Four months had passed since the portal was closed. I had been roughly close to being six months within Equestria. I searched for ways to open the portal once again; but nothing ever seemed to work. I don't have enough power, and the slightest means to do so. I tried using learned spells, rituals; pretty much anything I could find to open it but all my efforts were wasted. Even if the door back to earth was brought back to life; Senior would no doubt definitely close it. I grew to resent my father and his actions; but that didn't keep me from performing my role, as a guardian.

During those four insufferable months, I kept my mind concentrated on roaming the plains of Equestria; to keep my thoughts in focus. Searching the lands for any signs of trouble, I hardly spent time at home. I hadn't shown up to the farm at all. I continued to feed the Hive; but the feeding was normal. Queen Chrysalis tried being affectionate; and I left her with no surprises as I continued to journey.

From The Badlands; to Vanhoover, Manehatten, to San Palomino Desert. I continued to travel these endless routes; only stopping to eat, sleep, and gather supplies. I didn't search for the remainder of Senior's gear; I didn't want it. I didn't need it. Celestia called me in for a meeting once asking why I haven't been around frequently. Leaving invitations, and unopened on my front porch. I told her that I was only doing my job, but inside; I didn't think I was worthy of anybody's time.

Time, its a funny subject. I once had a family, and with time; came Senior.

I was nearing Ponyville during my route. I was in need of supplies, and figured I'd get something quick to eat at Sugarcube corner; then be on my way. I stopped at a familiar stall, and was greeted by Ditzy. She looked surprised to see me at the stall. "Hey Dark! I haven't seen you in forever!" She leapt from the seat of her stall, and knocked me off my feet. As I landed on my back, I felt something I hadn't felt in quite a long time; Happiness. I was happy to see the lazy eyed mare before me.

"Hey there, Ditzy; how are you?" I asked.

"How am I?...How am I? How are you?" She nuzzled her snout into my neck affectionately, it put a smile on my face; to see that someone missed me this much. "Why haven't you been around town? It's been like, what...four months now?" She continued interrogating me.

"I'm just doing my job. I can't help others; if I'm just sitting here in Ponyville. So, how is everypony here?"

"Well, let me give you the short version. Twilight, and the girls have been looking for help with this pony named 'Moon Shadow', and the apple farm isn't in too good of shape; since the bright light. The cakes have been..." I quickly interrupted her.

"Bright light? What was it? When did it happen? Why wasn't I told about this?" I questioned.

"Umm, let me think..." She put her hand against her chin, and slouched in thought. "It...happened shortly after you left to the Badlands. Come to think of it; that's kinda around the same time the apple farm went sour!" The grey pegasus nodded,"Yup, that's exactly when it happened."

'Senior, I knew you were an ass, and hated these ponies; but really?' I thought to myself; it must have been him, for sure. "Well, I guess I could take some time off. You all seem to need the help." At that, Ditzy's eyes shot wide open, and a smile covered her face from ear to ear.

"Yay! We should hang out real soon! Wanna have a sleep over? We can stay up all night, eat muffins, pillow fight, eat muffins, tell scary stories, muf-" I covered her mouth, and nodded with a grin.

"Ok Ditzy, I'll sleep over." Her hug tightened around my neck. "Dit-Ditzy...Air...I need air..." She loosened her grip, slightly.

"Sorry, it's just that I'm so excited! Yay!" She let go from her hug.

After using Ditzy's services and supplying the journey, I went through with the day like it was any other; business like usual. Only one thing changed within the day. I was making my way to investigate Sweet apple acres; when a great explosion could be heard in the distance. I turned towards the direction of the sound, and ran down the street following the explosion. I finally arrived at a very familiar bar, Tolsa's Tavern. "Why the bar; Everytime?" I groaned.

I pushed past the wooden doors, and seen the coat of a very angry white alicorn. "Archimedes?" I called out.

"Dark? Is that you?" His anger seemed to subside; as he looked upon me. We met in the middle of the once again; shattered bar, and embraced each other with a hug. "Where in Equestria have you been? The last I seen you was when John came back. What was he even doing here, in the first place?"

We sat in the tattered bar; and talked, I honestly felt bad for the owners of this place. Arc, with his problems; but we all have them too, I guess. As we sat at the table, I told him about what had happened. Why he didn't see me around; why I couldn't stay in one spot for too long, and everything that Senior had done. Bringing these memories back up was spirit crushing. These memories were just constant reminders that I would never once again see my family. That I truly was alone.

"Dark, that...that's terrible. I am sorry." The ivory alicorn was lost in a daze of sadness. "But, you know what? You're not alone. You have me, you have all of us. What about Chrysalis? Did you forget about her? Not everything is a guarantee, in life. I was from other universes; other lives. You'll be alright." He smirked, as he slapped the back of my pauldron.

"I didn't tell anyone about her; how did you know?" I asked.

A smile covered his face, but sadness was still apparent on his muzzle,"I may not have known about the portal, and it's...damned secrets; but I, and many others know about you, and her. Go to her. You need her, and she needs you. More than you know."

"Ok, I'll set off in the morning. Right now, I have some ponies I need to help first. I'll catch you later, ok?"

"I'll be seeing you, till next time." I gave Arc an embrace, and began to set off.

As I made my way towards the apple farm; my mind reflected on Archimedes, Chrysalis, Ditzy, and every pony within Equestria. The relationships I built; with all of them. It made me feel less lonely, realizing they were my friends. I was needed here, and everypony seemed happy to see me. I felt like I've created something; my very own family.

I pushed my happy thoughts to the side; and I focused on what needed to be done. I continued my way to the farm, when it struck me. I thought to myself, 'Wait a minute, if the Elements are searching for this 'Moon Shadow'; Jack's probably with them.' I quickly turned step, and set my sights on the Everfree. 'Since this mare is luring ponies into the forest.

(Version 1.3(2022))
Minor corrections, misspells, paragraphs of tremendous size(downsized).
I hope you like the vamp, the blood takes time. Entertainment in my veins!
Keep it cool, xXCondemnedSoulXx.