I made my way through the long dim lit hallway, and I noticed a group of five changlings behind a barricade of shelves, ammo cases and boxes. I loaded a fresh clip into the M19 and crept over standing staring at them, gunsight stranded towards them.

Catching me in their glances; they shout, “Toss the gun to the side, and lay on the ground with your hands behind your head!” One of the changlings demanded of me.

“I could say the same to you.” I replied.

They aimed their M4 Carbines at me, as I focused my sights. “Down or we’ll shoot!” The same guard called out. I could barely muster the strength to keep my wrist from trembling from the tearing muscles. A little tapping could be heard further down the hall coming towards us, but like a clacking of hooves over cement.

“I’d personally deem these actions reckless, you do realize you’re facing a Guardian, don't you?” called out a familiar figure gracefully walking down.

“Who the hell is this guy? And how the hell did he get inside the base?” Asked one of the guards.

“Allow me to introduce myself, you may call me Archimedes. It's been a pleasure meeting you all, but my friend and I would like to leave this dreadful place to be somewhere more... how would you say it..”

“Now is not the time for this Archimedes, I have to go now!” I yelled.

“Some place swarming with beauties and beverages, rather than depressive thoughts soaked in piss from 'Swamp Bottom Well'. I'm sorry for trying to keep things pleasant, Dark.” The white stallion replied.

“Wait, what the hell? None of you slugs are leaving this place!” The group of changlings took their aim, between the two.

Time unfortunately was not on my side and I had to get out of here, so I drew back the hammer and pulled the trigger. Quick as the round shot, so did many fragments of skull and bursts of blood coating a shelf. “Get ‘em!” cried one of the guards. The sound of bullet casings dancing across the cement floor and the echoing of gunfire chiming throughout the hall, I quickly dashed behind a cover of a nearby crate and hid.

Archimedes flew through the hall, throwing three knives and turning some of their throats into ribbons with ease.

I poked my head around the edge of the crate to see Archimedes with a Luger 9mm pistol against the changling’s head. “Wait a moment.” I yelled.

“Let’s get this over with and be on our way!” Archimedes stated with anger.

“And if we don't ask for directions, this is going to take much longer. Not everybody needs to die.” I replied.

“Yeah, I can give you directions!” Pleaded the startled changling,“I'll get you outta here faster than anything. Frankly, I like living, and dying wasn't a part of my day plan.”

“Ok, well show us the way and then you can be on yours.”

After a few minutes of sneaking and playing follow the leader, we finally made our way out of the base, and into a small jeep. Now was the time to focus on getting out of the base and trying not to be blown up by the mortar teams blocking the road, and surrounding areas. Not to mention the ballistic teams. Shit is about to get real intense.

“So, what’s the plan? Drive through this whole crazy ape-shit plan, or just go with mine?” asked Arch.

“I was just going to wing it, and hope for the best much like my other plans; but if you have an idea, then shoot.”

“Well; as much fun as it is being bombarded with missiles and bombs and what not, I’d rather not take those chances. So, let’s just use this.” He reached into his satchel, and brought out my old right gauntlet.

“I’ll tell you what; this is a much better plan.” I took the gauntlet and strapped it around my right wrist, and clenched my fist. “A much better plan.” A dark menacing glow formed around my hand, and I felt the power surge throughout my arm. "Why not give it to me earlier?" I exclaimed. "Whole lot of use that was..."

“Come on, come on. We haven't got all day! Like I'm supposed to be here?” The white pony was impatiently waiting. "You should be thanking me for that, and consider 'this' you asshole. I'm not your butler; I command my own squads. I'm only here, because you're my friend!"

“Sorry; and thank you. I kinda was in captivity for about a month, so I need to warm up.” I took a deep breath and exhaled, focusing all my power into my right arm. “Hold on, kid.” The glowing grew tremendously and configured around my body as well as his, then everything in vision grew back into the darkness.

I awoke laying on the field near Ponyville, but couldn’t find my companion. I began searching around for Archimedes. I stood up off the ground and walked around in search, and I shortly found him sitting on the beach of a lake not too far from where I woke. His attention was focused on the ever changing designs of the shapeless water. I approached him, and sat myself down beside the pale, dark maned pony.

“Dark, How is it we always end up doing this? One day, we're sitting around enjoying life; then the next we're battling some new rising threat?” His focus remained on the lake as he slowly exhaled.

“Arch, It’s not easy to be a Guardian; nor will it ever be so. Things have never been easy for me; for us even, ever since I came to this strange world...but as a Guardian, I am forced and challenged to face these kind of things head on.” I reassured the white stallion.

He finally managed to break away from his trance on the lake, and stared at me. “How did that happen? How did you actually become a Guardian in the first place? Why would you want to?”

“The short version or from the very beginning?” I asked.

“I wish to know it all. Since day one.” He replied with a small smile."But start with the short version, first." He smirked with mournful looking eyes.

I looked to the water and lost myself in thought, I spoke,"Family is important. You can 'make' your family."

He followed in the same process to fixate on the waters. "Can you start with the whole thing?" He asked.

“Well; ok, hope you're comfy. This is gonna be a long one, and time consuming. I have plans tomorrow; so listen well, for I don't have time.” I looked into my past, and smirked with the memories I had recollected. I laid back on the sand, and placed my hand against the vest. “This vest. It’s the second best hug I’ve ever had, I say second because...well, you’ll soon find out.”

“Just get on this the story old man, I’m not growing any younger.” He smirked.

“And you’re not growing any older.” I replied.

“That’s a good one; still, back to the matter at hand.” He said as he smiled.

“Well...It all started about 15 years ago back on earth...”

(Version 1.3(2022))
Light corrections, wording and phrases. I hope you enjoy this revamp and much as I like reintroducing myself to my old projects. Keep it cool, Condemned.