//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: Straggler 
// by Parravin 
//------------------------------//

      I struggled to breathe. I could barely think, and here I was, face to face with with the enemy! I mean, sure. During the invasion he was a useless pile of meat, but seeing what he could do first hand! And here I was face to face with a pony who could eradicate me with ease! I slowly calmed down, careful not to alert Shining Armor or the guard behind me of my fear. I soon found a white hoof in front of me. "I assume you are the recruit  Stormcaller mentioned!" It was more of a statement than a question. "It's good to meet you. My name is-"

"Captain Shining Armor!" I almost whispered. My throat seemed really dry suddenly. I remembered I was supposed to be in character. Clearing my throat, I shook his outstretched hoof saying, "I don't think anypony doesn't know you." He smiled, and in an attempt to be modest, said,

"I can't be that well known. I mean, the whole Canterlot thing died down after the wedding." He paused, and then backed up a few paces. "Well, you came here for the recruitment test. If you can last one minute against me, you will be accepted into the canterlot royal guard." His horn glowed and a spear floated into view. I began thinking of ways I could win. Weapons were basically useless, as I would need to hold the in my mouth, so I decided to do something a bit different. I just hoped it would work. Shining Armor nodded to the gray pegasus guard, stormcaller, and he began to count.

"Three... Two... One... Begin!" As soon as the final word was uttered, something flew by my face. Seconds later, a chunk of my mane fell off. Nearby, Shining Armor was standing in a battle position I had rarely seen, concentrating on the spear that had nearly cut my head off. Time to act, Vespur! I leaped up and flew straight towards my opponent. He saw my attack and spun around to block it, all while keeping the spear raised so I couldn't get to his right side. I quickly spun around and whipped my tail against the floor, pulling up as much dust as was possible. Obviously he had not anticipated this, but he was recovering quickly. I flew to his left and, knowing that a direct approach would not be in my favor began stirring the air around me, still gathering dust. Soon, a small dust vortex was spinning around me, and I decided it would be a good Idea to use my natural improved vision to see through the wall. It was, in all honesty, not much better than pony eyes. Even so, it gave me just enough of an outline to attack from behind the spinning wall of dust.  I lunged forward, only to be hit in the face with the butt of a spear. How could he track me? That was an advanced maneuver! I got back up and brushed myself off, then decided to wear him down. Focus on dodging his attacks. Every slash, jab, or swipe was narrowly avoided, but avoided nonetheless. I kept finding ways to keep from being hit, until he took a quick second to rest. I seized the opportunity and flew at him with all of my strength, closing my eyes and bracing myself for impact, when...... Nothing. I opened my eyes to see myself floating above the floor, inches away from Shining Armor's smiling face. "and, time!" My eyes widened. Had all of that happened in just one minute? I slowly floated to the ground as the field of levitation was released. I looked up to see Shining Armor's hoof. Taking it, I shakily got back on all fours.

"Wow! That was amazing! Where in equestria did you learn to do all that?" The unicorn was grinning madly, with excitement in his eyes. "I haven't been in anything that fun in... Ever! And you even lasted a full minute! Well, welcome to the royal guard!"

I looked at him like he was crazy for a moment, then realized exactly what had just transpired. Now, before you laugh about my lack of awareness, think about the rush of adrenaline that had begun flowing as he had first attacked. You would have been even more stupid than I was. But all complaining aside, as his last few words finally registered, a huge grin broke out across my face! I ,Vesp- wait, no. Snowfall! Had made it into the royal guard! I opened my mouth to speak. "I guess I need to call you, captain, or maybe prince, right?" Shining Armor smirked.

"Well, I do tend to go by "Captain" since it is my position, so I'm afraid so." He finally looked down at the form I had filled out earlier, mumbling a few comments that I couldn't hear every now and then. Soon, he looked up and said, "Alright.... Snowfall! Stormcaller here will show you around and introduce you to the other guards. I have to get back to the castle." He nodded his farewells and then trotted out of the basement. Soon, we heard a door open and close. Soon afterwards Stormcaller turned around and smiled. It was the first time I had seen anything other than a serious, guarded expression. He opened his mouth.

"Well, let's get you settled!" I nearly jumped back! Where his voice was earlier deep and rumbling, it was high pitched now! He sounded like a teenage stallion! Not much younger than I was, and he was a whole lot more enthusiastic. "Alright! Follow me! The barracks are just for the members during a crisis. We actually get our own wing of the castle. Separate rooms and everything! First I'll give you a tour of the grounds! I'll go ahead and start with......"

After maybe an hour of me being dragged around and introduced to random ponies, we stopped at a large hallway in the castle. "Well, here are the rooms. Currently there is only one available. The rest are under maintenance after the last "Experiment" that slim did." I was confused at his explanation.

"I thought I met all the guards. Who is Slim?" He smiled nervously and looked behind him.

"Well, Slim is the only guard you haven't met. He's not a bad pony, but he likes messing with chemicals. It usually ends in disaster, so he doesn't have many friends around here." He led me to the end of the hallway and stopped in front of a wooden door. Well, this is my room. Yours is the one right across the hall. It's getting late, so I suggest you get settled in. Well, goodnight!" He stepped behind the door and closed it.

"Goodnight, I guess." I stepped across the hall and over to the door. It was the same oak, inlaid with gold patterns like every door in the castle. I slowly opened it to find a simple room. It housed a plain white bed, a dark wooden desk with a candle, and a small chest. I had an idea! I trotted over to the desk, spotted a small inkwell and some parchment, and plucked a feather from my wing. I then sat in front of the desk and began writing.

Queen chrysalis,

I am reporting from Canterlot Castle. I somehow ended up here after a teleportation...mishap. I have infiltrated the royal guard and will begin gathering intelligence, in the hopes that you will accept me back into the hive. I have learned about an outcast guard by the name of Slim. I plan on investigating this matter further, in addition to finding the cause of that blast that ended the invasion. I truly hope this will earn me my place back amongst the hive, and more importantly, your royal army.

-General Vespur