The sky was a chalky, pale grey tint as the clouds rolled over and consumed the skies above. The two of us, Archimedes and myself managed to find shelter underneath the cover of a small cavern. The stalactites hung from the ceiling as small droplets of water leaked down and danced across the stone floor. As I made the campfire, Archimedes dug through his pack and pulled out small portions of food. It wasn’t an impressive amount, but enough to fuel our bodies for the time being.

With the fire made and our bodies shielded from the rain outside, I looked to the Alicorn across the firepit. “So, have any questions?” I asked.

“Well to start with, what was with that ending? I know the story didn’t end there. Did you forget something, or what?” Arch looked more confused than anything, but that was to be expected. I cracked a slight smile and leant back, resting against the palms of my hands.

“Arch, like I said before, the story didn’t end there. We just needed to find some shelter from the rain, and maybe even for the night. But now that we have, I can hopefully finish the story. Once it’s done, you need to get back to the palace and report to Celest and Luna. The others should already be there but if they aren’t, wait until they return. And just remember a couple things before I get into the story. One, you still remember why it is we fight, don’t you?” I asked.

“To protect those that can’t protect themselves, even if it is from themselves.”

My faint smile grew just a little wider as he uttered his words. “That’s right. Just remember that. Secondly, I need you to remember one last thing. I’m sorry. It’ll all make sense later. But for now, let’s get this story on with.” I closed my eyes and tried to bring my past memories back to the present.

We lived in a peaceful time, the disputes between the changlings and the equines of Equestria were a distant memory of the past. The guardians patrolled the lands, keeping the peace and protecting those in need. As for the guild itself, it had managed to earn quite the title for itself, and we were always accepting those who would join to further our cause. With the calm of peace, the changling queen Chrysalis’ family grew stronger with each passing year. Terra Firma had become a mighty blacksmith and a master of his art. Archimedes continued to train the guild’s recruits, honing their skills to the best of their abilities. Axton and Strife, with their talents combined, fortified the grounds with mighty defences and creating new means of transportation throughout the land. As for Pyromancer and Intell, they continued to scout through the lands, in search of both recruits and interesting artifacts that could possibly aid the guild.

But Darkmoon had another thing on his agenda. Family.

“Come on dad, we’re going to be late! You know it’s my first day, and I can’t wait to get there! Pick up the pace, I’m dying of old age here!” Cried out the changling prince, Bluemoon.

“I’m coming, just calm down. Are you sure you’re willing to do this? Wouldn’t you rather stay here? Protected and out of harms way in the safety of the castle?” I asked.

“You know I’ve always wanted to do this, with all the trips you’ve taken me and Horizon on. And Uncle Pyro says that I would be good for it, come on! Trust me, please!” He begged. I pulled myself off the comforts of the bed, and away from the sleeping beauty beside me. I edged myself to the side of the bed and planted my feet on the ground, taking a deep yawn as I did so. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and looked to my son.

“Well, better not keep them waiting. Go, get your stuff and I’ll start getting ready.”

As Bluemoon got his gear ready for travel, I took a quick shower and got myself dressed and ready for the meeting. After I finished off my shower, I dried off and retrieved my gear off a mannequin and gotten dressed. Once again, I’d be slipping on a my guardian armor and guild master cloak. Once everything was properly fitted to my aging body, I made my way out of the bedroom and down to the front doors of the castle. There I found my little prince eagerly waiting, packed and ready to go. “Alright kid, let’s get a move on. We’ve only got a little ways to go, but it’s most likely going to take a bit of the day to get you set up there.” I told him, warning him beforehand.

“Alright! Let’s get going!” He strapped on his backpack and we began treading up to mountain pass, up towards the only place I didn’t want to be heading. The guardian’s headquarters. Sure, it sounds like a good idea that my own son wants to join the guild and help protect others, but then again, he is my son. If something were to happen to him, I would never forgive myself. But it’s not decision that I can make, for he’s a man now. He can choose for himself, even if it’s against my own choices. It only seemed like a few years since him and his sister were born, but now they’re adults, fully grown and making their own decisions. Bluemoon being twenty and his sister eighteen. I returned to reality as I set my eyes on the fortress ahead, three recruits patrolled the grounds as four guarded the entrance.

“Dark, it’s nice to see you. You’ve got quite the busy day ahead of you. Archimedes wishes to see you and your son, when you have the time that is.” Called one of the guards. I gave a smile and nodded.

“Alright, tell him that I’ll speak with him in ten minutes and I’ll be waiting in my office.” I waved off the guard and he took his leave to give word to the alicorn.

“What do you think it’ll be about?” Bluemoon asked with his eyebrow raised. I turned to the prince and shrugged.

“Knowing Arch, it could be just about anything. But I’m having this raising feeling that it’ll be about you.” I told him. I myself hadn’t the slightest clue as to what it could be about, but my guesses were usually right.

We strode through the front gates and made our way through the training grounds. Bluemoon’s eye continuously weaved around as he searched the fort. “This place is amazing!” He exclaimed.

I looked to him as I continued walking,“Well, this is where you’ll be training, working and patrolling for the next couple weeks. Once Archimedes is sure that you’re ready, we’ll give you your first field mission. But until then, you’re stuck here.” His eyes darted around until he found a couple of interesting female guardians resting on a bench nearby. I could tell that I was losing his attention, so I gave a little cough and managed to catch it once more. “Son?”

“Yeah?”

“Just.. just be safe. Remember, training comes first.”

“Ye..yeah.” His eyes settled on me and he gave a faint smile and a nod. “Don’t worry dad. I’ll do my best.”

“I know you will. Now then, let’s get to this meeting.”

Author's Note

Hot Damn it's been awhile, but now that I'm stable once again, I thought it'd be a good enough time to continue writing the story. Hope you're enjoying it so far! And thanks for reading.

Keep it cool, Condemned.