The Gala was in full swing, the guests poured into the grand hall of Canterlot Castle as one of the most prestigious events of the year went into full motion.

At the entrance of the hall Princess Celestia and her apprentice Twilight greeted the guests as they arrive. Twilight's friends had all gone their separate ways trying to make that night the 'best night ever'.

Applejack was trying to flog her stocks to any passers by she could.

Rarity was trying to woo a man who happened to have the title of 'prince', despite being a complete upstart as Rarity tragically found out.

Rainbow, who was adorned in full Mandalorian ceremonial armor instead of a dress, was chatting up an elite fighter squadron who happened to be her life-long heroes.

Pinkie Pie was... being Pinkie Pie.

And as for Fluttershy... the Twi'Lek was chasing animals and inadvertently terrifying them, much to her... frustration.

All in all however the party was continuing as dully as Princess Celestia was used to, until two figures blatantly not from Equus approached both her and Twilight.

Celestia examined the two figures, "It's been a long time since any Jedi set foot on this world, what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Believe me Princess Celestia, the pleasure is ours your highness. I am Obi-wan Kenobi and this is Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker."

Celestia gave them a respectful nod before motioning towards Twilight. "This is my apprentice, Twilight Sparkle."

"Greetings Twilight, I heard about your redeeming of Princess Luna, remarkable for one as young as yourself."

"You honor me, master Jedi."

Celestia spoke up again, "I assume you're not here for the gala? What request do you make of me?"

"That, is something best discussed in private your highness."

"Very well then, we can discuss what you need to discuss in my private study, your fellow Jedi may feel free to enjoy the gala while we talk."

"Hold on, why am I staying here?" Anakin asked.

"Come now Anakin, an invitation to the gala is a great honor, let's not offend them by refusing."

"As you say master," Anakin sighed.

Celestia motioned Obi-Wan to a nearby door, and while asking one of the servants to continue letting in the guests they departed.

With them gone, Twilight approached Anakin. "I've never met a Jedi before."

"I've never met a a force wielder following neither Sith nor Jedi teachings before."

"Yeah... I doubt many Jedi approve of such an arrangement."

"I don't see the problem, you follow the light and protect those you are sworn to, just like the Jedi."

"Luna did call me Jedi-like," Twilight recalled.

The two force-wielders talked a while longer about various subjects from the Jedi to recent event on both Equus and in the larger galaxy, before an almighty crash got their attention.

"That can't be good," Anakin remarked following Twilight as the she rushed into the main gala hall.

"The Republic could use you, we can't let the Sith win."

Obi-Wan finished petitioning Celestia to join the Republic's war effort, which would destroy their current neutrality.

Sighing, Celestia took a seat behind her desk, thinking on the Jedi's proposal.

"You ask much of me Obi-Wan."

"I know, and believe me I wish I didn't have to ask at all, but the dark side gains power every passing day."

"I don't want the Sith to win any more than you do, but I have my people to think of first and foremost, though I would wish you and the Republic luck. Let's just hope these 'Clone Wars' come to a swift end."

"It's a no then?" Obi-Wan sighed.

"I will discuss this matter with Princesses Luna and Mi Amore Cadenza, but they will most likely be of similar mindsets. Equestria is a peace loving nation, I don't want to take all that away in a war, they aren't ready for a conflict of that size."

"I understand, you need to protect them. They're like your children in a way aren't they?"

"I've been watching over them on may own for a thousand years," Celestia pointed out.

"Yes, it must be good to finally have two others to bear such a considerable weight."

"Soon to be three," Celestia chuckled.

Obi-Wan simply raised a questioning eyebrow.

"My apprentice, Twilight. I first discovered her force sensitivity her in her childhood, she was my youngest ever student and... I ended up effectively raising her for a good portion of her life. She is a daughter to me above all, and she will one day join me on the Equestrian throne."

"You hold a lot a faith in your apprentice."

"She has made me proud, both in her studies and... she saved my sister, succeeded where I failed so long ago."

"I see."

"Is something wrong?"

"I sense something about her, it's unclear and might be nothing, but I would tread carefully. It would be best for all of us for you to see to it that she does not follow your sister's unfortunate path."

"I have up-most faith in my student, she won't fall to the darkness."

"I shall trust in your judgment then, I-"

And loud crash echoed throughout the castle.

"Blast, what was that?"

Celestia only responded with a sly grin.

"...what did you do?"

"Me? Oh nothing. Come, we better see what the damage is."

Celestia and Obi-Wan bust into the gala hall, meeting up with Anakin and Twilight who stood staring at a destroyed gala hall. And at the center of that destruction five individuals stood looking rather guilty.

"Run," Celestia whispered into Twilight's ear, she took the hint, quickly gathered her friends and quickly retreated out of the gala hall. Celestia watched them go, trying not to burst out into full-blown laughter.

Obi-Wan raised an amused eyebrow. "Did you intend for this to happen, your highness?"

"Oh yes," She grinned mischievously. Next Chapter: 5 - Visions Estimated time remaining: 5 Minutes