Chapter 12

Watching Rokai go toe-to-toe with a demon like Rakun was one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever had. He was just a man with a sword, yet he stood his ground and never turned away. I felt somewhat inspired by his bravery and tenacity. Celestia used her magic again and the scene changed. We were in some sort of large conference room and Faust was sitting at the head of a table, waiting for Rokai and the others. When the doors opened, Rokai, Starswirl, and two griffons, escorted by some griffin guards, walked in.

The two griffons were adorned with very fancy-looking robes and clothing. One was a male griffon with a bald eagle’s head and the body of a white lion. His eyes were fierce and he wore a gold crown on his head with gems encrusted in it. I noticed that each of his talons had a ring with a gemstone on it.

Next was a younger-looking female griffon. She had a tiara on her head with a diamond encrusted in the middle. She had the head of a falcon with grey feathers and the body of a black jaguar. Faust still had her veil over her head, but she stood up to greet her guests.

“King Longclaw,” Faust greeted. “And princess Greesha. I had heard the griffons aided my army against the Shades, you have my thanks.”

“It is grand to see you again as well, Queen Faust,” King Longclaw said with a curt nod. “But all thanks should go to this man, Stourmborne. He has done me a service that I cannot repay enough in this lifetime.”

“Oh? And what did he do?” Faust wondered.

“Seems that one of those fiends, The Legionaries, as they call themselves, led an attack on our fleet but by pure luck Sir Stourmborne happened to be in the area.” The griffon king said before summoning two servants with a snap of his talons as they showed Queen Faust a cracked helmet similar to Rakun’s. “This is all that is left of the fiend.”

“Bloody Tartarus, that makes two, lad! Congrats!” Rockhoof laughed with a hard slap to Rokai’s back.

“Thank you, I suppose,” Rokai said, rubbing his back. “I needed to clear my head after some, shall we say, sensitive and personal affairs of mine were reminded. So I made my way north and ran into this lot. I suppose my days as a knight kicked in, since I couldn’t exactly leave them to fend for themselves.”

“You did more than that, my new friend, you saved my precious daughter,” King Longclaw said, placing a hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “You escorted her all the way home after being pursued by those wretched Shades.”

When Rokai glanced at princess Greesha, I saw her cheeks turn red as she smiled shyly at Rokai.

“Then please, stay for tonight’s feast,” Starswirl offered, escorting the royals inside as Greesha waved goodbye with Flash giving him a friendly nudge.

As the royals and the Pillars made their way to the dining hall, Celestia and I followed, and Rockhoof, Mistmane, and Flash walked beside Rokai.

“So, you came back?” Flash asked.

“Of course I did. I still have a job to do,” Rokai said, brushing off the question. “Plus I figured these griffons would provide proper reinforcements.”

“Deary, are you certain you only came back because of the agreed contract?” Mistmane asked.

“Nothing more, nothing less,” Rokai replied.

“And they say I’m the dense one.” Rockhoof rolled his eyes.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Rokai questioned.

“Ahem, let’s focus on the task at hoof, shall we?” Starswirl said impatiently.

“Agreed,” Rokai nodded.

Celestia used her magic and the scene changed to the royals, the Pillars, and Rokai sitting at a large table. They were all eating together, the ponies were eating vegetable dishes and the griffons were provided some meat dishes; Rokai as well. As they ate, I noticed princess Greesha glancing at Rokai every so often.

“Queen Faust, this meal has been a very delectable one,” Longclaw said.

“Thank you. It was actually Sir Rokai who helped prepare the meat,” Faust said as she ate with her veil still over her face while the nobles, who had gathered at the table, watched with disgust as Rokai carved himself a piece of steak and plopped it in his mouth.

“So humans eat meat? How repulsive,” a noble muttered.

“Indeed. It seems like the human truly is an animal,” another noble said.

“He should have stayed in the wilds where he belongs.”

“Another thing about us humans,” Rokai interjected, startling the snotty nobles. “We’ve got keen ears. I don’t really care what any of you prissy shites got to say about me, but you can all shove it up your arses all the same.” Rokai didn’t bother looking at them as he continued to eat, and I laughed out loud at his words.

“Ha! Serves those snobs right!” I said.

“Y-YOUR MAJESTY!” the noble who was insulted earlier shouted. “This slave needs to learn his place!”

“Since when did I say he was a slave?” Faust questioned with a calm tone. “Sir Rokai was allowed to leave whenever he saw fit when we first summoned him to this world, and is paid for his services like any other employee of the kingdom. So I suggest you refrain from insulting him in my presence.”

“B-But, your majesty!”

“That’s an order, as a matter of fact,” Faust said, her voice sounding strict behind her veil.

“Now then, onto more pressing matters,” Longclaw said. “Queen Faust, I propose an alliance between Grifforia and Equestria.”

“That sounds like a most beneficial suggestion. The Equestrian crown approves of this alliance,” Faust said.

“Furthermore, I also propose we extend this alliance to the neighboring kingdoms across the land. We must bind together against this dark enemy. I also propose we even extend it to the continents to the north and south, across the vast seas.”

“The zebras and the caribou?” Starswirl said. “Would they even accept such an alliance?”

“If we appoint a proper leader,” Faust said while looking at Rokai. “I propose that Rokai leads this new coalition as a representative of the crown.”

This suggestion made those in attendance a bit surprised, with most approving of Rokai’s new position while the nobility still had their objections.

“Your highness, no! You cannot let this…THING represent our kingdom! Other nations will look down on us!”

“And if they refuse our help, then that is their fault and theirs alone,” Faust argued. “Sir Rokai, what say you?”

“Hmm.” Rokai hummed in thought as he caught sight of a noble giving him the evil eye. “Oi, you there.” He pointed at the noble. “What’s your name?”

“Hmph, if you must know, I am Baron Bluebone, a member of her majesty's court and her first cousin.”

“And do YOU have any experience in leading an army?” Rokai questioned.

“Well uh…”

“Can you manage supply lines, troop regiments, and military strategy?”

“Uhhh…”

“Your silence is very reassuring.” Rokai deadpanned, making me chuckle.

“However.” Rokai held up his hand. “I’m not one to accept such an important responsibility without proving that I deserve it. So, how does this sound? You, a noble of your stature, has a personal band of soldiers on his pay, yes? Send your best man at me in a duel. If I win, I shall accept the role of leading the coalition. If I am defeated, I shall request to be sent back to my home.” The last part shocked the Pillars, even Faust.

“HA! I accept! And when you lose, I will lead the coalition!” Bluebone said with confidence while Tia and Lulu sighed from embarrassment.

“Mommy, is Uncle Bluebone being a dummy again?” Lulu asked her mother.

“I’m afraid so, my child.” Faust sighed.

After they had finished their meals, the group were escorted to the training grounds, where Bluebone had already sent for one of his men. I saw a large earth pony stallion, about 7ft tall, and had muscles that looked like he could split a boulder open.

“Let’s make this interesting, shall we? Brawn? If you would?” Bluebone snapped his fingers and the stallion tore off his shirt and armor.

“Yeaaaahhh!” Brawn bellowed as he flexed his arms.

“No weapons, no armor, only fisticuffs.”

Rokai arched his brow and shrugged. A servant mare stood by him as he began taking off his armor. Piece by piece, he set his armor plating aside until he was left with his shirt. What surprised me next was the reveal of his torso as he pulled his shirt off. Scars, big and small, decorated his body like a canvas. There were scars along his chest, stomach, back, even along his arms. What’s more is that Rokai looked like he had just as much muscle on him as Brawn did. The guy looked like he had been through so much and had seen a lot of battles in his time; a true veteran warrior. I glanced over to the group to see an amusing sight. Somnambula, Mage Medowbrook, and Greesha, along with any other maid or female soldier had their eyes glued on Rokai.

“Pfft, I guess that’s one way to draw a crowd,” I chortled.

“Indeed. I never noticed how many scars had adorned his body. Rokai must have been through a lot of rough battles,” Celestia said.

“That’s not what I meant,” I said, nudging Celestia and pointing out how the females were gawking at Rokai.

“You should know Brawn has never lost one single fight in his entire career as a brawler. I wish you luck,” Bluebone said with sarcasm as both fighters took center stage.

“Scared, little man?” Brawn asked, trying to intimidate Rokai, who just yawned.

“Let’s get this over with. I got paperwork to prepare for the coalition,” Rokai said.

“Grr! Fighters ready?!” Bluebone said as Brawn prepared to charge. “Begin!”

Brawn stomped forward and made a swing for Rokai. As if he saw it a mile away, Rokai dodged to the side and swung his own fist straight across Brawn’s jaw.

WHAM!

The punch was swift, yet loud, as Brawn stood there dazed. Rokai took a step back, cracked his knuckles, and reached up to lightly tap Brawn’s head.

“This is the part where you fall down,” Rokai whispered.

“Uggghhh…”

With a loud thud, Brawn hit the ground like a ton of bricks and the fight was finished within seconds.

“Sir Rokai is the winner!” Flash Magnus shouted with the crowd giving a rousing cheer.

“NO! I WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS!” Bluebone yelled in anger.

“Bluebone…” Faust said in an icy tone. “You and I shall have words later on for embarrassing me.”

“Holy shit! That was awesome!” I said with a proud grin. “Rokai took down that beef head like he was nothing!”

“Hey, Somnambula,” I overheard Mage say to Somnambula. “Tall, good-lookin’, can fight like a demon, and has a bod like that?” The southern-sounding mare lidded her eyes and licked her lips as Rokai cracked his neck. “Just how is he still single~?”

“Now THAT is indeed a good question.” Somnambula smirked along with the mares as they got an eyeful of the human’s figure.

“If you all need me, I shall be in my chambers,” Rokai announced as he grabbed his shirt and slung it over his shoulder with one hand and carried his armor pieces under his other arm.

“A splendid display of combat!” Longclaw applauded. “Just how is he so skilled? He took that brute down with a single strike! Where did you say you met him, Queen Faust?”

“That, I’m afraid, is a royal secret,” the queen said playfully while her daughters giggled.

Celestia used her magic, changing the scene again.

“Despite the disagreement between the nobility and the Pillars and my mother, Sir Rokai was the newly appointed leader of the coalition’s army,” Celestia said.

The area around us became a void as I saw more large spheres float by us. Each was a memory of Rokai training the ponies and griffon soldiers, fighting on the front lines with the Pillars, and attending diplomatic meetings with other kingdoms of other species. I also saw Rokai fighting more of those more menacing-looking Shades, the Ten Legionnaires as they’re called, in some of the memory spheres. Each battle I saw pass by looked like Rokai was putting his life on the line each time.

“Sir Rokai’s actions spread across the land like the rays of the sun coming over the horizon. Every battle fought, every diplomatic gathering, every step of the way during the war, Sir Rokai was there to fight for Equestria, despite being a hired blade. By this point, a full year and a half since Rokai’s summoning had passed. The Diamond Dog kingdom had also joined the coalition, and we were about to make our way to the Minotaur kingdom.”

“This is…incredible,” I said before noticing a memory where a unicorn mare tried to seduce Rokai, but was gently turned down. “How is it that he never married?”

“That was a question for the ages,” Celestia told me.

Celestia made the memory change back to Rokai’s chambers. He was sitting at his desk, probably going over some papers on his next move against the Shades. There was a knock on the door and it opened to reveal Mage Meadowbrook.

“Mage,” Rokai greeted, glancing up at the mare. “To what do I owe this visit?”

“Well…I just came by to thank ya again for saving my life,” Mage said.

“You were cornered by Shades and another one of those damn Legionnaires during the battle for the Diamond Dog’s mines,” Rokai said. “Any other soldier would’ve done the same. I just happen to be the first one to act. Has Flash sent word to those Minotaurs for our pending proposal to join the coalition?”

“Yes, he should be back within a few days,” Meadowbrook replied as Rokai invited her in and brewed some tea. “I noticed some of the mares were flirting with you again today. It must be nice to be so popular with the ladies,” she teased, making Rokai chuckle a bit.

“Hmph, they can keep their flirtations to themselves. I’ve no time for such distractions,” Rokai dismissed. As Mage brewed the tea, I noticed her purposely trying to get Rokai’s attention by swaying her hips and tail back and forth.

“Oh, this outta be good,” I chortled.

“Come now, Rokai, you mean to tell me there isn’t at least ONE girl you fancy out there~?” she asked while purposely pulling down her sleeve to expose her shoulder and a bit of her chest.

“Mage, if I had rejected every woman who fancied me since my arrival, what makes you think you’d be any different?” Rokai glanced up at Mage as she was about to pull down her shirt. “As flattering as it is, and as much of an admittedly lovely-looking woman as you are, I’m afraid it’s not mutual.”

“And why not?” Meadowbrook asked while redressing herself.

Rokai was silent for a moment. He sighed out loud and slowly reached under the collar of his shirt, pulling out a chained necklace. Hanging from the necklace were two silver rings. Mage stared at the rings in mild shock as Rokai held the chain up with his finger.

“The days of me loving another…had long since passed,” Rokai said as he tucked the necklace back under his shirt.

“You were married?” she asked in surprise.

“Once…”

“What happened?”

“It’s best I keep it buried…”

Mage frowned as she approached Rokai and knelt down beside him. She placed a comforting hand on his and another on his shoulder.

“Darlin’, you can tell me anything. I’m your friend.” Meadowbrook reassured him with a warm smile that seemed to bring him some comfort.

Rokai looked at Mage and was silent once more. He took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair.

“Her name…was Lauren,” Rokai sighed. “I was a squire when I met her.”

Meadowbrook listened to how Rokai met his first love, how they flirted, fell in love and were soon married and planning to start a family, but she wasn't prepared for what came next.

“One night, she came to me and told me she was with child. I was overjoyed with the news that I was to become a father. Soon after, I was promoted and knighted with high honors. Then…my son, Edward, was born. But fate is a cruel mistress, because it was only a few years later when I lost everything. My knighthood stripped, the respect I earned was lost, I was cast out by my former comrades, and…I became a shadow of my former self. I expected my wife to be at my side…but it turns out she couldn’t bear to stay with a man with no merit to his name. So she took my son away and left, never to be seen again.”

“That’s terrible!” Meadowbrook exclaimed. “For a wife to leave her husband and take her only child away from his father…that woman is…is heartless!” She gasped, realizing what she had just said. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to…”

“It is quite alright, Mage. I was expecting that reaction,” Rokai said with a fake smile.

“Ever since then, it has hardened me. I became cold, bitter, and distant from anyone who tried to get close to me. I later joined a small mercenary guild and made my earnings. After making a name for myself, I foolishly believed that perhaps I could win back Lauren. So I did the most foolish thing and tracked her down.” Rokai leaned forward over his desk and clenched his fists. “Only…when I found her, she was with another man.”

“That bitch!” I snapped, being frustrated by his story.

“I remember being so angry. I wanted nothing more than to rip that fucker’s innards out for laying with my woman! But…but then I saw Edward. He had grown much since Lauren left with him. And you know what I saw?” Rokai looked up at Mage, for the first time, a tear trickling down his cheek. “He was happy…Lauren too, the same way when she was with me. It infuriated me even more, but I realized something when I looked at my reflection in a window. I was a cold-blooded mercenary who killed and did grunt work for coin, and this man she had found was a simple, yet respectable, tavern owner. I thought to myself, how could I show my face to my family when they probably wouldn’t even recognize me? They were happy again, and I had no right to take that happiness away from them. So…I let them be, and I never turned back.” I felt immense sadness for Rokai and Mage was wiping her tears away, but she kept crying.

“Oh, Rokai…” she said before hugging him tight. It was a feeling of comfort that was long overdue, and without a care in the world, he began to cry lightly and held Mage like a child holding his mother. “Let it all out, sugar.”

“I…I just miss them so much.” Seeing Rokai made me forget about all the intense battles and unruly remarks he made. When it came down to it, Rokai was still just as human as me. “Could I have done something different? Should I have at least met my son one last time?”

“It’s alright now.” Meadowbrook soothed him while letting him hold on. “You’re not alone anymore.”

“You’re right about that.” Rokai wiped his eyes and stood up. “I realize that now, and there’s something I feel I should have done in the first place.”

Mage followed Rokai out of his office as Celestia and I followed as well. Rokai made his way to where Starswirl’s study was and knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Rokai and Mage entered the study and saw Starswirl with Tia and Lulu. Starswirl looked like he was in the middle of a class with the two alicorn fillies.

“Sir Rokai, what a pleasant surprise.” Starswirl smiled as the fillies waved hello.

“Greetings, Starswirl. There’s something I need to give you.” Starswirl tilted his head as Rokai dug into his pocket and handed the wizard a sack of coins. “This is the first payment you gave me. I’m returning it. I don’t need it anymore, nor do you need to keep paying me.”

“Does this mean you wish to leave our service then?” Starswirl asked, looking a bit saddened.

“Do you not like us anymore?” Lulu asked with puppy dog eyes.

“Not at all.” Rokai shook his head. “Tell me something. Mage had just told me that she is my friend. Does that apply to us as well?”

“Uh huh,” Lulu said just as he gently stroked her head.

“What about you, Starswirl?” Rokai looked at the wizard. “I realize I’m not the best company on most occasions. I doubt Rockhoof and Flash even see me as a companion.”

“Why don’t you ask my friends?” Starswirl said with a smug grin as Rockhoof and Somnambula walked in.

“First things first, lad, YOU are still getting paid so you can buy us drinks,” Rockhoof joked while wrapping an arm around him.

“I’ll admit, you weren’t exactly…pleasant to be around,” Somnambula admitted. “But you’ve proven to be a loyal comrade.”

“I am thankful for that.” Rokai sighed. “For many years, I have only kept to myself. My reputation as a hired blade was met with mixed feelings from the people of my homeland. I didn’t much care for how they saw me or what was said about me. All I cared about was earning coin and living life as I pleased. And then I was brought into this mad world, filled with walking, talking creatures. Which, I should mention, were nothing but animals that stood on all four legs and couldn’t speak a word. Let alone the creatures I’ve only heard in fairytales when I was a lad.”

“Ah yes, still getting over the fact that YOUR people think WE are a myth,” Rockhoof said while gesturing to Somnambula and Starswirl. “Pretty sure you’d be called a looney if you told everypony back where ya came from about us.”

“I do not doubt that,” Rokai admitted. “My point is, despite the circumstances, I suppose you could say that my arrival in this world was a sort of silver lining. In my homeland, all I had to my name was my sword, my armor, and my occupation as a hired blade. Here, I am viewed as a leader, a voice of encouragement, and even a friend. I’ve been here for nearly two years already and it’s still somewhat difficult to grasp such a reality. This war we fight is for the sake of peace, and all I cared about was you all making my efforts worth my while. Yet you, even the queen, still attempted to befriend me and managed to reveal some quite personal subjects about me, despite all the nasty things I’ve said and done. Which brings me to a curious thought; just how do you all do it? How can you still try to see what little good I have in me and be my friend?”

“I’ll tell you why, silly!” Tia spoke up in a cheerful tone. “It’s all thanks to the magic of friendship!”

“Pardon?” Rokai tilted his head in utter confusion.

“You’ll understand in time.” Starswirl winked. “Now girls, back to your lessons.”

“I’ll leave you to it,” Rokai said and he and the remaining Pillars left the room.

“I sure am glad you’re starting to open up, sugar. I just wish Stygian could do the same,” Mage said with a small frown.

“Your tactician? What’s wrong with him?” Rokai wondered.

“He’s been…distant as of late. Seems downtrodden about something,” Rochoof said as they continued down the hall. “I’m sure it's nothing. Now, how about we take that bag of bits and help ourselves to a pint of Spiced Apple Cider, eh?”

“That’s a grand idea,” Rokai said.

Celestia used her magic to make the scene change again.

“Wow, I hardly recognize him now,” I said. I then noticed Celestia looking sad. “What’s wrong?”

“This…is the last memory when the Pillars and Rokai would be together,” Celestia warned me, which surprised me.

The memory changed back near Ponehenge, where the Pillars first summoned Rokai. All the Pillars were present, and they all looked very distressed.

“Are you certain he took them?” Rokai tried to ask. “The boy seemed like a harmless young lad, why would he steal what is yours?”

“It is obvious that Stygian was jealous of us this whole time,” Starswirl said. “He feels that he was not appreciated for his efforts in helping us combat the threats to the kingdom and has now become a threat himself.”

“This must be some mistake…” Mistmane protested.

“And a mistake it was…” Celestia sighed as she explained. “Starswirl assumed that Stygian wanted to steal the power of the pillars for himself, but in truth, he only wanted to make replica’s so that he could join them in battle. He tried to explain, but my teacher was a stubborn old pony.”

“Where is he?” Rokai asked.

“Ponehenge, hence why we have come all this way,” Starswirl said.

The wizard led the group to the site and Celestia and I followed. When we arrived, Stygian was caught in the act with six objects placed on pedestals: a shield, a shovel, a mask, a flower, a book, and a scarf.

“Stygian!” Starswirl barked, startling the pony. “You dare take what is not yours?!”

“No, please! You don't understand!” Stygian begged as the pillars surrounded him.

“Understand what?” Flash snapped. “You took my shield! Who does that?!”

“Stygian, you’ve crossed a line we did not think you would. I am sorry, but as leader of the Pillars, I hereby cast you out!” Starswirl announced. Stygian looked like his heart broke into a million pieces. His face then went from looking heartbroken to pure hatred.

“If you will not listen, then I will SHOW YOU!” Stygian shouted before activating the spell he created, unaware that a creeping shadow had entered his body.

“Wait…Stygian, stop!” Rokai yelled.

“So…even you turned against me, Rokai? Then I truly am alone!”

“No! Stygian, listen!” Rokai tried to get him to listen, but by the time the spell was fully activated, Stygian was transformed into a Shade like none had ever seen before; a Pony of Shadows.

“Good lord…” Rokai gasped

“What the hell happened to him?!” I yelped.

“The fragment of a Shade from one of the previous battles was drawn to Stygian’s sorrow and desperation, and found him to be the perfect host for his new form,” Celestia explained. “It was a catastrophe no pony could have foreseen.”

“Gods above…Stygian, what have you done?” Rockhoof asked, completely heartbroken by his friend’s betrayal.

“We must stop him now!” Starswirl commanded.

The group engaged in combat with the transformed Stygian. I watched in horror as Stygian used his new dark powers to fight back against his former friends. Rokai kept his sword in his hand, but he couldn’t bring himself to strike Stygian down. The battle kept on for a good long while, and it looked like Stygian was gaining the upper hand.

“We can’t keep on like this!” Rockhoof said.

“Rokai, what are you waiting for?! Strike him down, now!” Flash said.

“Are you bloody mad?! Stygian’s still in there!” Rokai barked.

Starswirl was at a loss as he desperately tried using his magic to counter his former friend. I then noticed Starswirl’s expression looked grim, even saddened for some reason. It looked like he had a plan, but not the good kind.

“Rokai!” Starswirl called out to his comrade. “I need you to do something for me!”

“Can it wait?!” Rokai asked as he dodged a shadow tendril.

“I’m afraid not! Please!” Starswirl begged.

“Bloody hell! Okay, fine! What is it?!”

“Swear to me that you’ll protect Equestria and win this war!” Starswirl said.

“What are you on about?!” Rokai demanded.

“Just swear to me!”

“Fine! You have my word, Starswirl, this land shall have its peace again! I swear it on my life!” Rokai barked. Starswirl then smiled sadly at Rokai, which confused him greatly.

“I don’t like where this is going…” I said anxiously.

“Thank you, my dear friend…” Starswirl said and channeled his magic. “Pillars! Subdue the Pony of Shadows! Today, we meet our destiny!”

“Your only destiny, dear Starswirl, IS DEATH!” The Pony of Shadows roared before he was suddenly bound by Starswirl’s magic and began activating the artifacts. “W-what're you doing?!”

“Securing Equestria’s peace…” Starswirl said as he closed his eyes and a portal suddenly opened above them.

“That…that is the portal to LIMBO! ARE YOU MAD?!” Stygian shouted in protest.

“STARSWIRL!! NO!!” Rokai shouted in horror as he attempted to run at the wizard, but it was too late. The rest of the Pillars looked at Rokai in sorrow and sad smiles as they were all pulled into the portal. Before I knew it, the portal above closed, leaving Rokai by himself.

“No…no! Starswirl! Mage! Rockhoof!” Rokai looked around the area desperately. He dropped to his knees, letting go of his sword. The rain began to fall as Rokai clenched his fists and slammed them repeatedly into the dirt. “Flash…? Mistmane…?! Damn you… Damn you all!” Rokai’s face was full of anguish and emotional pain as he had lost his closest allies and friends.

“WHY?!? YOU FUCKING BLOODY FOOLS!!!”

Both Celestia and I were saddened as the Pillars just vanished into thin air, leaving Rokai alone amongst the ruins of Ponehenge. Once more, he was alone.

Celestia slowly made the memory change again after she wiped away her tears. We were in the throne room, the late sun’s rays piercing through the windows, and Faust was pacing back and forth. The doors slowly opened and Rokai slowly trudged in. His head was hung over, he dragged his feet with every step, and he was still a little wet from the rain.

“Sir Rokai! Thank the stars! Where are Starswirl and the others?” she asked before Rokai looked at her with heartbroken eyes. “Where are they?”

“They’re…gone,” was all he said before falling to his knees, startling everypony in the room.

“Sir Rokai!” one guard said while helping him up.

“They sacrificed themselves to save us…”

“Wh-What are you saying?” Faust asked. I could tell she was about to break into tears behind her veil.

“I was there…they were pulled into a portal by Starswirl’s doing. Stygian…he betrayed us.” Rokai grit his teeth and stomping his boot on the marble floors. “THEY WERE GONE BEFORE I COULD DO ANYTHING! I JUST STOOD THERE LIKE A FUCKING DULLARD! STARSWIRL, MAGNUS, ROCKHOOF, MISTMANE, MEADOWBROOK, SOMNAMBULA! THEY’RE ALL GONE BECAUSE I WAS WEAK!”

Before he could do anything else, Faust wrapped him into a gentle hug that seemed to instantly calm his rage, Her wings slowly enveloped them both and she began to shed a few tears under her veil.

“Please, do not blame yourself,” she begged. “You know that isn't what they would want.”

“I swore to him,” Rokai said in a low tone. “I swore I would win this war and reclaim this land’s peace.”

Faust stepped back from Rokai. She then reached up and removed her veil to finally reveal her face. Before, I always personally thought Celestia and Luna were both beautiful in their own right. But Faust, her beauty felt like it was on another level. Her eyes were a soft baby blue and she wore light pink lipstick and light eyeliner. Rokai seemed to also be in a trance since this was his first time also looking at the queen’s face without her veil.

“And you will not be alone,” Faust swore before bringing him back into her embrace.

What followed after was years of conflict across Equestria. From the burning wastes of the dragon lands to the snowy plains of the north, the war raged on, and Rokai had even found some new allies amongst the caribou and zebra races. I witnessed more memory spheres of Rokai engaging in battle after battle with those elite demons known as the Legionnaires. The memories also showed me how Rokai was able to gain favor with all the kingdoms of the world, ranging from actual dragons to creatures Celestia told me were hippogriffs. The scene later changed back to the throne room where Faust sat on her throne. Rokai was standing in front of her and I noticed he looked older than when I first saw him.

“Your majesty, the coalition armies have reported that they’ve located the last of those Legionnaires,” Rokai reported. “I am to meet with the Minotaurs in the mountain range to the west.”

“Well done, Sir Rokai. As always, the kingdom thanks you,” Faust replied just before the nobles were allowed in for morning court.

“Ah, Sir Rokai, good morning.”

“Bluebone,” Rokai said with a deadpan greeting, still not pleased to see his usual pain in the neck still around.

“Cousin, I am pleased to report that the eastern provinces have recolonized the land and have already constructed several farms,” Bluebone said smugly.

“Thank you, Bluebone, please wait with the others outside for a moment. I have something personal to discuss with Sir Rokai,” Faust said.

Bluebone scowled at Rokai, along with most of the other nobles, before they left the throne room to leave Faust and Rokai alone.

“Prick…” Rokai said under his breath. “How are little Tia and Lulu?” Rokai asked sympathetically.

“They are still sad over the loss of their teacher, despite him being gone this long. Starswirl was practically a grandfather to them.” Faust said. “But today is a day for celebration. Sir Rokai, please kneel.”

“Excuse me? Why?” Rokai wondered.

“It’s a surprise,” the queen said with a giggle as Rokai bent one knee to the queen. He pulled out his sword and held it with one hand and rested his other arm on his knee. “Sir Rokai, you have served this kingdom faithfully, and have gone above and beyond the call of duty countless times. For this, I wish to bestow you an honorary title.”

“Is this…?” I asked, but Celesita gestured for my silence as I watched. My heart was racing as I witnessed this unforgettable moment.

“Do you swear to protect this land with all your heart, soul, and strength?” Faust asked.

“I swear,” Rokai said.

“Do you swear to stand against injustice and evil?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to defend the weak and protect them?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to respect the honor of your fellow comrades?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to never bring harm to those undeserving and only to those who would threaten our way of life?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to speak the truth at all times?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to be generous and willing to share?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to persevere and finish the task at hand?”

“I swear.”

“Do you swear to pursue excellence in all you do?”

“I swear.”

“Then it is with pride that I, Queen Faust of Equestria, do hereby proclaim you Guardian of Equestria.”

Rokai was in shock as he felt his shoulders being tapped by a ceremonial blade given to the queen. And just like that, he was knighted once more, and looked up at Faust smiling down on him.

“Arise, Guardian Rokai Stourmborne.”

Rokai stood up as the guards in the room saluted him. I was still coming to grips that I had just witnessed Rokai being named Guardian as I could not find the words.

“His name would be known throughout the world,” Celestia said. “But little did Sir Rokai or even mother know, their greatest adversary was about to reveal himself.”

Author's Note

He’s made his mark in Equestria, but all journeys must eventually come to an end. Next chapter, Rokai encounters his greatest adversary…

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…