Author's Note

Yo, finally got this done son I’m sorry it took so long hurricane Helen did not spare my town. I’m using my data to post this off my phone because I still have no Wi-Fi when I can. I’ll make sure to get some pictures up but until then keep your heads up, and I hope everyone else is safe.

RESCUE AND THE ONE WHO KNOCKS

(Sureiya 1st pov)

It was the day after my date with the girls. And pretty late into the night, the day had passed mostly without incident—until now. Some of the pregnant mares that arrived with the escaped slaves went into labor, much earlier than expected. Given the disturbing circumstances of their conception, I placed them under close watch, fearing they might harm the newborns. After all, the babies were innocent, undeserving of the darkness that brought them into this world.

“Fortunately, it appeared that the mothers were conscious of the circumstances surrounding the conception of their children. Despite these challenging realities, they did not attempt to harm them. Instead, they approached their care with tenderness and responsibility.

I made it a point to visit each mother individually, with the intention of establishing a comprehensive counseling program. Their mental health was of paramount importance, and I recognized the necessity of providing them with the support they would need to navigate and cope with the complexities of their situation.”

Miia had decided to check on the mothers—her gentle, kind-hearted nature always compelled her to care for others. She followed me back to my home, where we spent some time together, sharing quiet conversations and occasional kisses. The calm was shattered after about an hour when a sharp tap echoed from the window. I opened it to find Kanzaburo perched outside. He flew in and landed on my shoulder, his presence carrying an air of urgency.

“What have you found?” I asked, my tone shifting to a serious edge as I felt the weight of his news.

He cawed in a low, unsettling tone. “It’s bad. I’ve managed to infiltrate and uncover six slaver hideouts. They’re filled with prisoners—ponies, some griffins, and other demimonsters.”

His hesitation was palpable. “What else, Kanzaburo? What aren’t you telling me?” I pressed, sensing there was more.

He took a deep breath, his voice almost breaking. “It’s not just adults in those cages. There are children too. Some of them… showing signs of horrific sexual abuse.”

For a moment, everything went blank. Then rage erupted within me. My eyes snapped open, glowing a menacing red as claws erupted from my hands. My teeth sharpened into fangs, and a guttural growl tore from my throat. The very walls, the floorboards, the windows—they all trembled under the pressure of my unleashed bloodlust. There was no time to think, no time to waste. I had to act now. Those monsters would pay with their lives

“Miia was horrified at the news. ‘Miia, summon Benimaru and Souei! They’ll accompany me on this mission,’ I commanded, my voice sharp and urgent.

Without hesitation, she rushed out the door. I summoned my gear, my attire transforming into sleek, black Assassin’s Creed armor and robes. A black mask, adorned with white markings, concealed my face as I strapped two katanas to my back, ready to move out.”

Within ten minutes, Benimaru and Souei arrived at my home, their presence a testament to their loyalty and power. Souei, like Benimaru, had once been an ogre, now transformed into a mighty kijin. Where his skin had once been a dull gray, it was now a a fair brown tan . His blue hair fell in neat strands across his face, barely concealing the single horn protruding from his forehead. Blue eyeshadow framed his sharp eyes, adding an intensity that matched his demeanor.

I wasted no time in briefing them on the dire situation. As I spoke, their expressions shifted from shock to a simmering rage, their eyes reflecting the same fury burning within me.

“We’re ready to move out, my Lord,” they declared in unison, their voices filled with a resolve that resonated in the tense air.

“Good. Before we do, I have something for you,” I said, summoning two large chests before them. “I’ll be outside waiting,” I added, turning and striding out the door. The cool air did little to quell the storm of emotions roiling inside me. The news I had received had ignited a fury within me, a bloodlust that was impossible to shake.

As I stood there, struggling to maintain my composure, I heard the door click open behind me. I turned, a grim smile spreading across my face as Benimaru and Souei stepped forward, now clad in the new gear and weapons I had bestowed upon them.

Benimaru was the first to catch my eye. He stood tall, his presence commanding in the long, crimson robe that flowed with his every movement. The wide sleeves and high collar gave him an air of nobility, while the golden trim along the edges glinted in the rays of moonlight . Beneath the robe, a deep maroon kimono hugged his form, contrasting brilliantly against the vibrant red.

Golden shoulder guards gleamed under the moon light , adding a warrior’s edge to his regal appearance. A wide, golden sash secured his robes, accentuating his powerful stance. At his side, a katana rested, its black and gold hilt promising swift retribution. A white rope draped over his shoulders like a ceremonial mantle, completing the image of a warrior who was as wise as he was deadly. He looked like a leader ready to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies and inspire unwavering loyalty in his allies.

Then my gaze shifted to Souei. He stood poised, his blue cloak billowing gently in the wind, embodying the calm before the storm. He wore a dark blue tunic, the fabric clinging to his frame, allowing for the swift, lethal movements of a shadow warrior. A high collar shielded his neck, while a white scarf was draped loosely over his shoulders, its soft folds adding a touch of elegance to his deadly guise.

On the chest of his tunic, a white circle stood out, His waist was wrapped in a broad, light gray sash, the knot tight and secure, grounding the flowing fabric of his attire. The tunic split at the sides, allowing him the freedom to move with the precision and grace of a striking cobra.

A katana rested on his back, the hilt wrapped in black and white, ready to be drawn in an instant. The simple yet striking combination of colors—dark blue, gray, and white—reflected the calm intensity of a warrior who could move like the wind and strike like a storm. Beneath the serene exterior lay a force of nature, a silent guardian with the power to turn the tide of any battle.

I nodded to them both, my heart pounding with the anticipation of what was to come. The time for action had arrived.

With a silent nod, I gathered my energy and teleported us to the Everfree Forest. The night was quiet, the moonlight barely piercing through the thick canopy above. Shadows loomed around us, but we moved with purpose, navigating through the dense trees until we found what we were looking for—a hidden latch, cleverly disguised as a stone.

I glanced at the small town in the distance, but our attention remained on the latch. Without hesitation, I grabbed the stone and lifted it, revealing a dark entrance below. It was a concealed passageway, likely used by the slavers to move unnoticed, and the same route the escaped slaves had taken to flee.

We descended into the darkness, the cold air wrapping around us as we moved deeper into the underground tunnels. I replaced the stone above, sealing us in. The only sound was the soft crunch of gravel underfoot as we made our way forward. Trying to keep my emotions in check, I glanced at Benimaru and Souei.

“How’s the training been going?” I asked quietly, my voice breaking the silence.

“It’s going well,” Benimaru replied. “We’ve trained everyone in Kludgetown who can fight. The guards are well-prepared, and even the civilians know how to defend themselves.”

“Some are even learning advanced magic,” Souei added. “They’re adapting quickly.”

“Good,” I said, feeling a sense of pride. “They’ll need it.”

We continued through the winding tunnels, the darkness stretching on endlessly. After more than a few hours , we came to a split in the tunnel. Five different paths lay before us, and above, a hidden latch. We had found the slavers’ hideout.

“Alright, here’s the plan,” I said quietly. “Move in as quietly as possible. Avoid unnecessary casualties. Once you’ve secured the captives, bring them down here.”

With a nod, we prepared ourselves. I chose the path above us, listening for any sign of movement. When I was sure it was clear, I pushed open the latch and climbed inside, ready for whatever awaited us. It was time to put an end to this.

Stepping into the dimly lit room, I scanned my surroundings quickly. It was empty and quiet, the only light coming from a single torch flickering on the wall. I kept my senses sharp, listening for any signs of life. Hearing nothing, I made my way to the door. With one last check, I opened it and found myself in a long corridor. Torches lined the walls, casting a soft, wavering light that guided me as I moved silently down the hall.

It was then that a faint scent reached my nose. Following the trail, I stopped in front of a locked door. Drawing one of my blades, I slid it into the crevice, working it carefully until I heard the latch click. As I pushed the door open, the sight that greeted me made my heart ache.

Inside the room, various beings lay asleep, chained to the walls and floor. There were males and females of different species—ponies, griffins, even a few ice wolves—all bound and trapped in this hellish place. Their bodies were thin, their fur matted with dirt and neglect. As I moved further into the room, my eyes fell on two mares, their bellies swollen, revealing the cruel fate they had endured even in their sleep.

I took a deep breath, pushing down the anger that threatened to boil over. Walking over to one of the mares, I gently shook her shoulder. Her eyes fluttered open, clouded with fear and confusion. Before she could make a sound, I quickly placed a hand over her mouth.

“Shh, I’m not here to hurt you,” I whispered softly. “I’m here to get you all out of here.”

She blinked at me, her eyes wide and uncertain. Slowly, I removed my hand from her mouth, and she took a shaky breath.

“Who are you?” she asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and hope.

“Who I am doesn’t matter right now,” I said quietly. “What matters is getting you and the others out of here and putting an end to this.”

Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she just stared at me, as if afraid to believe what she was hearing. “Do you really mean it?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“Cross my heart,” I said softly, taking off my mask and giving her a gentle smile. Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out and hugged me tightly. I held her for a moment, letting her release the emotions she had been forced to suppress for so long.

When she finally let go, I noticed the collar around her neck that chained her to the wall. With a swift motion, I broke it off and helped her to her feet. “Wake the others quietly,” I instructed. “Tell them to stay calm and silent. I have two friends clearing out the other hideouts. We’re going to take you all somewhere safe.”

She nodded, wiping her eyes as she moved to wake the others. One by one, the captives stirred, confusion and hope flickering across their faces as they realized what was happening. As they woke, I freed them from their chains, helping them to their feet and guiding them to the door.

We made our way back down the corridor, everyone moving as quietly as possible. As we reached the latch I had entered through, I opened it and helped them drop down into the tunnel below, one at a time. Benimaru and Souei were waiting, each with their own group of freed captives.

“Three more,” I said softly. “Benimaru, stay here and guard them. Keep them safe. Souei and I will take the others and clear out the rest of the hideouts.”

Benimaru nodded, his expression serious. As I prepared to move on, I looked back at the captives huddled together, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and tentative hope. They had been through so much, but now they had a chance at freedom.

Moving deeper into the tunnel, I came across yet another latch. Focusing my senses, I scanned the area but detected no presence. With cautious confidence, I opened the latch and climbed up, finding myself in another hidden room, much like the ones before.

After locating the door, I checked for any signs of danger before slipping out into a dimly lit corridor. This time, I noticed guards patrolling the area. But the shadows were my allies. Using my shadow abilities, I melted into the darkness cast by the torches on the walls. Every guard that passed by met a swift and silent fate, pulled into the shadows where I dealt with them efficiently. My darkness swallowed them whole, hiding their bodies from view. As much as I craved to tear them apart with my claws and teeth, every takedown remained non-lethal—for now.

Once the guards were subdued, I encountered another door. Pushing it open, my heart sank as I was greeted by the same gut-wrenching sight: more slaves and prisoners. Ponies, griffins, and this time, a few minotaurs—most of them female. Among them were also demimonsters—specters, ice wolves, ogres, and lamias.

One lamia, in particular, caught my attention. She had dark red scales covering the snake-like half of her body, peach-colored skin, and pink hair. There was no mistaking it—this was Miia’s mother.

I approached her and gently shook her awake, frowning as I took in the bruises and scars marring her body, along with her malnourished state. Sadly, it was the same story for everyone else in the room.

When she opened her amber colored eyes and saw me, her gaze widened in panic. I quickly covered her mouth with my hand and made a calming gesture. “Take it easy,” I whispered. “I’m not here to hurt you. I’ve come with friends to help you all escape. We’ve already cleared out three of the hideouts.”

My words seemed to reach her, and she stopped struggling. “What’s your name?” I asked gently. At first, she hesitated, but eventually, she spoke.

“Miika. My name is Miika.”

“Nice to meet you, Miika. You can call me Sureiya.” She blinked in surprise. “I’ve heard of you,” she said. “Some of the guards spoke about one of their top lieutenants being brutalized by a creature of unknown origin and power.”

I smirked. “I guess my reputation spreads fast. Let’s get out of here.” I added, “Miia will be so happy to see you.”

Upon hearing her daughter’s name, Miika’s eyes widened in shock. She grabbed my shoulders, her voice trembling with hope and fear. “Miia? Is she… is she okay?”

“Yes, she’s safe,” I reassured her. “I met her and her group a few weeks ago. I’ve relocated them to a town in the Badlands called Klugetown. I’ve pretty much taken over the place and turned it into something a bit more… dignified.”

Miika’s shoulders relaxed as relief washed over her. “Now, let’s break these chains,” I said, snapping the restraints that held her. “Wake the others and tell them to stay quiet. Once everyone’s ready, we’ll regroup with my team.”

She nodded and roused the other prisoners, who were overjoyed to realize they were being rescued. Once the group was ready, we made our way back to the exit. Before leaving, I ensured that the unconscious guards were locked in the same filthy room that once held their prisoners.

As we regrouped with my team, I saw Souei approaching with his own group of rescued slaves. When my group arrived, both he and Benimaru stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening as they saw Miika.

“Miika? Is that really you?” Benimaru asked in disbelief.

Miika, confused, frowned. “Who are you?” she asked.

“It’s me, Benimaru,” he said, stepping forward and wrapping Miika in a warm but firm embrace.

“Wait, really? How do you look so different?” she asked, her voice laced with confusion as she took in his dramatically changed appearance.

“Yes, it’s really me,” he replied. “Thanks to Lord Sureiya, I’ve evolved from an ogre to a Kijin. Souei has too,” he added, gesturing toward his comrade.

“Lord Sureiya has done so much for us,” Souei chimed in, his tone filled with respect. “Since we met him, everything has changed for the better.”

I gave a brief nod, cutting the moment short. “Good. Now that this is settled, there’s one more left.” I turned my gaze down the final tunnel, my voice sharp with purpose. “Benimaru, Souei—watch over everyone. Once I return, we’re getting out of this place.” They nodded in unison, understanding the gravity of the situation.

I slipped into the last corridor, the weight of the mission heavy on my shoulders. Reaching yet another latch, I repeated my process—sensing for danger, ensuring the coast was clear before climbing up. The room was empty, but I knew it wouldn’t stay that way. Moving silently through the darkened corridors, I spotted more guards patrolling the area. This time, there were more of them, but it didn’t matter.

Using the shadows as my shield, I vanished into the darkness. One by one, I pulled the guards in, my darkness swallowing them whole before they even knew what hit them. With the path clear, I made my way to the final room. Picking the lock, I pushed the door open and immediately felt the familiar surge of anger building within me.

The room was filled with slaves, all asleep but clearly in terrible condition. Ponies, griffins, minotaurs and of course, more demimonsters —all of them showing the unmistakable signs of abuse both sexual and physical . Some had broken limbs, others were covered in bruises, their bodies frail from starvation. Worse yet, there were children among them, their small forms huddled together, shivering even in their sleep.

One of the prisoners caught my eye—a tall Arachne with purple carapace, white hair, and peach-toned skin. I recognized her immediately—this was Rachnera’s mother. Her condition was just as dire as the others—malnourished, her body marked with fresh bruises. I moved closer, but something stopped me in my tracks.

“I know you’re awake,” I called softly, not wanting to startle her. “Attacking me won’t help you, and it would be pointless. I’m here to help, not to hurt you.”

She shifted slightly, her six blue eyes snapping open and glaring at me with a mix of fear and fury. “Why should I believe you?” she hissed, her voice weak but still carrying the weight of her anger, her fangs bared in a defensive snarl.

I raised my hands in a gesture of peace. “I understand your distrust, especially after what you’ve been through. But I swear, I’m telling you the truth.” Just as I began to explain, footsteps echoed down the hall, followed by low voices. My eyes narrowed. “Play sleep and stay quiet,” I whispered before vanishing into the shadows.

Two guards entered the room, their faces hidden behind iron masks as they surveyed the sleeping prisoners.

“Man, something doesn’t feel right,” one of the guards muttered, his tone uneasy. “Feels like the place is emptying out.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed that too,” the other guard replied. “Ever since those slaves escaped, things have been weird. We need to stay sharp.”

But then, the first guard’s voice took on a darker tone, one that set my blood boiling. “I know how to make this night a little more fun, though,” he sneered, walking toward one of the young children. I watched in growing rage as he reached for her—barely more than a child, maybe ten years old. At first, I thought she was a pony, but then I saw the lower half of her body—a snake’s tail, covered in light pink scales. She had white fur and a light pink mane, her innocent face contorted in fear even in sleep.

The sight of his hand on her sent a surge of fury through me. My body tensed, my muscles coiled, and the shadows around me pulsed, ready to strike.

As the guard yanked the young girl by her hair, she let out a sharp, terrified yelp, jolted awake by the brutal sensation. Her deep blue eyes filled with panic and fear as she stared up at the man responsible for her torment.

Her cry pierced the silence, rousing the other prisoners. Despite their frail, battered condition, some struggled to their feet, their voices trembling as they demanded the girl’s release. But their protests fell on deaf ears.

With a twisted grin, the guard ignored them, forcing the helpless girl to the ground, his hands already reaching to undo his pants. The sickening intent in his eyes was clear, and that was the last straw. Before he could even finish his vile act, I surged forward, exploding from the shadows with a speed that barely registered.

My claws tore through their backs, slicing clean through muscle and bone, and erupted out of their chests. The sharp tips of my talons wrapped around their still-beating hearts, the warmth of their blood soaking my hands.

They didn’t even have time to scream. Just a faint gurgle as they turned their heads, their eyes wide in shock, mouths pooling with blood as their lives drained away. I held their hearts for a moment longer, feeling the last desperate beats before I ripped them free from their bodies.

As their corpses slumped to the ground, I stood over them, their blood dripping from my claws. I crushed their hearts in my grip, the sound of flesh and sinew tearing like wet paper. Without a word, I dropped the remains at my feet and spat on their lifeless bodies, disgusted by the filth they had become.

Walking over to the little hybrid girl, I noticed her staring at me, fear clear in her eyes. She nervously tried to slither away, her movements hesitant. I was amazed—she was a pony-lamia hybrid. Gently, I whispered, “Hey, I’m not going to hurt you, little one, I promise.” My words seemed to calm her, and she slowly looked up at me. “I won’t hurt you,” I repeated, trying to reassure her. Using the fire from my hands, I carefully burned away the blood covering them, hoping to show her I meant no harm.

“What’s your name, little one?” I asked softly. She hesitated before answering, “I don’t have one.”

Confused, I turned to one of the nearby female Minotaur slaves. “She was born here,” the Minotaur explained. “When a female slave is pregnant, they wait for her to give birth. Afterward, they dispatch the mother, and the child is raised to take her place when they’re older. It’s more than likely she never even knew her mother.”

Hearing that made me bristle with rage, but I forced myself to stay calm for the sake of the little girl in front of me. “Would you like me to give you a name?” I asked gently, reaching out to pet her head. She looked at me shyly, her eyes big and filled with innocence, before nodding ever so slightly.

“I think I’ll call you Nezuko,” I said with a smile. Nezuko was one of the cutest anime characters I had ever seen, and this little girl’s cuteness nearly matched her intensity, so the name seemed perfect. My heart nearly melted at the sweet smile she gave me.

“I like it,” she said softly, her voice filled with such sweetness and innocence that it could bring entire countries to their knees with its adorableness.

“My name is Sureiya,” I said, introducing myself not only to her but to the other slaves around me. “Yesterday, a group of slaves managed to escape from this horrible place and found their way to my settlement. When I learned what you were all going through, I couldn’t sit by and do nothing. I’ve come here with two of my top warriors to free you all. You’re the last group, and my team is waiting with the other freed slaves in the tunnels below. I promise, we’re getting you out of here.”

After making my declaration, I walked around, breaking and removing the chains and collars that kept everyone trapped. Just like before, I left the unconscious guards locked in the same room that once held their slaves like trophies.

As we made our way through the corridor, we caught up with the others. “Alright, guys, this is the last of them,” I said to Benimaru and Souei while holding Nezuko in my arms. She had decided she didn’t want to leave my side.

“Everyone, gather around!” I commanded, and once they were gathered, I charged my chimera energy , a giant crack of electricity sounding as we all disappeared, reappearing at the gates of KlugeTown. The guards, although alarmed at first, stood at attention. When they saw me, I ordered, “At ease, everyone. Get every last one of these folks inside, treat their wounds, feed them, and get them clothed immediately.” Without hesitation, they opened the gates and brought the now freed slaves inside. Altogether, I counted 115—mostly women, with some men. I had a few hang back with me, 5 ponies, 3 griffins and 2 ice wolves.

Looking down at Nezuko, I cooed gently, “Nezuko, sweetie, I need you to let me go for a minute.”

Her grip tightened on me, her tail wrapping around my arm as she clung to me for dear life. “Please don’t go,” she begged, her eyes watering with tears.

“I promise I’ll come right back. Just go with Mr. Benimaru for a few minutes, okay?” I reassured her softly.

With a hesitant nod, she finally let go of me and went with Benimaru, who looked at me curiously. “Where are you going?” he asked.

“I’m sending a message,” I growled, before teleporting all the way back to the underground hideout with my selected guests.

(3rd pov)

In the capital of Equestria, Canterlot, all seemed normal. The night had fallen, bringing an end to the day for most ponies. Shops and stalls were closing, some residents were readying for the rest they had craved all day, while others still had energy for late-night activities—drinking, partying, or frequenting the city’s nightclubs. To the ponies of the city, everything was peaceful. Or at least, that’s what they thought.

In the heart of Canterlot, six mysterious buildings stood, their true purpose unknown to most. Few ponies were ever granted entry into what was known as the “True Society Club,” a secretive establishment where only the wealthy and worthy could enter. Curiosity swirled around these buildings, but for most, they remained an enigma.

But tonight, no pony would ever learn its secrets.

Without warning, all six buildings erupted in a fiery explosion. The city was thrown into chaos. Guards swarmed the streets within minutes, civilians running in every direction, screams of terror filling the air. The night sky was illuminated by the flames, thick smoke blotting out the stars.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrived at the scene, both alicorns bewildered and filled with worry.

“What happened here?!” Celestia demanded, her eyes wide with concern for her beloved subjects.

“Put out these fires immediately!” Luna commanded, her royal voice booming over the panic.

Before the ponies could react, a voice echoed from within the flames.

“That won’t be necessary.”

Every head turned as a figure emerged from the blazing inferno, walking through the flames as if they were nothing. He was clad in armor as black as the night, shrouded in a hood and mask that concealed his face, save for the ominous glow of two piercing red eyes. His presence was like a shadow come to life, cold and unyielding.

“Hello, Princess Celestia. Princess Luna.” His voice was calm, yet powerful. “Allow me to introduce myself.”

The figure stepped forward, his very presence radiating menace. “My name is Sureiya Okumura. I’ve been waiting for this moment—our first meeting—face to face.”

Celestia’s rage flared at the sound of his name. “You’re responsible for this!” she screamed, her royal voice trembling with fury.

“Yes, I am,” Sureiya responded without hesitation, his voice unwavering. “But I did this for a very good reason.”

Luna, though equally furious, stepped forward with a measured tone, her eyes narrowing. “And what reason could justify this kind of destruction?” she demanded, her voice cold.

Sureiya’s eyes burned brighter as he spoke. “These buildings were nothing more than a front—covering up something far more sinister. Something your precious ponies have been doing right under your noses, and you were either too blind or too apathetic to notice. You’ve been so convinced that your little ponies are perfect that you failed to see the darkness festering beneath the surface.”

As Sureiya stepped aside, Celestia and Luna noticed a group of individuals behind him. Ten figures—five ponies, three griffins, and two of the monster races, ice wolves if memory served. But what struck the princesses was their condition. They were emaciated, malnourished, filthy, and covered in bruises. A sickening realization dawned as Celestia’s eyes narrowed on the ponies in the group.

“What did you do to my ponies?!” Celestia demanded, her voice cracking with fury.

“I didn’t do this,” Sureiya said with a cold edge to his voice. “Your own precious ponies did this to their own kind.”

“LIES!” Celestia screamed, her magic flaring in anger. But before she could unleash her wrath, one of the mares from the group stepped forward, her voice trembling but resolute.

“It’s not a lie!” she shouted, her voice cutting through the tension. “What he’s saying is true!”

Celestia recoiled, shock flooding her features.

“We’ve been suffering for so long, and you never noticed! So many of us were killed, locked up like animals, forced to serve those who thought they were better than us. You never did a damn thing about it!”

Another figure—a stallion—stepped forward, his voice hoarse from weeks, months, maybe even years of torment. “Some of us were trapped down there for what felt like a lifetime. Never once did we see the royal guard coming to rescue us. But Sureiya and his two non-pony companions… they saved us. As soon as he heard about our situation from those who escaped by sheer luck, he came to our aid.”

The stallion turned to Sureiya, his eyes filled with gratitude. “You’re Sureiya, right?” he asked, his voice soft.

Sureiya nodded.

“I’ve lost all faith in this kingdom… in its leaders. But you’ve shown me that there are those who care, even if they aren’t of the same race or species.” The stallion fell to his knees in front of Sureiya. “I will follow you.”

The others—ponies, griffins, and demi-monsters alike—followed his lead, bowing before Sureiya, pledging their loyalty to him.

The air was thick with tension. Celestia stood frozen, her mind racing as everything she believed was shattered. The truth, like a blade, cut deep, leaving her reeling. Luna’s eyes narrowed as she tried to process the magnitude of what had just unfolded. Sureiya stood tall, his red eyes glowing with a quiet intensity, the fires of the burning city reflected in his gaze.

“I did what you couldn’t,” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper but carrying the weight of an avalanche. “I saved them.”

Despite the undeniable truth before her, Celestia’s pride twisted her judgment, clouding her mind with denial. Her eyes burned with fury as she glared at Sureiya, her anger flaring like a tempest. “How dare you turn my ponies against me!” she screamed, charging at him with all the force of an enraged goddess.

But Sureiya didn’t flinch.

With swift precision, he caught her by the throat mid-charge and slammed her into the ground, the impact echoing like a thunderclap. Celestia’s breath was ripped from her lungs as the earth cracked beneath her, her regal form reduced to nothing more than a struggling figure beneath his grip.

“SISTER!” Luna screamed, her voice filled with desperation as she and the guards rushed to attack. But before they could close the distance, Sureiya unleashed a wave of pure, suffocating killing intent. It exploded outward like a tidal wave, crashing over the entire area. Instantly, most of the guards dropped unconscious where they stood. Those who remained collapsed to their knees, trembling, unable to even lift their heads.

Even Luna, as powerful as she was, staggered under the weight of his presence, gasping for air as the crushing pressure bore down on her.

“Disgraceful,” Sureiya muttered, his crimson eyes locking onto Celestia as she struggled helplessly in his iron grip. His voice dripped with contempt. “Even with the truth staring you in the face, you refuse to see reason.”

Then, his voice changed—becoming darker, more sinister, almost demonic.

“Wake up to reality, Celestia,” he hissed, his words twisting the air like venom. “Nothing goes as planned. You claim your kingdom stands for harmony and friendship, but that harmony only extends to those of your own kind. You preach unity, yet bring pain and suffering to anyone not fortunate enough to be born under your precious banner.”

Celestia gasped, her eyes wide with shock, but his grip only tightened.

“Understand this,” he continued, his voice now low and menacing, every syllable vibrating with dangerous power. “Your actions will bring destruction to your doorstep. Forces far beyond your comprehension will come knocking. And believe me, when that day comes… you do not want to open the door.”

He leaned in closer, his glowing red eyes burning like hellfire. “Because when you do, the only thing waiting on the other side…”

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in, then whispered with chilling finality:

“Is me.”

His last words struck like a dagger, each one delivered with calculated precision. “I am the one who knocks.”

“And with a crack of electricity, he vanished along with the others. But before disappearing, he waved his hand, snuffing out the fires, leaving Celestia utterly humiliated and disgraced.”