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.