Persepective Change: Darkmoon’s Crescent.

After I exited the tavern, stressed from the meeting I held with my father, I needed to find a resting spot for the night. My eyes grew heavy and my mind drawing dimmer as the darkened cloud hid the moon from sight. The time was much too late to bother the two tired souls within the library, and Miss Rarity needed her rest. With this in mind, I set up camp just outside of Ponyville and began unrolling my bedroll. Laying underneath the skies, without the calming sight of the stars above, an unsettling sensation rolled throughout my body. What was to become of the next meeting? Was Equestria, or the Guild ready for such a war? I held faith in my brothers and sisters of the guild, but casualties within towns and cities could sky rocket. We didn’t know what we were up against, and this troubled me deeply. But if there’s one thing to be certain, with my father’s help, this war could worse than imagined.

The fatigue finally got to me, causing me to fall into deep sleep. Lost within the thoughts that course through my head.

I stood alone within the valley, my brothers and sisters coating the wet ground with a thick layer of blood. The very sight of them tears away at my morale, slowly edging me towards madness. The thick sea of red comes to knee height, a stirred mix of the enemies and ours. I look side to side, in hopes of finding my crew, but none were to be seen alive. They lay scattered around the battlefield, unmoving and stiff. Pyro, Terra, Axton, Strife and Archimedes, fallen brothers and leaders of the Guild. The sight was much too painful to bear, I looked ahead to catch a dark silhouette of a man standing atop a hill, gazing down at me. I knew it was him, there could be no other. Without a second thought, I dashed forwards. Pushing my body faster, I didn’t stop to think about the blood surrounding me. I fell face first, a thick coating lining my mouth as I coughed up blood that was not my own. Try as I might, I couldn’t seem to escape the grasp of the warm, red liquid as it forced me still, keeping only my head above its surface. Once again, I looked to the figure, but it was not alone. Formations of shadowy figures surrounded him, seeming to be cheering him on.

Slowly, he proceeded down the hill. Making it evident that he was coming for me. Unsheathing his blade, he set it to his side as he approached me. I could see a devilish grin stretch across his face as his eyes met with mine. “Your guild has fallen, and it seems that you have too.” He looked to the ground and rubbed the back of his darkened neck. “It’s a shame really, I thought it would have been a little more ‘difficult’ than it was. But it just goes to show you, without a proper leader, the guild is nothing. Now, it is time to end this once and for all. It was nice knowing you while it lasted...” The figure rose his blade into the air and I could only watch as his eyes grew red and his voice boomed, “My Son!” As the blade made impact, a flash of light came.

I gasped for air as I flung myself forward. With a rapid succession of panting, sweat beamed down my forehead as I sat myself upright. I looked side to side, examining the landscape around me. Ponyville in the near distance and I sat within my campsite. “It was... just a... dream.” I spoke through half breaths. I thought to myself, ‘We need to prepare. For anything. Whatever that was, a vision or nightmare, it told some truth. We need to ready.’ I stood to my feet and began packing up the camp. After it was finished, I began my way to the castle.

I thought that if I were to head there, I would be able to ask the princesses to watch over my family for me. Though they’re separate kingdoms, we would need to work together to win this oncoming war ahead of us. With little effort, I strapped my pack around my waist and took to the skies.

Some time had passed and I was once again in front of the glistening palace of Canterlot. “Darkmoon, it’s nice to see you again.” Called the Guard at the front gate. I looked to him and shot a grin. “You visiting the palace at your leisure, or is it on business?” He asked, lifting his eyebrow in interest.

“It’s a matter of business, may I enter?” I questioned.

“If you wish.” He signalled for his fellow knights to open the gate, and that they did. I marched through and proceeded towards the throne room of the palace. As I finally arrived at my destination, I gently pushed the golden doors open and could see the princesses of day and night sitting within their thrones. From a distance, I could see that they were presiding over a case of some sort.

Celestia stood from her throne and smiled to the pony that stood before her. “I’m sorry that I can’t solve this particular ‘problem’ but there are many things around Equestria that could help with it. Journey around, I’m sure you’ll find something to help.”

A small lime green stallion stood before her, doned in armor that seemed to be foreign to this land, a small design embedded into the metal work. From a distance it was hard to make out, but it seemed to be a design of three golden triangles. One was etched into his helm, two on his chest piece, and one on each one of his greaves. He let out a large sigh and spoke, “Alright. I’ll just be heading back then.” He bowed to the princesses and bid them farewell.

I was about to intervene on the strange guard’s request until he confronted me personally. “Man, I am SO bored... Things would sure be more interesting if there were more... troubles in the world...” He lightly brushed his left hand across his chin in thought for a moment. “But hey, that’s just between you and me, Ok? Anyway, maybe I can let off some steam by breaking some jars.” And with that, the strange guard took his leave.

“Huh.” I shook my head at the thought of what his request could have been and continued towards the center of the room. “Luna, Celest.” At this the princesses nodded towards me and smiled.

“Ah, Darkmoon. It’s been awhile since we last saw of you. What may we be of assistance?” They questioned in unison.

“I come here to deliver terrible news, dear princesses.” I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts and focus on what I needed to say.

“What news do you bring?” Luna asked, concerned as to what it could be.

I cleared my throat and took a deep breath before exhaling, “We’re at war.”

Author's Note

There you are, and here I am! New Chapter and feeling pretty good with life in general. Hope you all enjoyed the read and if you picked up on what the reference was, drop your guess in the comments below. Times of War are ahead of us, are you ready to fight alongside your brothers and sisters of The Guild? Or will you lower your blade to aid an unfamiliar side? Only time will tell. Are you ready to be a hero?

Keep it cool, Condemned.