Stripe's Beginning

by Fluttershy Phoenix

The Royal Wedding

With a motion of his left hoof, Shining Armor proceeded to lead the way into the city center. Soarin was walking beside the unicorn and talking as Stripe followed behind the whole troop of unicorn and earth pony guards. He couldn't quite hear what was being said, but from the way Shining Armor kept glancing back, it was obvious that he was more or less the center of the conversation.

Trying to keep his mind off of things, Stripe decided to look around. Everywhere he looked, he saw ponies walking around. He also noticed the occasional fountain down certain streets. The buildings were kind of squarish in design, which seemed about on par for most places he had visited in the world. But how they were crafted was simply stunning. So much care had to have been put into making walls of solid stone, marble and even in some places, what looked like gems. In Zebrafrica, not one zebra would be caught dead using gems as anything other than currency or really expensive jewelry. And the jewelry was mainly worn by the nobles and the politicians and military leaders. If any of the zebras below that mark was found with one, the outcome was usually not pretty.

“Stripe!” The zebra noticeably flinched at hearing his name called like such. He looked up to see the other guards had parted like water so that he could approach the unicorn that had mentioned his name. Soarin was seen saying something as the unicorn nodded before he took off. Sighing, Stripe slowly approached the unicorn and bowed. “Please, that's not necessary. My friend told me you were a warrior.” “I am.” “He also mentioned you left because you were betrayed by your own kind.” “Yes, that is also true.” “I'm sorry for your loss. I'm also sorry for seeming distracted. We just received word today that Canterlot is at threat from an attack. If you're a warrior, then I could use your help if you are willing to give it.” “He didn't tell you about my wife?” “Well, yes and no. He felt that that would ultimately be your choice. He did say she was not his first choice, but that it was apparent you loved her and she loved you in return.”

Hearing a sound, Stripe turned to see a pink alicorn approaching. He cast a glance back towards Shining Armor for a brief moment before returning his gaze to the new figure. “Stripe, this is my bride to be, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” Stripe simply raised his eyebrow slightly before shaking his head. She seemed a little upset about something and asked if she could have a word with him for a moment. Shining Armor nodded and told Stripe to wait a minute.

A few hours later and Stripe had sat down on a bench he saw nearby. The guards that had been there had left to return to their posts. Stripe was beginning to wonder if he was being toyed with when he saw the unicorn returning. “Sorry, that took a little longer than I thought.” “What?” “Well, I'm going to help you get adjusted some before I head to be with my fiance.” “Why does the sky look different now?” “Oh, I put a shield up and over the city. I want to do my best to protect everypony here. Now please, follow me.”

As Stripe fell in behind the white unicorn, he couldn't help but glance around some more as he took in the scenery. Just like before, he saw a lot of ponies walking about and going about their business. There were quite a few that looked pretty sophisticated with their noses held high. That was what he was familiar with in terms of what he had heard about Equestria from his fellow zebras. However, that only really seemed to fit some of those he saw around here. Soarin and Shining were anything but that. Shining's bride to be didn't quite seem to be an overly nice individual. That scowl she given him briefly had suggested something that was decidedly unfriendly.

The occasional whistle or hoof stomp was enough to keep Stripe in step behind this unicorn. Of course, he never really faltered much even as he was constantly glancing around at the surrounding environment. In moments, he lost view of most of the city as he was lead into a large area in the castle. This was obviously a barracks of sorts as evidenced by some of the rooms he saw on either side of the corridor he now found himself walking through. “I'll get you set up in my old room. You can then put away your things.” “And afterwards?” “You'll wait till I return or you are called, whichever comes first.”

Once at the room in question, Stripe saw Shining Armor motion towards a nearby bed before pointing to some nearby dressers and cabinets. “Get your things squared away. Sharp Steel!” A large gray furred unicorn was seen approaching in that same armor he'd seen on most of the guards around here. Only Shining's was different with that top part reminding him of some of his own Zebrafrican generals. “Yes sir.” “See to it our new recruit here gets a proper suit of armor.” “A zebra, sir?” “With the threat of attack, we need every body we can get our hooves on. Soarin said he was a warrior. Besides, we've heard of a few local zebras that are friendly.” “Fair enough,” the gray furred unicorn replied as Shining left. With just this new unicorn and himself, Stripe felt decidedly uneasy.

When the gray unicorn eventually left, he did feel a little better. Setting his bags on his bed, be began to pull his things out to put away. Once the bags were empty, he looked over his Zebrafrican shield. It was nothing like any of the ones the Canterlot guards had. In fact, his was a little deformed from resting on his back with a heavy duffel bag over it for much of the trip. It wasn't the strongest metal, but it did what it was supposed to do.

Outside the room, he heard a whistle and saw the gray unicorn had returned. “Follow me.” As Stripe followed the guard, he was lead into a large room full of a vast assorted array of suits of armor along with a number of swords and spears in racks. “Over here,” the stallion pointed with his hoof towards a smaller suit of armor. “Weapons, you.....oh,” the stallion began when he saw that Stripe was armed. “I see you have some weapons.” “I just need a shield. My old one is.......broken.” “How strong are you?” Stripe didn't really understand how to answer such a question. He knew the meaning of the word strength, but he doubted it was the same as how ponies viewed strength. His will was incredibly strong and he had a fierce determination to survive. His physical strength was probably on par with most zebras, but he knew not the physical strengths of most ponies. In fact, aside from the guards, he thought that most ponies weren't overly strong, just strong willed or with strong egos.

Sharp Steel saw a simple shrug and nodded as he excused himself for a moment. Stripe removed his leather armor and his undershirt while carefully setting his weapons aside. Piece by piece, he put on the new golden armor of the Royal Canterlot Guard. It fit surprisingly well and wasn't completely uncomfortable. The metal felt cold unlike the warmth of the leather armor and undershirt that he was used to. However, it was tolerable. Looking forward, he put his pendants back on before sliding on his new helmet. Attaching his scabbard and sheath was again a little difficult, but much easier since the Canterlot armor had places for such things. His Zebrafrican armor had to have such things added.

Looking up, he saw the gray unicorn returning. “I've had some shields brought for you to try out.” The main type of shield used by the Canterlot Royal Guard was a large rectangular almost square type of shield. It had the symbol of the sun in the center. Of course, the Night Guard shields were a little different, but he couldn't see any on the table. One stood out to him though. It was a large shield that wasn't circular or square like with many. It almost looked like one of the ones used by the fabled dragon knights. Compared to his current stature, it was a little big. “I'm afraid this shield is a little big for you my boy.”

What neither noticed was the two pendants he was wearing and how they were glowing a faint green. A faint green aura seemed to surround him as he felt his form thicken and grow stronger. The gray unicorn had turned to speak with another guard that had entered. As they talked, Stripe's form continued to grow. His hooves became stronger and thicker while his form looked stronger and a little bit more muscular. His eyes flashed a bright green briefly as his armor grew with his form so that things didn't become 'cramped'. He finally stopped when he was maybe a little thicker in the chest than the gray unicorn before him. He also stood about eye level now where he had been a head or so below. When Sharp Steel turned around, he did a double take as he looked over the zebra. Stripe had a good idea what had caused his growth and merely patted the two pendants. “I guess they were more than just....sentimental gifts, though there is no shortage of sentiment for them.”

Obviously, more explanations would be needed, but for now he didn't have to elaborate any further as he took the larger more elegantly designed shield and slid it onto his back. Sharp Steel simply nodded and cleared his throat when he heard a comment out in the hallway. He immediately stood at attention as a long and slender white leg entered followed by the rest of the pony attached to it. A large alicorn as slender and grand as what Soarin had said. Her flowing rainbow of a mane looked almost like an ethereal rainbow with unparalleled beauty. However, he didn't give her much glance before he bowed.

“My name is Princess Celestia. You must be Stripe. Shining Armor told me about you. Though I must say, you appear to have grown some based on what he said.” It was then her eyes fell on the pendants he wore around his neck. Her eyes narrowed somewhat before she smiled and regained her composure. “Do you want me to remove them?” “No. Shining told me that they mean a lot to you. A testament to somepony you lost. I insist that you always wear them when in my presence for it would honor me for you to do so.” “Thank you,” he replied hoarsely because of how choked up he was getting. “Sharp, would you please show Stripe around the city?” “Yes, Princess.” “Also, when Twilight and her friends get here tomorrow, could you introduce him?” “Sure.”

After she left, Stripe was speechless. Despite being very regal and commanding, Celestia had been very humble and had requested he wear something that she no doubt felt had magic. For her to be honored that he wear it around her was not what he had expected. He was also keenly aware that she was honest and truthful about that. Maybe Equestria was not the place full of all the stuck up ponies that he had heard about.

Following Sharp Steel out, he was given a detailed and very descriptive tour of the entire city of Canterlot. The outer walls, the towers, the city itself and of course the castle. “Much of this city will be your work area. You will go on daily patrols and each and every morning, you will meet with either myself or Shining Armor.” “Who do you report to?” “Shining. And he reports to Princess Celestia every single morning. As captain of the guard, it's part of his duty. Oh, one more thing. Celestia is known for her pranks, so be mindful.” “Great.”

The city was even more grand with all that he had seen. There was easily a dozen or so fountains spread throughout the city and they were all beautifully crafted. Like each and every single building he saw, each fountain was an absolute work of art. “You sure this is a city? It seems more like a museum.” Sharp Steel had to laugh at that. “You'll get used to it in time.” Stripe seriously doubted that, but he simply sighed and kept his head on a swivel as he tried to take everything in.

As the day drug on, he stayed with Sharp Steel as best as he could. Once he had the patrol patterns memorized, he headed off on his own. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled as he walked down the street. His hooves clopped on the cobblestone streets as his eyes took in everything he saw. A couple of rich unicorns were off to the side conversing with a relatively able bodied looking pegasus. He passed by a number of restaurants and assorted food shops. It was then that he heard a commotion. Turning to his left, he saw a unicorn with a pink mane and a rather interesting if elegant looking set of shapes on her flank. The commotion was due to her arguing with a shopkeeper over something.

Clearing his throat as he approached, the two unicorns stopped bickering for a moment as they took notice of the new guard. “A zebra!? Celestia must be mad!” Interestingly enough, it was the shopkeeper who made the comment and not the female unicorn. “I don't know, he seems rather suited for his apparent career. My husband would probably agree as well. I'm Fleur de Lis.” Nodding, he sighed and saw her give a glare towards the shopkeeper before walking off down the street. “Why do I get the feeling that this job is going to get very boring very quick?”

Having gone from one military where the desert was where he would patrol to a city was quite the change. Also, when he patrolled the desert, he was usually attacked by something. The odds of something attacking him here in any way other than verbally seemed to be slim to none. Though, the fact that Shining Armor had mentioned that there was a threat of an attack seemed to suggest something to the contrary. Stripe also remembered the encounters he had with the changelings in the desert in Zebrafrica. On several different occasions, he had discovered bits and pieces of evidence suggesting a vast number were in Equestria. He had an opportunity to warn them, but it appears somepony else had already beaten him to it. The only question he had other than who was how much information Canterlot had gotten in regards to whatever was forthcoming.

When midday arrived, he was on one of the castle walls looking out at the countryside. Even though it was far greener and infinitely more peaceful than anything he had ever experienced in Zebrafrica, it was still breathtakingly beautiful all the same. The trees, the hills, the mountains, everything. Everything fit just perfectly. He could even see somewhat distantly the cloud formations of Cloudsdale. The idea of having a city in the clouds was another thing he was going to have to get used to. Artemisia had talked about being able to walk and sit on clouds without any real trouble. However, that was because of her species. Winged species had a natural magical ability to utilize clouds for their own wants and desires. From buildings to food to pieces of furniture. So far, that amounted only to winged ponies and zebras, changelings and of course dragons. Well, some dragons.

“Stripe!! Hey!! You want something to eat?” Turning his head, the zebra saw a familiar white unicorn approaching. “Sure thing. Providing you know someplace that's good.” “Oh come on, everything in Canterlot is good.” “I've only been here about four hours and I still can't seem to completely figure this place out. Not just Canterlot, all of Equestria. The trip here by train, my brief recruitment into your guard and my patrol. No initiation?” “Well, typically there is an initiation, but we are kind of desperate.” “I can understand that. And I don't mean to try and get myself fired. But isn't it a bad idea to cut corners?” “Look. I was going to have an initiation. I had spoken to Celestia after we had gotten you a room. I wanted you in your armor and ready for her inspection before the initiation as is normally the case. After she met you and had Sharp lead you around the city, she met with me. You're in. Furthermore, it appears that you may be replacing me as captain of the guard.”

Stripe had literally stopped in his tracks upon hearing this. Hear he was, completely new to the country and this part of the world after being kicked out of his own, and now he was not only in the Royal Guard for the rulers of the country, but also a candidate to replace Shining Armor as captain of the guard. Of course, that brought about the question of where he was going. But of course, the answer was that it would probably be a temporary thing since he intended to have a picture perfect honeymoon. “Yeah. So, I will be leaving and my position will go to the best candidate for the job. There is more than just being a good leader. To fill my role, you would also need to be a good follower.” “You're talking to me as if it's a sure thing.” “I've never seen Celestia take with somepony so well. It's as if she feels she needs to help you somehow.”

“Get your carrot sandwiches here!” “Two please,” Shining Armor requested as the earth pony opened up the top of his cart and pulled out a couple of carrots that he then put into elongated pieces of bread. Stripe had overheard through various bits of conversations he'd been listening to for the past couple of hours that these were called buns. He was handed his carrot sandwich on the bun with some mustard. Taking a bite, he found it quite good as he walked with Shining through the city. “I still don't get what makes me so special. I was exiled from my home.” “We know. We've gotten reports. Soarin mentioned your wife was like a monster, but that she seemed warm and kind.” “Most of my fellow zebras couldn't understand. I'd like to have thought they could've, but they couldn't. In fact, they proved me right when they killed her. Right in front of me no less. I'm no guard. I couldn't protect anything as I failed to protect the one thing that was most important to me. I'll do the job as it seems the one I'm most suited to do, but don't expect much from me. I have no place being in charge.” Having said his piece, he finished his lunch and left Shining alone.

Watching the zebra walk off down the street, Shining was torn. On the one hoof, he had promised he'd meet Cadenza for lunch, hence his light lunch of just a small sandwich with Stripe. On the other hoof, he really wanted to help the zebra. He just didn't know how. Helping somepony who lost somepony in the way he had wouldn't be easy. Ultimately, time is the best healer for such things. Shaking his head, he turned to go find his fiance.

Approaching the steps to the main entrance of the castle, Stripe looked over it in wonder and amazement. He'd seen it several times so far this morning. Each and every time, he was forced to stop and look over it. He just couldn't get over the expert craftsmanship of it. There was nothing even remotely similar to it where he spent much of his life. However, it seemed like what remained would be spent here. Just as well, all he had left was here. Well, all he had left that mattered.

The rest of the day was a blur for him. He hardly recognized what was going on as it was all the same. Stepping in to stop arguments before they escalated into something else. One didn't need to have any sort of training to do this. Just wear the armor, look big and mean and occasionally cast a glare or let loose a growl to keep anypony from getting uppity. It was far easier to what he had been doing as a Zebra Warrior. As such, it didn't really do much with his self esteem. In fact, over the past few hours, he had been literally counting down the minutes till his shift ended. He'd had a conversation with Sharp Steel shortly after his encounter at lunch with Shining Armor. Sharp had told him about his shift and when he could stop his patrols. After that, he could head to a restaurant, stop by a bar or just simply go back to his bunk. However, he would be needed shortly after sundown to meet the other princess.

The barracks were somewhat noisy as a number of ponies were either taking off their armor or putting some on. One he took notice of was a black furred pegasus that looked strong. Her dark blue armor seemed to match her quite well. Her mane and tail were a vibrant white as she flicked her mane out of her face so she could put her helmet on. “The name's Star Light,” she stated without even bothering to look towards the zebra. “Don't go anywhere. In about another hour, you're going to meet Princess Luna.” “Okay.” “Keep your armor on. I want you to at least look presentable. Luna is a bit more....formal than Celestia on such meetings. That especially goes for first meetings.” Seeing his look, she sighed. “Look, I'm a bit more gruff than the guys on the day shift. The main reason for that is that up until recently, I've been completely in charge of those at night. I also had the.......deplorable job of waking up Celestia each and every morning to lower the moon and raise the sun. With Luna here, it does make my job a little bit easier.”

Stripe just looked aside. He didn't really think that this job was hard. Sure, keeping a city secure wasn't easy, but he had yet to really see anything that overly posed any sort of threat. His mind kept going over the thought of changelings being in the country and the city under threat from attack. “You know something?” “I'm not sure. I don't know if what I know has anything to do with the threat or not.” “Well, I could certainly use any and all information. A lot of such tidbits of info isn't really worth anything. But through that sea of nothingness, there are bits that are worth their weight in gold.” “I don't know if you know what a changeling is or not.” “Nope, can't say I do.” Sighing, he explained what he knew and saw her nod. “That's rather interesting. Insectoid creatures that are similar to ponies?” “Yeah. And they can take on disguises as well.” “I see. This does sound a little out there, but I'll look into it. Hearing such information from a warrior, I can't take the risk of it being true and do nothing.” He nodded and watched her leave before he headed back to his bed.

A little while later, he saw her reenter. “Hey, this way.” Things did look a little more interesting here at night. Following Star Light, he saw her open a door that had previously been locked. “Luna has herself as an additional guard. Follow the steps up to the top of the tower. She'll be on the balcony. Be formal. Try to appear nice and keep it short and sweet. You need to be ready and presentable tomorrow since you'll be meeting the Elements of Harmony. Now go, Luna is waiting.”

Slowly, he began to climb the stairs. What was with the ponies and building things so high off the ground. He was really going to have to get used to heights. There was no way he'd be able to walk out to the edge of the balcony, not without a blindfold on at the very least.

When he finally reached the top of the stairs, he walked across the small room before stepping out onto the balcony. Luna had yet to properly move back into Canterlot and still lived out of a separate tower in the nearby forest. “Come forth striped one. Do not fear me.” “I don't. Nor do I fear death.” “I think that there are few ponies who can say that with honesty.” “What about your guards?” “We haven't really had a real fight in a thousand years. Not since I was taken over by darkness and engaged my own sister in combat. I sense a magic in you, one that seems to be growing.” “Nothing much I think. Probably just the residual magic from these pendants my wife gave me.” “Your wife who is no longer with you.” Stripe turned away at that statement. “Please, forgive me. My.....manners are not the best. I have been away from this world for far too long and am still trying to get used to the new customs and cultures myself.”

Looking up towards the night sky, Stripe sighed when he lowered his head once more. “Come forward. Gaze at the city from my perspective.” “I'd rather not.” “Come now. You'll have to come up here eventually if you replace Shining as the head of the guard.”

Stripe was not looking forward to this as he slowly made his way towards the edge of the balcony. Peering out over the city, he was stunned at what he saw. He could literally see for miles. And for the first time, he didn't really feel afraid of heights when in a tall building. It was really strange. Maybe Luna was helping him with that particular phobia or maybe it was something else entirely. Maybe it was some part of Artemisia helping him to better adapt to his new life here in Equestria. “When do I need to be up tomorrow?” “Did Sharp Steel not tell you?” “Well, he did....” “Then you get up at that time.”

Walking away to head back down the stairs, he glanced back towards where Luna stood. She reminded him a lot of his deceased wife. Even so, he was still grieving and hadn't been able to really move on. He also was fairly certain that she would not be interested in marrying some guard from some faraway land that was exiled by his own people.

Sunlight was seen filtering through the small window above his bed. Yet another problematic night. He'd barely gotten any sleep yet again and was fairly certain that his troubles would continue to follow him till he finally passed on and joined her. Of course, he had to wonder if she went to Heaven or Tartarus.

The morning was nothing if uneventful and boring. After meeting with Shining Armor and later Sharp Steel, he headed out onto his patrol. He was told to return to the castle entrance by one to meet the Elements. The rest of the morning and the day after would be spent on patrol unless he was told different.

Walking along a wall along the castle, he looks out towards the city. Seeing a train pull in, he puts his hooves up on the side to try and get a better view. He could see ponies boarding and getting off. He noticed a group of six that appeared to be together. He could also spot something small and purple near the group. “Must be the dragon Shining mentioned his sister having. I guess I'd better get myself to the front of the castle. Wouldn't want to keep anypony waiting.”

Getting there was no problem and he easily be the group there by a wide margin. Each of Twilight's friends would have a specific chore that they would do to help the wedding get off the ground. As he was waiting, he saw Cadenza approaching. “I was hoping to find you here.” “I was told to meet the Elements of Harmony.” “Yes. But as soon as you are finished, I'd like a word with you in private.” Watching her leave, his eyes narrowed. Her tone was not one he liked and he didn't really like that she seemed to be hiding something.

However, his attention was soon attracted elsewhere as he heard talking. He was unaware that somepony already had a few ideas that perhaps Cadenza was not all she appeared. However, that somepony else was not quite as distrusting as he was at this point.

As Shining Armor rounded the corner, he motioned for the Twilight and her friends to head on into the castle. Stripe watched as the six approached and noticed them stop. Stepping forward, he bowed slightly as a show of respect. “Um, hi. Why are you here?” Twilight asked. “Shining not mention me?” “Oh! Yes, he mentioned they had a new guard. He didn't mention that the new guard was a zebra though.” “I guess it slipped his mind for some reason. Who are your friends?” “Oh, this is Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.” The yellow pegasus in question was actually kind of hiding behind her friends.

“Mighty nice ta meet y'all.” “The pleasure is all mine Applejack.” Of course, Stripe's train of thought was derailed as he felt somepony getting a bit close for comfort. Pinkie was staring directly at him from the side. How she had gotten there without him noticing was really strange as all six had been within his field of vision at all times minus that split second when he turned to reply to Applejack. “Sorry, but she has a tendency to do that,” Twilight stated as she stepped between the zebra and the bright pink pony that looked about ready to literally bounce out of her own fur with how she was bouncing in place. “You guys got things to do?” “Yep! This wedding is gonna be awesome!” That was all the cyan colored pegasus said before zipping off down the corridor. Her friends soon followed one by one with Twilight taking up the rear. She stopped for a moment and turned, “What are those around your neck?” “The last memory of somepony dear to me.”

He turned and walked off to go find Cadenza as Twilight hurried to catch up with her friends. As Stripe searched for Cadenza, he heard his new commander. “Shining?” Walking over to the noise, he saw a glimpse of green flash behind a door before the white unicorn walked out rubbing his head. Stripe raised an eyebrow as he saw Cadenza step out behind him. “Oh, so glad you could make it. Come with me please.”

Once inside, the door slammed shut behind him. Stripe looked towards Cadenza, “This is not even remotely funny. I do not like jokes.” “No joke. I just want to talk to you.” “Then why did you slam that door and lock me in?” “Urgency.” “Right. What is so urgent you wanted me in here?” “It's amazing. Those pendants you have are quite intricate and wonderfully crafted.” “I guess accusing you of something would get be nowhere.” “Quite the smart little zebra. You want your new friends to survive, then you'd best keep this meeting to yourself. I know you've been talking some. With all the questions getting asked, I have to be very careful. Just remember, the lives of your friends are in my hands.”

Stripe then felt a searing pain in his head as Cadenza's magic touched the pendants he had around his neck. Using it against him, she blasted him against the very door that he had just walked through.

Several hours later, he sits up and feels his head. “Ow....dammit. What hit me?” He had no memory of what had taken place and simply remembered what few suspicions he had of Cadenza. “Hey, you alright?” Stripe turned to see Sharp Steel and nodded. “Where have you been?” “Unconscious I guess. I have a very nasty migraine thanks to whatever it was that hit me.” “Here, follow me. We'll get you checked out.”

As Sharp Steel and Stripe headed into the castle, they walked past the grand ballroom. There, Stripe witnessed Pinkie getting berated by Cadenza for her choice of party preparations. After they had passed it, Stripe stopped and looked back. “That seemed a little harsh. Maybe her choices are childish, but that's still rather harsh.” “Come on. There isn't much we can do as it is her wedding.” “Her and Shining.”

As the day continued on, Stripe spent most of his time up on the wall. His patrols had been changed due to his more vigilant nature. Celestia had personally asked him to keep an eye up on the wall while she watched from the balcony in the tower. Stripe was also going to be dealing with quite the long night too since he was asked to stand guard all night.

Each passing hour felt like an eternity. Every time he glanced below or looked towards the other guards on the wall, the same thought entered his mind. When would this attack happen? If somepony took the time to make a threat, then surely they intended to fulfill it. Waiting for something that could potentially happen was not something he overly enjoyed. The absolute worst part of it was the waiting.

“Stripe, what's the news?” “Same as it was when Sharp Steel last asked me before he called it a night,” Stripe replied to Star Light. “Well, keep an eye out. I was told zebras can see quite well in the dark.” “Only if our eyes have had adequate time to adapt. Plus, it's not really that dark around a city.” “Really? Hmm, I never noticed.” “I have. It got dark where I grew up. It doesn't really get that dark here.”

The flapping of wings signaled that she had left. Looking out over the city once more, he began to walk up and down the wall. The night continued on just as the day had after his encounter with Cadenza. Of course, he couldn't remember what had happened thanks to whatever it was she had done. As the light of dawn is brought out, he watches as Luna takes her leave. However, Celestia didn't take her place. “Stripe.” Speaking of, the sun princess had managed to sneak up on him without him knowing.

Turning around, he bowed and muttered a quick apology. “No need. Stripe, I have some things to do today in preparation for the upcoming wedding. Can you take over my watch on the tower?” “Sure. Can I stop for some coffee or something first?” “By all means. But make haste.”

With some liquid stimulants to help keep himself awake, Stripe plodded his way up to the top of the tower to take his position. Looking out over the city, he then looked skyward at the great pinkish colored shield that was being utilized to protect the city.

As the wedding final preparations begin, Stripe stands watch in his position. He can see quite a bit from his location. But much of what is going on in regards to the actual preparations are out of his line of sight. At least until he notices some of the proceedings of the rehearsal through a window. Nodding, his eyes glance around the rest of the city.

Casually, his eyes glance back towards the room where the rehearsal was taking place and he spots Cadenza cowering and what looks like Twilight yelling. Of course, from his position and the distance, he cannot hear anything being said. He sees the pink alicorn take off out of the room with the purple unicorn following. Shaking his head, a sound diverts his attention to the room behind him.

Walking into the room, he looks around trying to determine just what it was he heard. After a long several minutes pass, he gets the feeling that somepony is merely toying with him and he returns to his post. He was not a fan of pranks or jokes, so he rarely pulled them himself.

His attention is drawn immediately to the room where the rehearsal had been going on when he sees a flash of green light. Finding that odd, he shakes his head when a thought enters his mind. Cadenza is not what she appears. Having recovered from his smack to the head, he fully remembers the encounter he had with Cadenza. He'd also seen what had happened when Twilight had confronted her and how the others had reacted. He had failed to witness Cadenza sending Twilight off to some unknown location.

Feeling something grab his legs and pull him into the room behind the balcony, he sees Sharp Steel and bucks him away. “What gives!?” It is when the gray unicorn draws his sword that Stripe knows what is up. Dodging a slash of the sword, he bucks the unicorn into a nearby wall and gets his leg slashed for his trouble. Drawing his mace, he clashes with the unicorn and wondered why he wasn't using his magic.

Had he known what Cadenza's orders were, he'd have known that Sharp Steel was to get rid of the 'other problem' without attracting attention. Parrying a sword swing, he smashes the husky unicorn aside and sees green blood on the end of his mace. “You son of a....” he began and parried another attack.

The sounds of a fight echo in the tower as Stripe finds himself falling down the stairs. Half way down, he shakes his head and sees the unicorn approaching, his horn glowing a sickly green. Standing tall, he slides the shield from his back and puts his wounded left hoof through the loop as he draws his sword. Having been trained to move on three legs when using a shield, he carefully hobbles back and puts his back hooves against a wall. The first blast of magic strikes the shield and it holds quite well as the second forces him to stumble. The third knocks him further down the stairs as he shakes his head. Not having magic was really hampering his ability in this fight. Thinking quickly, he takes the shield in his mouth and hurls it like a throwing disk.

Of course, the gray unicorn was walking down when he noticed the shield. Deflecting it with a blast of magic, he failed to notice Stripe till he got bucked in the jaw and knocked back up a couple of steps.

Stripe used this next temporary distraction and picked up his sword and flung it with a flick of his head. As the unicorn got up, he noticed too late as the sword pierced his left eye and exited the back of his head. The form of the unicorn dissipated as a tall changeling stood where he had been before falling over. Stripe then winced because of his leg and sides. Trouble or not, he had to confront Cadenza and end her. Retrieving his sword and mace, he grabbed his shield on the way back down and headed for her bed chamber.

Shining Armor was on patrol in the castle when he saw the wounded Stripe hobbling quickly in some direction. “Hey! What happened!?” “Not now. I'm on my way to deal with a rat.” Shining move in front of him to stop him. “Go see the doctor. Who are you after?” “Maybe you should have listened to your sister. You want to come, feel free. But I will be having a few choice words with your new bride.” Shining Armor put his hoof up and shook his head. Stripe pushed him aside, “Killing me is the only way to stop me. You block me again, I'll do more than push.”

Deciding to simply follow for now, he was stopped when he felt something against his head. Unaware he'd been spotted, Stripe hurried to Cadenza's room. Having teleported out before teleporting back, she began to sing to herself when Stripe burst into the room.

Growling, Stripe blocked her magical blast with the shield when he felt something from behind. Falling over, he turned around to spot one of the guards. Cadenza simply nodded to him as he left and she closed the door. Stripe felt her magic hitting his head and struggled till something hard hit him.

Tossing the shield she'd picked up with her magic aside, Cadenza casually exited the room and closed the door behind her, locking it from the outside.

Stripe wasn't out for as long this time and turned to see the locked door. Seeing the window, he looked through it and saw a decent drop. Grabbing his shield, he smashed against the door again and again till he was able to bust through it, the doors smashing against the wall on either side. Growling, he hobbled towards the throne room.

It was as he arrived that he saw Cadenza, now Chrysalis, blasting Celestia aside. When Celestia gives the order to the Elements to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, Stripe whistles and takes charge as he leads the six across the city.

As the shield finally breaks, he looks up as he continues to hobble. Tossing his shield behind him, he sees Twilight catch it with her magic as he draws his mace. Rushing past a changeling that crashed down, he delivers a bone shattering hit that knocks the creature down.

Arriving at the tower he had just left, he sees hundreds of changelings blocking the path. He then sees as they continue to take on the form of each one of the Elements as well as Stripe himself. However, these changelings are unarmed and are relying on their disguises and magic to keep the others at bay.

Charging forth, he parries an attack and bucks one that got behind him as he sees Applejack buck another even further. Getting knocked down, he sees the changeling tackled by Rainbow and then trips another that attacked.

A crunch is heard as he sees that Twilight had used his shield to smash a changeling into the ground. Using his mace, another crunch is heard as he dodges a left hook and takes out the changeling's legs before delivering a skull crushing blow. Getting knocked back by a blast of magic, he sees Pinkie grab Twilight's tail to use her to fire dozens of magical blasts to knock the changelings back.

Hearing Fluttershy cry out, he rolled to his hooves and delivered a buck to the changeling in question just to see Rarity give it a wicked left hook. As the changeling was knocked back towards him, he reared up and clubbed it aside with his mace. Having the mace knocked from his mouth a moment later by a different changeling, he looked up at the metal helmet and gave it the head-butt of a lifetime.

Keeping this in mind, he draws his sword and charges into the changelings as the girls keep fighting. Knocking another against the open door, he slashes it with his sword and hears a loud bang as several changelings are knocked aside.

With this group down, he leads the charge towards where the Elements are. He was thankful Sharp Steel had been foolish enough to show him where they were. Though he kind of assumed that the changeling figured he wouldn't have made it this far. It was then that they were surrounded by more changelings as they landed.

Looking around, Stripe sees the girls relent to defeat. Spitting his sword out angrily, he simply growled as he was lead with them back to the throne room.

Once there, Chrysalis gloated about her apparent victory. All around had nothing but scowls as Cadance and Shining Armor nuzzled each other, the power of their love building. Stripe felt tears on his face as he felt his own inner strength increasing. Chrysalis leaned in towards him after taunting Twilight and her friends to taunt him. When she touched his pendants, he head-butted her back and saw her notice the two lovers in the center, the magic building.

Growling, Stripe turned and watched as the other changelings began to back away in uncertainty. Feeling the magic from them touch him, he noticed his pendants growing a vibrant green as he felt something within him. “For the one I lost!!!” With that, he reared on his forelegs and bucked Chrysalis just as a shockwave of magic sent her flying out of the castle with most of her kin to somewhere far off and unknown.

Hours later and Stripe is at the position he held earlier in the day. Up on the balcony as the sun is setting, he looks towards where the festivities are and despite the fact that weddings are good things, he cannot feel happy. “Something the matter?” “My wife had been one of......” “I know. But I also know she was not quite like the ones you fought today. I am sorry that neither me nor most of my guard were able to help. We had some problems of our own as it seems Chrysalis had taken every precaution imaginable.” “Except when dealing with me.” “You became the proverbial ace up the sleeve. I'm not certain if I worded that right though, so forgive me if it sounds wrong.”

There was a long moment of silence as Stripe continued to watch the party. He could hear the music from his post and simply sighed. “Do you wish to go down there?” “No.” “Stripe, listen to me. You cannot live in the past. You must let go. You're still here and it seems those pendants she gave you were more than helpful. I sense a stronger magic in you than yesterday. Perhaps, eventually, you'll have some abilities on par with some of the resident unicorns.” “Would they accept it?” “Since when would that matter? Celestia and I have accepted it. We know you'll never turn on us. I also know you miss your mother.” Stripe shook his head as he swallowed hard. “Please, try to think of this as a new beginning. After all, when Cadance and Shining Armor get settled, we'll need a new captain. And since he just got promoted and the second in charge wasn't all he seemed, consider yourself second only to myself, my sister, Cadance or Shining Armor.”

Stripe looked back towards the sky. He then looked towards where he knew Ponyville was. “Can I have some time off to go and visit her?” “Yes. In fact, you can escort the girls back home. Maybe you should meet some of their friends over there as well. It might do you some good.”

Heading down the stairs, Stripe thanks Luna as he heads off to bed to get some sleep. “Pleasant dreams my son.”