Star Wars: The Trials of the Force (Part One)

Chapters

Prologue Part 1: Black Spire Outpost/A Meeting With Hondo.
Prologue Part 2: The Stellar Envoy/The Long Ride To Coruscant Pt 1
Chapter 2: Equestria - A Field Trip To The Museum/Starswirl’s Mirror
Chapter 3: Coruscant - Silverstream Meets Anakin/The Jedi Temple Pt 1
Chapter 4: Equestria - Ocellus Awakens/World Ending Fire
Chapter 5: Coruscant - Meet Katooni/The Jedi Temple Pt 2
Chapter 6: Coruscant - Obi Wan Must Convince Anakin/Qui-Gon’s Gamble
Chapter 7: Coruscant - Silverstream Sees Order 66/The Training Sequence
Chapter 8: Equestria - Piecing Together The Memories/The Magical Crisis Pt 1
Chapter 9: Equestria - Ocellus and the Princess/The Magic of Friendship
Chapter 10: Coruscant - The Battle of Coruscant Begins/Young Jedi Bonding
Chapter 11: Coruscant - Palpatine Revealed/Between The Dark & The Light
Chapter 12: Coruscant - The Knighting Ceremony/Silverstream’s Selection (End of Act 1)
Interlude Pt 1: Return To Coruscant/Silverstream’s Plea
Chapter 13: Equestria - Twilight’s Sacrifice & The Crystals/The Magical Crisis Pt 2
Chapter 14: Coruscant - The First Lesson/Petro Betrayed
Chapter 15: Coruscant - Petro’s Ambitions/Attack On Coruscant
Chapter 16: Coruscant - Katooni Investigates/Fight In The Archives
Chapter 18: Coruscant - The Night Her Innocence Died/Heartbreak
Chapter 1: Equestria - A Night At The School of Friendship/Your Time Will Come
Chapter 17: Coruscant - This Isn’t The First Time/The Argument Scene

Prologue Part 1: Black Spire Outpost/A Meeting With Hondo.

Author's Note

First chapter of this epic! I have no idea how to write an epic, so just roll with me here. This fic is a little project on the side. Don’t worry. Guardians of Harmony will be updated soon. Please share your thoughts. :)

Prologue Part 1: Black Spire Outpost/A Meeting With Hondo.

Black Spire Outpost, a secret, but busy trading post on the planet Batuu at the very edge of the galaxy was relatively busy in the afternoon. Visitors moved in droves about the streets, eating exotic food, purchasing exclusive merchandise, and dealing in secret missions for Hondo in Ohnaka Transport Solutions.

Black Spire Outpost was home to a variety of different types of vendors from across the galaxy, all coming for their own profit. It seemed like only yesterday that the Clone Wars was raging across the galaxy, and before that, the Trade Federation’s blockade of Naboo. Since the end of the Clone Wars, trade had largely resumed and the Galactic Republic pulled back their restrictions on trade locations. The Jedi had re-embraced their role as peacekeepers and agents of the Force rather than raging warriors, beginning the return of the Jedi Order to how they were back in the High Republic era.

Overall, the galaxy had largely returned to its peaceful ways after the defeat of the Sith. However, not everything had returned to normal. For a recent tragedy from within the Jedi Order had destabilized Coruscant and the Galactic Senate was still trying to figure it out. The Senate, under Supreme Chancellor Amidala, was actively working hard to try and stop the news from getting out to the Core Worlds and Outer Rim.

But Black Spire Outpost, at the very edge of the galaxy, had remained largely unaffected by the recent tragedy. Trade was as abundant as ever.

At the entrance to the Outpost, five travelers in cloaks stood; three humans and two creatures. In the middle was a pink hippogriff named Silverstream, who removed her hood with her claw, staring intently at the bustling trading center, the others following her example.

“This must be it.” said Silverstream.

The other creature, a small teal changeling named Ocellus, looked back at Silverstream, “Well our leads said Hondo would be here.”

“The most important thing is getting a ship,” replied Silverstream, “Maybe even get clues on Petro’s whereabouts. Katooni told me she met this guy once.”

“Yeah, like several years ago.” remarked the girl with the light blue hair named Citrine Spark, “What do you think, Sweet Leaf? MJ? Wanna go window shopping while Silverstream snuffs out a space pirate?”

The green-haired girl Sweet Leaf opened her mouth to reply to the positive when Silverstream interrupted her. “No one is to do anything or go anywhere until I get back. There’s about a thousand merchants and customers here and I fear losing you all in the crowd. I can’t afford that.”

“Silverstream’s right,” Ocellus affirmed, “Look, I’ll go with you, Silverstream. You might need me to distract the security guard to the cantina so you can go in.”

Silverstream nodded, “A Jedi mind-trick can only last to a certain amount of time. Alright. Citrine, Sweet Leaf, MJ, you three stay at the entrance. Don’t worry about Ocellus and I. We’ll find our way back.”

“Aye aye, captains!” Citrine quipped happily, then looking confused, “Wait, what?”

Silverstream shook her head, “Just wait for us. Come on, Ocellus.”

The two best friends put their hoods back on and journeyed into the bustling marketplace. Vendors sometimes stopped and stared at the odd looking lifeforms, but they didn’t linger the gaze too long and Silverstream guessed that had to be attributed to the fact other species came here all the time.

Silverstream and Ocellus barely looked at each other during their trek through the Outpost. Silverstream was hyper-focused on locating Oga’s Cantina, and Ocellus was taking in the sights and sounds. To her left, Ocellus noticed a small brown restaurant that had beetles on the menu, which kind of made her sad being an insect and animal lover. In particular, she took note of the Outpost itself, which looked like a western town mixed with the futuristic technology of the Star Wars galaxy. Off to the horizon, towering above them both, were several towering grayish black spires which seemed to dominate the sky with their presence.

Eventually, they reached a building to the right that sported an extensive line. Above the entrance was marked in bold:

OGA’S CANTINA

“Looks like there’s a line.” Ocellus pointed out.

“Yeah, thanks, Captain Obvious.” Silverstream answered. Ocellus glared at her and she sighed, “Sorry. I’m just…thinking of her.”

Ocellus’s expression softened and she put her hoof on her friend’s shoulder, “Silver, we’re with you. We’ll find her, okay? She’ll be alright.”

Silverstream blinked back tears, “I failed her as her Master. I won’t fail her as a guardian. Not again. Thanks, Ocellus.” She looked at the security guard letting everyone in and smiled, “I gotta cut in line. You got this?”

Ocellus nodded. “You go do your Jedi mind thing or whatever and go in. I’ll keep him occupied.”

The cantina’s admission stand was run by a green Rodian security guard in a brown shirt. Whenever he said something that was completely foreign and unintelligible to the duo, someone went in and it was then that Silverstream came to the realization that the guard most likely did not know the Galactic Basic Standard language or even Ponish for that matter. Luckily, Anakin was a great mentor and taught her quite a few ways on how to fake knowledge of the Rodese language.

Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the Rodian security guard, conveniently ignoring the fact that she was literally cutting in line, something that her mother Ocean Flow or her aunt Queen Novo would hit her over the head with a coral reef rock for doing anywhere if she was at home. The guard saw her and grumbled something unintelligible, pointing to her and then pointing to the back of the line.

Silverstream shook her head. “Nvtuta bork te ptu motta. Tni snato.”

The guard growled back. “Oona goota?”

Silverstream pointed to the door to the cantina.

The guard grumbled again. “Skak, trn kras ka noota.”

Silverstream just stood there, infuriating the guard, who barked: “Ittu! Fna ho koru gep. Kras ka noota!”

Silverstream was about to mind-trick the guard, but all hopes of doing that were lost when he brought out a blaster right to her face, shocking the assembled line. He hissed at her, “Prog mnete enyaz ftt sove shuss.”

Silverstream began to tremble lightly. The plan had gone totally wrong and she was about to die if she said one wrong thing.

That was when Ocellus stepped in, disguised as a fellow Rodian guard.

“Te kalya skrek grulla woska!” The disguised Ocellus shouted. The guard looked up from the terrified Silverstream to the owner of the voice. His green reptilian cheeks turned a shade of pink as he was instantly in love, “Teeku.”

The disguised Ocellus motioned with her head for Silverstream to run in, which the latter did so without needing any further prompting.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Oga’s Cantina was unlike any other cantina Silverstream had ever been in in her quest across the galaxy. It was much smaller, more compact, and the table arrangement was completely different. Booths had been set up in the corner with plenty of sitting room for at least 6 people at a time. She spotted a large bacta tank with something inside it to her right, above the table where she presumed the food was made. Up above to the left was a droid DJ rocking out to whatever music it turned on.

“Alright, he should be here.” Silverstream said to herself, looking everywhere for the suspicious space pirate she had arranged a meeting with.

Out in the corner of her eye, she saw him at a table at the end. It was no doubt Hondo Ohnaka himself, former captain of the most feared pirate gang in the galaxy and now CEO of Ohnaka Transport Solutions.

Hondo saw her and called to her, though she could barely hear him over the chattering commotion of the other attendees. Nevertheless, she saw his hand signal and came over, bumping into a drunken Bothan attendee in the process, who cursed her loudly.

She found the stool and sat across from him, claws folded in her lap and a grim expression on her face, trying to look as professional as he did in that moment.

Hondo seemed to notice, “Ah! No need to be formal with ol’ Uncle Hondo, little birdie! Take that ghastly hood off, go on! Go go!”

Silverstream removed the hood without compromising any of her dignity, revealing her braided light blue and white mane, “Alright, since you insist on not being formal, I’ll just call you Hondo.”

“That‘ll be perfectly profitable with me,” Hondo replied cheerfully, “And you are, little birdie?”

Silverstream resisted the urge to floor him, “My name is Silverstream, former student at the School of Friendship, former Padawan to Anakin Skywalker, and Jedi Knight. But call me Silverstream.”

Hondo nodded enthusiastically, “Ah yes! So, as we agreed, you want to take one of my ships over to Nantoka for your daring rescue mission! But….I get all the profits.”

Silverstream nodded back her confirmation, “Yes, of course. I was told you knew my apprentice. She got you and your crew out of trouble on Florum with her friends and Ahsoka Tano a couple years back. She’s of the Tholothian species, has a special white headdress that she always wears. Recognize her?” She took out a photo from her saddlebag of Katooni.

A look of sadness briefly flashed on Hondo’s face, but he covered it up quickly with an enthusiastic nod. Silverstream caught on though. “Oh. So you do know her.”

“Ah, the tiny Jedi!” Hondo affirmed, “Quite the adventurous spirit that I had to spare her. Though I say it all depends on the day. And she was lucky that on Tuesdays, I like children.”

“Is that right?” Silverstream inquired, sending something that the crusty old pirate was hiding.

Hondo finally conceded, “That…..and the fact she did touch my salty ‘ol heart a bit.”

Silverstream nodded in understanding. Her expression softened, now feeling more comfortable around Hondo. “She was very sweet and kind. She always strived to do her best and make me proud of her. I still remember the adoration and happiness in her eyes whenever I told her she did a good job or that I was proud of her. I was so scared coming to the Jedi Order, but she and Anakin made me feel right at home. Then tragedy struck…”

“Ah, a falling out between friends, mm?” Hondo guessed.

“No, not between me and her,” Silverstream explained, “Okay, well kinda. But it really came down between her and Petro, her best friend. Petro wanted glory. He was jealous that Katooni got the apprenticeship and he didn’t. He was passed over so many times and…. I can still see the tears in Katooni’s eyes when she told me that Petro had berated her for being my Padawan…..my god…”

“And he kidnapped her.” Hondo assumed.

Silverstream nodded. “It was after our little falling out. Katooni didn’t want to believe Petro could fall to the dark side over such petty reasons. We started arguing practically daily, it was getting in the way of her training….but she didn’t care. She believed Petro. She trusted him. He was like her brother. One night, she stormed out of the Jedi Council Chambers….and I never saw her again. The only clue that I had to what happened was a note left by Petro explaining what he had done. Chancellor Amidala issued a galaxy-wide manhunt for him, but the Senate was too incompetent to do anything right and blocked the motion. I struck out on my own.”

Hondo seemed to understand, “And you need my ship to save her.”

Silverstream nodded. “More than that. Hondo, I need you.”

Hondo seemed surprised by this. “Me? While I’m flattered, little—Silverstream, I simply have too much work to do at Ohnaka Transport Solutions! Think of all the obviously profitable expeditions I’d be missing out on!”

Silverstream glared at him. “So that’s it? You spoke favorably about Katooni, but when she needs you the most, you leave her behind? Some bond you two had.”

Hondo shook his head vigorously, “No no no no. You don’t understand! I do care for her, you must see! This Petro must be punished of course, but-“

“But nothing.” Silverstream cut him off, “Hondo, I know you’re a smuggler and rebel at heart and you don’t want any business with us Jedi, but this isn’t about us, it’s about her. Hondo, she talked about you at length to me, even saying that if she flunked out of Jedi training, the first person she would go to was to you. Are you seriously THAT focused on making profits that you would push away the only person that gave you any sort of love at all?!”

Hondo looked to be having second thoughts, “I-well, don’t you have this covered?”

“We had an argument, Hondo,” Silverstream told him, “And even if I save her, she might be reluctant to leave Petro to Republic custody. But I do know that you might be able to talk her into coming back with us. I don’t know how deep her loyalty to him goes.” She faced him, tears coming to her eyes, “Please, Hondo. Please help me save her. I-We’ll pay you any amount you want, I just…” She couldn’t contain her tears anymore and let them fall, “…I just don’t want to fail her again….”

Hondo finally agreed, “Alright, fine, alright, okay! Dry your tears, Silverstream! There will be no crying in my ship.”

Silverstream wiped her tears away, “R-really?”

Hondo nodded, “I’ve—wanted to see her again too, say hello, maybe. Alright, let’s head on down to my ship! Chop chop, let’s go! I’ll pay.”

Silverstream managed a smile, “Thanks, Hondo….I-I knew you still cared about her.”

Hondo looked embarrassed at the concept, “Ah, don’t get the wrong idea, Silverstream! Forget what I just said. This is for the profits only!”

Silverstream laughed a little. “Of course.”

Prologue Part 2: The Stellar Envoy/The Long Ride To Coruscant Pt 1

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Chapter 2: Equestria - A Field Trip To The Museum/Starswirl’s Mirror

The Next Day…

“Alright, y’all!” Friendship Counselor Apple Bloom announced to the class, “Headmare Starlight has secured a tour of the Canterlot Museum of Cultural History! Your vice Headstallion Sunburst has agreed to head the field trip!”

It was Homeroom Class and the students, who were bored at first, snapped to attention and started chatting amongst themselves excitedly. A field trip? With vice Headstallion Sunburst?! This was amazing! Silverstream was the most excited, being the most fascinated with everything to do with pony history. She turned to Ocellus sitting beside her and started rambling on about how excited she was about the field trip.

Ocellus couldn’t help but smile back. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

“Same here,” Smolder remarked, “I just hope that nothing there will tempt me to set things on fire. In the Dragonlands, we just set everything on fire.”

Silverstream gasped. “Even priceless, historical artifacts?”

“ESPECIALLY priceless historical artifacts,” Smolder answered, “Over there, nothing survives. Heck, my brother even used that Flash pony’s shield for lava surfing. Beats me how he never ended up actually burning it.”

“So dragons just…burn everything?” Ocellus frowned, “That’s not right.”

Smolder shrugged. “It’s competition. But we do have standards and laws. We absolutely DO NOT burn the Bloodstone Scepter under any circumstance. Dragon Lord Ember said that any dragon that does that is subject to exile. Heck, you don’t have to tell me twice.”

Silverstream laughed.

The class then turned their attention to Apple Bloom, who was walking towards the door. “C’mon y’all! Sunburst’ll meet us at the train station!”

Everycreature got up and started walking single file out of the classroom, down the corridor, and towards the main entrance of the School of Friendship, where they were then joined by the rest of the student body, led by Headmare Starlight and the other teachers respectively. Silverstream spotted Yona and Sandbar walking together as the double doors opened. It made her think of Gallus, who she had a crush on, but was too afraid to tell him to his face.

She silently mused on what it was like to start a family with another creature. Could griffons and hippogriffs get married? They were both bird-like creatures, right? Did that qualify in Equestria? Or could only ponies get married? Then what of the new open immigration policy of Princess Twilight? Did that mean she could do it? Was she even sure if her feelings?

“Silverstream…”

Would her friends approve? Would her teachers approve? Would her family approve? Would Queen Novo approve?!

“Silverstream…”

What if she didn’t?! Then what?! She hoped it didn’t mean dishonor to her culture. She was already a failure in her aunt’s eyes. She didn’t want to fail again!

“Silverstream…”

Nobody understood what she was going through. She had left the royal gathering devastated! She was more than just hyperactive and airheaded, right?!! Who was she??!!

“SILVERSTREAM!!!”

Silverstream’s chaotic thoughts were interrupted by a sharp call of her name by Vice Headstallion Sunburst. She opened her eyes and saw that they were at the train station. The train had arrived and was about to leave. She was the only one outside.

“Oh, uh, whoopsie!” Silverstream blushed, smiling sheepishly, “I guess I just…zoned out there?”

“More like you mentally conked out,” Sunburst told her, “Are you sure you’re feeling alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, I’m just-“ Silverstream was cut off by a big loud:

“ALL ABOARD!!!”

Silverstream hurriedly got on the train, Sunburst following close behind. They made it inside just as the automatic doors closed. She barely managed to pull her tail away before the doors shut tight, avoiding an accident that would surely throw the whole field trip in jeopardy.

Silverstream tried to find a seat next to Ocellus, but found that she was already sitting with Smolder. She sighed and sat next to a yellow unicorn with a blue mane and tail in a pink braid named Citrine Spark.

Silverstream had never spoken to Citrine, but always being the most social of her friends, initiated the conversation, “Hi there, I’m Silverstream!”

Citrine Spark turned her head from the window to look at her, “Oh hey! You…you’re that hyperactive airhead in class, right? Not that I care. I only have one class with you.”

“Um, yeah…” Silverstream shifted uncomfortably, hearing the adjectives she had just called herself in her head said out loud to her.

“I thought so!” Citrine was beaming at this point. “Great!! I’m Citrine Spark. So…my friends kinda ditched me in here, so I’m glad you’re here.”

“They…ditched you?” Silverstream inquired.

“Yeah,” Citrine explained, “It’s so not fair, right?! I mean, Berry Bliss was all, ‘I’m gonna sit next to Strawberry Scoop’ and then Peppermint was all ‘Uh, do you mind if I sit next to Soaring Virtue on the train? I need her help with homework.’ Like, I could’ve helped with that homework! But at least she had the courtesy to tell me in advance. So then I told her like, ‘Oh sure, it’s fine. It’s not like I’m going to be lonely over here or anything.’ And she didn’t even reply! Like, what happened to our friendship?! I told Berry…”

Silverstream was getting a migraine from Citrine’s rant, so she attempted to tune the unicorn out, no matter how difficult it was. The rant lasted for a full 10 minutes before the train abruptly stopped, Citrine ending her rant the moment she realized she was about to fall out of her seat. Silverstream reached out and caught her.

Citrine noticed this. “Oh, thank you, Silverstream! You saved my life!”

“No problem,” Silverstream nodded, letting go,“We…rejects have to stick together, right? Or is that not the right word, I’m sorry.”

“No no no, you get me.” Citrine sighed. “It’s just hard being without Berry and Peppermint, even for a minute. I am a reject, I guess. Hey, why’d we stop?”

“CURSE YOU, SHEEP!!!” came the conductor’s booming voice again.

“Sheep? Why did it have to be sheep?” Silverstream heard Gallus mutter from two rows in front of her.

The train continued on afterwards, as soon as all the sheep had been cleared out. Silverstream and Citrine remained silent for a while, before Citrine asked gently, “Why do you consider yourself to be a reject?”

“Oh I…” Silverstream sighed deeply, “I fell out of favor with my Aunt Novo back home. She thinks I’m a total airhead. I guess you were right about that.”

“Aw, horseapples!” Citrine realized, “Silverstream, I am so sorry for calling you that earlier. That was absolutely not okay. Queen Novo herself is mad at you? That’s gotta be not fun.”

“You’re right, though.” Silverstream stared down at the floor. “She’s not the only one who’s called me that. I didn’t tell Ocellus this, but General Seaspray thinks that the School of Friendship is a…bad influence on me. He called my conduct very…unladylike. My dad thoroughly chewed him out for that. What does that mean? Unladylike?”

“You don’t want to know.” Citrine told her, “Some terms are just too offensive to us that we’re better off just knowing they’re offensive and not actually knowing what it means. My dad told me, and it ruined my whole day. But it’s okay. I mean, if he still thinks that after your experiences here led you and your friends to save the entirety of the world from a love-thirsty bug queen, our psychopathic former ‘temporary Headmare,’ and a magic-starved centaur, then who cares what he thinks, right? You saved the world. We owe our lives to you and your friends.”

Silverstream smiled. It was a half-smile, but she felt better. Suddenly, commotion rose within the train car as everyone got up at once in excitement. Silverstream looked out the window.

There it was. The majestic city of Canterlot.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
“And so, when Starswirl the Bearded banished the Sirens from Equestria,” Sunburst spoke, walking the class through the Canterlot Museum of Cultural History, “He wanted to make sure the Sirens would never return to this land again. So, he created the 30 Moons-3 Days cyclical system in order to trap them there forever. He created an enchanted mirror, which he would watch constantly. The real mirror is stored within Princess Twilight’s old castle, but the magical prototype is stored right there!” He pointed towards a glass display case, which housed a purple mirror that looked similar to the one Twilight used in her quest for the Element of Magic.

The students all went ‘oo’ and ‘awe,’ staring at the mirror. Silverstream gasped. “That is so cool! Can I go touch it?”

Sunburst laughed. “No, Silverstream. This is a museum. You can’t actually touch the artifacts. But we can get some stuff at the gift shop if you want. I bet they have a model.”

Disappointed, Silverstream nodded, but she couldn’t stop looking at the mirror, which seemed to radiate a strange energy. It captivated her, drew her closer.

“Silverstream!” Ocellus called. Silverstream turned, seeing the other students leaving without her. She hurried after them.

”The galaxy needs you, Silverstream.”

“Huh?” Silverstream turned around, looking left and right. She was sure that she had heard someone. It sounded like a wise masculine voice that radiated authority, but was gentle and calm, almost ethereal.

“Silverstream? Who are you talking to?” Smolder asked.

Silverstream started walking towards the mirror.

“Headstallion Sunburst!” Smolder called, “Silverstream’s going back towards the mirror!!”

“Silverstream, come back!” Sunburst yelled. Silverstream didn’t hear them. She continued to walk towards the glass display case.

“Who are you?” Silverstream inquired.

“I am Qui Gon Jinn. I am a Jedi Master. I am speaking to you through the Force,” the voice continued, “We need you to help us. You have to break the display case.”

“I-I’m not allowed to.” Silverstream shook her head, “Please, Mr. um…Jinn, I just want to continue on the field trip with my friends. Can’t we just talk about this later?”

“Our telepathic connection will only last so long,” Qui Gon spoke in her head, “Recently, our new champion Rey Solana fell to the dark side. She joined Darth Sidious, resurrected the Sith, and brought back the Empire. The galaxy was in ruins. In a meeting with my fellow deceased Jedi, I proposed a solution. And it involves you.”

Silverstream shook her head again, “Please, just let me go…I’ll get in huge trouble.”

“Please, Silverstream. Break…the…glass…” Silence.

“Qui-Gon?!” Silverstream asked, panicked. The voice had faded. At this point, security guards had come to escort her and the students out and Sunburst was negotiating with them.

“Silverstream,” Ocellus was standing in front of her, concern on every inch of her face, “Come on. Let’s go.”

“I can’t.” Silverstream faced her, “Ocellus, I have to break the glass. Can you help me?”

“Are you CRAZY?!” Ocellus shouted, “This is a museum! Silver, we have to go. The guards are going to escort us out. It’s just a mirror.”

“Come on, Mr. Flare.” one of the guards, a pegasus stallion said, “Let’s go.”

“But we paid for this trip!” Sunburst protested, “I promise you. Silverstream will be getting detention.”

“You made your students pay for the field trip?” the guard inquired suspiciously.

“No!” Sunburst shook his head vigorously, “I just…I’m just leading them!”

“Yeah yeah yeah,” the guard didn’t believe him, “Tell it to the judge.”

Ocellus cursed. “Silverstream, let’s. Go.”

“Please,” Silverstream pleaded, “I know I’m a disgrace to my family, and I’m just a hyperactive airhead, but I want to just do something right! Please, just help me!”

“Silverstream-“ Ocellus was getting frightened now, “Why is this so important to you?”

“…Silverstream.”

Tears came to Silverstream’s eyes, “Someone needs my help. Please, Ocellus. Just this once.”

“…Silverstream…”

Ocellus sighed. “I’m so getting expelled for this.” She transformed into a large bugbear and smashed into the glass. The display case shattered, revealing the purple mirror in all of its glory.

At first, nothing happened. Then the ground began to shake. The walls trembled, all of the other display cases shattered, and the entire roof of the museum got ripped off of the walls, getting sucked into a massive black hole in the sky.

The students panicked and Sunburst was staring in absolute horror as the pegasus guard shook him violently, “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!”

The ground began to crack and splinter. Sunburst was the first to see this. He pushed the guards off of him and screamed: “RUN, STUDENTS!! RUN!!!!!!!!”

The students ran towards the exit. Ocellus transformed back into her normal form and she and Silverstream bolted after them. The museum was crumbling around them and getting sucked into the vortex. They ran outside, just as a piece of the stairs crumbled out from beneath them. Ocellus and Silverstream managed to fly up.

“Gather all your classmates!!” Sunburst told them. Silverstream nodded, picking up as many of her classmates at a time as she could, but dropped them instantly due to the weight. Suddenly, the grass collapsed and the students slipped and fell into the black hole.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!” Silverstream shrieked.

“Silverstream, you can save them. You can save all of them. Use the Force, Silverstream. RAISE YOUR CLAW!!”

Galvanized into action via hearing Qui Gon’s voice, Silverstream nodded quickly. She didn’t understand what ‘Use the Force’ meant, but she had no time to think about it. She raised her right claw before closing her eyes, praying to Celestia that it would work.

Time seemed to slow down and Silverstream suddenly felt a rush of calm overcome her. The students who were falling suddenly froze in mid-fall and began rising back up to the rapidly crumbling ground. She strained to move them towards the stairs of another building, which was still standing. Qui Gon’s voice rang loud with clarity as she felt the most connected to him in that moment, like a friend or mentor she had always known, “You can save them, Silverstream. You can save ALL OF THEM.”

Silverstream released the pressure and the other students dropped down at the buildings. It had worked! “Haha!! It worked!!”

Just then, the ground gave out beneath her and she felt the rush of cold and warm air trying to suck her in. She struggled to hold on, but the energy kept pulling her down. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ocellus come sprinting towards her from the still standing building, trying to pull her up.

“Silverstream!! Grab on!!” Ocellus ordered her, tears of desperation and fear coming to her eyes. Silverstream tried, but she felt one claw slip. Ocellus screamed, Silverstream crying out, trying to keep a firm grip on Ocellus’s hooves with one of her claws.

The cold air rushed up again and threatened to sever the grip. Silverstream knew that she was about to fall. She couldn’t keep a firm grip forever. With her last grip, tears in her eyes, Silverstream forced a smile, looking at Ocellus one final time, “Ocellus, you’re my best friend for life. Forever. The others too.”

“No!” Ocellus cried, “Don’t let go!”

Silverstream shook her head, “I love you all so much.” With that, she let go and let the black hole take her down through the wormhole.

“SILVERSTREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Ocellus howled in anguish, seeing her best friend fall down to her death. Tears flowed down from her face as she sobbed relentlessly.

“Ocellus, the train!!” Citrine Spark called. Ocellus ran after them, fresh tears streaming from her eyes as the realization of her friend’s fall finally set in.

Silverstream fell down, down through the vortex, indistinguishable voices filling the area around her. She let them fill her head, let them flood her entire being. Was this what Heaven felt like? Maybe her mother was right.

She closed her eyes and her vision went white.

Author's Note

Silverstream…DIES?!!!! :pinkiesad2: :fluttercry: Nah. But stay tuned to find out where she ends up. After a couple months, a new chapter is finally up! After finals, I should be able to post more frequently, so this cliffhanger of a chapter ending should be resolved pretty quickly. Again, I appreciate the feedback, so feel free to leave some! I gotta tell y’all, it’s much easier for me to write dramatic scenes for film than a written story, but I do like being descriptive sometimes. See you guys later!

Chapter 3: Coruscant - Silverstream Meets Anakin/The Jedi Temple Pt 1

Her existence will mean hope for them. If she can stop the Purge-

You’re placing our very existence on the shoulders of that kid. I doubt she even has the mental capacity to see what’s right in front of her.

We don’t have a choice, Master Windu. Qui-Gon may be right. Is it a gamble? Yes, yes it is. We know from experience that anyone can be a hero, no matter where they come from.

I know you’re referring to Rey Solana, Obi Wan. How did she turn out? I’ll tell you how. Brought back the Sith. She’s no better than Anakin was.

I’m right here, you know.

Even with all the positive influences around her, she refused the light side of the Force in the end. What makes you think that this ‘Silverstream’ will be any different?!

I believe in her, Master Windu. Give her a chance. She has something in her that none of our other Chosen Ones have possessed. I can’t quite describe it. But she’s worth it.

Hmm. Confident in your words, you are, Master Qui-Gon. Succeed in her quest, this one will?

You’ll just have to trust my Master one last time, Master Yoda. Right now, Silverstream is in limbo. If we don’t transport her now, she’ll die.

Ugh, fine. Alright, Obi Wan. But Qui Gon, if you fail this last gamble, don’t think that any of us will trust you again.

I understand, Master.

Alright. Positions…NOW!!!!!!!!!
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
Silverstream was jolted awake by a loud snapping sound. She couldn’t tell if it was in her mind, or if it actually happened, but it didn’t matter. She was alive. Somehow. She looked around the room, confided. Was the previous day all a dream? She couldn’t have fallen down and survived.

The silver walls and study table of her room at the School of Friendship dorms had been replaced by a brownish exterior. The large bunk beds had been replaced by smaller versions, and even the pillows were not as comfy. Where was she? Next to her was a large window that looked out to a seemingly futuristic city, with tall buildings and starships flying to and fro in whatever direction their destination was in.

The first thing that went through her mind was ‘This isn’t my room.’ Where had the portal taken her? She got up and started exploring her new room. To her left was a closet that had a strange brown belt hanging out of a black backpack. She took a closer look and saw that in one of the pockets was a metal hilt of what appeared to be a blade, but the blade was missing.

Carefully, she picked up the hilt and pressed the yellow button. Almost instantly, a blue blade sprang out of it. She cried out in alarm. The blade was unlike anything she had ever seen. It gave off a humming sound and seemed to be made out of a material that she had never seen or heard of before. She swung it around. Another humming sound. She giggled, swinging it around again and again. She imagined fighting hordes of imaginary Storm Kings and cutting down each one of them.

As she was about to cut down the last Storm King clone (in her imagination), the door to her strange room opened and someone walked in. It was a tall figure walking on two legs. The creature wore black and had brown hair, as well as jet blue eyes. He was carrying another one of those hilts, Silverstream noticed. Did everyone carry one of those? Her friends didn’t. Her other classmates certainly didn’t. Was this still the School of Friendship? She stared at him curiously as he walked in, coming towards her.

“Alright, Silverstream!” the tall creature announced. Silverstream was startled. This guy knew her name? They had never met before. This was unsettling. “I think Master Yoda finally figured it out. You obviously have a unique way of learning, so he’s going to train you the way you want to be trained. I kept telling him, and now he listens.” He laughed, “Come on, let’s go.”

Silverstream stared at him in confusion. “Wh-who are you?”

The figure was taken aback. “You don’t remember me?” He caught Silverstream’s look and then laughed. “Oh! Oh, I see! You want a longer break. Silverstream, come on. You already had several hours of sleep. Don’t you think it’s time to get back to training?” Silence. “Alright, fine. I’ll play along. I’m Anakin, Anakin Skywalker. But you may refer to me as Master Skywalker. Or just Anakin just between us if you want.”

Silverstream nodded slowly, still not quite understanding. “I found this weird laser sword thing in the closet. I think it’s really cool! What is it?”

“It’s your lightsaber.” Anakin told her, “You put it together a couple years ago when you and the last group of younglings found your kyber crystals on Illum. Silverstream, what’s going on? How did you not know that?”

“You keep speaking to me as if you’ve always known me.” Silverstream replied, “I just arrived here after falling through a wormhole. I don’t remember you, I’m sorry…”

“You can’t be serious.” Anakin looked worried now, “Oh no. No no no no no. How could this happen?! Silverstream, your life, your apprenticeship, your training, our close bond, you don’t remember any of it?!”

Silverstream shook her head, “I wanna go home. My friends are probably so worried about me right now.”

“I’M your friend, Silverstream!” Anakin shouted, “What are you talking about?! THIS is your home! Whatever you think you remember, it was probably your imagination!!”

Silverstream backed away, frightened by his sudden yelling. Anakin noticed this and his face softened. He crouched down to her level and sighed, “Sorry. I’m just confused. What happened? What is this life you suddenly remember? Who are your friends?”

Silverstream could not answer. At this point, she couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t anymore. Her entire life seemed to fall apart right in front of her eyes. Here was this person telling her that her entire life was a lie and that her real home was here. She could tell that Anakin wasn’t lying to her. He seemed very genuine and really believed what he was saying. So, if he was telling the truth, then did that mean that all her adventures with her friends was a lie?!

Silverstream began to cry. Tears started flowing down from her eyes as that concept started becoming more of a reality to her. So, her entire life wasn’t real. She never went to the School of Friendship, never met her friends, never saved Equestria, never did any of that. The friendships that she had made, the lessons she had learned, everything that she ever thought she knew…it was all in her head. As she stared into Anakin’s concerned expression, the more real he became to her. She knew she had to answer him. He deserved to know that she was okay. He clearly cared about her.

She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. “It’s not important….I’m okay… I want to meet this Master Yoda and find out the truth.” She wiped the tears from her eyes, sniffling as she slowly regained her composure.

Anakin nodded. “If you’re sure you’re okay.” She nodded back. “I promise we’ll get your memory back, Silverstream. No matter what. Let’s go.” He stood up, walking back towards the door. Silverstream took her lightsaber in her right claw and flew up after him, hovering up close behind him as they headed out of her room and out into the hallways.

The more she took in the sights and sounds of her surroundings, the more real they became to her. She could see herself living in this place her whole life. She admired the large window to her right that looked out to the Galactic City of Coruscant. Occasionally, several Jedi of different species passed by her, some greeting her by name as they went. So they knew her as well.

As she followed Anakin down the Great Hall, she began to internally rationalize her current situation, taking in her surroundings, as well as the concept of her having arrived in an alternate reality, swapping places with a version of her that lived in this universe. It was a strange concept, but anything was possible. ‘Okay,’ she thought. ‘I never went to the School of Friendship, never met my friends, never saved Equestria. So everything I thought I knew was a lie? It couldn’t’ve been just a dream, right? I clearly remember it. Terramar did say that I have the strangest dreams, but how do I remember him saying that if he never said that to me? Did I swap places with an alternate reality version of myself? Is that version of me with my friends? Ooh! I see stairs!! How many stairs are there in this place? Do they have sinks in this place? Maybe I can ask them how plumbing works. No. Focus, Silverstream.’ They passed by another room. It was clear that she was not in Ponyville anymore. ‘This is DEFINITELY not the School of Friendship.’

Eventually, they entered the main room, which Anakin apparently called the Jedi Council Chambers. It was a circular room which sported 12 red chairs. Several figures sat in them. In the middle was a small green alien-type creature with brown eyes and ears that stuck out of the side of his head.

“Master Yoda,” Anakin bowed to the Masters seated in front of him, “Silverstream has a serious problem. She woke up today remembering a life that isn’t real.”

The creature acknowledged them with a wave of his hand. He focused on Silverstream, “Memory loss, you have, hmm, Padawan Silverstream?”

Silverstream set her saber down, landing back on the ground. She took a trembling step forward. All of the Jedi Masters staring at her terrified her. If she said the wrong thing, they looked like they would be able to obliterate her in an instant.

“Are you…Master Yoda, Master…Yoda?” Silverstream tried to say through a shaky voice.

“I am.” Master Yoda replied, “Great fear, I sense in you, Silverstream. Remember us, you do not?”

Silverstream was interested by Yoda’s grammar. Was that how they all talked? Anakin didn’t. “N-no. R-remember y-you, I…don’t.” She caught his hard stare. “Sorry, sorry! I just…I…I thought that was how-“ A motion of Yoda’s hand to be quiet cut her off.

“Telling the truth, Silverstream is.” Master Yoda told the man next to him. “Master Windu, things to add, have you?”

The man known as Master Windu spoke up. “You know how it goes, Master Yoda. These mischievous Padawans. When they don’t want to learn, they’ll make up excuses.” He faced her. “How do we know you’re telling the truth? It seems awfully convenient that you just go into your room to take a break, and then come out suddenly having memory loss?”

“You’re insinuating that Silverstream, the most honest and trustworthy of our Padawans, lied to Anakin’s face.” a man with a brownish orangish beard to the left of Yoda. “Mind you, they have a great bond. She even called him her brother at one point. I can vouch for her good character, Master Windu.”

“Your trust goes a long way, Obi Wan.” Master Windu told him, “I’ll take your word for it for now, since Silverstream has had no prior history of lying or making excuses to get out of training.”

“What do you think caused it?” Anakin asked them. He caught Silverstream’s worried gaze and told her, “Silver, maybe you can…step out? This might be a Council-only thing.”

Silverstream was about to obey when Master Yoda stopped her. “Stay, Padawan. Your story, we want to hear, before a decision, we make about your plight.” She nodded, taking a deep breath. She tried to explain to the best of her ability, the life she remembered, how she grew up in Seaquestria, then being sent to the School of Friendship, where she met her friends, and how they eventually brought together the races of Equestria to take on the Legion of Doom. When she brought up the telepathic voice of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi Wan seemed taken aback.

When she was done, the Council members all nodded their heads. Master Obi Wan-Kenobi spoke up, “Qui-Gon sent her here. What do you think this could mean? She was sent here for a reason.”

“But we’ve always known her.” Master Windu argued, “Silverstream’s story is grandiose and almost heartwarming. However, I find it hard to fully believe. I mean, a simple speech from all of them was able to bring together world leaders? If it were that easy, the Clone Wars would be long over by now.”

“Are you accusing Silverstream of lying?!” Anakin accused him.

“I’m not accusing her of anything.” Master Windu pressed, “To Silverstream, I have this one question. If what you are saying is true, then do you have any physical evidence of that life you can show us?”

“I didn’t take my saddlebag on the school trip.” Silverstream shook her head. “Please, you have to believe me. I don’t belong here.”

“It is possible that the relationships you thought you had with your ‘friends,’” Master Windu told her harshly, “were created in your mind from your bond with Anakin and the younglings you like hanging out with. You have a good friendship with Katooni, who speaking of which is scheduled to be apprenticed to someone soon. I don’t think she’s ready.”

“I know they were real!” Silverstream protested, “Ocellus is sweet and shy, Yona is very kind, Smolder is sarcastic, but has a sweet side. Sandbar is very nice. Gallus…he may seem like a mischievous troublemaker on the outside, but I know he has a good heart!”

“Well they are not.” Master Windu said sternly, “You grew up here. We took you when you were born. You were apprenticed to Master Yoda at age 13. You are his Padawan. Face it, Silverstream. The life you thought you had was all in your head. It’s time you accept that.”

Silverstream looked down to the ground, tears threatening to form again. She blinked them back. No. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t show weakness.

“I believe you, Silverstream…” Anakin whispered to her. Silverstream barely even heard him. Her head was spinning around in circles, boggling her mind. Nothing was real. Nothing was what she knew. She felt meek and helpless once more as if she was on Mount Aris on that fateful day as a child, the unicorn with a broken horn announcing the Storm King’s arrival, her mother scooping her up and running towards the sea as Storm Creatures pursued them, her uncle being turned to stone by the orb, and her and Skystar crying out in absolute horror as the hippogriffs escaped to the sea.

She felt the urge to faint, but she wouldn’t. She struggled to keep herself standing, staring at the people who were supposed to be her actual family watching her every move. She briefly glared at Master Windu, who would not believe her no matter what she said. What was his problem? Why did he hate her so much?

“You will no longer mention this imaginary world of yours.” Master Windu ordered her. “You will return to your training. Master Yoda, if she is telling the truth, then you will teach her everything from scratch. We will delay her Knighting until you are sure she is ready.” Master Yoda nodded solemnly, clearly concerned for his Padawan.

“Master Windu, Silverstream is not a liar!!” Anakin shouted, “How dare you accuse her of-“

“Anakin!!” Obi-Wan scolded him, cutting off his Padawan’s would-be tirade, “That’s enough!!”

“I-it’s okay, Anakin…” Silverstream said. She knew at this point that the Council would not believe her. If she was going to be stuck in this world, she did not want to antagonize anyone, “Don’t make things worse…”

“But he is-“ Anakin began to say. He could not understand why Silverstream would not stand up for her integrity when it was being questioned.

“No one is going to believe me anyway…” Silverstream told him sadly. It hurt her to just give up, but she had no other choice. Her friends were most likely not going to come back for her. She had to find out why she was sent here first and foremost. Then, she would find some way to adapt to this world and find out about the life she apparently actually lived.

She just hoped that Qui-Gon was still with her somehow.

Author's Note

Okay, now I’m convinced I’ve done something wrong because this story is being downvoted after this chapter dropped. Could you guys please tell me what I did? I promise I’ll fix it.

Chapter 4: Equestria - Ocellus Awakens/World Ending Fire

Ocellus awoke in a cold sweat in her bed. She looked around frantically. She was back in her dormitory at the School of Friendship. Outside, the sun was shining bright in the sky. She thought that it had to be past morning, but she had no idea what had happened. The last thing she remembered was the museum falling apart, Silverstream slipping after using a strange form of telekinesis, and then….

It all came flooding back. All the pain, all the grief…everything. She had failed to save Silverstream. She had let one of her best friends die. The friend that always brought joy to her and the rest of the group. Silverstream was dead. And it was all her fault.

“SILVERSTREAM!!!!!!!!” Ocellus screamed, all the pain pouring out upon remembering all the events of the previous day. Tears clouded her vision as the reality fully set in. She shouldn’t have helped Silver break open the glass display case. What was she thinking?! That cursed mirror caused the literal destruction of Canterlot. Soon it would be all over the news, the School of Friendship would be sued by Queen Novo and the hippogriff kingdom, most likely shut down. Equestria would go to war as it had almost did when she and her friends first ran away. But more importantly, she would have to live with the failure of losing someone she loved for the rest of her life.

Something stirred above her. It was Smolder, who had been sleeping in the bunk bed right on top of hers. Smolder peered down at the distraught changeling with tired eyes and an expression which sent the message that she did not like being woken up at 7:00 AM.

“Dammit, Ocellus.” The orange dragon murmured through tired breaths, “It’s 7 AM…Go back to sleep. School doesn’t start until 8:30.”

“S-Smolder…” Ocellus said in a shaky voice, “S-s-s-Silverstream i-is d-dead…I d-didn’t save her…I-I couldn’t…”

“Who?” Smolder inquired.

Her response immediately caught Ocellus off guard. What did she mean ‘Who?’ Silverstream was their friend. No. Not was. Is. How could Smolder not recognize the name of one of their best friends?!

“What do you mean ‘Who?!’” Ocellus asked her suspiciously, “She’s one of our friends! Wake up, Smolder!”

“Are you sure you’re feeling alright?” Smolder looked confused, “Last I checked, we don’t have a Silverstream. You could be referring to Graystripe, but remember, he returned home to his old school last summer after that nasty General Seaspray guy said that this school was a "bad influence." The nerve of that guy!!”

This was becoming more and more unnerving. Why couldn’t Smolder remember Silverstream? Who was this Graystripe? Was this some sort of alternate timeline where Silverstream didn’t exist? No. It couldn’t be true. Smolder was in denial.

“Smolder,” Ocellus told her, “I know you’re trying to convince yourself Silverstream didn’t exist because of the events of the field trip yesterday. I know. I miss her too.”

“What field trip?!” Smolder demanded, “Ocellus, you’re really weirding me out right now. Who in Ember’s name is this Silverstream?!”

“One of our friends!!” Ocellus shouted, “How do you not remember Silverstream after everything we all went through together?!! This is one of our friends!! Or…was. But I refuse to believe she actually died, I-“

“Ocellus!!” Smolder cut her off. “There is no Silverstream!! You probably had a really bad nightmare and Princess Luna forgot to come in and tell you it was all just a dream!! Let me sleep, damn you!”

Ocellus stopped talking immediately, put off by Smolder’s sudden use of swearing. She had never heard her friend curse before, and it was weird. But that wasn’t important. She had to find out what was going on. Pushing the covers off, she climbed out of bed as Smolder rolled back towards the wall, trying to go back to sleep.

“Dudes,” came Sandbar’s voice. The door opened and Sandbar came in, along with Yona and Gallus, “Some of us have to sleep. What’s going on?”

Ocellus faced her friends. “Gallus, Yona, Sandbar….do you remember a hippogriff named Silverstream?” She desperately hoped that the answer from her friends would be yes.

Unfortunately, the trio shook their heads. Ocellus couldn’t believe this. What was going on? How come no one could remember Silverstream? At this point, she knew it wasn’t just Smolder pretending for the sake of it. She really didn’t remember Silverstream. None of the others did or could.

This didn’t make sense. No. They were lying. They had to be. It was all too much for her to take in. Half of her life had been just altered overnight and she could not convince them. There was no way for her to. They wouldn’t believe her.

“Ocellus?” Gallus asked her, “Are you okay? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” She couldn’t tell him what she was feeling. He wouldn’t understand any of it. Fighting the onslaught of fresh tears, she bolted out of her room and down the hallway, ignoring the shouts of her friends.

Heading towards the main building, she saw all the other students heading down the main corridors towards their classes. School would begin soon. She caught up to Soaring Virtue, a pegasus mare with a green coat and purple mane and tail.

“Hey, hey!” Ocellus asked her, “Soaring Virtue, do you remember Silverstream? She’s one of our classmates?”

Soaring Virtue shook her head, “Sorry, Ocellus. I don’t know a Silverstream. Then again, I’m not very social anyway.” She flew off.

Ocellus tried the stallion in front of her. “Do you know where Silverstream is?”

“No.” The stallion told her firmly, “And get out of my face, bookworm.” He shoved her aside, knocking her off balance in midair.

Recovering, she tried others, praying that at least one of them would say yes, and that she was not insane for remembering someone who to them didn’t exist.

“Do you know Silverstream?”

“No.”

“Do you remember what happened to Silverstream yesterday?”

“Who?”

“Please, do you know Silverstream?”

“No.”

“Do you know Silverstream?”

“No.”

“Who the hay is that?”

“No.”

“Sorry, Ocellus. Um, try the counselor’s office or something.”

Ocellus was having no luck after no luck and it was scary. The concept of one of her best friends being all a fabrication in her head was completely foreign and alien to her. She knew Silverstream. It was both strange and disturbing that one day, everyone all of a sudden forgot about the pink hippogriff.

There was only one pony left to talk to before she would have to talk to her teachers about her apparent hallucinations. She spotted Citrine Spark with her friends walking in the direction of Professor Maud Pie’s Stoneology class. The three were collectively known as the School Trio.

“Citrine Spark!!” Ocellus called out to her, “Can we talk for a moment?”

The School Trio didn’t seem to hear her. They just kept on walking and chatting. Ocellus facehoofed and ran over towards them.

“Hey!” Ocellus called again.

The School Trio stopped. All three ponies turned towards her. Citrine Spark saw her and said: “Oh hi, Ocellus! I was just telling my friends here how I met this stallion, he really likes me, or at least I think he likes me, I like him anyway, and I-“ She cleared her throat, “Sorry, definitely off topic. You were saying?”

‘Here goes nothing.’ Ocellus thought. She took a deep breath, “Citrine….do you remember…” she trailed off. She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence. So many other ponies had told her no.

Citrine looked at her curiously. “Remember what?”

Ocellus sighed. “The train ride….on the way to the museum. This hippogriff named Silverstream sat next to you.” Citrine looked puzzled. Ocellus pressed on, “She confided in you about what happened over the weekend. You shared your past with her. You two formed a close bond over being rejected by those you cared about?”

Citrine just stared at her, puzzled and confused. That was when Ocellus figured that it was over. She was insane. Silverstream didn’t exist and their adventures were all a fabrication. But just as she was about to give in to despair, Citrine’s expression changed.

The puzzled expression gradually morphed into shock, and then to sadness. “I told her that it didn’t matter what others thought of her…” she responded softly. She gasped. “She saved my life on the train!”

Ocellus’s heart leapt. “Yeah! Then what?”

“But I shouldn’t remember this.” Citrine shook her head vigorously, “We haven’t gone on a field trip since the coronation!”

“I knew it!” Ocellus exclaimed. She felt so relieved. Somepony actually remembered Silverstream! She wasn’t crazy after all! “Citrine, somehow…I don’t know how…someone has altered everyone’s memories! After Silverstream die….after Silverstream fell…I awoke this morning with everyone having forgotten the whole thing like it never happened!”

“Who’s Silverstream?” Peppermint Goldylinks asked.

“I’ll explain to you girls later.” Citrine told them. They nodded. Right as the conversation was about to continue, the bell for class rang. More time must’ve passed than they had thought.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————

Ocellus gasped. This was the exact same announcement that happened the previous day. The field trip was beginning all over again. It was no wonder that none of her friends remembered the field trip.

Her classmates started talking amongst themselves again. However, it felt empty this time without Silverstream’s usual exuberant energy, chatting about how much she wanted to learn about pony history. It didn’t matter this time, though. She had a second chance. This time, she would not let any of her friends die.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
The Friendship Express headed towards Canterlot at top speed, going through tunnels and passing through mountains. The train ride was estimated to be about 15 minutes long. While everycreature else looked out the windows at the passing countryside or read books, Ocellus sat next to Citrine Spark, through some photos of the whole group together that she had packed in her saddlebag before leaving.

“We can show these to our classmates.” Ocellus told her, “As soon as they see these photos, they’ll have no doubt in their minds that I’m telling the truth.”

“I like that one the best!” Citrine pointed with her right hoof at one of the photos sitting atop the tray. This was of Silverstream and the others piled on top of each other, trying to get a good view as Ocellus read them a book. Silverstream was peeking on top of Yona.

Ocellus smiled wistfully, “Yeah. That one’s definitely the best.”

“So…you and Silverstream are pretty close, right?” Citrine Spark asked her, “Like really REALLY close?”

“What?! No!” Ocellus blushed from embarrassment, “We’re just very close. I do have a crush on Smolder though. I don’t know if she reciprocates my feelings or not. Can you and your friends please not gossip about it?” She said the part about Smolder a little quieter as the dragon was sitting with Gallus in the row right across from her.

“Don’t worry,” Citrine assured her, “Your secret’s safe with me. It’s what friends do, isn’t it? Twilight taught us as much when she was Headmare.”

Ocellus nodded. “Since the coronation….Silverstream and I have only grown closer. I-I can’t describe it. It’s like…we know each other from somewhere. Of course I love the others too, but she and I….I feel this strong urge to protect her sometimes. I don’t know if it’s because we changelings can feel love, or if it’s something else, but you just…you just know.”

Citrine nodded back in understanding. “My dad is one of the greatest lawyers in Fillydelphia. He’s so busy all the time, but we…we still make the time for each other. He encouraged me to hang out with Berry and Peppermint because he felt that I needed others to be there for me when he wasn’t. I’m grateful for that, even though they totally just abandoned me on this train for the SECOND TIME, technically. If we weren’t in some sort of inverted time loop, I’d chew them out big time!”

Ocellus smiled again. “You remind me of Silverstream.”

Citrine smirked, “Oh yeah? Talkative, chatty, and overall very hyperactive?”

Ocellus nodded to all three. “Hopeful.” She sighed deeply, “How do I stop…more of my friends from dying this time?”

“Just don’t let anyone near that stupid wormhole mirror.” Citrine told her, “You might want to keep a close eye on me, just FYI. I was pretty tempted last time.”

Just then, the train broke sharply and Ocellus barely stopped Citrine from falling by grabbing on to her waist with her hooves. Citrine saw this. “Thanks, Ocellus…Sorry that I’m in constant danger all the time. First Silverstream, then you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Ocellus told her, “This is what friends do. You’re pretty cool.”

“Thanks. That…means a lot to me. Now if only the conductor would say-“ Citrine was interrupted by a loud, booming:

“CURSE YOU, SHEEP!!!”
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
“And so, when Starswirl the Bearded banished the Sirens from Equestria,” Sunburst spoke, walking the class through the Canterlot Museum of Cultural History, “He wanted to make sure the Sirens would never return to this land again. So, he created the 30 Moons-3 Days cyclical system in order to trap them there forever. He created an enchanted mirror, which he would watch constantly. The real mirror is stored within Princess Twilight’s old castle, but the magical prototype is stored right there!” He pointed towards a glass display case, which housed a purple mirror that looked similar to the one Twilight used in her quest for the Element of Magic.

The students all went ‘oo’ and ‘awe,’ staring at the mirror. Ocellus carefully treaded away from it. She did not want to mess with it. As the class headed through the exhibits, she felt a twinge of sadness, looking out to the place where Silverstream had fallen. She missed her friend dearly. If only she could see her again. So far, no one had gone towards the mirror and that was good.

Or so she thought.

When the exhibit was over, Sunburst took role call. “Alright! Is everyone here? Raise your hooves, claws, or whatever.” Immediately, all the students raised their hooves or whatever they had, including Ocellus. Everyone seemed to be present.

Except Citrine Spark.

Ocellus was the first to realize this. “Citrine’s not here…” Quick as a flash, she ran in the direction towards the mirror exhibit, ignoring everyone calling out to her, just in time to see Citrine breaking through the display case with the Staff of Sacanas.

“CITRINE, DON’T!!!” Ocellus screamed out at her. But it was too late. The museum shook as dark energy swirled around the mirror. The ceiling was torn off and walls started crumbling, falling into a gathering, swirling vortex.

Citrine was snapped out of her trance. “Oh hi, Ocellus! I just heard these sweet melodic voices beckoning me towards the mirror! Where’d it go?”

“There’s no time to explain!” Ocellus said, “We have to get out of here, now!!” Citrine ran towards her and together, they bolted out of the crumbling exhibit. Outside, the ground was crumbling as several purple vortexes opened in the sky. It was happening all over again. The accident that had killed Silverstream.

Sunburst and the class reached the outside to find houses being ripped off their foundations, sucked into the massive black hole that was forming in the sky. Ponies screamed, trying to run away, all of them falling into the cosmic holes that had opened in the ground.

“Stay with me, class!!” Sunburst shouted. His horn emitting a bright yellow the color of the sun, he blasted at the vortexes, trying to close them. But it was no use. The magic simply went through the portals. Maniacal yells and dark laughter filled the air.

Ocellus felt a wave of nausea come over her. ‘Not again. Not again. Not again. Not again. Not again. Not again. Not again. Not again.’ She thought as panic encased her entire being.

All of a sudden, one of the windows to Canterlot Castle bursted open and Princess Twilight Sparkle flew out of it, horn at the ready, blasting at the increasing number of vortexes.

“Twilight!” Sunburst shouted.

Princess Twilight turned briefly, looking down at him, her expression full of rage and fury. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!!!”

“It’s not his fault!!” Citrine Spark called up to her, “I’m so sorry! I was in a trance and I broke the exhibition mirror by accident!!!”

Princess Twilight nodded quickly in understanding, “It will take some time, but I can keep it at bay!!” With a loud yell, she blasted a torrent of pink magic at one of the vortexes. One of them closed, but another opened, sucking in an entire row of houses and shops with screaming unicorns inside.

Ocellus suddenly felt the stairs crumbling beneath her hooves. She gave a cry of alarm as a piece gave way, flying up as fast as she could.

“Ocellus, what do we do?!” Sunburst asked.

Ocellus took several shaky breaths, feeling the weight of the class’s safety on her shoulders. “Everycreature, RUN!!!!! The train station!!!”

At that instant, everycreature stampeded through the crumbling city at lightning speed, some trampling each other in the mad rush to get to the train. Ocellus tried to lead them, but the panic and fear she felt overcame her sense of rationale. She faltered mid-run. Suddenly, the ground gave way where Citrine was and she slipped, hanging on for dear life.

“NO!!!” Ocellus howled, rushing to help her newfound friend. She would not let her die. Not her too.

“OCELLUS!!” Citrine screamed as one hoof slipped.

“Citrine!!” Ocellus shouted at her. “Come to me!! JUMP!!!!!”

“If I let go, I’ll FALL!!” Citrine cried, “I DON’T WANT TO DIE!!!”

“No you won’t!!” Ocellus told her reassuringly, “I’ll protect you, I promise!! JUST JUMP!!!!”

Closing her eyes, Citrine obeyed, making a massive leap out of the vortex and slamming into Ocellus. Both of them fell onto the grass, which was rapidly crumbling beneath them. Ocellus looked at Citrine, alive, but shaken to the core. It didn’t matter. She had done it. She had saved one of her friends.

Meanwhile, Princess Twilight was blasting at the vortexes, screaming with godlike fury as she did so, tears of exhaustion and anger pouring out of her big lavender eyes. Despite her fatigue, she kept fighting, a stronger desire to protect her former students and friends overcoming any possible desire to quit.

Ocellus and Citrine rejoined the others, who had just reached the train station. The train was just about to leave, many evacuees already on it. With immense strength, Sunburst forced open the doors with his hooves, all of the students falling inside, including Ocellus and Citrine Spark.

As the doors closed (on Sunburst’s tail) and the train started moving again, Ocellus and the others rushed to find seats wherever they could. Ocellus and Citrine Spark found empty seats next to the windows on the caboose. As Ocellus held the sobbing Citrine Spark in her hooves, she realized at once she had avenged Silverstream’s supposed death. She had saved one of her newfound friends from the exact same fate.

As the sight of the collapsing Canterlot fell away from view, both Citrine and Ocellus collapsed from exhaustion, no longer having the energy to stay awake anymore.

Author's Note

Play this song on loop when re-reading the Canterlot destruction section. Trust me. It enhances the immersive experience.

All Or Nothing by Shurrikane
https://youtu.be/KGOctFNb4mw

Chapter 5: Coruscant - Meet Katooni/The Jedi Temple Pt 2

SLASH!!!!!

The last training hologram dissipated as a light blue blade slashed through it with all the force of a knight slaying a dragon. A young Tholothian girl stood up, turning her lightsaber off and putting it back in her utility belt. The crowd of other younglings around her gave her a standing ovation, her friends in front of everyone else leading the cheer.

“Well done, Katooni.” said the tall and gray robotic droid who was instructing the class. His name was Professor Huyang, the protector and mentor to the Tiger Clan of younglings on Master Yoda’s behalf, “You’re ready.”

“You think so?” Katooni asked him, her curious jet blue eyes staring at him in excited anticipation. If Huyang said yes, then that would mean that it was finally time for she and her friends to get apprenticed to various Jedi Knights. She had watched all the other older younglings get sent off and she felt it was finally time for her to get a shot. She had always imagined that she would be apprenticed to Anakin Skywalker, the most powerful Jedi Knight within the Order. Such status would be unrivaled, and she would not let him down like Ahsoka did.

“You are.” Huyang confirmed. “You’ve mastered all the 6 trials of agility, determination, commitment, compassion, respect, and leadership a true Jedi. So have your friends. You should be very proud of yourself.”

“My friends too?” Katooni repeated, practically dancing in place with excitement. Huyang nodded to the positive. That was when Katooni wasted no time on jumping up and hugging the rusty old droid instructor, running to her friends afterwards who were waiting to congratulate her. Her friends consisted of 5 other younglings, each of a different species type: Petro, a human; Byph, an Ithorian; Ganodi, a Rodian; Zatt, a Nautolan; and Gunji, a Wookiee. Together, they had faced impossible odds during the earlier stages of the Clone Wars. They had conquered the rigorous tests of the Gathering, faced down the pirate Hondo and his crew, rescued Ahsoka Tano, and convinced them to join forces with them against General Grievous and the Separatists on Florrum.

“You were awesome, Katooni!” Petro told her, “I gotta tell ya. I did not see that final strike coming at all. That hologram guy had you cornered!”

“It was like blink and you miss!” Ganodi added enthusiastically, “I blinked and then all of a sudden that guy was down! Have you been practicing that?”

Katooni nodded. “I wanted to practice all I could before the final test. I felt it would’ve been….” she paused momentarily, searching for the right word, “…embarrassing to fail in front of every one of our fellow younglings watching me. It might’ve discouraged them. I didn’t want to do that.”

“Well you certainly succeeded!” Zatt told her, “So give yourself a pat on the back because it’s off to apprenticeship for us now! Who do you think you’ll be apprenticed to?”

“Master Skywalker!” Katooni was skipping steps now as she and her friends walked off the training arena, “He’s the most powerful Jedi ever and I’ve always imagined I’d be with him. I won’t let him down like…” she trailed off again as the thought of Ahsoka came up, “…like his previous Padawan did.”

Petro noticed the change in tone. A look of concern on his face, he turned to look at his crestfallen friend, “Hey, I know what you’re going through with missing Ahsoka. Half of us weren’t expecting it to turn out the way it did. When she was finally exonerated of all charges, I thought for sure things would go back to normal! Only…then the news came.”

“It came as a shock to all of us.” Zatt added. “Didn’t she care? What about her life and the relationships she built up here? What about Master Skywalker? What about us? It wasn’t fair. Why did she have to leave? We get it, Katooni.”

“I…I don’t want to talk about this,” Katooni shook her head, “Let’s just focus on her victory, okay? We’ll get our assignments hopefully soon.”

Petro nodded, a mischievous smile forming on his face, “You might want to secure your position with Master Skywalker quickly. Because you might have some competition.”

Katooni couldn’t help but laugh despite her shock. “You too, Petro? I thought you said you didn’t care either way yesterday.”

“Katooni,” Petro explained, “Those were the words of a boy. And that boy just became a man. Completely different thoughts now.”

“If you say so, Mr. Man.” Katooni nudged his arm playfully. All of them had a good laugh over this, including Petro himself. As the Jedi Temple main building became visible again, she saw Anakin Skywalker out of the corner of her eyes leading a pink hippogriff around. It was Silverstream, her old friend!

Breaking away from her friends, Katooni ran up to Silverstream, startling the living daylights out of her, “Silverstream! I haven’t seen you in forever! How have you been? How’s being apprenticed to Master Yoda? Is it fun? Or does he push you too hard? I have so many questions just in case the upcoming assignment puts me with-“

“Hey, whoa whoa whoa,” Anakin laughed, “Katooni, give Silverstream some room to breathe, okay? I know you two haven’t seen each other since her assignment, but she’s had some sort of a problem starting with this morning.”

This caught Katooni off guard. “A problem?” she asked.

“She’s had some sort of memory problem,” Anakin explained to her, “Basically she woke up and she remembers nothing of her life here. I’ve tried to re-aquaint her with everything she used to love, but every attempt results in either a blank stare or she tells me she can’t remember. I was hoping you, being her childhood friend growing up in the Order, can do a better job than I could. You’re more patient than I am.”

Katooni nodded. “I’d be happy to.” Anakin walked back into the Temple, leaving the two of them alone outside, save for a couple Masters walking to and fro the Temple entrance in leisurely fashion. She faced Silverstream, who was looking at her with a mix of sadness and confusion. The look of utter hopelessness on the hippogriff’s face broke Katooni’s heart. What had the Council put her through?

“Anakin says we grew up together,” Silverstream said, “I’m sorry I don’t remember you….”

“It’s okay, Silverstream,” Katooni assured her, “I’m just really glad to see you after a whole year. I’ve really missed you. I’ll bring you over to my friends. See if they can help me help you.”

A simple nod was the only reply she got. As Silverstream followed her, Katooni wondered what had happened that caused Silver to lose her memory. Was it a concussion from an accident during training? She hoped not. Master Yoda wasn’t a reckless trainer by any means.

Unfortunately, by the time she arrived to the spot where she had ditched her friends, they were already gone. ‘They probably couldn’t wait for me.’ She thought to herself, ‘I’ll just do this by myself. Maybe I can get some information from Silverstream as to what happened. Not like she’ll remember, but you never know until you try, right?’

“They’re gone. Don’t worry. I can help you myself. Do you want the tour?” Katooni asked her. Silverstream nodded. “Is there anything you can tell me about your situation?” A shake of the head. “Silverstream, can you please talk to me?” Another shake of the head. “Please?”

“You wouldn’t believe me…” Silverstream replied, her voice barely audible.

‘She sounds so scared,’ Katooni realized mentally, ‘It must’ve gone so terrible in the Council Chambers. Oh, Silverstream. I’m so sorry…’ Tears threatened to come, but she blinked them back. She wouldn’t cry. Silverstream needed someone who was resolute if she was to get her memory back. She needed a friend.

“Silverstream,” Katooni said, “You can tell me everything, ok? You’d be quite surprised as to what I can believe at this point in my life. I’ll give you the grand tour of the area and you can ask me anything you want.”

“You won’t…think I’m crazy?” Silverstream asked.

Katooni shook her head, “Of course not. We’re friends. Or…we used to be. You don’t remember our friendship now, but…that’s not the point! Come on!” Silverstream followed her again.

For the next few hours, Katooni explained everything outside of the Jedi Temple, including the rich history of the locations and more.

“…Over there is the Galactic Senate.” Katooni pointed towards a circular shaped building in the distance, “That’s the legislative, executive, and judicial branch of the Republic. They make all the laws and stuff. The current Supreme Chancellor is Palpatine. The guy gives me the creeps though.” She shivered involuntarily, “Is any of this starting to come back?”

Silverstream shook her head, “It won’t….because it never happened for me. I don’t belong here.”

Katooni stopped, “You don’t belong here?”

Silverstream shook her head, “You’re going to think I’m crazy.”

“No, I won’t,” Katooni reassured her, “I promise. Just tell me. We’re alone, I think.”

Silverstream explained everything, from spending most of her life underwater, her studies in the School of Friendship, saving Equestria, and arriving in Coruscant after falling down during a field trip. To someone else, this may have sounded like the most outlandish and fantastical life story ever. But Katooni understood. She believed her. She had been on adventures with her friends that no other youngling could ever boast about being on. She had been on near death experiences more than once in her life. Everything made sense to her. But the part about Qui-Gon Jinn confused her.

“When you said that Master Qui-Gon entered your head,” Katooni tried to rationalize this, “How could he exactly? He’s been dead for a while. Since before I was born. Jedi can communicate telepathically sometimes. But that’s a power forbidden to every Master except for Master Windu and Master Yoda. How could Master Qui-Gon have that ability if he was never on the Council?”

“I don’t know,” Silverstream admitted, “But I was too foolish…I convinced Ocellus to break open that mirror and then…everything went to chaos. I want to find my way back home. But I don’t think I’m allowed to leave. Are we?”

Katooni shook her head sadly, “If it were my choice, I’d take a week off to try and find my parents…I’ve always been curious about them. But we’re not allowed to leave. Not until we become Masters, I think. Then we can do what we want as long as it’s within the confines of the Jedi Code. There’s really not much to it. We’re taught a different, more simplistic variation of the Code.”

“What is it?” Silverstream queried curiously.

“Which one? The standard version or the youngling version?” Katooni inquired of her.

“Both.”

Katooni nodded, “Alright, let’s see…I’ll need to know this for the ceremony anyway.” She took a deep breath and spoke:

”There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.”

Silverstream was amazed. “Cool! That’s the standard version?”

Katooni nodded enthusiastically, “As for the youngling version, this version is recited during the Initiate Trials. Believe me when I say I studied that for two weeks straight before Professor Huyang asked me in private. Alright. Here it goes.” She cleared her throat:

“Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.”

Silverstream was curious about the differences between the Codes, “The version you guys have to memorize is so….simple. Why don’t you just memorize the standard version?”

“We do,” Katooni explained, “Just not as often. You see, the Jedi created that system because our minds are only just developing when we’re little. We don’t have the mental capacity to memorize full strings of sentences that early. As we grow older, we’re subjected to more things, we learn more full sentences, you get the gist of it. So, they do that so that we may memorize the Code at an early age without having our minds boggled by so many words at the same time.”

Silverstream laughed, “I see. Well, I’m sure I might’ve taken the opportunity to learn the full Code when I was a filly. Mom always said I was not content to just learn the simple stuff.”

Katooni was happy that her friend was opening up more, actually laughing now. This was working! Oh, she would have the Silverstream she knew back in no time. Well, to a degree, “That’s true of your life here also. I remember you kept trying to get Master Yoda to teach you the full Code and he eventually did. You got access to it earlier than most because he could not resist you. To say that some of us were a little jealous would be an understatement.”

Silverstream sighed. “If there’s no real way to go home, then I’ll accept my life here. I want to be your friend again, Katooni. I’m sorry that I robbed you of that intended happy reunion you wanted. I know you said you haven’t seen me in over a year.”

“Silverstream, don’t worry about it,” Katooni comforted her, “Frankly, just being here with you now is enough. If we have to start over, then so be it. I already have the memories myself. I’m fine if you don’t remember. Like I always say, everyday is a new beginning. You’ll rebuild your image here in the Order no problem. Besides, if you need anything, I’m always there.”

“Really?” Silverstream asked.

“Of course,” Katooni answered, “Just because I’ll be a Padawan doesn’t mean I won’t have time for you and the others. We’ll play everyday after training and it’ll be like nothing ever happened.” She smiled and Silverstream smiled back. They were about to go their separate ways when someone came running up to them from a distance.

It was Mace Windu. He stopped in front of them. He regarded Silverstream sternly for a moment, then faced Katooni, “Katooni, go back to your friends. They’re waiting for you inside and wondering where you ran off to. Silverstream, come with me.”

“I heard you called Silverstream a liar in the Council Chambers.” Katooni was angry now after hearing what Silverstream mentioned of the Council meeting, wanting to chew Mace out for it, “Silverstream is one of the most trustworthy Jedi I have ever met. You had no right to make her feel even worse after she woke up in a place she didn’t recognize.”

“After reviewing the evidence,” Mace Windu stated matter-of-factly, “The Council has come to an agreement that Silverstream is in the right and I will apologize to her accordingly once she’s with me. But you watch your tone, young lady.”

Katooni stood her ground and did not apologize. Silverstream admired her firm resolve and her desire to stand up for her. Mace Windu ignored her and focused on Silverstream, “The Council has reassigned you.”

Silverstream was taken aback, “Reassigned? Wait, Master Yoda doesn’t want me to be his Padawan anymore?” Her eyes stung. Did her Master really ditch her just like that all because of a supposed memory loss problem?

“It goes a bit deeper than that,” Mace Windu continued, “I’ll let them explain. But to keep it as short as possible, upon the request of Master Kenobi, you are being reassigned to Anakin Skywalker.”

Author's Note

We finally meet Katooni in this chapter! After some build-up in the present and some mentions last chapter, Katooni finally comes into the plot. I have to say, writing her was a lot of fun as I got to show some more aspects to her personality that were not explored in the Clone Wars series. Being my favorite of the younglings, she was the main reason that I decided to write this story, though my only regret is that her only role in the present is to be a damsel-in-distress. At least I can make her an actual character leading up to that plot point. My favorite part of this chapter was getting to write a more independent aspect to Katooni’s character, fleshing out her motivations and personal relationships a bit. I have plans to expand upon that, and this story is chalk-full of Star Wars lore, so keep an eye out for all the Easter Eggs.

And for the record, I know my comments are getting downvoted because for some reason, someone really hates me. I don’t know who, and frankly I don’t know what I did wrong. If you can tell me, I’d really appreciate it. Whatever I did, I promise I’ll fix it. But just for that, I will be making more comments every chapter and I will not be deleting them, so take that. The stories will continue whether you like them or not, so there you go. I’ve been trying to recover Starlight Nova’s comment because it is an actual good one (and the fact that I deleted it by accident), but I still don’t know how. I’d appreciate it if someone were to teach me how to recover the comments, thanks.

But other than that, the next chapter will have some questions answered. We will be seeing another character moment for Anakin, as well with Silverstream. It will be juicy and the chapter after that will be epic. Stay tuned, everycreature! The story shall continue! :yay:

Chapter 6: Coruscant - Obi Wan Must Convince Anakin/Qui-Gon’s Gamble

“The Council would like to issue its humble apologies, Silverstream.”

Silverstream was in the Jedi Council Chambers after having been summoned by Mace Windu. Katooni had insisted on coming with her friend in order to be a source of comfort. Mace had initially refused, but Katooni had stood her ground once more, refusing to leave her. Now they both were in the Chambers, where the Council would tell Silver about her reassignment to Anakin Skywalker. But first, an apology was in order. Anakin was also there, sporting an expression of disdain and anger. The rage on his face hurt Silverstream a little, considering the context, but she didn’t fault him for it. He probably didn’t even want a Padawan. He just seemed so carefree.

“The Council has reviewed your testimony,” Mace Windu explained, “and we have come to the conclusion that you are telling the truth. It is not in your nature to lie to the Order and I should apologize for insinuating that you would do as such.”

Silverstream felt a massive wave of relief come over her. It was not in her nature to hold a grudge, but her family and her peers back home had taught her to value her sense of integrity along with her insatiable curiosity. The question as to whether she would lie at all had dealt a massive blow to her self-esteem, and she was glad that had been resolved.

“However,” continued Mace Windu, “Master Kenobi has personally requested that you be reassigned to Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan instead of Master Yoda’s, seeing as you two have a closer bond with one another and trained together before. It is our belief that this will help you get your memory back, as well as helping Anakin get over losing…Ahsoka Tano.”

Anakin stood there, unmoving. Both Silverstream and Katooni looked at him, concerned. He did not look at the Council, the rage in his eyes hidden beneath his messy brown hair. Silver did not know who this Ahsoka Tano was, but it was obvious from Anakin’s reaction that she must’ve meant a great deal.

“Master Yoda,” Silverstream asked cautiously, “How come you don’t want me as your Padawan anymore…? Did I…do something wrong?”

“In the best interests of you and Padawan Skywalker, this is,” Master Yoda spoke solemnly, a hint of emotion in his voice, “Grieving over the loss of Ahsoka, Skywalker is. A healthy distraction for him, you will be. A difficult decision, this was for me, Padawan Silverstream.”

Silverstream nodded in understanding. She had no idea that Anakin was grieving as when she had met him earlier in the day, he seemed so happy. But it all made sense. During their walk, he had avoided mentioning anything about his past or about himself. When she had asked about whether he had a Padawan before, Anakin had avoided the question. There was a period of silence in the Chambers for a brief period before Anakin broke the silence.

“If I may object,” Anakin stepped forward in a defiant manner, “I had a Padawan before. It didn’t work out. They’re all the same. I’m happy being without one. Silverstream and I are close, yes, but she’s gotten along with you great, Master Yoda.”

“Anakin, this is for your own good,” Obi Wan chimed in, “We’re very concerned about you. We thought you would like this arrangement considering you and Silverstream are the closest. You try to deny it in front of me, Anakin, but I know you’re still bitter over Ahsoka leaving the Jedi Order.”

“We’ll talk about this in private, Obi Wan.” Anakin replied firmly, leaving no room for further conversation at the moment. Silverstream glanced over at Katooni, who had her head down in sadness. ‘She must’ve known Ahsoka too,’ Silverstream realized, ‘It must’ve been hard on them both. At least Ahsoka isn’t dead.’ Katooni must’ve caught Silverstream looking at her because she quickly turned to look back at her and Silver could see tears forming.

“Can Katooni and I step out?” Silverstream asked, “I don’t think she likes hearing about what happened to this Ahsoka if…that’s okay.”

“Of course,” Mace Windu waved his hand for them to go. Once Silverstream and Katooni left the room, he addressed the rest of the Jedi Masters assembled, “The Council is dismissed. Let’s give Obi Wan and Anakin their privacy to talk about this matter alone.” The Jedi all got up and walked out of the Chambers single file, leaving the former and the latter by themselves.

Obi Wan motioned for Anakin to take a seat right next to him. From the large window looking out to the Galactic City, the sun beginning to set across the horizon, creating a mixture of orange and pink across the sky. Anakin took a seat next to Obi Wan, who was stroking his beard in deep thought, most likely trying to think of a good way to approach the subject in a way that would neither upset his former Padawan nor make light of Anakin’s obvious raw emotions hidden beneath the angry exterior.

“I can’t believe you would do this,” Anakin wasted no time in confronting his former master, “You know I’m happier without a Padawan! It didn’t work with Ahsoka, it will not work now! I can’t train her. Not while she’s like this. I’d sooner trust Katooni, a youngling, to handle Silver than myself. At least she knows Silverstream better than I do. They grew up together. You can’t get me to replace Ahsoka. She just….she just means too much to me.”

“Anakin, I’m not trying to get you to replace Ahsoka,” Obi Wan countered, “To try and do that would be madness. She was our companion. Your companion. You loved her, she admired you. The fact that things got out of hand the way they did still baffles me and I still cannot forgive the Council for accusing her of downright treason and sedition. But you have to move on, Anakin. You and I both know that you’re still holding on to your memories of her.”

“Oh so I can’t now?!” Anakin spat, “Well excuse me, Master!!”

“Anakin!!” Obi Wan cut his verbal tirade off before it could begin, “It’s good that you remember her, but you know you can’t hold on to her forever, Anakin. She’s probably found a better place now. You know the ban against attachments. If the Council were to find out about that-“

“To hell with that ban,” Anakin growled, “At least I’m not the Council, who turned their backs on her with no evidence to speak of!! She fought alongside us loyally, was on her way to becoming a Jedi Knight, and the Council had to do that. Don’t speak to me about attachments, Obi Wan. You know you’d break that vow in a heartbeat if you found someone you cared about.” Obi Wan had nothing to say about that. Anakin was right. He would and he did. He loved Anakin like a son. Was that breaking the vow?

“Anakin, please try,” Obi Wan was practically pleading with him now, “I do believe that training Silverstream will help you. I don’t want you to replace Ahsoka, but I want you to take comfort in having someone by your side again. I think that’s what you need. And who knows? Maybe Silverstream will bring you a refreshing experience as a mentor.”

Anakin sighed. “I’m not sure this is right, Master…it still feels like yesterday when she left. I’ve been trying to move on like you said, but every time there’s this big mission, I feel…I feel so empty inside knowing that adventure was what she lived for…I didn’t even want a Padawan, but she made it worth it.”

“Give Silverstream the same chance, Anakin,” Obi Wan assured him, “I guarantee you it won’t be a mistake.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Meanwhile in the Great Hall, Silverstream was comforting Katooni over the topic of Ahsoka being brought up. Katooni had ended up crying after they had left the Council Chambers and Silver had been consoling her for the past 15 minutes. Finally Katooni wiped her tears and sat up.

“Are you okay?” Silverstream asked, “I don’t know what happened to this Ahsoka, but she must’ve meant a lot to you.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m okay,” Katooni said, sniffling once, “You see, Ahsoka was Master Skywalker’s old Padawan. They did everything together, protected one another, learned from each other, you name it. If attachments were allowed, you might even say that she was practically his adopted daughter. But then…when another Padawan….Bariss Offee framed Ahsoka for masterminding the bombing of the Jedi Temple, Ahsoka was so disheartened by the Council’s lack of faith in her integrity and loyalty, that even after things were cleared up…she couldn’t bring herself to return to the Order that shunned her. She left and it was hard on all of us, particularly on Master Skywalker…and me.”

“Why you?” Silverstream asked her gently.

“We went on a mission with Ahsoka once,” Katooni explained, “You were back in the Temple studying, but the rest of us, my friends, we got caught up in this whole mission with Hondo Ohnaka and his pirate crew. They kidnapped Ahsoka and we ended up saving her. It only worked because I was able to get on Hondo’s good side, but we developed a particular bond with Ahsoka throughout the mission…losing her was hard on me because of that. That’s why I don’t like bringing it up.”

Silverstream nodded again. She understood now. If she was supposed to be a replacement for Ahsoka, she had a lot to live up to. The Togruta had made quite a name for herself throughout the Order and it would be hard to live up to. But she was determined to try. Anakin deserved her best efforts. Katooni did also. She would not let them down.

“Good.”

Silverstream almost screamed. She hadn’t heard that voice in a long time. Could it be…?

“Silverstream, look!” Katooni pointed in front of them. Materializing in front of them both was a Force Ghost of a tall man with long brownish whitish hair. He was holding a green lightsaber.

“The spell worked. I was beginning to believe I had failed again.”

Katooni stared wide-eyed at the figure, but Silverstream somehow recognized him immediately. She could feel the same warm connection she had felt back at the museum. It was him.

“Qui-Gon Jinn.” Silverstream named him out loud, causing Katooni to glance at her in total shock. Qui-Gon nodded solemnly, his Jedi robes waving in an ethereal manner through nonexistent wind.

“I am the person who sent you here, Silverstream.” Qui-Gon spoke, his voice having an echo effect around the seemingly empty room. “I am a part of the Cosmic Force, neither alive or dead, existing outside of time and space.”

“I have so many questions,” Silverstream told him, “Why did you choose me? How does that Mirror work? Are my friends okay? My life in Equestria really happened?”

Qui-Gon turned off his lightsaber, raising a hand to stop her endless questions. He stood in front of them, seeming almost like a commanding figure to them, but with the warm atmosphere of the Cosmic Force that drew Silverstream towards him, the same way she was drawn to the Mirror. He spoke again to answer one question at a time, “A great tragedy befell the galaxy, Silver. An irreparable tragedy that caused the Force great imbalance.” He waved his hands and a hologram appeared of Anakin standing in front of what seemed to be a disfigured man in a cloak. The hologram shifted at Qui-Gon’s whim as he explained, “Not to long from now, Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One, betrayed the Jedi Order and joined the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. The Jedi were hunted to extinction and the Republic was reshaped into the Galactic Empire. For several years, the Empire oppressed the galaxy. Force-sensitive children were abandoned without proper training. Worlds enslaved, the Jedi teachings destroyed.”

Silverstream gasped. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The Jedi were hunted to extinction?! Why? They hadn’t done anything wrong. It made her angry and sad thinking about it. Whoever the Sith were, they were certainly awful people. She shook with rage as Qui-Gon explained the Great Jedi Purge and Anakin’s role in it.

“What happened?” Katooni asked him.

“After years of fighting in a civil war, the Empire was destroyed and Anakin redeemed…by his own son. Passing on into the Force, Anakin found redemption and fulfillment in his son’s love, something he could never acquire in his days as a Sith. But that was not the end. For the Empire rose again 20 years later, only this time more powerful than before. They destroyed the New Republic, commencing war on all the free worlds. This time, the son of Anakin was nowhere to be found, having failed to rebuild the Jedi Order and exiling himself in the Outer Rim. It seemed like all hope would be lost again. But we chose a new champion, a scavenger girl on the planet of Jakku. She had no family to speak of. She aspired to something greater. We gave her that chance.” The holograms changed and evolved to fit with whatever he was describing. It felt like watching a movie right in front of her.

“And she failed too?” Silverstream asked, already knowing the answer to that. She felt like crying. This was all too much to take in. Anakin turning to the dark side, the Empire enslaving worlds, the Jedi hunted to extinction…why would anyone do that, let alone a second time?!

“Unfortunately, yes. It was a great tragedy. She gave in to her family heritage after learning that she was a product of Sidious. No matter how many people in her life tried to sway her in the right direction, she took over the reigns of the new Empire, now called the Final Order.” explained Qui-Gon.

“So you chose me,” Silverstream deduced, “I’m your new Chosen One.”

Qui-Gon nodded, “Yes. I risked so much making this gamble. The Jedi didn’t trust me. They still don’t. But you can prove them wrong, Silverstream. Your kindness and compassion is why I chose you.” He motioned with his hand and the holograms dissipated. He looked at Silverstream right in the eyes, “I sent you back to the time of the Old Republic because you have a chance. A chance to save Anakin. A chance to give him love. Your mission is to save the Jedi Order and the Republic, to bring hope to the galaxy. Do you think you can do that?”

As Silverstream looked Qui-Gon in the eyes, she felt a sudden unrelenting desire to set things right. She didn’t know the Jedi very well, but they knew her. And after learning of their fate and the chance she had to give them a second chance, it would’ve been criminal to not do so. Her friends and family had always said that she had the innate ability to see the good within others, to help others see the good in themselves. She could help Anakin. She could help the Jedi. She could save them, all of them. And that was what she was going to do no matter the cost.

Author's Note

I should’ve titled this the exposition chapter. I took inspiration from Man of Steel for the Qui-Gon Jinn Force Ghost part. Next up will be Silverstream training. This is going to be awesome! With newfound resolve in her heart, Silverstream will now work to save the Jedi Order from destruction, even if that means convincing one of the most stubborn Jedi ever not to turn to the dark side of the Force. Will it work? Stay tuned, y’all! :ajsmug:

Chapter 7: Coruscant - Silverstream Sees Order 66/The Training Sequence

Death. Treachery. Destruction. Evil.

The dead bodies littered the floor of the Jedi Temple. Flames from clone troopers’ blaster bolts engulfed the surrounding areas. Everything in the Great Hall had been destroyed. Armor from the Temple guards caught ablaze as they fell, their occupants now long gone from the world, their shells a reminder of what used to be contrasted against the forthcoming darkness. Echoes of the screams from fallen Jedi could still be heard long after their deaths, the painful sounds of death cascading throughout the empty Temple. Masters, Padawans, and younglings alike had all been slaughtered mercilessly.

Silverstream stood in the midst of all of it, having had come out of hiding after the 501st Legion had seemingly departed the scene. Her eyes prickled with tears and sobs came out of her as she surveyed the surrounding damage. Why? Why kill the younglings? Why kill anyone? They had done nothing. Who could be this cruel? She sat next to a smoldering, charred husk of a person with a white headdress. Upon closer inspection, she realized with a cry of despair that it was Katooni, one of the younglings, and her close friend. A look of horror was plastered on her face, forever remaining there as a large hole in her chest became visible. It had obviously come from a lightsaber, the only weapon that could make a circular cut like the one she saw. A Jedi had done this. But what Jedi would be so angry as to do something like this?

“Oh Katooni…” Silverstream sobbed, “Please no no no no no no…” She held the charred body in her claws, wishing that she had been there to save her. She hadn’t. She had been too scared to save the only friend she had in this galaxy. What kind of griff did that make her? Someone who had let their friends die because they had been too cowardly, that’s for sure. She screamed at the top of her lungs in anguish. She didn’t care that it might give her position away to the attackers. All she wanted to do was die. That was what she deserved. Here she was, faced with the destruction she had inadvertently caused by hiding instead of fighting. She could’ve saved them. But she didn’t.

As she cried and cried, Katooni’s body seemed to disintegrate like sand, signaling rapid decay. Silverstream just sat there, amidst all the chaos. She looked and saw stains of blood on her claws. It hadn’t been long since Katooni had died, and that all the more added to Silver’s guilt. Queen Novo had been right. Her family had been right. She didn’t deserve to live.

“Just kill me…” she whispered through tears. Suddenly, she heard heavy footsteps coming toward her. She resisted the urge to scream as several thousand clone troopers emerged from another room led by a figure in dark robes, his face partially obscured by shadow.

“Your wish shall be granted, Padawan.” Silverstream nearly had a heart attack. It was true. Qui-Gon had been right. Standing in front of her was none other than Anakin Skywalker, her mentor.

The clone troopers aimed their blasters at her, but Anakin waved them down with his hand. He regarded Silverstream as if she was some parasite, a far cry from how he had considered her just a few days ago. “I want to do this myself,” Anakin ordered the troopers, “Watch me.”

Silverstream tried to scramble way. She didn’t know why. She wanted to die, didn’t she? Perhaps it was an instinctual reaction, she didn’t know. But Anakin grabbed her using the Force. She kicked and fought until she was inches from Anakin’s shrouded face. Then, she froze in horror. His eyes were glowing a bright orange hue, the color of the Sith. It reminded her of how the Storm King’s eyes seemed to glow blue all those years ago when he had taken over Mount Aris. She remembered being scared, sobbing in her mother’s arms. But her mother wasn’t here. Not this time. She had no one to protect her.

Silverstream felt a choking sensation and a wave of nausea came over her. She struggled, but she couldn’t break free. The air seemed to crash down upon her, restricting her breathing. She felt her vision blur as she struggled to stay alive, trying anything to break free from his grip.

“Tell me,” Anakin ordered her, “Do you bleed?” His voice was sounding deeper now, more robotic. Anakin’s face gradually morphed into a black mask as he seemed to get taller. This was no longer Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One and friend to the Jedi Order. This was Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith and heir apparent to Lord Sidious of the Galactic Empire.

He took out a blue lightsaber and stabbed Silverstream through the heart with it. All at once, her senses stopped. She dropped to the floor, feeling nothing upon impact, her last thoughts about her failure to save those she loved.

Darth Vader stood over his former Padawan, who he had just murdered in cold blood. His blue lightsaber turned red and he summoned it back to him. As the last remaining Jedi in the Temple died with a final breath, the victory of the Sith was at hand. He roared with triumph, the dark side fully overtaking his conscience.

It was time to report back to Darth Sidious what he had done.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Silverstream awoke with a scream, cold sweat trickling down her face. She looked around frantically for any signs of the destruction, breathing a sigh of relief once she realized it was all just a dream. But it had felt so real to her. It had to be more than just a dream as why would she dream about that specifically?

Unless…

She realized with a startling sensation that what she had witnessed was more than just a dream. It was a premonition of what would happen if she failed to save Anakin from darkness. The Force was warning her that there was a ticking clock. She didn’t have long.

As she began to get out of bed, something stirred next to her. She turned to her left and saw Katooni asleep right next to her. Her headdress was off and Silver caught a glimpse of her long, jet black hair, now messy and matted from the night. Silverstream carefully pulled the sheets off, doing it slow so to not wake her friend, but Katooni was already waking up quickly. Sitting up, Katooni caught Silverstream looking at her.

Katooni blushed in embarrassment, “Sorry. I couldn’t sleep last night. I didn’t want to wake Petro or the others, so I came to you. You were the closest person I thought could protect me from…” she tailed off.

“From what?” Silverstream asked her.

Katooni sighed, “It was a nightmare. I’m so sorry, Silverstream. I didn’t mean to come in. You were in the dream, the Temple was on fire and…Master Skywalker was…”

“We had the same dream,” Silverstream deduced, “Katooni, I had the same dream too! Only…I saw you dead…I couldn’t do anything to save you…”

“That was where my dream ended!” Katooni’s eyes were wide with the realization, “It ended when I died…Silverstream, I think Master Qui-Gon was warning us through the Force. He mentioned yesterday that Master Skywalker turned to the dark side. We don’t have a lot of time.”

“I’m going to stop this.” Silverstream faced her, “Katooni, I’m going to train. Train harder than I’ve ever trained before in my life, here and/or in Equestria. I’m going to show Anakin that there is a life other than the dark side. I’ll try to help him get over his grief.”

“You think that’s what caused it?” Katooni asked, grabbing her headdress and putting it on.

“There’s only one way to find out,” Silverstream stated, “I’ll meet you by the living quarters after the first day. I want you to introduce me to your friends. I want to rebuild my life here.”

Katooni nodded, “I’m willing to help in anyway I can. Get out there and make Master Skywalker proud, Silverstream.”

Silverstream and Katooni got down from the bed and split off in separate directions. While Katooni headed to Petro’s room to wake him up, Silverstream was headed towards the Great Tree, which was at the heart of the Jedi Temple. Anakin had told her that was where her first lesson would begin.

As she headed outside, she passed by a couple younglings who waved hello to her. She waved back, determined to learn their names after the first lesson if she could find them again.

She arrived at the Great Tree, where Anakin was waiting patiently for her. His expression bore no emotion, and he had an air of calmness around him. Silverstream guessed he had just finished meditating before she had arrived.

“Welcome, Padawan,” Anakin greeted her, “I trust you slept well the previous night?”

Silverstream didn’t want to tell Anakin about his prophesied fate, not yet. She would only tell him if she was sure she couldn’t save him. Right now, she felt that he didn’t need to know about a fate that might not happen to him. She took a deep breath and smiled, “Good. I slept good.”

“Good,” Anakin repeated, “Because I’ve decided to give you a chance. Obi Wan convinced me to do such due to our bond and me ‘needing to move on.’” He said the last part with a hint of distaste, “But until you get knighted, we shall address each other as Master and Padawan respectively whilst training. Understood?”

“I understand, sir.” Silverstream answered him respectfully.

“Very well,” Anakin said. He looked at her straight in the eyes and shouted, “Do you want to learn the ways of the Force?!” His voice rang loud and clear across the vicinity with clear authority that even some other Jedi who were standing around had to turn and look.

“Yes sir!” Silverstream replied enthusiastically, feeling excitement build up in her. This was it. She was going to learn the ways of the Jedi.

“Then I AM your Master!!” Anakin declared, that authoritative voice again ringing loud and clear. Silverstream could swear that she was getting goosebumps.

“Aye aye, Captain!!” Silverstream grinned. She could hardly contain her excitement at this point. This was what the previous day was building up to. She would not fail like she had in the dream. She had heeded the warning, and she would make Anakin proud.

For the next 6 months, Anakin trained Silverstream in the ways of the Force. He taught her the 7 forms of lightsaber combat, how to move things with the Force using her mind, and how to use her instincts and emotions to serve the light. She excelled at meditation and even surprised herself with how fast she was able to master the training orbs.

Everyday, the same process of basic lessons would repeat before Anakin moved on to teaching the more advanced lessons. Silverstream and Anakin would practice fencing with their lightsabers in the afternoon, and early evening. There was barely any time for breaks, not like she wanted them. She wasn’t going to be wimpy. No matter how much she tired out, the galaxy was counting on her. So, she pushed through even though sparring was not her favorite. She would constantly get cut up from lightsaber strikes when she failed to dodge or parry the attacks with her own. She would always go to bed limping and sporting some sort of bandage.

But eventually, she caught on to Anakin’s form of lightsaber combat and she began using his own techniques against him, which he somewhat begrudgingly approved of. As long as she was learning, that was all that mattered to him. He taught her how to utilize passionate combat over reckless and angry combat. Using these lessons, she learned to focus her mind logically and that in turn helped focus her fighting style. She would use her instincts to predict what moves Anakin would make next and she would act accordingly. Half the time, she was wrong and that resulted in more cuts and bruises. But in the other half, she was able to accurately predict his next move and either go on offensive or defensive.

Next up was learning how to levitate stuff using the Force. At first, they started with rocks and pebbles. Then they went to full on starships and cruisers. Initially, she failed at that advanced form of levitation, but one day, she finally was able to lift an entire Naboo freighter.

“Haha! It worked!” Silverstream was grinning triumphantly at her own accomplishment. She had finally done it! Anakin would surely be proud of her, right? Well, he was. In fact, he was very proud of her. But he didn’t want the success to get to her head, so he simply said:

“Very good. Let’s move on.”

This reaction disappointed her greatly and Anakin knew it. But little did she know, when she wasn’t looking at him, Anakin was beaming. He had forgotten what it was like to have a Padawan always seeking his approval. Obi Wan had been right. It was refreshing, and Silverstream was an amazing student.

By the sixth month of training, Silverstream was excelling at almost everything. She was able to beat him at sparring 95% of the time, and now she could move entire starship fleets with a thought if she wanted to. She was a master at lightsaber combat, she knew how to focus her mind and empty it if she needed to, and she could feel the Force flowing through her veins when she tapped into her unlocked potential.

If only her family could see her now. They would be so proud of her. No longer was she the “air-headed” and “unladylike” hippogriff from before. She was a full on Jedi-in-training, learning the ways of the living energy that bound the galaxy together, and she was fast becoming one of the most powerful Jedi ever, helped by Anakin’s unique style of teaching that differed from Obi Wan’s and other Jedi’s methods. He had taught her to embrace both the light and the darkness within her, but ultimately knowing which side to choose in the end.

‘General Seaspray would be spitting out his kelp fritters if he saw me now,’ Silverstream thought to herself, ‘I’m not a burden anymore. I am a Jedi.’ And it was this new aura of self-confidence, which she would carry until the day she died, through thick and thin. No matter what troubles came her way, she would be able to overcome it.

One day, Anakin called her over to the Great Tree after an hour break to talk with him. She was initially confused as to what he wanted and a part of her was scared that she had gotten in trouble, but Anakin assured her that she wasn’t in any trouble.

He was smiling when she arrived and it was the first time she had seen him smile in public since training began. He faced her and said, “Silverstream, thank you.”

“What happened?” Silverstream asked him, sitting down cross cross in front of him, “What did I do?”

“You changed my life,” Anakin explained to her, “I was afraid of telling you prior because I was worried you would let the praise get to your head, but I think you’ve earned it now. You’ve helped me move on from losing Ahsoka. I was afraid of having a Padawan after she left because I thought they would all leave…but you didn’t. You stayed and worked harder than I even expected. Even when you tired out, you still kept going and I didn’t expect that. I know I was pushing you a lot during those past months.”

“If it wasn’t for you pushing me, I never would’ve had the same drive to excel as I did,” Silverstream told him, “I needed that confidence boost. And you never needed to tell me at all, and I’m glad you didn’t until now. Just the fact that you never gave up on me was enough. I kept fighting and pushing forward because I wanted to make you proud of me.”

“Why me though?” Anakin asked, “You went above and beyond what I expected of you all for me. I’m curious as to why this was so important to you. I’ve never seen anyone so committed like you since Ahsoka, and trust me, I’ve been the substitute teacher for a lot of younglings’ classes.”

Silverstream sighed deeply. She still couldn’t tell him the truth about her visions. He didn’t deserve to know yet. But she could tell him the other reason, “I just…wanted to make you proud, that’s all. Back in my world…I was told by my family that I was…too undisciplined and too hyperactive. My friends tried to reassure me that I was not like that, but I know I was. So, I wished for something to happen to me that would force me to confront my perspectives and what I believe in. I didn’t want to feel like a burden on anyone anymore, and I certainly felt that way. The next day, I was sent here after an accident on a field trip. I wanted to make you proud because if anyone could do it, if anyone could make me not me, it was you. You and I have a close bond in this world, and I just wanted to mean something to someone. For once. I saw that chance with you after I got reassigned. If…that makes sense.” It was true. She did want to mean something to Anakin. And she did now.

Anakin understood, “Silverstream, you will never be a burden on me or anyone. If anyone in your family said that to you, then I’m glad you got sent here now because I do not like anyone who tries to bring down someone else I care about. What kind of drugs was your family on anyway?!”

“I don’t know,” Silverstream admitted, “But it’s okay, because I’m no longer that gr-that person. I’m a Jedi now, and I feel much more confident here than I did back home. If this is going to be the rest of my life and I never get to go home, I don’t mind anymore. Because I actually have a purpose here with you. I’m glad I was able to change your life. That’s the highest honor I’ve ever gotten.”

Anakin could feel tears prickling at the corner of his eyes, hearing Silverstream’s story. He motioned for her to come, “Come here, Silverstream.” She did and he embraced her. She hugged him back, feeling all the warmth course through her. She didn’t feel alone anymore. She could actually save him. She could save everyone she had grown to care about in this galaxy. Today was the start of a new beginning.

Once they let go, Silverstream wiped her own tears away, “So…more training now? I’m up for it.”

Anakin laughed, “Of course you are. No, I think you deserve a break for the rest of the day. Why don’t you go see Katooni and the others? I heard that they’re waiting for you inside to congratulate you.”

“Congratulate me?” Silverstream asked, “Why?”

“Well, your knighting ceremony will be in a couple days,” Anakin told her, “I was able to convince the Council to do it based on all the progress you’ve made. Frankly, Master Windu was the only objection because of course he was. Even Master Yoda felt you deserved it, which was a big surprise, considering he’s the most practical one.”

Silverstream couldn’t believe her ears, “Really? That’s so awesome! Thank you, Master! I’ll go see them right away!”

“Please,” Anakin stopped her momentarily, “Call me Anakin.”

“Oh, okay!” Silverstream agreed, “Thank you, Anakin! I’ll go see them right away!” And with that, she unfolded her wings and sped off in the direction of the Jedi Temple.

Anakin shook his head, chuckling to himself, “I told Silverstream to call me by my first name before. So, why does it still feel weird?” He shrugged, “Meh, 6 months will do that to you. Now to find Obi Wan…”
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Silverstream flew inside the Temple at top speed where Katooni, Petro, Gadoni, Zatt, Byph, and Gunji were waiting for her. They were all sitting down, talking to one another about their days. She skidded to a halt before she could bump into them.

Katooni was the first to notice her, “Oh, Silverstream! There you are! Did you hear what the Council said?”

“You’re being promoted, Silver! Whoop whoop!” Petro declared proudly, “I say that promotion is well earned, how ‘bout you guys?” Everyone else agreed. Gunji roared his approval, beating his paws on his chest.

“Thanks,” Silverstream thanked them, “I couldn’t have done it without you all. Especially you, Katooni. I’ll make sure to mention you at the ceremony.”

“You don’t have to, Silverstream,” Katooni told her, “Just be proud of your accomplishments. You earned this and no one else. We’re all very proud of you.”

Everyone came together into a group hug and that was when Silverstream knew, she truly belonged. After that, she flew out of the Temple, flying in circles, and shouting with unfiltered joy.

This was her home now, and she belonged here. Nothing could go wrong now.

Author's Note

Famous last words. Well, this was the longest chapter I’ve ever written. I have to say, writing this chapter was scary (the vision part), epic (the training part), and emotional (the last parts) all at the same time. Silverstream’s back to her old self again, that’s good. Honestly, there was only so much I could do with her being scared and brooding all the time in the previous chapters that this was a nice return to form, wouldn’t you say? Again, feel free to leave feedback as I would really appreciate it. Next chapter brings us back to Equestria for two more chapters as the ramifications of the Canterlot incident fully set in. Stay tuned! :pinkiecrazy:

Also, here’s the link to the song that fits with the training montage upon re-reading:

Flight of the Silverbird by Two Steps From Hell
https://youtu.be/n-Dh3ftkRAs

Chapter 8: Equestria - Piecing Together The Memories/The Magical Crisis Pt 1

Back At School…

“Wow! You weren’t kidding, Ocellus,” Gallus said as he examined the pictures of Silverstream, “We’re sorry we doubted you.”

Sunburst had been reprimanded by Starlight for letting things get out of the hand the way they did, and Citrine Spark was scheduled for a detention come the weekend. Ocellus had gotten off scot free as it was determined that Citrine acted alone in defacing the mirror, which was true. But now, there was a big mess to be cleaned up in Canterlot.

Now, Ocellus was with her friends in the library while Citrine was in the Headmare’s Office. She was showing her friends the pictures she had saved of the six of them together with Silverstream. Ocellus had no doubt they would eventually believe her as they trusted her, but she was grateful for the physical evidence that was still there. She was totally unaware that the mirror incident would eventually cause a lot more harm than she initially imagined.

“It’s alright, girls,” Ocellus forgave them, “It’s not your fault. For some unexplained reason, someone or something has altered the timeline so it’s like Silverstream never existed. I don’t know who or what would do that, but once I submit these photos to Headmare Starlight, she can help me find Silverstream, wherever she is, or if she’s even alive.”

“Help you? We’re helping too!” Smolder declared, “If what you’re saying is true, then Silverstream is somewhere out there, probably lost and alone, and we need to find her! No buts about it, Ocellus. We’re coming with you.”

Ocellus didn’t protest this. Normally, she would, but she could see her friends were coming from the right place. This was a job for all five of them. Not to mention, she didn’t know how long Citrine would be facing charges for destruction of museum artifacts and unleashing the multiverse. Those charges alone probably warranted some time in a juvenile detention facility, so the yellow unicorn was going to be out of commission for a while. It would be good to have her friends by her side during this time.

“Alright then,” Ocellus conceded, “But only because Silverstream probably does need all of us. If she’s even still alive, that is.”

“You forget Silverstream can fly,” Sandbar pointed out, “A fall in one measly cosmic hole in the fabric of reality is nothing compared to what we know she can do. She can just fly right out, and she probably has already. Don’t worry, Ocellus. We’ll find her.”

“Thanks, guys.” Ocellus thanked them. She felt reassured by their presence. Any lingering doubt that Silverstream would be found vanished in that moment. She had to stay positive. After all, the Magic of Friendship always found a way. They would find Silverstream and one week later, they would all be laughing this off over milkshakes at Sugarcube Corner.

Just then, Citrine Spark came running into the library, startling several other students who were studying, “Hey guys! I’m done being scolded by our principals. Bad news, though. I’m due for 6 million hours of community service and my Dad has to pay a fine of 500,000 bits in order to keep me out of prison. So yeah, he’s kinda pissed. I called him and he had some pretty choice words for me.”

Ocellus and her friends were shocked at this. Gallus and Smolder were trying to stifle laughter, Sandbar and Yona looked concerned, and Ocellus’s mouth dropped open. Although the fine was a pretty light sentence considering the fact that Canterlot had been totaled big time, the six million hours of community service seemed a little too extreme in Ocellus’s eyes. Princess Twilight was really stepping up her punishments now.

“Pony messed up big time?” Yona asked her.

“Totally big time,” Citrine confirmed, “That’s 250,000 days! I’ll be missing a whole semester! Well, I guess that’s what I get for being brainwashed by leftover siren magic.”

“Wait, what?” Ocellus asked her.

“Oh yeah, Vice Headstallion Sunburst explained it to me,” Citrine explained, “Essentially, that mirror was a prototype that Starswirl created in order to trap the Sirens, but it had so much raw magic from a spell that wasn’t finalized that anyone that touches it results in portals being opened, which would potentially release them if kept open long enough. Some leftover magic from those guys was left on that prototype before Beardie created a new one that currently sits in the Castle of Friendship. The prototype was taken to a museum as he had insisted it not get destroyed all those years ago. I bet he regrets that decision now, hearing about this mess.”

Ocellus could imagine Starswirl, wherever he was now in Equestria, moaning about how he should’ve destroyed that mirror a long time ago. But hopefully, he hadn’t heard about the damage yet. Otherwise, Citrine’s father and the legal system wouldn’t be the only ones having choice words for her.

“So, yeah,” Citrine showed Ocellus her hoof, which now had a black cuff on it with a red blinking button, “I have to wear this for the duration of my sentence. I think it’s cool, but it could use some personalization if I do say so myself.”

Ocellus could not see how Citrine could be so calm about the whole situation. She was literally wearing a tracking device on her hoof and she thought nothing of it. Then again, Silverstream hadn’t seemed to care what she wore either, so the two were more alike than they imagined.

“How can you be so calm about literally wearing a tracking device on your hoof?” Smolder asked, taking Ocellus’s thoughts right out of her, “The Royal Guard are literally going to be watching your every move 24/7.”

“Cool! Do they have popcorn to watch me while I sleep?” Citrine asked her. Smolder facepalmed and Gallus was shaking his head in exasperation. Citrine didn’t seem to understand as she asked, “What?”

Before any of them could reply, the school bell rang and students began filing out of the library towards their classes. The others all got up.

“Good luck with your findings, Ocellus!” Sandbar told her, “If you need any of us, you know where to find us!”

“Just don’t do anything big without us, okay?” Smolder reminded her, grabbing her backpack and heading off in the opposite direction with Gallus.

“I promise I won’t!” Ocellus called after them, though she didn’t know how long she would be able to keep that promise. It depended on how her teachers and principals reacted to her findings.

“Well,” Citrine told her, “I gotta go. My sentence starts at 4:30 and I unfortunately will not be able to help you after that. You got this covered though, right?”

“Yeah,” Ocellus affirmed, “Thanks for your help, Citrine. Maybe I can get you off easy?”

“I won’t count on it, but you can try!” The yellow unicorn mare responded, “See ya!!” And with that, she was off, leaving Ocellus to head to Headmare Starlight’s Arcane Magic and Sciences Class.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
“Alright, class!!” Headmare Starlight announced to the class, “I know the field trip didn’t go quite the way we planned it to, but I assure you all that we are investigating it. Today, we are going to practice basic levitation as the gym is closed.”

The students all groaned. Ocellus didn’t mind personally. She loved going to the gym as much as everycreature else, but she couldn’t do magic like the unicorns could. The only reason why she was placed in that class was an accident when writing her schedule. Besides, she had to keep her mind focused on the task at hand.

The students all got up to take their places by the teacher’s desk. As Headmare Starlight placed several objects on the table for the students to levitate, Ocellus reached into her saddlebag and pulled out the photos of Silverstream and the others, placing them on her desk. She lay the photos out in a sprawled out manner, so that she may examine each one of them individually and carefully. As she looked at each one of them, she began to think about the possible causes of the whole situation. It was unlike her friends to forget Silverstream in just one night after her fall. Silverstream had been such an integral part of their lives. Surely they would’ve noticed the holes in their memories, such as gaps and inconsistencies, right? How could they just accept the altered memories just like that? And if somepony was trying to get everyone to forget about Silverstream, why did they leave physical evidence behind that could potentially thwart their plans? Furthermore, why was she the only creature left with her memory completely intact? Everycreature else had forgotten, but she remembered. How did that even work? Why would someone who wanted to sabotage their friendship through altering their memories leave hers intact? Unless that pony wanted to toy with her emotions, which would’ve been downright cruel and despicable, but not unexpected.

Another possible culprit was the Memory Stone from the Seven Trials of Clover the Clever unit she learned in history class. The Memory Stone had the power to remove fragments of memories, and that lined up perfectly with what she had experienced with her friends’ memories being removed. But the human Twilight Sparkle and her friends had destroyed it, hadn’t they? So that couldn’t be it. Unless some genius had the power to reconstruct the Memory Stone from scratch, that possibility had to be ruled out. There were no other options.

Unless…

Before she could complete the thought, somepony screamed. It was a loud, shrill scream that instantly broke Ocellus’s train of thought. She looked up from her photos to see a dark pink unicorn mare clutching her horn with her hooves and shrieking, her classmates right by her side. Fear was on every inch of her face. Headmare Starlight had obviously been alerted and was asking over and over what was going on.

“M-m-my ma-magic!” The unicorn mare stammered, “I-I-I-I wa-was just tr-trying t-to levitate t-that apple a-and m-my m-magic j-just d-d-disappeared!”

“Disappeared?!” Headmare Starlight demanded, “When?! When did this happen?!”

“J-just NOW!!” The unicorn mare replied frantically.

Ocellus couldn’t stand just watching the scene unfold anymore. This was serious. She flew up from her seat and landed right next to the unicorn, helping her classmates support her as she fainted.

Headmare Starlight had an expression of pure anger as she addressed the class, “Whoever is doing this to Arcane Velvet, this is your final warning!”

“We’re not doing anything!” The students all said in unison.

“Check your magic, Headmare Starlight,” Ocellus suggested, “S-see if it still works.” Her voice was beginning to tremble now.

Headmare Starlight obliged. A greenish blue sputter of magic came out of her horn before it dissipated. The class gasped in horror. Something like this had not happened since Cozy Glow had tried to drain all magic from Equestria that fateful day. Could someone be trying something similar? But who would?

“This is crazy,” Headmare Starlight said, “We have to get to Canterlot at once!! Twilight will know what to do. I promise. We figured it out before, we’ll figure it out again.”

“Do you think this is because of the Mirror incident?” Ocellus asked Headmare Starlight.

She nodded, “That’s the only solution. But Twilight seemed to close all the vortexes,” She shook her head, “Nevermind. Twilight will figure this out.” She motioned for the class to run, “To the train station now!!”

With that, the students all stampeded out the door, nearly trampling Ocellus, who had to fly up in order to avoid being stepped on.

Through the speaker, Guidance Counselor Trixie was redirecting the whole school outside, “Attention, students! This is the Great and Counseling Trixie speaking! You are being redirected outside! We have to go to Canterlot! To the exit, my friends!!”
———————————————————————————————————————————————
The doors to the Canterlot burst open and the entire student body, led by Starlight and Sunburst, barged in, the doors automatically closing behind them.

Princess Twilight Sparkle was in deep conversation with Spike when she saw them come in. They seemed to be discussing the same situation.

“Twilight! Our magic is gone!!” Starlight exclaimed.

“A student fainted!” Sunburst added.

“I have 6 million hours of community service!” Citrine Spark piped up from the back of the assembled students, causing everyone to glare at her, “What?”

Princess Twilight raised a hoof to quell the commotion. She got off her throne, walking down slowly as Celestia used to when she was ruler. Twilight was a majestic and godlike presence, a flowing bluish purple and pink mane and majestic wings, and a golden crown the combination of the crowns of the two Sisters. She bore an expression of concern and worry as she read the room, her large lavender eyes scanning everycreature in order to make sure they were alright.

“I know,” Twilight stated, “I found out earlier today that my magic was failing. It was my fault. I should’ve sent you a letter as soon as I discovered it so as to not interrupt your classes, Starlight.”

“It’s okay,” Starlight told her, “Frankly, I think we all want to get to the bottom of this. What’s going on? Is another student stealing magic?!”

“Will Equestria be okay?” Ocellus asked her.

“No and no,” Twilight explained, “I’m afraid our worst fears have been realized. That incident at the Canterlot museum when Citrine Spark was seduced by the Sirens’ leftover magic caused more trouble than I initially realized. I cleaned up the vortexes, and Canterlot is relatively back to normal, but the magic is disappearing because I failed to close one of the vortexes in time.”

“Wait, what?” Sunburst asked, “But that doesn’t make any sense. How can a vortex drain magic?”

“I don’t know,” Twilight answered, “But somehow, we opened a pocket of dimensional reality where Equestrian magic can leak through to other worlds. I closed the last vortex too late and somehow now all the magic is draining. If we don’t fix this within three days, just like before, the magic on our world will be gone FOREVER.”

Everycreature in the room gasped inwardly. This was just like with Cozy Glow, only so much worse now.

“I’m so sorry!” Citrine apologized, “I didn’t mean to destroy Equestria!”

“You’ll be fine,” Twilight assured her, “Aside from your well-deserved sentence that will not be appealed by any means, tell your father, you were mind-controlled by strange magic. That was enough to throw out a prison or juvenile detention center sentence in my eyes as you were not in control of your mind, But we still need to figure this out and fix this. Equestrian magic is on the brink of disappearing for good. Ponies will no longer be in control of their world.”

“What happens if magic disappears…?” asked a unicorn student in the crowd softly, “What happens to us…?”

“That is a tough question,” Twilight admitted, “Equestria has enjoyed its second longest period of harmony in years. To suddenly be thrust into this…I’m afraid the solution escapes me. But I think the safest option right now is to transition to remote learning from home and not come to school until this is figured out. That is all we can do. I’ll have my friends and I meet on this. Spike has already sent the summons and Rainbow Dash should get here the fastest.”

“We’ll investigate the catacombs again beneath the school,” Starlight suggested, “Just in case some rogue student is aiding in this disaster and is not telling us.” The students all eyed each other suspiciously. Ocellus felt a tremor of fear course through her. She knew she wasn’t guilty, but she and her friends would be the first to be suspected, being non-ponies. Not all race relations had been solved with Twilight’s coronation and some pony students still threw them dirty looks in the hallway.

“Don’t worry, Ocellus,” Smolder assured her fiercely, “They know we’re not guilty.”

“Do they though?” Ocellus asked, doubting the sentiment, “Look at our classmates, Smolder. They’re eying us.” Smolder noticed this and started pushing prying faces away from her. This was not turning out too well.

Gallus shoved the prying face of a pegasus student aside, “Hey back off! We didn’t do anything!”

“The last thing I want this to turn into is a race war or witch-hunt,” Twilight spoke sternly, sensing the growing tension among the students, “You know that I do not tolerate this, and you are all still subject to my rules despite Starlight being your Headmare. If I hear about any fighting at school, mark my words, your principals will report it to me.”

That seemed to quell the growing unrest for a little bit, although Ocellus sensed that things were about to get a lot worse once they got back to school. Some students begrudgingly apologized and some did not.

“So…there’s nothing we can do to stop this?” Sunburst inquired.

“Unfortunately, no. Aside from your investigation, there is little to nothing we can do at the moment. I’ll call my friends in as I said, as well as the Pillars. If anyone knows more about the Mirror than I do, it’s Starswirl himself. Maybe he can figure out a way to reverse the tide.” Twilight’s voice carried authority and a seemed to quell the growing unrest for a while. As their Princess and former Headmare, the students trusted her judgement. Starlight and Sunburst knew Twilight personally, and Ocellus only had her faith that things would be okay in the end.

There were brief other discussions, but eventually, the visit was finished and everycreature began walking out the doors of the throne room. Ocellus began to think about the memories again when Twilight called her. “Ocellus, could you stay with me, please? I want to talk with you.” Some of the students snickered, thinking that the teal changeling was in trouble. Ocellus ignored them, doing as she was told and staying behind while the others left.

The doors slammed shut, leaving Twilight and Ocellus by themselves.

Author's Note

Another new chapter! The plot thickens! Twilight makes her first real appearance in this story and it looks like we might have another magical crisis on our hooves. Where will this lead? Stay tuned!

Chapter 9: Equestria - Ocellus and the Princess/The Magic of Friendship

The doors to the throne room slammed shut, leaving Twilight and Ocellus alone. Ocellus wasn’t sure what Twilight wanted, whether it was to question her or ask how she was doing. She figured it was most likely the former as there was a crisis going on involving magic and now any student was subject to suspicion, including her.

Instead of outright questioning her, Twilight took a deep breath, stepping gently towards her like a mother comforting a distraught child. She looked Ocellus in the eyes, a look of sincere concern amidst the creases of stress on her face and spoke seven words that shocked Ocellus to her core, “I know what you’re going through, Ocellus.”

“Wait, how did you know?” Ocellus asked, “I thought…time reset and…I was the only one left with my memories. Well besides Citrine Spark now, I guess.”

“I know because I remember Silverstream as you do,” Twilight answered, “I saw gaps in my memories. I remembered Silverstream being a part of the student body and the moment I didn’t see her among you guys, I sensed something had happened. But I’m not sure what. What happened, Ocellus?”

Ocellus felt like bursting into tears again and hugging Twilight right then and there, but she refrained, “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! You remember too! That’s good! You can help me find her! It was my fault! I failed to save her from falling through one of those vortex holes! I watched her fall, possibly DIE, and then the day reset and no one remembered her! I was so scared! I felt like I was going insane, but I’m not!”

Twilight put a hoof out to stop her rambling, “Ocellus, calm down. I remember her, but I’m afraid she is not a part of this world anymore, nor of this reality. We can’t find her.”

Ocellus’s relief turned to dread in an instant, “Does that mean she really…” She couldn’t finish the sentence and was instantly relieved when Twilight shook her head.

“No,” Twilight replied, “She is not dead. Somehow…I can feel in my gut that she isn’t. But she is not a part of this reality anymore. Whatever happened that day…she’s no longer anywhere in Equestria. Nor is she on this planet.”

“Where did she go?” Ocellus asked her, “Will I…ever see her again?”

“I don’t know,” Twilight admitted, “Frankly, space and time is still a concept to which even I know very little. The fact that she’s not here, but not dead…it raises a lot of questions. But until we can figure this out…I’m afraid you’re going to have to try and move on from her.”

“Move on from…” Ocellus couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “No. You can’t be serious. She’s my best friend! She was such a huge part of our lives. She changed our lives. You can’t expect me to just…give her up…”

“Ocellus,” Twilight told her, “Consider the situation. We are in the midst of a crisis that could destroy all magic. I wish I could help you, but I can’t. Even if we were to time travel using the map again, we wouldn’t know where to go nor how to find her. Not to mention, with magic disappearing, we have no way of using any form of time spell.”

“But I…I let her…” Ocellus was cut off by a hoof on her shoulder.

“You didn’t kill Silverstream,” Twilight assured her, “Whatever happened that first day…it wasn’t your fault. You have to stop blaming yourself for things that were outside of your control. From what I’ve seen the previous day, you couldn’t have saved her, even if you tried your very best, which I am sure you did.”

“Why?!” Tears were leaking down Ocellus’s eyes. She didn’t stop them. She didn’t expect Twilight, the Princess of Friendship and ruler of Equestria, to tell her to move on from a friend, “Why can’t we find her?! Why can’t I just have her back with us?! That’s all I want! Why can’t I just have this one thing?! I’ve never wanted anything more…they’re my friends. They accepted and welcomed me when no one else would with me being a changeling. Silverstream never judged me. She never thought me weird. None of the others did…”

“I know,” Twilight said sadly, “It’s a hard loss to bear. And frankly, if it was my choice, I’d help you. I really want to. If it were my choice, I’d search the ends of time and space to find Silverstream and bring her back. As your friend, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But as now the only ruler and sovereign of this nation, I have a duty to my subjects. I have to put Equestria first, as much as it pains me to do so. You know I can’t just leave and endlessly search the cosmos for a mere 1% chance we’d find her.” She sighed, “Being a Princess has always been hard. To step into the limelight and tell those ponies…that I’m resolute about a decision, to be that figure of authority that they need, when I second-guess myself all the time…But I never gave up because Celestia and Luna trusted me…You shouldn’t give up either. There are tons of other friends…waiting for you out there if you just give them a chance to know you. You know that’s what Silverstream would want.”

Ocellus nodded slowly, choking on tears, “I’ve just been…too afraid to open myself up to other ponies…the only reason I sought out Citrine Spark was because of her connection to Silverstream. I didn’t even like her initially…my friends who I have now have always been my comfort zone…”

“Now’s the time to change that,” Twilight encouraged her, “You have an opportunity now. Don’t waste it. Get out there and open yourself up to the world. If there’s any way you can convince your classmates that you are innocent of this whole mess is to try and be their friend. Make them see that you are more than just the stereotypes they want to paint you in. It’s time you take the lessons of friendship that you learned and apply them as you did when rallying your kingdom against Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow. You opened yourself up then. Do it now. But consistently.”

Ocellus sniffled, wiping her tears away. She looked up at Twilight, “Thanks…I really appreciate you talking to me about this…I needed someone. Really.”

“This is what friends do,” Twilight replied, smiling kindly, “Whenever you need any counseling, remember, Trixie is there for you at school. I’m here in Canterlot, and Starlight and Sunburst would be happy to talk to you as well. You know where to find me if you need any help. I’m always there. Now go. I have my friends and the Pillars coming in just 5 minutes.”

“Thanks again, Twilight,” Ocellus thanked her, “I promise I won’t let you down.”

“That’s a good girl,” Twilight said, “Go join the rest of your friends. They should be waiting for you by the station.”

Ocellus nodded. With renewed purpose, she ran out of the doors of the throne room. Her outlook was different now. After being able to talk with Twilight about her feelings, she now had a determination to not let Twilight down. She would always miss Silverstream. But she knew that the hippogriff would’ve wanted her friend to make more friends. And she would do that. She would take the lessons she had learned and apply them at school, and in society.

As Twilight watched one of her former students leave to take on the world, she felt tears of pride coming down her face, knowing that she had done something right. She had set Ocellus on the right path and this was something she did not regret, not even in the slightest. Celestia and Luna would be proud of her.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Meanwhile, Starlight, Sunburst, and the students were waiting by the train station for the Friendship Express to pick them up. The train had been delayed 15 minutes for some mysterious reason and they had no idea why.

Just as she was about to tell everyone to start walking back, Starlight saw something out of the corner of her eyes. It was Ocellus, running towards them.

“Ocellus!” everyone exclaimed. Most of the students were relieved to see that she was okay, and some who were still paranoid grumbled about the fact that she was still alive. Her friends were the most excited to see her, and so was Starlight and Sunburst.

“Are you okay?” Starlight asked, “You weren’t in trouble, weren’t you?”

Ocellus shook her head, smiling, “Twilight helped me. She talked to me about what I was going through. I’m ready to move on now.”

“Move on from what?” Sunburst inquired.

“I’ll tell you about it on the train.” Ocellus replied. Right as she said that, the Friendship Express came into view, finally reaching Canterlot. Ocellus assumed that security must’ve been tight at the gate following the Mirror incident, but it didn’t matter.

As everyone got on the train, Ocellus took one last look at Canterlot before going inside herself, silently thanking Twilight again. She didn’t know how the magic situation would be solved, but she had faith that Twilight and her friends would fix it and make things right. Right now, she had to concentrate on her own life and making friends.

As the doors closed automatically, the train sped away from Canterlot, disappearing into the horizon as the Council of Friendship and the Pillars of Old Equestria arrived at the castle for the meeting.

Author's Note

Ocellus’s character arc completes! For now at least. We’ll see her again, don’t worry. Good gravy was this chapter heavy on the feels! I was crying while writing this. I think the loss of a friend is something we all go through in our lives, and I wanted to make this chapter as real and authentic as possible for those of you who have gone through that. Twilight speaks of her struggles as a leader and Ocellus has to come to terms with moving on from Silverstream. It’s heavy stuff. If you didn’t cry, good for you. To those who did, well, I hope you had tissues nearby.

As always for crucial scenes like this, here are some soundtrack pieces you can play upon re-read:

I Can’t Give You Up (WW84 Complete Score by Hans Zimmer) [Play this until after Twilight says “You know that’s what Silverstream would want.”]
https://youtu.be/eLp2kaWN-yk
Star Wars - The Rise of Skywalker (Epic Orchestral Cover) - The Force Theme by Mathias Fritsche [Play this for the second half of the conversation up until the line appears]
https://youtu.be/Vg1EQzYaeMs

Stay tuned for the next chapter! :twilightsmile:

Chapter 10: Coruscant - The Battle of Coruscant Begins/Young Jedi Bonding

Two weeks passed since Silverstream had gotten the news that she would be knighted. She was extremely ecstatic, going ahead to tell everyone she could about the news. Most of the Padawans got angry at her for her bragging, the Masters congratulated her, and the younglings didn’t care either way. Eventually, Anakin had to lecture her about how the mark of a true hero was humility or something. She knew that, she was just so happy. Katooni and her friends made a habit of training Silver every day for the ceremony, so that she would be ready.

Unfortunately, on the day that Silverstream was scheduled to be knighted by the Council, disaster struck. For Coruscant was about to be struck by a surprise attack by the Separatist Alliance, also known as the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The Clone Wars had been raging for years and while Silverstream was largely unaffected by the war and largely didn’t care as she was mostly staying out of most of the action that Anakin and Obi Wan went on, she was about to be caught right in the thick of it.

It all began inside the Jedi Temple, where Katooni and Petro were getting Silverstream ready for the ceremony. Anakin was on the planet of Yerbana with Obi Wan fighting off a Separatist attack, so Master Yoda had agreed to preside over Silver’s final lesson, which she passed with flying colors.

In her room, Silverstream was getting her Jedi robes fitted. Katooni looked Silverstream over several times, inspecting the robes and making sure they were on right while giving her tips with Petro chiming in every now and then. However, most of the time, they didn’t agree with each other’s tips.

“You need to look confident,” Katooni instructed her, “Look smart, strong, proud!”

Silverstream nodded. She folded her wings, raised her head up high, and thought of how proud Anakin would be once he got back and she was a full on Jedi Knight.

“There’s the smile we’re looking for!” Petro exclaimed, “You walk in like that and even Master Yoda will be scared. I mean, you gotta show off if you want to make the best impression possible!”

“I wouldn’t say ‘show off,’” Katooni countered, “Just look as confident as you can be. Showing off can also result in a negative impression. I don’t want you to be considered a showoff.”

“Aye aye, captains!” Silverstream affirmed, but as she registered the conflicting tips, she got confused, “Wait, what?”

Katooni facepalmed. This wasn’t working at all, and it was almost time for the ceremony to begin. “Petro, you’re confusing her!” she told him sternly.

Petro shrugged, “Well, I’m trying!”

Katooni shook her head, “Just…listen to me, okay? You got this. Just do what you were doing before. Get that confident air on you as you did a few minutes ago. Walk in there and be ready. It’s the most important day of your life.”

Silverstream nodded again, “I won’t let you down!”

“There we go,” Katooni said proudly, “This is your big moment, get out there and shine!”

As Silverstream was about to walk out the door, the ground beneath her began to rumble slightly. Then, it increased to the point where it looked like the Temple was having an earthquake. Silverstream stepped back, fear beginning to overcome her in that moment. ‘Not another world destruction incident!’ She thought with dread.

Petro ran to the window and pointed outside, “Guys, look!” Katooni and Silverstream came to the window to see a massive starship fall from the sky and crash into one of the buildings close to the Jedi Temple. That was no doubt a Republic ship, meaning only one thing.

A battle was happening above Coruscant.

Katooni’s look of absolute horror said it all. She was scared and Silver didn’t blame her. Now the ceremony was probably cancelled and they had no idea how early the battle had begun. More ships began falling and were instantly supplied by clone commanders and Jedi generals supplying aid with their own ships in order to help the Republic navy in repelling the attack. Silver could make out vague outlines of the battle happening above the planet through the thin veil of atmosphere.

“We should help them!” Petro cried in alarm. He ran to the door of their room and opened it, only to be stopped by Mace Windu, who was standing in front of the door, blocking their exit.

“Master Windu!” Katooni exclaimed. Mace Windu regarded them with a stern expression, but an expression full of worry for their safety. He would not see them get hurt.

“I advise the three of you to stay where you are,” Mace Windu advised them, “Coruscant is under attack. General Grievous is leading them.”

“We want to help you, Master!” Petro pleaded, “We want to do something useful for once!! We stopped Grievous once, we can do it again!” Again, the Temple shook violently, the tremors being felt all throughout the vicinity. Mace looked away briefly. There was not much time. He had to keep the Separatist forces away from the Temple at all costs.

“You will not jeopardize your safety again,” Mace told them firmly, “One time was bad enough. You three will stay in that room until we have cleared out Grievous and the droids, understood?”

“But Master-“ Petro began. Katooni put her hand on his shoulder, shaking her head. He glared at her, the rage present on every inch of his face. Petro loved glory, and the excitement of being on the battlefield. That was his thing. But there was no way any of them could last even a single minute in that assault, and all three of them knew it.

Silverstream nodded obediently, “Yes, Master.” Normally, she would’ve argued in Petro’s defense, but she could see where Mace was coming from. It was not from a place of malice. He wanted to protect them, to keep them safe. She wasn’t overly fond of Mace due to him outright calling her a liar 6 months ago, but she respected him nonetheless. It was in their best interests that they stayed put.

Mace Windu looked at her in the eyes for a moment, almost as a gesture of respect or gratitude. Then, the authoritative look came back and he declared, “It will take some time. But with the help of the Grand Army, we can keep them at bay.” With that, he ignited his lightsaber and ran out through the hallway without a second look.

Silverstream closed the door. “May the Force Be With You, Master Windu…” she whispered softly.

The room shook once more and outside, the trio could see the results of the ongoing attack. Clone armies faced off against battle droids, Windu and Master Yoda aiding in the ground attack. They were like fierce warriors fighting off an army of dragons, their sheer strength and agility aiding in the slaying of each attacking opponent. A flash of purple and green and three droids were down. A lone Naboo freighter crashed into one of the buildings in the main Galactic City, causing a severe ripple effect of damage. The result was three buildings completely totaled, the freighter being lost in the ongoing collision.

Katooni closed the curtains. “I don’t want to look at this anymore. It makes me worried.”

“You don’t want to?” Petro questioned her, “We should go out there and help fight! We are not weaklings!! You threw away a valuable opportunity!!”

“What opportunity, Petro?!” Katooni asked him, “To get ourselves killed out there?!” She sighed, “Petro, I know you think you can handle anything after we rescued Ahsoka all those years ago. But you’re not infallible. I’m not. Silverstream’s not. None of us are.”

“You’re a coward!” Petro accused her, “Both you and Silverstream! We had the opportunity to show Master Windu that we’re capable fighters and you both blew it!!”

“How could we have convinced him?!” Silverstream butted in. She knew where this was going, yet she still felt the need to defend Katooni’s position, “You know that we wouldn’t last a single minute out there. I love the thrill of adventure too, but Master Windu wanted to keep us safe.”

“No!” Petro argued, “He wants to keep us weak! He flat out tried to imply that you were lying to the Council about your memory problem, don’t you remember?!”

“That was a misunderstanding, Petro,” Katooni replied, “You don’t understand. There is some things only the Masters can do. Out there, it’s practically a massacre! You want to go out and try to fight that?! Risk getting captured by General Grievous?! The last thing the Order needs is to convince the Republic to mount a rescue mission. Master Windu wants to keep us safe, so that we don’t do anything reckless, a foreign concept to you, I guess!”

Petro scoffed, “Nice excuse, Miss. Weakling. You know there’s a reason why you were never apprenticed to Master Skywalker. Silverstream took your spot because at least she has courage.” This caught Katooni off guard. She looked down in sadness, and Petro capitalized on it, “You two are both weaklings who are too afraid to stand up for yourselves. You didn’t even want to rescue Ahsoka at first because you were afraid that Master Kenobi would get upset!”

“No, I didn’t-“ Katooni began to say.

“Silverstream, you wimped out like the chicken you are when your integrity was questioned,” Petro continued, cutting her off, “Why didn’t you stand up for yourself, hm?! Is it because you thought they’d be mad at you? Is that it?! At least I don’t let people walk all over me.”

Silverstream kept her cool, trying not to let Petro’s words get to her. But all the while she shook with pent-up rage as Petro went after Katooni again. The poor girl was trying to hold back tears, and Silver was moments away from acting on her instincts and flooring Petro right then and there.

“Petro, stop!” Katooni pleaded, “Why are you being so mean all of a sudden? Just because you want to fight and prove something to yourself?!” Her voice was close to breaking.

Petro growled and shouted, “Prove something?! I actually want to help out the Jedi and the Republic unlike you! I am absolutely tired of you!!!” He raised his arm to hit Katooni, who saw this and backed away in fear.

That was when Silverstream snapped.

Using the Force, she picked Petro up and flung him across the room. He hit his head on the door just as the Temple faced another violent shake from the chaos above. He said nothing, only glaring at both of them. The situation had gotten out of hand.

Silverstream quickly came over to Katooni, helping her up. Katooni looked distraught, tears flowing down her face and little sobs coming out. Silver held her close and hugged her as Gallus once did for her back in the caves beneath the School of Friendship. Petro saw this and felt bad. He knew instantly that he had gone too far.

He came over to both of them, “Hey, I’m sorry for almost hitting you. That was too far. I’m really sorry.”

Silverstream wasn’t in the mood to forgive him. Not in the slightest. Looking at him with absolute hatred, she let him have it. “You’re not sorry!! You made her cry! What did she ever do to you, Petro?! She was trying to reason with you, and you almost punch her in the face! Novo be damned I don’t Force-throw you again!!”

Katooni sat up, wiping her tears. “That really hurt, Petro…I don’t know what’s gotten into you…”

Petro sighed. Nothing he said would be good enough to really apologize for his actions. The best thing to do was to leave them alone. As he walked away, Katooni requested to be left one as well. Silverstream let her sit by the window. She felt horrible that she hadn’t intervened when it happened. It had all just happened so fast.

As Petro sat near the doors of the room, Silverstream flopped onto the bottom bed, desperately searching for something, anything to distract herself. Looking underneath one of the pillows, she found a small thin brown book titled: MY JOURNAL. It was a simple title and it was obviously in Katooni’s handwriting. She felt a pang of guilt for looking into someone else’s diary, but she didn’t have anything else to do and Katooni wasn’t looking at her. A slight peek wouldn’t help, right?

She opened the diary and flipped through several pages, coming across one entry that peaked her interest. It was an entry written only a couple days ago that made tears come to her eyes.

Dear Diary,

Silverstream is going to be knighted by the Council soon! I am so excited for her and I really think she deserves it. She’s changed the lives of everyone she’s met for the better, including me. I’m still worried about her memory problem. I’m not sure what caused it, but she seems to be adjusting well. I know I originally thought I’d be apprenticed to Master Skywalker, but if given the chance…I hope I become Silverstream’s Padawan. I know it’s crazy, we’re already close friends, but I don’t know why. I just really want to learn what she’s learned, and we’d be able to hang out a lot more, so that’s always a plus.

I don’t have many besides my friends who really care about me. After Ahsoka left, things just haven’t been the same. But real or fabricated, I can tell that Silverstream really cares about everyone she knows and loves. She can be impulsive sometimes, but that’s part of the reason why I value her as practically a sister. She understands me, and I understand her. We’re both weird and we both care about each other. A Master and Padawan relationship would only be a step up. But I understand if she’s not ready yet. It’s her choice and I’ll be happy for whoever she chooses regardless.

Sincerely,
Katooni

Silverstream gasped softly. She blinked back tears, now understanding the extent of how much Katooni cared about her. She already valued Katooni as a close friend and vice versa, but according to the false memories everyone had of her, they had grown up together and were practically sisters. Silverstream was the closest Katooni had to a family. She wanted someone to love her as there were very few Jedi who acknowledged her existence except for during training. She still had not been apprenticed to anyone yet while Silverstream had. With this realization, Silver decided to talk to Katooni about it. But as she was about to get up, a voice interrupted her:

“Are you looking through Katooni’s diary?”

Silverstream turned and right next to her was Petro, sitting next to her and bore an expression of concern and regret. Resisting the urge to chew him out again, Silverstream faced him, “You hurt her, you know? She was trying to reason with you. Why did you try to punch her like that?”

Petro sighed, “I saw you…hug Katooni there and I felt bad…I shouldn’t’ve done that. You’re right.”

“Go apologize to her,” Silverstream instructed him, “She’ll want to hear it from you, not me.”

“You had the right call,” Petro said, “throwing me across the room. I could’ve done something much worse if you hadn’t stepped in. I don’t understand why…something just…came over me. I would never hit Katooni like that no matter how upset I might be. Yet I was so close to doing just that. What’s gotten into me?”

“She’ll forgive you,” Silverstream assured her, “On…my world, I learned that friendship is the most powerful magic of all…I attended a school specifically for that. They had some great lessons. And because of that…I don’t want to stay mad at you. I shouldn’t. But Katooni needs to hear an apology from you…and I’m not sure how to tell her.”

“Tell her that you looked through her diary?” Petro asked.

“That, and…” Silverstream tailed off, regaining her words after a few seconds, “…the fact that she wants to be my Padawan. I don’t think I’m ready for something like that. I know she loves me very much, but…I don’t think I immediately qualify to choose a Padawan just because I get knighted, do I?”

Petro shrugged, “It happened with Master Skywalker and Ahsoka. His knighting wasn’t that long ago before she was assigned to him.”

“But that’s the thing, she was assigned,” Silverstream replied, “Anakin didn’t choose her. He only accepted her. Katooni thinks I’ll get to choose…”

“I honestly have no idea how the process even works,” Petro admitted, “So I can’t help you. I know Gadoni and Zatt already have knowledge about who their Masters are going to be. They didn’t pick. I doubt any of their Masters picked. I’m not worried about myself because Master Yoda told me a couple days back that I might get assigned to someone in a couple days, so…Just tell her in the best way you can.”

“But what if she doesn’t understand?” Silverstream was beginning to feel worried all over again, “What if she thinks that I don’t want her? All she’s ever wanted is for someone to love and care for her. Jedi are taken at infancy. She never knew her parents. She’s never had a family. All she’s had is you guys…and me. I just don’t want to let her down like that.”

“So what do you want to do?” Petro inquired.

“I was…” Silverstream took a deep breath, “I was thinking of asking the Council if I could choose my Padawan. I don’t know if it’ll work or if I’ll even qualify right away, but…at least then I can tell her that I tried.”

Petro nodded slowly, “I think that would be the best thing you can do for her. You two are practically sisters. Heck, she’s closer with you than she is with me and the others. I don’t know why, but she’s always had that special connection with you.”

“It’s like the Force meant for us to be together…” Silverstream realized, “…But why?”

That question was ingrained in her mind for the rest of the day. As the battle raged outside, the bond of the three grew closer. Later on, Petro apologized to Katooni, who forgave him instantly after having been given hours to think about what happened. Silverstream decided not to tell her about reading her diary just yet as it just seemed like a weird kind of conversation to have. Also, there was the huge probability of Katooni getting upset over having her privacy invaded, and Silverstream wasn’t ready to deal with that situation just yet.

The Battle of Coruscant went on for an extra day, and then another. Reinforcements from all across the galaxy known as the Open Circle Fleet soon arrived to engage the CIS fleet and were able to help the Republic navy battle the Separatist forces. The casualties on the surface soon became apparent. The Jedi had made it their main goal to protect both the Chancellor and the Jedi Temple, specifically with Silverstream and the younglings inside. They could not afford for the Temple to be destroyed at any cost.

General Shaak Ti was sent to protect Supreme Chancellor Palpatine and to prevent Separatist forces from taking him. However, that plan was eventually foiled and word came out that the Chancellor had been abducted by General Grievous. Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi, upon receiving the news, promptly returned to Coruscant after meeting with Ahsoka Tano and Bo-Katan in regards to the upcoming attack on Mandalore, an assault which Ahsoka and Clone Trooper Commander Rex would be leading. While Anakin and Kenobi raced to the Separatist flagship The Invisible Hand to rescue Palpatine, Republic forces were succeeding in driving the Separatist forces back.

That night in the Jedi Temple dorms, Silverstream finally decided to talk to Katooni about what she had learned. She knew she was risking Katooni’s anger out on having her diary read, but she decided to risk it anyway. The realization had haunted Silver for too long for her to continue to keep it to herself.

Petro was already fast asleep on the top bed, and Katooni was preparing to climb into the bottom one when Silverstream decided to talk to her.

“Hey, Katooni?” Silverstream asked, “I want to talk to you…if that’s okay. Something’s been bothering me.”

Katooni nodded, “Oh, okay. We can talk on the bed if you want.” The two of them sat at the edge of the bed, not looking at each other for a full minute until Silverstream broke the silence:

“You don’t think anybody loves you?” Silverstream asked her.

Katooni looked surprised. “What do you mean?”

Silverstream sighed deeply. This was going to be hard. “Katooni…I found your diary underneath a pillow…I ended up reading one of your recent entries and-“

“You read my journal?!” Katooni’s voice had a hint of anger in it, and Silverstream didn’t blame her in the slightest, “Did your Friendship School teach you nothing?! That’s private stuff.”

“Katooni, listen…” Silverstream tried to explain the best she could, “I’m sorry for doing that. I was feeling a little down because you were so sad after Petro almost hit you…I needed something to distract myself and I found that. I read through one of your recent entries and…you want to be my Padawan?”

Katooni looked down in shame. Silverstream put a claw on her shoulder, and she looked at her in the eyes. The moment she did, Silverstream’s heart broke. It was a look of sadness, a look of pain. It was a look that an abused child would have upon meeting someone who treated them nicely for the first time in their life. It was a look of desperation to grab onto the slightest kind word and not let go. Katooni’s next word only confirmed Silverstream’s suspicions.

“Yes…”

“Katooni-“ Silverstream began to say, but Katooni cut her off.

“No no no, it’s okay,” Katooni said quickly, “You don’t have to. I was just…I don’t know. Wishful thinking, I guess. I mean, obviously you probably won’t qualify right away, and it’s probably not your choice. I don’t know what I was thinking writing that. Can we just pretend you never read that?”

“Katooni,” Silverstream told her gently, “It’s okay. You don’t have to hide your feelings from me. We’re like sisters, aren’t we?”

It was then that Silverstream could see that Katooni was beginning to cry again. She wiped her tears hurriedly, “I just…thought it would be a good idea. I mean, we’re so close, and…we’d be able to hang out more often and…” She shook her head, “You probably don’t want to hear me talk about my life.”

“No, I get it,” Silverstream replied, “You never knew your real family. You just want someone to love you and be proud of you, don’t you?”

Sniffling, Katooni nodded, “I dream of them sometimes, Silverstream…I don’t know if it’s a…memory or just a fabrication. But I see their faces, looking upon me, holding me in their arms. Then I wake up, and…I realize it’s just a dream…that no one really acknowledges or cares about me except for when it’s convenient for them. Everything’s about our destiny as the future of the Jedi Order. Aside from my friends, or Professor Huyang…I never got to be myself…Even with my friends, I’m afraid of showing too much vulnerability…But you’re different than that. You never judged me for who I was. I could be myself with you…”

Silverstream absorbed every word and she felt increasingly bad for Katooni. She hated herself for not remembering the memories of them together, even if they were false. If only the Force gave her the memories of both of her lives when she was sent to save Anakin. There had to be something she could do.

“Katooni,” Silverstream said, “I’m sorry you feel so alone. And I hate the fact that I can’t remember my life here. If the Force could only give me the memories of both of my lives…I feel like I should know what we have done together. But I don’t. And I feel like I’m letting you down.”

“It’s alright,” Katooni assured her, “Frankly…I just want to see you become a proud Jedi Knight like Master Skywalker trained you for. I don’t need anyone to love me, as much as I would like it. Attachments are forbidden. All I want is to see you succeed, Silverstream.”

“But I want to help you too!” Silverstream threw her claws up in frustration, “Ugh! Why can’t I have both?! Why can’t I save Anakin and make you feel loved at the same time?! It’s not fair!”

Katooni smiled at her sadly, “We can’t have it both ways, Silverstream. As much as I would love to be your Padawan, it’s not my choice. You can’t choose either, and the sooner I accept that, the better off we’ll both be. You’re going to get out there and be a shining beacon of the Jedi and show Master Skywalker that not all Padawans end up leaving. Some grow up to be great successes and make their Masters proud. You’re one of them, Silverstream. You have a destiny and you have to face it.”

“But I want to help you too!” Silverstream repeated. She felt tears come to her own eyes as well, “Katooni, you never asked for any of this. You never asked to be taken from your home, you never asked for my memory problem, you never asked for everyone to ignore you…all you want is for someone to love you. Why can’t I give you the happiness you deserve?”

“Because the Force has other plans for you,” Katooni comforted her, “I’m already happy. You actually care about me and how I feel. The way you stood up for me when Petro almost hit me…no one has ever done that for me before. I was in shock, so I forgot to thank you, but I’m grateful for what you did…I’m already happy knowing that you’re there for me. That’s all that I need. I don’t need anything else. I already have you and Petro, as well as the others. I graduated from the youngling trials, and I’ll be apprenticed to someone eventually. You have your entire future here in front of you. Don’t let me drag you down. That’ll be the last thing that I want. You can give me happiness by succeeding in your quest.”

Silverstream swallowed back fresh tears. She still planned to ask the Council, but she didn’t want to tell Katooni yet just in case it didn’t work out, “Thanks…I’m sorry I read your diary. I should’ve left it alone.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Katooni assured her, “Honestly, I needed to talk about this, really…It really helps. Just the two of us talking about stuff at night. We should do it more often.”

Silverstream got up, “I’m happy to do that too. So, I’ll sleep on the floor. You can have your space.”

Katooni shook her head, “No way. You’re not sleeping on the floor. We’re sleeping together again. There’s plenty of room for the both of us.”

Silverstream didn’t argue. Climbing into bed with Katooni and pulling the covers up, they both eventually fell into a deep sleep.

Author's Note

Oh wow! This has got to be the longest chapter I’ve ever written! I know I probably said that last time, but I’ve surpassed the record now! This chapter was heavy on the feels too. I really wanted to take a dig at the fact that Jedi took Force-sensitive children when they were just born. For all their virtue and light side teaching, that’s an act that can otherwise be translated in our society as kidnapping, not to mention cult-like behavior. Maybe George Lucas and Lucasfilms didn’t intend this, but it can certainly rub casual viewers the wrong way.

Exploring how this could’ve affected Katooni’s mental and emotional state in the latter half of this chapter was a little difficult, but I think I’m at least proficient at writing emotional character moments, even if I do tend to overuse them sometimes. Get ready for the next chapter as next time we’re skipping some of the events of Revenge of the Sith in order to go towards a pivotal moment of where Silverstream will have to make the ultimate choice in order to save Anakin. Will she succeed? Stay tuned! Act 1 is wrapping up soon! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 11: Coruscant - Palpatine Revealed/Between The Dark & The Light

The next day, the Battle of Coruscant was reported to be over at last. Chancellor Palpatine had been rescued and the de facto leader of the Confederacy, Count Dooku, had been killed by Anakin Skywalker himself. Overall a devastating loss for the Separatists, the Republic had miraculously achieved victory in a battle they had not initially been prepared for.

Over the next few days, Silverstream rarely saw Anakin. She had heard that he had been denied the rank of Master by Mace Windu and that was a crushing blow to his self-pride. She had tried to see him whenever she could, but he was on a mission for the Council, which was growing concerned over Palpatine’s power gain in the Senate and had asked Anakin to spy on him for them. That proved to be a mistake. For Palpatine had the Jedi Knight right where he wanted him. He began to tempt Anakin with knowledge of forbidden Force abilities that the Jedi would never teach him, including the ability to save those he loved from dying.

Silverstream at this point had no idea about her Master’s relationship with Padmé Amidala, only hearing that she was a Senator for Naboo who hung out with Anakin a lot. But something wasn’t right and Silver knew it. She didn’t trust Palpatine. He had always seemed too shady for her tastes whenever she saw him. She certainly didn’t trust him with her Master either. But she had no way of warning Anakin as he was always busy. So she tried to distract herself by hanging out with Katooni and her friends.

But it would all come to a head when Anakin would return to the Temple with a terrifying realization. It all began one night after word had gotten out that Obi-Wan had destroyed General Grievous. Silverstream’s knighting ceremony had been moved to the next day. At the moment, the Jedi Order was set on making sure that Palpatine returned the emergency powers he had gained back to the Senate. As Silverstream had just finished a rehearsal with Katooni, she returned to find the Council Chambers empty. The sun was setting on Coruscant, creating a beautiful orange sky reminiscent of the first time Anakin had confided in Obi-Wan about having a Padawan all those months ago.

How far I have come now, Silverstream thought with a smile as she sat down on one of the Council seats, Mace Windu’s seat, for good measure. She no longer hated Mace, but she still wanted to stick it to him for not believing in her. Sitting in his Council seat was the perfect revenge in her opinion. As she mused about her accomplishments in her mind, the sounds of footsteps pricked her ears. She immediately got up, thinking it was Mace Windu, but instead it was Anakin.

Silverstream immediately brightened upon seeing her Master, but that smile quickly faded upon looking at him. He looked conflicted, concerned, almost distressed. It was nothing like his usual self. This had her worried.

“Anakin,” Silverstream asked him, “Are you okay?”

“Leave me alone, Silverstream.” Anakin said. He sat down in his Council seat, the one next to Obi-Wan, looking deeply troubled, almost as if the Council had betrayed his trust again.

“Anakin,” Silverstream tried.

“Silverstream, leave me alone!!” Anakin snapped, “Would it kill you to leave me alone for 5 minutes?!!” Upon seeing her wide eyes and frightened expression, his manner softened. “Sorry. You can…sit with me if you want.” Silverstream wasted no time in doing so, wanting to catch up with him and find out what was troubling him. It was here where the truth would finally come out.

“What’s going on?” Silverstream inquired, “This isn’t like you. You’re not so…prone to yelling all the time…”

“You wouldn't understand,” Anakin told her, “I never told you any of this. And I don’t want to.”

“Do you think I might tell the Council?”

A soft glare.

“Sorry, sorry!” Silverstream apologized hurriedly, “I was trying to say that I wouldn’t and I won’t. Please…you don’t keep secrets from me.”

Anakin faced her, “I’ve kept more secrets from you than you think. For your own protection, and my own sanity.” He sighed, “Silverstream…Chancellor Palpatine is a Sith Lord.”

Silverstream gasped, “I remember you told me about those guys once. The super scary dark-side wielding Jedi destroyers?”

Anakin nodded, “He’s behind everything, including the war. I told Master Windu about it and they’re going off to confront him.”

“That’s good, right?” Silverstream was confused, “Then the war will be over?”

“Yes, but…” Anakin took a deep breath, “He has the power to save my wife from dying….Padmé…”

“That Senator from Naboo?” Silverstream asked.

“Yes,” Anakin nodded again, “The woman you see occasionally…we’ve been married and she’s pregnant. She’s about to give birth to a child. But…I’ve been having…visions, dreams. In them, Padmé dies in childbirth. I lose her. But…Palpatine said that he could change all that. Some ancient Sith legend. His master taught him to influence the midiclorians to create life. That also includes cheating death…”

The more Silverstream listened, the more she understood why she rarely saw Anakin. Everything fell into place. Palpatine had manipulated everything, manipulated Anakin. Rage came to the surface as she thought of that rotten old man praying on the Master she cared about. Even if it was true, the dark side was not something to be messed with. Anakin had taught her that much.

“Anakin,” Silverstream said cautiously, “Why don’t you believe the Jedi can help you with that? They practice the Force too.”

“Because they don’t like attachments!!” Anakin growled, “If I was to tell them, not only would I lose their trust completely, I would be expelled. Huh?! Do you want that?! Do you want a new Master?!”

“No,” Silverstream began to tremble, “But…you don’t know that. There are plenty who can vouch for you and stop that from happening.”

Anakin scoffed, “Oh yeah?! Who?!”

“Master Kenobi,” Silverstream replied, “Your Master. And me.”

“You’re not on the Council.” Anakin reminded her.

“True,” Silverstream admitted, “But has that ever stopped me from sticking up for you? You stuck up for me when Master Windu doubted me. You weren’t on the Council then. Why can’t I do the same for you? I don’t care about the ban on attachments, Anakin. It’s a stupid law. I’ll be there for you. Me, Katooni, Master Kenobi…everyone who knows and loves you is here to support you. You just have to believe we can.”

Anakin couldn’t help but smile a little, “I’m starting to like this world where you come from. It seems like nothing that I have ever seen before.”

“You’d love it, Anakin.” Silverstream replied, smiling back. The two sat in silence for about 5 minutes, not looking at one another. Anakin seemed to be in deep thought and Silver thought that perhaps he was considering her offer, that he would indeed tell the Council. She didn’t want to pressure him, but she had learned that it was unhealthy to keep things like love and personal attachments to herself. She intended to make good on her word and defend him if things got heated. She just needed to rally Katooni, Petro, and all the others in time.

Suddenly, Anakin stood up, that look of great disturbance back on his face. He glanced at her briefly and then towards the exit.

Silverstream looked up, “What’s wrong?”

Anakin shook his head. “I have to go.” With that, he took off towards the outside of the Temple. Silverstream followed him quickly, worried about where he was going.

Once outside, Anakin found a starship and boarded it. Silverstream kept calling after him, but he didn’t seem to hear her. As the starship took off, Silverstream realized that her worst fears were happening. This was the moment that Qui-Gon had warned her about. She realized that if Anakin was to save the Chancellor, then his turn to the dark side would be complete.

“ANAKIN!!!!” Silverstream screamed at the top of her lungs, but it was no use. Anakin had already left. A figure emerged from inside the Temple. It was Katooni dressed in blue spotted pajamas.

“Silverstream, what’s wrong? I was preparing for bed and I heard you-“ Katooni was cut off mid-sentence by a very stressed out Silverstream.

“Anakin’s gone to the Chancellor’s office!” Silverstream told her quickly, “I don’t know how to get there in time!”

“Chancellor Palpatine?! What-“

“Katooni, there’s no time! You have to get me up there somehow!” Silverstream insisted.

Katooni nodded. “Fly up there, Silverstream. You’ll make it if you leave now. Go!!”

Silverstream nodded back. Unfolding her wings, she rocketed up into the night sky, visions of Jedi dying and Anakin burning on Mustafar assaulting her mind, rendering her unable to think clearly. The Force was warning her that this was it.

She couldn’t fail.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Meanwhile, in Supreme Chancellor Palpatine’s office, a duel of catastrophic proportions was happening. Several Jedi lay on the floor, their bloodied bodies littering the area as Master Mace Windu fought Palpatine. Flashes of purple and red illuminated the room as the embodiments of the light side and dark side fought for control of Coruscant, and of the galaxy’s future.

With each rapid stroke of their lightsabers, the two duelists destroyed everything in their path, the fury and rage on Mace Windu’s face fueling every block and strike as the only duty he had at that moment was to destroy the last of the Sith. There was no room for discussion, no room for diplomacy. It was either Mace killed Palpatine, or die trying his hardest.

A stroke to the head and Palpatine was on his knees momentarily. But the victory was fleeting as the Sith Lord returned with his own offensive strike, catching Mace off guard and forcing him to the defensive. Then, Mace returned with his own strike, cornering Palpatine against the wall and holding the lightsaber to his throat.

“You are under arrest, my lord,” Mace Windu hissed, “I am going to end this once and for all!”

Meanwhile, Silverstream had arrived inside the building. She followed the sound of the two combatants dueling, hoping to catch Anakin there before he did something that could cost his life, or something much worse. No, she didn’t want to think of what could be worse than that.

As she neared the location, she heard the sound of Anakin’s voice. He had arrived. She just hoped she wasn’t too late. She could make out faint echoes of:

“…He must stand trial!”

“…He’s too dangerous to be left alive!”

“…He must live!”

“I need him!!”

The final cry rang out loud and clear and that was when Silverstream knew she had made it. She saw Anakin there, posed as if to strike, lightsaber in hand. She knew she must call out to him or all would be lost. But would he listen? An entirely separate war was ensuing in her mind as a part of her was scared that Anakin was already too far gone. But another part of her knew she could still save him.

With a loud yell, Anakin reared his arm back, ready to strike out at Mace Windu in order to save Palpatine. It was now or never. Taking a quick deep breath, Silverstream screamed as loud as she could:

“WAIT!!!!”

All at once, Anakin paused mid-strike. The tension in the room seemed to die down at that moment as he turned in the direction of that familiar voice. Time seemed to stop. Silverstream faced him, not caring if she was going to die right there or not. Anakin looked shocked, even a little afraid.

“ANAKIN!!!” Palpatine shouted angrily.

Silverstream shook her head slowly, her worry and concern for Anakin seemed to calm the young Jedi Knight down, if only for a brief minute of realization of what he was just about to do.

“Silverstream…” Anakin’s voice was trembling. He turned his lightsaber off as tears welled up in his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to save Padmé, but at what cost? If he killed Mace now like he was right about to do, Silver would think him a monster forever. Then not only would he lose his wife, he would also lose his Padawan…again.

“Please,” Silverstream pleaded softly, “Let’s go…”

Anakin nodded. She was right. This wasn’t worth it. He’d be much better off telling the Jedi about his secret. The dark side of the Force was a path one couldn’t go back on, even if they wanted to. He just hoped he wouldn’t be expelled for violating the attachments ban.

*SNAP*

The severed head of Palpatine rolled right next to his body. In that moment of distraction for Anakin, Mace had delivered the killing blow, decapitating the treacherous Sith Lord in one strike to the head. The duel was over.

Mace stood over the deceased Sith Lord like a warrior who had just killed his nemesis. He shut off his lightsaber, pausing to catch his breath. The Office was in ruins and the bodies of the dead Jedi Masters served as a cruel reminder of the battle that had taken place.

Anakin walked over towards Palpatine’s corpse and let out a powerful scream of agony, his only possible hope of saving Padmé gone. She would die and he wouldn’t be able to say goodbye to her. He fell to his knees, sobbing relentlessly. Mace looked confused, but Silverstream gave him a look saying she would explain to him later. Mace nodded and Silver put a comforting claw on Anakin’s shoulder.

Anakin looked up at her, tears flowing down his face. She let him cry into her chest as she held him. She had saved him as Qui-Gon had foretold, but she never expected it to be this painful to witness. How much did Padmé really mean to him? She vowed she would do whatever it took to help Anakin save her, no matter what she had to do in order to get the Council’s help. She silently promised him as much.

Qui-Gon’s prophecy had been fulfilled at last. The Chosen One had been saved.

Author's Note

Silverstream fulfills Qui-Gon’s prophecy!! Oh boy. This was difficult to write for, from trying to accurately recreate (almost) the exact same scenes and fight choreography as seen in Revenge of the Sith to Anakin’s emotional breakdown afterwards. At least with the latter, I had Man of Steel to go off of again as a reference and imitation point, but good gravy, I don’t think I’ll be able to write a sequence with that much suspense and tension again. You guys be the judge.

As always, here’s the soundtrack piece you all can listen to when reading the latter half of this chapter:

Battle Continues (a.k.a: If You Love These People) |Man of Steel (Complete Motion Picture Score)
https://youtu.be/v0yMwi94VhI

Next chapter is the end of Act 1. You didn’t think this was the end of the story, did you? :ajsmug:

Chapter 12: Coruscant - The Knighting Ceremony/Silverstream’s Selection (End of Act 1)

Two Days Later…

Silverstream stood in the middle of the circular room of the Hall of Knighthood, surrounded by many Jedi Masters, each with their lightsabers held high in the air. Master Yoda stood on a floating pod, looking directly at her. This was it. This was the moment she had been training for.

The Clone Wars had ended a day ago and reparations were scheduled to be made, which pushed her knighting ceremony back another day, much to her frustration. The previous night, she had been treated to a mock ritual courtesy of Katooni and her friends, each acting out the part of the specific Master according to what Anakin had told them about the event.

To say that Petro had played the part of Master Yoda well was an understatement. He had practically nailed the gruff voice and reverse dialect, so much so that Silver was convinced for a moment that he was in fact Yoda in disguise. Afterwards, the younglings all slept in the same room as sort of a quasi-sleepover type event, though Katooni had no idea how to host one, so Silverstream had to help her.

Now Silverstream was standing before all the high-ranking Masters of the Jedi High Council. Several Padawans were scheduled to go after her and she had been selected first. She took several shaky breaths to calm her nervousness and fear, imagining the look of joy on Anakin’s face when she emerged from the Jedi Temple as a full-fledged Knight.

Master Yoda finally looked up, addressing the other assembled Masters with the beginning of the ceremony. He spoke loud and clear, the voice of authority carrying over to everyone present:

“All Jedi, we are,” the Grand Master spoke, “speaks for us, the Force does. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today, we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed.” He focused on Silverstream. “Step forward, Padawan.”

The Padawans in the back all raised a collective breath as Silverstream stepped forward, getting down on her knees. Master Yoda raised his bright green lightsaber and proclaimed, “Silverstream Starflight, by the right of the Council,” He touched his saber to her right shoulder, “By the will of the Force,” He touched her left shoulder, “Dub thee, I do. Jedi.” With a strike of his saber, he severed her Padawan braid, which fell to the floor in a grand gesture of leaving its host, “Knight of the Republic.”

Silverstream stood up proudly. All the Masters tipped their heads in acknowledgement to her. She could barely contain her excitement. There was no applause as that was not considered standard protocol, but she didn’t need any. She was just so elated. Master Yoda had the proudest smile he had had in a long time. Here was his former Padawan finally graduating to the next level of her training. A hero to the galaxy.

She had saved the entire Republic and the Jedi Order. No longer was she the scared hippogriff she was when she first came. She truly belonged. She had a family.

But there was still one thing she had to do.

“Master Yoda,” Silverstream asked, “I just have one request, if that’s okay.”

Master Yoda nodded once. “Your friend Katooni, hm?”

Silverstream nodded back, desperately hoping that he would say yes to her proposal. She took a deep breath and told him what was on her mind.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
The skies above Coruscant were a cloudy haze. It was still early in the morning when the ceremony was taking place. A crowd of citizens had gathered in front of the Jedi Temple, wanting to catch a glimpse of the Padawan-turned-Knight who had saved Coruscant and ended the Clone Wars. They had no idea who this Jedi was, yet upon the broadcast saying that she had a connection to Anakin Skywalker, they became curious.

Speaking of Anakin, he, along with Katooni and her friends, managed to squeeze to the front of the crowd, watching through the gradually clearing fog for Silverstream. As the fog began to subside, a figure became visible, walking towards the crowd.

“Look!” shouted somebody in the crowd, “The Jedi Knight!”

The figure stopped. The fog cleared completely to reveal Silverstream decked out in Jedi robes and carrying her light blue lightsaber. She looked at the assembled crowd in confusion, not understanding what they had gathered for.

That was when the crowd broke into thunderous applause, all gathering around the puzzled pink hippogriff. Anakin and Katooni rushed over to try and pry the ecstatic crowd off of poor Silverstream. As the crowd reluctantly parted, Anakin exclaimed proudly, “That’s my Padawan! That hippogriff right there, I trained her myself!” He then proceeded to tackle Silverstream in a bear hug. “Way to go, Silverstream!!”

Silverstream hugged back, gently pushing him off soon afterward so she could breathe. She laughed and smiled, “Thanks, Anakin.” That was when she noticed Katooni, Petro, Zatt, Gadoni, Gunji, and Byph all looking at her, “Oh, hey guys.”

Katooni was the first to bow down. “Master,” she addressed her respectfully. The other younglings followed suit, echoing the word.

Silverstream faced Katooni, thinking she might as well tell her what had transpired in the Temple. But first, they had to get away from the prying eyes of the crowd, “Speaking of ‘Master,’ can we talk in private? Just the two of us? Away from this crowd?”

Katooni had an expression of concern as she nodded. The two stepped away from the crowd and towards the Great Tree, the only secluded place outside the Temple. The crowd whispered to themselves as the two went.

Once they were alone, Katooni initiated the conversation, “So what happened in there? You seemed pretty worried.”

“That’s because I didn’t want to tell you in front of everyone,” Silverstream replied, “It just didn’t seem right. Katooni, you remember what you told me that night during the Battle of Coruscant? How you wanted to be my Padawan?”

Blushing slightly in embarrassment, Katooni nodded slowly.

“I asked Master Yoda about it earlier,” Silverstream told her, “I told him everything.”

Katooni took a deep breath, bracing herself for the rejection. She put on the best emotionless face she could, “I’m ready.”

“He said yes.” Silverstream answered, a wide smile on her face as she revealed the news.

Katooni was about to reply, then stopped momentarily in shock as she processed the news, “R-really…? You’re not joking with me, you’re 100% serious right now?” she asked quickly.

Silverstream nodded. “I couldn’t believe it myself! He told me that I had earned the right to choose! How cool is that?”

Tears came to Katooni’s eyes. She couldn’t believe it. All she could muster was, “Thank you, Silverstream…” That was when the tears started flowing. They were happy tears, the tears of a child being adopted at last.

The two of them embraced one another, their friendship and close bond now forever strengthened by the new development. Katooni finally had a mother figure in Silverstream as her Master. It didn’t matter that the two were roughly about the same age. Family was family.

When they finally released each other, they looked off in silence, staring at the city now illuminated by the sun fully rising. They didn’t say a word for about 5 minutes until Silverstream broke the silence:

“Do you want to go tell everyone?”

A brief pause, then a reply:

“…Yeah.”

END OF ACT ONE

Author's Note

Act 1 officially concludes! For this chapter, I had the pleasure of ripping off the ending for Kung Fu Panda to an extent. Katooni finally gets apprenticed! I am so glad that I got to write the two ending up together to conclude this first part. I originally wanted to open the second act with that and have Act 1 end with Palpatine’s death, but I felt that would’ve been too grim and each Act deserves a happy ending of its own as a self-contained story in a way, unless otherwise stated by me.

Now, it’s hiatus time. I have a link to a blog post explaining everything. https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/976546/star-wars-the-trials-of-the-force-will-be-going-on-a-short-hiatus-after-act-1-concludes

But don’t worry, loyal readers, likers, and favoriters of this story. I’m not quitting. I just need a little break to focus on my other story. You all should check it out in the meantime. To new followers of mine, that story is called ‘Guardians of Harmony: A Friendship is Magic Retelling.’ Please do check it out as the hiatus for that story is over and I’m back to working on that story.

Here’s the link: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/501927/guardians-of-harmony-a-friendship-is-magic-retelling

Now on for personal thoughts, this chapter was a lot of fun! I know it may seem the ending was a bit rushed, and you can certainly say it is, I won’t fault you for thinking that, but trust me, it wasn’t. This was the ending I planned after I changed ideas as mentioned above. I’ve been ripping off Man of Steel quite a few times, so why not rip off Kung Fu Panda also? It’s fitting in my opinion, but you guys can be the judge as always. Katooni and Silverstream’s relationship will be fleshed out more in the next Act as we get to the darker sections of this story. It’s going to be great.

But until then, I will see all of you (except the comment-disliking troll. You’re not welcome) over on GoH. To close out, here are the two soundtrack pieces you all can listen to while reading in chronological order:

Mark Petrie - “Majestic” (Knighting ceremony portion)
https://youtu.be/LV9lMX4AjTw

“Dragon Warrior Rises” by Hans Zimmer (Second half/Ending)
https://youtu.be/1O3t2MfFb8Q

See you all later! :pinkiehappy:

Interlude Pt 1: Return To Coruscant/Silverstream’s Plea

Present Day….

Silverstream paused after explaining the part about taking Katooni in as her apprentice. She fought back the rush of tears upon thinking of her. Her friends looked curiously at her, expecting her to continue with the story. When she didn’t, they looked at each other worriedly. Then they looked at her with concern.

Ocellus was the first to speak up.

“Silverstream…we had no idea how close you two were…”

“So that’s why you kept avoiding talking about her,” Sweet Leaf realized, “Oh Silverstream…I’m so sorry. You don’t have to tell us what happened if you don’t want to.”

“I’m still curious,” MJ stated flatly. The others glared at her, “What? If we’re going to find her, we have to know how she got taken and where she is.”

Citrine Spark nodded, “I agree. But she can tell us whenever she wants to. She clearly doesn’t like talking about this.”

Silverstream shook her head, “No. Talking about this is actually good for me. I’m happy you asked me to relive this. As I said, you all deserve to know the truth.”

“Just do it at your own pace,” Ocellus told her, “We’re here for you.”

Silverstream opened her mouth to continue the story when the cabin suddenly rocked violently and everyone had to grab on to the holochess table in order to avoid falling on each other.

Hondo’s voice came over the loudspeaker.

“Ride’s over, kiddies!! We’ve arrived!!”

Silverstream wasted no time in running to the cockpit and catching a bird’s-eye glimpse of Coruscant. She breathed a sigh of happiness. She hadn’t been back in so long. The Jedi must’ve missed her so much!

The Stellar Envoy touched down on Coruscant in front of the Jedi Temple. Through the large windows of the cockpit, Silverstream spotted a crowd gathered, watching the ship land. It took her a few minutes to register that the assembled crowd was the Jedi Council Masters, recognizing Master Yoda and Master Windu among others.

She took a deep breath to swallow her nervousness. They probably had some choice words for her considering that she had snuck out on her own without their permission. Of course, Anakin had given her his permission, but he had little to no authority and she had been gone for a full 2 years.

The ramp lowered and Silverstream stepped down alongside Hondo. The Jedi Council all wore expressions of contained anger or concern. Master Yoda looked like he hadn’t slept in a long time. How much had he worried about her throughout all those years?

“Um…hello, Masters,” Silverstream bowed down to them when she finally exited the ramp. The gesture did nothing, however, to quell the tension that had obviously built up.

Master Yoda noticed her, “Found your Padawan, have you, Silverstream?”

Silverstream shook her head, “I’ve come for help. I know you are probably mad at me and I’m very sorry.”

“We’ll talk about this in the Council Chambers,” Mace Windu told her sternly, “I see you have brought Hondo with you.”

“Salutations, Master Jedis!” Hondo exclaimed, “It is I, your ‘ol pal Hondo! Here to rescue my young damsel in distress!!” He bowed playfully to the Jedi. Mace Windu scowled while Obi Wan smiled slightly.

“Let’s go,” Mace Windu said. He and the other Jedi started walking single-file towards the Jedi Temple. Hondo followed suit. However, Master Yoda stayed where he was. His face looked solemn and grim and Silverstream instantly felt terrible for leaving without telling anyone.

“Talk more, we will,” Master Yoda said, “Missed you, Skywalker has. Your friends, you may bring.”

“Wait, how did you know that I had-“ Master Yoda pointed towards the ship. Silverstream glanced behind her and saw Citrine Spark peeking her head at the conversation. Silver motioned for the others to descend the ramp. They did.

Master Yoda then headed towards the Jedi Temple, Silverstream and her friends following close behind him.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
“Woooooow! This is AWESOME!!” Citrine Spark exclaimed once everyone was inside the Temple. Silverstream did her best to show everyone around while on their way to the Council Chambers.

“I can’t believe we’re in the real Jedi Temple,” Sweet Leaf was practically shaking with excitement, “My mind is officially blown! All those years of telling my parents the Star Wars universe was real, I was right!”

“You told your parents Star Wars was real?” MJ asked incredulously.

“Hey, don’t look at me,” Sweet Leaf protested, “I was only 10-12 years old during that phase! I grew out of it come the sequel trilogy. That was not my favorite.”

Ocellus also seemed fascinated with the area around her, flying around, checking every last detail, and squealing with excitement at every thing she looked at.

‘Reminds me of myself,’ Silverstream thought to herself fondly. Those innocent days seemed like a distant memory now. She imagined that everycreature back home had moved on with their lives. She was gone, Ocellus was gone, no one had any reason to remember her now.

Eventually, they reached the Council Chambers where all the Masters, including Anakin Skywalker, had already assembled. Anakin looked excited to see her, but Obi Wan glanced at him, silently telling him to maintain the serious situation and that there would be time for reunions later.

“Stay here, girls,” Silverstream instructed them. They nodded in unison. She stepped into the room, bowing down in respect to the Masters.

“We are gathered here today to welcome Silverstream’s return,” Mace Windu began, “and to ask her a couple questions about her journey, so that we may learn of the worlds she has explored while on her failed quest, as well as hear what she has to say.”

The words “failed quest” hit Silverstream like a ton of bricks. They were implying that her journey was over. It was not. Not until she got the help she needed. She imagined poor Katooni feeling scared out of her mind right now, being starved and tortured by the boy she called a brother. It made her sick.

She took a deep breath, “I’ve come asking for your help. I can’t do this alone.”

“What are you saying, Silverstream?” Master Plo Koon asked her.

“While on my journey…” Silverstream explained, “I’ve been to a lot of places…and learned a lot of things. And I realized…that even with the combined forces of my friends, there was no way we were going to get Katooni out there alone by ourselves. I’ve come to ask the Republic and the Jedi’s help again in rescuing Katooni…Please…”

Before the Council could even ponder, Mace Windu spoke up immediately, “The answer was no before and the answer is no now.”

“But Master Windu-“ Silverstream tried to say. He cut her off.

“Let’s get the facts straight, Silverstream. You left without telling us, after we specifically instructed you not to do anything, and you roped Anakin into this. We told you not to do anything, and you did. I should’ve known you two were too close.”

“Too close?!” Silverstream knew that she shouldn’t yell, but she couldn’t help it. What Master Windu had said infuriated her, “Too close?! All she wanted was for someone to love her and care about her! I gave her that and she was finally happy for once! What’s so bad about that?!”

“Attachments are forbidden,” Mace Windu continued, “You have violated the attachments ban in a way that could get you expelled from the Order if I wanted to.”

“Master Windu,” Obi Wan interjected, “You are being too harsh on her. She’s been gone a long time. Surely we can tell her no more nicely than that?”

“No,” Mace Windu countered, “Silverstream, you are lucky that I don’t expel you right now. If I did, Anakin and Obi Wan would never let me see the light of day. But it is tempting.”

That was when Silverstream finally snapped and she let loose all that pent up anger at the Master who she was beginning to build respect towards, but who also lost that respect immediately.

“Tempting?! The only thing I did wrong, Master, was give Katooni someone to care about her!! How would you feel if you always wanted someone to love you and never got that because attachments are forbidden?! You guys steal these younglings when they’re just born!! You steal them away from their families and you don’t even give them love in return! What does that say about you all, the so-called peacekeepers of the Republic?! When you brainwash these kids since birth, but don’t even give a shit about them when they’re captured or kidnapped?! You’re a cult, that’s what you are!!”

“That’s it! You’re expelled!!” Mace Windu shouted back, “You leave at daybreak tomorrow!!”

Silverstream didn’t care. Spitting in Mace Windu’s face, she ran out of the Council Chambers, sobbing uncontrollably. Her friends saw her run off and headed after her.

“Silverstream, wait!!” Ocellus called out, “Tell us what happened!!”

Silverstream headed outside of the Temple and towards the Great Tree, where she lay down and bawled. It wasn’t fair. If Katooni were there now to learn thar the Jedi Council didn’t really care about her at all, she would’ve been heartbroken. Silver felt betrayed. She gave up on going home to fight for the Jedi Order, she put her all into training, she risked her life on that fateful night to stop her Master and save the Order. And they didn’t even care. If she were to be captured by any rogue enemy, the Jedi wouldn’t do anything to save her, she realized. No, they would leave her to her fate because “attachments were forbidden.” She hated herself for putting her all for a group that couldn’t care less about her. Save for a few exceptions, the Jedi had been very apathetic towards her entire existence. She realized now that she had been too innocent back then to realize that.

‘The Sith should’ve killed them,’ Silverstream thought bitterly.

Author's Note

I edited out the last part of this chapter so I can include it later down the line. Sorry if you all enjoyed that section. Stay tuned for the next chapter! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 13: Equestria - Twilight’s Sacrifice & The Crystals/The Magical Crisis Pt 2

ACT 2: BETRAYAL OF A JEDI

The Moon was hanging gracefully in the night sky, the stars shining with all the love and warmth of their creator. Though she had retired, the legacy of the former Princess of the Night had continued on in the dark purple canvas that encased the sky every night.

Everypony was asleep at this time. The only noises that were heard were the animals that came out at night, as well as the crickets chirping. Other than that, the cities were quiet. Canterlot was illuminated by the silver glow of the Moon, which was at its fullest. Though the city was quiet, if one were to look close, they could see something stirring. The drawbridge that led to the city was being lowered.

A silhouette of an alicorn was flying out of the city.

It was none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle, her body and facial features concealed in a black cloak. She wore an expression of deep concern and worry. Tears were at the corners of her eyes as she flew higher and higher into the sky. Magic was on the verge of complete dissipation. She didn’t have long. She didn’t know if she would live or die. Starswirl had told her that there was no other way, that she would have to make this choice or let Equestria die. She had spent days researching the spell. She knew the risks, she knew what she would be sacrificing. It didn’t matter to her. The safety of Equestria mattered to her more.

The air was becoming harder to breathe as she ascended further in the atmosphere. Eventually, she reached the perfect distance to cast the spell. Throwing off her cloak, she watched it fall to the ground far beneath her. Ponyville seemed all but tiny from a bird’s eye view. She knew what she had to do. She would save them. She would save all of them. She would explain to her friends later what had happened. Briefly, she thought of the conversation she had with Ocellus about the latter’s grief over losing Silverstream, how she told the young changeling to go out and pursue her dreams, make new friends, and enjoy life. Now she was going to practice what she preached. She would save Equestria and then enjoy life with her friends.

If she lived through this.

Closing her eyes, she let the memories of her friends flow through her, just in case this would be her last time alive. She thought of her parents, the Princesses…her brother Shining Armor…Spike…potentially leaving him hurt the most. If she died, he would never know what happened. She had neglected to tell him. That was her only regret. He would grow up hating the world for no reason at all. But it was a risk she had to take. She couldn’t spare his feelings and let Equestria suffer without magic.

Tears began streaming down her face as she began to charge up the spell. A spark of pink magic became an aura and then a full bubble of magic encased her. She would be separating her alicorn magic back into its original earth pony, unicorn, and pegasus components. In doing so, she would be losing her immortality and her alicornhood, the destiny that Celestia had fought so hard to give her. If Citrine Spark had never touched that Magic Mirror all those weeks ago, the crisis never would’ve happened. But she couldn’t blame her former student. She had been under the influence of dark magic. She had managed to commute the yellow unicorn’s sentence to just 72 hours of community service and with a last Princess Pardon, she had pardoned her former student after thinking about it for a while. It was the least she could do.

The magical energy became stronger and her eyes glowed full white. There was no time for anymore thoughts, only action. With a loud scream, she unleashed all the magic from her inner being, creating a supersonic blast of rainbow magic that resembled the Sonic Rainboom. The rainbow ring cascaded throughout Equestria, the sound of her screams traveling with it. The sound was so loud, it awoke any pony that heard it. Wherever the rainboom went, the magic returned with it.

The sound was heard loudest in Ponyville. Everycreature ran outside just in time to see a very large image of Twilight’s cutie mark explode into being in the sky, the very same image that had appeared when she had become an alicorn all those years ago. Her friends registered what was happening immediately, but were too late to stop it. Ocellus and the rest of the other Young Five saw what was happening too. Standing in the midst of the assembled crowd, Ocellus saw the massive magenta star slowly lower to the ground and fought back tears, recognizing what her former principal had done and hoped that she was still alive.

Thankfully, when the white flash of light cleared, Twilight was still alive, though she had changed. She was no longer an alicorn, nor a unicorn. Her wings and horn had vanished and she was now an Earth Pony. She had given up being a Princess to save Equestria.

Immediately, Applejack and Rainbow Dash ran over to help Twilight stand, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie following.

“Can you…” Twilight panted with exhaustion, hoping desperately that the spell had worked.

Rarity nodded, her horn lighting up a light blue.

“You did it, darling. You saved us.”

“I’m so sorry, sugarcube,” Applejack told her, “That must’ve been a hard decision to make.”

“Who’s going to rule Equestria now?” Rainbow Dash asked her.

“Starswirl and the Pillars…” Twilight replied, “The Pillars will rule Equestria…until a new ruler can be chosen…”

“Twilight…?” a soft voice came. Twilight turned. It was Fluttershy, standing next to Ocellus. The poor pegasus was in tears and Ocellus was trying to comfort her.

“Fluttershy,” Twilight said, “It’s okay. Magic is back. I’ve fixed everything. Now I can live the rest of my life with all of you. Maybe become a teacher at the school or something.”

“But your destiny,” Ocellus said, shaking her head in disbelief, “You gave up your alicornhood to save us…Why? One of us is the cause of all of this.”

Twilight smiled weakly, “It doesn’t matter. You know how I told you that you should enjoy life instead of worrying about the past?” Ocellus nodded, “I figured I’d do the same thing. I’ve pardoned Citrine with my last act as Princess, and I’m going to focus on helping Equestria from Ponyville once again…”

“Look!” Starlight pointed up at the sky, where three crystals were slowly being lowered to the ground. One was a small pink crystal representing the Unicorns, the second crystal was a large blue one in the shape of outstretched wings to represent the pegasi, and the final crystal was a white circular jewel for the Earth Ponies.

Twilight picked all three of them up, “These crystals contain the source of your magic. My magic.” She shoved all three of them together with her hooves, “They must be kept together at all times. Should they be separated, the magic will fade away too.”

“We’ll protect and guard them with our lives,” came Starswirl’s voice. Twilight turned to her left. The Pillars of Old Equestria had arrived in Ponyville. Twilight hoofed the conjoined crystals over to the unicorn wizard, who took them with his magic, “We will make sure they will never be separated at any cost. Your legacy will live on, Twilight.”

Twilight shook her head solemnly, “I don’t care about a legacy, Starswirl. I’m just glad that this is over.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Coruscant….

Loud yells…shouts and cries…a blast of immense power…three crystals of magic…

Silverstream awoke in a cold sweat once again, screaming Twilight’s name. She had dreamt of the sacrifice that Twilight had made back in Equestria and she couldn’t believe it. Since the Clone Wars, she had learned to trust in the Force whenever she had a strange dream or vision. This could only mean one thing.

Twilight had sacrificed herself to save Equestria. Whether she was alive or dead, Silver didn’t know. What she did know though was that something had happened back home involving her former Headmare. And she would never know what it was as the dream had not finished and she was unlikely to have it again.

She made a mental note to bring it up to either Master Yoda or Anakin in the morning as they would listen and know about Force-induced visions.
In the meantime, she lay back down and eventually fell fast asleep once more.

Author's Note

Twilight creates G5!! :pinkiegasp:

Well, this is the second Twilight-focused chapter of the story to kickstart Act 2. I guess I did include her after all in this tale, well woop dee doo. Looks like I’m ready to commit to writing Guardians of Harmony since I can actually write Twilight at least competently. This chapter was based on Sawtooth Wave’s legendary theory video explaining what happened to Twilight in G5. Here’s the link:

The Fate of Twilight Sparkle
https://youtu.be/lovjysipmpE

To be clear as to where this story takes place chronologically, it takes place a few months after Twilight’s coronation, so the events of the Last Problem are not canon in this story’s continuity.

As we move into Act 2, here’s the soundtrack piece to play for Twilight’s sacrifice.

Forget Me Knots (Spider-Man: No Way Home Soundtrack)
https://youtu.be/36IHX306qeg

Stay tuned for the next chapter whenever that is! :twilightsmile:

Chapter 14: Coruscant - The First Lesson/Petro Betrayed

Silverstream was shaken awake by a girl in a light blue headdress, thoughts of stairs and plumbing being ripped away from her mind as soon as they had appeared.

Through blurry vision, she realized that her “assailant” was none other than her new Padawan Katooni, who had gotten up earlier in the morning and was already dressed.

“Master! Silverstream! Wake up! Wake up!” Katooni encouraged her excitedly. She was jumping up and down like an extremely happy child. Silver was tired, but she couldn’t help but smile at her appreciate’s enthusiasm. It reminded her of herself just not too long ago. She remembered when she used to get up early in the morning before the rest of her friends. Now constant training wore her out considerably and she slept like a rock.

“What for…?” Silverstream asked tiredly. Stupid question. She knew why Katooni was up so early. She had promised to begin training first thing in the morning at the latter’s insistence. Sure enough, she was reminded of that promise.

“It’s my first day of training, Silverstream!” Katooni exclaimed, “You said that you would start training me at 6 AM! It’s 7!!” She was continuing to hop in place while poking and prodding at her master.

Finally, Silverstream gave in. She sat up and stretched, yawning loudly. Hopping off the bed beside her Padawan, she smiled. “Alright, Katooni. I’m up. Let’s go.”

“Alright!!” Katooni replied back, pure excitement on her face.

As they walked out of the dorms, Katooni began rambling about how she was going to master every single thing in one week and impress all the Masters. Silverstream couldn’t help but smile once more, again reminded of her innocent days at the School of Friendship. Equestria seemed like a distant memory now, but she still remembered her friends. She would never forget them no matter how much time passed. Thinking about them now made her a bit sad. She tried to cover it up, but unfortunately, Katooni noticed.

“Master Silverstream?” Katooni asked her, concern present in her bright blue eyes.

Silverstream shook her head. “I’m fine. Just…thinking. What do you want to start with? We can try Force levitation, practicing your form, levitation? I probably already said levitation.”

Katooni nodded. “I know something is bothering you. Are you worried about Master Skywalker? He’s doing fine, taking care of the twins.”

“I’m not worried about Anakin, I…” Silverstream tailed off.

Katooni seemed to understand now. She stopped walking, looking at her new Master right in the eyes, “Are you…homesick?”

Through gathering tears, Silverstream nodded. She had to be honest with her Padawan, even if it meant admitting to breaking the Jedi Code.

“Master,” Katooni tried to comfort her, “I understand what that’s like-“

“Katooni, stop.” Silverstream stated firmly, “It’s nothing you should be concerned about. Just focus on learning, okay? You can make me happy by focusing on your training. Does that sound good?”

“Sure, I guess…” Katooni seemed uncertain to drop the subject, but it was clear that her Master wasn’t going to budge.

“Great!! Here we are!!” Silverstream exclaimed, changing the subject almost as soon as it had appeared. They were outside of the Temple now and heading towards the Great Tree, where a familiar face was meditating.

It was Anakin, eyes closed and sitting cross cross on the ground with several pebbles around him all arranged in circular fashion.

“Master Skywalker!!” Katooni shouted, breaking the Chosen One’s concentration almost immediately. The pebbles that were beginning to be lifted into the air fell pathetically to the ground. He glared at the girl, but brightened immediately upon seeing Silverstream.

“Silverstream!” Anakin rushed up to hug his former apprentice, returning to his position immediately afterwards, “How are you doing? Did you get some good night’s sleep?”

“I did!” Silverstream answered, “I’m feeling so much better now that I’m not plagued every night by those Force-induced visions of you turning to the dark side. What are you doing?”

Anakin closed his eyes once more. “One of Obi Wan’s final teachings.” He moved his arms from left to right, vice versa, across, and back down again, feeling the Force flowing through him. All at once, the fallen pebbles lifted up into the air, spinning around him in rapid succession. He clasped his hands together, the pebbles forming various shapes before falling down again. He opened his eyes again, smiling proudly.

Silverstream’s jaw dropped open in shock. Katooni looked really impressed. It was obvious that neither of them had ever seen a feat like that done before.

“Wow! That’s amazing!” Katooni complimented him, “Hey, Silverstream? Can that be my first lesson?”

“Ummmmmmm…”

“Sorry,” Anakin told her, standing up. “But that requires tons of practice. And that’s something only Obi Wan taught me. It’s not mainstream Jedi teaching. In order to teach you, Silverstream will need to learn it, which she can do of course.”

Silverstream laughed. “Probably after we’re done. I’m really curious to learn this thing. What should I teach Katooni though?”

“Just teach her everything I taught you and she’ll be fine.” Anakin suggested, taking his leave and leaving the two to practice their lessons.

Silverstream sighed. “Well, that’s not very helpful. Alright, Katooni. We’ll begin with Force levitation. You already know that stuff, right?”

Katooni nodded quickly. “Watch this!” She raised her hand up and sent a huge boulder seemingly from out of nowhere flying into space, only to land moments later on an unsuspecting Jedi youngling. She cringed upon seeing that.

Silverstream tried to smile despite seeing the damage. “Okay. I mean, it’s a good start. But maybe try to hold it longer and move it out of that boy’s way?”

“Sorry,” Katooni apologized, “I’ll try it again.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————
After practice, Katooni was feeling discouraged. Silverstream had encouraged her to keep practicing on her own, but at this point, she doubted she could master advanced Force levitation.

As she was walking alone, she accidentally bumped into Petro while on her way back to the Temple. Both of them fell over, picking themselves back up.

“Petro!” Katooni brightened upon seeing her best friend.

“Katooni!” Petro replied excitedly in turn. Both of them embraced one another, having not seen each other in a while except for nighttime since Petro had been apprenticed to Master Quanlan Yang, who he downright despised for reasons he had refused to elaborate on.

“How are you doing?” Katooni asked him.

“Eh, you know. Same old stuff.” Petro made a dismissive gesture, “But I’m sure life is much better with you. After all, you always wanted to be apprenticed to Master Skywalker. Did you get to?”

“Nope!” Katooni shook her head, “I got apprenticed to someone else! I got apprenticed to Master Silverstream, the new Jedi here.”

Petro stopped dead in his tracks, a look of shock and betrayal on his face. Katooni noticed this immediately. “Petro, are you okay…?”

Petro didn’t say anything, but Katooni could tell that he was not alright. The shock soon turned to anger, and that anger turned into hate.

“Get out…” he muttered angrily under his breath.

“P-Petro?” Katooni asked cautiously.

“GET OUT!!!” Petro shrieked with all the built up rage he had accumulated in those few seconds.

Wasting no time, Katooni sprinted towards the Temple at top speed as Petro watched with absolute hatred, the feeling of betrayal that he felt insurmountable.

“And so you have betrayed me, sister.” Petro growled, stomping away from the area with his mind filled with a perceived sense of betrayal from the people he thought were his friends.

Chapter 15: Coruscant - Petro’s Ambitions/Attack On Coruscant

Katooni ran into the Jedi Temple, tears of anger streaming from her eyes. She didn’t understand why Petro was so angry at her for being Silverstream’s Padawan. She had never seen him that angry at anyone before, more specifically at her. Had she done something wrong? Did Petro hate her for being chosen?

She was too scared to ask Petro now. She dared not to go talk to him. He most likely didn’t want to talk to anyone right now.

She was running so fast that she didn’t see through blurry vision that Silverstream was right in front of her. The two of them bumped into each other, falling over.

Silverstream reached out her right claw to help her Padawan up, a look of concern in her eyes. Katooni stood up and tried to back away from her master and run away again, but Silver blocked her.

“Katooni, where are you going? Are you okay?” Silverstream asked her.

Katooni shook her head. “I don’t want to tell you. I want to be alone. Please, let me go.”

“Not a chance,” Silverstream told her. “I saw you running while I was practicing with my lightsaber. What happened back there? Are you okay? Tell me.”

Katooni sighed. Fresh tears came to her eyes and she let them spill. She had to be honest with her master, “Silverstream…Petro…is mad at me for being your Padawan…”

Silverstream gasped. “Petro? Why?”

“I don’t know!” Katooni exclaimed. She took a few deep breaths. “I told him the news and he got angry. He told me to get out…so I did. I know he wanted to be your Padawan after you saved the galaxy from the Sith, but…” she trailed off.

“…you thought he’d be happy,” Silverstream finished for her.

Sniffling, Katooni nodded slowly.

Silverstream put her claw on Katooni’s shoulder. “Katooni, I’m sorry. I…can’t believe he was that way to you. He was…I didn’t think-…I’m sorry.”

“What do you think he’s going to do?” Katooni asked.

“Hopefully nothing,” Silverstream responded, “I’m going to tell the Council about this. They have to know.”

Eyes going wide, Katooni shook her head vigorously. “No! You can’t tell the Council! He’ll be expelled! Remember what happened to Ahsoka?”

“But Katooni,” Silverstream didn’t understand. “He’s showing signs of going to the dark side. If the Council doesn’t intervene-“

“Please…” Katooni pleaded. “Don’t tell them. I’m sure if I talk to him later, I can make him see reason. Please just give me the chance to talk to him.”

Silverstream looked into Katooni’s pleading eyes and finally relented. “Alright, fine. But I’m doing this against my better judgment. I’m only doing this for you. But if this happens again, I’ll have to tell them. Understood?”

Katooni nodded slowly. “I’ll be okay, Silverstream. I promise.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Petro stormed into his bedroom where he activated the transmission device, reaching out to the remaining Separatist holdouts in the unknown regions of the galaxy.

A hologram of a man appeared on the platform, “My lord, what is your business contacting-“ He paused, “You’re not Lord Sidious.”

“No,” Petro said, “Sidious is dead. I’ve heard about you guys from a conversation I heard last night about loose remaining holdouts of the Separatists in the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. I’m hoping to unite them for an attack on the Galactic Senate.” He was making stuff up as he went along as he had no plan other than unite the remaining Separatist holdouts for an attack. Now he realized the grave risk he was taking. If the Jedi found out it was him masterminding the attack, he could be expelled from the Jedi Order like Ahsoka once was and/or executed for treason. Was this really worth it? He shook his doubts aside. Of course it was.

“The Republic will never stand for such an attack,” said the Separatist leader, “We’ll be wiped out in an instant! What’s a Jedi like you doing working against the Republic anyway?”

“The Republic doesn’t mean anything to me,” Petro told him, “They and their corrupt Jedi must fall. I have become disillusioned with the system. In exchange for helping launch the attack, I will help you become a far greater force than the Republic has ever been in all of its eras. We will take revenge on our enemies. I know how the Jedi work. With my help, you stand a chance at regaining your place in the galaxy.”

There was a pause and finally the Separatist leader replied, “You got yourself a deal, rebel Jedi. Be on a look out for three Star Destroyers coming out of hyperspace at dawn tomorrow.” The hologram shut off.

Well, Petro thought, My fate is sealed now. I better not get caught.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Silverstream was awoken from her sleep by an explosion sound. She and Katooni both woke up immediately. Katooni was sleeping with her for the night.

“What’s going on?” Katooni asked.

“I can’t tell,” Silverstream told her. She grabbed her lightsabers and opened the door, “Let’s find out.”

The two ran outside and saw about four Star Destroyers unleashing an attack on the Galactic Senate as the sun was rising over the horizon.

“The Senate!” Silverstream realized, “Why would Republic ships attack their own government?”

Katooni looked closer at the ships, “Master, these aren’t Republic ships. They look like them, but look closer. The symbol of the Separatists is imprinted on the top. And the designs look slightly different.”

“The remnants,” Silverstream realized, “That’s what Ahsoka was trying to warn me about.” She faced Katooni, “Stay here. I have to get everyone out before the place blows!”

“It’s too dangerous, Master! You’ll never-“ Silverstream didn’t get to hear the rest of Katooni’s warning as she was already running at top speed, her Padawan’s warning only faint and distant by this point.

Silverstream reached the Senate, barging in, where she saw all the Senators in a panic, trying to reach the exit as the building shook from the explosions.

“I’m going to get you guys out! Follow me to the exit!” Silverstream told them. The Senators complied, following her as she opened the door. Just then, one of the Star Destroyers crashed into the Senate building, causing the roof to break loose and fall.

Silverstream acted fast. She quickly thrust out her claw, using the Force to lift the falling roof and hold it in midair as everyone ran out. She began tiring out. As soon as she knew everyone was safe, she released the falling rubble and flew out at top speed, just as the roof crashed down onto the ground.

Suddenly, she was struck down by blaster fire. She looked up. It was Commander Rex and Commander Fox.

“Commander Rex!” Silverstream greeted, trying to get up, “How are you?”

“Not good today. You’re under arrest.” Commander Rex told her.

Silverstream didn’t understand, but she let them take her to the Jedi Temple just as Republic ships were beginning their attack against the Separatist Star Destroyers.

Chapter 16: Coruscant - Katooni Investigates/Fight In The Archives

The Separatist attack was soon repelled by the Grand Army of the Republic and the Republic navy and the Separatist leaders were arrested by Anakin and Ahsoka. The Republic had narrowly avoided a second Clone Wars, but victory came with a price. The Galactic Senate was in ruins from the attack and it wouldn’t be in session for a long time on Coruscant. Supreme Chancellor Padmé Amidala proposed that the Senate headquarters be temporarily moved to the Hosnian Prime system until the Coruscant Senate could be fixed up. Many other Senators agreed and it was official.

Silverstream, suspected of masterminding the attack, was arrested by the GAR and taken for trial in the Jedi Temple.

She stood in front of the Jedi Council where the Jedi read out her charges and Master Yoda asked how she pled. Of course, Silver had nothing to do with the attack on the Senate, so she pleaded not guilty.

“Judge this like Padawan Tano, we must not,” Master Yoda told the other Jedi, “Seen what happens then, we have. Prove your innocence, how will you, Silverstream?”

“Give me 48 hours, Master Yoda,” Silverstream told him, “I think I can find the culprit before then and bring whoever it is into custody.”

“Need I remind you guys that Silver did save the entire galaxy and Anakin back during the Clone Wars. She saved him from going towards the dark side of the Force.” Obi Wan said, “I can vouch for her good character.”

“She has shown great courage,” Mace Windu agreed, “It would not be wise to repeat the same mistakes we made before when we falsely accused Ahsoka. I normally would be skeptical, but Silver has earned her place within the Order as has Ahsoka. It would be a crime to not grant her request.”

“Then give you the 48 hours, we will,” Master Yoda conceded, “Bring the true culprit to justice should you, and drop the charges, we will.”

The trial was then declared over and Silverstream had 48 hours to find the true culprit and stop whoever it was. When coming out of the trial room, Katooni was there and was relieved to hear that Silver was still in the Order.

“I need to find the real culprit in 48 hours,” Silverstream told her, “You’re going to help me. Do you think you are up for it?”

Katooni nodded, “I’d do anything to help fix this. I’m in.”
————————————————————————————————————————
Silverstream and Katooni spent all day on the investigation. Ahsoka and Anakin had volunteered to help out as well and Silver gratefully accepted the help.

That night, Silver and her friends were running out of ideas, so they decided to split up. Anakin and Ahsoka would check the youngling dormitories and Silverstream and Katooni would check the archives.

It turned out that the archives was the right place to look. As Silverstream and Katooni entered, Petro was standing there, two lightsabers in both hands.

“So, you’ve found out my secret,” Petro said, “Surprising. Didn’t expect you to be that quick witted.”

Katooni looked horrified, “Petro? You…you planned this?”

“Of course I did,” Petro explained, “You know, I had to vent out my frustrations somehow. Turns out what Ahsoka and Anakin were discussing was true. I was able to unite the Separatist remnants for a little while. Now the Confederacy is all but destroyed for real, but I realized that I could be the bad guy and no one would know. And it’s all thanks to you becoming Silver’s Padawan. I’m doing this for your own good, Katooni. You’ll never survive being Silverstream’s Padawan because Silverstream here was trained under Anakin Skywalker. You’re nothing compared to him. You’re pathetic. I knew that the only way I could get my revenge was frame Silverstream here and get her expelled from the Jedi Order like Ahsoka. But then she asked for those 48 hours. That was a major setback for my plans.”

“You’ll never get away with this.” Silverstream said, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to report you to the Council.” She ignited her lightsaber. Katooni reluctantly ignited hers.

“It’s treason then.” Petro stated. He lunged at Silverstream who blocked his strikes. They were engaged in an epic duel to the death.

Petro was doing his best to kill Silverstream, but she knew his every attack. She was able to predict his movements and block, as well as strike.

“You‘re a bad friend, Petro!” Silverstream shouted during the duel, “A good friend would be happy that his friend got chosen!”

“Katooni means nothing to me!” Petro yelled. He broke free of Silverstream’s strikes and ran over towards Katooni, who was picking up her lightsaber after losing it during the fight. He prepared to strike her down.

“Petro, please! I’m sorry you got jealous,” Katooni told him, “But I do know you can’t do this!”

Petro glared daggers at her. He picked her up using the Force and began to Force-choke her when Silverstream lunged up from behind him and broke his concentration.

Katooni fell to the ground, looking up at him in fear. Using the Force, Petro managed to toss Silverstream over to a corner, knocking her out.

Petro advanced towards Katooni, “You took everything from me. Now…YOU WILL DIE!!!”

Katooni began to cry. She couldn’t help it. This wasn’t the Petro she knew, “Petro…please, this isn’t you…!”

“SILENCE!!!!!” Petro shouted, kicking her in the chest. She cried out, tears pouring down her face, “YOU DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE!!!! You’re weak and pathetic!! You’ll never succeed in training. I SHOULD’VE BEEN CHOSEN!!!!!!” He grabbed her left hand and hauled her up, “You’re coming where no one will ever find you again!” He squeezed her hand tight. She struggled, but it was useless.

She pleaded with him, “Please, Petro…let me go…”

He whirled around and hit her across the face, grabbing her hand again and began dragging her towards the exit of the archives. This time, she made no move to resist him.

And that was when he felt a burning sensation in his chest. He realized that a blue blade had gone through him. He let go of Katooni and fell to the ground. It was Silverstream.

But Petro recovered and ignoring the pain, removed the lightsaber and opened the doors, preparing to make a run for it.

But there was nowhere to run. For standing in front of him was the entirety of the Jedi Council.

Petro stood there, stunned. Anakin and Ahsoka were also there, having brought the entirety of the Council to the archives.

“In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic,” Mace Windu announced, “You are under arrest, youngling.” He and the other Jedi ignited their lightsabers.

Furious and in his own arrogance, Petro lunged at them, trying to kill all of them. Unfortunately, he did not have the skills of Palpatine when he did. Master Yoda unleashed a torrent of Force Judgement at Petro, wounding him again. He fell and the Jedi all smacked him with their lightsabers, knocking him out.

Chapter 18: Coruscant - The Night Her Innocence Died/Heartbreak

Four hours earlier…

The Galactic Prison lived up to its name of being the single largest federal prison in the entire galaxy. It was dark and oppressive, and had two rows of cells that seemed to stretch for miles. A person attempting to escape its four walls would get lost and never find their way out. There was no light to speak of after hours with the exception of one flickering bulb on the ceiling that the security guards refused to fix. Katooni had to admit that she was certainly daunted by the thought of finding Petro’s cell in the dark, but she had already gotten this far and was not about to give up hope.

She had found out the location of where the former youngling was imprisoned through pulling a Jedi mind trick on one of the officers that was on patrol. He had given her the exact cell number and promised not to tell anyone else about what she was doing per her command. Through his assistance, she had snuck inside and had endured that no one would be watching her. The security cameras didn’t stop her either, as that guard was the main operator and he kept the other officers distracted while she was at work.

As she traversed through the main hallway, she could hear the snores of prisoners within their cells. She glanced at each one to her left and found a variety of different creatures with jumpsuits on, sleeping on beds that were barely big enough to fit them and cells that were too small for them to stand up in. It made her feel sick at the treatment that these people were getting, even though they had committed wrongdoings. They had rights too and didn’t deserve to be treated like animals.

Cold air blew through the ventilation shafts and she shivered as she put one foot in front of the other. She continued to walk as slowly and quietly as she could so as to not disturb the sleeping inmates. Her body trembled from slight fear and she kept her eyes forward. She had to apologize to Petro. She had to explain everything and get closure before she moved on with her life. It didn’t feel right for her to not visit, and she still resented the Council for barring her entry. Those cowards would’ve taken away everyone she ever loved if they had the chance as they just could not help themselves. They always had to have the final say in her life, and she was sick of it. She was sick of other people taking advantage of her and trying to mold her into being their obedient slave. All she wanted was to make her own decisions and be free from the influences of others.

Little did she know, she would never get that chance.

Eventually, she reached Petro’s cell, which was marked with the cell number 616. She stopped in front of it, gazing upon Petro’s sleeping form. The poor boy looked like he had been crying for hours judging by the redness on his face and her heart ached upon seeing this.

“P-Petro…?” Katooni whispered cautiously.

Petro was jolted awake from his slumber, seemingly startled upon hearing the sound of her voice, falling towards the ground where he landed on his face. She briefly looked away upon hearing the impact, only looking back at him once he stood up to stare back at her. His expression was a mix of both sadness and bitterness and she could only imagine what horrors he had endured already.

“What do you want?!” Petro demanded angrily. “Here to gloat in my face now that you’ve put me away?!”

Katooni shook her head. “N-no! Petro, you know that none of this has been easy on me-“

“Save it!!” Petro snapped back, causing her to jump back in fear. “You don’t care about me. You weren’t even there during my trial when they sentenced me!! I bet you and Silverstream were celebrating following the ruling.”

“Actually we weren’t,” Katooni countered, getting down on her knees. “Or at least…I wasn’t. I still care about you…and…I wanted the Council to release you. I asked Silverstream to put in a good word for you, but…she refused. She’s determined to follow the Council’s orders no matter what.”

Petro scoffed. “She was always a rule follower. I’m not surprised that she’s already licking their boots. They probably let her back in only because she proved her innocence.” His gaze then settled back on her. “And what about you? You don’t seem like you agree with any of them.”

She sighed heavily. “Well, there’s a reason why I’m here alone.”

“You don’t strike me as the type to argue with your bestie.”

“You’d be surprised as to what people can do under pressure, Petro. If they’re just…fed up with everything. In this case, I came to see you…against Silverstream’s orders.”

“Hm.”

“Do you have…anything to say to me?” Katooni asked. “I did come all this way for you and…this might be my only chance to really apologize.”

“For what?”

“For taking the Padawan position from you,” she revealed sadly. “I know you really wanted it and…I was just stupid. All I wanted was a proper family as unlike you and the others, I at least know that I had one once…you know that.”

Petro’s gaze softened at that. “I know. And frankly, I…trying to upstage you wasn’t my best move. You didn’t deserve that. You didn’t deserve any of this. I guess I’m just angry that you didn’t try and save me from being sentenced. Were you scared?”

Katooni nodded slowly. “I was. But I still tried to sneak into the courtroom anyway. But I was detained…and Silverstream had to post bail and get me out. By the time that happened, it was too late. I never wanted to upset you, Petro. I never wanted to…spite you or anything.”

Petro seemed surprised to hear this. “You…didn’t?”

“Of course I didn’t!” Katooni yelled, not caring if she was going to wake the prisoners anymore. “You know I care about you! You’re practically my brother, Petro! We grew up together, fought and allied with pirates together, and we helped Silverstream save Master Skywalker together! You saved me from the Crystal Caves…and I repaid you by damning you to a life in this horrible place.” Her eyes shimmered with tears.

Petro was fighting back tears of his own as well. “You don’t know how scared I was…being transported to this cell and locked up. I felt so alone and I didn’t know whether I would ever see any of you guys again…”

Katooni wiped tears from her eyes, sniffling. “I can only imagine what that must feel like…”

“If only you knew.”

“I should though! It’s not fair you have to be here…it should be me in that cell! I robbed you of a once in a lifetime opportunity when you deserved to be Silverstream’s Padawan more! I know why you did all of this…and I just want to take it all back.”

“You know you can’t…” Petro replied solemnly. “The Council has already made up their minds. You have to leave and move on. You can’t continue to focus on what I did. I messed up and destroyed any possible future for me in the Jedi Order. You haven’t. Don’t repeat my mistakes.”

Katooni looked down at the ground in sadness. “I don’t…want to leave you here.”

“Why not?” Petro asked. “Katooni, you got everything you wanted. A home, a family that loves you, the position of Padawan. You’ll go on to become one of the greatest Jedi ever someday and all will go on as how it should be.”

“It isn’t how it should be!” Katooni argued. She got to her feet in a defensive position. “That’s all the Jedi have ever been! Power and glory and absolutely nothing else! Master Yoda is that way. Master Windu is that way. Silverstream is that way! You are not that way. You made a mistake, yes, but that shouldn’t determine the rest of your life!”

“I nearly destroyed Coruscant-“

“That doesn’t matter! You’re sorry and they should’ve forgiven you for it, not locked you in here! No one…deserves a horrible fate like this. The Jedi stopped being peacekeepers long ago. You remember hearing Bariss Offee’s testimony! I don’t want to live in a cult where you’re forced to be ripped from your family and told you can’t see them anymore! I don’t…want to sever ties with my own brother. You can’t make me leave you.”

“You can’t hide in here forever,” Petro warned her. “Sooner or later, the other guards will wake up and find you illegally sneaking in here. You’ll be charged with a crime too and I don’t want that for you. Please…just leave while you still have the chance.”

Katooni shook her head. “I’m not leaving you. I just…won’t.”

“Then what do you suggest we do?”

“Run away,” Katooni told him. “Both of us. We run away and hide out somewhere where they can’t find us. Forget about it all. The Order, the Republic, everything…we hide out until the time comes when it’s safe to find my parents.”

“You’d be giving up your freedom due to you becoming a fugitive…just so you can save me from prison. Katooni, it’s not worth it.”

“It is…” Katooni insisted softly, her eyes glistening with fresh tears. “Silverstream already chose her side. She and I aren’t compatible anymore…”

Present…

“What do you mean she’s gone?!” Silverstream demanded in shock. She climbed out of bed quickly and grabbed her lightsaber in the event that something terrible had happened. “Anakin, explain to me what happened!!”

Anakin stood in front of her, his face looking grim. “The officers at the Prison were assaulted…according to what the Temple guards told me, Katooni helped Petro escape. They’re running away together…”

Silverstream’s mouth dropped open in horror once she heard this. She could feel her heart sink to the bottom of the ocean and her thoughts began to spiral out of control. This couldn’t’ve happened. Why?! Why would Katooni choose to do this?! What good would it do her?! She only hoped that the both of them were still on Coruscant somewhere, anywhere where they could be found.

“We need to hurry!” she said worriedly. “M-maybe they’re still here somewhere!”

Anakin nodded quickly. “There might still be hope. But we don’t have much time. Come on!”

The two of them ran outside as fast as they could and burst through the exit to the Jedi Temple, lightsabers at the ready. They skidded to a halt once they saw a starship in the distance take off into the nighttime sky. Silverstream couldn’t believe her eyes. She knew who it belonged to and tears began to fill her eyes. She was too late.

Petro had already taken off with Katooni and there was no way that either of them could be stopped now. The world began to crumble before Silver’s eyes. Her worst fears had been realized. She had lost her Padawan, all because she didn’t listen to her. And now she was paying the price for her actions. She had driven away the only person who truly understood her, and now she would never get her back.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” she screamed, falling to her knees. The horrible reality had finally set in and she began to cry, feeling all of the emotions she had been internalizing finally overwhelm and consume her. She couldn’t say anything to make the situation better. This was her fault, she just knew it. There was no other way to look at the situation. All of this had been started because of her presence here.

Why couldn’t she have just kept her damn mouth shut?

Anakin was instantly by her side, trying to console her to no avail. It wasn’t long before the other Jedi Council members heard the commotion and rushed outside to see what was the matter. But she didn’t see them come. She couldn’t stop sobbing. All of this was because of her, and she knew it. She could’ve prevented this. She should’ve prevented this. She should’ve listened to Katooni’s feelings and told her that she understood her heartbreak over Petro’s betrayal. None of this had to happen. She could’ve been a better friend.

Before long, the starship disappeared into hyperspace and was completely gone from sight. Silverstream hung her head low and stared at the ground, feeling like a failure.

“What do we do now, Master Yoda?” Anakin asked, turning towards the wise Grandmaster while still having his hand on Silverstream’s shoulder.

Master Yoda looked somber, his expression almost mournful in a way as he stared up into the sky that was slowly turning blue with the rising of the Sun.

“Lost to the Force, Padawan Katooni is,” he stated sadly. “Help her now, we cannot…”

Chapter 1: Equestria - A Night At The School of Friendship/Your Time Will Come

ACT ONE: SILVERSTREAM’S DESTINY

Once upon a time, on the planet of Equus, a kingdom existed to the South, beyond the Badlands of Equestria. It was a prosperous kingdom called Hippogriffia, made up of creatures with the mixed features of pony and eagle. These were the hippogriffs, ruled by a brave and majestic Queen, responsible for state, military, and civilian affairs.

For over a thousand generations, the hippogriffs grew their empire and expanded their influence across the seas. Trade between the ancient pony leaders and the Hippogriff Queen was common and carried over to the era of the Princesses.

As the reigns passed from Queen to Queen, Hippogriffia became a major world power. No foreign country ever dared to invade it and everycreature across the world loved Queen Eternalia, a resolute, but compassionate leader who led a revolution in domestic policy, improving the hippogriffs’ home life.

But all that changed when Queen Eternalia passed away, leaving her daughter Princess Novo the Queenship. Queen Novo was not like her mother. While she was a respected and resolute leader, she was far too focused on maintaining harmony between her subjects, and building the Harmonizing Heights for leisure activities while abandoning the kingdom’s borders.

This came to a head when the Storm Kingdom set their sights on finally capturing Hippogriffia. The leader of the invaders was a being called the Storm King, a name cursed and feared in every country. While the Storm King was never able to conquer Hippogriffia, he had posed a visible threat to the other kingdoms, conquering them for a brief time and then moving on after mass murdering the majority of the population.

Finally, the Storm King made his move on Hippogriffia, attacking and utterly destroying the populace, forcing the hippogriffs underwater, leaving their former capital of Mount Aris abandoned. However, despite her failure to protect her kingdom, Queen Novo vowed to not let her mother’s legacy collapse, calling upon all the powers of the sea to craft a magical Pearl of Transformation that would allow the hippogriffs to live new lives underwater as seaponies.

From there, Queen Novo and the seaponies used their ambition and resourcefulness to build a new kingdom called Seaquestria, hidden away in the darkest depths of the sea, where the Storm King could never go.

During the seaponies’ time underwater, a young seapony named Silverstream was born to Queen Novo’s sister Ocean Flow and her husband Sky Beak. Curious about the world around her from the age of 4, Silverstream longed to explore the surface world, but was never able to due to the superstition about the Storm King coming back.

When the news came 10 years later that the Storm King had been defeated by the ponies of Equestria, many seaponies seized their chance to return to the land, while some had gotten used to staying in the sea. So, Queen Novo decreed that Hippogriffia would be split into two kingdoms: Mount Aris and Seaquestria.

After seeing how much trouble Silverstream was causing on Mount Aris due to her insatiable curiosity, a decision was made to send her to Equestria’s School of Friendship, where she would hopefully learn discipline and self-control. Despite Ocean Flow’s objections, Queen Novo insisted that this was for the best.

Over the course of the school years, Silverstream and her newfound friends Ocellus, Smolder, Gallus, Yona, and Sandbar helped save Equestria multiple times: reforming Chancellor Neighsay, defeating Cozy Glow, and bringing all of Equestria together to help stop the combined forces of Cozy Glow, Queen Chrysalis, and Lord Tirek.

She had accomplished more than any creature her age had ever done and that soon attracted the attention of the Force, the mystical energy which bound the galaxy together. The Force had been monitoring Silver for her entire life, sensing her Force-sensitivity, which had skipped a generation from Queen Eternalia to Silverstream. Ocean Flow had no such connection to the Force.

The Force had foreseen Silverstream’s potential as a Jedi Knight and it is here where our story really begins.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
It all began Monday, after school at the School of Friendship. The Sun was setting across the horizon and all the students were filing out of the School of Friendship building towards the Students’ Quarters, chatting amongst themselves about their classes and their weekends. The student body was composed of creatures of different races amongst the ponies. Since Princess Twilight’s coronation, more students from the other kingdoms were attending the School, which was now under the leadership of Starlight Glimmer as Headmare.

In the middle of all of the chatting students were the Young Six; Silverstream and her friends respectively. Silverstream was eagerly flying alongside Ocellus and Smolder. Yona and Sandbar were discussing what they did during the weekend, Gallus and Smolder were talking about their recent plans to prank Headmare Starlight with a fake 911 call, and Silverstream was trying to lighten Smolder’s mood by talking about their experiences in Fluttershy’s Critters of Comfort and Conflict Class.

Smolder looked annoyed as heck while trying to converse with Gallus and ignore Silver, while Ocellus just gave a polite smile.

As Silverstream was talking on and on about how she had actually befriended a polar bear in class (even though said polar bear was minutes away from eating her if Fluttershy wasn’t there to calm it down), Smolder finally had enough. “Hey, Silver. Do you have an off switch?”

“A what?” Silverstream asked innocently.

“Yona not mind friend Silver’s antics,” Yona imputed. “Friend Silverstream bring life to conversation.”

Gallus smirked. “Oh yeah. A little too much life.”

“You haven’t talked about your weekend yet, Silverstream.” Sandbar said, “What did you do over the weekend?”

That was when Silverstream’s excited smile faded and Ocellus noticed this immediately.

“Silverstream, are you okay?” Ocellus asked, concern on every inch of her face.

Silverstream’s smile quickly returned and she nodded vigorously. “Yeah! I just…thought of something not good for a moment. My weekend was AWESOME! I did…well, I did stuff.”

Now, all her friends had caught on.

“You know you can tell us anything.” Sandbar told her, “Did something happen at home?”

Silverstream shook her head. “Can we…please not talk about it now? Look, everyone’s already in their rooms. We’re the only ones still outside.”

Ocellus nodded slowly, “Guys, please don’t press her. I’ll talk to her later.”

“Good luck.” Gallus replied, resuming his conversation with Smolder. The six friends entered the Students’ Quarters, telling each other goodnight and dispersing. Ocellus and Silverstream were the only ones who remained in the empty hallway.

“Silverstream,” Ocellus asked gently, “What happened over the weekend? You can tell me.”

“Why do you want to know?” Silverstream inquired suspiciously.

“I’m just worried about you.” Ocellus answered, sighing. “Look, if you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to. I’m just looking out for you as a friend.”

Silverstream finally nodded. “Fine…” She looked her straight in the eyes and Ocellus saw the sadness there. “Queen Novo told me that I’m…undisciplined and too hyperactive…” Ocellus gasped. Silverstream took several shaky breaths, “Do you and the others think I’m too much?”

“No!” Ocellus answered quickly. She saw a unicorn student open their door to see what was going on and she waved her off. As soon as the pony was back inside, Ocellus shook her head, speaking a little softer, “Sorry. We don’t think you’re too much, Silverstream. We really don’t. Gallus was just making a bad joke.”

“It’s true though.” Silverstream said sadly. “I know I can be a little too overexcited about everything. I lived most of my life underwater and I just want to explore everything about the surface world. You guys wouldn’t know because you’ve lived on land your whole lives.”

“Silver, I get it.” Ocellus told her, “I was born to a tyrannical queen, never knowing what it was like to speak for or be myself. I spent the majority of my youth as a mindless drone. When Thorax became King, I felt something…I felt free. Free to pursue my own life and explore my own interests. But my upbringing scarred me so much…I guess that’s why I’m more reserved. You know, I envy your constant energy sometimes.”

“But Queen Novo’s right.” Silverstream sighed, “Ocellus, I really appreciate your understanding, but it’s true that I should be more normal. You don’t think I catch the other students staring at me when I talk excitedly about small things they already have and don’t care about? Even former Headmare Twilight told me once that I should be more quiet in the school library.”

“So what do you want to do?” Ocellus asked her.

“I don’t know…” Silverstream admitted, “I wish that something would happen that would force me to confront who I am and what I believe in, I mean, our professors went on all the adventures in the world and what did we do? Aside from stopping Cozy Glow and bringing all of Equestria together, we haven’t really done much. It’s all just studying, some scary pop quizzes here and there, and hanging out…we’re really not that important.”

“Maybe not,” Ocellus said, “But we’re friends. That’s what matters. And Silverstream…maybe you’ll get your chance one day. I personally don’t think you need to change who you are. So what if some of the other students think you’re weird for delighting in what Equestria has to offer? We’re weird too. We’re the only non-pony creatures in this school. Well, besides Sandbar. You can always be yourself when you’re with us. Maybe Queen Novo just expects more…dignified behavior when it comes to royal events.”

Silverstream nodded, but she still wasn’t convinced. She was about to say something in response, but she saw Ocellus’s kind and hopeful smile, and decided against it.

Instead, the two friends said goodnight to each other, with Ocellus offering one more word of encouragement, and they both went to bed.

Closing the door behind her, Silverstream sighed deeply. She walked towards her bed and tucked herself in. She thought about Ocellus’s advice and soon drifted off to sleep.

Outside the School of Friendship, in the midst of all the silence, a shimmering apparition of an old man stood, having watched the two friends from a distance. He closed his eyes, reaching out across the Force.

“Your time will come, Silverstream.”

Chapter 17: Coruscant - This Isn’t The First Time/The Argument Scene

“I think I speak for all of us when we say that we’re very sorry, Silverstream,” Obi Wan spoke solemnly. “We should’ve more closely monitored Petro.“

Following the incident in the Archives, Petro was put on trial before the Republic courts following the hearing being scheduled by the Council. There was overwhelming evidence to prove that he had mastermind the attack, and he knew that there would be no way that he would be leaving as a free person. All he could do was wait for the inevitable as the prosecution used video footage from the confrontation and his own confession to support their claims.

In a desperate bid to save him, Katooni attempted to sneak into the court and testify in Petro’s defense, but she was not allowed in due to the Jedi knowing what she was going to do. She was briefly detained by the clone troopers on the counts of obstructing justice, but Silverstream found her later on and bailed her out using her status as a Jedi Knight.

The deliberations took about four hours, but ultimately, Petro was found guilty of masterminding the Separatist attack on Coruscant and was subsequently expelled from the Jedi Order. He was sentenced to life in Galactic Prison, much to Katooni’s heartbreak. The charges against Silverstream were immediately dropped after Petro was safely in custody and she was restored to her high status within the Order.

Now Silverstream and Katooni were standing in front of the Jedi Council. They had wasted no time in apologizing to her following the rogue youngling’s arrest, but it felt empty in a way that Silver couldn’t quite describe. It felt like they were just going through the motions in an attempt to appease her. There wasn’t anything genuine in their words, and she could tell. Had she not proved herself, they would’ve been more than happy to expel her from the Order like they had done to Ahsoka so long ago.

The betrayal she felt that they had initially doubted her innocence was insurmountable and suddenly, she could empathize with Ahsoka and understand her desire to leave. Even though she wasn’t thinking of doing the same, mainly due to the fact that she didn’t know where else to go and she didn’t know her way back home to Equestria, the bitterness still plagued her mind and wouldn’t leave her. She had been ripped away from the only existence she had ever known and forced to adapt to a a new life foreign to her, yet just when she had finally embraced it, it was nearly taken from her.

Not even having Katooni by her side and Anakin being on her defense as always could help lighten the mood. There was no way she could’ve been the mastermind behind that attack and she knew it. They all knew it. Despite this, however, they still considered her a suspect and asked her to prove her innocence, a task that could’ve been near impossible had it not been for her Padawan exposing her friend by chance and revealing the truth. She could’ve very nearly lost everything, and the possibility terrified her to the very core.

“You have no reason to forgive us,” Mace Windu chimed in. “Just so you know. We’re aware that you must be feeling many conflicting emotions brought upon by your accusation, and there is no excuse for us believing you of all Jedi to be the culprit.”

Master Yoda nodded. “Hm. More than conflicted, you are feeling, Silverstream. But unjustified, it is not. But redemption to be had, surely there must be.”

Katooni seemed to be having none of it as she wasted no time in clapping back at the Grand Master. “Redemption, my ass. This isn’t the first time you falsely accused someone of a crime they didn’t do! You know you would’ve kicked Silverstream out had I not proven her innocence by accident!”

“Katooni!” Silverstream admonished her. “You don’t talk to Master Yoda like that. Apologize to him now.”

The Tholothian girl’s eyes reflected anger as she shook her head vigorously. “Why?! So they can do it again?! Someone needs to tell them to stop doing this. More people will fall victim to their "judgement" if we don’t speak up.”

“That does not mean you can be disrespectful to the Council!” she shot back. “Say you’re sorry to Master Yoda. We’ll talk about this later.”

Katooni held firm and didn’t move.

Anakin sighed. “I’m sorry, Silverstream, but I have to side with Katooni here. This isn’t okay.” He stood up from his seat and turned around to face the other Masters. “You guys should not have suspected her at all. She is by far the last person to pull something like this on Coruscant. Why any of this had to happen again is beyond me. When Ahsoka was accused, you turned your backs on her! You went through all this trouble of assigning Silverstream to me, only to turn your backs on her as well when it was most convenient for you! How are either of them supposed to feel?!”

“Standard protocol, this is.” argued Yoda. “From the most unexpected of sources, betrayal can come. Trust implicitly, we must not. For fear of being blinded by the dark side, vigilant, we must be.”

“Vigilant?!” Anakin yelled. “You were about to do the exact same thing to Silverstream as you did to Ahsoka! Just because she proved her innocence doesn’t mean you can walk all over her! You apologize and then you do it again. It’s the same cycle, every single time!”

“How do you expect us to handle stuff like this, Anakin?!” Obi Wan demanded. “This was a large-scale Separatist attack on the capital! It cost the Republic tons of precious ships to deescalate, and even that caused a ton of casualties! At least we gave her the opportunity to prove her innocence, which is more than we did for Ahsoka.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Anakin replied bitterly. “You should’ve known better than to accuse someone who you know would NEVER hurt a fly!!” He threw his hands into the air and closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. “You’re lucky that Silver was there to bring me back to the light. Had you done this beforehand, I wouldn’t’ve hesitated to join Chancellor Palpatine.”

The Council members didn’t say a word, silently absorbing this information with grim expressions on their faces. Anakin opened his eyes again and faced Master Yoda again for a final time.

“I’m resigning from the Council. Effective immediately.”

“Anakin!!” Obi Wan tried to say, attempting in vain to stop his former apprentice from doing this, but to no avail. Even he knew that the Order had messed up and there was nothing he could say to excuse it.

With that, he stormed out of the Council Chambers without another word. Silverstream watched him go with tears in her eyes. It was only rarely that she saw him this bitter, and it upset her each time. In contrast, Katooni’s expression was unreadable, almost as if she didn’t know how to take this news.

Master Yoda closed his eyes in deep sorrow. “Rightfully furious, Master Skywalker is. Had this revelation coming, we did.”

“So what is our next course of action?” Mace Windu asked. “Obviously there is much to be done if we want to rebuild Coruscant following the attack.”

“We will not hesitate to do so the moment we get the chance,” answered Obi Wan. “I will be informing Chancellor Amidala that the Council shall be directing funds towards the capital’s reconstruction. It’s the least we can do, considering that one of us was responsible.” He turned to look at Silverstream. “You should keep Katooni away from visiting Petro in the meantime until she’s fully healed from this whole situation emotionally.”

“Master Kenobi, no!” Katooni protested. “I want to see him before-“

“I understand,” Silverstream said respectfully, cutting her Padawan off and bowing before him. She glanced at Katooni angrily. “You’re in enough trouble right now. Please don’t make this more difficult for us than it already is.”

Katooni reluctantly dropped the argument at her request, though her expression indicated that they were not done talking about it. She kept her eyes to the ground, still embittered by everything that had previously transpired.

“The Council is adjourned,” Mace Windu announced, gesturing to the other seated members. “We must go inform the Senate of what has occurred. You two are free to go.”

Jedi Temple Dormitories- Silverstream’s Room

Silverstream spread out the blanket on her bed, sighing deeply as she did so. The events of earlier were still weighing heavily on her mind and she could not shake the thoughts away no matter how hard she tried. She still didn’t know how to handle the fact that one of the younglings that she presumably had grown up with tried to destroy Coruscant and topple the Republic government, all because he hadn’t been chosen as her apprentice. It made her sick to her stomach that someone would be capable of doing such horrible things.

Of course, this wasn’t the first time such a thing had happened to her. She remembered how Cozy Glow had attempted to drain all magic from Equestria, and label she and her friends as criminals. It was a traumatic experience that had fortunately ended with the pegasus filly’s arrest, but the fact that she had been capable of masterminding such an elaborate plot still terrified her. Any one of her classmates could’ve been secretly evil as well, and she would never know.

And now she was being forced to relive all that again with Petro basically attempting to destroy the galaxy, all in a bid to upstage his best friend and sister. He had always had a bit of an ego to him, but to do something like this was unmatched and borderline criminal. She didn’t know the boy well, but she knew in her heart that he wasn’t usually like this and she just wanted to make up with him no matter what.

However, she knew it would never happen. The Council had ordered her to stay away from visiting the Galactic Prison and she understood better than to defy them, especially after being on such thin ice with them not too long ago. If only she could’ve seen this coming and talked Petro down. He was just hurting deep down. He wasn’t evil. He just wanted to belong. But there was nothing she could do about any of it, and that just made her even sadder.

“Silverstream?”

Silver whirled around upon hearing her name being called, relaxing when she saw Katooni enter the room. The girl seemed exhausted and like she hadn’t slept in days. There were bags under her eyes and her face looked red from crying. She could only speculate what must’ve just happened.

“Oh Katooni,” Silverstream greeted her. “It’s just you. Are you feeling okay?”

Katooni shook her head. “No. I…haven’t really been able to sleep since Petro got convicted. It’s been hard on me…”

“I can only imagine,” she replied emphatically. “You’ve been through so much together and…I know you were both close, even if I might not remember it.”

Katooni’s eyes glistened with tears. “We didn’t always get along, but…that was part of the fun of it. It was this back and forth…balancing each other out. I didn’t have much confidence and in turn, he showed the most. Petro’s always had high expectations of himself and I could see it. He’s always the first to rush into battle, fight pirates…he even wanted to fight General Grievous, even though his lightsaber emitter matrix was inverted.”

Silverstream was surprised to hear this. “Really?”

“Yeah. Deep down…he was just compensating for his own lack of self-esteem. He built a wall up to protect himself from getting hurt by anyone or anything he didn’t know and it was hard to tear it down…it took our whole rescue mission of Ahsoka in order for me to finally see the real him. But ever since then, we’ve been only getting closer.”

“I can’t imagine then how it must’ve felt…to see him try so hard to upstage you due to my decision.”

Katooni nodded slowly. “It was like I didn’t even recognize him anymore…I never thought he’d go so far as to try and attack Coruscant all to prove a point. All I could do was wonder…what I did to hurt him so much.”

“You didn’t do anything, Katooni,” replied Silverstream firmly. “It was him. He chose to do this, not you. He chose to…throw his life away and now he’s suffering the consequences for it. You aren’t responsible for what he did.”

“I must be!” Katooni cried. “All of this was started because he wanted to be your Padawan and I took it from him! He wanted it so badly because we all grew up together as younglings! He felt like…he felt like he could trust you. And I stole that away from him all because I wanted a family!! It was selfish. He deserves it more than I do.”

“No he doesn’t,” Silver argued. “I chose you because you have a good heart. You see the good in everyone no matter who they are, including a crusty old smuggler. I knew you wanted to be my Padawan and I chose you because you earned it.”

“But you don’t know that!” Katooni shot back, tears streaming down her face. “What do I offer that he doesn’t already do better?! All I did was talk to you, show you around, help guide you through adjusting, and suddenly I earn that position? It doesn’t matter if I befriended Hondo. Anyone could’ve and would’ve done that in my place.”

“Would they have though?” Silverstream asked her.

Katooni blinked. “What?”

“Would just anyone have shown the same strength of will and compassion that you did? When Hondo attempted to leave on his private ship, would someone else have had the ability to stand up to him and put him in his place?”

“I-“

“You’re loyal to your friends, Katooni. You’re loyal to the Jedi, you’re loyal to the Republic. You fight for them when it matters most and you’re not afraid to stand up and fight for what you believe in when it matters the most. I can’t ask for anything more than that.”

Katooni still looked uncertain. She shifted uncomfortably for a moment before wiping falling tears from her eyes with her her hands. “Other Masters probably would have greater expectations…”

“But I don’t.”

“Why don’t you?” Katooni asked softly. “You could’ve found someone better to be your Padawan. Someone who…wouldn’t indirectly be the reason you were almost expelled.”

Silverstream walked towards her and put a comforting claw on her shoulder. “Because I see myself in you…before I came here, I didn’t know what my own worth was…I was so unsure of myself and no one could help me. You helped me believe in myself. Now it’s time for you to believe in your own self worth, Katooni. Do you trust me enough to believe I made the right choice?”

Katooni stared back at her, seemingly thinking about what she was saying.

Meanwhile, the other younglings had gathered outside of Silverstream’s room and were listening in on the whole conversation. They knew that eavesdropping was wrong, yet they couldn’t help themselves but be worried for their friend. It was a difficult time and they were all in the process of healing over Petro’s betrayal.

The whole ordeal still was hard to believe, even though they knew in their hearts it has happened. After all, they had lived through it all and seen everything go down for themselves. There was no denying the truth and it hurt them to admit it. All of them had known the boy for their entire lives, and it was so unlike him to try and get back at everyone for what seemed like something so petty.

But the truth could not be denied, and the fallout of it all still weighed heavily on them all. None of them would be the same ever again after this.

Zatt was the first to speak up and break the awkward silence. “Poor Katooni. She’s really going through so much. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for her.”

“We were all close with Petro,” Gadoni stated. “But Katooni? The two of them did things together so many times they were like siblings…”

Gunji roared.

“Gunji’s right,” Zatt agreed. “We’re all she has now. I know we’re all still reeling from what Petro did, but we have to suck it up and be there for Katooni. Silverstream can’t be expected to be by her side all the time. She has her own life too.”

Byph made sounds in agreement.

“But how can we?” asked Gadoni worriedly. “I mean, we can’t even get over it ourselves.” She sighed. “I just…don’t feel comfortable telling her anything that I don’t believe in myself. It just doesn’t seem right.”

“I know,” Zatt replied solemnly. “But…we’re her family too. We know her even more than Silverstream does. We’ve been through so much together. If anyone can get through her and help her by herself again, it’s us. Silver needs to worry about her own life. This should be our responsibility to deal with as friends.”

“Shhhhhhh!!” Gadoni cut in. “Quiet! I hear them talking again.”

The younglings rushed to the window end peered in, only to see that Silverstream and Katooni were now engaged in a heated argument. This instantly made them greatly concerned and they peered closer to get a better idea of what was being said.

…”Katooni, I don’t know if you’re trying to pull a prank on me or what. He literally tortured you and yelled at you, blamed you for something that you rightfully earned. You earned your Padawan status and Petro tried to take that from you. I don’t know why you’re defending him.”

“You don’t understand!” Katooni shouted back, “Petro only acted like that because he desperately wanted to be chosen! He admired you and wanted to be your Padawan!”

“That doesn’t excuse trying to restart the Clone Wars!!” Silverstream yelled. She took a deep breath. “Katooni…I know you want to believe there’s good in him, but there just isn’t! Even if there was, how do you expect me to ask the Council to release him?! He is a criminal! He chose this for himself!”

“But he’s not evil!!” Katooni argued. She looked at her Master with pleading eyes. “Please…at least let me see him…so I can tell him I’m sorry.”

Silverstream’s eyes softened. “You have nothing to apologize for. Petro chose this life of crime over his friendship with you. He could’ve chosen to talk things out with you, but he didn’t. Don’t blame yourself for something you can’t control.”

“He’s more than just a friend to me, he’s like my brother!!” Katooni screamed. “We grew up together, we were like family!! You were too! Just because you don’t remember it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen!!!!”

“I never did any of those things!!” Silverstream shot back. “I told you already, it was a false life created by the Force! I don’t have any attachment to him and I never did!!”

“But I do!!”

“That doesn’t matter!! THE COUNCIL ORDERED YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM HIM!!!”

“I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE COUNCIL!!!”

Silverstream did a double take upon hearing this. “What?”

“They accused Ahsoka, banished her from the Order, tried to do the same to you, and you think I have any respect for their decisions anymore?!” Katooni yelled at her. “So many bad decisions on top of one another, getting the Jedi into a war they never should’ve been in! I would’ve left the Order a long time ago had it not been for the Force sending you here!”

“Katooni-“

“I don’t owe those bureaucrats anything and neither should you!! They were the whole reason Master Skywalker nearly fell to the dark side to begin with! Are you really going to follow their ban on attachments now, Master?! Especially when attachments were exactly what saved him?!”

“I-“

“Are you?!”

“KATOONI, THAT’S ENOUGH!!!” Silverstream snapped as loud as she could. She regretted doing that immediately. Tears filled Katooni’s eyes and she began to cry. Silverstream took a deep breath to calm herself, “Katooni, I’m sorry.” She reached out to comfort her Padawan, but she quickly moved away from her, shielding herself.

“I’m sorry, Master…” Katooni said in a choked voice. Without another word, she ran out of the room in tears, slamming the door behind her.

“Katooni, wait!!” Silverstream called out, but it was too late. The Tholothian girl was already gone from sight, most likely on her way to the Galactic Prison. She couldn’t believe that she had just snapped at her own Padawan, especially when she was already in the most vulnerable state.

She closed her eyes and whimpered, tears of her own coming down from her eyes. Who was she kidding? She wasn’t cut out to be a mentor. She didn’t even have control over her own emotions.

That was when the other younglings appeared from behind a corner and walked over towards her. Gadoni was the first to put a comforting hand around her shoulder, silently sharing in her sorrow. Silver opened her eyes and took a shaky breath to calm herself. She wiped her tears and stared back at them.

“We heard everything…” Zatt commented. “You shouldn’t have snapped at her. She made a good point about the Council.”

“I know,” Silverstream replied. “It’s just…I don’t know, something she said just hit too close to home…maybe it was the part about family.”

“She’s right though,” Gadoni told her. “Growing up, our company was all we had, the closest thing to a family. None of us remember ours at all, but Katooni at least can make out faces…I think that’s why she wants to hold onto something familiar so bad…because everything around her is changing.”

“But she wanted me to ask the Council to release Petro,” Silverstream said wearily. “What should I have said to that?”

“I don’t know. But you did come off as insensitive, trying to remind her that everything she ever remembered about you was a lie. It may be true, but that’s the last thing she wants to hear. You just made her mood worse by saying that…”

“Sorry…” Silverstream apologized. “That was uncalled for, I know…I just…didn’t know what else to say. I still don’t…”

Silverstream slept fitfully later that night, her mind still thinking about Katooni and the argument they had. She didn’t know how she was going to apologize to her, but she knew that she would have to worry about that in the morning. There was nothing she could do now, and all she could do was wait for all of the high emotions to boil over.

She didn’t really dream of anything and she woke up frequently. But she fell back to sleep each time and after a while, her mind stopped obsessing over what had happened and she was able to sleep more soundly. But that peace was about to be interrupted when she suddenly heard someone screaming in her ear.

“Silverstream!! Silverstream!!!!”

Silverstream’s eyes snapped open in an instant and her vision cleared. She looked up to see that the person waking her was none other than Anakin. He looked panicked and was desperately trying to shake her awake. Seeing him like this put her brain on high alert and she was on her guard.

“Anakin, what’s going on?!” Silverstream demanded. “It’s four in the morning!”

She had no idea what was happening and why he looked so alarmed, but she would soon her answer. It was an answer that she hoped she would never hear, and one that would irrevocably change her life forever.

“Katooni is gone!!”

Author's Note

Oh it feels so great to be coming back to this story after all this time. It’s like I never left at all and I’m picking right back up where I left off. I feel like my writing craft has improved too since the last time I touched this, so you probably noticed a dramatic increase in quality and chapter length. I’m using my experiences and the lessons I learned while writing my Sagas to see this story to completion no matter what. Things are ramping up here, folks, and the next chapter will be quite the devastating gut punch.

As always, I look forward to seeing what y’all have to say in the comments below. I always love reading your feedback and engagement as it helps me a lot. New chapters shall be posted every Tuesday, so stay tuned!