> The Force of Friendship (1. A New World) > by Bronysith > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Disclaimer > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The following is a fan based tribute. MLP FIM is property of Hasbro and the HUB network. Star Wars is property of George Lucas and Lucasfilm. I DO NOT OWN RIGHTS TO EITHER OF THESE. Please support the official releases. > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Darth Stal looked out in the infinite darkness of space. The stars shined brightly more than ever. From the bridge of his flag ship Destroyer he monitored the surrounding areas looking for the Republic vessel carrying a jedi. I am better off trying to find a specific grain of sand on tattoine. He thought. His crew had been searching for what seemed like years for the jedi known as Kana who found intel that could damage the Empire severely if handed over to the Jedi Council. How in the name of the Emperor am I supposed to find this ship in the far reaches of space? He was ready to give up and face the wrath of his master Darth Shadio. As he neared the intercom a soldier rushed into the bridge. "My lord the scanner has picked up life out there in the asteroid field." "Ready the ambusher," Darth Stal said "But my lord the ambusher has not yet been test-" is all the soldier could get out before Stal used the force to choke him "It is unwise to upset a lord of the sith, lowly soldier this will be the first test, understood!?" "y-yes my lord." Said the soldier gasping for air. Stal released him and the soldier headed to the hangar. Darth Stal was in his private quarters preparing his outfit. From his footlocker he retrieved his boots, chestguard, gauntlets, grieves and his cloak. All of his armor was crimson, the color of blood. He strapped on his armor and then his cloak. His cloak was as dark as the space he traveled. With his helmet in hand a thought occured to him. This makes it a bit harder to see and could get in way of combat, besides the enemies I best in combat should see my face. It is the honorable thing to do. Tossing the helmet aside Stal was looking for something else "Now where is my companion?". He asked himself. As he looked for his companion he looked himself in the mirror. He has not looked in a mirror since that day. He saw a man, no more the age of 19, with hazel eyes, black and white hair, and a scar on his left cheek. "So this is how i look hmph," He said. "Oh there you are," As he found his lightsaber. As he picked it up, he ignited it. A bright red blade shot out of the hilt. This was the same lightsaber he had his whole life since he started training under his master, Darth Shadio. 'Use this weapon combined with the force to strike fear into the hearts of our enemies Stal' Shadio told him 9 years ago. He equipped it to his belt and walked out of his quarters. As he exited his quarters something bumped into him. It was the same soldier from before "M-my lord your ambusher is ready for departure," He stuttered, fearful of the the wrath of Stal. "As you were soldier". Darth Stal said. The soldier seemed suprised that he wasn't choked or electrified to death. He stumbled to his feet and as quickly as he came the soldier left. Enough blood will be shed today, besides he is a new recruit.He thought to himself. Darth Stal then bolted through the halls of his ship and into the hangar. Anyone in front of him merely stepped aside, in fear of being killed by him. As he entered the hangar there, he saw the ambusher. This ship was as big as the common speeder. It had a cloaking device which made it perfect for stealth missions. The cockpit also served as an airlock for boarding enemy ships with ease. He entered the ship in haste. Sitting in the chair he grasped the yoke. Powering up the ship he left the hangars and activated the cloak. The entire ship became invisible from the outside. Everything was still visible on the inside though. The heads up display worked fine and everything was operational. Taking off through space he entered the asteroid field. Dodging all the rocks and debris from other ships by either unfortunate ships entering the field or novice pilots who got really coky. One mistake and I end up like them. Stal said to himself. As he passed the final few asteroids he finally found it through the radar. The Republic vessel. Now let us see if this cloaking truly works He slowed down his ship and dropped altitude to be on same level as the Vessel. Airlock, airlock, aha finding the airlock on the starboard side of the ship. He connected to the ship and a noise occurred. It was metal scraping metal. So much for stealth Stal thought as he disembarked through his airlock. He was greeted by 20 or so troopers all armed and prepared for battle. "Pitiful," Said Stal. "Put your hands where we can see them." Said the first trooper who appeared to be the captain. "As you wish." Said Darth Stal. As he raised his arms he began to channel the force through them and sent lightning through the captain, killing him instantly. "Now where is she?!" Stal demanded. "Right here!" Came a voice from beyond. Darth Stal saw a woman with bright red hair, icy blue eyes, and a flawless face. "I am the jedi you are looking for, there is no need for anymore bloodshed, just take the intel and leave us," Said Kana. "Good, you realize it is useless to oppose a sith lord. Smart girl," Said Darth Stal. Walking towards each other they never broke their gazes. He never showed it but this jedi had a stare that brought fear into him. I sense a great power not of the force emanating from her. He thought. She handed him the intel holocom. "Where do you think your going?" She said. "To my ship I am leaving," Said Darth Stal. "What ship?" She responded with a smirk. He then noticed one of the troopers was at the airlock inputting something into the computer next to it. Then, next thing he knew, the Ambusher exploded. In his anger he killed all of the remaining troopers in the room with a blast of lightning. "You are not going to live long enough to regret that mistake jedi filth!" Screamed Stal. Igniting his lightsaber, he charged toward Kana. She also ignited her weapon. A dark purple saber. First he attempted an overhead strike but was parried by Kana. She then tried a riposte but Stal dodged and then pushed her through the force. Before she could respond he sent a lightning blast towards her. With her jedi reflexes she blocked it using her saber. She was struggling for she felt some of the lightning bury into and burn her flesh. The pain was near unbearable. She then responded with a flurry of fast strikes. Barely blocking the attacks, Stal knew if he didnt finish this now he would be done for. He then proceeded to crack her in the skull with his hilt and with the force he then grabbed Kana's neck and suspended her in the air. As she was held helpless in the air, gasping for oxygen, Stal levitated his saber and sent it through the space between them and impaled her through the chest. Releasing her she fell to the ground. "You die in vain jedi for now you doomed every soldier on this ship," Stal said taunting her. "I-I am not finished yet... I shall not fail the council.. i will not let you kill my comrades.. my friends." She then felt something inside of Stal, a small light. It was small but still a light. She could sense the good in him. She felt some sort of hope through this man that somehow, he could become a better person She also felt his pain. His pain of loneliness through the years. Not a single person to call friend not knowing the great feeling of happiness that they bring. "So that is why you are who you are," She gasped. "What are you talking about jedi?" Responded Stal. Then a bright light began to glow through her hands and blasted him. "What is this power it is not of the force?" Stal said in shock. "No it is not of the force 'hack' it is a much more powerful element," She said coughing up blood. Stal realized he was vanishing. "I know why you suffer Sith, and i pity you... maybe in this new world you will be happy." She said with her last breath and died. The last thing Stal remembers is seeing a light before blacking out. -End prologue > Chapter 1 "Where am I" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stal woke up feeling dazed, nauseous, a sharp ringing in his ears and could not see much "Is he okay?" Stal heard a voice that echoed through his head "I don't know I mean I hope so," said another softer voice. "He just has to be okay I must know his sense of fashion it is simply amazing," said a third voice. "Quit being a silly filly we need to help this guy out," a fourth voice said. "I know he looks completely cool," said a fifth voice. "Well whoever he is he appeared right on top of our cake. Are you ah right sugarcube?" asked a sixth voice. "I-ugh I cannot see and it feels like I am going to puke," said Stal still nauseous. "Here allow me to help you with that" said the first voice. All of a sudden he could feel a surge of energy going through his body. It was a soothing feeling. His brain no longer felt like it was going to explode. He began to feel less sick and his vision began to come back rapidly and started to feel well rested. "Thanks u-um" "Twilight Sparkle is my name," she said. "Well thank you Twil-" Darth Stal then realized he was talking to a pony. "What in the emperor's name?! A talking PONY!?" yelled Stal. He realized he has seen some crazy stuff in his life but a talking animal was ridiculous. "Um I think you mean Celestia or Luna and you are talking as well," said Twilight. "Well yes I am a human." said Stal "Whatever a human is you sure as cider aint that" said the orange pony. "Bu- what the hell!" That pony was right, he was not very human like. His hands were now hooves and noticed he was walking on all fours. "Uhh-a mirror does one of you have a mirror?!" nearly demanding it "Why yes but you do not have to be so rude about it," said the white pony "sorry" he said. She then levitated a mirror in front of his face. He indeed was a pony. Dark blue sapphire like colored fur, black and white mane and hazel eyes. Even his armor somehow re sized to fit his new body. Some how though, his scar vanished. Also there seemed to be a horn of some sort sticking out of his forehead. "I-I am a pony?" he said "Where am I?" he asked. "Don't you know? This is equestria the land of friendship and harmony." said Twilight. "I must know who are all you peop-er ponies" "I am Rarity," said the white one. "The names Applejack sugarcube," "My name is Pinkie Pie," said the pink one. "I am Rainbow Dash the fastest pony in ponyville neigh all of equestria," said the light blue pony. "I am Twilight Sparkle, well you already knew that from earlier," said Twilight "Who are you?" Stal asked the yellow pony. "I-um Im 'eeep!'" said the yellow one. "Her name is Fluttershy" said Twilight. Sure lives up to her name thought Stal. "Now that you know who we are could you tell us who you are?" asked Twilight Sparkle. "I am Darth Stal, Lord of the Sith" Ch 1 end- > Chapter 2 "Mystery of His Past"" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Well whatever a Sith Lord is, we have to inform Princess Celestia about your mysterious arrival. Maybe she would know how you got here," said Twilight. Princess? So they have royalty here. Stal thought. "Where do we go to find this Princess of yours?" he asked "Well you will have to come with us to Canterlot, which is the capital of Equestria." she replied. "WOOHOO WE ARE GOING TO CANTERLOT WE ARE GOING TO CANTERLOT!!" shouted Pinkie Pie as she hopped around happily. "NO!" Shouted Rarity. "What why?" asked everypony else. "His outfit is so messy and torn up, you must allow me to fix it up before we go to Canterlot and see the Princess. For it is unacceptable to be this dirty when presented in front of royalty." she replied. She was right, his cloak was torn and his armor cracked and missing pieces. "All right then, to Carousel Boutique." said Twilight. At Carousel Boutique, Darth Stal was struggling with taking off his cloak and armor. How am I supposed to do this without any hands? It is IMPOSSIBLE! He screamed in his head. "Why are you not using magic? If you're having trouble Stal?" asked Twilight. "Magic?" he asked. "Yes magic, your a unicorn pony so you should be able to use magic. Did you not know that? Try and channel energy through your horn." Does she mean the force? Stal thought to himself. Whatever she meant he did what she said. He did not know what magic was but he attempted gather energy through the force. After he gathered energy, his horn began to shine a bright red spark and he removed his outfit. He was down to his fur coat, with his belt and lightsaber still on, with his outfit on the ground when a blue energy field appeared around it and was lifted into the air. "Now that you finished with that i shall fix up your outfit in a jiffy." said Rarity who appeared to be happy to do this for free. As Stal sat there with the other five ponies he noticed something on his rear. It was a picture of his Lightsaber with lightning blasting out the sides. "Um what is that right there." He asked. "Oh you silly filly, that is your cutie mark DUH it represents everyponies talents when they discover it." Said Pinkie Pie. "OOOH I ALMOST FORGOT I will see you gals later okey dokey lokey." She said as she bolted out the door. "Where is she hurrying off to?" Stal asked. "OH you'll see Stal." Rainbow Dash said while the other ponies were trying to hide a smile. "So um- Stal was it? Seeing as you appeared from nowhere um I guess you have no place to stay right now." commented Applejack. "Um no I guess i don't." he replied. "Well I own Sweet Apple Acres and my big brother Big Macintosh is feeling ill, so if you help me this applebucking season. You can stay with us," she said. "How nice of you." said Twilight Sparkle. "I DON'T GET IT!!" Stal snapped, everypony jumped back "I AM A COMPLETE STRANGER!! But you all are being so nice to me, healing me when i first arrived, offering me a place to stay and fixing my armor. Why are you doing this?" He asked. Applejack put a hoof around him. "That is what friends are for sugarcube." she said. "Friend?" Stal had not used that word for 9 years since that day. Rainbow Dash then noticed the lightsaber on Stal's belt. "Hey Stal what is that you have on your belt?" she asked. "Oh this? It is called a lightsaber." He replied. Channeling energy through his horn, from the force, he levitated the weapon out of his belt and ignited it. The other four ponies sat there with there jaws on the floor. They have never seen this kind of technology before. "It is basically a sword with a laser instead of a blade." He said "WOW! THAT IS SO AWESOME!" said Rainbow Dash with a huge ecstatic grin on her face. "Would you be so kind to tell us how you acquired this weapon? Also tell us about your past as well, we would like to get to know you better as a friend," asked Twilight. Friend Again with that word. "Do you want the whole story?" "YES" the other ponies replied in unison. "Okay then since you guys have shown me kindness I will tell you." "It was 9 years ago. I was with my friend William and we were in town at the market on Tattoine. We were both the age of 10 and were the best of friends. Both of our families were extremely poor and lived in the slums, so we hung out often. One day William comes up to me to say 'I do not care what it takes, but I am done being on the bottom of the totem pole. I will do whatever it takes to get rich and leave this rock.' I could see the fire in his eyes and his determination to complete his goal. 'if anyone can get off this rock and make something out of himself I know it will be you William.' I told him. About five weeks later i heard a knocking on the door. My father gets up to answer it when the door is blasted down, knocking my father back. I saw three men dressed in Mandolorian armor. My father stumbled to his feet, 'BOUNTY HUNTERS?! WHAT COULD YOU WANT WITH US? WE HAVE NO MONEY AND NO STATUS! WE ARE JUST POOR FOLK!' my father screamed. 'Shut up.' The first Bounty Hunter said, shooting my father in the head, killing him instantly. I could not believe it, my father was killed just like that. His body fell to the floor and time seemed to slow down for me. This man did everything he could to provide for my mother and I. He did not deserve this fate. 'Wh-why did you do that?' I demanded nearly crying. 'There is a bounty on the heads of your family' Said the hunter. I never felt so much rage in my life as I did right there. Something inside me just exploded and I attacked. In what seemed like a split second I was in front of the first Mandalorian and next thing I knew, my fist went straight through his chest. The other two ran off but a fourth figure appeared. This one was in a dark cloak and had a lightsaber. A SITH. Without even looking back he used what I assumed was the force and killed them with lightning. He then walked to be and said 'What is this? You were never strong before Alexx'. My name. I never told anyone my real name. On the streets William and I went by Slash and Dash because we slashed purses and dashed from everyone. The only people who knew my name were my family and William. 'William?' I asked in shock. He pulled back his hood to reveal his face. Red eyes, Black hair, and a horrible grin on his face. 'Alexx you were always weak and I was the strong one. You were so weak you couldn't even save your father from the hands of a low life bounty hunter.' I still could not believe it. My one friend ,William, betrayed me and killed my father. 'W-why William? I thought we were friends' I asked 'Yes, but remember I said I would do whatever it takes to get off this rock and get as far away from here.' 'YOU KiLLED MY FATHER!' Once again i attacked in my rage. I was in the middle of my punch when he waved his saber in front of my face and cut my left cheek and then pounded me in the stomach with the hilt. 'Goodbye Alexx' he said. That is all i could remember before passing out. I had no place left to go. My family gone, my friend betrayed me. I never felt more alone since that day. I was sitting in the gutters of the slums, waiting for death, when someone stopped in front of me 'What is this? A lowly street urchin.' the man said in a soothing voice. 'There is something within you that needs to be released, I can feel it.' He said. I looked up to see an old man with yellow eyes. Those eyes are all i could see for they burned into me like a hot knife. 'Come with me kid and I can give you the power you so desire. The power to assert your will.' He said offering a hand. I had no where to go but death in the gutters. So i took his hand. 'Good, you shall now be known as Darth... Stal. Before we go take this' It was a lightsaber. 'I am your master now. Call me.. Darth Shadio'. I have been following him ever since I was ten. He trained me in the force and made me strong. Well that is my past and how I acquired my lightsaber." Stal finished up. "WHY THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING PARASPRITE!!" Rainbow Dash said. "WHAT KIND OF FRIEND JUST BETRAYS SOMEPONY LIKE THAT?" She screamed in anger. "RAINBOW CALM DOWN!" said Twilight. Rainbow Dash seemed to cool off when Twilight said. "Wait you said only your friend and family knew your name, and you told no one else. So why did you tell us your name?" She asked "Because you ponies have shown me true kindness that I have not seen in forever. I thank you for that and am glad to call you f-friends." Stal said nearly crying. "No one has been nice to me the way you have. You could have just let me lie there to die in the fields, but you helped me." All of a sudden Fluttershy hugged Stal. "It is okay Alexx that meany head cannot hurt you now. You are safe." "Y-you talked to me?" Stal asked, a bit shocked "Well I can see you are actually a good person and I trust you." Fluttershy responded. Good person? I have killed slain many people but she thinks I am a good person. He thought to himself. Something started to grow inside of him and he felt... warm, and safe. He has not felt this way in forever. "FINISHED!" Rarity said bringing out his outfit "Here you are Stal, your new and improved outfit. I do hope you don't mind but I added a few things to them." She presented his outfit to him and it was better than new. His cloak was fixed up and his armor was repaired. The armor seemed to have some rubies engraved into them. "Thank you so much Rarity" He said with delight. "No problem Stal." she said "Please cal-call me Alexx." He replied. End Chapter 2- > Chapter 3 "SUPRISE" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Oh before we go I better send a letter to the princess letting her know we are on our way." Said Twilight Sparkle. "Spike take a lette- where is Spike?" "Who is Spike?" Asked Alexx "Oh he is my baby dragon assistant who helps out with me at the library where I live." Replied Twilight. "Oh okay." He said. Ponies living with dragons? Well at least it is not a rancor. Alexx thought. "Oh there he is." Twilight said as a purple and green colored dragon ran into Carousel Boutique. "tw-Twilight who is this guy?" asked Spike "Oh this is Alexx he some how appeared in Equestria. By the way I am going to need you to take a note." Twilight said. "Yes Ma'am" Spike replied pulling out some parchment and a quail. "Dear Princess Celestia, It is my duty to inform you that a new stallion named Alexx has arrived here in Equestria. He appeared from out of nowhere while my friends and I were on our weekly picnic. We need you to make him a citizen so we will be on our way to Canterlot with him. I hereby request an audience with you Princess. -Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle." Spike then rolled up the scroll and burned it with his breath. "Um I thought you were going to send that?" asked Alexx curiously. "Oh that is how i send letters to the Princess. The ash travels through the air with magic and arrives to the princess." Said Spike. Just as he finished his sentence he burped up some fire and a scroll appeared. "From the Princess already?" Said Twilight. She opened up the letter and read aloud. Dear Twilight Sparkle my faithful student, Thank you for sending me the letter informing me of this curious situation. However I am going to be busy for a while so you are going to have to come to the castle in Canterlot in one month. I am sorry it is a while a way but royal duty calls. Princess Celestia. "One month? She usually makes appointments with me in a week." Said Twilight somewhat shocked. "Well now that we have that appointment set up how about I show you where you will be living Alexx." Said Applejack. "Okay that sounds good I could really use some sleep." He said with a smile. "Bye Fluttershy, bye Twilight, bye Rainbow Dash. OH thank you so much for fixing my armor Rarity." Alexx said. "Oh it is no problem at all Alexx I had fun with this otherworldly material." Rarity replied with a wink. He then put on the satchel containing his equipment. Alexx and Applejack then left Carousel Boutique heading towards Sweet Apple Acres. "So you farm apples Applejack?" he asked. "We sure as sugar do I have been running this farm for as long as I could remember. I usually go applebucking with Big Macintosh, my brother, but he has been really sick and my little sister Applebloom is still to young to help out." She said. "Okay, I will gladly do anything to repay the kindness you ponies have all shown me." Alexx replied. "Well that is good because you ain't never worked as hard as you shall when working with me." Applejack said with a big smile. If I can survive under Darth Shadio's training I can do anything. He thought to himself. "HERE WE ARE SWEET APPLE ACRES." Applejack shouted as they neared the field. "THESE ARE ALL YOUR APPLES?!" Alexx asked in horror, noticing the miles and miles of appletrees that reminded him of the forests on Endor. "Why yes, each year around this time, Big Mac and I harvest all of em." She said. "ALL OF THEM?" "Yup all of em." She replied. How can two little ponies harvest all these apples without using the force? He wondered to himself. "That there is the house where we sleep and that there is the barn. Would you like to see the inside of it?" She asked. "Sure." He replied. As they entered the barn Alexx noticed it was pitch black. "Uh why is it so dark in here?" "Oh i shall get the light." Said Applejack. As the lights came on Alexx noticed streamers, balloons, mugs of beverages, and a really, REALLY big cake. It was about the size of a baby rancor. "SUPRISE!" Shouted his new friends and what seemed to be everypony in Ponyville appearing from nowhere. "AHH!" Alexx screamed. "SUPRISE. I bet you were not expecting that huh Alexx huh huh huh." Said the hyperactive Pinkie Pie. "What is all of this?" Asked Alexx, still in shock from everything. "It is a surprise party, DUH, I throw parties to every new pony in Ponyville to officialy welcome them to our home. Here have some cake." She said handing him a slice of monster cake. "I made it myself at Sugarcube Corner, where I work. I hope you enjoy it." She said ecstatically. Alexx never had cake before and he was so hungry. It was decorated with some strawberries, chocolate frosting, and made from chocolate sponge cake. It sat there on its plate on the ground when he bent his neck over and took a bite. It was sweet from the strawberries and rich from the frosting. He didn't want to seem uncivilized so he took one bite at a time, savoring the delicious treat. "Oh you don't have to be like that. IT IS A PARTY" Said Pinkie Pie as she ate four slices of cake all in one bite." Screw it. Alexx thought. This was his first party so he went all out. He viciously devoured the rest of his cake and had a mess all over his face from the debris. He then proceeded to the table where the mugs were. "What is this?" He asked Pinkie PIe "It is apple cider that my family makes." said Applejack. There was a handle on the mug. How am i supposed to grip it with hooves? He wondered. Noticing Pinkie Pie, drinking her cider by the handles. Doubtful, Alexx put his hoof around the handle and noticed it was almost second nature to hold. As he lifted the mug to his lips he could smell the sweet aroma. He took a sip and it was sour, sweet, and had a burning sensation as it went down his throat. He chugged the rest of the cider. He then saw that Pinkie Pie made her way to the barrels containing the rest of the cider. She drank an entire keg of it. AN ENTIRE KEG. "That is our Pinkie Pie." commented Twilight Sparkle. "Two can play that way." Alexx said. He channeled some force energy into his horn and it glowed a bright red. Using this magic he lifted one of the kegs and wrapped his lips around the tap. He began to chug the sweet and sour concoction. After about 30 seconds he killed the keg and sent it across the room, breaking it against a wall. He then let out a loud belch. "Not too shabby Alexx." Said Pinkie Pie slapping him on his back. Alexx found himself mingling with all of the ponies. They all were nice to him as Rarity, Twilight Sparkle and the others were to him. He never felt more accepted in his whole life. The party lasted well into the night and then everypony went home. Applejack introduced him to the apple family. "This here is Granny Smith who founded Sweet Apple Acres when she was my age. This is Applebloom, my little sister and here is my big brother, Big Macintosh." Applejack said. Her family was outside of their house when they greeted Alexx. "So your Big Mac? Do not worry I will take care of your duties while you are sick." Alexx said. "Eeeyup." Big Mac replied. "And here is the guest room. Get some sleep because tomorrow we start Applebucking season." Said Applejack showing Alexx to his room. "Thank you for everything Applejack." Alexx said "Don't thank me yet, tomorrow you are going to work very hard." She replied with a grin. "But, you are welcome." With that she left his room and he settled into the bed. It was very comfortable. In the first time in forever Alexx could go to sleep with ease. Not only because he was full and tired from the awesome party Pinkie Pie threw him. Being full did help him though. But the real reason he could get to sleep was because he felt a great feeling. He gained something that day that he thought he would never have again. Friends. He thought with a smile and went to sleep. A very loud snore could be heard throughout the household. End Chapter 3 > Chapter 4 "Another sith?" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Month later. "Okay girls, Princess Celestia has requested that just Alexx and I visit her at Canterlot and we will brief you all when we get back." Said Twilight Sparkle. "Okay we will see yall when yall get back." Said Applejack. Alexx strapped on his saddlebag as he and Twilight left Ponyville on their way to Canterlot. As they walked towards Canterlot, Alexx saw wonderful sights. There was a bright blue sky, the trees swaying in the wind, and the wildlife were among them. "So Alexx how do you like working for Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres?" Twilight asked. "Oh it's great, Applejack is a wonderful boss." He replied. "After about a week you get used to all the hard work. I have never seen such a strong pony before. She was incredibly determined to get as much done in the last month." "Yea one year, she tried to harvest the entire orchard herself, but we had to help her in the end." Said Twilight with a laugh, Alexx joining in. In the past month, in between applebucking, Alexx would practice his powers in his new body. Using the force was simple enough. Just channel some energy into his horn and let it rip. But using a lightsaber was a bit more difficult. Without any fingers on his hooves, he could not even grip the lightsaber. So he has been using his mouth to grip it. He was grateful he had such a powerful jaw in his new body. "Alexx, do you miss your home?" Twilight asked. "Well I sorta miss my old body, walking on two feet and having hands." He said with a smirk. "But I told you before, I have no home to go back to. I have no friends or family left in the world I am from." Alexx said, his smirk fading. "How.. how did you get by for so long Alexx? I mean without any friends." Twilight asked. "Well the only real friends I had was the force, and my lightsaber. They never betrayed me so I counted on them as my friends." Alexx said. "What exactly is the force Alexx? Is it like magic?" Twilight again asked. "You sure ask a lot of questions?" He said with a slight grin. "Well I want to learn as much as I can until my brain bursts." Twilight said and they both laughed. "Well I guess you can call it magic. It is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us." Alexx said. "So you take energy from everything living? Does this include me, or the plants and Equestria? SO YOU STEAL LIFE FROM PEOPLE TO GET POWER?!!" Twilight asked in anger. "No no no no. Well some force-sensitive beings do feed off other life forms. But I never did that." Alexx replied. "Okay I am sorry I snapped like that." Twilight said. "But.. did you ever kill before Alexx? Other than the man from that day?" She asked in worry. Alexx hesitated. "Yes I have. My master made me kill his enemies in exchange for my own life. He is an evil man." he said. They walked in silence for a few minutes. "Twilight I-wait." Alexx said stopping in his tracks. "What is i-" "SHHHHH" Alexx said putting a hoof over her mouth. What is this I am feeling? This energy is so-familiar. Alexx thought. The energy he felt was that of rage,envy and greed. "TWILIGHT GET DOWN!!" Alexx shouted as he pushed himself and her to the ground. A bright object came flying from above and hummed overhead. A LIGHTSABER?! Alexx realized in horror. "Stay down." He whispered to Twilight. Standing on all fours he bent his head to his belt and pulled out his lightsaber. Igniting it he said "SHOW YOURSELF SITH!" A stallion in a black cloak dropped down from above the trees. He had dark fur and a grey mane. His eyes had no color. An orange bladed lightsaber was in his mouth. "Who are you? ANSWER ME!!" Alexx demanded. The sith pony merely laughed. "My what a great place this world is. I believe that Darth Shadio will enjoy taking it over, wiping out the inhabitants and building an Empire here in his image." said the sith, with a smarmy voice. "You will do no such thing. These ponies are peaceful and have done nothing." Replied Alexx. "Why do you care Darth Stal? You have done his bidding before remember? You and I were always on each others necks on who was better." Alexx remembered that other than him, Darth Shadio had one other apprentice. One that he often sparred and competed with. "Shanesen?" Alexx asked. "Correct Stal." "It seems when that pathetic Jedi, Kana, made you disappear, a gateway was opened. Shadio ordered me to go through the portal and see what was here. Yes, as soon as I arrived I was shocked to find out I was now a PONY!!" Shanesen said with anger. Yea that was a complete shock to me as well. Alexx thought. "Now Stal will you join us on our conquest to take over this new world?" "NO!" Alexx replied. "And here you call yourself a sith." Shanesen said. "I am sith. NO LONGER!" Alexx said galloping towards Shanesen, with his weapon ready in his teeth. He swung his neck and Shanesen his. They locked their blades and stared each other down. Alexx pushed with all of his might and began to channel energy into his horn. He then pushed Shanesen away with a great blast. Shanesen was sent hurdling away but landed on all fours. Shanesen sent a bolt of lightning towards Alexx. Alexx jumped out of the way but the blast hit his left rear leg. This pain felt like one hundred womp rats biting into his nerves directly. He winced at the pain, struggling to get back on all fours. As he stood back up he found Shanesen was already upon him. Alexx felt something tighten and begin to choke him. The sith was using the force to strangle him. The pressure made him gasp for air and he dropped his lightsaber. He then noticed he was being suspended into the air. His energy was being sapped fast and all he could scream through the stranglehold was "RUN TWILIGHT" Twilight began to run but it was no use. Shanesen grabbed her through the force and holding her down against a tree. "My oh my, it seems you made yourself a friend Stal." said the sith. "Ale-" Is all Twilight could get out before Shanesen began choking her. "Le-let her go your q-quarrel is with me." Alexx said still in the grip of Shanesen. "Oh I think not, I am going to have some fun." Said the sith as he sent a stream of lightning into Twilight. She screamed from the pain. Something dark inside Alexx began to grow. "S-stop n-now." Alexx struggled to break free. Shanesen ignored him and sent more lightning into Twilight. Her screams were unbearable and she began to cry. No, not again, please no. Alexx realized he was going to lose her. The darkness inside of Alexx grew at an alarming rate. Shanesen continued to torture Twilight. Alexx then felt it. Rage. Alexx's mane and tail began to change colors. They were no longer a mixed color but began to turn to pure black. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Alexx screamed, breaking free from Shanesen's bondage. "WHAT!!" Shanesen replied in shock. Alexx was emanating a dark red aura from his being. His eyes were no longer hazel but a crimson red. In a split second Alexx charged to Shanesen and head butted him. Shanesen stumbled back, trying to counterattack but it was too late, Alexx was already upon him. His eyes were like a fire as they burned into Shanesen. He never felt more fear before yet he could not look away. Alexx raised a hoof and struck him across the face. Another hit, another, another. Then using the force Alexx threw Shanesen against a tree. He channeled some energy into his horn and levitated his lightsaber from afar. Then sent the lightsaber through the space between them and impaled Shanesen in the head, killing him instantly. Alexx was in a complete rampage. Energy began to pour out of his body and lightning blasts started to hit the trees and wildlife around him. He was succumbing to the dark side. Then felt a familiar presence in his mind. Alexx. Twilight? You cannot allow this to take over you. This.. EVIL. This is not the same pony I met a month ago. He then felt magic beginning to surge through his body. In his head everything was becoming clearer. He felt as though he was on a cold, gentle stream on Alderaan. The same feeling he had when Twilight first healed him. He began to feel calmer. Twilight's presence was very comforting, like being wrapped in a warm blanket. His energy started to dissipate. His eyes went back to being hazel, while his mane and tail went back to being a mixed black and white. The last lightning blast went out and he collapsed to the ground. "Are you all right?" A concerned Twilight asked, as she rushed over to him. Her body was injured as well from all the lightning that burned her. "Yes thanks to you." replied Alexx. "Twilight I am sorry. When I saw him slowly killing you and not being able to do anything about it.. I was afraid it was going to be my father all over again, with that feeling of helplessness, and losing you." He said putting his head down and a lone tear rolled down his cheek. Twilight hugged him. "It's okay, you saved me and I am grateful for that. But seeing you like that.. was just horrible. What was that?" She asked. Alexx returned the hug and said. "The dark side." -End Chapter 4 > Chapter 5 "Canterlot, Interrogation" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Twilight are you okay to walk?" Alexx asked, noticing she was limping a bit. "I don't think I can. I used up most of my energy bringing you back to normal." She replied. Alexx's left rear leg had healed from when Twilight restored him. "Come here." He said. Twilight put a hoof around his neck and Alexx assisted her in walking. As they began their slow walk, Alexx asked. "How far until we make it to Canterlot?" "About thirty minutes away. LOOK." She was right. There in the distance, Alexx saw a great city in the side of a mountain. So this is Canterlot? Alexx thought to himself. As they began their initial ascent into Canterlot, Twilight asked. "Alexx you mentioned back there was the Dark side. Please tell me, what is the dark side?" Alexx hesitated for a moment. Then he said. "There are two sides to the force, the light side, and the dark side. Jedi follow the path of the light side, while sith follow the dark." He explained. "But if you were a sith then wouldn't you be following the dark side?" She asked concerned. "Even though I was sith I walked neither side. I did not believe in killing innocents. I just wanted the power of a sith without being evil." Alexx replied. "That was the first time I ever lost control and succumbed to the dark side. Thank you for saving me from that." "You are very welcome." Twilight said, leaning her head against his. "Here we are CANTERLOT." Twilight said. As they entered the great city, Alexx noticed tall buildings and ponies dressed in luxurious fabrics. Alexx saw a White stallion in a guard suit look over curiously. "Twiley?" Asked the guard. "BBBFF!" Twilight said. Dropping from Alexx's grip, Twilight ran to him, limping, and gave him a hug. "What happened to you Twiley? Did THIS guy do this to you?" He asked in anger. "NO! Shining Armor, this is Alexx, he saved me today. Without him I would've been dead." Replied Twilight. "Well, Alexx, I thank you for saving my little sister. I don't know what I would do without her." Shining Armor said. "Thank me later. We need to get her to a doctor. NOW!" Alexx replied in fear. "Right! I REQUIRE ASSITANCE!!" Shining Armor yelled. Two unicorn guards showed up and with their magic, levitated Twilight onto their backs and ran off. Alexx and Shining Armor following close behind. "What is the damage doctor?" Both Alexx and Shining Armor asked in unison. "Well she is going to be fine. We have already treated her for the electric damage. By tomorrow she will be able to walk normal again. But we are going to need her to stay the night." Said the doctor. "I will stay by your side until morning." Said Shining Armor. "No big brother, you need to guard the city. You are captain of the royal guard after all." Twilight said. "But what if you are attacked again during the night?" He asked in horror. "It is fine. I will watch over her till morning." Alexx said. "Thank you Alexx." Shining Armor put a hoof around Alexx's neck and whispered. "Please take good care of her. Do not let anything hurt her." "I will guard her with my life." Alexx replied. Shining Armor released his hold on Alexx. "Okay Twiley, I have to return to my watch. Get a good night's rest." He said giving her a hug. "See you later BBBFF." Twilight replied. Twilight slept soundly in her bed. Alexx did not sleep that night however. He kept watch over her room at all times. Not even for a second did he leave her side. She did not deserve this. He thought. As he watched the mare sleep, he could see a light smile on her face. Well she doesn't look like she is in any pain. Good. He gently brought down his hoof toward her and brushed her mane. She is so. So beautiful. He realized. That is the second time you helped me Twilight. I am even deeper in debt to you. When I first arrived here you used your magic to heal my headache, dizziness, and blindness. Now you have saved me from the dark side itself. Something I thought was impossible to escape from. He stopped brushing her mane. For the next six hours Alexx kept a ward guarding the room. It made detection of the force impossible from outside it. Twilight was hurt because of my connection to the force. I cannot allow that to happen again. I gave Shining Armor my word to protect her. Six hours had passed when Twilight awoke. "Morning sleepy head." Alexx said with a smile, happy to see she is okay. "Morning Alexx." She returned the smile. As they left the hospital, Twilight said. "We have wasted to much time already now. We must see Princess Celestia now and tell her what happened." "Right let's go Twilight." Alexx replied. They both began to gallop towards the castle. As they neared the castle a winged guard said. "Twilight it is good to see you again. The Princesses are waiting for you." "Princesses? Luna is here too?" Asked Twilight. "Yes" replied the guard. The doors to the castle opened and revealed a great hall. As they neared the throne room Alexx began to get nervous. I have never met royalty before. I hope I do not say anything incredibly stupid to get me in deep trouble. He thought. They were greeted by two more guards at the doors to the throne room. They opened the doors and in there Alexx saw two great ponies. One had white fur, flowing multicolored mane, and beautiful purple eyes. The other had dark blue fur, flowing blue mane, and light blue eyes. "Twilight, my most faithful student, it is great to see you again." Said the white one. "It is good to see you too Princess Celestia, and you as well Princess Luna." Twilight replied. "Now your majesties, the reason for my visit is to tell you of the arrival of Alexx. He is well was a-" "Sith lord yes we know Twilight" Interrupted Luna. "How did you know?" Twilight asked. "It seems that Alexx is not the only new pony to arrive in Equestria, Twilight, since he arrived a gateway opened up and two beings entered through it. One got away while we captured the other one." Celestia replied. It looks like Shanesen was not alone. Alexx thought. "We have attempted in interrogating him for information, but all we got out was that he, you and the other were sith." Said Luna. "Have you tried- torture your highness?" Alexx asked. Twilight, Luna, and Celestia all looked at Alexx in horror. "Alexx here we do not believe in torture. It pains us to cause others pain so we do not attempt it." Celestia replied. "Okay then." Alexx said. No wonder they could not get any information out of him. He thought. "Now Twilight you were supposed to meet us, with Alexx, yesterday what happened?" Celestia asked. "We were attacked by a sith, supposedly the other one who entered the gate. He ambushed us and nearly killed us. If it wasn't for Alexx, I would be dead right now." Twilight said. "The sith injured me so I had to spend the night at the hospital." Celestia turned her head toward Alexx and met her eyes with his. "Is this true Alexx? Did you save her?" Celestia asked. "Yes. When I was helpless to save her. I broke free from the bondage Shanesen had me in, and killed him. But I was nearly consumed from the dark side. Twilight saved me from it with her magic." He replied. "Well you saved my faithful student, and with that you have my thanks and respect." Celestia said. "You have ours as well." Said Luna. "Now Alexx, you asked earlier if we tortured him. We do not believe in torture. But if you would be so kind as to.. INTERROGATE our guest we would be deeply appreciated." Celestia said. "But you don't like others being caused pain. Why do you want me to do it?" Alexx asked. "Yes we do not believe in torture, but you do. We need to know who this sith is working for and why they are here." Celestia replied. "I can tell you why they are her, your highness, they are here because my old master, Darth Shadio, sent them through the gateway. Before I slayed Shanesen, he said that Shadio wanted to conquer this new world." Alexx said. "He's right Celestia, I guess that sith wasn't very bright." Twilight said. "But we still do not know where the gateway is or how they are coming to Equestria. So yes Alexx please, in the name of the sun, get as much information as you can out of the other one." Celestia replied. "Alexx do this for me will you?" Twilight said Her beautiful eyes meeting his. "Twilight you and the others have shown me kindness in ways I can never repay. I will interrogate him." Alexx replied. I myself have never tortured a person, I will do my best to avoid it. But if it comes to that. I will do whatever it takes to help save this land. Alexx thought. "Thank you Alexx." Both the princesses and Twilight said. "Now the holding chambers are in the room to my left. Please do what you must." Celestia said. "Twilight Sparkle please wait here until he is finished." "Yes Princess, I need to tell you about what happened in the past month anyways." Twilight replied. "Good luck Alexx." She said to him. As Alexx walked to the next room a guard opened the door for him using magic. He entered a dark room with a pony strapped to a table that was inclined at a diagonal angle. As he approached he began to notice Traits to this pony. This pony had black eyes, red fur, and an orange mane. He did not recognize the energy this one was emitting. "Now tell me, who are you?" The sith pony just stared at him. "Who are you and how did you get here." Again just staring at him. I wonder if my persuasion technique can do it. He waved his front right hoof infront of him and using the force said. "You will tell me who you are and why you are here." "I will tell you who I am and why I am here." It was a low voice. Yes. Alexx celebrated in his head. "My name is Shanos, a bounty hunter." Alexx was in shock. Good for nothing bounty hunter. Remembering that it was a bounty hunter that ended his fathers life. "I am here because I was hired by Darth Shadio to go into the gateway with Shanesen to find out what this place is." Shanos said. "But earlier you told the princesses that you were a sith. Why?" Alexx asked. "To scare them of course. After Shanesen killed ten of her royal guards, and twenty civilians, they were too afraid to go after him. That is why I am here now." Ten guards? Shanesen was strong though. But he killed twenty civillians before he got to us? What a heartless man he was. Alexx thought. "You will tell me how you got here." Alexx said using the persuasion technique again. "That won't work again sith." Shanos replied with an evil smirk. Damn it. I didn't want to have to, but I guess there is no other way. He thought. I will do this but I will not enjoy it. I cannot fall down to the dark side again. "Now you will tell me, HOW DID YOU GET HERE." Channeling energy into his horn and sending a stream of lightning into Shanos. He cried out in pain as the electricity coursed through his veins. How do the inquisitors do this all the time? Celestia was right. It does pain me to do this. BUT I MUST!! "Now tell me HOW DID YOU GET HERE!?" He demanded. "You will get nothing out of me" Shanos said spitting in the face of Alexx. He did not hesitate this time and sent more lightning into Shanos, upping the charge. Over the next seven hours, screams could be heard throughout the palace. I am getting nowhere. How has he resisted it for so long? Alexx thought in frustration. Shanos was panting heavily. The pain must be unbearable. But how could he withstand it. Alexx knew in the days seeing Darth Shadio torturing for information, that even a Jedi Master would have submitted by now. It pains me doing this. Bringing a defenseless person suffering. There has to be another way. "Shanos tell me. Do you have any family, friends perhaps?" Alexx saw Shanos raise an eyebrow. "Why yes of course I do." "Any children." Alexx saw Shanos pupils dilate. Gotcha. He thought with a smirk. "So you are a bounty hunter, why?" Alexx asked "Well, yes I do have children, that is why I am a bounty hunter. I would do whatever it takes to feed my children." Shanos replied. "So Darth Shadio hired you to take on this new land?" Alexx questioned. "Yes, but his offer of pay was too low. When I asked for a higher offer... he made a different offer." Alexx raised an eyebrow. "What offer was that?" "He said I do this job and he lets my children live." Alexx was in shock. He knew Shadio was evil, but to kill a child, that is just monstrous. "So that is why you came to Equestria?" He asked. Shanos bent his head down. "Yes, my kids are my life. If they died I would not be able to go on. They are all I have left. If I failed this mission, he will kill my kids." "Please tell me Shanos, tell me how you came to Equestria and I will make sure that Shadio will not be able to find your kids." Alexx promised. Shanos eyes lit up. "You would do that?" He asked "Yes. Children should not be a bargaining chip." Shanos lit up a smile. "Thank you Stal. Now the gateway can only be entered through as long as their is a force-sensitve being here. YOU, are the gatekey." Alexx was in complete shock. "How often can they use the gateway Shanos?" He questioned, shocked to learn that he is the reason that an invasion of Equestria is possible. "So far they haven't been able to stablize the gateway. So they can only enter it once a year. In one year from today, Shadio is going to invade this land, with an army." Alexx was now scared. One year to prepare for an invasion. Not nearly enough time. To face Shadio and others. There are going to be many casualties. I must tell the others. "Now Stal, I have filled my side of the bargain, now you promised me." Shanos demanded. "You are right Shanos, now imagine your kids for me and where they live." Alexx said as he placed his horn on Shanos's head. He saw a home on Dantooine. Two kids, one boy and one girl. Alexx, through the force, began to place a ward around the children's energy. "There it is done. Shadio will no longer be able to find your kids." "Thank you Sta-" "Call me Alexx, Shanos, I gave up my Darth status a while ago." "Okay, thank you Alexx. I would like to call you my friend. You saved my kids from death. OH one more thing there is another sith in Equestria." ANOTHER! Alexx was concerned that there was an immediate threat. "Are you sure?" Alexx asked. "Yes. He is an assassin and he can disguise as any person er pony that he wants." Shanos replied. "Do you know who he was disguised as?" Alexx questioned. "Yes he took the form of UGGHGH!" Alexx noticed that Shanos coughed up blood. "SHANOS, WHO IS HE DISGUISED AS?!" It was too late. Some outside power killed him. The autopsy showed he died of a heart attack. It must be him. Shadio must be watching me right now. He saw that his pawn failed and decided to end him now. Why is it everytime I make a new friend, something bad happens to them? Alexx wondered in fear. Twilight was injured and now Shanos was killed. He walked onto a balcony outside. It was now nighttime. Using the force to he shouted "SHADIO I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME!! I CHALLENGE YOU. IN ONE YEAR WE FACE OFF! ONE ON ONE IN A KAGGATH! NO INVASIONS, NO ARMIES JUST YOU AND ME!!" his voice boomed throughout all of Equestria. The kaggath was a sith duel. In a kaggath there was a victor and a corpse. "IT SHALL TAKE PLACE OUTSIDE OF EQUESTRIA, ON YOUR SHIP THE TYRA!" The Tyra was Shadio's flag ship. Alexx felt a presence in his mind. It was an evil energy that he felt and heard a voice say... I accept. -End Chapter 5 > Chapter 6 "Reunion of Pain" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alexx walked back to the throne room. There he saw the two princesses and Twilight Sparkle. They were all looking at him. "I guess you heard that huh?" He questioned. "Heard you? Of course we could hear thee. Your voice sent a chill down our spines." Luna said with a curious grin. "So you have one year before the Kaggath? What are we going to do until then?" Twilight asked. Alexx walked closer to the three. "Before Shanos died he told me there was a third here in Equestria. He also could be disguised as anypony." Celestia's eyes widened in horror. "Anypony? There are millions of ponies in Equestria. You won't be able to find him." Celestia commented. "Well then I will just have to find him the way I know how. With the force." Alexx sat on his rear, meditating. He began to call upon the force and with it, a giant image of Equestria appeared in his mind. There he could see and feel all of the life in Equestria. The plants, the animals and everypony. Time to find the odd one out. He thought. He was searching through the force for hours. Celestia was right, there are millions of ponies here. But he is here, one can he be? I must dig deeper. He pulled more energy from the force, then, a slight tug in another direction. What is this? He wondered. Following the lead, he found the source of the great energy. This is the sith all right. He thought with a big grin. "Somepony bring me a map and a quill please." Alexx requested. A guard set down a map of Equestria and a quill in front of Alexx and walked away. He took the quill in his mouth and marked where he felt the strong power source. "PONYVILLE?!" The three asked in horror. "That is where I felt him. Whoever he is, he is disguised as one of the ponies there." Alexx pointed out. "Our friends are in danger we must leave immediately before anypony gets hurt." Twilight Sparkle said in fear. "Right let's go." Alexx said. As they ran through the throne room Celestia shouted "WAIT!!" They both nearly fell over from the sudden stop. "What is it Celestia? We need to get going before my friends or anypony else gets hurt." Twilight said. "Alexx come here." Alexx walked back to Celestia. "Please kneel down." He kneeled down and Princess Celestia knelt over and placed her horn on his shoulder. "I dub thee, Alexx, as a knight of the royal guard." Twilight was in shock. Not just anypony got to be in the royal guard. "What is the reason for this your majesty?" Twilight asked. "He is going to need the same perks of a royal guardsmen, if he is too search all of the houses down there." Celestia replied. She sent magic through her horn and a blue star appeared on Alexx's chest. "You now can search and question anypony in Ponyville, simply flash your badge." Celestia said. "It is an honor Princess." Alexx said gratefully. Celestia nodded. "Now go, in the name of Equestria, and defeat this sith!" She ordered. And like that Twilight Sparkle and Alexx, now a knight of the royal guard, galloped out of the castle, out of Canterlot, and towards Ponyville. As they ran Alexx said "Twilight once we get to Ponyville I need you to take Applejack, Rainbowdash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike and yourself and hide in your library. I do not want any of you to get hurt." "Right I will put up a shield around it so only the ones I want in can get in." Twilight said. "You read my mind Twilight." Alexx replied with a grin. As they neared Sugarcube Corner, Twilight and Alexx split up. She went to find their friends, while he went to search for the sith. He found a secluded area and sat down. He began meditating once more and found an image of Ponyville in his mind. The sith indeed was in Ponyville. Ugh. This power is too overwhelming. I can't single him out. Alexx realized in anger. He had no time to waste. He began at one end of Ponyville and searched the entire area. I can't find him. I better go check on Twilight and the others I guess. He made his way towards the library. There was a ward protecting it. A small hole opened up and he walked through it. Opening the door he found them all sitting around a table. They all waved to him "Hey Alexx. It is super great to see you again. Here I brought you a cider." Pinkie said with delight. "Thanks Pinkie." He drank the delicious concoction. It was quite refreshing after all the hours he spent searching. Applejack then slapped him on the back. "I haven't seen you this thirsty since the end of your first day applebucking." She said with a grin. Alexx smiled back. "Twilight told us everything, did you find any leads around Ponyville?" Asked a concerned Fluttershy in a soft voice. Alexx shook his head his head in shame. "He could be anypony throughout Ponyville. He disguised himself extremely well." Said Alexx. "Well I am sure you will find him. Why don't you use that shout of yours to challenge him, the way you did with Shadio?" Asked Rainbow Dash "That was completely cool how you did that." She said with a big smile. "You heard that all the way from here?" Alexx said. I guess I overdid it a bit. He thought. "Alexx it is great to see you again, w-why aren't you wearing your outfit? You would look simply dashing in it." Rarity asked. "Oh I took it off when we had to gallop here from Canterlot, for speed, this is an urgent mission afterall." Alexx replied. This sith could appear at any time, I need to have my armor on me. Alexx realized. "I will be right back." He said walking to another room. He strapped on his armor and put on his cloak. He looked in the mirror, Rarity was right, he did look dashing in it. The rubies perfectly covered up the spots where his armor was damaged. She did such a great job. Everypony treated me nicely ever since i arrived here. I will protect them all. He promised in his mind. When he entered the room again he was approached by Twilight."Alexx a few months ago there was a changeling invasion in Canterlot. It was at my brothers wedding." she said. "The Changeling species could transform into anypony you cared for. Perhaps this sith became a changeling when he entered through the gateway." "It would make sense since he could disguise himself where I am from. At least that is what Shanos told me." Alexx said. He then realized something in horror. "You said it could be anypony that I care for? Right Twilight?" He asked. "Yes Alexx that is what I said." "That means the sith is in this very room." Everyponies eyes widened in fear. "So one of us in here is a phony?" Pinkie Pie blurted out. "That is right. I care for all of you in here. One of you must be him." He said. Alexx did care for them all, loved them even. "How could we tell which one the sith is Alexx?" Twilight said. "Well usually when a force user disguises himself, something in the disguise is false. It could be a physical trait, personality, or even change in ability. Twilight!" He said "You don't think it's me do you Alexx?" She said with concerned eyes. Her eyes were a beautiful purple. "No Twilight. You put up a ward around the library with magic. MAGIC! The force is not magic, therefore if you were the sith I could feel the energy from the ward because it would be made from the force." Alexx said. She let out a sigh of relief. I wish I could feel which one of these ponies is the sith in disguise. But he is hiding all of his force powers. He really thought this through. Alexx thought. All of the ponies looked at him. He did not want to believe one of them was the sith. Their eyes, those beautiful eyes. The colors were all so amazing. He could just look into them all day. Rarity with her dark blue eyes, Fluttershy with her aqua colored eyes, Pinkie Pie with her light blue, Twilight with hers purple, Rainbow Dash's magenta, and Applejacks red eyes. Those eyes, those horrible red eyes. "GOTCHA!" Alexx shouted, a grin coming across his face. "Wait. Me? Sugarcube it is me Applejack." She said with concern. "I lived with Applejack for a month. Working the fields of Sweet Apple Acres. When we ate, I sat across from her. We made jokes about the day, drank, and had a good time. When we talked we looked into eachother's eyes and hers were GREEN. I know your eyes. Now where is Applejack, WILLIAM!? The others gasped in horror. A slight grin came across Applejacks face. In a voice that wasn't Applejacks.. "You were always bright. Alexx." -End Chapter 6 > Chapter 7 "Redemption." > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Alexx it is so good to see you again." William said with a grin. "Cut the disguise William, let me see your real form here." Alexx replied. "Very well." William's disguise as Applejack began to disappear. His hooves began to turn a dark color, deteriorated in some spots. His mane became black, blacker than space itself. His fur looked more like a carapace instead of actual fur. A decayed horn appeared on his head. The only thing that did not change was his eyes, those horrible red eyes. "I WAS RIGHT, A CHANGELING!" Twilight shouted. "So that is what this creature is called." William said with a grin. "Now WHERE IS APPLEJACK?!" Alexx demanded. "Oh she is safe." William said. Lighting up his horn, he produced a an image. She was in some sort of dungeon. "ALEXX, TWILIGHT, ANYPONY! WHERE ARE YOU?!" She screamed in fear. "Don't worry, Alexx, she will have company." William said channeling even more energy into his horn, Alexx saw everypony around him in the library, vanish. His eyes widened in fear. He then looked at the image produced from William, they were all there. "Enough William, they did nothing to you, I did nothing to you. YOU BETRAYED ME! You told the bounty hunters where I lived, and they killed my father." Alexx said, igniting his lightsaber. "Ah are you challenging me, Alexx." William said. "You have no right to call me Alexx, YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND!" He said with anger. "Fine I accept your challenge but. I am not comfortable fighting in this form. I shall fix that." William replied. A bright energy emitted from his horn and Alexx shielded his eyes with a hoof. When he came to, he found he was surrounded by darkness. All he could see was the image of the dungeon where his friends were, and William standing in front of him, clenching his lightsaber with both hands. HANDS. Alexx wondered. Looking down he saw that his hooves were now hands again. I-I am back to normal? Alexx wondered. "Now to make this more interesting I shall give you another incentive to fight me." William said with a devilish grin. He lifted his hand towards the image of the dungeon. Alexx then began to notice water flowing in the dungeon. NO! He thought, fearful of losing his friends. "The only way to free them is to defeat me. In ten minutes the dungeon will overflow with water, and they will drown." William said with a laugh. "You always did like to fight dirty, WILLIAM!!" Alexx shouted as he charged towards William, and they locked blades. Staring each other down. Thus began the longest ten minutes of Alexx's life. At first he was fighting for himself, for vengeance. He was tempted to call upon the dark side to crush William, but he saw how that scared Twilight. No. This is not for me. This is to protect the ones I love. He thought. I am not risking the dark side. Not again. He thought. Alexx broke pushed William away with the force. He immediately caught himself on two feet and sent a bolt of lightning towards Alexx. He blocked the blast with his lightsaber. The blast was incredibly powerful. It was like trying to hold a speeder in place as it was going on full speed. Alexx released one of his hands from the blade, and released his own bolt towards William. It was a direct hit. William winced back in pain, releasing his stream of lightning in the process. Before he could recover. Alexx was upon him. He attacked with an overhead strike. William parried it with his blade. As Alexx stumbled back, William attempted a riposte with a lunge at Alexx's ribcage. He noticed the attempt of a fatal strike, and used the force to grab a hold of William's neck. Suspending him in the air, Alexx began to strangle the life out of him. "Is that the best you can do?" William said with that evil grin. He broke free of Alexx's grip with ease. William then charged towards Alexx and attempted a sweeping blow towards his feet. Alexx jumped over it and over William. Again he attempted an overhead strike on William. He blocked it and then they exchanged blows. This is going nowhere real fast. Alexx thought. They locked blades once more. Alexx noticed that the water in the dungeon was about halfway full. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash! Alexx began to worry as he saw that they were struggling to stay above the water. Alexx felt the darkness once more. No. He thought. That was William's plan all along. To convert me to the dark side. He realized. The dark side has no power over me. Just as quickly as it began, the darkness inside of Alexx faded away. "Your plan has failed William." "What?" He said. "Your plan to turn me to the dark side. IT WILL NOT WORK!" He shouted. A light began to fill inside of Alexx. His hair began to turn to white. His eyes stayed the same. A bright energy began to emit from Alexx. Is this the power of the lightside? No it is the same energy that Kana had. Alexx realized. William began to struggle against Alexx. Alexx's strikes became swifter and fiercer. This must be the power that Kana was talking about. Alexx thought as he blasted William's lightsaber away. This is the strongest power in the universe. Before he could react, Alexx Impaled William in the chest. "What-what power is this?" William asked. "This is the power that is friendship." Alexx said. "You-you have become stronger Alexx." William's eyes began to change color. They were no longer red, but his original blue eyes. "I am sorry Alexx" A tear rolled down his cheek. "I wanted power. To be no longer pushed around. I forgot that friendship, is what gives true strength. To have the support of others, is what is great." William said. "I am sorry it had to end this way, my friend." Alexx said as a tear went down his cheek as well. "Your friends shall be released back to the library. I am sorry for putting you through this." William said. "How do I get back?" Alexx asked, he noticed that the image of the dungeon was empty. His friends were safe now. Alexx removed the lightsaber from William's chest and caught him. William lifted a hand and made a portal through the force. "Go through there and you will be reunited with them at the library." He said. "William. Who is the one that trained you? Tempted you to the dark side." With William's last breath he said "Shadio." And he was gone. Shadio?! You are the cause of all this. Alexx thought with anger, as he walked over to where he blasted William's lightsaber. He picked it up and put in on his belt. The reason my father was killed. My friend falling to the dark side. All of this just so you could find me in the gutters that day. To take me on as your apprentice. He thought. One year, one year this will all end. You shall leave me and my friends alone. As he walked to the portal he noticed William's corpse was gone. Leaving nothing but his clothing on the ground. Go with the force. My friend. Alexx thought. As he entered the portal he noticed he was turning back into a pony. His armor re-sized to fit him. He hunched onto all fours. His white hair was replaced by his mane. Which stayed white. His skin became a sapphire colored fur. Well it was nice while it lasted. I just wish I was human again for a much happier reason. He thought. The portal closed around him, a bright light flashed and he was back. "Alexx!" All of his friends said. "Everypony I am happy to see you are okay. I don't know what I would've done if I lost you." Alexx said, tears flowing from his eyes. They all came up to him, and a big group hug occured. "It is not over yet. That was not it. I still have one more battle to fight. Then we can all live in peace." Alexx said. "Oh right you have that Kagth thing coming up in a year right?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "It is pronounced Kaggath and yes. But that is then. Please I alone should worry about that." "But why alone should you worry about that? You silly filly." Pinkie Pie said. "That is right. As long as you have friends you should not have to be alone for anything." Said Twilight. "No matter where you go, you will always have us." Fluttershy commented. "Just do not stop being awesome, Alexx." Said Rainbow Dash. "Sugarcube, you can always rely on us." Applejack said. "That is right darling. You are never alone." Rarity said. "You guys are the best. Thank you." Alexx said with a tearful smile. I wish it could last like this forever. Alexx thought. But it won't Stal. Shadio? Alexx wondered. -End Chapter 7 > Chapter 8 "Party Before Conflict" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So what do we do now Alexx?" Asked Twilight. "Well in one year I have my Kaggath with Shadio. He said he accepted the terms. But I think he is still going to invade through the gateway. Sith aren't known to keep their promises." He said. "Then I should go to Canterlot and ask Celestia if she can raise an army." Twilight said. "Yea if Shadio goes back on his deal, we will hoof stomp his army." Said an energized Rainbow Dash. "Alexx I will need your help again with applebucking, we are going to need lots of provisions for the army sugarcube." Said Applejack." "Right." Alexx replied. "OOH I will make uniforms for all of the soldiers. They will be so glamourous." Said Rarity. "I will set up the celebration party for after we win." Pinkie Pie said hopping up and down. "I-I can't really do much. But I will be there in case we must use the Elements of Harmony." Said Fluttershy. "Elements of Harmony. What is that?" Alexx wondered. "The six of us represent the Elements of Harmony. We have used them twice before. Once against Luna when she was evil. A second time to banish Discord into stone." Twilight Sparkle explained."Well let's hope that is a last resort." Alexx said, hoping to end this before a full on war between ponies and sith occured. Over the next year, there was barely any time for rest. Alexx along with Applejack harvested the orchard at Sweet Apple Acres, supplying the army with the nutrients to train. Twilight Sparkle with the Princesses and Shining Armor began to train the army in case the attack did occur. Rainbow Dash gathered all of the pegasi and prepared a storm for the invasion. Rarity crafted armor for the army, unique outfits for each division. Pinkie Pie prepared a party for when victory was achieved. Alexx was requested an audience with the Princesses at Canterlot. When he entered the throne room, Luna, Celestia and Twilight were waiting for him. "You needed to me your majesties?" He said with a bow. "Yes Alexx, you said you were going to duel Shadio when the year was up. Why a year?" Celestia questioned. "Shanos told me, before he died, that the gateway can only be used once a year. It will stay opened for a whole day." He replied. "I see. Now tell us, is thy duel going to take place in Equestria?" Luna asked. Alexx shook his head. "No. There could be many casualties, that is why I requested the Kaggath on his flag ship The Tyra." He replied. "Afterwards I can return to Equestria and we will seal the gateway." "That sounds like a good plan Alexx." Twilight Sparkle said with a smile. Alexx returned the smile to her. "How goes the training of the army, your majesties?" Alexx asked. "Good, Shining Armor has been working every second of every day, training them all." Celestia replied. "Good." Alexx said. Even with all the training. I do not know how they will stand against an invasion of sith. He thought. "You are dismissed now, Alexx." Both the Princesses said. As Alexx walked from the throne room he felt an evil presence in his mind. All of these preparations will do you no good Stal. In one year I shall crush you in the Kaggath and take Equestria in the name of the Emperor That is what you think Shadio. Alexx thought. 11 months later. Alexx and Applejack finished their final harvest. "Well that is the last of the apples." Applejack said, tired from a days work. "Yea, yea it is." Alexx replied with a pant. Tomorrow is the day, the day of the Kaggath. Was Shadio going to invade? Or was he actually going to keep his side of the bargain? Only time would tell. "Well sugarcube, I think it's best we call it a night." She told Alexx. "Oh Alexx I forgot. Twilight said for us to meet her at the library after work." Applejack told him. "Okay let's go there." He replied. They walked together to the library. When they opened the door and switched on the lights. "SUPRISE!" Everypony in Ponyville was there. "Happy Birthday Alexx! Bet you weren't expecting a party before huh? Well I thought what the hay. THERE IS ALWAYS TIME FOR A PARTY!" Said an energetic Pinkie Pie. "My what. Oh." Alexx then remembered that it was his twentieth birthday today. "But ho-how did you know?" He asked curiously. "Oh that is easy, Princess Celestia told us. She knows everyponies birthdays by just looking at them." Said Twilight Sparkle. "You guys are all the greatest." Alexx said with a tearful smile. "Thank you all for everything you have done for me. Now LET'S PARTY!" Alexx shouted with delight. For the next few hours there was dancing, singing, eating of cake, and drinking of cider. He mingled with the ponies and they all gave him their luck. He received slaps on the back and premature thank you's. Everypony had a great time. He decided to disappear from the library for a while. Sheesh. Pinkie Pie sure does know how to throw a party. I gotta take a breather or I'll be dead before I face Shadio. He thought. It was now night time. The stars and moon were high in the sky. He walked up a hill outside of Ponyville and sat down. "Beautiful out tonight huh?" A voice came from his left. It was Twilight Sparkle. "Yes, yes it is. Twilight, why did you leave the party? Weren't you having fun?" Alexx asked. "I was, but I needed a break." She said. "Well Pinkie Pie knows how to throw a great party." Alexx said. He and Twilight then joined in a laugh. They sat in silence for a few moments. Then Alexx broke the silence with. "Back when I was Darth Shadio's apprentice. He told me everything is most beautiful before bloodshed. He is right. Tomorrow I face him in the Kaggath. There will be bloodshed, and everything here is incredibly beautiful." Twilight put a hoof around Alexx's neck. "Oh you will do fine Alexx. You will slay Shadio and Equestria will be safe once more." She said with a smile. "Twilight, the debt I owe you can never be repaid." Alexx said. Taking her hoof in his, "You all have given something to me. When I first arrived here you healed me with magic, Applejack offered me a place to stay, Rarity fixed my outfit, and Pinkie Pie threw me these amazing parties. This friendship is the greatest thing I have ever experienced. William agreed before he died." He said, a tear falling down his cheek, Twilight brushed it away. "This could be very much our last night alive, and I must tell you something." he said, his smile fading. "I love everypony here. Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash." He paused for a moment, and gazed into Twilight's beautiful eyes, "And especially you Twilight." He said. Twilight's eyes widened. "I felt it when you first healed me. The feeling I received was peaceful. Then when you saved me from the dark side, those feelings deepened. It was as though you touched my heart itself." Twilight hugged him with great force. "I have those same feelings for you too, Alexx. You saved my friends from certain death, and me twice." She lightened up the hug and backed away. "I-I love you Twilight Sparkle." He said. She approached closely to him. "And I love you Alexx." She replied. They then embraced each other in a kiss. How he wished this moment could last forever, the beautiful night, with the mare he loved. He awoke in the morning next to Twilight. She was sleeping peacefully. He put on his armor and cloak with the force. He knelt over Twilight and gave her a kiss on her forehead. "See you in Canterlot." He whispered in her ear. He then walked out of the library. Citizens were told to stay indoors. As Alexx walked through Ponyville he saw all of the houses, all of the doors were locked and windows boarded. Not a single soul was seen outside. He made it to Canterlot, where the army of ponies were waiting. All of these brave souls. Prepared to die to protect those they love. Alexx thought. He approached the Princesses in the throne room of Canterlot palace. "Are you ready to go Alexx?" Asked Celestia. "Ye-yes I am." "Okay, before you go here take this." Celestia's horn lit up and an object appeared in front of Alexx. It was William's lightsaber. "We thought you could use it in thy fight against Shadio." Said Luna. Alexx ignited it. It was no longer red, but a dark purple coloring. The same as Kana's. Alexx realized. He put it on his belt. "Well let us open the gateway." Celestia said. She and Luna began to channel magic through their horns and the gateway appeared. "GOOD LUCK ALEXX!" HIs five friends waved and cheered. Where is Twilight? He wondered, waving to them. As he neared the gateway, he heard a cry. "Alexx! WAIT." Alexx turned around to see Twilight. She was panting. She must of ran non stop. He thought. She walked closer to him. "Take this." It was a necklace. With gemstones of his friends cutie marks engraved on it. "What is it?" He asked. "As long as you wear this, my friends and I will always be with you." Twilight said. "Thank you Twilight." He said. She put the necklace around his neck with her magic. He then embraced her in a hug. All of his friends also joined in. "You come back now sugarcube. I still need your help on the fields." Said Applejack. "And we still need to party more Silly Filly." Pinkie Pie said. "You just keep being awesome Alexx." Rainbow Dash commented. "Do take care of yourself darling." Rarity said. "Please be safe." Fluttershy said softly. "Come back alive Alexx." Twilight said. He then backed away from his friends, towards the portal. He flashed a smile and gave a wave. He walked closer to the portal and noticed he began to change. His hooves went back to being hands and he stood on two legs instead of four and his outfit re sized to fit him. He entered through the portal. Looking back one final time to see everypony there. They were all amazed to see his true form. He looked into the eyes of his friends. The beautiful colors they all had. Their lives depend on me. I shall not let them down. I FIGHT FOR THEM! He promised. A tear rolled down his cheek and the image of the palace room closed. A bright light was all that he could see. When he came too, he noticed he was indeed on the Tyra, Shadio's flagship. There were sith everywhere. All of them looking down on him at the arena. He saw that the Dark Council was there as well. In front of him he saw Shadio. His lightsaber already ignited, a yellow colored blade. Alexx looked into his eyes, those yellow eyes, they burned into him. Alexx ignited both of his lightsabers, one red, the other purple. "MAY THE KAGGATH BEGIN!!" The Dark Council shouted. -End Chapter 8 > Chapter 9 "Final Act of The Sith." > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- There he stood before him, Shadio, the man responsible for all of Alexx's troubles. He set up the order for the assassination of his father, turned William down the path of evil, and is now threatening his friend's lives. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack. He thought. Twilight. I DO THIS FOR ALL OF YOU! As he leaped towards Shadio. I am not that experienced using two sabers. I shall have enough time to practice on Shadio. He struck with his right blade first, the red one. He brought down a strike overhead but Shadio blocked it. As there blades stayed there, locked with eachother, Alexx swung a horizontal slash using his left handed saber, the purple one. Shadio repelled the red blade away from his body and parried the purple blade with ease. Alexx then registered a flurry of strikes. The loud humming and strikes of the lightsabers could be heard throughout the Tyra. Shadio repelled attack after attack. He then attempted an overhead strike. Alexx caught the saber with both of his blades with an X shape. They stood there, former master and apprentice, gazing into each others eyes. Shadio's eyes were as yellow as the blade of his lightsaber. They burned into Alexx. Those eyes have always burned into him. Ever since that day Shadio found him in the gutters. "I fear you no longer." Alexx said. A grin came across Shadio's face. "You should be." He replied. Shadio freed one of his hands from the grip of his saber and used the force to throw Alexx across the room. Alexx immediately regained his footing and charged toward Shadio. Shadio went for a decapitation. Ducking, Alexx lunged both sabers into Shadio. I-I did it? He wondered. Shadio let out a laugh. "Did you really think it would be that easy? Come now Stal." He said. Alexx attempted to free his blades. They were stuck. Shadio then raised his blade and went for the final blow. It's over if I can't think of something quick. I GOT IT! Alexx thought. He let go of his red saber and pulled with both of his hands to free the purple saber, he succeeded. As he pulled away, Shadio's lightsaber barely missed Alexx's neck. Alexx gripped his lightsaber with both hands. "So you pulled free? No matter." Shadio said, as he pulled Alexx's other saber from his body. "I gave this to you ten years ago Stal. I am taking it back." He said. Shadio lifted the blade into the air with the force and destroyed it with his saber. Alexx's eyes widened in horror. He relied on that lightsaber with his life. It was his friend before meeting Twilight and the others in Equestria. Goodbye. My companion. He thought. He lunged towards Shadio, his attacks much more fierce and swifter now. Alexx could tell Shadio was struggling against him. Alexx parried a lunge and slashed at Shadio's chest, cutting a deep gash into him. Shadio didn't wince in pain, just raised an eyebrow and a grin. He then pushed Alexx away with the force. "I am impressed Stal." He said with a grin. "Even without dual blades you managed to wound me." "I am more suited with a single blade anyways, Shadio." Alexx said with a grin. Shadio raised an eyebrow. "Come now Stal. Your lightsaber skills are remarkable. But what about the force? That is MY STRONGSUIT!!" Shadio screamed. Shadio threw his lightsaber behind him, and shot a stream of lightning towards Alexx, he blocked it with his saber. The lightning was attracted to the blade on his lightsaber. It shielded him, but it was hard to control. Am I fighting a sith or holding off a damn space station? Alexx thought as he struggled to hold it off. Shadio ceased the lightning blast. "Impressive, but how would you do without your toy?" Shadio said with that horrible grin. Alexx felt a tug on his lightsaber, it deactivated. What? Alexx thought, trying to reignite his weapon. "Fine then Shadio, I see how you want it." Alexx said as he attached his deactived lightsaber to his belt. Shadio sent another stream of lightning towards Alexx, and Alexx his toward Shadio. The lightning of both Shadio and Alexx met. For a few minutes they each tried pushing the lightning to their foe. Alexx was struggling. I need to pull deeper from the force. He thought. He channeled more energy into his lightning. It pushed faster towards Shadio. The lightning connected to Shadio, he winced at the pain. "Impressive Stal. Even though I am merely toying with you." Shadio taunted. Shadio poured all of his energy into the lightning. Alexx could not hold off the powerful blast. The stream connected To Alexx and electrocuted him. Alexx screamed in pain. Every nerve in his body hurt. He felt like his mind was going to explode. So this is how it ends? Alexx thought. Ready to accept death. Everything went black. Never give up. Alexx. Said a familiar voice. Twilight. He asked. Yes I am here with all of our friends. She said. Alexx if you give up you are no longer cool. Rainbow Dash said. I told you to be safe. Fluttershy said. Darling if you keep this up. You and your outfit will be no more. Rarity said. If you die I won't have another friend to party with. Pinkie Pie said. Sugarcube you did not prepare for a year just so it will end like this. Applejack said. He saw the images of his friends. Alexx allow us to help you. As friends. Twilight said. A light began to glow from the necklace Twilight gave Alexx. Use us. The Elements of Harmony. To defeat him. Every one of his friends said. The images of his friends disappeared and he saw a bright light. He was back in the battle, still being shocked. Alexx poured the new power, his friendship, into the attack. As he counterattacked, his lightning changed colors. It was no longer a white stream, but each spark was colored to that of a rainbow. "Wha-what is this power? It is not that of the force." Shadio said in fear. "No it is not Shadio. It is a much more powerful energy." Alexx said, his blast nearing Shadio. "It is the power." the lightning hit Shadio with great force. "OF FRIENDSHIP!!" The stream of lightning hit Shadio, he screamed in pain. A smile came across his face. Very good, my apprentice. You have defeated me, but you have not won. Shadio's presence was in Alexx's mind. I have defeated you Shadio. Now I can go back to my friends and live in peace. Alexx said. Don't you remember? As long as you have connection to the force. The gate can be opened each year. Alexx forgot about that part. Goodbye, my apprentice. Shadio said with one last laugh before disappearing. Alexx ceased the lightning attack. Shadio's body was no more, vaporized from the blast. Alexx could hear clapping from the dark council. "Congratulations, Darth Stal, you have won the Kaggath. Unfortunately now with the passing of Shadio, there is an empty chair on the Dark Council. We would like you to take his place." Said a member. "Thanks, but no thanks." Alexx said. "So you are denying our offer?" Asked another member. "Yes" Alexx replied. "Very well... ON WITH THE INVASION!!" Alexx's eyes widened in fear and shock as he saw sith after sith. They jumped from above. He saw one of the council members raise a hand. The gateway appeared. All of the sith entered it, being changed to ponies in the process. Alexx ran towards the gateway and entered through. There was a bright light and he was back to being a pony, and in Equestria. He saw that the sith wasted no time. There must have been a few hundred of them, battling with the army that Celestia had prepared. Alexx witnessed as they slayed soldier after soldier. A lightning bolt was heard from above. It was the pegasi, with their storm they had brewed. Alexx channeled energy into his horn and attacked the invading sith. Everypony was fighting their hardest. Applejack and Rainbow Dash bucked four sith to death. Twilight Sparkle and Rarity threw four afar with their magic. The two Princesses slayed three by impalement. The battle lasted for five hours. After Alexx had slain the last of them, the recovery began. "That is the last of em." Applejack said. "Yes-yes it is." Alexx said. "If it wasn't for you guys. I would be dead right now, slain from Shadio." He said. "Oh that is what friends are for you silly filly." Pinkie Pie said, slapping him on the back. Alexx turned towards the princesses. "Please seal the gateway." He requested. The princesses nodded. They began to focus magic into their horns, a bright light emitted from their horns, sealing the gateway. "There it is done." Celestia said. "No it's not done. They will come back again next year. So long as I have connection to the force." Alexx said. "Well it is over for now. Let us go to the party. Pinkie Pie set it up all over Ponyvil-" was all that Twilight could say. Alexx turned around to see what he had feared. He saw a pony, standing over Twilight. A lightsaber clenched in his jaw. The blade protruding through Twilight's chest. "TWILIGHT!" Everypony said. The sith pulled the blade from Twilight. As her limp body fell to the ground she said. "Alexx.." and she was gone. Alexx did not hesitate. Channeling energy through his horn, he grabbed the sith by his neck through the force and broke it, killing him instantly. He ran over to Twilight, A hole was gaping in her chest. "Twiley." Shining Armor said, a tear rolling down his cheek. Shining Armor then hit Alexx across the head. "YOU SON OF A PARASPRITE! YOU PROMISED TO PROTECT HER!!" He said in between strikes on Alexx. "Enough! Shining Armor." Princess Celestia demanded. Shining Armor stopped. Noticing Alexx was also crying. "There has to be something we can do." Alexx said in between sobs. "There is nothing we can do sugarcube. She is gone." Applejack said. An idea hit Alexx. "THE ELEMENTS! USE THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY! THEY CAN BRING HER BACK!!" He said with delight. "They can. But the elements will not work." Luna said. "She is right Alexx." Celestia said. "Why? They worked for me." He questioned in horror. "Alexx.. the sixth element is dead now." Rainbow Dash said. There has to be another way. She doesn't deserve this. She showed me nothing but kindness. Alexx thought. "Wait. I have to try one last thing" He said. Alexx bent his head, connecting his horn to Twilight's. Force. Assist me one last time. He said in his mind. He channeled all of his energy into his horn. It was painful. Incredibly painful. I will not give up. Please come back, Twilight. You showed me friendship, you healed me, saved me from the dark side. Now It is my turn to help you. He thought. A bright light appeared over Twilight's body. It entered through the wound in her chest. The wound sealed itself. Alexx pulled back and stopped the spell. He could barely stand. It was faint, but Alexx could hear it. It was her heartbeat. It started to beat faster, and faster, until it was at a safe and steady rate. Twilight opened her eyes. A smile came across her face, and across everypony elses. "Alexx, Shining Armor. You saved me?" She said. "It was all Alexx. He gave it all he got in that spell." Shining Armor said giving his little sister a hug. She backed off from the hug of Shining Armor after a minute, and walked to Alexx. "Thank you, Alexx" She said hugging him. "But how did you do it? Where did you get the power to bring me back?" Twilight asked. "I-I gave up my connection of the force. Put every drop of energy I had into saving you from deaths grip." Alexx said. Everypony gasped. "B-but Alexx, you gave up your power." Rainbow Dash said. "I-I d-don't need it anymore now. With my connection to the force severed. The gateway can not be opened anymore. That is why I do not need it anymore." Alexx said. "Alexx you are a hero to all of Equestria. You defeated Shadio, assisted my army against the sith, and saved my most faithful student at the price of your power. For that I thank you." Celestia said, bowing to Alexx. Luna also bowed before Alexx. Soon everypony who had survived the battle, bowed before Alexx. Except for Twilight who continued to hug him. "Well now that the war is over. IT IS TIME TO PARTY!!" Pinkie Pie said with delight. Everypony cheered. "A party, a party sounds nice." Alexx said with a laugh, slipping into unconsciousness in Twilight's embrace. -End Chapter 9 > Chapter 10 "WHAT!" > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alexx awoke in a bed, dazed. As the feeling of grogginess faded, he realized he was in the hospital. "OH MY GOSH HE IS WAKING UP!" "Alexx, are you all right?" A familiar voice asked. "Yea, yea I am fine." As his vision returned to him he saw Twilight, smiling with tears running down her cheek, standing over him. Not only was Twilight there, but everypony else. "Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Twilight!" Alexx said. "They never left your side for a minute". Said the nurse. "HE IS AWAKE! HE IS AWAKE! NOW WE CAN PARTY!" Said an energetic Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie Pie you never change," Alexx said, with a laugh, all of his friends joining in. "Come on let's go set up at the library everypony!" Pinkie Pie said. "You jest get your rest sugarcube," Applejack said. As his friends left, "You guys go ahead, I want to talk with Alexx alone," Twilight Sparkle said. "Okay see you at the library later." Replied Rainbow Dash. When they all left, Twilight Sparkle approached closer to Alexx. "How long was I out for?" He asked. "You were like that for two months," She answered his question. TWO MONTHS?! Alexx realized in shock. He sat up and gave Twilight a hug. "You never left my side. While I was out you never left my side. Thank you." He said, tears flowing from his eyes. "You would've done the same for me Alexx". Twilight said, kissing him. She backed away for a second. "Wh-what is wrong Twilight." Alexx asked. "Nothing, nothing is wrong," Twilight said, trying to hide her face from him. "Twilight. You can tell me anything". Alexx said, putting a hoof around her neck in a hug. "Alexx," She said, returning the hug. They both sat their for ten minutes, embraced in their hug. As Twilight pulled back she said "Alexx.. I am pregnant". Alexx's eyes widened, not from fear, but of excitement. It must have been that night, before the Kaggath. This is great. My own child. A new foal to bring into this world. Not in the world I knew. Not the world of hatred. This great world, filled with friends and peace. Alexx thought with excitement. "Twilight, this is happy news." He said with a smile. Twilight returned the smile. "That is why I was worried about you. I was afraid that I was going to lose my lover, and our child to grow up without a father." Twilight said, tears down her cheek, Alexx embraced her in another hug. "Do the others know?" Alexx asked. "Yes they know I am pregnant, and you being the father". She replied. "Pinkie Pie is hosting the baby shower," Twilight said. "Of course, she is such a party animal. That is why she is so great". Alexx said, both joined in a laugh. "I am so glad you are okay, Alexx." "I am glad you are okay, Twilight". Alexx got out of bed. "Alexx you need your rest". Twilight insisted. "Twilight, I have been in this hospital for apparently two months. I need to get out of here." Twilight and Alexx walked out of the hospital. As they neared the library Alexx said, "Twilight wait, I have to try something," Twilight paused in her tracks. Alexx attempted to call upon the force. Yup, no more force. Alexx realized. No matter, no power is worth the price of a friend. He thought to himself. As they entered the library, there was no surprise. Everypony in Ponyville was in there. They were all stomping on the ground, cheering. He could hear loud "Thank yous" and "Congratulations" from the crowd. Pinkie Pie was of course the first to approach Alexx, handing him a mug, "I know you love this cider, it tastes much better than hospital food". Pinkie said. Alexx gripped the handle of the mug and downed it all. "Yup so refreshing". Alexx said with a smile. "We are mighty proud of you sugarcube" Applejack said. "That was completely cool how you gave up your powers to save Twilight". Rainbow Dash said. "Thank you for returning to us safe." Fluttershy said in her soft voice. "Darling it is so good to see you again," Rarity said with a grin. "Thank you all. If it wasn't for any of you, I would be dead right now". He said. "Enough of that Alexx. You are alive right now, and I believe you said a party sounded pretty good, before you passed out. SO LET'S PARTY!!". An energetic Pinkie Pie said. As they partied into the night Alexx realized, This is my home now. My friends, my love, my child. Alexx thought as he looked towards Twilight. She smiled at him and they approached towards each other. Alexx and Twilight rested their heads upon eachother. His muzzle rubbed against hers, and hers his. They then shared a kiss. This is what she wanted me to experience. As he thought this, he saw an image appear before him. It was that of Kana. This was all thanks to her. She sent him here, and he found friendship, and his love. Thank you. She merely smiled. Another image appeared before him. It was William, fully redeemed, no long a sith, but a Jedi. Goodbye, my friends. Alexx thought, another tear rolling down his cheek. William and Kana smiled, and then they were gone. The party lasted well into the night. Much dancing, singing, eating of cake and many kegs of cider were killed by Alexx and Pinkie Pie in drinking contests. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and himself engaged in Hoof wrestling matches. He was amazed at the strength of those two. Rarity complained about his armor being ruined. Fluttershy just gave him a soft hug as thank you. He was never as happy as he was that night. Surrounded by those he cared for, and cared for him. Ever since he arrived here, he has been happy. His fight was over now. No more sith, no invasions, no damn emperor to worry about. He thought with a smile. Alexx then approached Twilight again. She hugged him, and he her. They then shared a kiss. He had friends, a lover, and a child on the way. Tears of joy flowed from his eyes as he thought, This, is happiness. -End Chapter 10. > Epilogue. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 Months later Alexx and Twilight sat on the hill, where they confessed their love for each other, the night before the Kaggath. Their new born filly climbed onto Alexx's back. Since Big Macintosh got better, Applejack no longer needed Alexx's help applebucking. So Alexx became a full fledged knight of the royal guard. Even though he no longer had the force, Twilight taught him the ways of magic. "What should we name her?" Twilight asked. Alexx shrugged. "I don't know there are so many names out there," He said. Alexx looked up to the stars, they were bright, bright as they were the day he came to Equestria. Then he remembered. If it wasn't for her. None of this would've happened and I would still be suffering under Shadio's rule. He thought. "Kana." "What's that Alexx?" Twilight asked. "Her name. Let's call her Kana." He replied with a smile.Twilight lifted their foal unicorn with her magic and hugged her. "Our filly, Kana. What a great name Alexx." Twilight said. "Alexx, Twilight get back here. The party is near dead without you and the guest of honor. Have you decided on a name?" Shouted Pinkie Pie from the library. "Kana," Twilight responded. "That's a nice name." Pinkie shouted back. Alexx, with Kana on his back, and Twilight walked back to the party at the library. Before he entered the library he turned towards Kana, she had his white mane, Twilight's lavender coat, yet both of their eyes, one eye was hazel while the other was purple. She indeed had beautiful eyes. "Enjoy your life, Kana, full of happiness, and friends," He said kissing her on her forehead. Every one of his friends came out of the library. Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash joined Twilight Sparkle and Alexx. They all embraced in a group hug. Alexx looked to the stars and smiled. Everything was beautiful. His friends, the stars. His new daughter, named after the one who gave him this great gift. Thank you, Kana. -The End. > Appreciations. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey guys it's Bronysith. Thank you all for the support. I hope you enjoyed reading my story as I did creating it. Special thanks to- George Lucas. For the original trilogy. Lauren Faust for making the great show My Little Pony: Friendship is magic. Hasbro for not suing me. George R.R Martin, and Christopher Paoliny, whom inspired me to write. My friends Xmasskills, Cachi01, TheRainbowDash, CCCP, LunaTheBeloved, Biglaw, Bacon[Hazard], and all my friends from Bronystate.net who have supported me in this story since day 1. Also my l4d2 brony buds. whom i play on steam with nearly everyday JaketehSnake Midnight Tempest Meanwhile Kirzystryfe Jim Tarku TheGreatandPowerfulT UnFoundBug Dr.Shamrocs and nittany_Tiger Anyways I do not want it to end here. So I am starting a sequel immediately. I have released the Prologue. It is The Force of Friendship (Family) I submitted the story and is up and running. May the Force be with you all. -Bronysith