Chapter 13

Celestia and I took a break from seeing memories as we stood in a starry void.

“My god…Rokai was incredible!” I said with enthusiasm. “I never imagined someone like him would even exist! And he was the first guardian?”

“Indeed. It was thanks to him that all the kingdoms of the world banded together and rose up against the Shades,” Celestia said with a fond smile.

“You mentioned he would soon fight his greatest adversary,” I pointed out. “Who, or what, was it?”

“…A monster,” Celestia said as we warped to a battle taking place deep within a large forest, where Rokai was leading a contingent of Equestrian soldiers as they engaged the demons with the help of some unexpected allies.

“CHAARGE!!”

“MOW THEM DOWN!!”

“Minotaurs?” I said in surprise as I watched two of the hulking brutes impale several shades on their horns before sending them flying.

“I was surprised as well, but despite their brute strength, the minotaurs were no match for the Shades’ overwhelming numbers. And, of course, we offered our aid,” Celestia explained when one minotaur female caught my eye.

“Who’s that?” I asked Celestia, who watched the female warrior send several shades flying with a swing of her warhammer.

“That is Princess Raster, daughter of King Arkan the One-Horned,” Celestia said. “She led the entire minotaur army since she was only sixteen years old. She was known for her strength as a warrior, fierce will of a commander, and was said to be just as beautiful as her mother.”

“Raster!” Rokai jumped in and kicked two Shades before they got the drop on the female minotaur. “Watch yourself, girl, keep your head on a swivel!”

“That’s what you’re for, my dear future husband,” Raster teased while blowing a kiss before leaping into the fray again.

“As you may have guessed, Minotaur females admire strong males, and she was no exception,” Celestia said, earning a small chortle from me as we watched the two cleanse the area of Shades before Rokai noticed a figure watching from the shadows.

“You! Come out and fight!”

Rokai charged at the figure, but I noticed he was bigger than I anticipated. The figure cackled maliciously as he stood at least over ten feet tall. The figure raised his fist and tried to crush Rokai, but Rokai managed to jump out of the way. Rokai twirled his sword and went for an upward slash, only for the figure to dodge and step into the light. I heard Raster gasp and I saw it was another menacing-looking minotaur. His fur was pale gray and his eyes were blood red. He had two curved horns growing out of his head. His body looked like it could withstand a grenade explosion and come out unscathed. What also caught my eye was that he had an extra pair of arms under his original ones.

“I-It can’t be!” Raster said. “Janus?! Is that you?!”

“Not anymore…”The beast spoke in a growling voice. “I am Khazrak. Khazrak The Red!”

“You know him?” Rokai asked as he cautiously took a few steps back.

“He was a member of my tribe once. My father banished him for his crimes against the other nations,” she said with a look of disgust.

“What crimes were those exactly?”

“…He devoured the flesh of his victims,” Raster said with disgust, making a chill crawl up Rokai’s spine.

“How is it a crime to revel in the spoils of your victory?” Khazrak asked while picking up a dead soldier. “The minotaurs have always prided themselves on their love of battle…AND MEAT!”

CHOMP!

I almost hurled as I watched the monster bite into the carcass of the fallen soldier and swallowed his meal whole before tossing it aside.

“JOIN ME, MY BRETHREN! Together, we can reclaim our former glory!” he shouted to the other minotaurs, but none would listen.

“You sick monster! I’d rather die than join you!” One minotaur warrior spat with disgust.

“You killed and devoured so many of us! Tartarus awaits scum like you!” Another said, glaring at the demonic-like minotaur.

Rokai pointed his sword with anger at the demon minotaur. “You disgust me to no end, demon. I am Rokai Stourmborne! Guardian of Equestria and the Realm! I am your opponent and you shall fall by my sword!”

With a bull-like roar, Khazrak charged Rokai with every stomp of his hooves, making the earth shake as the guardian braced himself for impact.

The moment they came to blows, Khazrak scored the first hit and sent Rokai tumbling across the ground with his charge and laughed, mocking the human he considered weak.

“THIS is the leader of your pathetic army?! This frail, pitiful meatbag?! I’m gonna enjoy eating you…” He glared at the princess and licked his lips. “Right after I’ve taken the girl for myself~.”

As if a switch flipped within Rokai, he sprung to his feet. He let out an ear-piercing cry of his own and charged straight back at Khazrak with his sword raised. Khazrak swung his fist to try and punch Rokai again, but Rokai jumped out of the way just in time as he swung his sword at one of Khazrak’s horns.

CLANG!

Rokai landed back on the ground as Khazrak’s horn fell to the ground. As Khazrak was dazed, Rokai reeled his fist back and slammed it across his cheek, causing the demon minotaur to stumble back a bit.

“You will not touch her…” Rokai seethed in anger as he picked up the horn. “I WILL SEND YOU TO HELL BEFORE YOU EVEN SAY HER NAME AGAIN!”

They clashed once more in what could only be described as an epic duel with Khazrak using all four of his arms and monstrous strength to crush Rokai, who matched him blow for blow without giving an inch of ground.

“DIE YOU LITTLE WORM!!” the monster roared as he raised all four arms to deliver a crushing blow, thinking he had Rokai cornered.

STAB!

Rokai quickly plunged the horn he picked up into Khazrak’s side. Unlike his sword, the horn pierced deeper, which caused Khazrak to roar in pain. He swung his arms down, but Rokai rolled out of the way before getting crushed. The demon’s attack created a small crater from the sheer force of the blow.

“So something can hurt you, demon,” Rokai joked as he gripped the horn. I noticed his hands were trembling from fatigue and pain from his wounds. “Once I use this to pierce your heart, I will go after your final brother and end this war!”

“Grrr wait! WAIT!” He panted through the pain and raised his hands in surrender. “I only wanted to restore my people’s glory! To give them a better life just like you! You and I are alike! Join me!” he begged while one of his extra hands moved toward a dagger hidden under a body.

CRUNCH!!

“AGGH!”

“I don’t think so,” Raster said after crushing his hand with her hammer.

“BITCH!”

WHACK!

Khazrak backhanded Raster away from him and knocked her out.

“BASTARD!!” Rokai roared and tackled Khazrak and began punching him relentlessly. “YOU DARE! STRIKE! A LADY?!”

Rokai did not stop until Khazrak’s face was swollen and bruised and his men were forced to pull Rokai away, despite their better judgment.

“Sir, stop! STOP! We need him alive!” a soldier said as Rokai regained his composure.

“Alive?! ALIVE?!” Rokai stood up and picked his sword and the horn back up. “Get up! Get up, wretch! I know you were holding back! I won’t accept this! I said I would send you to hell, and I’ll make sure you go screaming knowing a weak meat sack, as you called me, beat you at your best!”

The minotaur struggled with his broken hand to grab a weapon while the other held his wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding as he picked up his axes again. “After I kill and eat you…I’m going to rape her and those two pony princesses of yours!”

I expected Rokai to yell in anger, but he kept a calm, yet intimidating, composure. The two circled each other as the fighting between the two armies raged. Rokai and Khazrak charged and met each other with their weapons. Blow for blow, their attacks were relentless as they exchanged wounds with one another. Rokai kicked Khazrak’s abdomen as Khazrak cut Rokai’s arm a bit. Rokai then stabbed the horn into Khazrak’s leg and twisted it, forcing Khazrak to drop one of his axes and slam his fist into Rokai’s head. Rokai stumbled back as he pulled the horn out and held his head, no doubt his ears were ringing from the blow.

“Come on, Rokai, come on!” I chanted for him.

“Any last words?” The monster grinned while picking up Rokai by the throat.

“I have none to share with the likes of you…!” Rokai gagged. “Because today is not the day I choose to say them!”

Rokai slashed his sword to the side, right across Khazrak’s eyes. The demon roared in pain as he was blinded and threw Rokai to the ground. Khazrak began swinging his axes and arms around wildly, trying to find his opponent and kill him. Rokai was on his hands and knees, attempting to catch his breath as he grasped his sword and the horn again. Among the other Legionnaires Rokai faced, this one was one of the toughest he’s ever fought. Standing up on his feet again, Rokai grit his teeth and ran toward the blinded demon.

“Is he nuts?! He’ll get caught in that monster’s flailing!” I panicked.

Rokai jumped, dodged, and weaved out of the way of Khazrak’s arms. He pinpointed his attacks and slashed and stabbed away at Khazrak’s body. There were points when Rokai suffered a blow or two, but Rokai kept his attacks head on.

“You want me, beast? Here I am!”

“Rrrg! I’LL KILL YOUUU!!”

Khazrak went for another swing, which Rokai barely managed to dodge as he readied the horn. Khazrak’s other axe came in to slash Rokai as Rokai was about to stab Khazrak’s heart with the horn.

STAB!!

SLASH!!

I couldn’t blink as I watched in horror as the ax managed to slash at Rokai’s back. Blood seeped down Rokai’s back, but Rokai kept standing as he had driven the horn straight into Khazrak’s chest and into his heart.

“Burn in Hell with your demonic comrades…” Rokai said in a low voice.

The lumbering brute staggered back just as Rasper regained consciousness to see Rokai was badly hurt and watched as Khazrak fell to the ground with his own horn sticking out of his chest.

“ROKAI!” she shouted and rushed over to help him stand. “Help him, quick!” She called for the medics.

Rokai grit his teeth and refused to fall on the ground. He wiped blood from his mouth, but blood still dripped from his back. Raster and Rokai watched Khazrak’s body blacken over and dissolve into dust, along with all the Shades he had brought with him.

“The day is ours…” Rokai groaned, still standing.

Despite the dirt, blood, and muck covering his face, Rasper could only thank the human in the only way she knew how and kissed him right in front of the entire army with many of their troops cheering.

“MMM?!”

“MMMMMWAH! You are definitely going to be my husband now!” Rasper said after breaking the kiss for air.

“ARGH! Damnit Raster! My wounds!” Rokai barked.

“Oh! S-Sorry!” Raster said sheepishly with a bright blush and the medics soon helped him away.

“Wow, she’s a bold one,” I said as the memory changed.

“She wasn’t the only one. Sir Rokai had a great many admirers during his campaign. And yet, despite their boldness, Rokai still wouldn’t accept any marriage proposals,” Celestia said.

The memory reformed again and we were in the middle of a different throne room that had an assortment of animal statues all around us. The room was filled with minotaurs and there was one sitting on a throne made of animal bones. A large one-horned minotaur sat on the throne and he wore fancy-looking furs and padded armor. His muscles were freaking ginormous under his white and black patched fur. Standing in front of him was Rokai, still bandaged, but standing with his hands held behind his back.

“Daughter, are you certain you wish to marry this one?” the old bull asked while stroking his beard.

“He’s perfect, daddy!” Rasper said with glee.

“He seems…skinny,” the king said skeptically.

“With all due respect, great King Arkan, but I must respectfully decline this proposal,” Rokai said calmly.

“Ohh no,” I said as both Celestia and myself watched as the minotaurs brought out their axes.

“You dare turn down the hand of the princess?!” Arkan growled while gripping the armrests of his throne to the point of breaking.

“Great King Arkan, please understand. I am a man of principle and honor,” Rokai said, still remaining calm. “I will not deny that your daughter is a woman of both great honor and incredible beauty. However, my main priority at the moment is the continuation of seeing an end to this war. If I were to promise myself to Raster during the midst of combat, my enemies would most likely use her as leverage.”

Though he was still angry, the king saw the wisdom of Rokai’s words and accepted his decline of his daughter’s marriage.

“Still, it would be a great shame if a warrior like you were not able to leave behind a legacy. To be honest, I crave having grandchildren to spoil,” Arkan sighed in disappointment.

“I’m sure your daughter will find an equally worthy mate. However, I am not the one to be,” Rokai said.

“I respect your wishes, and I thank you for aiding us in this war. The Minotaurs shall continue to aid the Coalition army,” Arkan said.

Rokai bowed and left the throne room. I watched the minotaurs and Rokai celebrate their victory. When the sun went down, Rokai had retired for the day and left the party to return to his quarters. In the corner of my eye, I saw Raster sneak away and follow Rokai before the memory changed again.

I’ve watched enough movies and tv shows to know where that’s going. I thought to myself.

“Due to the…um, ahem, nature of the next memory, I suggest we move on,” Celestia told me before snapping her fingers.

Side Memory
Rokai 1st POV

I returned to my quarters and winced a little from my injuries. I thank the gods in a way that I was spared from the minotaurs signature back slaps, otherwise I’d be in even more pain. I slowly took off my armor platings and undressed until I was only wearing my trousers. I brushed my hand along the bandages wrapped around my torso. I looked to the small desk next to my bed and saw the horn I brought with me from the fight.

As I looked at my trophy, my mind suddenly drifted back to when the princess kissed me. I’ll admit it was pleasant, but it was still too sudden, and we only ever saw each other at military meetings or victory banquets, but never had time to really socialize.

Knock, knock, knock.

“It is open,” I said without turning around.

The door opened to reveal the princess herself and she stepped in. I glanced over my shoulder as the door closed, and her face went as red as a fresh apple.

“Raster, evening,” I greeted.

“How are your injuries?” she asked me while looking at the bandages on my back.

“I’ll live,” I said while rolling my shoulders to loosen up some tension. “So, what brings you here?” She suddenly hugged me from behind.

“Rokai…may I please spend this night with you?” Raster asked as she held me close.

“Raster, we talked about this,” I sighed.

“I know, and I want you to know, this is not an attempt to get you to marry me. I just want to thank you the only way my people know how,” she said while gently rolling me on my back onto the bed. “You see, we Minotaur women don’t lay with just any bull. Only the strongest and bravest warriors have the privilege of bedding us, and you, Sir Rokai, have proven to be all those things…and more~,” Rasper said while letting her top slowly fall off her chest, using her hands to cover her breasts. “Tonight, I’m yours.”

CLOP!

I gazed at her body and began to admire her as a woman. She had a muscular torso and arms, but she was also slender in her hips and stomach. Her bosoms were also a sight to see, despite her hands covering them. Large, plump, just like her backside. I raised my hands toward her breasts, but paused.

“If this is what you wish, may I?” I asked for permission.

“Of course.” She giggled, finally letting her breasts bounce free. The moment I touched her, I could feel how soft and smooth her fur was. The sound of her aroused gasp caught me off guard since it had been a long time that I had laid with a beauty like her. “You can squeeze if you want~.”

I obliged and began fondling her bosoms. She moaned and smiled at me, grinded her hips on my lap.

“You’re an incredibly beautiful woman, Raster,” I said softly.

“Mmm, and you are quite the human man, Sir Rokai~,” she replied before finally kissing me and holding my hand. “Mmmm~.”

This time, I did not relent and kissed her back. Years ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of bedding a female of this world. The mere thought of it was nonexistent to me. But now, after all my time in this world, I welcome it.

Our kissing continued as I trailed my hands down her body until they found their way to her plump, yet firm, derriere. Her buttocks were firm, yet soft, as I kneaded it like dough.

“Mmm, I’m surprised how gentle you're being~,” she complimented while I gave her a curious look. “Our ancestors say that human males are lust crazed beasts who force themselves on their women~.” She began to whisper into my ear. “Stripping them naked, forcing them to suck on your fat cocks and pounding their bodies until they’re good and full with your offspring while calling them your whores or bitches~.” Rasper grinned while nomming on my ear.

As much as I wished to indulge her fantasies, I was a gentleman at heart.

“Well, unlike them, Raster, I don’t exactly do those kinds of things.” I leaned up and kissed her again before resting my forehead on hers. “I want you to remember this night for us, so let me worship you like the princess you are.”

Raster could only giggle as we kissed and fondled each other with the room seemingly growing hotter with every passing second until she was finally on her back, eager to have her chastity taken by her chosen lover.

“B-Be gentle, please?” she asked while turning her head away.

“Of course.” I aimed my cock at her moist entrance. When I was about to penetrate her, she flinched nervously. “Raster, look at me.” She hesitated and slowly turned to me. Once again, I was awestruck at the beautiful woman who lay under me. Her eyes were like gemstones and I cupped her cheek. “I’m here for you. I won’t ever hurt you.” Raster smiled as I pushed in. She gasped and squirmed as she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me until I felt a thin barrier within her. I pulled back a little before pushing forward all at once and claimed her virginity as mine.

“AHHN~!” She gasped while clinging to me, nearly snapping my spine in two before finally adjusting.

“S-Sir Rokai…” She panted as we kissed. “I pray that…I am blessed with your offspring.” Raster smiled while saying that, and before I knew it, I was plowing her into the bed and holding her legs apart while I did so.

Her words struck a chord in me, but I kept making love to her nonetheless. She wanted to have a child with me, but we were completely different species. Had I been a different man and there was not a war to be fought, I would consider the possibility of one day attempting to settle down with someone once more.

“You feel heavenly, my dear!” I said as I fondled her breasts again.

“Ahhh, harder my love, take me~!” Raster cried out just before her breasts began to leak.

I arched a brow at her breasts and decided to test something. As I thrusted into my Minotaur beauty, I leaned down and latched my mouth upon her nipple. She squealed in surprise as I suckled, and milk came leaking out. I instinctively drank her milk and was surprised how good it was.

“Ohhh, yes my love, drink your fill~!” Raster cried out with her legs dangling in the air as we kept going. Soon enough, I was fulfilling her earlier fantasy by pounding her muscular body like a beast with her cries echoing through the entire castle.

“NNG! ROKAI!” She screamed my name after being made to go on all fours while I pulled her hair and tail from behind as we kept going. “Rokai, I love you~!”

“Raster!” I gritted my teeth as I felt a familiar tension build up.

I kept my thrusting and picked up the pace until I couldn’t hold it anymore. With one last thrust, I climaxed deep inside her as her feminine juices sprayed all over my groin. We both basked in the afterglow of our climaxes until we collapsed and we took a moment to catch our breaths. As I lay on my back, Raster crawled up beside me and laid her head on my chest.

END OF CLOP!

“That was…quite amazing, my dear,” I said, wrapping my arm around her.

“Mmm, so that’s what a REAL man feels like~,” Raster said with a lustful giggle as we kissed once more.

“I never want this night to end,” she sighed as we cuddled together.

“Rokai, my love?” she said to me in a gentle voice while drifting off to sleep.

“Yes?”

“In the morning, I wanna do it again~.”

“Gods, you’re insatiable,” I chuckled before drifting off to sleep.

Main Memory
William 1st POV

“The war had turned in our favor. The Shades were almost completely overwhelmed and peace was within our grasp,” Celestia said. “It was all thanks to Sir Rokai’s leadership, courage, tenacity, and unwavering support that provided the edge we needed. Rokai sometimes said it was bittersweet that Starswirl and the Pillars weren’t there to witness all he had succeeded, but he knew they would be proud of him.”

“I’ll say. All of Rokai’s battles are etched into my mind,” I said. “I admire him greatly for everything he’s done.”

“Yes, like you, my mother also held Rokai in high regard,” Celestia said as the memory played out. We were back in Canterlot, and Rokai was in the council room going over battle plans and placing markers on a map. The door opened and Faust walked in, causing Rokai to bow to her.

“Your Majesty,” Rokai greeted. “I am pleased to inform you that we have located the last of the Legionnaires.”

“Well done, Sir Rokai. At last we can end this war,” Faust said while looking over the map.

“We have sacrificed much in this conflict, but it will all be worth it once this foe has been vanquished once and for all,” one of the generals said with confidence with the queen nodding in agreement.

“Thank you, thank you all. May I please speak with Sir Rokai alone?” Faust said. The generals nodded and bowed as they left Rokai and Faust. Once they were by themselves, Faust smiled widely and quickly embraced Rokai in a hug.

“You really must stop with this immaturity, Faust. You act as though I am some kind of child who needs to be embraced all the time,” Rokai sighed as Faust giggled like a schoolgirl.

“How…unexpected?” I said, tilting my head.

“Come now, Rokai, you are practically family. I’ve seen you play with the girls from time to time,” Faust said with a smile. “And I heard you and Princess Raster have gotten rather close in these past few months. Won’t be long before we hear wedding bells~.” Rokai blushed a little while he cleared his throat.

“Ha! Called it,” I laughed out loud.

“I have explained to you countless times that she and I simply spent the night together!” Rokai deadpanned. “You know how I feel about proposals.”

“Oh?” Faust took a step back. “Then how is it I was able to smell the little cow all over you?”

“Smell…?” Rokai repeated.

“Oh, indeed Rokai. As a human, your senses are unlike ours. We creatures of the realms have a keen sense of smell. Especially when two lovers share a bed with one another.”

“I…oh, hang me,” Rokai groaned and facepalmed. “Fine, I confess, but that doesn’t mean I am betrothed to her!”

“Not yet,” Faust teased again as Rokai grew more frustrated. “Oh Rokai, I’m only teasing. In all seriousness, I was hoping you would join me this afternoon for tea.”

“I suppose I have some time.” Faust held out her hand and Rokai obliged by holding out his arm and letting her hook hers with his. Rokai then escorted Faust out the door and we followed them.

“Celestia and Luna have grown up quite big recently. It’s as if it was only yesterday they stood only at the height of my knee. I wonder what it is about me they find so endearing that they feel the need to include me in their little play times?” Rokai wondered.

“They think of you as their big brother,” Faust answered. “Though, I can’t imagine any sister who would want their brother as their future husband. Lulu has quite the imagination.” The queen giggled while some of the servants noticed them walking with arms linked as they approached the gazebo in the gardens, a tea set and some snacks waiting for them.

“A big brother, ha! Even though I was the younger sibling in my family,” Rokai said as they sat down.

“You had a sibling?” Faust said as the servant’s poured their tea.

“Once. When I was much younger, I actually had an older sister. I had later learned that she was only my half sister since my mother was…raped when she was young by a drunkard.”

“How awful…” Faust said pityingly.

“Despite it all, however, my mother made sure to love her daughter as much as she could. Then she met my father and I was born. By the time I was only around seven years old, my sister was already an adult woman. She and I got along as well as any other siblings.” Rokai frowned a familiar frown as he went quiet for a moment. “Then…she met someone.”

“Oh my…was he a good man?” Faust asked before sipping some tea.

“In the beginning, he seemed decent. My father was skeptical, call it a soldier’s intuition, so was my mother, but my sister seemed happy with him. That is…until he began showing his true colors. As a boy, I always liked sneaking around the home we lived in. Finding little crevices and hiding holes in the walls was a sort of hobby for me. One day, when my mother and father were out and I was hiding in the walls of our home, I discovered the man…violently raping my sister on the bed.”

“Jeezus…” I said.

“It was then I finally saw through the mask he wore. I tried to tell my sister that he was bad, but she wouldn’t listen. My sister was a ray of sunshine to my mother and always kept her smiling. That bastard intruded into her life and warped her mind, making her think she couldn’t have any other man besides him. To this day, I regret not having the courage to say anything sooner. Because…she eventually got pregnant with his child. One would think it was a blessing, but the abuse had taken too big of a toll on her.”

“What happened?” Faust asked hesitantly.

“By the time the baby was to be born…my sister had succumbed to the abuse he kept under the noses of my parents. She could not deliver the child properly…she died with it still in her belly…which also died.”

“Gods above…and the man?” Faust inquired.

“When she died…that braggart was drunk and complained how he didn’t beat her hard enough so that she could give birth properly. Then…my father beat him to a bloody pulp, tied him up, and threw him in the river where he drowned…”

“Good…” I said, unintentionally gritting my teeth. “Fucking prick got what he deserved.”

“William?” Celestia said to me.

“Oh…sorry, just personal stuff is all,” I said, forcing myself to calm down.

“Since my sister died, I vowed to never cower away and face any challenges head on. It’s why I became a knight, in honor of my sister.“ Rokai gave Faust a halfhearted smile. “Your girls are lucky to have a mother like you. Your love for them is what gods fight over.”

“You flatter me,” Faust said with a polite bow when they heard shouting coming from across the courtyard. “Oh, that must be our new captain. He just transferred from the western provinces.”

A line of pony soldiers marched in, and leading them was a stallion wearing gold plated armor. His fur was pure white, his eyes were forest green, and his hair was a deep black that almost looked dark purple in the sunlight. The stallion bowed in respect to Queen Faust, but only gave Rokai a sideways glance.

“Your Majesty, thank you once again for bestowing me the honorary rank of Captain of your guard,” he said.

“No thanks needed. Sir Rokai, meet Sir Kruber,” Faust introduced.

“Ah the famous hero! Been dyin’ to meet ya,” Kruber said with a friendly smile and firm handshake.

“Charmed.” Rokai looked over Kruber. “What’s your weapon of choice, mate?”

“I like a good shield and sword as much as the next soldier,” Kruber said.

“There’s reports of Shades about to invade the eastern border. I am currently still planning my assault on the last Legionnaire. If you can push them back without losing any men, then you’ll have my respect. Deal?”

“Ha! You’re on, mate! I’ll show ya what my boys are made of!” Kruber boasted.

“Even in that century, stallions had inflated egos.” Celestia shook her head with a smile. “And to think, he is my student’s ancestor.”

“Say what?” I said, looking at Celestia.

“Captain Kruber is Twilight’s Sparkle’s ancestor,” Celestia said.

“Seriously?” I looked back at Kruber before he left and scratched the back of my head. “It’s weird, but I can somehow see how that makes sense.”

“Kruber was an ambitious stallion,” Celestia said as she made the memory fade. “His first task Rokai gave him was as successful as anypony expected. So not only did Kruber gain his respect, he also slowly but surely began to earn his trust.” Memory orbs appeared and it showed scenes of Rokai and Kruger. I saw memories of them fighting together, training together, and sometimes just hanging out with one another. “Kruber was one of the few ponies who Rokai respected as much as he did the Pillars. It was a shame that those times did not last long.”

For some reason, I felt very anxious by Celestia’s words as the memory changed to a new memory. We were standing in a very wide, vast, snowy field. Standing with Rokai was Kruber and an anthro caribou man. An army of pony and other caribou soldiers stood behind them as the cold winds blew the snow around them.

“This is where the last of the Legionnaires was reported to have been sighted,” Rokai said as he pulled up his scarf. “But there’s nothing here.”

“Chief Aron, are you certain your stags reported the right place?” Kruber asked the chieftain.

“He’s there. We’ve seen scores of these Shades marching in and out of that accursed place,” the stag told them while pointing to a set of mountains in the distance. “I sent stags in to scout the place…their heads were sent back as a warning.”

“Bloody Tartarus, this is gonna be one for the history books,” Kruber said while adjusting his cloak.

“Alright, let’s move-!”

BA-BUMP!!

The air suddenly became thick as the skies blackened. Rokai and the others became extremely on edge as the winds blew around in a large vortex. A black aura surfaced and something was beginning to form within the vortex. I couldn’t tear my eyes away as the creature within stood up high, and I heard a very maniacal, demonic laughter. When the creature stopped laughing, the black aura surrounding the area blew the vortex apart, revealing what was inside. A sense of fear burned in my soul at the demon standing before everyone. It was very tall, skinny yet muscular, and had a goat skull for a head with large, curved horns. Its eyes were bloody red as the black aura surrounded it like a wildfire.

“What the fucking hell is that thing?!” I yelped.

“The Accursed One…” Celestia said, her voice also sounding quite fearful at the sight of it.

“Ten…” The demon spoke, his voice sounding like it could tear my soul in half. “Ten of my most loyal followers, slain by a single gnat.”

“Bugger me! What is that?!” Kruber shouted while readying his blade, yet as the creature looked at him, he could feel his legs trembling with fear.

“This…primitive world was meant to be my newest conquest of shadow, yet my Legionnaires failed such a simple task?” The demon growled in annoyance. “Very well, I shall then do it myself.”

“All troops! CHARGE!” Aron said as he and the stags charged.

“No! Aron, wait!” Rokai called out, but it was too late.

The demon raised his clawed hand and multiple shadow tendrils shot out from the black aura surrounding him. Nearly all the stags following Aron were skewered and butchered, leaving Aron and a handful of survivors left.

“Such delicate creatures,” the demon said. “You shall all serve me as Shades.” The dead bodies convulsed and were enveloped in black aura as they morphed into grotesque-looking Shades, which horrified me and angered Aron to no end.

“YOU BEAST! I swear by all the gods you’ll pay for this!” Aron roared.

“I’m not one to be a coward, mates, but I suggest we retreat!” Kruber said as more Shades appeared from the snow. “We’re outnumbered!”

Rokai dashed forward toward the demon with his sword raised. The demon shot out more shadow tendrils, but Rokai managed to evade or deflect them. Once he was close enough, he went to slash at the demon with a forward strike. The demon created a spear of pure shadow and blocked Rokai’s attack.

“I am the one who slew your followers, foul creature!” Rokai said as he tried to push against the demon.

“I see…” The demon cackled at Rokai as his eyes glowed red. “State your name, warrior.”

“I am Rokai Stourmborne! Guardian of Equestria and the Realms!” Rokai responded.

“Rokai Stourmborne? Ah, I see, the human creature from another world.” The demon took a step forward, pushing Rokai back. “You have my recognition, Sir Stourmborne. I had not even imagined these peons would have the strength to face my minions, let alone have the ability to slay them. But you? A human? You are an unforeseen obstacle I admittedly did not anticipate.” Rokai grit his teeth and dug his boots into the snow as he pushed against the demon, barely moving the demon back. “You have more strength than I had presumed. As a reward for recognising your tenacity, I shall tell you my name.” With his free hand, the demon slashed his claws across Rokai’s chest. Rokai roared in pain as his armor was cut like paper and blood erupted from his wounds. Rokai fell to his knees as he clutched his chest in agony. “I am Valafar, High Lord of the Rings of Tartarus. I have come to this realm to spread my shadow across the lands.”

“Sir Rokai!” Aron charged forward on his own.

“That idiot!” I yelled.

“Aron! Don’t!” Rokai tried to call out, but it was too late. Valafar disappeared in a puff of shadow and reappeared behind Aron.

“You are as simpleminded as the rest of your ilk.”

SKLRGE!!

Much to everyone’s dismay, Valafar stabbed Aron through his back as his hand held his still beating heart in his clawed hand.

“ARON!!” Rokai screamed as he struggled to stand back up.

“BASTARD!!” Kruber roared as he rammed the monster with his shield before cutting him across the chest. “Well look at that, the bastard bleeds after all!”

Valafar growled angrily before reeling his hand back and struck Kruber across his face. Kruber flew across the snow and Rokai was helpless to watch his forces and friends being overwhelmed.

“Dammit all! Fall back!” Rokai ordered as he limped away. “ALL TROOPS! FALL BACK! GET CAPTAIN KRUBER AND CHIEF ARON! FALL BACK AND RETREAT, THAT’S AN ORDER!”

“That was only the beginning of our troubles,” Celestia said as images of Valafar’s army appeared as they marched across the lands. “Battle after battle, our troops fought to push them back, but with every victory, we grew weaker.”

She then showed me a battle taking place in a set of trenches outside of a battered fortress with Kruber leading a desperate counterattack.

“WEAPONS UP! FIGHT LIKE IT’S PAYDAY!” Kruber said as he tried to rally the troops.

“Where is Sir Rokai?!” a soldier cried.

“Facing the main bastard himself!” Kruber said, pointing off in the distance.

Rokai was in the middle of fighting Valafar and he was desperately trying to land a blow on the demon. Valafar, on the other hand, parried and blocked Rokai’s attacks with minimal effort. Rokai swung his sword as blood dripped from his hands from gripping it too tight. His armor was battered and cracked and he had bloody bandages wrapped around his head.

“He’s fighting while injured?” I asked with worry.

“Ever since his first encounter with Valafar, he did everything while injured,” Celesita said.

“You’re improving little by little, Stourmborne,” Valafar mocked as he parried another strike and slugged Rokai in his gut. The wind was knocked out of him and he fell on one of his knees. “But this will be another victory for me. I shall be taking this fortress.”

“Not…yet!” Rokai coughed up blood.

“The way I see it, Stourmborne, you have one of two options. Stay and continue to struggle against me, or go and provide backup for your troops. They are almost overwhelmed, and your Captain is fighting on his own. You should at least help them live another pitiful day before being consumed by shadow.”

“OI! GOAT FACE!” Kruber shouted as he suddenly came charging out of nowhere and rammed Valafar in the chest.

“YOU LITTLE-!” Valafar hissed.

“I’m a bloody battering ram! That’s what!” the captain yelled with a hearty laugh before being blasted back.

Rokai saw this opportunity and stood back up. Ignoring the pain from his hands and wounds, he charged forward and spun his body around to deliver a fierce roundhouse slash. His sword managed to cut through Valafar’s thick skin, forcing Valafar to stagger backwards and clutch his new wound.

“You may have the advantage in combat, Valafar, but I have my own advantages! Such as my comrades backing me up!” Rokai said.

Valafar hissed venomously as he and Rokai charged once more.

CLANG!!

“Oh shit!” I yelped.

Kruber shook his head and picked himself off the ground. When he looked back where Rokai and Valafar were, he gasped when he saw both fighters’ weapons piercing the other through the sides of their guts.

“Gah!” Rokai coughed blood.

“Curses!” Valafar growled as they pulled back.

Rokai used his sword as a crutch as Valafar held his wound with his free hand.

“You surprise me once again, Stourmborne.” Valafar pointed behind him to show the fortress was about to be lost to Rokai’s troops. “We shall end this duel with a draw, but this battle’s victory goes to my troops. We shall meet again on the field of battle.”

“Wait!” Rokai said but Valafar disappeared. “Come back here, you bastard! I can still fight-ARGH!” Rokai fell to his knee and coughed more blood.

“Hey! Easy, mate,” Kruber said before noticing the Shades were overrun by the coalition army.

“GET ME A MEDIC NOW! NOW!” the captain shouted while helping his friend to walk. “Did ya see the look on his face when I tackled him? Ha! That bastard’s gonna be bruised for a month!”

“Heh…yeah…” Rokai panted as the medics met them halfway.

“We need to retreat!” Rokai said.

“But the fortress-!” Kruber said.

“Is lost! I won’t let any more of our men die this day! Order a full retreat! That’s an order!” Rokai barked.

Though he was against it, Kruber ordered the stallions, griffins, and caribou soldiers to abandon the fortress and take whatever supplies they could carry while the Shades and Valafar were driven back. It was a pyrrhic victory for the alliance.

“Another scar for the ladies, eh mate?” The captain smirked with his usual positive attitude as Rokai was placed on a stretcher.

Kruber expected a witty remark when Rokai’s arm fell limp. Blood smeared the stretcher and Kruger’s face went pale.

“Hey…hey, mate! ROKAI!” he yelled while shaking his friend. “No…No NO NO NO!! ROKAI!”

Before I could question what happened, Celestia made the memory change and we were back in Canterlot. We stood in a hallway and Faust was pacing back and forth in front of a set of double doors. Little Tia and Lulu were there as well, and they looked older; looking around maybe ten or twelve years old. Sitting in nearby chairs were leaders of each kingdom of the world. I even saw Princess Raster and her father and the poor princess was crying in her father’s arms. The double doors opened to reveal a stallion wearing a doctor’s medical coat and bloody gloves.

“Doctor, how is he?” Faust asked.

“It was touch and go for a few moments, but he'll live,” the doc said, making them sigh with relief. “He’ll be out of the field for a few months.”

“Bugger that…!”

All heads turned and gasped to see Rokai leaning on the wall, dressed in a white gown.

“I ain’t gonna stay bedridden like some old tosser! Bring me my sword and armor!” Rokai demanded.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir,” the doctor replied while forcing him back into bed.

“I must agree with the doctor. You barely survived this time,” Faust said as the nurses put the blanket back on him. “Until you are back at full strength, I will have Sir Kruber lead the campaign against Valafar.”

“Valafar is still out there!” Rokai said defiantly. “He and I have unfinished business, I still owe him for the other wounds he gave me!”

“Rokai, please! You need rest!” Raster begged.

“Do you people not realize that we’ve lost the edge we fought for?!” Rokai yelled at the many rulers in the room. “Valafar has retaken the territories we had liberated from the Legionnaires and his Shades are closing in on each of the kingdoms of the realm!”

“And we understand, but you can’t fight him like this!” Arkan shot back while grabbing one of his injured arms.

“OW!”

“See? Just one touch is all it would take to overpower you.”

“Bugger me, I fucking hate being weak…” Rokai said bitterly.

“You are not weak, good sir,” the zebra leader said.

“Quite right, you are more than capable to face whatever conflicts are thrown your way, but even you have limits, yes?” King Longclaw said.

“I must speak with the queen in private,” Rokai answered with a request. The other rulers nodded as they and the medical staff vacated the room. Raster glanced back once more at Rokai before the door closed. “This cannot go on, Your Majesty. With every confrontation I have against Valafar, more lives and territory are lost. I was naïve to believe that victory was assured, not taking into consideration what the leader of the Shades would be like.”

“You mustn’t blame yourself, Rokai,” Faust said. “Even I did not anticipate that Valafar was who he is.”

“There must be a way to match that monster's strength…” Rokai grumbled. The queen looked like she hesitated before answering.

“Rokai… if I were to say I may have a solution, but only as a last resort, how would you feel about it?” Faust asked.

“Depends on the last resort,” Rokai said.

Faust leaned in and whispered in his ear. I watched as Rokai's expression turned from shock, to rage, and looked like he was appalled from what she said to him.

“With all due respect, Your Majesty,” Rokai sneered. “But that is out of the damn question!”

“Well, it’s as you said, we lose more and more with every battle. Soon there won’t be a land to defend and our citizens grow more restless,” Faust argued.

“And what about your daughters?!” Rokai challenged, pointing at Faust. “They would be devastated!”

“You think I want to do something as outrageous as this?!” Faust snapped back, tears forming in her eyes. “My precious daughters are everything to me! They’re all I have left after Starswirl and the Pillars disappeared! That even includes you!”

“Me?” Rokai said, when Faust hugged him close and cried into his shoulder.

“You are like a son to me…losing one of my most closests friends was bad enough, but if we lost you…” Faust would say nothing as she hugged him tighter.

“I…I would be lying if I said I did not see you as family as well, Faust,” Rokai said somberly as he wrapped an arm around her. “But there must be another way. Please, for me, do not tell anyone about what we discussed. I will recover as soon as I can and you go back to leading the kingdom.” Faust leaned back and Rokai smiled at her. “We will find a way to prevail, I swear it.”

“…Very well, I will say nothing of this to the others,” the queen promised before kissing his forehead. “Now rest, I’m sure by the time you recover, Sir Kruber will be our new hero,” Faust jokes, making both him and myself laugh a little.

“Such a bitterly happy moment…it’s a shame it could not last,” Celestia said as we warped to a battlefield. The fighting was so intense, so real that I ducked from an exploding trebuchet that hit the ground before seeing Kruber facing off with Valafar in single combat.

“He’s fighting that monster on his own?!” I panicked. There were Shades fighting against Equestrian troops and griffin soldiers. Kruber looked completely out of breath as Valafar twirled his shadow spear around.

“These memories are from one of the soldiers who followed Kruber into battle. This confrontation was happening just outside Grifforia’s capital city,” Celestia explained.

“You are quite the courageous one, young warrior,” Valafar said. “I still remember the lucky blow you inflicted on me. Commendable, but I have shared deeper wounds with Stourmborne.”

“Ohh. don’t worry, I’m just warming you up for him…” Kruber huffed as they circled each other, smiling with confidence despite his armor being in complete tatters and his sword and shield were damaged beyond repair.

“I will make your death quick,” Valafar threatened, readying his spear.

“Don’t bark if ya can’t bite, ya TWAT!” Kruber snapped, making Valafar lunge at him as he parried with his shield and swung his sword down to cut him across his chest. The slash left a wound, but not deep enough to cause any serious damage.

Valafar growled in annoyance as he faced off against Kruber. I could tell that the demon had underestimated Kruber and was just as skilled as Rokai. Valafar went for a thrust with his spear, which Kruber managed to block with his shield just in time. However, the force of Valafar’s thrust was so strong that it pierced the shield, narrowly missing Kruber’s gut. Valafar cackled a little as he pulled his spear back along with Kruber’s shield, forcing Kruber to let go of it. Valafar dropped the shield on the ground and stomped on it with his clawed foot, crushing the shield, making it useless.

“Now you have nothing to protect yourself with,” Valafar hissed maliciously.

“Eh, it was tacky anyway,” the captain joked, earning more of the demon’s frustration while drawing a line in the dirt. “If you got guts, come over here!”

“You…INSOLENT WORM!!” Valafar roared in anger as he charged at the captain, not seeing the broken spear hidden in the dirt.

“That’s right…come to Kruber…” Kruber said to himself.

With one quick stomp of his foot, the spear suddenly sprang from the dirt and pierced Valafars left leg, allowing Kruber to cleave him on the right side of his torso as he ran past him to a safe distance.

“Oh look, I’ve cut you. What a shame,” Kruber said with a smug grin, but still kept his guard up.

“Hell yeah! He’s got him-!” I was cut off when I saw something on the ground. Just as Kruber was about to get the drop on him again, Valafar’s shadow looked like something was sticking out of it and was aiming for Kruber. “Oh shit! KRUBER!” I called out, as if trying to warn him, even though it was a memory. “KRUBER, WATCH OUT!!”

STAB!!

It was too late, and I had to watch it happen. A tendril of shadow shot out of Valafar’s shadow and pierced right through Kruger’s chest.

“NOO!!” I yelled.

“You have been a thorn in my side LONG ENOUGH!” Valafar yelled as he tossed the dying captain aside, the entire field suddenly grew quiet.

“Kruber!” A soldier came running and knelt beside him as Valafar turned away to finish the battle with his Shades. The soldier pulled their helmet off and revealed to be a unicorn mare as she held him close.

“It’s okay, I’m here,” she whimpered. “SOMEPONY GET ME A MEDIC!!”

“I’m sorry, love…” The captain croaked while holding her cheek. “I guess I…won’t be able to go to our little girl’s party…”

“No, no, don’t talk like that! Just breathe…WHERE’S THE DAMN MEDIC?!” she screamed as one finally arrived to try and help stop the bleeding.

“Please…tell our girl that I…I…” Kruber tried to say as the light left his eyes.

Before he could finish his sentence, Kruber’s hand slipped from her cheek and fell to the ground. The mare cried out as tears flowed from her eyes and wailed out loud as the Coalition forces were pushed back by the Shades. I felt my heart break at the sad sight before me; a great captain fell against that monster and he didn’t get to see his children grow up.

Celestia wiped her eyes and made the memory change. “Grifforia, along with the rest of the kingdoms of the world, were on the brink of being completely overrun. My mother had called for an emergency gathering of the Coalition alliance to discuss what must be done.”

The memory brought us to the council room where all the rulers of the world sat with Faust at the head. The sword and destroyed shield Kruber used sat on the table with a piece of cloth wrapped around it, stained with blood and mud. I didn’t see Rokai, which meant he was probably still recovering.

“Wait…where is representative for the Northlanders?” one member of the council asked.

“I am sad to say that…they have broken their treaty with us,” Faust said, shocking the entire council.

“Cowards!” the yak leader said angrily.

“They cannot be blamed,” the zebra leader sighed. “This war brings such a heavy toll; I’m surprised we’ve lasted this long.”

“Queen Faust, hasn’t Sir Rokai recovered yet?” King Arkan asked as she stared at the sword and destroyed shield.

“I am afraid not, and with the loss of Sir Kruber, our troops morale has dropped drastically,” Faust said, rubbing her temples. “And we just got reports that the Shade army is on the move again.”

SLAM!!

The doors swung open, almost flying off their hinges, and startled all in the room. Rokai stood in the doorway, looking more livid than I ever would’ve imagined to see him. The council was silent as he slowly walked in, I could feel his anger pierce the very air they were breathing. When he stopped at the table, his eyes panned to the sword and shield and he balled his hands into fists.

“Kruber…he’s fallen?” Rokai said in a low voice.

“I’m sorry, Rokai,” Faust said as she could see the tears welling in his eyes. “He fought bravely to the end.”

Rokai went to Krubers seat and picked up the now tattered blade, feeling nothing but regret at the loss of his friend.

“Who killed him?” Rokai asked.

“Valafar,” King Arakan said just before he slammed the sword back down.

“I should have been there…” Rokai grit his teeth. “I should have stood by his side…”

“Rokai-” Faust tried to say.

“HE IS DEAD BECAUSE I WAS NOT THERE WITH HIM!!” Rokai roared with remorse. “WHY?! WHY AM I SO FUCKING HELPLESS?!”

“THAT’S ENOUGH, STOURMBORNE!!” Arakan shouted before forcing Rokai to look straight at him. “That stallion died doing his duty and now you need to do yours! There will be time to mourn, but now we need you more than ever.”

“He’s right, Rokai,” Faust said, wiping her tears. “I believe the time has come for…our last resort.”

“Last resort?” a council member asked.

“Indeed. I have devised a method to bring down our demonic foe and restore peace. However…it comes at a tremendous cost,” Faust explained.

“What could we possibly lose, more than we already have?” the zebra leader asked.

“Allow me to explain. As you all are aware, I am the first born Alicorn in the world. I have lived through the founding of these lands, this kingdom, and the growth of your own kingdoms as well. Throughout my lifetime, I have had considerable practice with my magic, inventing new spells and broadening my magical capabilities. When I met Starswirl, makers rest his soul, he helped me with my magical discoveries. To my point, I have a spell that might just be able to vanquish Valafar. The only downside is…I must use my inner magic core for it to be effective.”

“Inner magic core…?” King Longclaw repeated. “But, Your Majesty, that would mean-!”

“Yes…the price would be my own physical form in this realm, while my soul is called to the planet’s core in order to replenish the magic I used,” Faust said with a frown.

“Out of the question!” the leader of the dragon lands shouted. “Do you know what’ll happen if you do this? The nobles will seize power and all we have worked for will be undone! Already, they’re trying to divide our races, even amidst this terrible war!”

“And we should be concerned as to what our other enemies will do if they learn of this,” said Longclaw.

“Which is why I have decided to name my daughters as co-rulers,” Faust said. “They may be young, but they are more than ready to take my place. However, I will not take action without Sir Rokai’s consent.”

“Sir Rokai?” the zebra leader asked. “Why him?”

“Because he is also needed for this plan to work.” Faust turned to Rokai. “What say you, Sir Rokai Stourmborne?”

Rokai was torn between winning the war and sacrificing the queen as he tried to find the right decision.

“…Will you give me time?” he asked the council, who nodded in agreement, knowing this decision could decide the very future of the kingdom.

Rokai left and made his way to the courtyard. As Celestia and I followed him, I could tell he was going for a very shitty time right now. He lost one of his closest friends again, after Starswirl and the other Pillars. I wished I could talk to him, had this not been a memory. Rokai sat on a bench in the courtyard and buried his face in his hands before dragging them down.

“What to do, what to do, what to bloody do…?” Rokai uttered to himself.

“Need some company?”

Rokai turned, and Celesita and I saw, Princess Raster was behind him with her usual warm smile.

“Would it matter if I said no?” she asked.

“No,” Rokai shook his head, smiling briefly.

The two shared a quick laugh and kiss as Raster leaned on her old flame’s shoulder, holding his hand as they looked at the flower petals falling from the tree.

“I’m sorry about your friend,” she said, breaking the silence.

“He was a good man…” Rokai sighed sadly. “I am sorry I keep you waiting for an answer regarding your heart for me. Now I find myself at a crossroads that keeps splitting into different paths. No matter which one I take, I fear as though it is the wrong one, and everyone else will fall under Valafar’s reign.”

Raster kissed him in hopes of calming his worries, and it seemed to work as she looked at him with the same smile that made all his worries fade.

“Whatever path you take, know that I support you,” Raster told him before pressing her chest on him. “And when this war is over, I'll be there to warm you at night~.”

“Heh, you always seem to want to bring my spirits up,” Rokai said with a half-hearted smile. “Raster…am I strong enough to be able to face Valafar one last time? He’s bested me every time we meet on the battlefield. I am just a man, after all, despite me being able to land my own share of wounds on him, and he is a demon from the pits of Tartarus.”

“But he is a demon who bleeds,” Raster said while looking at her lover. “Do you know what happened before Kruber died?” she asked as Rokai shook his head. “He wounded that monster so badly that he had to resort to trickery to escape defeat. Kruber had that fiend right in the palm of his hand before he fell, and if he can beat him, then so can you.”

I saw Rokai’s eyes form determination I’ve never seen before. He stood up from the bench and looked down at his hand before clenching it.

“Raster.” He turned around to face the Minotaur princess. “When this is over, I will return to make an honest woman out of you.”

Rokai left a bewildered princess to think on his words. Raster looked like she wanted to be happy to hear what he just said, but she looked somewhat…sad at the same time.

“Don’t make a girl a promise you can’t keep, my love,” Raster said to herself.

We followed Rokai as he walked back to the council room, where he found Tia and Lulu crying in their mother’s arms. I also noticed Celestia trying her best not to cry as Faust tried to console her daughters.

“Mother, please don’t go!” Lulu begged while clinging to her mother’s side.

“Don’t leave us alone!” Tia sobbed as they were brought in for a gentle embrace by their mother.

“Oh, my dears, you won’t be alone,” she promised while wiping away their tears. “I’ll be with you, always.”

“But what if we’re not ready yet?!” Tia asked.

“My little sunshine, you are more than ready. As is your sister,” Faust said. “You both have made me so very proud, and so would Starswirl. You both must promise me to be strong and be there for each other. Once this war is finished, this kingdom will look to you for guidance.”

“What about Rokai?” Lulu asked as Rokai knelt down.

“I will be back as soon as I can. I will look after you as if you were my own,” Rokai said. The girls then hugged him close as Faust turned to the other rulers.

“Words cannot express my gratitude for keeping this alliance together for as long as it has. Hopefully, when this war is over, it shall continue to thrive,” Faust said with a thankful smile. “I must now prepare for the end, my friends. I wish you all good fortune for the foreseeable future.”

Celestia made the memory change again and we were floating in midair. That day, all was quiet as the Coalition armies stood on an open field, miles away from Canterlot where lines of siege engines were armed and ready to fire upon the army of Shades that blanketed the horizon. Both sides charged at each other and engaged in fierce combat. Creatures of all shapes and sizes battled tooth and nail against the Shades, but I couldn’t see Rokai anywhere.

“Where’s Rokai?” I asked Celestia.

When the next memory came into focus, I was shocked and in awe by what I saw. Standing almost half beaten to death was Rokai, wielding his sword with a rainbow-like aura. I could see Faust’s hands aimed at the sword as though she was finishing casting a spell. I saw Rokai smile and his mouth moving, but for some reason I couldn’t hear him.

“What’s going on? What did we miss? And why can’t I hear Rokai just now?” I asked Celestia.

She shook her head. “I’m afraid I don’t know myself. This was all that my mother passed onto me when she left me these memories.”

The duel between Rokai and the demon was one for the ages. Rokai was guided by honor and duty to his kingdom as he fought while Valafar was fueled by his rage and hate as they met in single combat on the field of battle.

“There will be no interruptions, Valafar!” Rokai said as he clashed with Valafar’s shadow spear. The skies darkened as lightning crackled violently from the blackened clouds. “Only one of us shall see another day, and I shall ensure your defeat, no matter what! This world shall have its light once again!”

Valafar laughed as he parried another blow and sparks were sent flying with every clash of their blades.

“So brave, so boastful! Just like your friend Kruber!” The demon chuckled provokingly. “Would you care to know how he died?!”

“YOU BASTARD!! I’LL HAVE YOUR HEAD!!” Rokai roared.

Rokai ran toward Valafar as if he wanted to destroy him where he stood. Rokai swung his sword for a sideways slash and Valafar tried to block. Thanks to the mysterious rainbow aura surrounding Rokai’s sword, Valafar was pushed back considerably and struggled to withstand Rokai’s attack. When Valafar spun his spear to try and throw Rokai off balance, Rokai jumped back just in time before spinning around and slashing Valafar across his chest. Valafar forced out a painful roar as both blood and shadow burst from the wound a little. However, Rokai did not give the demon time to recover. He kicked Valafar right in his skull helmet, cracking it, and sent Valafar back a ways. The eye sockets of Valafar’s skull helmet glowed a deep red as he seethed at Rokai with malice.

“WHAT IS THIS MAGIC?!” Valafar hissed. When he tried to heal the wound, his power did not respond properly. “HOW DARE YOU?! THIS IS MY AGE OF SHADOW!! I SHALL NOT BE DEPRIVED OF ALL I HAVE STRIVED FOR!!”

“Not while I still draw breath!” Rokai shot back as he cut Valafar again before stabbing him in his side with a cracked blade. “THAT’S FOR KRUBER!”

Valafar roared viciously as he tried to use his shadow tendrils to skewer Rokai. As if the aura surrounding his sword was guiding him, Rokai dodged and weaved, blocked, and parried any shadow tendrils coming his way. Rokai was fighting for his life against the demon. He was fighting for his new home, his friends, his new family. Despite looking like he’d topple over just by pushing him, he still had the strength of an army on his back. When Valafar tried to stab Rokai with his spear again, Rokai managed to dodge and grab his spear midway. Rokai reared his sword back and slashed across Valafar’s chest again, cutting him deep.

“No…NO!! THIS CANNOT BE!! YOU ARE A HUMAN!! A WORTHLESS APE!! A MORTAL!!” Valafar roared in anger as the Coalition forces began routing his army. “WHAT ARE YOU?!”

“You haven’t figured it out yet?” Rokai pointed his sword at Valafar as the lighting in the sky continued to crackle violently.

“I am the mortal who came to this world for the sole purpose of defeating you! I am the mortal who is pure of heart and who will slay you! That is what I am! I am the mortal who will protect the light that shines on this world!” Rokai took a runing stance and gripped his sword before taking off in a sprint towards his demonic foe. “ALLY TO ALL THAT IS GOOD, NIGHTMARE TO YOU! I AM THE GUARDIAN OF EQUESTRIA AND THE REALM!” Rokai bellowed with triumph in his voice.

I could tell Valafar was getting desperate as Rokai’s attacks were giving him the edge he needed. Rokai jumped around Valafar and swung his sword with various, fluid motions. Whenever Valafar blocked or parried his strikes, he would get hit by two or three more. A few shadow tendrils shot from the ground from all sides at Roaki. Rokai bent down and jumped in the air as high as he could and dodged each tendril. When he landed back down on the ground, he lunged towards Valafar and slammed his fist into Valafar’s gut. The demon lurched forward as Rokai then slashed him across his helmet. I was silently cheering for Rokai, thinking he’d pull it off. It wasn’t until Valafar noticed Faust sitting on her knees, trying to catch her breath from the amount of magic she used as she watched the fight.

“So…this is all because of you!” the demon said with a manic grin before turning into a shadow.

“LEAVE HER BE, COWARD!!” Rokai shouted while giving chase.

Rokai sprinted towards Faust and it was a race to see who would make it first. Valafar sounded like he wanted to rip Faust in two and Rokai wasn’t going to let it happen. Faust tried to protect herself with a barrier, but was too weak from enchanting the sword and could only brace herself for death. Valafar materialized from the shadows with his sword ready to skewer her where she sat. Time slowed down as Rokai kept running towards the queen without any regard of the danger he was throwing himself in. The worst part was I already could tell what was going to happen, but Rokai kept running forward.

“NO!! ROKAI, DON’T!!” I screamed.

CLAASH!!

It happened in an instant, and I couldn’t tear my gaze away. My heart felt like it was being ripped apart at the mere sight. Faust slowly opened her eyes and looked up to an image that would burn in her memory. Rokai stood in front of her as Valafar’s spear had pierced his chest where his heart was. Faust’s eyes widened as Rokai coughed, but kept his sword in his hands.

“RRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!” Rokai roared a battle cry.

With one last push of his strength, Rokai drove his empowered sword straight into Valafar's chest and kept piercing his flesh.

“YOUR RAMPAGE OF SHADOW AND TERROR IS OVER!!!” Rokai screamed in Valafar’s face. “GO TO HELL!!! AND TAKE THE SHADOWS WITH YOU!!!”

With one last agonizing roar, Valafar exploded into a puff of smoke and an explosion of bright lights, and the storm that had formed was suddenly blown away by a fierce wind. The Shades slowly turned to dust, leaving only empty husks of armor and cracked weapons. At first, all began to raise their arms in triumph when I noticed the queen holding Rokai with tears in her eyes.

“Oh…oh no,” I said sombrely. Faust held Rokai close, his sword having been broken into pieces from the blast.

“Ugh…Faust,” Rokai croaked.

“Stay with me!” Faust begged. “You need to live!”

“Don’t…don’t cry, Faust.” Rokai reached up with his free bloody hand and Faust clasped it. “It’s…it’s alright.”

As the queen felt his grip weakening, her tears fell onto his face, washing away the blood and dirt while the surviving coalition soldiers had gathered around and began to kneel in respect. The clouds started to part from the sky and the sun’s rays pierced through the clouds. The rays shone down on Rokai and lit up the tattered battlefield around them. It felt so unfair, seeing Rokai dying like this. He had fought so hard and given it his all to bring peace to the world, yet it had cost him his life.

“It was an honor…to serve as your knight…” Rokai said in a raspy voice.

“Rokai…” Faust cried hysterically.

“I know…” Rokai’s breathing was becoming weaker. “My journey…has come to an end. You…everyone I have met…gave me a blessing…I did not believe it to be possible. My only regret…is not being able…to see the girls…continue to grow…into beautiful flowers.”

Faust gently held his hand and comforted him as best she could.

“If I were to have a son…it would be you.” She smiled sadly. “I am…so proud of the man you have become.”

“Do you think…my son…would be proud of me?” Rokai wondered as the light in his eyes began to fade.

“Yes, of course he would,” the queen replied, and with one last smile.

“Then…I have no…regrets…” He said with his last breath, Before I knew it, Rokai Stourmborne, the Guardian of Equestria and the Realm, passed away peacefully in her arms.

Faust slowly stood up, tears streaming down her cheeks, with Rokai still in her arms and carried him over to the soldiers nearby. I watched sadly as some of them stood up as they helped take his body. All of a sudden, Faust’s body had little lights coming off her.

“Y-Your Majesty?” a soldier uttered.

“It appears I too have run out of time,” Faust said. She lit up her horn one last time as an orb of magic of some kind appeared in her hands. “Listen to me very carefully. I need you to give this orb of memories, combined with Rokai, myself, and any whom he interacted with, to my daughters.”

“Of course, Your Majesty,” a soldier said as he took the orb.

“Furthermore…” More of the little lights flickered around Faust as her body began to fade. “You must pass my last words to my daughters. A prophecy they must keep in mind for the foreseeable future.”

They all nodded as Faust closed her eyes.

“The darkness has been quelled, but it will not last forever. There will come a time when the world needs a hero like Sir Stourmborne. So I say unto you, my daughters, await the day when a new hero arises. Await for him to come and vanquish all that is evil. For he shall succeed all what Rokai Stourmborne was. He shall be…the new Guardian of Equestria and the Realm.” At this point, Faust’s body was almost as transparent as Celestia’s and mine. “Remember, my daughters, keep the fire of friendship alive in your hearts, for you will need it in the days ahead, and…know that I will love you always,” Faust said with a single tear dropping onto the orb as she faded into a cloud of glittering dust that floated away with the wind. For a moment, I saw Celestia wipe the tears away from her eyes.

The memory then changed to a large tent in the Coalition’s camp, where the leaders of each faction had gathered after hearing the tragic news of Sir Rokai and Queen Faust.

“What should we do with the sword?” King Longclaw asked after seeing the shattered blade.

“It should be hidden,” King Arakan suggested. “Until a new guardian is chosen, we cannot risk anyone abusing its power.”

“Agreed. Each piece should go to one of the three pony tribes,” said the dragon lord, who picked up the broken hilt of the sword. “Should evil arise again, the dragon smiths will reforge the sword with our very flames. This I vow.”

And so, the blade was divided amongst the three tribes of Equestria. The blade’s pieces were given to the Pegasai and Earth Ponies while the hilt was given to the unicorns.

Just when I thought there’d be more memories, the world around us faded into the void. My vision blurred for a moment until I took a deep breath, and we were back in the present in front of the statue.

“What the…” I saw Luna was still here, and she stared at me. “You’ve been waiting this whole time?”

“Thou has’t only been in a trance f’r about five minutes,” Luna said.

“This is his resting place,” Celestia said as she placed a hand on the statue. “It was…a very difficult day that day. Not only did we lose our mother…but we lost somepony who was like a dear brother to us. I cannot tell you how many moons we both cried after Rokai’s body was laid to rest.”

“So…what Faust said, before she disappeared,” I said, trying to come to terms with Faust’s last words.

“Yes…it is why you were summoned to this world,” Celestia said while looking at the statue of Sir Rokai.

“Me…?” I asked as Celestia and Luna both faced me.

“Thou art the guardian chosen to protecteth our kingdom and the realm,” Luna said with a proud smile.

It took me a full minute to process what she said. “…Are you shitting me?”

Author's Note

And so, ends the valiant tale of The First Guadian of Equestria and the Realm, Rokai Stourmborne.

Side Note:
Sorry this took so long, there was a whole lot of planning put into this chapter. Which includes waiting for the awesome artwork!

Hope you enjoyed!

~WurkyWilk has left the building…