The Jedi Prince III: The Spark of Hope

Half a year later

It was a calm spring day in Ponyville as Cody, Twilight, Sunset, Spike, and the rest of Harmony Squad were doing some reading. Cal and Nash were also present.

“Glad you could come over, Cal and Nash,” Cody said while reading.

“Good to see you too, Cody,” Nash replied.

“Nice new home you and the wives have here,” Cal added.

“Thanks,” Cody said.

It wasn’t long before they heard a knock on the castle door.

“I’ll get it,” Spike said as he went to answer the door.

“Who is this? Please identify yourself,” Spike demanded.

“Starlight Glimmer,” a voice spoke up, “I wish to see Prince Cody and Princess Twilight.”

“They’re in the library,” Spike replied as he opened the door.

It wasn’t long before Spike returned to the library with Starlight.

“Princess Twilight, Prince Cody, I’ve been thinking and have been watching you for a while now and I decided that I want to give friendship another chance,” Starlight said.

“Good thinking, Starlight,” Twilight replied.

“You made a wise decision,” Cody added.

Starlight squinted her eyes and tilted her head and asked, “You look familiar, didn’t I meet you when I played with Sunburst back home in Sire’s Hollow?”

“It’s me, Sunset Shimmer. Sunburst is my brother, he spoke very highly of you,” Sunset replied, “It’s good to see you, Starlight.”

Just then, they heard a beep coming from the holotable.

“We have an incoming transmission,” Sunset said.

“Must be from Rebel Command,” Cody replied as he answered the transmission. It was then that Admiral Ackbar appeared on the hologram.

“Harmony Squad, we need your help on our next operation,” Admiral Ackbar said.

“What’s the operation, Admiral?” Cody asked.

“We need to seize control of the Empire’s new coaxium refinery base on Kessel. With your help, we shall have enough coaxium to power the fleet for years,” Admiral Ackbar replied.

“Where do we meet you for briefing?” Twilight asked.

“On the command ship Home One above Lothal,” Admiral Ackbar replied.

“We’re on our way, Admiral. Harmony Squad out,” Applejack said as the transmission ended.

“Starlight, do you mind accompanying us to Kessel?” Sunset asked.

“I’d like to know why we’re going there first,” Starlight replied.

“The Rebellion needs us to seize control of the Empire’s new coaxium refinery so we can get enough fuel reserves for years,” Cody said, “We’ll explain more on the way.”

It wasn’t long before Harmony Squad, along with Starlight Glimmer, Cal, and Nash boarded the Star Hope and left the surface. Having plotted the course for Lothal, they jumped into hyperspace.

Once above Lothal, the Star Hope approached Home One, which was receiving newly built starfighters from the former Imperial factory.

“Harmony Squad to Home One, we’re here for briefing,” Cody said over the comm.

“We read you, Harmony Squad. You’re cleared to land,” a rebel officer replied over the comm.

As the Star Hope docked in the command ship’s hangar, Cody and the others noticed the Millennium Falcon and a familiar X-wing right next to it.

“It’s a good thing Luke, Han, and the gang are here,” Cody said.

“Why’s that?” Rarity asked.

“Han and Chewie have been to Kessel before, we could use their help,” Cody replied.

Soon enough, Harmony Squad, with Starlight beside them entered the briefing room where they met up with the Heroes of Yavin and Admiral Ackbar.

“Howdy, Han,” Applejack greeted.

“Good to see you,” Rainbow added.

“Good to see you both, too,” Han replied.

“Hi, Chewie,” Fluttershy greeted.

Chewbacca growled in reply and hugged her.

“Hello, Leia,” Rarity said.

“Hi, Rarity,” Leia replied.

R5 and R2 beeped and whistled excitedly, then gave each other a friendly bump.

“Hi, 3PO,” Twilight greeted.

“Princesses Twilight and Sunset, so good to see you both,” 3PO replied.

“Hi, Luke,” Cody said.

“Good to see you, Cody,” Luke replied.

Once they were briefed on the plan, Harmony Squad and the Heroes of Yavin went to their ships as the fleet jumped to hyperspace. Soon enough, the rebel fleet had reached Kessel and began engaging the Imperial fleet. They jammed all Imperial communications per Admiral Ackbar’s orders. The fleet bought enough time for Harmony Squad and the ground forces to make their landing approach.

Meanwhile, at the former Fortress Inquisitorius, Darth Claw and Blueblood were meditating. It was then that the former was snapped out of it as he opened his eyes.

“What is it you sense, master?” Blueblood asked.

“A tremor in the Force. The son of Anakin Skywalker has surfaced and he’s on Kessel, along with Cody Ando and the traitor Nash Volan,” Darth Claw replied.

“I can sense it too. Let’s go kill some Jedi,” Blueblood said.

“I like your thinking, my young apprentice. Now let’s scramble the fleet and head to Kessel,” Darth Claw replied.

The Sith master and apprentice boarded their respective TIE Defender and Reaper, then flew up to their Star Destroyer, the Tyranus. Once aboard, they went up to the bridge where Admiral Tenant was awaiting them.

“Admiral, set course for Kessel,” Claw ordered.

“Yes, Lord Claw,” Admiral Tenant replied.

It was then that Claw’s fleet jumped into hyperspace.

Back on Kessel, Harmony Squad and the rest of the rebel ground forces landed near the coaxium refinery. Cody took a look through his macro-binoculars and saw twenty AT-AT and AT-ST walkers, along with ten Occupier assault tanks.

“That’s not good, it seems we got roughly two thousand stormtroopers defending the refinery plus twenty walkers and ten assault tanks,” Cody said, “Cassian, do you and the others have any rocket launchers?”

“We’ve got plenty of them, sir,” Cassian replied.

“Good. We’re gonna need them,” Twilight said, then turned to Starlight, “You’re welcome to help anytime, Starlight.”

“Of course,” Starlight replied.

“I think we should also free all the slaves in the spice mines while we’re here,” Bucky said.

“I’m pretty sure we can’t just send a planet wide transmission from the refinery, ‘cause we jammed all Imperial frequencies,” Bucky replied.

“Good thing we happen to have a holotransmitter back on the Harmony Star,” Spike said.

“We can use it once we’ve seized control of the refinery,” Cody replied.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s blast some buckets!” Rainbow said.

“Good thinking, Dashie,” Sal replied.

“We may be smaller in number compared to all those stormtroopers, but strength in character can defeat strength in numbers,” Cody said.

“Well said, Cody. Let’s make a hundred men feel like a thousand,” Cassian replied.

It was then that the rebel troops led by Harmony Squad charged towards the refinery. The stormtroopers saw this and the walkers and assault tanks came towards them.

“Split up! Cassian, you, Jyn, and your group take the right flank! Everyone else come with me!” Cody said, as they performed a flanking attack.

Twilight, Sunset, Rainbow, and Flash (who were each given a rocket launcher and two rockets) flew over the walkers. The two alicorns fired magic blasts at the necks of a few AT-ATs, making them collapse. Rainbow and Flash went behind four of the AT-STs and each fired their rockets at them, bringing them down. Rarity and Starlight fired magic blasts at the remaining walkers and took them down. Cody, Cal, and Nash cut down every stormtrooper in their path. Applejack, Pinkie, Sal, Bucky, and Spike blasted several more stormtroopers. Cassian, Jyn, and their group fired rockets on the assault tanks, putting them out of action. They also blasted every stormtrooper in their way.

It wasn’t long before the perimeter of the refinery was secured. The rebels entered the refinery and blasted or captured all personnel within it.

“Hands up!” Applejack said.

“Drop your weapons!” Rainbow Dash added.

The Imperial officers dropped their blasters as they were taken prisoner.

“They’re all yours, Cassian,” Cody said before turning on his comlink, “Admiral Ackbar, the refinery is secure.”

“We read you, Harmony Squad. Good work,” Admiral Ackbar replied over the comlink.

It was then that Harmony Squad, Starlight, Cal, and Nash returned to the ship and took out the holotransmitter. They brought it to a nearby spice mine and turned it on.

“Attention all slaves in the spice mines, this is Cody Ando of the Rebel Alliance. The Empire and the Pykes have been oppressing you and making you work against your will for far too long! Do not give into fear, you must stand together as one! For now is the time to rise up and take back your freedom!” Cody said over the transmitter.

“Now that we secured the coaxium refinery and sent our transmission, what do we do now?” Rarity asked.

“I say we contact Hondo so he and his crew can help us get the coaxium from the mines, to the refinery and to the fleet,” Bucky replied.

“Good thinking,” Cody said, then went to contact Hondo and his crew, “Hondo, you there? We need your help here on Kessel.”

“How can we help you Cody?” Hondo asked over the hologram.

“We need to find some coaxium, then get it to the refinery, and to the rebel fleet,” Cody replied.

“We’re on our way,” Hondo said before the transmission ended.

Just then, a familiar TIE Defender and TIE Reaper landed near their position. Cody looked through his macro-binoculars and saw Darth Claw and Blueblood coming their way.

“Blueblood? What’s he doing here? And why’s he with Darth Claw?” Cody said to himself, “Girls, we have a problem.”

“Cody, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“Darth Claw and Blueblood are here. Cal, Nash, and I are gonna face them, while you and the others go help the slaves in this mine,” Cody said.

It was then that Cody, Nash, and Cal rushed out to head off Claw and Blueblood outside the spice mine.

“Well well well, if it isn’t Cal Kestis, the traitor Nash Volan, and Cody Ando,” Claw said.

“How do you know who I am, Claw?” Cody asked.

“My apprentice, Blueblood here told me everything about you and your squad,” Claw replied.

“You were always scum, Blueblood, but I never thought you would join the Empire and be trained as a Sith,” Cody remarked.

“I joined because I want to kill you and take the throne of Equestria for myself!” Blueblood said.

“Not if I end you in a duel!” Cody retorted.

A duel between cousins broke out as they drew their lightsabers and blades clashed. Nash helped Cody in his duel with Blueblood, while Cal dueled Darth Claw. It wasn’t long before Hondo’s ship flew over them and landed at the spice mine, but they didn’t even notice.

Meanwhile, the rest of Harmony Squad met up with Hondo and his crew as they went to collect some coaxium to be refined.

“The coaxium is kept in cold storage here in these mines, we need to get it to the refinery as quickly as possible,” Hondo said.

“Good thinking, Hondo,” Twilight replied.

Hondo and his crew led Harmony Squad and Starlight to the cold storage area and managed to grab several coaxium canisters. They managed to load the canisters onto the Star Hope and the Last Chance. Their efforts were mostly unopposed as the slave uprising kept the Pykes and the stormtroopers busy.

Just as they got the last canisters out, a few Pykes threw thermal detonators at Rarity and Spike. Lucky, they threw the canisters the two were carrying at the Pykes, Sunset used her magic to pull Spike towards them as the dragon grabbed onto Rarity and pushed them out of the entrance as it collapsed. Spike ended up landing atop of Rarity, making them both blush.

Twilight cast a force field around herself and the others to protect them from the powerful blast. Both ships were far enough away from the mine entrance to survive the blast. Once it was safe, Twilight deactivated her force field.

“Thank you for saving me, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity said.

“You were worth saving, Rarity. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing the mare I love,” Spike replied.

“Cody helped me realize I took your longtime crush for granted for too long, as neither age nor species matters when it comes to love. You’ve been so helpful, supportive, and generous to me all this time. For that, I love you as well, Spike,” Rarity confessed.

She then pulled Spike into a kiss. His eyes widened at this but then, he eagerly returned it. The others smiled at this, happy for the new couple. Once they broke their kiss, Spike and Rarity got back up and helped the others load the last canisters on to the ships. Harmony Squad and Hondo’s crew then flew their ships over to the refinery and both crews unloaded the coaxium to be refined.

Meanwhile, Cody, Cal, and Nash were still dueling Claw and Blueblood. Cal and Claw dueled until the Sith Lord kicked Cal in the abdomen, knocking down the Jedi Knight. Cal got back up but Claw overpowered him in the duel and fatally stabbed him.

“Cal!” Cody shouted as he rushed to engage Claw, “Come and get me, Claw! I’m ready for you!”

The Sith Lord rushed towards Cody and they began dueling. Claw attacked aggressively, but Cody managed to hold his own until he gained the strength to put Claw on the defensive. It wasn’t long before Cody pushed Claw’s blade onto the ground and fatally wounded him on his chest. The Sith warrior collapsed to the ground to his death. Cody then took Claw’s lightsaber and put it on his person.

“Cody, Nash, come closer,” Cal said.

Cody then went over to Cal, who lay dying, “We’re here, Cal,” he replied, with his voice breaking.

“Nash, I want you to train my children, just as I helped Blaze train Cody,” Cal said with his dying breath.

“I will,” Nash replied, voice breaking.

“Goodbye, Cal,” Cody added.

“Goodbye, old friends,” Cal said for the last time as he gave Cody his lightsaber.

Blueblood immediately saw his master was dead and angrily broke off the duel, “I will make you all pay for the death of my master!” he yelled.

Blueblood ran over to his master’s TIE Defender and flew off to the Tyranus. Cody and Nash brought Cal’s lifeless form back to the Harmony Star. Twilight and Sunset noticed the sad look on their husband’s face.

“Cody, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“Cal’s dead, by the hand of Darth Claw,” Cody replied.

“The good news is that we won’t be seeing Claw anymore,” Nash added.

“Let’s go home,” Sunset said.

“I need a word with Hondo first,” Cody replied.

Cody then went up to Hondo and said, “With the Empire and the Pykes driven off, Kessel needs a new leader. Due to your experience leading your group of pirates twenty years ago and your bartering and dealing skills, maybe you could set up shop here and run the planet. Hondo, since you lost Florrum to the Empire, it’s the least we can do for you. Kessel is yours now.”

“Thank you, Cody. My crew and I shall make sure the former slaves are well paid laborers. Medicinal spice can make a great profit for us,” Hondo replied, “Farewell ‘till we meet again, Cody.”

It was then that Cody boarded the Star Hope and they left the surface with the newly refined coaxium. After giving the coaxium to the rebel fleet, Harmony Squad returned to Equestria.

Shortly after their return, Harmony Squad took Cal’s body to Canterlot for a proper funeral. Once everyone was gathered in the palace courtyard as the funeral began and Cody made a short speech, “We lost Cal today and now he’s one with the Force. He was a good friend, a mentor, and a dedicated husband and father to his wife and children. We shall miss you, Cal Kestis, for you made a real difference in all our lives.”

It was then that Cal’s body was burned in a traditional Jedi funeral pyre. Cody, his wives, their friends, families and everyone else in attendance put their clenched hands to their chests and lowered their heads in respect to their fallen friend. Merrin, Jaro, Cere, and Trilla did the same in respect for their husband and father.

“Jaro, Trilla, and Cere, your father wanted me to continue your Jedi training. He also wanted you to have his lightsaber, Jaro,” Nash said, as Cody gave Cal’s lightsaber to Jaro.

“We accept,” the triplets replied in unison.

To lighten up the mood, Sal went up to Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

“Ever since I got to know you both, you’ve made my life very special and interesting. I love you both so much and I want us to move forward together,” Sal said as he got onto his knee and presented two rings, asking, “Applejack and Rainbow Dash, will you marry me?”

“Yes!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash replied in unison as they both kissed him.

Seeing this, Bucky decided to propose to Fluttershy and Pinkie, “Girls, there’s something I want to ask you,” he said.

“What is it, Bucky?” Fluttershy wondered.

“Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, will you marry me?” Bucky asked, presenting two rings.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Fluttershy and Pinkie replied in unison as they both kissed him.

“Rarity, would you like me to take you out for a date?” Spike asked.

“Of course, Spike,” Rarity replied.

“Mom, Father, I present to you the lightsaber of Darth Claw,” Cody said as he went up to his parents.

“Is this what I think it means?” Blaze asked.

“Yes, we won’t be seeing Claw again,” Cody replied.

It was then that Cody rejoined his wives as he looked on seeing Spike and Rarity heading out for a date.

“Way to go, Spike,” Cody said.

“I figured he had it in him to win her heart,” Twilight replied.

“With Darth Claw gone, all we need to worry about is Blueblood and the sirens,” Sunset said.

“I hope that’s the case, because there might also be other threats on this planet to deal with,” Cody replied, “But whatever comes our way, we’ll be ready.”