Way of the Sword (MCSM story)

Prologue

"Jesse... this Nether star was all that remained when the Wither Storm was destroyed."

Ellegaard ceremoniously handed him the purple withered Nether star and pointed toward the amulet-shaped platform next to them.  "Would you please do the honors?"

Jesse, the slayer of the monstrous Wither Storm, took the star and walked up to the center of the platform.  Promptly, he placed the star on top of the small purple glass pedestal.  

The withered star began to spin.  Slowly at first, then it spun faster and faster until it became a purple blur.  

Then, a purple beam of light shot into the air, as did the red, green, white, and cyan ones around it, heralding the rise of new heroes.

Gabriel took out the Amulet of the Order of the Stone, raising it into the air.

"My friends, I am pleased to present to you..."

The warrior paused, holding the amulet out to Jesse.

This is our time, Jesse knew, as he took the amulet in his hand.  The torch is passed. 

"... the new Order of the Stone!" proclaimed Gabriel.

Jesse raised the Order's Amulet triumphantly into the air, bringing an endless wave of cheers from the crowd before him and his friends.

And so it was that a new Order of the Stone was born: Jesse, Petra, Axel, and Olivia.  Lukas also earned a place in the Order, though he chose to stand to the side as an honorary member...

As Jesse lowered the amulet, his gaze once again rested on the polished diorite memorial past the crowd.  One of the last reminders of his best friend and the greatest pig and companion ever known.

Reuben...

Only Petra noticed that Jesse's face was falling.  Axel and Olivia were still too busy basking in their triumph and rise to fame.  

"Jesse, you okay?" Petra asked.

Jesse did his best to nod, but Petra seemed unconvinced.  

She glanced over at Reuben's memorial, realizing that was the cause for Jesse's sadness.  She laid a hand on his shoulder and said softly, "I'm sorry, Jesse.  I know it's hard."  

Petra took a deep breath before she continued, "He gave his life so that we could still live.  I'm sure he would've been proud to know the world is saved." 

Jesse nodded, managing a smile once more.  "Thanks, Petra," he replied.  "That means... that means a lot to me, you know."

Petra smiled back in response, realizing only a second later that she was trying to hide a blush.  A week ago, she would've found Jesse odd and annoying, but now here she was, seeing Jesse as... as a friend?

Gabriel and Ivor led the New Order away from the crowd.  There was much for the Order to learn about being the new heroes in town.

But it was far from over. 

Many things lay in store for the new heroes of this world.  Danger always lay ahead. 

And the heroes needed to be ready.