Taro's journey to Canterlot was full of no more surprises. Except for when he got there. Surrounding the town of Canterlot was a pink bubble of protective energy. A shield. This shield sealed away all alien-like ponies, or things that weren't ponies. Taro flew to the train tracks, where two stallion guards were.
"Halt," commanded one.
"You're not welcome here," stated the other.
"I am Taro, greatest angel warrior and here on behalf of Princess Celestia to defend Canterlot against the threat. I demand to be let in."
"Oh, NOW I believe you. Sorry, no entry." The first guard stood strong.
"Alright, I haven't gotten much action in this mission. How about a wager? You two are most likely the toughest guards in Canterlot, right?"
"Yes, so I suggest you leave before you get hurt."
"Before I get hurt? Alright, let's wager ourselves. If I defeat the two of you, I get to pass, but if you two beat me, I'll leave."
The guards looked at each other then nodded in agreement.
"You just signed your death note."
The unicorn tried stabbing him with his spear. Taro ducked and kicked the end, sending it spiraling away. He then leaned on his hands and produced a powerful kick to the unicorns jaw. The Pegasus jutted his spear toward Taro's legs, who proceeded to go over it. He stood on his hands, maintaining complete stability while dodging another attempt from the Pegasus.
"I don't why you're going for my torso. I'm on my hands after all," Taro taunted.
The Pegasus took his advice and slashed at his hands, falling for Taro's trap. Taro jumped, turned sideways in the air, spun in a circle, and nailed the guard's muzzle. Upon landing, Taro spun again, knocking the Pegasus down. By now, the unicorn came out of his daze and tried stabbing Taro with his horn. Taro grabbed it and jumped over him. Then he turned around and said "letta!" Stop!
He walked up to the guards and said, "I think I've earned my entry, don't you?"
They both grunted in approval.
"Waise heil." Taro healed all flesh wounds he had inflicted during the fracas. "I hope we don't need to settle things like this again." Taro walked through the shield, connecting to Thatch. He opened up enough of his mind to Thatch so he could hear what Taro was hearing.
It didn't take long to find Princess Celestia. She was on a balcony, looking through a telescope. Taro flew to her.
"Hello. You must be Taro," she greeted.
"Oh, what gave you the clue? The wings part, or the only humanoid in Equestria part?" Taro asked sarcastically.
"All jokes aside, you are here to help Shining Armor with the Royal Guard. You shall assume the position of co-captain. Shining should be in the courtyard, sending off troops."
With his newly acquired information, he dove off the balcony railing he was on and flew toward Shining Armor. The white stallion was wearing purple armor, lined with gold. His blue mane hung lazily over his shoulder, and his horn standing tall. Taro landed in front of him, interrupting his order.
Soldiers all around him brought up spears to attack. The one behind him attempted to stab. If Taro jumped to dodge it, it would kill or at least wound Shining Armor. Taro grabbed Shining Armor and flew up as fast as he could, dodging the blow.
"Think a little next time," Taro instructed, setting down their captain. "If I had dodged that in any way, you would've struck your captain. That's not a very good way to get promoted."
A few guards circled him.
"Put down your weapons," Shining Armor commanded, "That's no way to treat you co-captain."
"Aw, I didn't get much fun in this trip," Taro joked. "Can't they just try?"
Shining Armor chuckled. "You must be Taro."
"The one and only."
Shining Armor looked down at Taro's shadow.
He must see Kveykva, Thatch confirmed, Change the subject.
"You should have told them who I was."
"I figured you wouldn't try to make such an entrance."
"No, not them, the ones at the station."
"They weren't too much trouble, were they?"
"No, we had a bet. I said if I beat them in a fight, they let me through, I they beat me, I leave."
"Why would you do that? They need to be at top physical condition!"
"Relax, I only unleashed flesh wounds, and then I healed them with magic."
"I didn't know you could use magic."
"I'll tell you later."
Shining Armor continued to led troops away to scout. "Hmm, you beat my some of my best troops. Must be an off day."
"What are you saying?" Taro objected.
"Well, no weapon, only fists. How could you have beaten them?"
"Well I call it skills."
"Really? Skills? I doubt that."
"Are you challenging me?"
"Maybe. But if I am, I'm not making very subtle."
"Are you insulting me?"
"Weak and stupid. Not a very good combination."
"Alright, we'll fight. Got sword?"
"Are you kidding! We'll murder each other!"
Taro grabbed a sword from a guard. He held in up with one hand, and touched his other hand to it. "Geuloth du knifr." Taro ran his hand up and down it, creating a clear, round barrier. "Now we can fight."