Chapters It had been 3 years since the ponies had settled in at Coruscant. Some had moved to other planets, while most remained. During this time, Thalos and Celestia had become friends. They talked about the war, it had been so devastating that she told Thalos she was once different before. Calmer and more collected with her thoughts, but when a war brings your race almost to extinction; even the most solid shatter. She told of Chrysalis taking her power over the sun and how sometimes even basic magic could be difficult.
Thalos had told her more about the way of the Jedi, about emotion, attachments, self-discipline, and love. Each of them must be tamed for one to be a Jedi. He explained more about the Force, what it is and what it can do. He went into detail of the light and dark side, about how neither of them are good or evil. It was all about how the user used the Force, was how it became the dark or light side.
He also met Twilight Sparkle, celestia’s former student. She’d pounded him with questions and assumptions. But Thalos did his best to explain without giving her so much information that she had to write an entire book about it. She was disappointed to hear that she wasn’t Force sensitive, but she didn’t mind so much; since she still had her magic. They each told each other stories of their adventures and how their worlds were. Thalos already knew quite a bit from Celestia, but it was always nice to see another perspective.
Two years after the ponies had merged with the modern society, Thalos had been sent on a mission. A critical one. Long story short, he failed. His mortal enemy, Darth Desius had murdered his former padawan right in front of him. His padawan had just been promoted to Jedi Knight of the order. Thalos just couldn’t get there in time. He blamed himself and his doubt lead him to put himself into self-imposed exile. Now he lives alone in one of the forests of Alderaan. Keeping away from society, but still doing good whenever the chance comes.
After the battle of Alderaan, spearheaded by Darth Malgus, Darth Desius had remained behind; knowing of Thalos’s presence. Desius and his two apprentices searched for weeks. They never found him, for the Force was shrouding Thalos’s location. Desius began to get angry and ordered his apprentices to destroy a small village in the midst of the same forest Thalos had been hiding.
Thalos was resting in his small home he had built for himself. He was meditating in the living room. Until he began to feel weak, he felt a disturbance in the Force. A disturbance big enough to make his head throb. He had not touched any of his Jedi clothing in two years... but he knew what he must do.
He put on his Jedi robe and slipped on the hood, he grabbed his lightsaber and put it on the latch. It felt good being in his old robe, both good and bad memories were coming back to him; ones he was trying to avoid. Regardless, he rushed out of his home, and to the village.
Now this village was small, but there was something of interest there. A pony named Rainbow Dash has been living there for only a few months now, but what made her interesting was, Thalos could sense that she was Force sensitive. He’d never seen a pony that was, even when he had gone to their homeworld. She was the only one. Thalos had watched over her, but never approached. She got suspicious of him once, but Thalos never let her get to him.
He found out she was Force sensitive when he caught her flying around over the forest, testing her speed. He pondered how something of that size could fly so fast. He eventually began doing the math and after a few days, he determined that she had to have some kind of help. So he changed his meditation time to noon, when she was often out flying. He felt around with the Force and he could feel it in the air when she was flying. She was not using it intentionally, but accidentally. To the point of it now being instinct.
Now the two apprentices just arrived at the village. Disguised in their black robes, they entered the village and caught everyone by surprise. They began destroying vehicles, burning buildings and killing the villagers. Luckily, Thalos got there just as it began.
Rainbow Dash had tried to run, or even fly. But, she was no match for the Force. One of the dark apprentices had cornered her, and raised their lightsaber. Things slowed down for her, and she closed her eyes. She took a small peek, only to see a booted foot smashing into the apprentice’s face. A small burst of Force coming from around the foot like a small shockwave. The apprentice was sent like a baseball, through the air and straight into a tree, causing the bark to crack all the way up the trunk.
The other apprentice had caught attention of this and ran over to Thalos.
Thalos turned to where Rainbow Dash was. “Are you alright?” He asked.
“Y-you... you’re that robed man that’s been following me around!” She said back while standing up. Both anger and disbelief were in her voice.
“You need to get out of here. Head to the west side of the forest and wait until I get there.” Thalos said while he removed his lightsaber from the latch.
“No way! I’m not listening to you! You’ve done nothing bu- WATCH OUT!” she yelled.
Just as she alerted him, he felt a huge push of energy slam him in the back. Along with painful electrocution. He was sent flying into the side of a building. He laid there, his back sizzling. He groaned and stood up. “I am so out of practi-...” he thought to himself, before he saw both of the Sith standing a few feet away from him, lightsabers ignited.
Thalos wiped the blood off his lips and ignited his lightsaber, holding it in one hand. During the years of his exile, he had developed his own unique fighting style with a saber. But it was still new to the point of where he had to mix it with the normal style... but then he realized, this gave him more of an edge than a whole new style. So he stuck with it.
The two Sith charged and so did he. He lept in between them and they began to attack both his front and back. He used the force to guide his blade, to protect and to attack. He was almost overwhelmed, but through the Force, he held his own. Thalos spun around and deflected the incoming blade from behind by kneeling and holding his own blade above his head. At the same time, he held his left hand in front of him and used the Force to stop the red lightsaber mid swing, now they were all at a stand still of strength.
Rainbow could only stand and watch in awe, mouth agape. The two dark Jedi had ransacked the town with ease and killed the guards like they were nothing. And now, this one Jedi was standing against both of them.
Finally, Thalos sent a quick burst of Force energy and sent the one in front of him flying back. Then catching the one behind him by surprise. He pushed up and backflipped things moved in slow motion for him, thanks to adrenaline, and once the flip was finished, he reached his right foot all the way out and kicked the apprentice behind him in the neck, sending him flying back.
Both the apprentices recovered mid air and landed. Only getting angrier every time the Jedi countered them. They both nodded to each other and reached their arms out, they both sent torrents of purple Force Lightning from each side of Thalos. Thalos was right in the middle.
The Jedi quickly turned and brought his saber up. It began to absorb the lightning, he reached his other hand out and used the Force the absorb the lightning too. He began to sweat as this was overwhelming, his body began to get weaker every second.
Rainbow knew she had to do something, so she ran over and caught one of the Sith by surprise and bucked him in the back. He fell face-first onto the ground, and stopped casting the lightning.
Thalos sighed with relief and turned to the other one, while he still absorbed the lightning with his saber, he used the Force to pick up a front half of a speeder. He sent the hunk of metal right into the Sith, dazing him.
The Sith that Rainbow kicked was furious now. He threw his lightsaber at the pony. At the same time, Thalos threw his, and leaped high into the air, covering at least twenty feet high. Thalos’ lightsaber collided with the red one, just before it hit the pony. Each lightsaber returned to their master. But just as the red one returned to the dark Jedi’s hands, Thalos landed on him and drove his lightsaber into the apprentice’s chest.
Thalos quickly picked up the other red lightsaber, and held it in his hand. He pushed his foot off the wall to backflip over the other apprentice that swung their blade at him. Just as he was in mid-backflip, he hurled the red lightsaber at the Sith.
The Sith caught it, and threw their own right at Thalos when he landed, at the same time, he raised the other lightsaber in the air to get ready to throw it at Thalos.
Thalos landed and dodge-rolled toward the apprentice, under the incoming blade. He stuck his saber out just as the dark Jedi raised their own blade. The apprentice looked down in shock, the blue lightsaber was going straight through their chest.
Thalos deactivated his lightsaber, and the Sith fell limp. Dead. Thalos fell to his knees and panted heavily. He hadn’t fought like that since his last battle with Darth Desius.
Just as the last dark Jedi died, Rainbow instantly flew to where she was told to go, both excited and shaken from what she just witnessed.
A couple minutes later, Thalos got back up and put his hood back on. He began to walk back to his home, still sweating... and bleeding. His nose had begun bleeding from the amount of strain he put on himself to keep from being electrocuted to death. Sith aren’t a laughing matter, no matter how powerful. The fight lasted around sixteen minutes, and in that short time, Thalos had been more exhausted than he’s been in years. He really was out of practice.
He returned to his home to find that Rainbow was pacing inside. When she saw him, she instantly began to praise him. “Wow! That was so awesome! Are you some kind of magical guardian or something?!” she asked. She’d never heard of the Force before, nor had she seen a Force user.
“I am a Jedi... was a Jedi...” He said while he removed his hood and sat in a chair. “That wasn’t magic either, it was the Force.”
“Well, whatever it is, how did you do all that?!” she asked with disbelief.
“Through many years of practice and connection with the Force. The Force is everything, it guides us, keeps us alive, keeps the universe together. It is the universe itself.” Thalos explained.
“Force schmorce. I could’ve taken those guys on if I hadn’t spent 3 hours flying and practicing my moves.” Dash said, becoming rather proud of herself for bucking one of the Sith in the back.
“Your arrogance will be your undoing, but there is one thing... You can use the Force as well.” Thalos said to her.
She just began laughing, she fell on her back and laughed hysterically. “Yeah right! I’m a pegasus, not a unicorn! Everyone knows you can’t cast magic without a horn!” she said mid-laugh.
“Do you see a horn upon my forehead?” Thalos asked rather seriously.
Rainbow stopped laughing, she never got a good look at him. He always had his hood on. She stood up and looked at his forehead... no horn. “... You don’t have a horn... then how were you doing all that?” she asked.
“Through the Force. But only those who are Force sensitive may begin to use it. Like yourself.” Thalos said. Over a matter of 4 hours of talking and discussion, he explained about the Force and how she had been using it most of her life, over dinner. The first time she used the Force being when she did her first sonic rainboom. He deduced that after she had told the story.
He said he’d never heard of such raw power with the Force, to create an explosion of energy in the appearance of a rainbow through high speeds, and on command. If the Sith had got to her, the republic would’ve been doomed. He explained to her about her raw capability with the Force, much like Twilight’s raw talent with magic.
Rainbow couldn’t believe this knowledge was right under her nose the whole time. “How would I go about learning how to use the ‘Force’ as you have been calling it?” She asked.
“Through training. I am willing to be your master, if you are willing to be my apprentice.” Thalos said.
“Of course I am! I can’t wait to kick some bad guy butt!” she said while doing a backflip in the air, using her wings to do so.
“You have a lot to learn...” Thalos said while putting his hand to his face. He didn’t want another apprentice, not after what happened. But he knew he had to do this, or no one else would. Why had the Force been drawing him to these ponies?! “There is an extra room upstairs. Get some sleep and sleep well. For tomorrow we begin training.” Thalos said.
She nodded and went up to the room she was given and went off to bed. She was getting tired anyways.
“This one is different, arrogant and ignorant... but strong and loyal. She hangs at a balance of light and dark. One small addition and she could tilt either way. I just hope she doesn’t turn out like Rolan did...”
A month had gone by, and Rainbow was a quick learner, but not so quick on the meditation parts. She had gotten to the point where she could move small objects, like cups or datapads. But it was still hard for her to do so.
“You need to focus Rainbow, your mind is too focused on other things and that can only get so far. If you do not calm your inner self, you won’t ever improve.” Thalos said while she was attempting to move a small crate.
“I’m sorry, it’s just that I miss home sometimes... I’ve been gone from Coruscant for almost a year now. I miss my friends.” she said.
Thalos realized she was homesick, but he said, “You must not let attachments bind you. Forget about them for now and just focus, please.” he calmly said.
“I’ll try...” she sat down and closed her eyes, after a few minutes of meditation, the crate began to float in the air. But, it was still a slight bit too heavy, and she lost concentration. “Ha! I did it! Finally!” She said, celebrating her achievement.
“Very good. Keep at it, and it will begin to become easier for you.” Thalos said. He then returned to his home to go meditate.
Rainbow nodded, and returned to practicing.
Seven more months had passed and Rainbow had gotten to the point of where she could use basic core Force abilities. Basic levitation, push, pull, jump... and speed. The time had come to where a forest would no longer do for her training... No... it was time to return to Coruscant.
Thalos never thought he’d ever have to go back, but in order to continue his padawan’s training, he had to face his fear and return. Thalos had made Rainbow her own Jedi robe, they wore theirs mainly when they would head into the city.
Thalos and Rainbow both put their robes on and packed their things. Thalos would always use this place as refuge if he had to. They left for the spaceport and got on their shuttle to Coruscant. The entire time Thalos said nothing, even when Rainbow had tried to talk to him. In the year and from his teaching, she’d became more calm and collected, but still had the same attitude she always had. Just, it wasn’t as visible.
She’d been learning faster than any padawan he’d ever trained. Learning what would normally take a child’s entire life, in just a year. He could tell she was special... but why? Perhaps everything that has happened with the ponies was purely for this. Or just coincidence... all Thalos could tell, was that he was a part of something bigger than himself.
When they finally arrived, instead of going to the Jedi Temple, they went to another hanger. There, Thalos’s old ship was waiting for him. He had asked that it be kept safe in case he ever came back. After he had filled out the electronic forms for its release, they went to an old droid shop where he sold his old T7 droid.
He got the droid back, and sent it to the ship.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this planet. It’s just so different from where I’m from.” Rainbow said as they walked the streets of the city planet.
“That’s what I thought too when I was a child, having grown up on Tattooine. I’d never been to a city planet before or any planet for that matter. Never had the credits.” Thalos said. After he said this, he noticed something strange, two men in white and red robes. One looked older, while the other looked younger. One even cast fire from their hand. Perhaps they were Jedi? Then, the older one smacked the younger one in the shoulder. After that, they both disappeared through a strange portal.
Thalos payed no attention to it, and returned to the conversation.
“Oh... Well, who were some of your padawans before me?” she asked next.
Thalos made sure to not talk about this subject very much, so she was in the dark about it. “...” he replied with nothing, not wanting to talk about it.
“How bad could it have been?” she asked.
Thalos sighed, “My first padawan, Amadal, became a successful Jedi. But he was killed by a rancor. My second padawan Rolan became a Jedi Knight. He turned to the dark side after he had witnessed the death of his family. Then there was Aidan, he was killed by Darth Desius...” Thalos said. “To be honest, I didn’t want you to be my padawan, fearing the same result... but now that fear is subsiding...”
“Oh... but why did Rolan turn to the dark side? I thought only fear and anger would do that, not sadness.” She asked while they got onto a tram.
“Sadness leads to fear, fear leads to anger. He feared what happened to his family would happen to others and began to be corrupted.” Thalos said to her while they sat in their seats.
“Where is he now?” she asked.
“Now... he’s known as Darth Desius...” Thalos said to her... almost wishing he didn’t.
Listen to this for added epicness and dramatic effect. If you want.
Thalos approached a building and motioned for Rainbow to follow. “We should be able to get one here.”
Rainbow nodded. “Alright, why don’t we get one from... What was it?... The Jedi Temple or something? I’unno.”
“We’re not going there.” Thalos said abruptly. It sounded like he really didn’t want to go there.
“But wouldn’t it be easier? I mean, I know we can just get one here, but wouldn’t it be a little bit uh... Hard on your budget?” Rainbow asked.
“This Rodian owes me a favor, I helped him escape from Dromund Kaas. Though, after I did so, the Jedi Council suspended me for going against direct orders. They said it would be suicide to go to the current homeworld of the Sith.” Thalos explained.
Rainbow nodded once again. “Oh... I guess that explains it...” she chuckled rather sheepishly.
“It’s alright, you couldn’t have known.” Thalos said as he approached the Rodian. The Rodian was currently working on a droid when they walked in. He noticed Thalos and, to Rainbow, began to speak in a strange language. Thalos seemed to understand it fully.
“Thalos! What brings you to my shop?” the Rodian said to him.
“I come, Gebo, because I need you to build a training saber.” Thalos said.
“I assume because of the robes, this is your new padawan?” Gebo looked at Rainbow Dash, not quite sure what she was. “What exactly is she?”
Rainbow had no idea what Gebo was saying. “Uhhh... I uh... Wha..?” she mumbled in confusion.
“He asked what you were Rainbow. Don’t worry, he understands Republic Standard.” Thalos said to Rainbow.
“Oh... Oh! S-sorry, I’m uh... I’m a pegasus.” Rainbow replied, now understanding that Gebo couldn’t speak Republic Standard. “Can’t really show you that I have wings, because of this robe here.” she gestured to the brown robe with a small sigh.
“It’s alright, I know.” the Rodian said to her. “So Thalos, I should be able to have the training saber ready in a couple of hours. Someone recently pawned a broken one to me and I need to repair it.” Gebo explained to Thalos.
“Very well, I’ll show Rainbow some of Coruscant until then. You have my number.” Thalos said and waved goodbye. He walked outside.
“Very well. See you then.” Gebo said.
“Sooo...” Rainbow began, walking beside Thalos. “I guess you’re gonna take me on a tour of Coruscant? Y’know, I could just go by the air and look around myself.” she said.
“Coruscant is a dangerous place. Many sectors are owned by different gangs. If they saw a strange creature flying around, not knowing where it was. They would shoot on sight.” Thalos said. “It’s best to stay on the ground here.”
Rainbow held back the aching urge to groan. “Alright...”
“It’s time to eat lunch anyways. I take us to a local cantina and see if I can get you something... vegetarian.” Thalos said as he started walking left.
Rainbow followed him closely. “Sounds cool...” she said, sounding quite bored.
“Something wrong?” Thalos asked. He could easily tell when someone was a bit off.
She looked over to him. “I just miss my friends; haven’t seen them in a while.” she let out a sigh of grief as she continued to walk.
“Do you know where they are?” Thalos asked.
“Uhhh... No.” she replied.
“Tell you what... After lunch, if we still have time. I’ll see if we can visit your friends.” Thalos told her.
The pegasus lit-up like a light, her wings clearly showing through the robes. She looked over to him. “Really?” she asked, sounding excited.
“Yes, I’m curious to see what they are like.” Thalos said. He approached the local cantina and walked inside.
The place was really crowded, aliens of all sorts that Rainbow had never seen filled the entire area. With it being lunch time, it’s no surprised it was this packed.
“See if you can find us a seat, I’m going to talk to the bartender.” Thalos said.
Rainbow nodded, and went off to find a seat in the cantina’s bar.
Thalos returned a couple minutes later. “Alright, I got you a basic salad, it was the only thing on the menu not containing meat.”
The pegasus had found a seat to the far right corner of the cantina. “That’s fine.” Rainbow said as a tiny smile grew on her face, watching Thalos as he approached.
“Thalos! Hey!” a patron said in the distance, shuffling their way through the crowd. They sounded angry. “You still owe me those damn credits!”
‘Not him...’ Thalos thought to himself. “I told you a thousand times Deren, I already payed you your debt two years ago.”
“You liar!” Deren said, as he stumbled over to the table. “You know what I think about liars?!” he said rhetorically.
“They are no good cheaters and should all be locked away.” Thalos said, he’d heard this a million times.
Rainbow glanced back and forth between Thalos and Deren. ‘This can’t be good...’ she thought to herself.
“Rainbow... do hurry and eat your salad please.” Thalos said, he put it on the table and returned his attention to the drunk.
“Oh! Look guys! We got ourselves a smarty pants!” Deren announced. A few of his drunken friends came over.
“Deren... don’t do this. It always ends in your face being swollen.” Thalos said.
Rainbow tried her best to ignore the situation at hoof, and began to eat her salad. Of course, she was still concerned, but she was just doing as she was told before.
“Well this time!-” he hiccuped “I’m going to kick! Your! Ass!” Deren yelled. He swung a lazy fist at Thalos.
Thalos moved his head to the side and sighed.
The fist slammed into the wall behind Thalos. Deren instantly yelled in pain and grabbed his hand. “OOOOWWWW!” he shouted.
The pegasus held back a laugh, but it was hard for her as she ate her salad, especially when Deren yelled out in pain.
“Rainbow, do hurry.” Thalos said.
“BOYS! GET HIM!” Deren yelled on the floor.
“Well Rainbow... now is a great time for a lesson. No matter how annoying someone is. Always be pessimistic in a situation. And whe-” Thalos couldn’t finish. He got up and leaned to the side to dodge a fist, he grabbed the drunkard by the back and slammed their face on the table, meanwhile he hopped and sent both his feet out to kick two back.
The drunkard on the table moaned and slid off the table. Meanwhile, the other two were standing up and rubbing their now hurting chests.
“As I was saying, when a situation gets violent, always disable your enemies...” Thalos continued.
Rainbow nodded, still trying to hold back laughter, but at the same time, refusing to let her jaw drop.
Deren got up and charged, he sent another lazy punch at Thalos’s face.
Thalos ducked and grabbed Deren with both hands, using the Force to assist him, he lifted the man up and used the momentum to slam him on the ground with a loud thud. At this point, everyone stopped doing what they were doing and watched.
Deren groaned and coughed a little. He was extremely shaken now.
The other two advanced at Thalos, looking quite angry.
Thalos jumped and barrel rolled in the air, he slammed his right knee into one of the drunks. Causing the man to abruptly fall to the ground. As Thalos landed, he spun and kicked the other in the back of the knee. Then he wrapped his arm over the man’s neck and yanked up. This caused the drunk to pass out.
“Come Rainbow, we need to leave.” Thalos said, he wiped a bit of blood off his robe, that hit with his knee really did a number on that guy.
Rainbow nodded. Fortunately, she finished her salad just as Thalos finished the fight. She got up, and trailed after Thalos.
Thalos left the cantina and checked the time. “Alright, we still have an hour. Where was the last place you remember your friends were at?”
“Ummm...” Rainbow thought hard. “... Uh...” she was having some trouble remembering. “Not... sure... I think they hang out at some cafe near a hotel, somewhere East of here... Not sure, though...” she said.
“Very well, we’ll check there. The Force will guide us.” Thalos said as he headed East.
After about ten minutes of walking, Thalos spotted the cafe. He pointed at it. “There.”
Rainbow seemed rather nervous, but she was also excited. She grinned happily as she approached the cafe.
Thalos pulled his hood over his head and headed inside. He noticed the five ponies at one of the booths. So he went and sat down in the one next to them. He picked up a menu and waited.
Rainbow clearly wanted to go over there and greet her friends, but she sat down next to Thalos. The five of them were deep in a conversation, so they didn’t really notice Rainbow enter, hence the fact that she was wearing a hood.
“Why don’t you talk to them?” Thalos asked her. He put the menu down and looked to her.
“I-I...” Rainbow sighed. “I’m just kinda nervous, but yeah... I’ll be back in a minute.” she got up, and walked over. Taking down her hood, she looked at her friends. “H-hey guys...” she smiled.
Everypony looked over at her, and gasped.
As soon as one of them, a pink mare, saw her...
... She tackle-hugged her. “RAINBOW DASH!!! OH MY GOSH I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!” she exclaimed excitedly. The only thing that was truly coherent was ‘Rainbow Dash’ in her sentence.
“Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow hugged her back, chuckling happily.
“Rainbow Dash, Ah thought you’d be gone for good!” an orange mare with a blonde mane spoke, smiling down at the two.
As she said this, Pinkie Pie began to squeeze the life out of Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow wheezily said, “Pinkie! I CAN’T... BREATHE...”
“Okay! I’m done!” Pinkie hopped off of her pegasus friend, bouncing over to her seat.
The pegasus let out a long exhale of relief, and stood back up on her hooves.
But oh no, the hug-fest was not over. As soon as she did, a yellow pegasus with a pink mane came up to her, teary-eyed, and hugged her.
“H-hey Fluttershy...” she hugged her friend back softly. Fluttershy closed her eyes, and began to softly weep, resting her head on Rainbow’s left shoulder.
“It’s good to see you again, Rainbow.” a lavender unicorn mare spoke, smiling at Rainbow as she hugged the crying pegasus.
“Yeah, I thought I’d never get to see you guys again...” Rainbow tried to hold back happy tears, but she failed. She sniffled, and rested her head on Fluttershy’s right shoulder. She silently let the tears flow down her face.
Meanwhile, Thalos was watching and listening, he knew they would be too caught up in seeing their friend again to notice him. So he observed. He’d not interacted with too many ponies and it was interesting to see what they were like.
One of them didn’t speak. She was a white unicorn mare, with a stylish purple mane. But, all six of them conjoined in a group hug with one another, after letting out an ‘Awww’ in unison. Happy tears were shed, by all six of them.
Meanwhile, Thalos was ordering a drink from the waiter. The waiter came back and gave him his drink. “Thank you.” he said to the waiter. He went back to watching and took occasional sips of his water.
After they were all done, the occasional sniffle was heard. All six were sitting around the table, having a conversation.
“Forty-five minutes.” Thalos announced to Rainbow.
Breaking apart from the conversation, Rainbow replied. “Okay!” she then returned to talking with her friends.
After a few minutes, Thalos decided to join them. he walked over and said “Well, now that you’ve all said your hellos, I thought I’d come over.”
The lavender unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, spoke. “Feel free to join us. We wouldn’t mind, right girls?” after she asked this, everypony said that they would not mind.
He sat down on the edge of the booth. “I’m Thalos, Rainbow’s master.”
“Master?” Twilight perked-up with curiosity. The others were off in their own conversation.
“I’m training her to be a Jedi. She is my padawan.” Thalos explained.
“Wow. I didn’t know ponies were able to become Jedi!” Twilight smiled. “Or is it just Rainbow?”
“So far, just her. She’s extremely Force sensitive, like a bomb just waiting to explode. So I’m teaching her how to use the Force. In just a little bit, I’m getting her her first training saber.”
Twilight smiled at him. “Well, I hope that goes well... How has it been going?” she asked.
“Extremely well, she’s been progressing really fast. She’s been able to accomplish what would take a normal padawan four years, in only about a year. This is also why she’s been gone. I’ve been training her on Alderaan, but I’m thinking of having us stay here for her training.” Thalos explained to Twilight.
The lavender unicorn’s smile widened. “That’s astonishing... But, I’d be glad to have Rainbow stay here, so she is close to us. We missed her a lot, afterall.”
“Even though she’d be staying here, she wouldn’t have much time to visit. There is a lot we have to do every day.” Thalos said.
“I’m fine with that, as long as we can see her occasionally, just to see how she’s doing. You know, friend stuff.” she chuckled, taking a sip of a glass of water that she got.
“I wouldn’t know.” Thalos said.
“Why is that?” Twilight raised a brow.
“Part of being a Jedi... means getting rid of attachments.” Thalos sighed. He was being hypocritical, but they didn’t know that.
“So, to be a Jedi, you have to... break bonds with friends?” she sounded a little bit hurt...
“This way, we have nothing to lose. We cannot love, for if a loved one were to die, a Jedi would be torn inside, and turn to the dark side... like Desius did.” Thalos said. He rubbed his face with his hand for a moment, it was a hard subject for him to talk about.
Twilight nodded.
Pinkie Pie, unfortunately, overheard this. Her eyes widened as she looked at Thalos. “What!? You’re not allowed to love, OR have friends!?” she gasped loudly. “That is RIDICULOUS!” she exclaimed.
“It’s for the good of the galaxy. It objected at first when I was a padawan, but I understood.” he said to Pinkie.
“Even if it’s for the good of the galaxy, or the WHOLE UNIVERSE, you shouldn’t have to not make friends!” Pinkie argued, obviously disagreeing with him.
“Tell me then, would you rather have friends die right before your eyes and feel remorse? Or feel nothing at all, and protect the innocent.” Thalos said.
“...” Pinkie Pie groaned, and slid back into her seat, not answering.
“We live by a code, one that guides us. 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. We live by this until our dying breath, and soon, Rainbow will have to learn to follow it too.” Thalos said to everyone.
Pinkie Pie, again, did not answer. Twilight did, though. “Rainbow has to... F-forget about us?” she sounded like her spirit was just crushed.
... Which it was.
“No, never forget the past, but never hold onto it either. But, she must break bonds, so if anything happens she may remain calm. I almost turned to the dark side because I had formed a bond with one of my former padawans, and I was nearly destroyed when I learned my brother had turned to the Sith.” Thalos said. Though with this, he seemed alright. It was different. “I had the chance to kill him, but if I did, I would’ve descended into darkness and turned into the very thing I fight against.”
Twilight nodded in understanding. “I see... It’s just that I don’t know what would happen if Rainbow were to break away from us... I think it would take an unhealthy toll on us.”
“That’s your fault then, I don’t mean to be mean, but if you can’t accept the inevitable you’ll never be able to forget the past.” Thalos said to her.
“B-but...” Fluttershy spoke up, now teary-eyed again. “I-I don’t want Rainbow Dash to g-g-go...” she sounded as though any more would break her.
“She won’t be for a while, she still has so much to learn.” Thalos said, but it was easy for Rainbow to take that the wrong way.
“What are you saying by that?” Rainbow raised a brow, obviously taking it the wrong way.
“Learning to be a Jedi isn’t just about using the Force and a lightsaber, it’s not all action. It’s also about how you live, and frankly, until you learn to keep your pride at a low, and humble yourself. You’ll remain a padawan.” Thalos told her.
Rainbow almost groaned, but she understood. “Alrighty then...”
“Alright, it is time to go get you your training saber.” Thalos said as he stood up from the booth.
“Awww...” all six of them groaned.
“Well,” Rainbow stood up from the table. “I guess I’ll see you guys later...” she looked slightly hurt, but she closed her eyes, and hugged Twilight one final time, before trotting over to the door.
“Bye!” all of the five called out to her.
“I-I’ll m-miss you...” Fluttershy said, though it came out as a mere whisper.
“...” Thalos sighed... “You all can come if you want...” he tells them.
“REALLY!??!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed... Before attempting jump-hug Thalos. Tightly. “YAY!!!”
Thalos held his hand out and Pinkie stopped in mid air. “I’m not one for hugs.” he said. He gently let her down.
“Awww...” she pouted, before walking over to Rainbow Dash.
The rest of the five followed, all of them eyeing Thalos curiously. Especially Twilight, who spoke, “Erm, Thalos..?”
“Yes?” he asked as he walked out the door and put his hood on.
“How exactly did you... Do that?” Twilight asked with a raised brow as her and her friends followed.
“Do what?” Thalos had been using the Force for so long, it’s more of a natural thing for him now. He’s not used to people who aren’t familiar with it.
“How did you stop me in midair, silly!” Pinkie said, now being in front of him... But wait, she was BEHIND him...
“Through the Force, Rainbow can do it too... with objects. Hmmm, she could probably do it to you too, most of those objects are about the size of a pony.” Thalos thought out loud.
“That’s super-dee-duper!” Pinkie hopped up and down energetically.
“Why don’t you try? It’s always nice to test yourself.” Thalos suggests to Rainbow.
Rainbow smiled. “Sure, I can try.” she stopped in place, and turned around. “Pinkie, if you please...” she said.
“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie attempted to jump-hug her.
Using the Force, Rainbow strained and groaned as her friend hurled to a stop...
... 3 inches away from her.
Pinkie Pie fell down onto the ground, giggling. “That was FUN! Let’s do it again!”
“NO NO, PINKIE WAIT!-”
Pinkie was now hugging Rainbow Dash on the ground, giggling more. “I won, Dashie! I won!” she exclaimed, continuing to giggle.
Thalos held out his hand and easily pulled Pinkie off of Rainbow Dash using the Force. He placed Pinkie about a foot away; and at the same time, brought Rainbow to her hooves. “Well done, Rainbow.”
Rainbow sighed. “Thanks...” she said sheepishly.
Pinkie Pie hopped up and down in place. “That was sooo fun!”
“The Force is nothing to be played with. It can be dangerous in the wrong hands.” Thalos explained. He then started to walk west to the shop.
The six ponies followed. Pinkie Pie hopped along happily, while Rainbow walked alongside Thalos. The six of them were silent for the entire trip.
Thalos walked inside and told everyone, except Rainbow, to wait outside.
“You’re back!” Gebo said. He had the training saber in hand. “I’ve got it working, I even added set levels. Low, medium, and high.” he held it out for Thalos to take.
Thalos took it and turned it on, it had a light yellow glow around where the blade would be. He spun it around to test it. “Very good.” He turned it off and nodded to Gebo in goodbye.
He handed it to Rainbow as they left.
Rainbow took it into her maw, and nodded.
Pinkie began to giggle. “Dashie! You look so silly with that!” she smiled as she giggled at her. It was true, Rainbow did look quite ridiculous holding the saber in her mouth.
“That’s why I wanted Rainbow to test her ability with the Force on Pinkie. If she could stop something about her weight in mid-air... she should be able to support herself. Rainbow, I want you to stand on your hind-legs and use the Force to keep yourself balanced.” Thalos said.
Rainbow nodded, and said through the saber in her mouth, “Okay.” she then stood on her hind legs, and wobbled around a bit, before she began to stand up straight, occasionally needing to set her footing here and there, but she was able to do so.
Twilight and the others applauded her by lightly tapping their hooves on the ground.
“Now hold your training saber in your front hooves.” Thalos said.
Rainbow nodded, and took the saber into one hoof. It almost fell out of her grasp, but she caught it with the other, and held it with both. “Like this?”
“Yes. Now you should be able to properly wield a lightsaber, and fight like a Jedi. Much like I have to use the Force to see and move quickly.” Thalos explained.
“It’s uh... Kinda weird, though.” Rainbow said, obviously not used to it. She took it into one hoof, and bent it back. She was holding it with one hoof now.
“With practice, you’ll be able to wield a saber like any other Jedi would. Use the Force to guide your hooves, your movements, your senses, and your mind. This is why now, we are going to spar. I’ve taught you all I can with sticks, now you can feel what it’s like to hold a weapon. I want you to put all I’ve taught you to the test. Do not hold back, a training saber set on low cannot fatally damage someone. If you see an opening, go for it.” Thalos held out his hand and his saber floated to his hand. He pressed the button and it burst to life. It made the familiar powerful noise, it buzzed around as Thalos moved it through the air. He then motioned for the others to stand back and got into his Soresu stance.
The cerulean blue pegasus swung her saber around, and got into her simple Shii-Cho stance. “Alright...” she said as her friends moved back.
“Remember, let the Force guide your blade, not your hooves.” Thalos said.
Rainbow charged forward and swung her blade, it was well balanced for such a reckless attack.
Thalos deflected it and they traded blows for a while, strangely; Rainbow went into a kind of battle trance, going beyond what her training was.
Thalos wasn’t quite ready and almost made a mistake, but he recovered. He kicked it up a notch and they continued.
Just as Thalos sent his blade down, she deflected it and spun left, she sent a hoof out and a huge wave of Force smacked right into Thalos.
He wasn’t quite expecting it, and was sent flying back an incredible distance. He hit the ground, and slid about twenty-five feet and smacked into the wall of a building with a loud thud. He laid there, unmoving.
Rainbow fell down to her hooves, letting out a slight gasp. She had snapped out of her trance. “Thalos!” she dropped her saber, and rushed over to him. “A-are you alright?!”
“Argh...” he lightly let out. He moved a little and struggled to sit up, he was still a bit shaken. “How did you...?”
“I-I don’t know!... I just... I-it’s not a big deal! Just, are you okay!?” she demanded. Her friends stood beside her now.
“You’re wrong... this is a big deal. You’ve only been a padawan for a year, and you just sent me across the street. The Force is strong in you... immensely strong. This confirms my suspicions... you’re quite possibly the most Force sensitive being I’ve met in a long time.” Thalos said as he slowly stood up. His lightsaber was way off in the distance. “I’ve never been hit that hard by a padawan... or even a Jedi.” he said as he rubbed his dizzy head.
“But...” Rainbow sighed. “Are. You. O. Kay.” she demanded.
“My well-being doesn’t matter. What does matter, is how you did that. I couldn’t do that until I was a Jedi Knight. You just did that in your first year of being a padawan.” Thalos said. “I can tell the Force is strong in you... but I couldn’t tell it was that strong.”
Now, Rainbow Dash wanted to say something along the lines of how she was so awesome, but instead, she said, “I don’t know how I did it! I swear!... I just... It felt like I blacked-out... Kinda...” she said.
“Blacked out? But you seemed perfectly conscious.” Thalos said.
“Maybe she fell into a state of subconsciousness in which she was completely focused on the battle.” Twilight suggested.
“You mean a ‘trance’, ‘Twi?” Applejack asked.
Twilight nodded. “I guess you can call it that...” she sighed.
“We need to learn how to bring this trance into a more conscious one. So you can learn control it and remain in it.” Thalos said. He reached his arm out, and his lightsaber came flying to his hand. He put it on its latch.
“Sounds good... I think...” Rainbow said, not sure of her words.
“I’m afraid that now, plans have changed... we need to go to Tython...” Thalos said... so wishing that he didn’t.
“Tython?” Rainbow raised a brow.
“The home of the Jedi, it is also where the Jedi Temple is. Looks like I’m going to have to return to the Jedi Order in order to complete your training.” he sighed.
Rainbow smiled. “I’m in!”
“It’s not that easy.” Thalos retorted.
“Of course it isn’t...” she sighed.
“Because I’m an exile.” Thalos sighed again.
Pinkie Pie let out a loud gasp.
Rainbow looked at him. “Exile? What are you talking about?” she asked with a raised brow.
“When Desius turned to the dark side, I blamed myself. We were close friends, apprentice and teacher, after his family died... he joined the Sith, and it devastated me. I left the Jedi, knowing that my grief would only slowly turn me over to the dark side. So I went into self-exile and lived on Alderaan, a couple years later, I met you.” he explained. “Then I knew I had to put my grief aside so I could teach you to be a Jedi. It still haunts me today, but I try to keep it hidden until I can deal with it.”
“Ohhh...” Rainbow nodded, understanding... somewhat.
“I’ll give you some time with your friends... I need some time to meditate.” Thalos said. He put his hood back on and left, not even saying goodbye.
Rainbow and her friends looked at one another, confused, and unsure of what to say. They just sat in silence.
‘It is time... as much as I wish it wasn’t... I need to face Desius, and finish this.’ he thought to himself.
A day had passed, and Thalos had distanced himself from everyone. He went to the underworld of Coruscant- where violence and gangs were around every turn. The Justicars being the most prominent at the time.
Thalos sat quietly in a dark alleyway, surrounded by training dummies and various objects full of heavy weights. In his time as a Jedi, Thalos has turned his usage of the Force into a muscle. The more he exercised it, the stronger it became. He used to spend so much time in the alley- it was a place where he could be alone, and a place where only those who knew where it was could find him.
He closed his eyes, and his body gave off a slight aura. One that wasn’t visible, but one that could be felt if one were to go near him. Strain was clear on his face as he groaned, he was slowly lifting the heavy crates with the Force. Slowly but steadily. This used to be easy, but with time, he’d grown weak. He needed to get stronger. In his current state, facing Desiuss would be suicide. Desiuss could level buildings simply by concentrating hard enough. Currently, Thalos could only lift a pony...
Elsewhere on Coruscant...
“So,” Rainbow Dash began, looking around with a little hint of uncertainty on her face. “How long have you guys been here?” She asked her friends. They traveled in a group around Coruscant- it was safer that way. And she could spend even more time with her friends.
Twilight looked to the pegasus with a smile as she responded, “Around five months.”
“Wow... no wonder I ain’t used to this place.” Rainbow sighed.
“It’s not so bad. I mean, it isn’t at all elegant, but at least it isn’t an eyesore...” Rarity said. Well, one thing was certain; she was still the same ‘ol Rarity.
Applejack smirked. “Is it just me, or does the appearance ‘a everythin’ matter to ‘ya more than what’s on the inside, sugarcube?” She asked.
“Of course it does!” The fashionista replied. “You simply cannot walk around town without a lovely dress to ignite a spark to your personality!”
“Then why in the name ‘a Celestia aren’t you wearin’ one?” Applejack questioned.
“... I... don’t exactly have the funds to buy proper equipment for tailoring at this moment.” Rarity sighed. “We’ve only been here for so long as well, Applejack.”
“Right, right.” It was true. The ponies were as sapient as any other race on Coruscant- to say they didn’t need money to survive would be like deeming yourself an idiot. Getting a job was already slightly difficult. The true problem, though, was getting a well-paying job.
“So, I wonder what this whole ‘dark side’ thing is. I mean, I know it’s bad. But they’re a force of evil, and the Jedi are a force of good. One thing that has been bugging me is how long they’ve both been around...” Twilight said. “Don’t you think about that too, Rainbow Dash?” She looked to the mare in question.
“If I had to guess, I’d say a pretty long time... but I’unno, I’ll have to ask Thalos or something.” Rainbow replied. “Sometime, at least.”
Twilight chuckled a small bit. “Yeah, sometimes.” She sighed as they continued to walk. “I wonder how Princess is...” She thought outloud.
“I hear she’s trying to become the representative for our race! Isn’t that so cool?!” Pinkie Pie asked with a giggle.
“She is? Well, that does make sense...” Twilight nodded.
After a long silence, Rainbow Dash spoke up. “Y’know, I wonder where Thalos went off to...” She said. “Maybe we could look for him or something?”
“Why? He said he needed to meditate, so it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to interrupt him.” Twilight reasoned.
Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, I know, but it’s getting kinda boring, just walking around.” She stretched her hooves out after stopping momentarily.
“Well there’s not a lot else we can do, unless we want to stop at a diner?” Twilight looked to the girls.
“I do need to rest my hooves,” Rarity said.
“Ah could go for ah glass ‘a water mahself.” AJ nodded.
“I’m hungry, too! I forgot to eat my breakfast this morning!” Pinkie Pie agreed as she hopped along.
“Same here.” Rainbow sighed. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”
Fluttershy also agreed, “I am kind of... thirsty.”
“Then it’s settled,” Twilight smiled, heading for the nearest diner. “We’ll all chip in, sound good?” She asked.
“Fair ‘n square,” AJ commented, getting a chuckle from the group as they entered the doors.
Back in the alley.
He stared the dummy down, lightsaber raised, he brought his left hand back and threw it forward. Burst of Force energy blasted from his hand, the dummy went flying back into the metal wall at the end of the alley. He’d begun to get some focus back... but something was wrong. Something was blocking his concentration, and he didn’t know what.
But something snapped in his head. Something that hasn’t happened in a long time. He was angry. He snapped in frustration, and lifted up one of the dummies with the Force. He clenched his hand and it condensed into a jagged ball. He yelled and threw it to the ground.
“It’s impossible! I can’t do it!” he let out as he stumbled back and leaned against the wall. “What can’t I do it... why can’t I do it... why can’t I do it!” he repeated to himself weakly. “Why can’t I end his suffering...” he muttered. This wasn’t anger at not being able to defeat Desiuss, it was anger at his failure. All of his regret fell on his shoulders, all at once. It was almost too much.
But he remembered... “No, I can’t give up now. I owe him that much... I have to do what’s right. I’ve let myself down too many times.” He sat down in the middle of his equipment and closed his eyes. He entered mediation, and waited...
3 hours later.
By now, the ponies had become concerned. They wandered around Coruscant, looking for the Miraluka master of the Force. “Why don’t we check down there?” Rainbow looked off an edge- down into the underworld.
“Are you... really considering going down there, Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked, looking slightly unsure.
“Yep.”
Soon after, they managed to grab a ride down by a taxi. It was a bit of a tight squeeze to fit everypony into the one taxi, but it worked out in the end. Now, the group of six were all in the notorious underworld of Coruscant.
“Wow... this place is really-” Rainbow was cut off.
“Dreadful! Even worse than the upper city!” Rarity exclaimed as they walked through the streets.
“Oh will y’all get over it already?” Applejack rolled her eyes.
Rarity released a sigh, and everypony remained silent as they passed a group of gang members, who eyed them as they walked by. After this, feeling rather insecure, Rainbow whispered, “I’d stay closer to me if I were you guys... doesn’t look too friendly down here.”
“G-good idea...” Fluttershy whispered, practically bumping into Rainbow from how close she got.
“Not that close!” She sharply whispered. The pale yellow pegasus moved away (not too much though) as the group stuck together, continuing forward.
In the alleyway.
Thalos opened his eyes as he sensed something. He broke his meditation and stood up. “They’re here... what are they doing here?!” he exclaimed. Quickly, he grabbed his lightsaber and pulled his hood up. He ran out of the alleyway and silently hoped they were okay.
Back out in the streets.
The group had made its way forward quite a bit, occasionally passing a very small group of gang members who were absorbed in conversation. They didn’t see it, but one of these small groups had taken interest in them, beginning to follow. It was a group of four, stalking them in the shadows.
Fluttershy was slightly terrified, trying to think of happy thoughts. But it was hard, given the situation. Oh, if she had it in herself, she’d fly away right now... but then she’d leave her friends behind.
Even though this was so, the group pressed forward, keeping an eye out for that certain Jedi master.
Quietly, the gang members waited until the ponies were isolated. They pulled their weapons out and circled around to corner them against a wall. “Well look what we have here, you lost?” one of them said menacingly.
“No, we’re looking for someone...” Rainbow Dash replied, eyeing them all with caution.
Fluttershy squeaked- she was now curled-up in a ball on the ground, hiding behind Applejack, who was also very concerned.
“Credits. Now.” one of them ordered, keeping their blaster rifle pointed at the group.
Little did they all know, Thalos spotted them. He began to quietly approach, but stayed in the shadows so none could see him.
“L-look, we don’t want any trouble. If we just give you the credits, will you let us move on?” Twilight stepped forward with a questioning look on her face.
They all chuckled in unison, “Of course not!” one of them replied.
“We can either take your credits now, or loot them from you after we shoot you.” another said.
‘Shoot you’. Those two words made Fluttershy whimper, tears stinging her eyes.
Rainbow thought for a moment. She sure as buck wasn’t going to let this happen. She reached a hoof around to her left side, clicking a button to set the power level of the training saber to high.
They all cocked their weapons and prepared to fire, but just before they all pulled the trigger, Thalos landed in the middle and a wave of Force energy shoots out from his feet. The gang members went flying back about fifty feet, landing on their backs. Then, Thalos ignited his lightsaber and it burst to life in his hand. He twirled it around a little and got into Soresu stance. “Rainbow... get behind me” he said.
Rainbow immediately did as she was told, getting behind him, even though she was in slight awe.
Immediately the gangsters got up, and began to unload their weapons at the group. Thalos brought his lightsaber up and expertly deflected each shot to protect the group. He could do this all day, but they couldn’t.
The gangsters stopped to reload their weapons. Their rain of blaster shots came to an end, and they quickly struggled to reload.
“Rainbow, one of them is pulling out a vibroblade. Take care of him.” Thalos said, then he leapt into the air, reaching a peak height of about thirty feet. He extended his open hand as he fell down toward the group, he pulled his hand back and one of the members came flying toward him. He slammed his feet into the gangster’s back and landed on top of him, luckily his light armor was there to slightly protect him from the fall. Thalos swiped his saber and cut one of the guns in half, afterward he twirled around and kicked the other one in the throat. Then he returned his attention to the last one who was reaching to his back to pull out his vibroblade. He looked around and saw a crate, he lifted it with the Force and sent it soaring at the last member. It smashed him on the head with it.
Rainbow lunged forward with her training blade and swept the blade at the gangster’s legs. Afterward, she felt a buzzing in her head and was forced to stop, she fell back onto her haunches and just barely managed to bring her blade up to deflect the incoming strike.
Then her head stopped buzzing and she went into that state again. She sent her hoof forward and stopped another strike with the Force. She stood back up, and jabbed the blade at the gangster’s leg to disable him. Then as he fell to one knee, she uppercutted with her available hoof, to bring the guy back to his feet. She leapt up using her wings, sent her hoof forward, and the guy was pounded into the ground with the Force. It nearly crushed him.
Thalos quickly made his way back and deactivated his lightsaber, as he ran he asked them, “Are you alright?
“I’m fine...” Rainbow said with a small groan, rubbing her head as she landed back on the ground.
AJ, Rarity, Twilight and Pinkie Pie (who was unusually happy, given the situation) nodded in unison. Fluttershy, on the other hand... was weeping in terror, covering her head with her hooves. The five mares quickly noticed this, and rushed over to comfort her.
“Thank the Force.” Thalos said in relief. “What were you all doing down here? Haven’t you heard this place is extremely dangerous?” he asked and slightly scolded.
“Um... no,” Twilight said, breaking contact with the group to look back at Thalos. “I’m not so sure if any of us have heard anything... sorry, Thalos.” She apologized. “We were looking for you. We got concerned that you might’ve gotten yourself into some trouble.”
“I appreciate the concern, but next time get some information on where you’re going before you go there. The galaxy is a dangerous place. If it wasn’t the Jedi wouldn’t be needed.” he said with a sigh of slight frustration. “We need to leave. Now.” he sternly said.
“Alright...” Rainbow sighed. She was slightly shaken from what she just seen, but she got over it- there were bigger matters at hand. “Only problem’s gonna be Fluttershy.” the mare she was talking about was still mortified, sniffling and dripping tears like a leaking faucet. Really a heart-wrenching sight. She bumped Fluttershy into a sitting-up position, and said, “Twilight, could you lift her up and carry her?” It wasn’t so much a question as it was an order.
“Sure,” Twilight ignited her horn, picking up Fluttershy in a mitt of magical energy. The pegasus whimpered in objection, but didn’t physically protest. Twilight was obviously holding a LOT of enthusiasm back, you could see it in her eyes.
“That was so cool, Thalos!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, hopping up to add extra effect. “We were all *gasp* and you came in like-” She imitated the sound of a crash and a lightsaber lighting up. “Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Then you were all WHOOSH! Then he was all ‘AAAAH!’-”
Thalos cut her off, “Yes... I was there.” he said with an unamused look under his hood.
For some reason, this drew a small giggle from the group, excluding Fluttershy, who was still silently weeping. Afterwards, things stayed silent, as they were all in awe for the most part (well, aside from Fluttershy who had her eyes shut the entire time).
“Rainbow, I’m afraid you’re going to have to go to Tython alone.” Thalos said to break the silence, he couldn’t hold it in anymore anyways.
“Huh? Why?” Rainbow shot him a look of shock at what he said.
“I’m... I’m not ready...” was all he said. His expression was neutral, but his tone said it all.
Twilight grew a look of concern at this, but before she could speak, Rainbow cut her off. “What do you mean, ‘you’re not ready’? Not ready for what?” She questioned.
“To go back! To confront them! I can’t, not after what I did. I’m not a Jedi. I mean, I am one at soul but not at heart. I’m too conflicted, too controlled by my emotions. The temptation of the dark side looms over me constantly. It would be just so easy...” Thalos trailed off for a moment. “That’s why you’re going alone Rainbow. It’s best if you went to learn there alone, best that I wasn’t there. I’m not fit to teach, I’ve failed every apprentice I ever had.”
Rainbow hesitated for a moment, thinking over her words. “You’re as fit to teach as I am to learn! Just because you failed every other apprentice you’ve ever had doesn’t mean you’ll fail me too!” She barked.
“It’s the possibilities!” he snapped back. “If I failed you, I wouldn’t be able to take it! At least I know you’ll be fine at the Jedi Temple, with others who are learning just like you. Every apprentice I’ve had is either dead or sith. I would sooner die than be the cause of that!” he clenched one of his fists in anger, not at Rainbow, but at himself.
“Have some faith, ‘fer Pete’s sake!” Applejack chimed in. She was right next to them, after all.
“AJ, stay outta this...” Rainbow sighed. “Look, if you want me to go to that temple place, fine, but still, I don’t want you to just give up on me because of something that happened before! I mean, that’s stupid! Yeah sure, you can be all unfaithful and hopeless because something happened many times, but y’know, that’s still not a reason to give up!” She reasoned. Her tone made her sound relatively hurt.
“I’m sorry, but I need to go... I need... to think.” he weakly said to her. Then he put his hands inside his robe and broke from the group. He needed to meditate on this, he knew he couldn’t continue to help Rainbow Dash until his personal problems were dealt with. He didn’t know where he was going, he just walked around aimlessly.
Soon, the group of mares found an elevator back to the safer surface level, thankfully not encountering any more gangsters along the way.
Rainbow let out a long sigh. “He confuses me sometimes...” She muttered to herself.
Applejack overheard this. “Maybe he’s goin’ through somethin’ powerful, sugarcube. ‘Ya can’t jus’ force him inna’ bein’ yer teacher.” She reasoned.
“I know, I know...” Rainbow groaned in response. “He’s just all mysterious and locked-up, you know?” She looked to the girls, one by one.
“Maybe he needs a cheer-up party!” Pinkie grinned widely at the suggestion.
“Errr, no, I don’t think that’d be a good idea...” Dash winced.
“Awww.” Pinkie frowned as they walked back onto the streets of upper Coruscant.
Soon, they split apart, to go back to their homes after saying their goodbyes.
Today was a taxing day for all of them, and they needed their rest. Meanwhile, Thalos found his way back to his alley. Where he sat on a blue mat, he shut his eyes and went into deep meditation. The kind that delves into the mind, he needed help... he needed a vision.
He slowly made his way through the cave, his blue lightsaber was his only source of light in the immense darkness. Dead silence was all he could hear. A couple times a rock tumbling would startle him, he had to be ready. He was in the cave home to many Rakghouls. For if he makes a single mistake, it could mean sudden death. Though he was not afraid, the Force was with him. He was a Jedi master and knew better.
He hears the sound of a quick growl come from behind him, he spins around to face it, but he didn't see anything so he continued on. He headed deeper into the cave to find a large opening, there was a hole at the top leading to the surface that kept the chamber dim lighted. This is strange though, there were constructs along the wall recent ones. Had the rakghouls begun learning how to build? This is not good. This only gives him more of a reason to complete his mission for the good of Taris. Or else the entire planet could get infected with the Rakghoul plague, and that would be the end of all the people on this planet. Also, the republic would lose control of a good strategic area.
He saw nothing in the chamber though, except for an odd chest in the back of it. He jogged his way through the large chamber, making sure to keep his senses alert. He approached the chest and deactivated his lightsaber. He connected it to the latch on his leather belt and went to open the chest. He cracked the chest open, but before he could see anything inside, he felt a disturbance in the force.
A few seconds later, a large Rakghoul howled and leapt at him from behind. He spun around and sent his right hand forward using the Force to send the beast flying back. He held his hand out and his lightsaber flew into his hand. He ignited the blade and swung to the right, cutting an oncoming Rakghoul in half. He spun his saber around and stabbed another in the back.
The beasts began to gather in numbers. All he could do was wait for another attack. He prepared himself and moved into the Soresu stance. It was a defensive stance, able to give him the edge he needed to keep himself from being infected. One charged and another along with it. He spun and cut off the head of the first one, he continued with his momentum and shot his left arm out, the other stopped in its tracks and began to float into the air. He sent it flying into the group, wounding or knocking down a good deal of them.
He looked at his surroundings; this was going to take to long. He noticed one of the structures was fairly near by. He just needed to get to it without being overrun. The Rakghouls roared in unison and began to attack. The Jedi looked around and noticed a large boulder, he reached out with the Force and rolled it through the group to slow them down.It crashed through them and even sent some flying. He ran toward the structure as fast as his legs would allow, using the Force to give him an extra push.
As one of the beasts caught up, the Jedi leapt high into the air and turned around mid leap, using the force to give him a boost. He threw his saber at the beast and it flew out like a boomerang. It sliced through like butter and came back to the Jedi just as he landed. He continued running and reached the base of the structure. It was like a large pillar made of scrap metal, weak, but heavy enough to get the job done.
He reached out with his left hand and focused on the structure. The Force was on his side. The base began to crumble and condense until it finally broke off, the Jedi led it through the air and aimed it at the Rakghouls. As soon as they got close enough, he threw it. The makeshift pillar crashed into the group, and annihilated it. The Jedi let out a sigh of relief, knowing that the rakghouls aren't very smart and tend to send everything the first try.
He deactivated his lightsaber and put it back onto its latch. He made his way back to the chest, thanking the force he's still alive. Moving that structure took quite a bit out of him. He couldn't wait to get back to his ship and rest. The Jedi approached the chest and opened it, he found nothing inside but a strange gold amulet, none like he'd ever seen before.
He reached out to grab it. The instant his fingers came in contact and it entered his hand, his head began to throb. He put his hand on it and began to feel dizzy, he yelled in pain as the vision began. So much information being put into his mind. He fell back onto the stone floor and could do nothing but writhe. He saw images of a world at war, countless death and destruction bringing it to be a wasteland full of nothing. He saw strange creatures, ones that appeared of colored equines. He'd never seen or heard of a race like this before. He'd studied the Jedi archives his entire life, and never once seen or heard of these. He saw many battles and the owner of the necklace. It was one of those equines, but larger than the rest. It was white and had multicolored hair. He wasn't sure what all this meant.
The vision ended and the pain stopped. "Argh... what was that?..." He questioned to himself. He slowly got up, legs slightly shaky from what just happened, but that was a normal side effect. He recovered his lightsaber that had fallen off his belt when he fell. He sighed and made his way out of the cave. Once he was out, he was glad to see the light of day again. The smell was at least slightly better than the cave too.
A couple hours later he made it back to his defender class ship and went inside. He had to tell the council of his findings, and that he completed his mission. He set a course for Coruscant and went to his quarters. He sat down in a chair and removed his hood, revealing his graying hair and beard. His blindfold had gotten some rakghoul blood on it, nothing he couldn't wash out.
He sat the amulet down on the desk beside him and began to meditate on this. Enjoying his short time for rest before he makes it to Coruscant. After a while he had to stop and go to the captain's seat so he could land the ship. After he did so, he walked out and headed straight for the Jedi Temple to speak with the council.
After much debate, they finally allowed him to pursue this interest of his and search for this place. They said their goodbyes and he quickly went to the Jedi Archives to figure out the coordinates of the planet. From his vision, he learned it was in between two stars and is somewhere inside Wild Space.
A week had gone by, doing nothing but research and meditation. Still he barely got any more information than what he started with. After much though he then realized. "Of course! If I calculate the gravity of the two stars, I can figure out and estimated orbit of the planet. Whichever star has the higher gravitational pull, will be the one that it is orbiting." He went to work and finally got a good estimate of where it was, he set up some approximate coordinates. he went to his room at the temple and got what supplies he needed. Like his tracker, canteen, and a silver necklace given to him by his late friend Amadal.
He immediately went off to return to his ship, eager to find out what the Force was trying to tell him. He entered his ship and told his T7-08 astromech droid to set the coordinates. It made it's little beeping sounds and went to work. He got into his captain's char and flew off planet. As soon as he was clear, he went into light-speed and the usual amount of force pushed him back in his seat, before he became accustomed to it. As the ship flew on autopilot, he pulled the amulet from the pocket of his robe and removed his brown hood. He examined it thoroughly, noting the symbol of two horse heads in a circle. It seemed like a symbol of harmony... perhaps this race was a peaceful one. He'd find out soon enough.
He arrived at the coordinates. He jumped in his seat and took the controls, it brought him straight into an asteroid field. He took evasive maneuvers and dodged them as best they could. He saw the planet way in the distance... on the other side of the field. "This is why I hate flying..." he commented. As any Jedi would, he used the Force to tell him where the asteroids were. Giving him the ability to dodge them more efficiently and effectively than a normal pilot. Though, he was at the homestretch, but he lost his concentration and an asteroid smashed into the back of his ship. Sending him spiraling out of control.
"Blast it! T7! Divert all power toward shields!" he yelled over the ship's intercom. The droid did as it was commanded. All he could do now, was keep it as steady as possible, and let the Force take care of the rest. He crash landed into the planet, the ship taking a massive beating. In the cockpit, he was being shaken around like in an earthquake simulator. By the time the ship stopped moving, it had been flipped onto its side and now a complete wreck.
He pressed the button to open the door to exit his ship, but the door was broken and could not move. He sighed and took out his lightsaber, with it, he cut a hole in the thick glass of the cockpit and leapt out from there. What he saw, wasn't pretty. He saw no green, no life. All it was, was dirt and ash. He looked around for any sort of civilization and saw nothing. He was trapped on a wasteland, with nothing but some water and his lightsaber.
He crawled back into his ship and looked around for any food he could carry with him. He checked the meeting area first, nothing. Then his quarters, nothing. Then the com room, nothing. No food. He went to the engine room to see how much damage it had taken. One engine was completely destroyed, while the other was in tact. Perhaps he could repair the other if he had the parts.
He decided to rest before going off and looking for anyone. After a few hours, he heard the sounds of thumping on the top of his ship. He instantly got up and followed it with his eyes. Until it stopped. He heard nothing until whatever was on the ship, was now in the cockpit. He went to go inspect. As soon as he reach the door he heard a hissing noised and jumped back. Something jumped out, it was black with holes in its feet, fangs in its mouth and wings on its back. It also had a jagged horn on its forehead. What was this thing?
Then it did something completely unexpected, it flashed a bright green. Causing the Jedi to cover where his eyes were. When he looked, he was quite shocked. The being had took on the exact shape of him. It had an evil smile on its face. What was it planning? Then the Jedi had to take a double take on this. The beast pulled out a lightsaber, one exactly like his. As it did this it lunged forward and swung the blade.
The Jedi ducked under and spun at the same time, moving to the left. He rose up and leaned back to dodge another swing. He jumped back and used the force the send the being flying back into the metal wall of the ship. Using the time he was given, the Jedi took out his lightsaber and got into the Shii-cho stance, one of balance. The beast got up and lunged with the blade. The Jedi blocked the blow, the lightsabers letting out the familiar metallic burning sound when clashed together.
They traded blows, both of them dueling with equal skill with a lightsaber. He deflected a swing of the blade from the beast and leapt over it. He tried to stab it in the back, but it shuffled to the side and spun. It kicked him in the gut and knocked him back. Then it lunged forward and punched him in the face. It swung its lightsaber down at him, but he blocked it with his own, and held them there. Then he caught the incoming fist from the beast with his other hand. He had no choice to do this but... he head butted the thing. It fell back onto the ground.
The Jedi's head throbbed quite a bit now, making him a bit dizzy. He regained his composure and attempted to stab the beast while it was down, but it managed to kick him back. It leapt back up its feet and began to use the Shii-Cho stance.
They fought for at least eight minutes before the Jedi realized... This thing can't use the force... The Jedi spun to the right and ducked under a swing from the beast, he kicked it with his shin right in its stomach. Then he sent his left hand forward and a blast of Force energy went from his hand, straight to the creature's head. It smashed into the floor, leaving a large spot of blood. After it hit the floor, it side flipped and crashed into the wall. Dead. It returned to its natural form and laid there, unmoving.
The Jedi wiped a bit of sweat off his forehead and deactivated his lightsaber. He put it onto its latch and decided... time to move. He climbed out of the cockpit and looked around, it was just reaching morning time apparently and the sun was coming up. As it was, he noticed something in the distance... was that smoke? He hopped off the ship and began to head in that direction.
As he got closer, he confirmed that it was. Finally... civilization. Hours had passed as he travelled, he was getting tired and hungry from all this walking. He expected it to be at least a small down. To his disappointment... it was just a large camp. At least it was something though...
He walked to the entrance and was immediately stopped by what only could be guards... wearing armor made of basic metal?... what? "Halt strange one!" one of them said. Their horns glowing and causing swords to have a strange blue aura around them and float. Could they use the force?
"I assure you, I come in peace." The Jedi said, keeping his hands where the guards could see them.
They were a little surprised that I could talk apparently, they must not have even heard of space travel. "S-state your business!" the other one commanded, sounding slightly nervous. Mainly because they didn't know what he was.
"I come for shelter, along with questions about this..." He pulled the amulet from his pocket and showed it to them.
They instantly went wide eyed, recognizing the symbol on it, and moved out of the way. "Go right in! The princess is at the command center toward the back of the camp."
The Jedi nodded and went into the camp. The instant he entered he got many awkward stares from the equines. He payed no attention to them and searched for the command center he was told about. He found the large tent after a few minutes of searching and walks inside. He saw the one from his vision, talking to what appears to be a couple officials over a map... made of paper?
He cleared his throat to get their attention. They all looked up at him and stared blankly. The one from his vision spoke up first. "Who are you and how did you get in here?" Her voice was calm, but commanding at the same time.
"My name is Thalos Rigalan, I am a Jedi. As for how I am here, after your guards saw this amulet..." he removed the amulet from his pocket and the, what Thalos assumed was the princess, went wide eyed.
"Where did you get that?" she asked while she approached him.
"I came across it while exploring a cave on the planet Taris, it was in the middle of a Rakghoul lair." Thalos explained.
"I don't know what any of those are, but thank you for returning it to me. I lost it over a thousand years ago, it was my mother's before she gave it to me." the princess explained. "Forgive me, in these times, I can be forgetful. I am Princess Celestia, ruler of what is left of Equestria."
Thalos held out the amulet and she took it with her magic. She placed it around her neck.
"The Force gave me a vision the instant I touched your amulet, it showed me of what was happening now and in the past on this world. I feel it to be my duty and obligation to help... for it seems no one will." Thalos said to Celestia.
"I thank you for your offer, but this is a war, I do not want someone else getting involved and hurt." Celestia said to Thalos, she sounded like this had happened before.
"I know what's out there, I faced one of those... things. It took on my form and fought me with my own weapon." Thalos explained.
"Where is your weapon? I do not see it on your person." Celestia asked.
Thalos reached to his lightsaber and held it in his hand, showing her the hilt.
"But where is the blade?" Celestia asked.
Thalos ignited his lightsaber and it flashed to life, it made the familiar metallic laser sound, the sound of power.
"Amazing." That was all Celestia could say about the weapon.
"It is weightless, and it can cut through anything it touches, unless it is another lightsaber." Thalos explained to her.
Before they could continue, a guard rushed into the tent. "Princess! A group of changeling raiders are attacking the camp!"
Celestia sighed. "Stay here." she said to Thalos.
"Please, allow me to assist." Thalos pleaded sincerely, but calmly.
Celestia paused to think about it and finally nodded.
"May the Force be with us..." he said.
They both left the tent and went to the perimeter where the fighting was. It wasn't a large group of the things, but it wasn't a large group of resistance either. Celestia went to the line so she could command her troops. Thalos run forward and leapt over the line of guards, using the Force to increase the height of his jump so he could do so. This time, he knew what he was up against. He charged into the battle and began cutting the changelings down.
One leapt at him from behind, but he swung around and caught it with the force, he sent it flying into three others. He cut down any changelings before they had the chance to change into him. Even with his knowledge of the force, that would be too many lightsabers in one place.
The equines were fighting with their own version of the Force, at least that's what it seemed like to Thalos. Sending beams of energy at the beings and blasting away with the horns on their heads. Some could fly, others were stuck on the ground with no wings, or horn. So they fought with special kinds of swords, the handle being made to fit in the mouth.
The changelings shot their own bolts of energy, but they were just like blaster shots. Thalos used the Force to guide his lightsaber in defending himself from the shots. Like any Jedi would. He stayed in the middle of the fray, just when he noticed that the changelings found a weak spot in the defense. He leapt and fought he way over to the line of guards. Just before Celestia was going to yell "Take cover!" Thalos just barely got in front and reached his arms out and stopped the barrage of energy bolts that was about to hit the line. Thank the Force Thalos was able to get there in time. Or the camp would've been lost.
Celestia could only keep a shocked look on her face, she'd never seen anything like that... a being that could use magic without a horn? Unheard of!
Thalos threw the bolts back at the changelings, getting most of them, they were forced to retreat. The guards cheered for their victory, and for Thalos saving the camp. Thalos disliked being the center of attention, but it comes with being a defender of good. He walked back into the camp to meet up with Celestia.
"I suppose I was wrong." Celestia admitted.
"We all make mistakes, I was just lucky there weren't very many of those things... or else we would've had to retreat." Thalos said.
"Yes. Thank you for saving the last defense of Equestria. All may have been lost if this camp were to be destroyed." Celestia said, both happy about the camp being safe, and sad since so many lives have been lost.
"This is the last of your people?" Thalos asked, deactivating his lightsaber and putting it back onto his latch.
"Regrettably... yes." She hung her head and they began to return to the command center.
"I fear if this continues on in its current state, you will only be able to hold out for so long." Thalos said.
"We can only hope." Celestia said, regaining her composure. It was clear that this war, was really getting to her.
"Maybe... if I can get my ship working again... I may be able to get everyone off planet." Thalos suggested.
"That's impossible. Even if we improved our knowledge of magic by a thousand years in one day. It still would be." Celestia said.
"Where I'm from, planet travel is like taking a walk." Thalos said as they entered the tent.
"Really?" Celestia asked in disbelief.
"Yes. But I need the correct parts to repair the left engine. It was destroyed when I crashed here." Thalos explained. "But perhaps with some basic metals, I could patch it up and get it working again."
"This is a big risk. We need those metals for weapons and armor. if we give you what we have, we wouldn't have any left to protect ourselves. But if what you say is true, you could save us all." Celestia pondered.
"If you stay on this planet, it will be the end anyways. If what I'm saying, I cannot do, then it would only bring the inevitable faster." Thalos retorted.
"I supposed you're right. Go then, take what you need. You're our only hope for survival." Celestia said.
"I'll begin as soon as I can." Thalos said. With that, he left the command center to go find some food and rest.
In the coming weeks, Thalos had worked on repairing his ship with the materials that were given. Along with protecting the camp when it needed it. By the time Thalos was finished, the ship could barely run, but it worked. He wasn't even sure if the ship could make it back to Coruscant. He said his goodbyes to the princess and returned to his barely working ship. It turned on and floated up. It had to give a little extra juice to get dislodged from the ground. But it did it. He flew off and set a course for Coruscant.
After a couple hours of flying and meditating. He made it back to the temple. He instantly went and requested and audience with the Jedi council. Saying it was urgent. So they all stopped what they were doing and allowed the hearing.
"Fellow masters. A race is at the brink of distinction, and there is something we can do about it. There is a small amount of them, so I believe that we can take them off their planet and migrate them here. So that they may survive and continue their survival. They do not have long before they will be completely extinct and they acknowledge this. They are open to this idea and we are their only hope for survival." Thalos explained to the five masters.
"Exactly how many are we talking about?" One of them asked.
"Approximately two-hundred and fifty remain." Thalos said.
"Troubling... We had all experienced a disturbance in the Force, but none of us could deduce why." The grandmaster said. They talked amongst themselves for a few minutes, discussing the pros and cons. Then the grandmaster said "Now we know what that disturbance was. We will help them and will send shuttles to retrieve them. We trust your judgement and opinion on them, for if they were not a peaceful race, you would not have come to us in this manner."
Thalos nodded. Almost relieved they trust him, but he needed no confirmation that they did.
"We would like you to personally oversee this with full command over the shuttles." the grandmaster said.
"It will be done." Thalos said while bowing.
"The shuttles leave tomorrow. May the Force be with you." The grandmaster said.
"To you as well." Thalos said. He left the meeting room and went to his quarters to get some sleep.
The next day, Thalos had been waiting at the shuttle bay while everyone got prepared. He was contemplating many things. "Why has the Force brought me to do this? Why now?" he thought to himself outloud.
Before he could continue he was interrupted by one of the captains. They saluted him and said. "Sir, we are ready for departure to pick up the equine race."
"Very well." Thalos said. He stood up and entered the lead shuttle. They flew off back to the planet, during this time, Thalos kept to himself through most of it, not talking to anyone. They didn't mind, it was just another mysterious thing a Jedi does to the soldiers.
They landed near the camp. Thalos ordered them to wait and headed down to the command center. There he met Celestia again. "It is time to leave."
"You actually came..." Celestia said. The amount of relief in her voice couldn't be any more obvious to Thalos.
"Of course I did." Thalos said calmly.
"Thank you for all you've done, you've saved my people and given them a chance to start anew." Celestia said, a tear coming to her eye.
"There are shuttles waiting at the west side of the camp, let's get your people on so we can head to Coruscant, On the way I can answer any questions you may have. I anticipate many." Thalos said. He then left the tent to go tell the troops the ponies are on their way.
They loaded up the ponies onto the shuttles and Celestia got into the one Thalos was in. When the ship lifted off, she stumbled around a little, not used to flying spaceships.
"You'll get used to it." He said.
"It's just... perplexing how these things work." Celestia said while sitting down so she could hold her ground. "So first off, what is Coruscant like?" she asked.
"Coruscant is a city planet, not much flora, but plenty of sights to see. Unless you go to the sectors owned by the gangs. Avoid those and I'm sure life will be happy." Thalos said.
"You mean your entire planet is a city?" she asked.
"Yes, not all of them are, Coruscant is just one of them." Thalos explained.
"What are the people like?" she asked.
"Well on Coruscant, there are lots of different people, from many different places. Judging from how in the dark you were here, you're going to learn more in a month than you have in your lifetime." Thalos said.
"Amazing..." was all she could say.
For the entire flight she continued to ask him questions about the society and what things were like there. Thalos answered quite thoroughly each time. Though he did have questions of his own about her race, he held them until she got all she wanted to hear.
"What is a Jedi" she finally asked. Thalos kept talking about them, but she never asked until now.
"Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy. Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect. Jedi respect all life, in any form. Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy. Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training." Thalos said, summing up the Jedi in a pretty detailed way.
"What is this Force you've been talking about?" she asked next.
"The Force is what guides the universe, it is the universe. Us Jedi learn to use it for the good of the galaxy, while the Sith use it to control and destroy. Jedi use the light side. Sith use the dark side." Thalos explained.
"What is the difference between the two?" She asked.
"The dark side focuses on negative emotions, fear, anger, hatred, passion. They all lead to corruption. The light side is the opposite. Peace and serenity within oneself." Thalos explained to her, just as they arrived at the spaceport. "We're here."
"It's quite unnerving to think of what's beyond the door." Celestia said while standing up.
"No need to be afraid." Thalos said as the door opened.
They both walked out and they left the spaceport. As soon as they went outside, Celestia's mouth went agape.
"Welcome to Coruscant." Thalos said while smiling under his hood.
