A sense of emptiness washed over Darkmoon as he watched his son fly off into the distant horizon, Chrysalis holding to him just as broken. The strength he needed to listen to her comforting words, telling him that Blue needed to forge his own path and discover himself. Since the abandonment of his father to the lands of Equestria, this was a far more than familiar feeling. He only wished that on his travels, that his son would stay safe. Even if he wasn’t there to aid in such a cause.

They rejoined Horizon in their cart at the rear of the train, silent and waiting as the twists and turns lead them towards the Canterlot train station. Not a word was spoken from the broken guild master as his thoughts still linger upon his son’s departure. Chrysalis and Horizon attempted a few good times to comfort the somber warrior, but to no avail.

Slowly lifting his head from the slouch he’d set himself in, “What good am I if I can’t converse with my own son without him... Leaving.” His brow slopped as a lone sigh escaped his breath. “What kind of father am I?” He exclaimed, “Am I becoming the one whom I’ve resented for so long? Am I becoming my own father?” His thoughts lingered and festered in his mind as the train began to pull into the station.

Coming to a halt in the station, the family began to exit the train. Stepping out and on to solid ground once again, Dark looked to the sky as it began to darken as the clouds rolled in. The smell of wet ground, the rumble of the clouds and the gust of the winds were enough to set Dark’s blood to boil. He spoke, “Looks like rain, and you can...” He ground his teeth together, creating a chalky grind, “You can feel the electricity in the air.” Clenching his fists into tight wads, a numbing sensation overtook both his hands and feet.

In the Distance, he noticed a messenger which appeared to be aimed for their location. Following quick in step, Darkmoon and his family met with the courier. Once they finally met, he seemed to be out of breath as he huffed in quick repeated patterns. Clearly exhausted, the messenger held the conversation to a minimum. He tiredly raised his hand and held out a message. Taking hold of the note, Dark read it aloud:

“Dark, you know who I am, and we need to talk. Meet me on the edge of the Badlands. I have somethings to explain to you, and I do not care if you listen but a loved one’s life is at stake. Come alone or don’t come at all.”

He looked to the messenger and asked, “When did this arrive?”

“Minutes ago, I have relayed the message to Celestia and she wishes to wait on your order on how we are to proceed.” Fragmented breaths escaped his lips until he finally managed to catch his breath. “What are your orders sir? Shall I warn the other guild members?” He asked.

Placing the message at his side, Dark became lost in thought. A sense of worry overcoming him at the thought of his son, had he been captured? Was this an attempt of getting him to surrender? Looking to the courier, he ground his teeth, “You read the message.” Gesturing towards Chrysalis and Horizon, he continued, “Take my wife and daughter to the castle and keep them there until I return. No one follows me until I come back, a precious life may be at stake, and I don’t wish to see anyone die today.” He was requested to come alone, and alone he would be.

“What do you think he means? Could be be talking about Blue? Father, you need to save him!” Horizon’s brow sank as she grasped on his wrist, worried for the fate of her brother.

With a reassuring glare, Dark looked to the skies once more and nodded. “Don’t worry. Nothing is going to stop me from getting Blue back.” Gently pulling away from his daughter, Darkmoon spread his wings and took to the air with a single push of his wings, disappearing in the clouds.

He shot like a bat out of the deepest pits of hell south-east of the castle towards the far reaches of the Badlands, the air thickened by clouds, dampening his attire. Never before had he pushed his body to such limits in fear of his sons capture. It wasn’t until passing Dodge Junction did another fear take hold, one that chilled him to the very core of his heart. He feared that the old man had his talons dug into his son’s heart, conveying his stories to convert Bluemoon onto their side of the battlefield. Rage began to push his body to a breakpoint, accelerating his heart and wing beat.

Coming over the red, jagged grounds of the Badlands desert, Dark slowed his speed and came in for a landing. Resting his wings, a numbing and burning sensation emanated off his back. But now was not the time for idle pain, he needed to get to the meeting, to cease his thoughts. Inspecting the area in search of his target, he found no soul in sight. An attempt most fruitless with the desert heat narrowing his vision. Pushing forward, he continued to scope out the area, in hopes of finding Senior and not his son. After a few minutes of searching, he caught sight of two silhouettes standing in the distance. He called out to them, but received no response as a sense of worry began to wash over him.

Without thinking, he rushed ahead. Pushing past his conscious thoughts in hopes of seeing his son safe. Just as he was about to call out a second time, a mind-breaking sensation took hold of his body, draining all forms of power, leaving him weak and powerless. Falling to his knees, Darkmoon looked to the figures as an ominous cackle sounded nearby.

“Welcome.”

Author's Note

Well then, I hope you enjoyed my simple writings and I'll look to see you in the next chapter. It's been awhile.

Welcome.

Keep it cool, Condemned.