About the same time as Shadow was leaving Canterlot, a grey Pegasus was coming in on the train. As the doors opened, he looked around the city with amazement. He couldn't believe that he was finally here! He took his map in hoof and tried to find the guard's quarters.
Sky Strike had always dreamed of becoming one of the Royal Guards. Ever since the Princess had payed a visit to Cloudsdale, he had wanted to be a Pegasus that was privileged with protecting her. He had spent hours upon hours reading different guides and handbooks on what to do, and sent in so many applications that he had lost track. Once he was finally of age, he got a reply saying that he was accepted into guard training. He could barely contain his happiness, and he didn't calm down for nearly three days. He quickly packed his bags, kissed his family goodbye, and flew down to Ponyville so he could take the train to Canterlot.
With more excitement than he thought possible, Sky Strike knocked on the door of the guard barracks. A white Unicorn with a blue mane approached him. He smiled and said, "You must be one of the new recruits."
Sky smiled in response. "The name's Sky Strike, and I can't wait to get started!"
"I'm Shining Armor. Let me show you around here." He turned in, and Sky quickly followed.
After giving him the tour, Shining Armor led Sky Strike to his room. "And this is where you'll be staying. I'm not sure where your roommate is right now, but I'm sure he'll be back soon so you can meet him." Shining Armor gave a chuckle, saying, "Be careful though, he's a bit of a neat freak."
Sky smiled back. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thanks for all of the help, Shining Armor."
About an hour later, an olive-coated Unicorn with a dull green mane approached Sky. "So you're my new roommate, huh?" he said.
Sky leaped off of the bed and stuck a hoof out to shake. "Yes I am. I'm Sky Strike, and I'm really happy to be here."
The Unicorn eyed the hoof that was being offered to him with distaste, and continued on to his bed. "I'm Swift Sprint. If you're going to be my roommate here, you've got to follow some rules."
Sky was a bit disappointed that his friendliness was being ignored, but maybe Swift would warm up after he gave his rules. "Okay, what do I need to do?"
Swift sharply turned and looked Sky in the eyes. "First, whenever in this room, your hooves must be washed and clean of any outside material. Second, for security reasons and my own sanity, I will require your hoof-print. Nothing personal, I just want to make sure that you don't touch anything that doesn't belong to you. Third, you will keep your half of the room tidy and clean. This means bed made, floor swept, and everything dusted. You got all of that?"
Shining Armor was right, Sky thought, this guy is a neat freak. But he didn't let that get in the way of the excitement of being here. "Um, yeah. That's cool, I guess."
Following Sky's expectations, Swift warmed up. "Shining Armor described you well. I can tell that you and I will become good friends. So what are you're specialties?"
Sky smiled and proudly told Swift, "I'm a fighter. Back home in Cloudsdale, I spent a lot of time at the gym for physical training. I even had a boxing class for a little while."
Swift gave a smug smile to him. "A fighter, aye? That's interesting. I happen to be a runner. Speed is my specialty. It would be great to spar with you sometime, a good old speed vs strength match."
Sky Strike's face lit up. "That would be amazing! I need practice against other ponies, and that would be the perfect way to do it!"
Swift continued to grin. "So what do you say to tomorrow morning? I can tell some people about it, and we'll have a little public sparring match."
Sky couldn't be happier. "Sounds great! I can't wait!"
Swift began to walk out of the room. "Excellent. I'll spread the word, and you work on your cleaning duties."
"Ok, cool!" Sky Strike said to his new friend as he left the room.