I got your back

    "The royal guard is the most prestige title a simple pony can acquire, not by bits or connections, but by sheer force of will and determination, so that only the finest may be put to service. The royal guard's role is to protect the princesses mortal shell, regarding loyalty, responsibility and duty above all."

    Exert from the royal guard's hand book.

    It was about two days since Hearts and Hooves, two days since Thunder Shield left his home and his parents, he missed them. Thunder always knew he would have to say goodbye, he always knew he would join the royal guard, though he never thought it would be so hard. His mind had made it a habit of replaying the dinner when he told his family, they were all so happy and with a single statement, the joy vanished, every head hung low and for the rest of the nigh it seemed as time froze. To him it was apparent, they didn't approve, but none of them spoke up, none of them defied him, none of them cared enough and that was the push he needed to leave that place without remorse, at least for now. If nopony cared enough to stop him from doing something he would most likely regret or even die doing, then he might as well die with honor.

    Although his mind troubled him, Thunder was always quick to silence it as not to be yelled at by the drill sergeant. Thunder never felt so lonely as he did on that moment, in that barracks full of stallions, all he need was a friend, somepony in his position who he could share his burden, lost in this world of being shouted at and exercises.

    As Thunder ended his trail of thought, he noticed the drill sergeant was leaving the barracks, 'Thank Celestia', as he did Thunder decided to unpack his suitcase, with only the essentials. Moments of constant sights passed, until a stallion approached him and as his education dictated, Thunder stood up to look at  who was coming towards him.

    The stallion was, in anatomy, similar to him, they were both pegasus, the same heigh and just as athletic, but in terms of...well everything else, they were very distinct stallions. Thunder's coat is a dark shade of blue, with a black mane and tail, he has the most unique eye color, it being a dark green getting lighter as it draws near to the pupil and, maybe even the most magnificent part of his body, his wings, they are the largest in the barracks maybe even in the hole camp, they have a strong appearance, being as they are Thunder's wings always gave him a near divine look. The stranger who approached Thunder, has a white coat, silver main and tail, brown eyes that resembled the color of an oak tree's trunk and, to Thunder's surprise, small and seemingly unused wings.

    The stranger neared him in a casual manner, extending his hoof, upon arrival, in a friendly manner, "Hello there, my name's Cloud Runner." his voice wasn't as deep as Thunder's, though it was very strong.

    Thunder immediately connected hooves with Cloud Runner and as quick as this happened it broke, "Hi, I'm Thunder Shield.", his voice had a bit of excitement, as he thought the loneliness he had been feeling would be parched.

    Cloud Runner didn't pic up that excitement, oblivious he simply noted and asked, "So Thunder Shield, what brings you here?" a pure expression plastered in his face.

    Thunder's excitement disappeared as he heard this, making him remember that painful dinner, that twisted end to a day that was suppose to inspire goodwill and love. Despite his mind tormented him, he regained his composer, looked into Cloud Runner's eyes and said in a firm voice, "What brings me here, is duty, honer, and loyalty.".

    In a way the meaning behind that statement was inspiring, though it was his choice in words, his face as he said it, heck even the way he said it that gave Runner the feeling that this stallion had another reason, a reason familiar to him and that reason was of a pony of whom had nothing else to lose, beside his life. "But don't you have a family or somepony special to you?", at this point only concern filled Runner's voice, he knew why he was showing such concern towards Thunder, that was because he found himself in Thunder and he knew that they would both need a friend.

    To Thunder the question stung hard, he tried to keep it all in, but it was just too much. The chain of events that led to him being in that barracks talking to Runner was an ocean of sorrow that made way for a single tear to escape each eye, sliding through his cheeks, to his chin and then to finally drop on the floor. "No...I don't, let's just leave it at that.", it had been long since his voice was this cracked and uncertain, despite this he never broke eye contact.

    "I'm sorry, I know how you feel...I lost my family a long time ago, so believe me when I tell you that just a moment ago I was feeling the same thing as you are now, the only difference is that I didn't have a friend tot talk to.", Runner's voice became stronger with each word, leaving no doubt about what he was saying.

    Thunder was taken back by this show of compassion and understanding, regardless he was quick to regain his focuss and let a small smile threw his lips. He had a friend, somepony who understood him and what he was going threw, Thunder couldn't have asked for more, "Thanks Runner, that rally means a lot." and it really did.

    "Don't mention it, hey I'm happy, at least now I've got a friend around here that's not a complete muscle head.", both chuckled at the compliment and Thunder wiped his tear, now with a full blown smile across his lips.

Friend, the word was still foreign to Thunder, though it still offered comfort, which he happily accepted. Thunder had a friend he would come to respect and trust enough to call brother and which would soon be bound to in arms.