eyes. A fainted beeping was suddenly heard. Braveheart pulled out his holoprojector and turned it off.

“It’s been doing that for the past few hours,” Braveheart said. “Every time I’d turn it off, it would turn right back on. Now it’s fine. Do you know what’s going on?”

“Sombra transmitted a false beacon from your holoprejector,” Sunset explained. “His intent was to lure a Jedi search party to this system and kill them. He would have done just that with us if you hadn’t stopped him.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to if I hadn’t sensed my daughter here,” Braveheart said. “I’m glad I got to you two when I did.”

“So am I,” Blazing agreed. “What happened to you after you supposedly went missing?” Braveheart ignited his yellow lightsaber and cut down three trees. He used the Force to tear up the stumps and left them hovering in the air. He cut away the stumps’ roots and set them down. He extinguished his lightsaber and sat down. Blazing Fire and Sunset Shimmer sat down at the remaining two stumps, and Braveheart began his story.

“I was leading a clone charge against General Grievous at the Malastare system,” he said. “There were so many Separatist cruisers. We were outnumbered, outgunned, and outmaneuvered in every conceivable way. Grievous tore my ships apart, and I lost a lot of good men. I just barely escaped with my life. I was forced to flee the system, and I returned to Coruscant. I informed the Jedi Council of the matter, and they sent me back with even more troops. I tried to change my tactics, but even when staying on the defensive, we still were defeated. Every single one of my ships were destroyed. I managed to send out most of my troops in escape pods, myself included. I have no idea how many of my men made it out of the system in those pods. But mine malfunctioned and drifted through space until I reached Dagobah. I was able to leave a single message to the Jedi temple, telling them where I was, before I lost connection. I was left with no connection to the Jedi or the Republic, and I was stranded. I was forced to survive in this slimy mud-hole, waiting for a ship. Then Sombra and you two came along.”

“I’m just glad you’re alive,” Blazing said.

“That’s some story,” Sunset said, quite surprised at hearing Braveheart’s tale.

“Anyway, would you mind giving me a lift back to the Equestrian Jedi Temple?” Braveheart requested.

“Of course not,” Blazing said. “I’m sure the Council will be thrilled to see your return.” The three ponies stood up and returned to Blazing’s ship. They got inside and took off. Once into space, Blazing put in Coruscant’s coordinates and jumped into hyperspace.

~~~

Back on Mustafar, Darth Sidious’s shuttle flew onto one of the docking platforms. Sombra had recovered on Dagobah earlier and flown back. Sidious stepped off of his shuttle and walked into Sombra’s facility. Sombra turned around to see the Sith, and he bowed down.

“My Lord, there has been a problem,” he explained. “Celestia has escaped, and with her, the information we seek.”

“This is most unfortunate,” Sidious muttered. “Without the Jedi Celestia, the Sith are another step away from controlling the galaxy.”

“My lord,” Sombra said. “I will make it my top priority to find Celestia and bring her back here.”

“That will be unnecessary,” Sidious said. “I no longer have need of your services.” He suddenly shot out his hand and fired lightning at Sombra. Sombra reacted quickly and ignited his lightsaber to block the attack. Sidious stopped his attack and ignited his twin red lightsabers. Sombra lunged at Sidious, and their lightsabers clashed hard. Sombra jumped over Sidious and stood at a battle stance at the doorway. Sidious swung his blades, and the two Sith battled on the Mustafar platform. Before the door shut, Sombra used the Force to shut down the gravity supports. The alarm sounded through the facility, but Sombra and Sidious continued their duel. The platform beneath them suddenly lurched down, a split forming behind them. Knowng the platform wouldn’t hold for long, Sombra extinguished his lightsaber and used the Force to help him jump to the platform his ship was on. He climbed inside and took off. He looked behind him to see Sidious’s ship fly off as well. Sombra flew into space and put in the coordinates for Equestria. He blasted into hyperspace as the facility’s last pieces fell into the lava below.

~~~

At the Equestrian Jedi Temple, Blazing Fire’s ship landed in the hangar. She and Sunset Shimmer stepped out. Celestia and Twilight Sparkle were waiting for them.

“Welcome back,” Celestia said. “I am very glad to see you two alive.”

“We wouldn’t be without somepony’s help,” Sunset said. Braveheart walked out of the ship and stood next to Blazing. He bowed briefly to Celestia.

“It’s good to see you again, my old master,” Braveheart said.

“I am most impressed to see you alive, Braveheart,” Celestia nodded. “Even after 6 months, you seem to be in good health.”

“Thank you, Celestia,” Braveheart said. The group of Jedi walked into the temple, unaware of Sombra’s ship landing a few miles away from the temple.

Chapter 5: Shadow of the Sith

Author's Note

Knight'n Gale OC belongs to Knight N Gale

Chapter 5: Shadow of the Sith

With the Equestrian Jedi returned to Equestria, the pony Jedi Knights make it their prime duty to keep the war away from their home. Celestia and Blazing Fire train their Padawans, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, in the ways of the Force. But near Canterlot, in Ponyville, the Sith lord Sombra has landed. He intends to capture the Padawans and restore power to the Sith for his master. With the Equestrian Jedi unaware of his presence, they are in grave danger. But Count Dooku sends another to Equestria, intent on wiping out their outpost and the Jedi along with it…

~~~

Braveheart was patrolling the borders of the Canterlot Jedi Academy in his guard uniform. The thin eye slits in the front of the white mask hid his eyes. He now wore a white robe and hood, and his two lightsabers were hanging from his belt. Braveheart had taken up the duty of being an Academy guard, and he was by far the best. As he rounded another corner, he met his friend Knight’n Gale on the other side.

“Hey Braveheart,” Knight’n Gale said. “How’s patrol?”

“Quiet for now,” Braveheart said, taking his mask off. “I’m just hopeful it stays that way.”

“Same,” Knight’n Gale agreed, removing his mask as well. He had a black coat with a large grey section on and around his muzzle. He had a messy red and black mane and tail, and a robotic back left leg. He had dark red eyes that hid a dark past. His folding saber was clipped to his belt. He took it off and fancily flipped it open to where it was straight. Braveheart gave a light chuckle.

“Nice,” he said. Knight’n Gale tossed his saber into the air and caught it.

“Thanks,” he said. “I’ve been practicing that for a long time.” There was suddenly a rustle in the bushes nearby. The two guards put their masks back on and ignited their lightsabers. Braveheart had a yellow lightsaber and a shorter yellow shoto saber. Knight’n Gale’s twin yellow blades shot out from the ends of his folding saber. A figure in a black hood wielding a red lightsaber burst from the bushes, swinging his blade. The two guards blocked the attack and pushed the attacker away. The intruder’s hood fell off, revealing Sombra’s face.

“I see you came back for more,” Braveheart growled.

“I will bring down this facility and restore power to my master,” Sombra said. “And I will not let a couple of brats stand in my way.” Sombra launched lightning at the two guards, but they absorbed it into their lightsaber blades. Knight’n Gale spun his lightsaber and attacked Sombra. The blades clashed, and Sombra knocked his opponent away.

“You’re outnumbered, Sombra,” Knight’n Gale taunted. “You can’t take us both alone.”

“Who said I’m alone?” Sombra hissed, smiling. He looked up, and the two guards followed his gaze. A massive Separatist droid carrier flew in from space and landed about a mile from the Equestrian Jedi Academy.

“There must be a whole battalion in there,” Knight’n Gale worried.

“Why are you doing this?” Braveheart demanded. “Why bring the war to Equestria?”

“To rid the galaxy of you Jedi scum,” Sombra snarled. He extinguished his lightsaber and ran off. Knight’n Gale started to chase him, but Braveheart held him back.

“Let him go,” Braveheart said. “We’ll deal with him when he comes back.” Sombra hopped onto a speeder and sped off toward the droid carrier. Braveheart and Knight’n Gale ran off to warn the Jedi of the invasion. Braveheart ran into the training room, where Celestia and Blazing Fire were watching their Padawans spar.

“Braveheart, what is the matter?” Celestia asked. “You looked flushed.”

“Sorry to cut this sparring session short,” Braveheart said. “But we’ve got a problem. Sombra has brought an entire droid battalion to invade and destroy the academy.”

“What?!” Blazing Fire cried.

“How is this possible?” Celestia asked.

“The droids are marching on this position as we speak,” Braveheart said. “We must defend the academy, or the Equestrian Jedi Order will be lost.” Blazing Fire unclipped her lightsaber and ran out of the room with Sunset. Celestia and Twilight ran off to warn the other Jedi. Braveheart returned to the front of the academy and met back up with Knight’n Gale.

“I can’t remember the last time I was at the front lines,” Knight’n Gale said. “Huge army marching at you, don’t know if you’ll make it out.”

“We’ll make it out,” Braveheart ensured. “These clankers don’t know who they’re messing with.” Knight’n Gale nodded with confidence.

~~~

The Separatist droid carrier opened up, and droids were unloaded onto the field near Canterlot. Battle droids, super battle droids, ATT droid tanks, and spider droids all lined up in position. The droid general stepped out of one of the tanks. The general was a tall alien with white pointed armor and a menacing mask. His dark grey cape flowed in the field winds. He coughed occasionally. The mechanics in his body buzzed and whirred. He got a call on his holoprojector. He pulled it out and Count Dooku appeared.

“General Grievous, are your troops mobilized on Equestria?” the Sith lord asked.

“Of course, Count,” Grievous replied. “The Jedi here will be dealt with.”

“I hope so General,” Dooku muttered. “If this temple is taken, we will have a clear passage to Coruscant, and we will complete our objective. To ensure the takeover of the Jedi Temple, I have sent one of our most trusted allies to aid you. She will ensure the attack on this system will succeed. As soon as she arrives, you may begin your attack.”

“As you wish, Count,” Grievous agreed. Count Dooku’s hologram faded, and Grievous put away his projector. A battle droid commander walked up to him.

“General, our forces are mobilized and ready for a full charge,” it said. “Should we begin the attack?”

“Not yet,” Grievous said. “We have assistance coming from Count Dooku. I will give the command to attack when it is time.”

“Roger roger,” the droid said. It returned to its battalion as Grievous looked on. Sombra rode up to the battalion and came to a stop near Grievous. A Separatist shuttle flew down near the carrier and landed. Grievous looked to see the shuttle open up, and Luna walked out. But Luna was different. She was taller, her coat was now a jet black, and her mane and tail were large and flowing, colored a dark translucent blue with small white stars. She wore a light blue helmet and boots, as well as a chest piece with a white moon on it.

“General Luna,” Grievous said. “We’ve been expecting you.”

“I am no longer Luna,” she responded. “I am Nightmare Moon. And I expected such.” General Grievous nodded, and he turned to the droid army.

“Kill the Jedi and destroy the academy. Leave nothing behind!” The droids marched on the academy, beginning their assault.

~~~

The Equestrian Jedi were gathered at the front of the academy, ready to defend their order. The Pegasus Jedi were flying above the line of Unicorn and Earth pony Jedi. Celestia and Blazing Fire were at the center of the line of Jedi, their Padawans to their side. Braveheart and Knight’n Gale were next, and the other Jedi were lined up for defense. Blazing Fire was speaking to Obi Wan on her holoprojector.

“Master Kenobi, we have a big problem at Equestria,” she said. “A droid invasion force led by General Grievous is marching on the Equestrian Jedi Academy.” Obi Wan sighed.

“This war just seems to keep taking turns for the worse for us,” he muttered. “We’re a bit preoccupied on Dathomir at the moment, trying to find a deadly new warrior. He just killed two Jedi on his own. I’ll send Delta Squad there, and I’ll join them as soon as I can.”

“Hurry,” Blazing said. The projection faded, and she put her holoprojector away. Celestia turned to the gathered Jedi.

“My friends,” she cried. “We must not let this Separatist attack deter us. Today, we fight for more than just the Republic. Today, we fight for all the innocent ponies of Equestria!” The Equestrian Jedi cheered. Celestia ignited her lightsaber.

“Then we fight!” she cried. “For the Republic. For us. For Equestria!” The other Jedi all ignited their lightsabers and got into a battle stance.

General Grievous, Sombra, and Nightmare Moon led the droids in the invasion. Grievous grabbed four of his lightsaber prizes and split his two arms into four. He threw off his cape and ignited the green and blue sabers. Nightmare Moon calmly took her saber off her belt and ignited the unstable red blade. The red crossguards shot out of the sides shortly after. Sombra gracefully ignited his own lightsaber and pointed it downward as the battalion advanced.

“Whenever you’re ready, General,” Nightmare Moon said.

“Fire at will!” Grievous cried. The droid tanks fired on the academy. The powerful blasts struck the walls, blowing the hit zone away. The droids fired their blasts at the Jedi. The Jedi deflected each shot. The battle had begun. The droids continued to march on the academy, while the Jedi held their ground. A few Jedi were hit and killed.

“Cut these droids down!” Braveheart cried. The Pegasus Jedi dove down, lightsabers swinging. Their blades cut through many droids, but the overwhelming numbers of the droids eventually became too much, and the Pegasi were shot down.

“Do not let up!” Grievous yelled. “Keep shooting!” The dwarf spider droids and droid tanks kept destroying the academy.

“If they keep that up, the academy will collapse on the younglings!” Celestia cried.

“I’m on it,” Braveheart said. “Knight’n Gale, come with me.” Knight’n Gale nodded, and he and Braveheart ran into the academy.

“I will deal with the younglings,” Nightmare Moon said. She spread her wings and took off over the droids to the academy. A green blur suddenly cut her off. She stopped flying as Celestia flew up to confront her. Nightmare Moon laughed.

“You are weak Celestia,” she said. “Your sister was weak. I destroyed her.” Celestia closed her eyes for a moment, mourning her sister. She opened them back up, determined.

“Then I will avenge her death,” she said.

“Revenge is not the Jedi way,” Nightmare Moon reminded. Celestia’s face did not falter. Nightmare Moon barred her teeth and charged at Celestia. Their lightsabers clashed, and they dropped to the ground, battling. The Jedi were falling quickly, gunned down by the Separatist droids. Braveheart and Knight’n Gale ran into the academy, using the Force to move away debris. They found the Equestrian younglings in the training room. They helped the young ones get out through the back of the building. Sombra suddenly landed in front of them, cutting them off.

“You will not hurt the younglings,” Knight’n Gale stormed.

“We shall see,” Sombra growled. He and the two guards engaged in combat, while the younglings looked on, terrified. Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer were doing well, deflecting blasts and cutting down droids.

“Just like the training, huh Sunset?” Twilight cried over the noise.

“Not at all,” Sunset cried back. “Still tense though. You all right?”

“Couldn’t be better,” Twilight replied. The two Padawans continued to fight through the waves of droids. But as time passed, they were soon the only Jedi at the front of the academy still standing. Blazing Fire had gone to help Celestia with Nightmare Moon. General Grievous approached the two Padawans.

“Leave no survivors!” he ordered. “I will deal with these Jedi slime myself.” Twilight and Sunset got ready for a fight, despite the fatigue in their eyes. Grievous wanted a fun fight. He let them catch their breath and let them use the Force to heal each other.

“I am looking forward to adding your lightsabers to my collection,” Grievous said.

“And we will take back the ones you’ve stolen,” Sunset said. Grievous laughed.

“Such pathetic bravery,” he chuckled. “You will join your Jedi friends in death.” Grievous hunched low and held out his upper two sabers. He spun his hands rapidly, creating two propeller blades. Twilight and Sunset stayed put. Grievous slowly inched forward, taking each step slowly, as to try and intimidate the Padawans off balance. Twilight and Sunset nodded to each other, and they swung at Grievous. He blocked the attacks effortlessly, quickly countering with an attack of his own. The Padawans kept pace with Grievous’s flurry of movement. Despite there being a second Jedi to deal with, Grievous kept the Padawans on their hooves. The battle seemed even.

Nightmare Moon was making quick work of Celestia, due to her emotions. But every time she’d come in for the kill, that rotten Blazing Fire would knock her back. It was really getting old. Nightmare Moon suddenly attacked Blazing Fire after she got in her way for the fifth time. Blazing Fire was caught off guard, and started to have trouble defending against Nightmare Moon’s assault. Nightmare Moon grinned, and quickly used her magic to bring Blazing Fire close. Blazing tried to use the momentum to swing, but Nightmare Moon knocked her lightsaber out of her hoof. Nightmare Moon quickly spun around and impaled Blazing Fire with her unstable blade. Blazing tried to cling to her life, but her eyes rolled back as she quickly died. Nightmare Moon flung her away as she pulled out her lightsaber. Blazing Fire’s body landed near Celestia, a burned hole in her chest. Celestia’s eyes went wide as she saw this. Nightmare Moon laughed evilly.

“Your feelings betray you, Celestia,” she cried gleefully. “Your sister, Luna, is gone. She cannot return, yet you fight for her freedom anyway. Pathetic. Your Jedi Order will fall, and I will rule Equestria in your place. Stand down, and I might spare you.” Celestia closed her eyes and extinguished her lightsaber. She tossed it to the ground.

“You have won,” she said. “I have failed.” Nightmare Moon started laughing. It started as nothing more than a chuckle, then grew into an evil maniacal outburst.

“I now rule Equestria!” she cried out. She used the Force to draw Celestia close to her. She whispered into her ear. “And now, you will suffer as I have.” Nightmare Moon swiftly cut off Celestia’s horn and wings. Celestia cried out in pain. Nightmare Moon chuckled, and threw Celestia into a standing wall. She threw Celestia’s lightsaber to her.

“I have no need for it!” she called. “You can keep it!” Nightmare Moon took off for the sky, and quickly used her magic to raise the moon in the place of the sun. The sky became dark, the only light coming from the dim brightness of the moon and the fires of the destroyed academy.

As the night passed over Equestria, Braveheart, Knight’n Gale, Sombra, and the younglings looked up. Sombra gave a deep, menacing laugh, and he extinguished his lightsaber and seemingly disappeared into the shadows. Braveheart and Knight’n Gale stood behind each other, waiting for an attack. But the attack came elsewhere, as Sombra, in one swift movement, killed all of the Equestrian younglings. He materialized in front of the pile of bodies, lightsaber humming menacingly.

“I am a creature of the shadows,” he said. “During the night, I am impossible to attack, for I am everywhere!” He disappeared again into the shadow. Knight’n Gale stepped away from Braveheart for a moment, and was immediately killed by Sombra’s saber.

“NO!!” Braveheart cried. He rushed at Sombra, furious. He swung his lightsaber, but Sombra was gone again. Braveheart kept his lightsabers spinning around him using the Force, while using a light spell to disperse the shadows around him. Sombra materialized to his left, and cut fast, destroying Braveheart’s shoto saber. Braveheart brought his lightsaber to him and blocked Sombra’s incoming attack. The two combatants were locked in a standoff.

“Are you aware?” Sombra asked.

“Aware of what?!” Braveheart raged. Sombra broke the standoff and stayed materialized for a while. He chuckled.

“Your daughter is dead,” he informed. “As will be her Padawan.” Braveheart lashed out in rage and attacked Sombra. Sombra effortlessly blocked the attack.

“Good,” he said. “Good. Let the hate flow through you. Use it.” Sombra jumped away and extinguished his lightsaber, tossing it to the side. “I am unarmed,” he said. “Take your Jedi weapon. Strike me down with all of your hatred. Then your journey to the dark side will be complete.” Braveheart did not hesitate. He blasted towards Sombra, ready to kill him. Sombra’s lightsaber dematerialized and teleported to his hoof. It ignited into Braveheart’s chest. The pain caused Braveheart to drop his lightsaber. It extinguished as it hit the ground. Sombra grinned at Braveheart.

“You have fought and died honorably,” he said. “But now your time has passed.” Braveheart held on for one more second before going limp, passing into the Force. Sombra dropped Braveheart’s body and extinguished his own lightsaber. He broke off branches from trees nearby and quickly built a wooden altar. He laid Braveheart’s remains on it and lit it up. As Braveheart’s body burned, Sombra respectfully looked on.

“I may be a Sith, but I am not without honor,” he said quietly. He walked away toward the ruins of the Jedi Academy.

Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle continued to battle with General Grievous, despite everything around them in ruin.

“For Padawans, you have fared better than I expected,” Grievous said with a cough. “Your lightsabers will be well earned.” Almost completely wiped out, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer collapsed onto the grass. Grievous gave a laugh.

“Perhaps I was wrong,” he said. As he raised his sabers for the final kill, a white blur picked up Twilight and ran off. Grievous watched as Celestia, now hornless and wingless, ran off with Twilight on her back. Grievous turned back to Sunset, who was trying to pick up her lightsaber. Her magic was in static, and she was trying her hardest to muster up a final reserve of strength. Grievous extinguished three of his lightsabers and put them away. He linked his arms back together and picked up Sunset by the neck with his free hand. Out of energy, Sunset dropped her lightsaber, and it extinguished. Twilight looked up from Celestia’s back as Grievous held Sunset high.

“Now you fall,” he hissed. “As all Jedi must.” Silhouetted by the fire of the Jedi Academy, he drove his lightsaber through Sunset Shimmer, killing her.

“SUNSET!!!” Twilight cried. Grievous dropped Sunset’s lifeless body and whipped toward the fleeing Celestia. His reptilian eyes pierced through Twilight’s soul.

“After them!” he ordered. “I want no survivors!” The remainder of the droid battalion turned and fired on Celestia and Twilight. Twilight ignited her lightsaber and deflected blasts away from Celestia. Celestia ran up to the Jedi Starfighters. She climbed into her own, putting Twilight in the secondary seat. Celestia closed the cockpit and flew off into space. She locked into her hyperdrive ring and jumped into hyperspace for Coruscant. Grievous growled in frustration as they flew away. He turned to the droids.

“Destroy these fighters,” he ordered. “Nothing is to be left behind.” He walked back to the other Sith as the droid tanks fired and destroyed the rest of the Jedi Starfighters. The Equestrian Jedi Academy had fallen, and Equestria was now under Separatist control.

~~~

At the Jedi Temple, Celestia and Twilight were making their case to the Jedi Council. Celestia wore bandages around her waist and on her head, wearing a Jedi cloak on top of that. Obi Wan was not present in the council.

“The droids tore us apart,” Celestia informed regrettably. “Twilight Sparkle and I were the only survivors, luckily her more intact than I.” Twilight was quietly crying next to Celestia.

“Hm,” Yoda grunted. “Very unfortunate, this loss is. Many Jedi, gone they are. Passed on into the Force. Mourn them, we must not, but instead, celebrate their lives.”

“Do either of you know where Master Kenobi is?” Mace Windu asked.

“Blazing Fire called him before the attack,” Celestia explained. “He is on his way down there with Delta Squad.”

“Call him immediately,” Windu ordered. “If he lands on the system, he could be killed. There are too many droids for just one Jedi and four clones to deal with.” Celestia nodded and left the Council with Twilight Sparkle. Equestria had fallen into Separatist hands. The Equestrian Jedi Academy was destroyed, and with it, almost all of the Equestrian Jedi. Now, Obi Wan Kenobi and the clone commandos of Delta Squad are walking into a trap, unaware of the Fall of Equestria.

Chapter 6: The Return of Nightmare

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Chapter 7: Dark Dealings

With Equestria in ruin and most of the Equestrian Jedi dead, Twilight Sparkle flees to Equestria in anger. Nightmare Moon takes her up as her apprentice and begins to train her in the ways of the Sith. Celestia is unaware of this as she desperately searches for her Padawan. Should Twilight Sparkle convert to the Dark Side, it could mean disastrous consequences for the Republic. At Celestia’s request, the clone scouting teams are dispatched to search for young Twilight…

~~~

On Coruscant, Celestia was speaking with Captain Rex and Commander Cody about sending out scouting teams to search for Twilight Sparkle.

“This is not a criminal involvement,” Celestia said. “I want her back alive.”

“Will do, General,” Rex agreed. “We’ll send scouts to each planet along her last known trajectory. We’ll find her.”

“Thank you Captain,” Celestia said. “I will await word on the search.” Rex and Cody nodded and left to organize the search parties. Celestia returned to the Jedi Temple. She stepped into a dark room to meditate, and try to reach out to her Padawan through the Force.

~~~

Rex had called ARC Trooper Fives and ARC Trooper Echo to him. The two ARC Troopers ran up to Rex.

“Troopers, you’ve been assigned with search party duty,” Rex informed.

“Who are we looking for?” Echo asked.

“Jedi Padawan Twilight Sparkle,” Rex said. “She disappeared from Coruscant along the eastern side. Your task is to search Equestria for her.”

“Yes sir,” Fives and Echo replied in unison.

“Keep in mind that Equestria is under Separatist control now,” Rex informed. “You must be on high alert, because a droid battalion is mobilized on the surface led by a Sith lord. Stay out of sight as you search for her.”

“Understood general,” Fives said. The two clones ran off to their shuttle. They got into the cockpit and took off for Equestria.

~~~

On Equestria in the Everfree Forest, in a hidden chamber in the Castle of the Two Sisters, Twilight Sparkle was continuing her training with Nightmare Moon. Twilight had grown a new lightsaber crystal, and created a new red lightsaber with it. Her lightsaber hilt was actually a lightsaber pike, a long staff made of lightsaber resistant metal with a short lightsaber blade at the top. Nightmare Moon ignited her lightsaber, as did Twilight.

“You must use your anger as a tool,” Nightmare Moon instructed. “Your hate fuels you. Come. Attack me.” Twilight nodded and lunged at Nightmare Moon, swinging her staff. Nightmare Moon swiftly avoided the attack and struck Twilight with a volley of lightning. Twilight recovered from the attack and lunged again. Nightmare Moon launched another lightning attack at Twilight, which threw her back. Twilight slammed against a nearby wall and fell to the floor.

“I can feel your hate,” Nightmare Moon said. “You must harness it.” Twilight jumped up and lunged again, only to get thrown back by another blast of lightning.

“You are weak,” Nightmare Moon said. She continued her attack. Twilight cried out in pain and anger.

“I hate you!” she cried.

“Good,” Nightmare Moon said. “Use that hate.” Despite the pain from Nightmare Moon’s attack, Twilight stood up and suddenly lunged again, enraged. Nightmare Moon was caught off guard, and Twilight was upon her. She blocked Twilight’s attack, but was knocked onto the ground. Twilight tried to force down Nightmare Moon’s saber by repeatedly bashing down. She knocked Nightmare Moon’s lightsaber from her grip and held her blade to Nightmare Moon’s throat. Twilight was breathing heavily. Nightmare Moon smiled.

“Your anger has made you powerful, my apprentice,” she said. “Truly you are strong in the Dark Side.” Calming down a bit, Twilight extinguished her lightsaber and withdrew from her master. Nightmare Moon stood up and picked up her lightsaber.

“Your training is far from over,” she reminded. “But you are closer to fulfilling your destiny. You will be a powerful Sith.”

“Of course, my master,” Twilight nodded. The two left the room.

~~~6 Months Later~~~

The clone shuttle carrying ARC Troopers Fives and Echo touched down in the Venator class Republic Cruiser Resolute over Coruscant. Rex walked up to the shuttle as the ramp opened up. Fives and Echo stepped out of the shuttle and saluted Rex.

“Any luck?” Rex asked.

“No, sir,” Fives said. “It’s been six months since Commander Sparkle first vanished. We’ve practically searched the entire planet of Equestria and found nothing.”

“Have any other of the scouts reported positive?” Echo asked. Rex shook his head.

“I’m going to send you back one more time,” he said. “Only I’m going with you with a platoon of troopers. Scans have found the Everfree Forest on Equestria as the last place she could be. You haven’t searched there yet, have you?”

“Well, we tried,” Fives said. “But the creatures there are vicious, and the forest seems to have a mind of its own. We decided to wait.”

“Good call,” Rex said. “I’ll get the platoon ready, and I’ll inform General Skywalker.” Fives and Echo nodded and Rex walked off to find Anakin.

Celestia was with Admiral Yularen, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and Obi Wan Kenobi at the bridge of the Resolute. They were discussing battle tactics for taking back Equestria.

“I suggest we launch a ground assault on Canterlot and take back the city,” Anakin said. “The command post should be there. If it’s taken, we can work our way up from there.”

“A bold maneuver, General,” Yularen said. “But utterly pointless. There is a powerful ray shield surrounding the city, preventing anything going in or out. Apparently, the Separatists have taken extra precautions to make sure the planet does not return into Republic hands.”

“We seem to be at a dead end,” Obi Wan said.

“Not only do we need to take back Equestria, we also need to find Padawan Twilight Sparkle,” Ahsoka reminded. “And this shield is making it that much harder.”

“What if R2 infiltrated the shield and took it out from inside?” Anakin suggested. “He could pass for a Separatist astromech droid and get inside the shield control room.”

“And then bring the shield down to clear the way for the clones to attack,” Ahsoka finished.

“A well thought out plan, my friend,” Obi Wan agreed. Rex walked into the bridge.

“General,” he called to Anakin. “The troops are mobilized and ready for an assault.”

“Good work, Rex,” Anakin nodded.

“There’s also the issue with Commander Sparkle,” Rex reminded. “I’m personally leading a platoon of troops into the Everfree Forest for a final scan for the Commander. It’s the only place we haven’t checked.”

“Go ahead Rex,” Anakin said. “Obi Wan, Celestia, Ahsoka and I will take the 212th and take Canterlot after R2 has disabled the shield.”

“Affirmative General,” Rex saluted. He left the room. Admiral Yularen turned to the cruiser operators.

“Set a course for Equestria,” he ordered. The operators put in the coordinates, and the cruiser jumped into hyperspace.

~~~

Twilight Sparkle was sparring with Nightmare Moon as her final test on a rooftop in Canterlot. The two combatants battled viciously. Twilight’s eyes had become a bright yellow like all the Sith. Her Dark Side abilities had grown immensely. Nightmare Moon deflected each strike Twilight made. Twilight reached deep with the Dark Side and struck fast, disarming her master. She immediately shot lightning at Nightmare Moon, knocking her to the floor. Twilight lunged and pointed the tip of her lightsaber to Nightmare Moon’s throat. Twilight was breathing normally, seemingly not tired out. Nightmare Moon gave a light laugh.

“Your training has come a long way, my apprentice,” she said. Twilight extinguished her lightsaber and pulled her staff away. Nightmare Moon stood up.

“Your teachings have given me the strength to surpass any Jedi,” Twilight agreed. “Even that of Celestia.”

“Your wisdom has grown as well,” Nightmare Moon said. “Now, do you remember the Sith Code?”

“Of course, my master,” Twilight nodded. “Peace is a lie. There is only passion. Through passion I gain strength. Through strength I gain power. Through power I gain victory. Through victory my chains are broken. The Force will set me free.” Nightmare Moon nodded. A droid walked up, holding a holoprojector. It projected a hologram of Darth Sidious. Nightmare Moon and Twilight bowed.

“I see you have found yourself a new disciple,” Sidious noticed.

“Indeed my Lord,” Nightmare Moon said. “She has become strong. Very strong. She will be a powerful asset to us.”

“Let us hope that is the case,” Sidious said. “I must inform you that a Republic Fleet is headed for Equestria. See to it that they are destroyed.”

“Of course my Lord,” Nightmare Moon said. The projection faded, and Nightmare Moon turned to the droid.

“Deactivate the ray shield,” she ordered.

“But ma'am,” the droid said. “That will leave us open to attack from the Republic.”

“Leave that to General Twilight Sparkle,” Nightmare Moon said. “Just lower the shield and prepare your troops for a surface invasion.”

“Roger roger,” the droid said. He walked off as Twilight Sparkle jumped off the roof into the Canterlot courtyard. Nightmare Moon took flight for the assembling droid force. She landed in front of the troops and ignited her lightsaber.

The Republic fleet came out of hyperspace above Equestria, still darkened from the eternal night. The cruiser hangars opened up, and fighters and gunships flew out of them. Aboard the gunships were Anakin, Obi Wan, Ahsoka, and Celestia. Republic dropships carried down AT-TE tanks. The invasion of Equestria had begun.

“Open fire!” Nightmare Moon cried. The droid forces fired on the gunships. Vulture droids took flight and engaged the Republic fighters. Laser blasts shot through the sky, some of them taking out a few gunships. The dropships put down the AT-TE tanks and gunships touched down. Clone troopers and Jedi ran out of the gunships, clones firing away. The Jedi ignited their lightsabers and started deflecting blasts. The droids stayed where they were instead of advancing. Droid ATT tanks fired shots at the AT-TE tanks. One of the tanks was struck in the fuel cell, and it exploded into pieces. A few clones were thrown back in the explosion. Their comrades helped them up and they continued the battle. As the battle continued, the clones began to overwhelm the droids. Nightmare Moon saw her chance.

“Fall back!” she ordered. The droids turned around and started to retreat. Nightmare Moon turned on her holoprojector. Twilight projected from it.

“It is time, my apprentice,” Nightmare Moon said. “Use your power to destroy the Republic forces.”

“As you wish, my master,” Twilight nodded. The projection faded, and Nightmare Moon continued to deflect blasts from the clones to defend the droids.

“Don’t let them get away,” Anakin said. “Push forward!”

“All cannons, fire!” Rex cried. The forward cannons on the AT-TE tanks launched a volley of shots. As they flew toward the droid forces, they suddenly stopped mid fly. The powerful energy shots hovered there above the droids, buying them time to retreat.

“Again!” Rex cried. The tanks fired another volley, and those blasts were also stopped in the air. The rest of the droids escaped into the city, and the blasts rocketed onto the ground, creating a cloud of smoke. The smoke lingered for quite some time.

“Stay back,” Celestia ordered Rex. She, Anakin, Obi Wan, and Ahsoka slowly approached the cloud of smoke. The four Jedi got ready for a fight. The smoke suddenly dispelled outward. Twilight Sparkle came into the Jedi’s view holding her lightsaber pike. Celestia extinguished her lightsaber and ran up to her Padawan.

“Twilight!” she cried. “Thank goodness you’re alive. Where did you go?”

“You wouldn’t understand,” Twilight said. “You don’t know what it’s like to lose someone you care about.”

“Twilight, what do you mean?” Celestia said. “What’s wrong?” Twilight suddenly spun her pike and hit Celestia across the head, sending her reeling back. Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi Wan ran up to her and helped her up. Ahsoka jumped in front of Celestia.

“What is the meaning of this?” she said, igniting her lightsabers. Twilight didn’t answer, instead attacking Ahsoka with a downward strike. Ahsoka blocked the attack, proceeding to battle with Twilight. Anakin and Obi Wan ran up to help. Celestia stayed back. She couldn’t bring herself to fight her Padawan, or to think why she was with the Separatists. Twilight held her own against the three Jedi with peak efficiency. Her strikes and blocks flowed smoothly between each Jedi. Her moves started speeding up, until her lightsaber and pike became nothing more than a blur. The Jedi were suddenly thrown back by a Force attack. Twilight was cool as ice. The AT-TE tanks fired another volley of shots, and Twilight used the Force to stop the blasts in the air. She closed her eyes and sat down, focusing through the Dark Side. The powerful blasts slowly started to turn around toward the AT-TE tanks. Anakin noticed, and called up Rex on his wrist com.

“Rex, get those tanks away,” he cried. “Your blasts are being redirected towards you.”

“Sir?” Rex asked.

“Too late!” Anakin cried. Twilight let the blasts fly, and they struck the AT-TE tanks with explosive force. The tanks fell over onto their sides and promptly exploded into a fiery blast. Anakin, Obi Wan, and Ahsoka ran over to help the clones get out. This left Celestia and Twilight alone.

“You are foolish to come here, Celestia,” Twiilight said. “Equestria has fallen to the Separatists. It cannot be taken back. If you wish to continue our fight, come to the mountains. I will be waiting for you.” Twilight turned around and walked away toward the mountains, extinguishing her lightsaber. Celestia stayed where she was. The droids marched out of the city again, blasters firing. The remaining clones fired back.

“Master Celestia, come on!” Obi Wan called from a gunship, deflecting blasts. Celestia ran to the gunship and hopped in. The gunship took off as it sealed its hull.

“I need to get to the mountains,” Celestia said. “I have to finish something with Twilight Sparkle.” Rex nodded. He input some coordinates onto his wristcom, and the gunship turned towards the mountains. The gunship flew fast to the designated point. When it reached that point, Celestia jumped out and landed on a cliff side. She nodded to the Jedi and the gunship flew away.

“I’ll contact you when I need you,” Celestia said over her wrist com.

“Copy that, General,” the pilot said. Celestia walked through the windy mountain passes. The gusts of wind were powerful, but Celestia kept her balance. She walked into a volcano with a long narrow bridge over a chasm of molten rock. Twilight Sparkle was at the center of the bridge. She held her lightsaber pike in her magic. Celestia took her lightsaber off her belt and walked out onto the bridge.

“So, you actually turned up,” Twilight said.

“I won’t fight you, Twilight,” Celestia said. “Please tell me. Why are you doing this?” Twilight sighed.

“I never wanted Sunset Shimmer to die,” Twilight said. “I wanted to save her, and I tried to find a way to do so. The Dark Side will help me achieve this.”

“Twilight, the Dark Side of the Force is a pathway of deception and anger,” Celestia said. “The only place for the Dark Side is in fear. You have shown yourself as a Jedi with no fear. Sunset would have wanted you to continue your training. As would Master Blazing Fire and Master Braveheart.” Twilight looked down with sadness.

“I only wanted my friend back,” she said. “I never meant to hurt anypony.” Twilight started to cry. Celestia put her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. Twilight looked up, eyes wet with tears.

“Come back with me, Twilight,” Celestia said. “I can show you to control your emotions and use them for good. You only need to trust me.” She held out her hoof. Twilight closed her eyes and wiped the tears from them. She dropped her saber pike, and it fell down into the lava below. She took Braveheart’s lightsaber from her belt and gave it to Celestia. Celestia smiled, and Twilight smiled back. They both held the lightsaber in their hooves. The yellow lightsaber suddenly ignited into Celestia’s chest. Twilight’s eyes went wide, as did Celestia’s. Twilight watched in horror as Celestia started slipping away. Celestia put a hoof to Twilight’s cheek.

“Come back for Sunset,” she whispered. Braveheart’s lightsaber extinguished, and Celestia fell off the rock bridge into the molten rock. Twilight dropped Braveheart’s lightsaber onto the bridge. A familiar laugh echoed through the cave. Twilight picked up Braveheart’s lightsaber and turned around. Nightmare Moon stood at the other end of the bridge.

“Your master was foolish,” she said. “A Jedi can never understand the Sith or the influence we show in the galaxy.”

“Murderer!” Twilight cried. She ignited her own Jedi lightsaber and ran up on Nightmare Moon. They battled on the narrow bridge, lightsabers swinging. Twilight used both lightsabers as an advantage over Nightmare Moon’s single saber. The two combatants fought viciously, all the while trying not to fall. Twilight used the Force to launch Nightmare Moon back. Using her magic, she spun Braveheart’s lightsaber and sent it flying at Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon recovered and cut Braveheart’s lightsaber in two. The distraction bought Twilight time, and she came in for a swift strike. Her orange blade caught Nightmare Moon in the shoulder, causing her to drop. Twilight came down again, Nightmare Moon barely able to block the attack. Twilight’s anger overcame her, and she swung up, knocking Nightmare Moon’s lightsaber out of her grip. Twilight grabbed her opponent’s saber out of the air and crossed the blades to her opponent’s throat. She was breathing heavily with rage. Nightmare Moon had a pleading look in her eye, begging Twilight to spare her. Twilight ignored the look.

“This is for Sunset,” she hissed. In a swift movement, she cut off Nightmare Moon’s head, sending it and her body down into the lava. Twilight threw Nightmare Moon’s crossguard saber down into the lava as well. She fell to the ground, her lightsaber falling to her side. Twilight had suddenly realized what she had done. She raised her hooves to the sky and let out a cry of sorrow. The Republic gunship flew into the hole in the roof of the volcano, and hovered near Twilight. A clone riot team surrounded Twilight. One of them picked up her lightsaber while another put a magic restraint onto her horn. Twilight cooperated with the clones. She was put into the back of the gunship away from the Jedi and other clones. She was brought back to the Republic cruiser and put into the brig. Two clone guards kept the cell under close watch. Twilight stayed sitting where she was, cuffed to the table. She knew what she had done, and she was awaiting judgement at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant.

Chapter 8: On the Run

Twilight Sparkle is been captured and imprisoned after Jedi Master Celestia’s death. She is held up in the prison on Coruscant while the Jedi Council figure out what to do with her. With there being only two Equestrian Force-sensitives remaining, the Force is out of balance. Sombra plans to bring about the destruction of the Republic from Equestria. With the help of the Separatist leader General Grievous, Sombra plots to end the Republic reign in the galaxy. But Twilight Sparkle feels a pull in both the Light and Dark Sides of the Force, and she must choose for the fate of the galaxy…

~~~

A Republic gunship flew through the Coruscant air traffic to the Republic high security prison. Inside the gunship was Anakin Skywalker and Obi wan Kenobi, along with Captain Rex and ARC Trooper Fives. The gunship landed at the entrance to the prison, and the group walked inside. At the security office, they stepped up to a clone prison officer.

“We’re here to speak with Twilight Sparkle,” Anakin said. The officer nodded to his partner in the office, and he pressed a button. A metal drawer slid out.

“I’ll need your lightsabers and your blasters,” the officer said. The group removed their weapons and put them in the drawer. The drawer slid back into the security office.

“Follow me,” the clone officer said. The group followed the officer through the prison corridors until they reached Twilight Sparkle’s cell. The officer put in the security code, and the door slid open. Twilight was sitting on the bench, eyes closed, meditating through the Force. Anakin, Obi Wan, Rex, and Fives walked inside the cell. The officer closed the door and waited outside. Twilight opened her eyes and relaxed.

“Master Skywalker. Master Kenobi,” she said. Anakin proceeded to harshly Force choke Twilight. Twilight started rising into the air, trying to breathe.

“Anakin, no!” Obi Wan cried. He tried to hold his former Padawan back, but Anakin kept choking Twilight.

“What did you do to Master Celestia!?” Anakin cried. The door suddenly opened, and two clone prison guards ran inside. Obi Wan stepped out of the way, and one of the guards fired a stun blast at Anakin. Anakin fell unconscious as the blue energy ring struck him. Twilight fell down, gasping for air, as Anakin’s hold on her was released. The clone guards stepped forward, but Obi Wan stopped them.

“I’ll take care of him,” he said. The guards nodded and left the room. They stayed under close guard of the room, ready for something else to happen. Rex helped Twilight to her hooves as she breathed.

“You all right, Commander?” Rex asked. Twilight nodded with a cough. She sat back down on the bench.

“Sir, what happened to General Celestia?” Fives asked her. “She wasn’t with you, or in the Equestria mountains. We searched the whole range for her, and found nothing.” Twilight sighed as she started to tear up. Obi Wan knelt down, putting a hand on Twilight’s shoulder.

“What happened, Twilight?” he asked. Twilight started to cry.

“She was killed,” she sobbed. “Nightmare Moon killed her. I was giving her Braveheart’s lightsaber, ready to return with her to the Temple, when it turned on. She fell into the volcano we were in, after which I killed Nightmare Moon out of rage.”

“Twilight, revenge is not the Jedi way,” Obi Wan said. “You should know better.”

“I’m not a Jedi!” Twilight cried out, choked up. “I’m not! I killed clones during the invasion! I became Nightmare Moon’s apprentice. I’m a disgrace to the Jedi!”

“Commander, calm yourself,” Fives said. Twilight slowly calmed down. She wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Twilight, you need to make your case to the council,” Obi Wan said. “A reformed Jedi is very important. Surely they will hear you out.”

“How would you know?” Twilight muttered, anger growing within. “You weren’t there. You didn’t see what happened.”

“Commander…” Rex said.

“None of you understand!” Twilight cried. She let out a powerful Force wave, knocking the three back. Twilight opened the door with the force and ran outside. She knocked away the two clone guards and ran. Obi Wan recovered quickly and chased her. Twilight ran into the security office, where she promptly grabbed her lightsaber and cut her magic restraint off. She made two cuts in the thick glass window and broke through it. She ran out of the prison, clones and Obi Wan in pursuit.

“I want her back to the Jedi Temple alive,” Obi Wan said over his wrist-com. “Do not kill her. Set for stun.” Twilight teleported to a nearby hangar and climbed inside a clone V-19 Torrent fighter. She took off and flew to space.

“Track that fighter!” Rex ordered. The clone in the sendoff tower pressed a button, and the tracking device on the ship activated. Unaware, Twilight docked into a hyperdrive ring and blasted into hyperspace. Obi Wan looked into space and stroked his beard, thinking.

~~~

In the stolen V-19 fighter, Twilight fell back in her seat. She never wanted to return to Coruscant again. After Anakin tried to kill her, she couldn’t. She came out of hyperspace at Nal Hutta. She needed to destroy the evidence that she was ever here. She undocked from the hyperdrive ring, then flew around it and fired the laser cannons. The hyperdrive ring exploded, and Twilight flew down to the surface at full throttle. The fighter caught fire as it entered the atmosphere. Twilight stuck the fighter at full speed, then teleported away. She teleported onto the ground near a swamp. She looked up as the fighter came down, smoking and on fire. It crashed a few kliks away with a boom, and Twilight turned around to look for anywhere else but here. She walked for a few miles before coming up on a small town. The town was full of outlaws from across the galaxy. Twilight held a hoof to the side of her head to hide her face, and walked into a building named Pablo’s Pawn Shop. Twilight closed the door inside. A Rodian male walked out from behind a shelf, along with his Twi’lek wife.

“Hello there,” the Rodian said. “Welcome to my shop.”

“You must be Pablo,” Twilight said.

“That’s right,” Pablo said. “Feel free to look around.” Twilight nodded and started looking through the various shelves. She found a tattered brown cloak that didn’t look like it had been used for years. She took it off its hook and slung it over her back. She kept looking, and found an Equestrian Jedi Temple mask.

“Hey, Pablo!” she called. Pablo came around the corner. Twilight showed him the mask. “Where’d you get this?” she asked.

“A shadowy fellow came in with it,” Pablo explained. “Same species as you. He said he had no need of it, and told me to do what I wanted with it. I polished it up, made it look new, and put it on the shelf. Fellow said it was from someone called Brave Heart.” Twilight’s eyes went wide at this.

“This is Master Braveheart’s mask?” she whispered to herself. She put it with the cloak and continued to search for whatever she could find. She picked up a small blaster pistol and a metal staff.

“That staff you’ve got there, it’s made of lightsaber resistant metal,” Pablo explained. “It’s got an electrified tip on each end. Saw them once before on one of them guard droids.”

“This should be all I need,” Twilight said, after grabbing a holoprojector and a wrist-com. She paid Pablo the fee and put the cloak and mask on. She slipped the blaster pistol under the cloak and put away her holoprojector. She put the wrist-com on her right hoof and walked out the door, electrostaff in hoof. She looked around the small town. Two fat pig-like Gameorean guards were dealing with an outlaw causing trouble. Twilight used her mask’s thin eye slits as an advantage to avoid eye contact with anyone. She suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder. She stopped and turned around to see another Equestrian figure behind her, taller and also wearing a cloak.

“Come with me,” the figure said in a young feminine voice. “We need to leave.” Twilight followed the Equestrian figure through and out of the town. They walked silently through the Nal Hutta swamps until they reached a repainted clone Y-Wing Starfighter.

“Where did…” Twilight started to ask.

“The time for questions will come later,” the figure said. “Right now, we need to get as far away from the Republic as possible.” She opened up the pilot’s cockpit and climbed inside. Twilight got into the rear gunner’s position. The figure took off and flew out into space. As she did, Twilight saw a Republic Venator-class cruiser jump out of hyperspace behind the fighter.

“We’ve got a Republic cruiser behind us,” Twilight warned.

“I see it,” the figure said. She quickly put in some coordinates, and the fighter jumped into light speed. Twilight relaxed as the ship blasted through the stars.

“Do you think they saw us?” she asked.

“It is unlikely,” the figure said. “The cruiser had just emerged from light speed, and this ship has an on board cloaking device.”

“How?” Twilight asked. “These fighters can’t hold a cloaking device.”

“Maybe not your standard Y-Wing,” the figure said. “But this one is modified. Paintwork, engine, weapons, hardware, all of it.”

“Impressive,” Twilight nodded. The fighter jumped out of hyperspace over a desert planet. The Equestrian figure piloted the ship down to the surface.

“Welcome to Jakku, young Sparkle,” the figure said. Twilight’s eyes narrowed.

“How do you know my name?” she questioned.

“I will explain everything once we reach our destination,” the figure said. She landed the fighter near a small hut in the middle of the wastelands of Jakku. The cockpit opened up, and the figure hopped out. Twilight got out of her gunner position. She followed the figure into the hut. The figure closed the door behind her as she and Twilight walked in. Twilight leaned her electrostaff against a corner and leaned up against the wall next to it. She took off her mask and hood and laid the mask on a nearby table. The figure pulled up a stool and sat down.

“Now,” Twilight began. “Tell me. How do you know my name? Who are you?”

“I have been watching you for quite some time,” the figure said. “Ever since you first became Celestia’s pupil. I was there at the destruction of the Jedi Academy of Equestria. I could not bear to watch the massacre, but I could not leave.”

“Why?” Twilight said, grabbing her electrostaff and charging it up. “Who are you? If you’re Separatist, I will gut you like an animal.”

“I am neither Separatist nor Republic,” the figure said. “I was once part of the Republic, until I saw what it had become.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, pointing her electrostaff at the figure. The figure raised a hoof, and Twilight’s electrostaff flew from her hooves into the figure’s outstretched hoof. Twilight’s eyes went wide, and she quickly pulled out her lightsaber, igniting its orange blade. She swung at the figure, who swiftly blocked the attack with the electrostaff. Twilight pulled back and swung again. The figure did not move from her seat, letting go of the electrostaff and telekinetically defending against Twilight’s attacks. Before long, the figure knocked Twilight’s lightsaber away. She ignited a white lightsaber from her belt and pointed it at Twilight’s throat. Twilight gulped and backed away, falling down when she tripped on a loose rock in the hut. She fell onto an awaiting stool. Bewildered and confused, Twilight stayed where she was, breathing heavily.

“We need not be adversaries,” the figure said, extinguishing the white lightsaber. “I know what troubles you, and why you were on Nal Hutta.” Twilight was almost in tears.

“Who are you?” she stuttered. The figure laid down Twilight’s electrostaff and brought her dark blue hooves to her hood. She removed her hood, revealing her face. Twilight’s eyes went wide at who she saw. The figure had a dark blue coat and a short light blue mane that hung loose from her head. She had pure, teal colored eyes and a sweet smile. She was an alicorn, and wore a light brown Jedi tunic and black belt with her lightsaber attached. Tears started to run down Twilight’s face.

“L…Luna?” she gasped. “Is…is it really you?” Luna nodded.

“Indeed it is, young Sparkle,” she said. She noticed Twilight crying. “What is the matter, Twilight?” she asked.

“I thought I killed you,” Twilight sobbed. “I thought you killed Celestia.”

“Alas, that was not me,” Luna said. “Rather, it was Tantabus, who had possessed me in the first place, over 1000 years ago. Who you killed was Tantabus itself, pure Dark Side incarnate. It was Tantabus who killed your master. I am sorry, Twilight. I would have stopped Tantabus right then and there, but interfering may have cost you your life.”

“I’d rather be dead!” Twilight raged, tears in her eyes. “Master Celestia was the only thing I had left! After Sunset, Blazing Fire, and Braveheart were killed, I…” Luna waved a hoof, and Twilight fell limp. Luna caught her before she could fall onto the hard ground.

“You must calm yourself, Twilight,” Luna soothed. “You must remember, fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hatred leads to suffering. Your suffering makes you unbalanced in the Force. You cannot let your rage overcome you. It only pulls you closer to the Dark Side.”

“It’s too late,” Twilight moaned, calmed. “I’m already too far gone from the light.” Luna shook her head.

“That is not true, Twilight,” she said. “There is still a light in you. I see you with every passing moment trying to go back to the light and escape the darkness.”

“You are right,” Twilight said. “I am trying to return to the Light Side of the Force. But the darkness is overwhelming.”

“You must not take the quick and easy path, as other fallen Jedi have,” Luna said. “That leads to the Dark Side. While the path to the light may be long and winding, it will lead you to the peace of mind you seek.” Twilight looked up at Luna, eyes red from crying. She calmed herself down.

“How?” she asked.

“I can show you the way,” Luna said. “You only need to trust me.” She held out a hoof to Twilight. Twilight withdrew.

“I can’t trust anyone now,” she said. “The last time I trusted somepony, my Master ended up dead.”

“Tantabus deceived you into trusting it,” Luna said. “Deception is an agent of the Dark Side. It uses the best part of you against you. I promise to you, I will show you the way back to the light.” Twilight looked into Luna’s eyes. The suffering in her own was driving her away. She closed her eyes and took Luna’s hoof. Everything went to white with a soothing shimmer.

Chapter 9: The Way of a Jedi

Twilight Sparkle has escaped Coruscant, deciding to disappear because of the trouble she caused. In escaping to Nal Hutta, she meets Luna, who she thought was killed. As the Republic searches for Twilight, Luna takes her to Jakku, where she is to learn how to return to the light. In this time of war, it is crucial that Twilight makes a redemption, as the fate of the galaxy as a whole depends on it….

~~~

Twilight’s vision returned slowly, and she found herself in a pure and bright white void. She looked around with confusion. Luna was in front of her, holding her lightsaber hilt.

“Luna, what’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“It is time you learn to return to the light,” Luna said. She ignited her lightsaber, but Twilight couldn’t see it.

“I can’t see your saber,” Twilight said.

“You must use the Force to sense your surroundings,” Luna instructed, using a magic spell to temporarily blind Twilight. “Remember, the Force connects all things. You. Me. The ground on your hooves. Your blade and mine. You must use the Force to defend yourself. Never to attack. Now come. Defend against me.” Twilight ignited her lightsaber and got into her Form IV Ataru battle stance. Luna slowly took steps toward Twilight, encircling her in various patterns. Twilight focused on the Force, attempting to sense Luna’s location. Luna made a move for Twilight, and Twilight was barely able to block it. Luna backed away.

“Twilight, you need to focus,” Luna said. “Again.” Twilight got into a ready stance again. Luna quietly encircled her, watching carefully. Twilight was unfocused and unbalanced. The thoughts clouding her mind were ones of pain from her past. Sunset’s death, Celestia’s death, her apprenticeship under Nightmare Moon; all the evil she had committed. Luna felt remorse for Twilight. She came fast and swung. Twilight wasn’t able to detect her. Luna purposely missed her attack, sending it over Twilight’s head. She extinguished her lightsaber and returned Twilight’s vision.

“What is it?” Twilight asked, extinguishing her saber.

“You are unbalanced, young Sparkle,” Luna said. “Your thoughts betray you. Your mind is clouded with your past. You must let go.” Twilight hung her head. Luna watched with concern as black smoke started to emit from Twilight and the ground around her. It intensified quickly, showing the evil within Twilight.

“You didn’t see what happened,” Twilight growled. “You weren’t there when Master Celestia died. YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW I FEEL!!!” The black smoke suddenly engulfed Twilight. Luna could do nothing now. This was Twilight’s path, which she had to complete on her own.

Twilight found herself in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. She looked around in confusion. No one seemed to notice her. Everyone ignored her as she tried to get someone’s attention. She tried to wave her hoof in front of a Jedi Guard’s face, but he did not budge. She ignited her lightsaber and swung at the guard, but the blade passed right through him, without ill effect. Twilight extinguished her blade and tried to slap the guard, but once again, her hoof passed right through him. Twilight realized that she was in an illusion.

“All right Luna!” she called into the air. “Enough of your games!”

“I'm afraid this is no game,” a masculine voice behind Twilight said. Twilight promptly ignited her lightsaber and spun around, coming in for a fast strike. A hooded pony shimmering with a blue glow jumped out of the way, doing a complete flip in the process. Twilight got into a ready stance, pointing the tip of her blade at the pony.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“I am your teacher,” the pony said. “You must come with me.”

“I'm not going anywhere,” Twilight refused. “I need to get out of here, back to Equestria.”

“Equestria has not become under Jedi influence yet,” the pony said. “That will not happen for another 50 years.”

“Liar,” Twilight hissed. “Equestria has been an ally of the Jedi Order for a millennium. I will ask you again, and it will be the last time. Who are you?”

“And I have already told you,” the pony said. “I am your teacher.” Twilight's angry expression did not falter.

“I will not trust you,” she firmly said. She swung her lightsaber fast, trying to cut down her adversary. The pony dodged fast and dodged graceful, avoiding Twilight's strikes. He jumped over another swing, arcing over Twilight and landing behind her.

“Enough hostilities,” the pony said. As Twilight whipped around, the pony raised a hoof. Twilight's saber extinguished and flew from her hoof into the pony's grasp. He slid it under his cloak. Twilight was bewildered.

“Come with me,” the pony said. He turned around and walked away. Seeing no other choice, Twilight followed him. She quickened her pace and walked alongside him.

“Where are you taking me?” she asked.

“That will be revealed soon enough,” the pony replied. “For now, we must walk in silence. Quiet your mind, and ease it of corrupting thoughts.”

“But...” Twilight started. The pony looked at her with a stern glare, and Twilight shut up. They walked to the main door of the Jedi Temple. As they walked through the entrance, Twilight could see nothing but bright white. She shielded her eyes, and when she could see, she was met with a horrifying sight. She was facing the Jedi Temple, and it was in flames. Unfamiliar fighters flew around the temple, bombarding it with laser fire. A human Jedi and Sith were dueling on the steps of the temple. The temple pillars were collapsing around the combatants. The Sith was clothed in a black robe, wearing a white and red mask. The Jedi had his yellow lightsaber knocked away, and the Sith held out a hand. The Jedi cried out in pain, and a blue mist was drawn from his body into the Sith's hand. The Jedi fell limp as his soul was absorbed. Twilight was mortified.

“What is this?” she gasped, frightened. There was no answer. As Twilight looked around, the blue cloaked pony was gone, along with her lightsaber. The Sith turned to Twilight, and began to make his way towards her. Twilight looked around frantically for a lightsaber. A lightsaber was lying on the ground nearby. She picked it up and ignited its blue blade. The Sith was suddenly upon her, and he attacked. Twilight defended herself as best as she could, but the Sith was overpowering her quickly. Twilight didn't know why, but the presence of the Sith Lord alone was making her weaker by the second. Before long, Twilight couldn't fight any longer. The Sith swung hard, knocking the lightsaber from Twilight's grip. Twilight collapsed onto the ground, weakened. She looked up as the Sith stood over her. His face was black, and he had no mouth. His mask was skeletal, and it ended below the eyes. Twilight tried to back away, fearful of this intimidating Sith.

“What are you?” she cried, her strength gone. The Sith spoke in an echoed and distorted voice that Twilight couldn't understand, then raised his saber high. Twilight's eyes went wide with fear, and the Sith brought his lightsaber down.

~~~

Over Equestria, a Separatist fleet was ready for takeoff. Count Dooku walked into Canterlot Castle, where General Grievous was waiting for him. Four magnaguard droids stepped out of the way for Dooku. Grievous turned around and faced Dooku.

“General, are the troops ready?” Dooku asked.

“Yes, my lord,” Grievous said. “Everything is ready for departure to Coruscant.”

“Good,” Dooku nodded. “Nothing will stand in our way to finish the Republic once and for all. But we must ensure the other key to our operation is ready.” As if on cue, Dooku's holoprojector activated, and he turned it on. Darth Sidious's hologram appeared.

“My lord, everything is ready,” Dooku said. “We await your word for the attack.”

“Good,” Sidious hissed. “I will be waiting for you. Proceed with the attack. I will be expecting you shortly.”

“Indeed my master,” Dooku said. The projection faded, and Grievous followed Dooku to the Separatist fleet as it began to take off.

~~~

Twilight slowly woke up on the ground. As she opened her eyes, she was faced with the bright rays of the sun in her face. She squinted to try and block out the brightness, but she was forced to cover her face with a hoof to see. She sat up and shook her head, dazed, yet unhurt. As she looked around, she found herself at Rainbow Falls. Ponies were walking around, talking to one another, fillies were playing in the grass, everything was peaceful. Twilight closed her eyes and took a breath of the clear air. She stood up and began to walk around. Nopony seemed to be sad or upset.

“It's all I wished it could be,” Twilight breathed.

“Peace truly is something of a luxury, isn't it?” a voice near Twilight said. She turned around to see the shimmering blue cloaked pony beside her. She was still a bit frightened from her last vision.

“Who was that?” she asked. “The Sith with the mask.”

“He is a wound in the Force,” the pony said in a dark tone. “More presence than flesh. In his wake, life dies. Darth Nihilus, the Lord of Hunger. He was killed aboard the starship Ravanger in 3951 BBY. Two decades before Equestria became part of the Jedi Order.”

“I don't understand,” Twilight said. “What do the Sith want?”

“Their goal is to bring about the end of the Jedi,” the pony explained. “In doing so, they can take over the galaxy.” The screaming of twin ion engines caught Twilight's attention. She looked up to the sky to see a huge cruiser over Equestria, with fighters flying from the hangar below. Twilight froze with fear. She looked to her side, and the shimmering pony was gone. The Sith fighters flew down close, firing their laser cannons. Ponies ran away, trying to protect their foals. The Sith showed no mercy. Their blasts cut down many ponies, as the fighters came around after each strike to begin another. Twilight could do nothing but watch, because she still didn't have her lightsaber. She looked on in horror as the ponies at Rainbow Falls were brutally cut down. Before long, the sky was red with fire. Smoke rose from the distance as the Sith destroyed half of Equestria. The pony's voice echoed in Twilight's head.

“This is what would have happened if Equestria did not become part of the Jedi Order,” the pony said. “And it will happen again if you continue down the dark path. Now, you must return to the light.” A shine erupted from Twilight's belt, and she looked down to see her lightsaber. The pony appeared next to her and pulled out his own lightsaber, igniting its yellow blade. More ignition sounds came from behind Twilight, and she turned around. She saw Blazing Fire, Celestia, Knight'n Gale, and Sunset Shimmer, lightsabers ignited. They were all shimmering with the same blue glow as the cloaked pony. Twilight turned to the shimmering pony in shock, and he removed his hood. It was Braveheart.

“How are you here?” she gasped.

“We have become one with the Force,” Sunset said. “Waiting for the opportune moment to help the one foretold to bring balance to Equestria.”

“Twilight,” Celestia said. “It is time to face your wrongs and return to the light.” Twilight nodded. A single Sith fighter landed in front of Twilight, and Darth Nihilus stepped out from it. He ignited his red lightsaber, standing casually. Twilight held her lightsaber up, igniting the orange blade. Nihilus spoke in his distorted voice, and spun his lightsaber, ready for battle. The Equestrian Jedi ran at Nihilus, sabers swinging. They all came in for a single strike, but Nihilus deflected them all. Braveheart and Blazing Fire flew high, flying circles over Nihilus. Twilight, Knight’n Gale, Sunset, and Celestia moved to each side of Nihilus. Twilight in front, Knight’n Gale to the left, Sunset to the right, and Celestia from behind. Nihilus growled, uttering something in his distorted voice. He launched red Force lightning above him at Braveheart and Blazing Fire. They blocked the attack with their sabers, though struggling against the immense force of the attack. With Nihilus occupied, the other four Jedi moved in to strike. Nihilus stopped his lightning and spun fast, blocking all of the attacks by the Jedi on the ground. The airborne Jedi dove quickly, and Nihilus stopped their attacks as well. The Jedi regrouped in front of Nihilus. Twilight nodded to her fellow Jedi, and she rushed at Nihilus. He held his saber high, ready to strike when Twilight got close. Twilight spun her saber.

“Now!” Celestia cried. The Jedi that stayed back all threw out a hoof, using the Force to knock Nihilus off balance. Twilight jumped, spinning around, and came down, her saber struck Nihilus in the chest, and a bright light shone in her eyes.

~~~

Twilight opened her eyes, lying on Luna’s bed in her hut. She sat up and got out of the bed. Luna was sitting nearby, her eyes closed. She opened them and stood up.

“It is done,” she said to Twilight. “Now you see what must be in order for Equestria to find peace. Go. The Separatists have launched an assault on Coruscant, and Sombra is with them. Bring balance to Equestria and the galaxy.” Twilight nodded and ran outside. She hopped into Luna’s Jedi Starfighter and powered it up. She looked to Luna, who gave her a nod.

“May the Force be with you, young Sparkle,” she said.

“May the Force be with you,” Twilight said. She took off for space, docking into a hyperdrive ring and blasting for Coruscant, intent on fixing what was broken.

Chapter 10: Redemtion

Twilight Sparkle, now a returned Jedi Knight, races to Coruscant. She has received word that Count Dooku, General Grievous, and Sombra are on their way to stage a massive assault on the Senate. As the Separatists prepare to engage their attack, the Jedi on Coruscant are unaware of the imminent danger. It is up to Twilight to warn the Jedi and the Senate of the incoming Separartist attack, before it’s too late….

~~~

As Twilight blasted through hyperspace to Coruscant, she checked over herself and her gear. Everything was in order. She had her electrostaff, her mask, her lightsaber, and her will to stop the Separatists. A beep erupted from her panel, and she got situated for her jump out of light speed. The Jedi Starfighter burst out of light speed over Coruscant, and Twilight’s eyes went wide. In her field of view was a huge Separatist fleet, blockading Coruscant’s surface. Twilight flew around, blasting away at unsuspecting droid Starfighters. The massive cruisers turned their guns towards Twilight and blasted away. The powerful blasts whizzed by Twilight as she skillfully maneuvered through the blockade. Her control panel lit up, and an emergency projection came up.

“This is an emergency!” a clone guard cried into the mic. “I repeat, this is an emergency! The Chancellor has been captured by the Separatists! All units report to your battle stations with General Kenobi and General Skywalker to take back the Chancellor! Now!” The projection faded, and Twilight bolted down towards the planet's surface. As she entered the atmosphere, she shot down droid starfighters, blowing them out of the sky. As she sped towards the landing pads, a blast struck her fighter.

“Blast it!” Twilight cursed. She tried to regain control of her starfighter, but she couldn't. The fighter plummeted out of control towards the landing bay. Twilight pulled a lever, and she was ejected from the now flaming ship. She used the Force to help her land safely on the pads, and her fighter came crashing down onto an ARC-170 fighter, exploding on impact. Flaming debris flew in all directions. A rather large piece came flying at Twilight, and she was forced to hit the floor to avoid it. She turned to see a red lightsaber cut through the flaming piece of debris. It split in two, revealing the Sith Lord Sombra. Twilight promptly ignited her orange lightsaber, her electrostaff slung over her back.

“I'm surprised you actually came back to Coruscant,” Sombra growled, spinning his saber. “After the little stunt you pulled on our home planet.”

“That wasn't me,” Twilight stormed. “It was Tantabus. I could never kill Master Celestia.”

“Right,” Sombra mocked. “Tantabus, who you trained under in the ways of the Dark Side.” Twilight tried to maintain her cool. Sombra grinned maliciously.

“Good,” he hissed with glee. “The hate is rekindling itself. Use it. Use it to destroy me.” Twilight knew she couldn't let the hatred control her. She closed her eyes, extinguished her lightsaber, took a breath, and sat down, laying her lightsaber hilt in front of her. She stayed in her meditation position. Sombra didn't have time for this. He rushed at Twilight, and took a swing. Twilight opened her eyes and quickly dodged to the right, avoiding Sombra's attack. She picked up her lightsaber with the Force and clipped it to her belt. Sombra continued to attack violently, trying to eliminate Twilight. But Twilight dodged each attack Sombra made. Sombra was getting angrier and angerier. He jumped high and came down with a powerful downward strike. Twilight ignited her lightsaber and blocked the attack. Sombra growled viciously, trying to overpower Twilight. Keeping her cool, Twilight used the Force to push Sombra away. Sombra crashed into a Coruscant transport, his lightsaber extinguishing. Twilight relaxed her form, but staying alert. Furious, Sombra returned to his hooves, igniting his lightsaber.

“The Republic will fall,” he snarled. “The Chancellor will be taken to Separatist space, and the Senate will crumble without him.”

“I don't think so,” Twilight said. Sombra rushed at Twilight again, and their sabers collided. They fought on the platforms, each strike being perfectly matched. Republic cruisers blasted into orbit above Coruscant, ready to repel the Separatist blockade. A two Jedi Eta-2 Interceptors, a dark red one and a yellow one, led the charge. Inside the Interceptors were Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Sombra's attacks were vicious and unbalanced, while Twilight's were graceful and controlled. Twilight started to get the upper hoof. She pushed Sombra back to the edge of the platform. Sombra swung hard, and the two ended up in a blade lock. They pushed hard, trying to overpower each other. Twilght pushed with all of her strength, calling on the Force for aid. Sombra couldn't hold out. Twilight spun her saber, disarming Sombra of his weapon. His lightsaber extinguished as it plummeted down into the Coruscant undercity. Twilight brought the edge of her blade to Sombra's throat.

“It is over Sombra,” she said, breathing hard. “Yield.” Sombra looked into Twilight's eyes.

“The Sith do not concede,” he growled. “We will not stop until the galaxy is ours!” Sombra blasted lighting from his hooves at Twilight. The bolts struck her hard, knocking her saber away and causing her to cry out in agony. Sombra bore down on her, not stopping his assault. Twilight screamed in pain and suffering.

“It is time for you to die!” Sombra shouted. “The Jedi will soon be no more, starting with you!” He intensified his attack, causing Twilight more pain. She felt her life slipping away as she tried to hold on to her last breaths. An ARC-170 clone starfighter blasted up, making a loop over the platform. It fired its laser canons, aiming for Sombra. Sombra didn't react in time. He was struck with a powerful laser bolt in the chest, and was sent staggering back from the edge of the landing platform. He screamed as he fell to his death a thousand stories below. A clone medical ship landed on the flaming platform, and Kix, a clone medic, and Captain Rex rushed out.

“Come on, Kix! Hurry!” Rex cried. The two clones rushed over to Twilight, who was very badly injured. Rex knelt down beside Twilight.

“Commander?” he asked. “Commander, can you hear me?” Twilight groaned, bringing a hoof to Rex.

“Rex...” she whispered.

“Commander, stay with us,” Kix said. “We're not losing you like we lost Fives.”

“Tell Master Kenobi...that I'm sorry…” Twilight managed. “...for betraying the Jedi...and the Republic...”

“Her pulse is fading,” Kix said.

“Commander!” Rex cried. “Come on, stay with us!” Twilight's heartbeat went still, and she died. Rex and Kix watched in sadness and awe as Twilight's body disappeared into thin air. Twilight had passed on, and become one with the Force. Her sacrifice helped the Republic win the battle in the sky rather than on the ground to save Chancellor Palpatine.

~~~5 Years Later~~~

Luna was sitting in her hut on Jakku, meditating through the Force. She had felt a disturbance years before, and was trying to figure out what it was. A hard pounding came on the door.

“By order of the Empire, open up,” a voice called from outside. Luna opened her eyes and stood up, staying quiet. She took her lightsaber off her belt and waited. The knocking came again.

“Open up in there,” the voice said. Luna did not move. The door was suddenly blown off, and stormtroopers rushed into Luna's hut. Luna ignited her lightsaber.

“A Jedi!” the stormtrooper lead cried. “Eliminate her!” The stormtroopers fired on Luna, who deflected blast after blast. She held her own, but soon more troopers ran into the hut, blasters firing. Luna wasn't able to stop them all, and was gunned down by the stormtroopers. The lead trooper looked around.

“Search the hut,” he ordered. As his squadron searched the rest of the hut, he pulled up a holoprojector and contacted his superior. The hologram pulled up with a tall and masked figure with a cape. His respirator made his breathing a haunting noise.

“Have you found the Jedi on the planet's surface?” the figure asked.

“Yes Lord Vader,” the stormtrooper lead confirmed. “She has been eliminated as ordered.”

“Good,” Darth Vader said. “See to it that there are no remains of her residence there.”

“Yes sir,” the trooper nodded. “Right away sir.” The hologram of the Dark Lord faded, and the trooper turned around.

“No sign of anyone else,” a stormtrooper said.

“All right,” the lead said. “Let's go. Bring in the flametroopers. Leave nothing behind.” The squadron left the building, and two awaiting flametroopers lit up the hut, burning it to the ground, leaving no remaining part of the Equestrian Jedi Order.

Chapter 1: The New Padawans

It has been a thousand years since former Jedi Padawan Luna turned to the Dark Side, influenced by Tantabus. During this time, Celestia has trained many younglings. These younglings became Padawans, the Padawans became Jedi Knights, and a select few became Jedi Masters. These Masters became members of the Equestrian Jedi Council. Every few years, Jedi Master Yoda himself would come to Equestria to view Celestia’s progress. He learned of Luna’s corruption and advised Celestia to be wary of her pupils in the future. Celestia kept this in mind as she continued to train younglings. Now, she has felt a strong presence of a very force sensitive pony, and she makes it her task to find this one, and train the youngling under the ways of the Jedi in her fallen sister's place…

~~~

On the far off planet of Coruscant, Jedi Master Yoda was in meditation in the Jedi Temple. He did this every other hour, to keep his connection with the force strong. He was over 800 years old, but he was a wise and powerful Jedi. The buzzer outside the door rang.

“Enter,” Yoda called in a raspy voice. The door slid open, and a young Togruta Jedi stepped inside. This Jedi was Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano, training under Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. Ahsoka stepped inside the chamber.

“Good morning, Master,” Ahsoka greeted.

“To you as well, young Padawan,” Yoda said, as he stood up, cane in hand. “Been progressive, your training has, hm?

“Yes, Master,” Ahsoka nodded. Her face looked troubled. “Master Skywalker sent me to speak with you about something important?”

“Oh, and what might that be?” Yoda asked.

“One of the younglings has not been himself lately,” Ahsoka explained. “He used to be the nicest Nautolan, but now, he’s been lashing out with anger at the other younglings. We’ve tried to calm him down, but nothing is working.”

“Hm,” Yoda grunted. “Troubling, this news is. The youngling, to me, bring him. Help him, I will.”

“Thank you, Master Yoda,” Ahsoka thanked as she bowed. She left the room, and Yoda pulled out a Hologram Projector. It lit up, and a projection of Celestia appeared.

“Master Yoda,” she said. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“An uprising, there may be,” Yoda informed Celestia. “Come to the Jedi Temple, you must. A disturbance in the Force, I feel there is. The Equestrian younglings, join you they will.”

“I’m on my way,” Celestia nodded. The projection faded, and Yoda put down the projector. He left the room and prepared to help the seemingly corrupt youngling.

~~~

On the remote and distant desert planet of Tatooine, in the town of Mos Eisley, a lone bounty hunter with a steel mask walked into the local cantina. Her shoulder plate shone in the dim light of the bar. The bounty hunter tapped a button on the side of the mask, and it slid upward to the top of the head, revealing the hunter’s face. Her skin was pure white. She was bald, wearing two head tattoos that ran down her scalp. Two more ran down from the corners of her mouth to the sides of her chin. The bounty hunter stepped up to the counter and threw down a coin. She pointed to a drink, and the bartender poured her a shot. She downed it quickly, and she requested another. At the corner of the cantina, another figure in a desert cloak was seated in a booth. The bounty hunter felt that the figure was watching her. She finished her second shot and walked over to the booth. She stood over the Equestrian figure, who was looking through numerous bounties on her holoprojector.

“Ventress,” the figure said.

“How do you know my name?” Ventress asked.

“I’ve seen your work,” the figure said, not looking away from her list of possible bounties. “Both as a Sith and a new bounty hunter. Very impressive with your first, I must say. Genius, switching the precious cargo like that before the fat fool figured it out. I was actually after the same bounty myself that day, even had your head lined up in the scope. But I thought to myself, after doing what you did, you deserve the money.” Ventress pulled out one of her curved lightsaber hilts and ignited the red blade. She pointed the blade to the figure’s face. The red glow lit up her Equestrian face, showing an unamused scowl. The figure had a dark tan coat and a fiery colored mane. She rolled her dark green eyes and waved her free hoof, sending Ventress reeling back. The figure held her hoof up, and Ventress’s lightsaber extinguished and flew into her hoof, as well as the second one on her belt. The figure put down her projector, leaving it on a high bounty for a politician. She inspected Ventress’s lightsabers.

“Make these yourself?” she asked.

“No,” Ventress said. “They were given to me.” Ventress looked down, and noticed a shimmer from the figure’s belt. She used the Force to draw the shimmering object to her. A lightsaber with an extended hilt flew from the figure’s cloak to Ventress’s hand. She gave the figure a look.

“Why don’t we take this matter outside?” she suggested. The figure nodded, and she stood up, picked up her projector, following Ventress outside the cantina. The two stopped after walking to the back of the building. Ventress ignited the figure’s lightsaber, and two purple blades extended from both the top and bottom of the hilt. She took a good look at the double bladed saber.

“You’re a Jedi?” Ventress asked, as she extinguished the blades.

“And a bounty hunter,” the figure said. “The name’s Blazing Fire. Blazing tossed Ventress’s sabers back to her, and used the Force to pull her own back. “I don’t want any trouble, Ventress,” she said.

“Well, one bounty hunter to another, you won’t get any from me,” Ventress assured, putting her sabers back onto her belt. “But don’t get cocky.”

“I never am,” Blazing said. “You need a bounty?”

“I was looking for one,” Ventress confirmed. “Got something for me?”

“I keep records on every bounty as soon as it’s posted until they come down through file hacking,” Blazing explained. “If you ever need a quick bounty, contact me. I’ll find you the best one.” She tossed Ventress a holoprojector that was privately linked to hers. Ventress put it away and knelt down to Blazing’s level. Blazing pulled up the bounty of the politician.

“This one’s up for 50,000 credits, dead or alive to Jabba the Hutt,” she informed. “Lives in the upper levels of Coruscant, very rich, well defended, arrogant, smooth talker too.”

“That won’t be an issue,” Ventress said. “One problem. I don’t have a ship. Mine was destroyed. Mind giving me a lift?”

“Not a problem,” Blazing said. “But I want ten percent of the cut.”

“Deal,” Ventress agreed. She shook Blazing’s hoof, sealing their deal. Blazing and Ventress walked over to the spaceport. Blazing directed Ventress to her ship, which was a Corellian G9 Rigger freighter with a custom red and yellow paint job.

“You sure you can fly this thing?” Ventress questioned.

“I’ve used this thing for years,” Blazing said. “It may not look like much, but it’s got what counts. Hyperdrive, decent weapons systems, deflector shields, and simple controls.” She became serious. “I will hold my end of the deal,” she said. “I will take you to Coruscant, wait for you to get the evidence for the bounty’s death, then take you to Jabba’s Palace to collect the money.”

“And then I give you your ten percent,” Ventress finished. Blazing Fire nodded.

“Welcome aboard, Ventress,” she said. The two bounty hunters boarded the vessel. Blazing sat down in the pilot’s seat and Ventress got into the co-pilot’s. Blazing started up the engines, and they took off into space.

~~~

On Coruscant, Celestia and her younglings had just landed at the Jedi Temple. Yoda and Ahsoka were waiting for them.

“Greetings, Master Celestia,” Yoda said.

“Hello, Master Yoda,” Celestia said. “To you as well, Padawan Tano.”

“Good to see you too.” Ahsoka said. “This way.” Yoda and Ahsoka led Celestia and the Equestrian younglings through the temple.

“With Padawan Tano, the younglings will go,” Yoda told Celestia. “To Ilum, take them she will. To craft their lightsabers, she will teach them.”

“Understood, Master Yoda,” Celestia nodded. She turned to Ahsoka. “Do take care of them for me, will you?” she requested.

“I won’t let you down, Master Celestia,” Ahsoka assured. She took the younglings with her to a Jedi Shuttle. They boarded the bus-like ship and took off for Ilum. As the shuttle disappeared into space, Yoda turned to Celestia.

“A disturbance I feel in the Force,” Yoda sighed. “The Dark Side, growing, I fear it is. More than ever. Remember your sister, do you?”

“Of course,” Celestia said. “But I haven’t seen her for a thousand years. And now with the Clone Wars raging, I fear I won’t see her until it has ended.”

“Wrong in that statement, I’m afraid you are,” Yoda said, shaking his head.

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked.

“Hm. Coming for the younglings, your sister is,” Yoda said. “Seen it through the Force, I have. Grave danger, I fear your younglings are in.”

“What can we do?” Celestia questioned.

“Nothing, can we do for them,” Yoda regretted. “On Ahsoka’s shoulders, and their own, the younglings’ hope is.” Yoda’s face suddenly showed some hope.

“What is it, Master Yoda?” Celestia asked.

“Powerful in the Force, one of your younglings is,” Yoda said. “Felt it, I have. Change this war, she could.”

“Who?” Celestia wondered out loud.

“Unable to tell, I am,” Yoda said. “Watch carefully, we must, to ensure the identity of the youngling.” Celestia nodded. She followed Yoda through the temple, both of them hoping the younglings would be all right.

~~~

Outside of Coruscant’s orbit, Blazing Fire’s ship came out of hyperspace on the darker side of the planet.

“Here we are,” Blazing said. “Coruscant.”

“How do you plan to get me inside the bounty’s location?” Ventress asked.

“Listen carefully,” Blazing replied. “I have an airspeeder in the back along with my starfighter. Here’s an ID I stole from a past target.” She gave Ventress a holographic ID card. “That’ll get you into the target’s apartment building,” she informed. “His door ID is 7D8N6. I’ll be waiting for you down in the Undercity in the central spire, port 31.”

“Anything else?” Ventress asked. Blazing shook her head. She pressed a switch, and the cargo doors opened up. Ventress walked into the back and climbed into the black airspeeder. She started it up and flew out of the cargo hold toward her destination. Blazing closed the cargo bay and flew off to the Undercity. She flew down the central spire and landed at the port she had designated to Ventress. She shut off the power to her ship and kicked her feet up onto the dashboard. She projected her bounty list and looked for a nearby bounty for herself. She found a local criminal Wanted dead to the Coruscant authorities. The criminal was a female Dug living in the Coruscant Undercity near the spire, infamous for 20 murders on Coruscant alone. The reward was 10,000 credits for her death. Blazing stood up and recorded a holo-message for Ventress, should she return before Blazing got back. Blazing stood up, put her EE-3 carbine rifle underneath her cloak, pulled the hood over her head, and left to claim the bounty.

The Coruscant Undercity was a place of less class than the Upper City. The citizens made just enough or a little over what was needed to support themselves, and there was more crime here than the Upper City. Blazing’s dark appearance and short stature was enough to keep her out of the minds of most of the Undercity population. She slipped through the streets unnoticed, keeping her eyes open for her target. She felt the presence of someone watching her. She stepped aside from the main street and sat down at a nearby bench. Up atop a nearby roof, a figure switched on a scope, and quickly lined up a shot with Blazing’s head. The figure squeezed the trigger, and the bolt fired from the rifle’s muzzle. Blazing sensed this through the Force, and she quickly ignited her lightsaber blades and deflected the powerful blast into the ground. Citizens around her ran off, a few screaming. The sniper fired off a few more shots, but Blazing deflected them all. She extended her wings from her cloak and took off, flying at the sniper. The sniper hopped onto a nearby speeder and sped off, Blazing Fire in pursuit. Blazing extinguished her lightsaber and pulled out her blaster rifle. She aimed and fired at the speeder, striking it and bringing it down. The sniper jumped off the bike before it exploded. The sniper crashed into an alleyway, rolling into a trash can. Blazing put away her gun, landing at the start of the alley. She extended her lightsaber and ran at the sniper. The sniper pulled out a blaster pistol and fired off an entire clip’s worth of shots. Blazing deflected each blast as she advanced on her target. She was upon the sniper in seconds, slicing the pistol in half before holding the saber to the assailant's throat. A red lightsaber clashed with her purple one, crossing the blades inches from the assailant's neck. Blazing turned her head to see Ventress standing next to her, lightsaber extended.

“Done already?” Blazing asked. Ventress held up the politician's head as proof.

“I received your message,” she said. “Thought I might try to beat you to it.”

“Bounty hunting is a competition, after all,” Blazing shrugged. She looked back at the assailant, who was the female Dug she was hunting. The Dug was terrified.

“Split the bounty?” Ventress guessed. Blazing nodded. They both turned back to the Dug criminal, and scissor cut her head off.

~~~

In the far reaches of the galaxy, the Jedi Shuttle was blasting through hyperspace on its way to Ilum. Ahsoka and the Equestrian younglings were aboard the shuttle. In the pilot's seat was the droid Huyang. This droid had been Master Yoda's instructor when he crafted his lightsaber, and had been teaching younglings to craft their lightsabers since. Most of the younglings were listening to Ahsoka tell them stories about the Clone Wars and about Anakin Skywalker. But two younglings stayed secluded in the back of the shuttle, studying a Jedi holocron that was on board. These younglings were Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer. They were very dedicated to their work in the Jedi Order, and did not screw around. They spent all of their free time in the Canterlot Jedi Archives, learning what they could. When it was time for them to go to Ilum to construct their lightsabers, they had memorized nearly every text available to them. Ahsoka had finished her story to the other younglings, and she walked to the back. Twilight and Sunset didn't look up from the holocron.

“What's going on here?” Ahsoka asked.

“We're looking for optimal designs for our lightsabers,” Twilight said. “We want them to be a perfect balance.”

“Lightsabers aren't meant to be one design,” Ahsoka explained. “Customization is encouraged when creating your lightsaber.” A beep went off in the cockpit.

“We're approaching Ilum now,” Huyang announced. “Buckle up and prepare for the jump out of lightspeed.” The younglings got into a seat, and Ahsoka walked up to the front. The shuttle jolted forward as it came out of lightspeed. What met Ahsoka's eyes next was horrifying. A Separatist blockade was surrounding Ilum, the flagship bearing a black symbol of a moon.

“Pull up!” Ahsoka ordered. Huyang jerked on the controls, and the ship lurched back. The younglings gripped their seats, trying not to fall out of them. The shuttle turned around away from Ilum, and kept a safe distance from the cruisers. Twilight and Sunset were looking out of the back window, watching the blockade.

“What’re we going to do now?” Sunset asked.

“We’re going to call for Republic reinforcements and destroy this blockade,” Ahsoka said. She contacted the Jedi Temple through the holoprojector. Anakin Skywalker appeared in the projection.

“Hey, Snips,” he said. “How’s the trip to Ilum going?”

“Not good, Master,” Ahsoka replied. “We’ve got a problem.”

“What kind of problem?” Anakin asked.

“There’s a Separatist blockade surrounding the planet,” Ahsoka explained. “And it’s bigger than any other I’ve seen.”

“I’ll get Obi Wan and Admiral Yularen,” Anakin said. “We’ll be there with the 501st and the 212th. We’re going to drive the Separatists from Ilum. That planet’s too important to the Jedi to lose.”

“Copy that, Master,” Ahsoka nodded. “See you soon.” The projection faded, and she sat back down.

“Are we ever going to get down there?” Twilight asked.

“Of course we will,” Ahsoka assured. “Master Skywalker will be here with the Clone Army soon, and we’ll get rid of this blockade. You’ll get your lightsaber crystal.” Ahsoka looked back toward the Separatist blockade. She hoped that this mission wouldn’t be in vain.

~~~

Aboard the Separatist flagship, battle droids kept the flagship in orbit above Ilum. A tactical droid patrolled the bridge, keeping everything in check. One droid’s panel beeped.

“Sir, there’s a ship that just dropped out of hyperspace in sector 6,” the droid said.

“What model type?” the tactical droid asked.

“We can’t tell,” the droid responded.

“I don’t like it,” the tactical droid said. “Prepare for a direct attack.”

“What if it’s one of our ships?” the droid asked.

“It’s not,” the general said. “It’s the Jedi. I can feel their presence. They must not be allowed to reach the planet’s surface. Prepare to attack. Wait for my command.”

“Roger, roger,” the droid nodded. He turned back to the panel and pressed a few keys. The flagship general looked out toward the shuttle. She could sense the Jedi younglings aboard the ship, and she was going to make sure they did not get their lightsaber crystals.

~~~

Aboard the Jedi Shuttle, most of the younglings were frightened. Ahsoka was trying to calm them down. But in the back, Sunset was in meditation with the force. She was searching for her saber crystal from the ship. She suddenly opened her eyes with a gasp.

“What is it?” Ahsoka asked.

“My crystal,” Sunset said. “It’s aboard the Separatist flagship.”

“What?!” Ahsoka cried.

“Commander Tano,” Huyang called. “Several ships are coming out of hyperspace behind us.”

“Master Skywalker and Master Kenobi made it,” Ahsoka breathed. She looked back, and a Republic Fleet blasted out of hyperspace. Four Republic Assault Ships and three Venator Class cruisers. Huyang piloted the shuttle to the central Venator cruiser. The cruiser opened up the front hanger and the shuttle flew inside. The shuttle landed in the hangar, where Anakin, Obi Wan, Celestia, and Yoda were waiting. The younglings, Ahsoka, and Huyang stepped off the shuttle and walked up to their Jedi Masters. Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody stepped next to Anakin.

“The fleet is ready, General,” Rex informed.

“Thanks Rex,” Anakin nodded. “Get to the gunship. I’ll join you in a moment.” Rex nodded, and he left for the Republic Gunships. Anakin turned to the younglings.

“We apologize for the…complications…in your trip,” Obi Wan apologized. “We did not account for a Separatist blockade over the planet.”

“Don’t worry, young ones,” Celestia assured. “The blockade will be cleared, and you can continue with your mission.”

“Hm,” Yoda thought. “Strange, this sudden Separatist activity is. Never before, have they been interested in Ilum. On the flagship, a Sith Lord, I fear there is.”

“Dooku?” Ahsoka worried.

“No,” Yoda said, shaking his head. “Not Dooku, nor Ventress. A new Sith, I fear there may be.”

“A new Sith?” Anakin asked.

“Uncertain, I am,” Yoda regretted. “However, soon, we will know.”

“What are your thoughts on the matter, Master Celestia?” Ahsoka asked. Celestia didn’t respond. She was looking in the directon of the Separatist flagship.

~~~

The general of the Separatist flagship looked out from the bridge, out to the Republic fleet. She didn’t look away.

“My lady, the cruisers are ready for a full scale attack,” the tactical droid informed. The general didn’t acknowledge the droid.

“Ma’am?” the droid asked.

“I sense a presence,” the general said. “A presence I haven’t felt in a thousand years.” The general snapped out of her trance. “Attack on my command.”

“Yes, my lady,” the tactical droid said, bowing briefly. Both the Republic and Separatist forces were ready to attack. The Republic would stop at nothing to liberate Ilum, and the Separatists were just as determined to eradicate the Republic fleet.