With a courier sent to retrieve the other leaders of the guild, the night’s moon began to rise behind the horizon. The princess of the sun lead both her nocturnal sister and the guardian towards the dining room. “It’s been a long day, and I can tell that you must be weary Dark. Let us eat and I shall surrender you to the eastern wing of the castle for the night.” The dinner was good and hearty, but my lack of taste dulled the overall meal. As I anticipated, the night ahead would be a quiet one without my family and brothers, but they would be there within the next couple of days.

After spending a couple of hours looking through the castle library for a bit of outlandish adventures as I gazed through many books, I managed to find myself wandering out into the gardens. With the night sky loaming overhead and the light of the crescent moon cascading down upon the quiet castle, I felt at ease for a few tender moments. Though the war was approaching and the world we, the guardians, have long protected was being held within a delicate balance, something about the calming sensation of the warm night air and the luminous sky above helped ease the mind and heart.

I thought that I was alone in the gardens, but two pairs of voices could be heard from behind. After recognising the voices, I found them to belong to both Celestia and Luna. I took a more respective bow in the presence of the royals. Taking a bow before the princesses was an odd thing, for I have not truly bowed before. They always seemed to treat me as an equal, but tonight I needed to pay my respects. So willing they were to protect my family, something so meaningful must be returned in favor. With kind and gentle footsteps, Celestia spoke, “I see that you are still a creature of the night, but why are you still up?” She asked with a humble tone as Luna matched in step.

Taking a deep breath, I eased my way towards the two sisters, “Nothing to be worried about, my princess. There’s something about the night sky that always seems to calm my thoughts and allows me to focus on the little things I’ve taken for granted. Like the sweet air within a garden for example. If you’re constantly held from the world as you take on more responsibilities, you rarely have the time to enjoy these simple pleasures. The night air and the gleaming moon always remind me of home. Back on earth, I used to stare out into the infinite cosmos and think about life, my life to be exact. We were always in constant troubles.” I turned to stare at the moon for the last time that night, a subtle smile coming to my face as I thought of my family, Nicky and Jenns. “But with time, all troubles pass and then they become memories, fragmented from time to time but something to reflect on. Something to say that I was able surpass and carry on from. Here in Equestria, those problems seem so insignificant compared to these, it makes me think sometimes. When I’ve come to the age Senior reached before surrendering his banner down to me, will my son be ready to raise his blade to fight? I hope that before I surrender my banner, that the need for people such as me are no longer required. A time of peace, but with those like Senior, I know that will not happen. But he fights for a reason, he’s here for someone. But “Who” is the question. Who would impact him so much to return to a land he’s hated for so long?” I asked, in hopes of an answer.

“Dark,” called Luna, reaching out for her sister’s hand, “ These problems and questions are answered with time, solving this mystery within a night isn’t possible. But it doesn’t mean that the task at hand is impossible. With the oncoming war ahead, I see that you’re on edge but this is natural. We all are. Such news as this hasn’t been heard of in ages, and the stress of it all can weaken the mind into a harsh place. When the others arrive, then we can worry about the matter at hand.”

With the night coming to a close, I bid the princesses a good nights rest and retreated to the the east wing for the remainder of the night. My rest was more than clouded, but I took reassurance within the royals judgement and found a peaceful state of mind, slowly drifting into sleep.

The next morning, after having breakfast in the dining hall, I received word that a couple of my companions arrived early in the morning and were awaiting my presents within the throne room. I was more than eager to discuss the war, and end my restless thoughts. Making my way down the halls, through the winding castle, I finally arrived at the front doors of the throne room. Pushing the doors open, I found that Axton, Terra, Archimedes and Strife had arrived. Without the sign of Pyro nor Intell, I figured that they would arrive shortly.

Moments later, the others arrived and marched towards the rest of the group. “Sorry we’re late.” called Pyro, “It’s just the road, had no idea that you’d call us here. We were over in Dodge Junction looking for recruits. When the courier came with a letter, we hopped on a train the moment we got word. So, now that we’re here, what’s going on?” He asked, raising an eyebrow in intrigue. “More rewards? Hopefully at least.” A smile became apparent on his face as he wandered within this thoughts.

Looking to the group, I signalled for them to follow. I quickly lead them towards the war room as to distance our discussion away from the guards as to not cause a panic. Closing the door behind us, we sat around the circular table. “Alright.” I called to grab the attention of the guild leaders. “We have a major problem on our hands, Senior has returned to Equestria with a terrible cause in his mind. He wishes to bring war upon Equestria and its inhabitants.” I could see a twinge of worry on their faces, but found them more than prepared. We had been preparing for a tragedy such as this ever since we founded the guild, but I never wished to see it come true. “I was approached by Senior a couple days back, and he’s working with an unknown enemy. We don’t know who the leader of this new rising army is, nor why they wish to attack Equestria but we need to end this threat before it has the chance to start.”

“And? What are your thoughts, what are our roles?” Asked Arch.

“Archimedes, I want you to start take the princesses and the castle guards back to the guild. This way you can train both the new recruits and the royal guards further in their training. I ask that you protect the princesses along the journey, we don’t know if they have something planned.” I turned to face Pyro and Intell, “You two, I want you to go and find out more about our enemies, their leader and their plans.” Quickly turning to Strife, “And Strife, I want you to train up some spies, they’ll come in more than handy in that aspect as well. But for the time being, Pyro and Intell will suffice for now. Once your spies are trained, I have another job in mind for them but that can wait for now.”

“And what do we do?” Asked Axton and Terra in unison, “We just supposed to sit around?”

“I wasn’t finished yet, you two I want working together. Terra is going to forge the ancient guild armor sets and prepare our recruits and guardians, as well as the royal guards. Both Solar and Lunar guards. As for Axton, I want you to enchant these armor sets to protect our warriors as much as possible.”

Slamming his hand down on the table, the hazel stallion stood to his hooves, “That’s a pretty big order to fill. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but the mana to cast enchantments does take time to recharge, and by the time I’ve finished, the war could already be over!” I could see the anger within his gaze.

“Before you get upset, the Clover family’s diamond crystal is within the guild base. You can use the power and magic harnessed within to aid you with your task. All you need to do is find a way to access the crystal’s power and you’re set.” I sat down, contemplating my own role, it would be no easy task, but it needed to be done.

“And what are you going to do?” Asked Pyro.

“Me, I’m going to go to the Gryphon kingdoms, the Badlands, and also the Hive to see if they’ll help with the war. Hopefully they will, but I’m not sure if it’ll go well. But I’m going to take my family to a protected location.”

Terra took note, “But what about Chrysalis? If you’ve sent for her, how is she to inform her armies to prepare for this?”

“I don’t know, but I live in hope that her generals will see things our way. It also helps being their Queen’s husband.”

“Not the most solid of plans, but it’ll have to do for now. I really wish you’d thought of this earlier, it could have played out much simpler than this.” Terra smirked, rolling his eyes.

“I get it, let’s just... let’s just be serious here. Now, back to the task at hand. Ok, I’ll go to the other kingdoms and attempt to convince them in joining our cause.”

With a bit of a chuckle, Pyro stated, “Yeah, that’s gonna to be fun. Asking three separate kingdoms to help fight against an unknown army. Well, if we’re done here, we’ve got some work to do.”

I looked to the group, “Alright, you know what you need to do. Report back here once you’ve completed your tasks and then we’ll hash out the rest of the details.”

With a brisk moment, everyone stood, Pyro throwing his hand into a salute. “Yes general!” A smirk coming to his face, “Nah, I’m just kidding.” As everyone began leaving the room, I could hear the flaming maned stallion call out, “Could you imagine if I was like that? I’d be like, “Whoa guy, calm down!”.” A loud cackle escaping his lips.

We exited the war room, and after a couple hours time, the only soul left within the empty throne room of the castle was me. I awaited for my family, in hopes of their arrival. It felt like an eternity since I last seen of them, or seen a little glimpse of my wife’s gorgeous smile. Or my beautiful daughter, taking after her mother. How proud I’ve become of my son, how he took on the role of a guardian so willingly. Fear was always a constant worry for me, but he was a strong boy with a good heart.

Moments later, I heard a voice calling from the doorway, “My love, we’re here. You’ve sent for us?” asked the lovely ebony queen. I turned to face her and saw both my son and daughter, Bluemoon in his recruit uniform and Horizon in her radiant dress.

Smiling with a light heart, I spoke, “Yes my love, I’m taking all of you somewhere I know you can be safe. Regardless of what is to come in the oncoming days ahead. We’re traveling to the Badlands, and I’m going to leave you all in the care of the Draconic Kingdom.”

Bluemoon stood forward, curious of my speech, “But what are you talking about exactly? What’s going to happen?”

I looked to him, a bit of fear choking my breath away. “Son, you and your sister are adults now, and you deserve to know the truth. A terrible thing is going to happen, and all I wish to see is you all safe. War has come to Equestria, followed by your grandfather. He aids an unknown enemy and it is our job to stop them.”

“If war has come, then I should fight! Why am I to be cooped up behind a wall of safety while my friends and family die? This isn’t right!” He exclaimed. Furious by my statement.

“You’re not ready! You’ve only just joined the guild, and your training isn’t complete. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You’re my son!”

“You’ve been training me since I was strong enough to hold a blade, I’ve already impressed Archimedes on my first day of training, why am I any different the other guardians!”

“Fine! If you want to be another frontline casualty, then be my guest! Here!” I unsheathed my sword and tossed it to the ground. It slid a few feet before stopping by his hooves and I watched as he gazed down at it. “I’m asking you to do something that most of the other guardians would ask for in a heartbeat. The heat of battle isn’t a beautiful thing. You’re not fighting for honour or glory, you fighting for your life, the lives of your brothers and sisters. You’re fighting for your countrymen, but if you wish to throw your life away just because I’ve given you a bit of knowledge, then pick up that sword!”

“I don’t see why you’re getting ang..”

“I said pick it up! I don’t want to watch my son die, but if this is something you wish to do, then do it. If you wish to do some actual good, then stay and protect your mother and sister. I would if I could, but I’m needed in battle. When I first joined, I wasn’t looking for fights, I was looking for a way to bring peace. It’s been a long twenty years, but I fight because I have to. Not because I chose to.” I watched as his face turned into a saddened state, his body hunching over in defeat and his aura shifted.

“Dad!” Cried Horizon, “Stop this, I know you’re angry but you need to stop this fighting! Before this gets too out of hand, let’s just go!” she stomped.

I couldn’t break my gaze away from Bluemoon. I couldn’t tell if it was anger, nor fear that held my sights but one thing was for certain. I feared for my son’s well-being more than ever.

“Dark! Now!” Yelled Chrysalis. I stook my head, attempting to regain my thoughts. Taking a few calming breaths, I lead my family out of the castle and down to the Canterlot train station. I requested for a private car, and received the caboose. The plan was to get off at Dodge Junction and grab a cart the rest of the way, but finding a willing driver to travel into the Badlands would prove difficult.

Passing through Ponyville, I couldn’t help but worry about my son. I stood from my seat beside the ebony queen and sat across from Bluemoon. “Son, I know how you’re feeling but just see this from my view. You’re my son, and I don’t want anything to happen to you. I love you son.”

He gazed at me for but a moment with disheartened eyes, then turned his head and stared out the window. “Dark, just... leave me alone.” I felt my heart sink below my stomach and I could feel his resentment.

I slowly stood to my feet and looked to Chrysalis, “My love...” I took a shaken breath, “I’ll be back. I’m just going to grab some air.”

“I’ll come with you, love.” She stood as well and we exited the car with a sorrow filling my heart.

Perspective Change: Bluemoon’s Crescent.

I could feel my anger flowing, but I dared not to show it. There was a battle at hand and my father was leaving me behind. I’ve always wished to fight by his side, and I’ve trained most of my life, but how was this any more than treating me as a child? As the car door closed behind my father and mother, I couldn’t help but groan. Horizon came and sat beside me.

“Blue, I know you want to do this, but we’re family. I can tell that father’s looking out for you as much as he is with us, but you and I know that he’s not doing this because he’s angry, it’s because he’s scared of losing you.” Placing her hand on my shoulder, she looked into my eyes with a saddened stare. “I know that both mother and I don’t wish to lose you either.”

I lightly brushed her hand away, “That’s not the point. It’s the fact that he doesn’t trust me. He still thinks that I’m not ready, but I’ve been more than prepared for a long time. He’s always treating me as a child, even at the fortress while he was introducing me to Archimedes. I could feel that he didn’t want me there. He feels that I’m not ready. How am I supposed to show that I’m more than capable when he won’t even give me the chance?” I exclaimed, huffing at the thought.

“Well show him. Show that you’re capable of listening to orders. He wants you to stay in the Dragonic Kingdoms to protect us. He’s trying to give you a chance to prove your worth, but you keep throwing it in his face.”

“Was it throwing it in his face when you got sick when we were kids, and he couldn’t make the trip to get Zecora from the Everfree because of the Stalliongrad incident? It took me four days to get back, not to mention the fights I had to go through just getting to her hut. I proved then that I can both fight and take care of myself. I was ten, and now that I’ve become of age and that the guild is more than willing to accept me, he feels that my safety is a concern!” I stood to my hooves and began to pace back and forth through the car.

Taking a stand as well, she looked at me with a fierce gaze, “This is much different! This is war we’re talking about, not playing courier! I do thank you for what you did, but the matter is completely irrelevant! War is not a game played by the inexperienced, it’s fought by warrior’s to save our way of life!”

Stopping in place, I felt a rage take over me. Something snapped within my brain and without hesitation, I glared at my sister and screamed, “That’s not the point! You’re still not getting it! You’re no better than Dark or mother, neither of you understand what it is to feel restricted! I want to live in the freedom I was promised, but I’m always being held back by all of you!”

She ran at me, raising a hand and slapped my cheek with an intense feat of strength, “How dare you! Is that what you think? Do you think that we, your family, are the ones holding you back? And what do you know of restriction? You’re free to wander around aimlessly for hours on end from Mystic Mountain to the far reaches of the Badlands, while I’m trapped within the Hive! But I know this is for good reason, I know what my responsibilities are to my kingdom, to my people. I know that if I were to perish out as I wandered the countryside, that when I am to take the role of Queen, my kingdom would lose their leader. A leader is required for the Hive, just as a guardian is required to protect the lands of Equestria! We all have our roles to play, mine is to replace mother when my time has come, just as you are when father passes his role to you! Though you’re of age, you’re acting too much like child.”

I glared at my sister, feeling a sense of hatred stronger with each passing second. “What if I don’t want to replace Dark? What if I wanted something different? How is he to determine how I live my life? He may be my father, but we clearly don’t know each other as much as I thought. I’m leaving, and I’m going to find my own way. He can find another replacement, I’m done living this way.” I grasped firmly on the emergency brake and tugged it down, the train coming to a screeching halt. My sister stumbled over and fell to the ground. As I exited the train and spread my wings, I heard her call out to me, but I had already made up my mind. I took flight and left unnervingly, unafraid of what was to come. Weather I perished in the vast unknown future or thrived, I didn’t care. I needed to leave, I needed to find my own way. Without my family.

Perspective Change: Darkmoon’s Crescent.

Closing the car door behind us, we walked through the cramped halls of the train as I tried finding a way to calm my son’s thoughts about the war. He needed to see that I was only trying to protect him, I feared for his safety more than Horizon or Chrys, for they are constantly under the protection of the Hive’s guards. I wanted him to understand, but he takes after his father’s stubbornness. I stopped halfway down the second car, and looked to my wife.

“How am I going to show him that I care, that I want him to grow to be strong but he won’t let me.” I placed a loosely clenched fist over my mouth, choking out shaken breaths. “He’s not even calling me his father, but referring to me by my first name. I know that it’s hard for me to show my true feelings, but I shouldn’t have yelled like him like that at the castle. I was just afraid. He’s not a young prince that I knew him to be, but now has become a man. All I want for him is to be ready before he’s put into a real fight, but he’s too eager. He wants to prove himself, but a war is not the time!”

My ebony love grasped my hand with hers, entwining our fingers around each other. “I know what you’re feeling. But you need to learn that Blue is a man now, capable of making his own decisions. I don’t want him to fight in the war anymore than you do, but with the help of the guardians, the other kingdoms...” quickly placing her lips against my cheek, kissing me like she used to as we did as young adults, she smiled warmly. “And with the protection of his father, I know that he’ll be safe. You should talk to him, give him this chance to prove himself. I’m sure this will turn out just fine.”

I gazed into her eyes with a twinge of worry, but took reassurance within her words. “You’re right, I’ve been treating him like a child, almost fragile to the touch but if I don’t give him the room he requires to grow, how am I to consider myself a father?” Just as we began making our way towards the caboose, the sound of screeching metal rang through the air as the train came to a sudden halt. We stumbled but balanced out as we clung to the walls. The sounds of my daughter calling out for Bluemoon could be heard from our car. I quickly gazed out the window and watched as Bluemoon began to take flight. “Bluemoon! What are you doing?” I cried.

I was about to chase after him until Chrysalis grabbed hold of my arm, “Dark! I know what you’re thinking. But he needs this time to assess his thoughts!” She turned my head and made me face her. “I don’t want him leave as much as you do, but he’ll be ok. I know he will. He’s just like his father, stubborn to prove himself.”

The pounding of my heart, the rushing of my thoughts and the quickened breaths kept me on edge, until my love wrapped her arms around me. I could feel my heart snapping in two. I embraced her within my arms and watched as Blue flew away. “Just.. just like his father..”

Author's Note

Though the chapter's not as long as I promised, I'm still warming up and working towards that goal. It was fun writing and I hope you have fun reading.
Thanks to AhugeAcidTree for proof-reading for me once again, and I leave you with my final thoughts.

..What?

Keep it cool, Condemned.