I was already up as the sun rose to greet our day. After a quick shower and brushing my teeth, I set out to cook some breakfast. I stood in front of the stove with everything I needed. I set the frying pan onto the heating element and slapped some bacon on. As the bacon slowly cooked, I turned to face the clock. It read 6:40 am. "I should probably call into work and tell them I'm moving or something." I thought to myself. "Strange days, that's for sure."

I turned back to the task at hand and flipped the bacon over. After a while, the bacon finally cooked and I set it aside while I cooked up some eggs. Once they were finished, I put them on a plate with the rest of my breakfast and sat at the kitchen table. Senior walked in the front door and sat down with me. His look seemed one of curiosity, "I hope you've been starting your day right, it's going to be an eventful day and a good breakfast is gonna be savored, for sure!" Senior chuckled to himself.

The dream I had before waking, Lady Luna introduced me to a vision of her sister Celestia, the Princess of Daylight. After our introductions, she filled me on some general details of the realm and what to expect when arriving. "Grab a plate." I told the old man. He filled up a plate and placed himself at the table. "Princess Celestia asked me to make a promise, before I left today as soon as the sun rose, I'd be awake to say 'hello' for the morning." He chuckled before I spoke again,"And she told me I'd be living with Twilight Sparkle temporarily, this way she can make sure I get into a routine. I already tend to wake up early anyways." Finishing his breakfast, I could see a hearty grin plastering his jawline.

"Talk about a 'Daylight Test'. Information is essential to being a guardian. Remember to ask any questions you need answers for. Remember that, John." He laughed to himself quietly.

I could clearly see that Senior had his own little joke. "Ok, that's good to know but I've got some thinking to do, I guess. I slurped down my eggs, and started chowing down on the bacon. After finishing breakfast, I got up from my chair and put my plate into the sink. Thinking about how long the old man has lived in Equestria, I began to wonder about his love life. 'How long has he been guarding within the Court?'

My questions needed answers,"So; you've been in another realm for 'quite' a while. You're guarding Royals, after helping a continent. Celestia asked me some questions about you; but it's more intimate than I'd like to repeat. What's the deal with flirtatious Celestia? She and...you?"

Senior looked at me,"Me and her? Whoa... That's a road I've left untraveled. I'd be lying if I didn't think once, or twice about it but..." He rolled his eyes and chuckled. "I served for the Royals; but I didn't 'Serve' them." Senior watched me wash my dishes and put them away. "I'll tell you something you're going to want to know; because I didn't know, before I left. You'd better make sure to get your last portion helping of meat here. Once you go, meat is forbidden."

"Why is it forbidden?"

"Well, since a good majority of the lands population are Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earthen... It's frowned upon." He held his hand to the back of my neck leaning himself to my ear, whispering,"You could go to the gryphon kingdoms and have as much as you like but..." he stopped; backed himself up, and sat back down. "Thought it would be wise to... you know... just letting your carnivorous appetite ease off." He gestured a 'Tipping the hat'.

"Well shit." I stared down at the last of the untouched pieces of bacon before picking it up and eating it,"Sorry my love, I've had fun but times have changed." I looked back up at Senior who had a confused look on his face from me talking to my food. I finished the final pieces and readied. "Ok, I'm done. When does this 'training' begin? What exactly am I doing?"

Senior folded his arms together restfully. "First of all: I'm going to show you how to focus your power into your arm. Nothing's going to happen, not until you put on the gauntlet. After that, you'll be on your way. I'm gonna give you a few things before you leave, and a little advice." He stood from his chair and walked over to me. As I savored the last bacon taste; I prepared to leave by calling work to quit, and move to a new city; but suggested them my father. He led me out of the kitchen, and we exited the backdoor heading straight into the backyard.

Some time had past and after a couple hours of feeling stupid during my 'training'; which consisted of holding out my arm and pushing a non-existent force 'into' it, training was complete... apparently. "So that's it then; are we done?"

"Yes, the trainings done. It was about an hour ago, but I just wanted to make sure you got it. Now; for the test. Here, take this." Senior started removing his right gauntlet and once it was off his forearm, he tossed it to me. I caught it and began strapping it onto my own; it was surprisingly snug around my wrist and forearm. "Now, let's put that training to use. Focus on me and think of the porch." I focused on the old man and closed my eyes tightly; thought of the porch like I was told. I could feel something cold covering my arm, and as I opened my eyes; I saw a dark aura engross my forearm and with a flash; he was gone.

I stood there dumbfounded. I started looking for the old man, and did the only thing I could think of. I began walking towards the porch and to my amazement, he stood there covered in the dark force. I neared him and placed a hand on his shoulder. As the aura faded; Senior looked at me with a gleeful expression.

"That...that...What was that?" I asked.

"That my boy is magic; and you seem to be either a natural to magic, or I'm just that good of a teacher. When I first learned how to use it, I lit Rarity's dress on fire by accident. Don't do that either way, it'll save your life. Also take note; she may be a lady, but she can hit...Very hard." He winced as he began rubbing his bicep; as if he were suddenly stricken with pain. "Nightmares..." He shivered on spot.

"This is pretty amazing; never in a million years did I think that I'd be able to use magic! It's mind boggling." I stared at the gauntlet, and smiled.

Senior looked over to me with a serious expression and sternly said,"As the new Guardian, you will only use these powers to protect; nothing more. Not for Self-indulgence. Understood? Are we clear?"

"Understood. Just like glass. So; what now?" I looked back up at the old man, awaiting my next order. He began removing his pauldron and left gauntlet, and handed them over to me.

"These were given to me when I became the guardian, and now that you're the 'new' guardian, I entrust these to you. There are some hidden goodies embedded into these, and could prove useful. Guardian armor came from a lineage of guardians dawned in full-set, but I only needed some basics. You can find the rest; though that's your own adventure."

I started strapping on my newly acquired armor, and took a quick stretch to see if they fit. They formed around easily, very comfortable and snug. He also removed his hood and handed it to me."It's also pretty bright there, you might need this. There are a few other things I have that you could use, but I left them back in Equestria. You may be the new guardian; but to get these goods, you need to earn them. Figure it out, I'm not helping."

"Ok, I'll find these hidden treasures. You also said these were embedded with something, what exactly?" I asked with curiosity.

He smirked and raised an eyebrow,"Nope, no more help. If you wish to know more, speak to Celestia. She'll know someone who can point you in the right direction. How easy is it gonna be to get there; that's the 'Daylight test' for you."

"What do you mean 'Daylight Test'?" I asked.

Senior nodded and smiled at me,"Well; portals go from this realm to their realm, exactly. Where will the portal open within their realm will be your question. I woke up in a dry desert in the middle of nowhere, called San Palomino Desert. That's close to Los Pegasus."

"Great." My enthusiasm was slowly beginning to die inside. "Well, I better get going, I guess." I thought of Nicky and Jenns for a moment and suddenly a flash of light appeared; inside the light stood the two in mention, and my eyes shot open. "That was very convenient; Hi."

Nicky was standing there in shock, and Jenns looked around and almost instantly saw Senior. "John? Is that you? Then that means..." she trailed off, and Senior interrupted the silence.

"Yes, it is time. It took a bit of explanation and training, but he's ready and willing." Senior turned to face Nicky, and my little brother looked almost horrified.

"What the hell just happened? I was just chilling out in my room and suddenly; Bam! Here I am. Did I blackout, or something?"

I looked to Nicky and said with a calm, and collected tone,"It's Ok Nicky, I just have to tell you some things."

"Umm, Ok. Shoot, what is it? And what's with the stuff? Who's he?" He was pretty confused by the whole situation but after explaining it to my brother, he was slowly coming to terms with what was going on. We embraced for a good bit as for not knowing how long it would take me to visit. The warm wind breeze felt just right at that moment. I let go of my brother, and stepped away.

I put on the hood and pulled it over top my head, and the shadows covered my face. "I'm going to be leaving for a while but my dad's going to be watching over you, and mom till I get back, Ok?"

"Wait, where are you going? Can't I come with you?" He ran up to me and wrapped his arms around my waist, a tear slid down my face as the thought that I didn't exactly know how long I'd actually be gone.

"You can't leave; I won't let you!" Having to say those words, my heart seemed to break into two. "I'm sorry, kid." I said through a cough to cover my sadness. "I'll see you soon, and I love you, kiddo. Take care of Senior, and mom for me while I'm gone; Ok?"

"Ok..." Nicky said through quick sobs, just the sight of him crying was making me hurt further. "When you get back, you better bring me something cool; got it?" His sudden cheerfulness perked me up a bit.

"Deal." I gave him a good, long hug and turned to face Jenns; my dearest mother. "Mom, I'm gonna b-" I was quickly interrupted by her pulling me into her loving embrace, and hugged her back.

"I already know what's happening; where you’re going, and what you've become. I'm proud of you, you’re everything I've pictured you'd turn out to be; probably more so. I love you John; I hope you'll stay safe, for me?" She released me from her death grip hug, and I took a step back.

"I'll try." I turned to Senior again, and took a deep calming breath. "I'm ready." Senior looked at me, and smiled.

"Good, and here..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper and handed it to me."Read it once you meet Tia. She'll help you with it. Now, I may have given you my armor, but that doesn't mean I can't use magic. I'll see you in a couple month's time." He put his hands out, and started waving them in an odd fashion. A bright purple aura started to cover my body, and it sent sensations of warmth throughout my veins.

"Only two months? Ok, I got it." I closed my eyes, and held them tight.

"Yeah. After that, then your true adventures start."

I shot my eyes open from the rather bold statement,"Wait! what does that mean?!" After those words exited my mouth, everything around me began to fade, and so did my vision. The world around me began to spin, crumble, fall and then...

Darkness.

(Version 1.3 (2022))

Thanks for reading my re-vamping novel endeavour. I loved writing the book with the community back in 2013, but questions and bad grammar from younger years need some dusting. I appreciate the work, I just want it shiny. It's something I love to do and helps me with me projects I will have come. Hope I can continue to entertain.
Keep it cool, xXCondemnedSoulXx.