My Little Pony: Exiles of the Empire

by Hikarikurai24587

The Shadow Moon Festival (Eclipse)

“Master Jinn… is this because you asked if I had doubts?” Luna asked, looking at the spirit before her. “What did you mean by that?”

“I understand that my words may have come off as harsh and brash, you just appear to carry a lot of burden and doubt in your heart. It may not even be completely apparent to you. I know that young Anakin is in need of his own help, but before he receives any help I would like to see what I can do for you.” The ghostly spirit of Qui-Gon responded to her.

“Everyone has doubt, yet I know where mine comes from.” Luna said, looking at the ground as she shuffled her hooves. “If I cannot help one person, I feel that others will stop listening to me. Celestia and I already have opposition and we do not wish to fuel it.”

“Do not let the negative ideas of those you care for rule you. Opposition with your sister you may have, but your differences allow you both to be unique and offer different approaches to solutions. One may not be better than the other, but that’s besides the point.” Qui-Gon let out a small chuckle as he continued. “I sense in you a strong justice and urge to do what you believe is right for your people, and I believe that you should continue to follow your heart.”

“It’s hard when they will use our failures to divide us further.” Luna said before realizing the wording that she had used. “Oh… as in other ponies are trying to spread doubt and opposing the both of us.”

“Fear is prominent in many of their hearts, and it is understandable given what has happened to your country. All that you must do is show what bravery and courage you can muster to prove that there is hope.” Qui-Gon smiled as he stepped forward, his hand petting the top of Luna’s head much to the surprise of her given his ghostly appearance. Luna’s wings twitched, slightly startled, but calmed as Summer Bloom passed chatting with the ghostly figure of her mother. Luminous’ melody reaching all the corners of the fairgrounds. Luna looked at Qui-gon saying. “I used to stand alone, courage against forces from the outside is easy. It is courage to face my own fears is what causes me to stumble.”

“That is something that we all must face, yet I believe you have the power to do it.” Qui-Gon responded as he backed a little bit away. “Now, I think that our meeting has reached a good ending point. I shall go see young Anakin and do as you requested. I do apologize for my brashness before, I only wished to help you.”

“Sometimes that push is what we need.” Luna said as she flared her wings.

Anakin looked around at the various presences around all the people, his head looking at the ground wondering why he hasn’t seen his wife. His head quickly tilted back upwards as a figure started to appear before him and spoke. “Anakin...help me please.”

Anakin’s eyes widened as he turned around whispering. “Ahsoka.”

“Anakin, I’m sorry for failing you. I’ve become your enemy and have done some horrible, terrible things...unforgivable things. Please help me...please the next time you see me...kill me.” Ahsoka said, looking away. Anakin remembered when Luna had visited in his dreams. He reached out and touched Ahsoka’s shoulder saying. “I will save you, Ahsoka, I’m going to find a way to get you back. I promise.”

Ahsoka’s hand reached up to touch the top of Anakin’s as she spoke. “Master...I don’t want to hurt anyone else.”

“Stay strong Ahsoka.” Anakin encouraged her as he pulled her into a hug. “I know you can, I’m so sorry for not seeing any of this happening.”

A tear appeared in Ahsoka’s eyes as she returned the hug, her figure fading from view. The ghostly figure of Qui-Gon approached Skywalker from behind saying. “Anakin.”

Anakin turned around, his eyes widening as he uttered. “Master Qui-Gon?”

“Why have you left yourself behind?” Qui-Gon said simply, stepping forward to meet his old friend. Anakin looked away rubbing the back of his head spotting Luna a distance away. Looking at Qui-gon he answered. “Because the last time I was myself, I led my Padawan astray.”

“So you blame yourself, and in doing so you try to be someone else.” Qui-Gon responded, a stern look upon his face. Anakin looked away saying. “It’s the only thing I can do to ensure it won’t happen again. Master Kenobi was a rock for me, well him and Padme.”

“It is not the only thing you can do. What you are doing is lying to your Padawan by being somebody that you are not. Failure is our greatest teacher, and we must rise above it and not lose sight of ourselves. I’ve never told you this, but I once had an apprentice before Obi-Wan named Xanatos who also turned to the Dark Side, and as you know even Yoda’s old padawan turned. Everyone has a destiny in the Force and we cannot change it, changing ourselves is not the answer. You must prove yourself to young Spike that you are Anakin Skywalker, not Obi-Wan Kenobi. Not just a mentor, but a friend. You’ve always had a big heart, caring deeply for your loved ones. If you lose sight of yourself Spike will lose sight of himself.” Qui-Gon said, turning to the side looking up to the sky. Anakin looked at the sky, seeing the eclipse beyond the barrier. He knew that Qui-gon was right, he had a feeling that deep inside he was afraid of failing again. He had failed the Council, he failed Ahsoka, he had even failed Padme.

“You will fail, Anakin. You will fail and fail again. But with each failure is a lesson that allows us to grow, and that is a lesson Spike must learn himself. Do not lose sight of this, and I foresee you will be a great Jedi Master.” Qui-Gon added, his figure starting to dissipate. His head turned to look at Anakin once more, saying. “Trust in the Force.” 

Anakin nodded his head saying. “I will.” Qui-Gon smiled as he vanished from Anakin’s sight.

Spike walked around the festival watching the ponies chatting with their loved ones. He was feeling lonely, he hadn’t seen Twilight anywhere. He spotted Discord at a stall handing out dolls of all shapes and sizes. Among the ones in the front was a small doll of Twilight. He swallowed as it looked at him and waved. He moved forward seeing that all the dolls were moving.

“What’s going on?” Spike asked, looking at Discord’s wares. Discord managed to finish up with a customer before addressing Spike saying. “I’m selling these dolls, there are so many people who will be lonely after this festival is over.”

Spike didn’t want to say anything, he was already lonely. He was the only one without someone by his side, Discord gave him a reassuring smile saying. “The festival has just begun, Spike! You know the one person that Twilight would go to first before you.”

Spike paused as he thought back, Twilight died without knowing if the Princesses were going to make it or not. He felt a little bit guilty for wanting to be the one at the forefront of Twilight’s mind. He almost forgot that she had a one track mind. His tail moved side to side sadly as he picked up the Twilight doll. He fished through his pouch pulling out some money and set it down. Discord took the money before looking to where Celestia was standing keeping the eclipse in place. Her power never wavering as she stood there like a pillar of magic. Glancing down at Spike, he saw the Twilight doll press her head against his finger. Discord listened to Spike chuckling sadly, he turned to walk away when Discord snapped his fingers teleporting him next to him. “How about you help me until you see Twilight. I’m sure you’ve been avoiding talking to other ponies.”

Spike didn’t know what to say, but when he saw a young filly with her father next to her he sighed. He knew he had to start changing, he couldn’t always be focused on one person. So he watched as she looked at the dolls with a huge grin on her face. She pointed towards one and her father nodded his head pulling out the bits. The filly giggled as the doll walked towards the stallion and he picked it up. His daughter danced a little bit the background shifting behind her. Her father smiled as he whispered his thanks before walking through the festival with the spirit of his daughter.

Celestia focused, keeping her magic focused on locking the moon to the sun. Her powers fading as the day went on. She had to hold on, just until nightfall, then Luna could correct the position of the moon. After that, she would rest and join the rest of the festivities. ‘Perhaps pay a visit to Ashen’s Apothecary for a magic tonic.’ she thought, feeling the happiness of her people. Then a presence, one that she had not felt for over five thousand years.

“Master Jeron.” she said unable to look at her old friend. “I did not expect you to come.”

“Princess Celestia.” Jeron replied with a bow, his face covered by a hood. “Why would I miss out on a chance to see my dearest friend? You are still the same as when I last saw you, your mane and tail has more color in it though.”

“A lot has changed.” Celestia said keeping her eyes locked to the moon. “The Jedi and those that call themselves Sith….”

“I know, remember my friend, those that walk in the Light will always be found. No matter if it is the sun or the moon.” Jeron reminded her as he reached out with a large light blue hand and petted her neck. “We are all one in the Light.”

Rex had been standing near Celestia during the festivities making sure she was safe. He had been listening to the conversation between her and Jeron when a question for the Jedi popped into his head. "Master Jedi, what did the soldiers of your time do to combat the Sith?"

“At the time there was no true method. Just to combat the forces of darkness at every turn. I was hoping when I had located the Jedi Exiles that they would listen to reason and find their way back to the Light.” Jeron said, looking at Rex. “In those days our numbers were building, yet I died shortly after finding Celestia and Luna. There was such a powerful disturbance and darkness that came into existence.”

Rex looked a little bit uneasy, the answer not being quite what he was looking for. His head turned skyward, wondering if he would survive what was to come.

“Do not fear my friend, look for strength from those around you. Together we are strong.” Jeron told Rex, placing his other large hand on Rex’s shoulder.