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Description

Signing up to join the Royal Guard was easier than anticipated. The recruiters were hungry to sink their claws into fresh meat and fill their quotas, that they were willing to sign up just about any pony who showed interested, as long as they filled the requirements. Even an elegantly clad Canterlot upper-class-pony mare in designer clothes and thick, vibrant make-up. Not to say that Rosie Quartz didn’t get a few odd glances to say the very least, but she was more than qualified to sign up for Guard. Now if she could get through basic training? Well, that’s another story altogether.
First day of basic training, Rosie stood out in the middle of a large training ground, surrounded by the other new recruits, none looking to be any older than her, some looking like they are still in high school. Quickly scanning her surroundings, Rosie quickly noticed the overwhelming difference between stallions and mares. She knew that mares don’t normally join the military, but she thought there would be at least a few… Her ears perk as Rosie caught sight of a short, spotted mare with curled ears keeping to herself on the side. If Rosie was to have any chance of making a friend, this would be it.
Rosie: *casually approaches* Hey! You are a new recruit too, huh? There are quite a bit of us here, wouldn’t you agree, heh *gently smiling, but sounding more nervous then she intended*
Mare: *ears perk up* H-hi.. Yes, I am new recruit too, heheh. *shuffles hooves a bit* Uhm, my name is Saanvi..! I’m a bit new here… I-in Equestria. *has a thick accent*
Rosie: I noticed. I like your accent, it sounds maybe Saddle Arabian? You are a far way from home…. Oh, my name is Rosie Quartz. I was born and raised here in Canterlot.
Saanvi: Is nice to meet you, heheh.. And very nice to meet someone who knows area.. I almost didn’t make it here. *ears droop*
Rosie: *smirks* Yeah, the streets here can seem like a maze. I used to get lost all the time as a filly. *rubs the back of her neck* It’s nice to meet you too. I was afraid I was the only mare here, heh..
Saanvi: I was afraid of that too.. *looks over her shoulder at all the male recruits* I not sure if I’d stay if I was only mare.
Rosie: *shrugs* It would definitely suck, but I’d still stick to it no matter what… but hey, at least we have more room in the shower to ourselves~ Imagine all these gross sweaty guys crammed flank to flank in those nasty locker rooms?
Saanvi: *thinks about it, but her pale face turns red* I am, conflicted by the image in my head…! *covers muzzle*
Rosie: Snrk! Hehehe, maybe you’d just want to be there with them, hmmmm? Maybe when some of these twigs beef up, they’ll make for some decent eye candy~ *as she looks around at all the scrawny recruits*
Saanvi: *looks around and sees two fairly short recruits, one with very fluffy mane and the other with a lion like tail like Rosie* I at least take comfort knowing I am not only short one here.
Rosie: From my past experience, it doesn’t matter how small you are, it’s how you use it~ *as she rubs her face, remembering when Crayola punched her* I’m sure you’ll do great here.
Saanvi: I hope so.. I’m sure you will too. *smiles and wags tail*
Rosie: *snorts and puts her hands on her hips* Oh I know I will~ I’m not going to let some dumb basic training stop me. I’m going all the way! You are looking at the next Captain of the Royal Guard!
Saanvi: *blinks* Really? Heheh that sounds--
Male Recruit: Utterly laughable, heheheh! Like they’d like a prissy mare be a captain.
Saanvi: *flinches and turns around*
Rosie: *ear twitches, before side glancing back at the recruit* Well, they let you join so they really must be desperate. I was told there was a height limit.. Obviously it wasn’t for your dick. *with a smirk*
Male Recruit: *face turns pink* Tch..! Course you’d say that.. I’m surprised they let fatasses in here. Especially her. *looks over at Saanvi*
Saanvi: H-hey..! *covers her backside*
Rosie: …. *turns to step in front of Saanvi and get in the recruits face* … Aww, how cute, your blushing… Let me guess, a small, sniveling little runt on you would just love to get stepped on. *puts a hand on his chest as she leans in* Say something like that again, and I’ll make sure I crush whatever masculinity you have left.. *shoves him back* Get out of my face, scrub. You are nowhere near my level.
Male Recruit: *stumbles back, flabbergasted….. Then runs to hide in the crowd*
Saanvi: *ear twitches* ….. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stallion run that fast before..
Rosie: *turns back to Saanvi and smiles innocently* Oh don’t worry about him. What were we talking about again?
Saanvi: I-I forget.. *looks away and twiddles her thumbs*
Rosie: Hmmmm.. Ah! I was saying why I joined the guard. Yeah, I plan on ranking up and all that boring stuff.. What about you?
Saanvi: …… *pokes the ground with her hoof* I wanted a better, respectable job than what I had back home… And to uh… *waves at Rosie to lean down so she can whisper*
Rosie: *ears perk and leans in* Hmm?
Saanvi: *talks quietly* I am trying to earn citizenship this way…
Rosie: Ah. Right, that makes sense. Honestly, that’s pretty awesome, you doing this all by yourself. You have my respect, that’s for sure. *with a gentle smile*
Saanvi: *smiles back* Thank you, heheh. It means a lot to hear from someone else.
Rosie: No problem. I got your back, hehehe~ Us girls gotta stick together after all, right? Hehehe~
Saanvi: Heheh yes! *tail wags, then ears perk as she looks at more recruits coming in* Oh, even more stallions.. *pouts a little*
Rosie: *looks around* … I see a few bat pony mares but.. I’m sure they are in the Night Guard. My dad used to say how the Night Guard was nothing but a bunch of adrenaline junky meatheads. They do a lot of damage, but also take the most damage..
Saanvi: *cringes slightly seeing one with huge fangs and a wide grin on his face enter* And maybe a bit crazy looking? *points*
Rosie: *ears fold back* …. Yeaaaaah, we are just going to avoid that lot…
Saanvi: *watches them all pour in* There’s so many of them.. *ears perk, cheeks a little pink* Those two don’t look very… scrawny..
Following in with the rest of the recruits, two bat pony stallions. Apart from the rest of the newcomers, they were built in muscle and height already. Whatever they had done before signing on served them well. The larger stallion had a glare as he scanned over the other recruits, then whispered to the other one, letting out a hiss that made the other nod in agreement. They both split off for the entering group to stand alone together.
Rosie: Huh.. No kidding. They must be brothers or at least know each other before this……. *glances at Saanvi and grins* … Wanna go introduce yourself? *in a teasing tone*
Saanvi: *squeaks* N-no no, it’s fine! They don’t look up to talking anyway… *staaaaares*
Rosie: *smirks* Well, maybe you’ll get a chance to be social at some point…….. Saanvi, you’re drooling..
Saanvi: MmmMMM! *rubs her muzzle and checks her hand* Ah- No I’m not, you’re poking at me! *pouts*
Rosie: Hehehe~ Just a little biiiit~ I can’t help it, you are just so cute! *as she pinches Saanvi’s cheek*
Saanvi: *whines* Stop iiiiiit..!
Rosie: *snickers and stops* Okay, I won’t pester you too much. After all, it’s only the first day… *glances over at the brothers again* …… Definitely a bunch of meatheads, that’s for sure.
Saanvi: *rubs her cheek and glances over* They don’t look like they want to be here either… Is weird, everypony else here is, more or less excited. *looks over at the rest, mingling and chatting with each other*
Rosie: *shrugs* Probably just nervous, I wouldn’t dwell too much on it. If they don’t want to be here, then they won’t last. It takes more than just physical strength to survive in the guard. You need drive!
Saanvi: And a strong backbone.. I will need training on that.. *looks at her backside, and pokes at her sides*
Rosie: *snickers* That’s the whole point of basic training, isn’t it? To train you so you are ready to protect Equestria and it’s citizens. I have zero experience with any of this besides what my father told me… but I would think by the end of it, we’ll be prepared.
Before Saanvi could respond, the sound of a fight breaking out in the large group pulled her attention away. It was hard to see at first, but as a few recruits stepped away, the two shorter stallions seemed to have gotten caught in the middle of it all. One being held to the floor and other held upside down by his ankles.
Saanvi: Ah- I-I would hope we don’t turn on each other first..!
Rosie: *ears perk as she leans to the side to get a better look* The hell is going on? We haven’t even started training yet and… oh, they are bat ponies… See what I mean? Just a bunch of adrenaline junkie idiots…
Off on the side, one of the bat pony brothers started to run get to the crowd, only to come to a halt when his brother called out to him in a loud bark.
Bat pony: Damion! Leave it alone!
Damion: *turns around* But they’re gonna get creamed!
Bat pony: *snorts and trots up to him* We don’t need to get into any more trouble because of you.. Leave it alone.. They’re fine, see? *points to a tall saber-toothed bat pony jumping into the fight to help* Crazy bastard is gonna do something about it. If they get a few scrapes, then it is what it is…
Damion: *ears fold back and sighs* Sure, Victor…
Victor: Hmph… Couple of hybrids in the guard… It’s bad enough they were even allowed in..
Damion: *muzzle scrunches up* I can’t even tell what they are.. One’s got paws, and the other… his eyes just tell me it’s nothing good.
Victor: Stay away from those lot, Damion…. You know they can’t be trusted.
???: AND JUST WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!?!?
Guard1: Straighten up, rookies! Stand ready when in the presence of General Crow!
All at once, the attention turned to a tall unicorn guard dressed in full Night Guard armor. One ice blue eye and one pink eye shone from under their helmet before removing it, revealing a battle scarred unicorn with fangs that jutted from under their lips. They sneered at the group that was fighting, but kept their gaze to the three that got caught in the middle of it. Although they spoke quietly, they could still be heard from where Rosie and Saanvi were standing.
Crow: ….. You three… Follow me.
The three battered recruits stood up, dusted themselves off and follow the General inside the castle, not saying another word.
Victor: Hmph, talk about a rough first day.. I doubt they’ll be sticking around if the General got a hold of them.
Rosie: *watches as Crow walks by* Whoa… that’s the General? They look like they eat recruits for breakfast… look how thick those arms are! Daaaamn, to think that’s a mare…
Damion: *ears perk and looks over at Rosie* You can tell from this distance? I thought that was stallion..!
Rosie: *ears perk, not realizing they could hear* Uh… N-not really. My dad used to be in the guard and knew Demetrius Crow back when they were only a recruit.. He quit shortly after they out ranked him and became General.
Damion: *cringes* Oof..
Victor: Snrk, poor sport… Not surprising. I’ve heard very little about her, but that look in her eyes speaks for itself… She doesn’t just tear recruits apart for breakfast..
Damion: But lunch and dinner too. Hehehe~
Rosie: I’ve heard stories… Just don’t know how many are true, heh. *glances at Saanvi* My name is Rosie by the way! This is my friend, Saanvi. *nudging her forward*
Saanvi: *jumps a bit and looks at the brothers* H-Hello…!
Damion: *smiles a bit* I’m Damion. This is my brother Victor, heheh.
Victor: *nods to them, looking down at Saanvi*
Saanvi: *tail tucks in, having to look straight up to make eye contact*
Rosie: Heh, so you two are friendly. We were trying to decide if you were anti-social or just shy. *with a wink*
Damion: *rubs the back of his neck* Heheh, more just not really excited to be here. Normally we get along with other ponies just fine! This whole recruitment thing is just new territory for us..
Rosie: Isn’t it for all of us, heh. But I guess you better learn to suck it up! We are stuck here for a good month or so, hehe. But… seeing that you two are already decently fit, I doubt either of you will have much trouble~ *side glances and smirks at Saanvi*
Saanvi: *looks up at Rosie with a pouting face*
Damion: We kept in pretty good shape beforehand, heheh. Mostly for sport. The years really paid off. *flexes a bit*
Rosie: *raises an eyebrow and watches him flex* …. Is this the part where we innocent, frail mares are supposed to swoon? Snrk! *with an shit-eating grin*
Damion: *ears perk* Huh? Uh- No no, I wasn’t trying to- *looks away fast*
Victor: *rolls his eyes* Don’t be a wuss, Damion.
Damion: *grumbles a bit*
Rosie: *smirks* I’m just teasing. It’s hard to tell when a guy is being genuine…. *looks at Victor* Or just being a dick-head.
Victor: *raises an eyebrow* Shove it, Drag Queen..
Rosie: *fluffs up a little* Excuse you! I didn’t ask you for your opinion, Count Chocula
Victor: Oh, so it’s Count Chocula now? What happened to Adrenaline Junky idiots…?
Rosie: *ears fold back* Fucking bat ears… And for the record, I called you a meathead.
Victor: What, for this? *gestures his arms* Should I call you Thunder Thighs? I could hear those things clapping from miles away…
Rosie: Ha! I’m sure you could with those giant elephant ears. You probably could pick up radio reception with those things. Maybe I’ll just call you Dumbo from now on. Fits you both physically and mentally…. Or are those words too big for you grasp?
Damion: *ears droop back* The hell did I do?!
Saanvi: Uh.. *pats his arm* Y-you’re okay, heheh.
Damion: *holds one of his ears*
Rosie: *ears fold back and cringes* I wasn’t….. Hrmmm.. *grumbles* I’m sorry. That was uncalled for…. *glares at Victor before looking away* I just get worked up easily. Your ears aren’t that big.
Victor: *narrows his eyes and smirks* Thank you…. Besides… *reaches and gently pinches at Rosie’s ears* Yours are definitely bigger.
Rosie: *flinches a little and stares at him* Excuse me? I’m not the one who can hear me walking from miles away. I apologized, get off your pedestal. *smacks his hand away*
Victor: Hmhmhm, very prickly, aren’t you Rosie? Maybe I should call you Thorn Bush from now on.~
Damion: Viiiiic…
Victor: What? I’m just playing nice, little brother.
Damion: I dunno if your brand of nice is going to fly here.
Rosie: *ear twitches* No no, it’s fine. He can call me whatever he wants…. *smirks* I don’t even remember your name. Guess you just aren’t making an impression on me. *turning away from Victor to ignore him*
Victor: *looks her up and down* Snarky. I like it. I can tell what type of impression you like to leave, Thorn Bush. It’s written all over your face…. And well, other places too. *pinches the base of her tail*
Rosie: *tail floofs up as she jump* Eep! H-hey..! Goddesses, you are a grabby one, aren’t you? And what the hell is that supposed to mean, leaving impressions in other places?
Victor: Let’s see, where to start.~ Your make up looks like top brand stuff, you smell like a pretty strong type of hair spray and your nails look almost too perfect to even dare touch dirt…. A prim and pampered unicorn like you won’t last a day here.~
Rosie: *looks at her nails and picks a little dirt out of them* Hmm, they do look stunning, don’t they? I’m sure they’ll look even better once I finish wiping that smug grin off your face.. And show you, no pony underestimates Rosie Quartz.
Victor: Hmhm, is this the part where I’m supposed to be intimidated?
Rosie: Of course not. We’re supposed to be working together for a safer Equestria. But I hope you practice your saluting for when I outrank you.
Victor: *snorts* Like I ever would… Sorry to disappoint your ego, sweetheart. But I don’t plan to stick around after these six weeks are up.. I’m giving my time, and then me and my brother are leaving this place so we can move on with our lives, and actually LIVE to enjoy it..
Damion: *ears droop back* Don’t say that, it’s not that bad here. I bet we’ll do fine enough to even stay as guards, or--
Victor: Damion…. *snarls at him* We talked about this…..
Damion: *takes a step back and looks away*
Rosie: *glances between the two of them* …. Stay or leave, doesn’t matter to me…. *turns to Damion* But if you do decide to stay, I look forward to working with you, Damion. *as she extends her hand to him*
Damion: *looks at her and smirks a bit, shaking her hand firmly* I do too, heheh…
Rosie: *glances at Victor* And, if you want to be a wuss and quit, all power to you I guess.
Victor: Riiiiight… Damion, let’s go.. We have to go into our faction. *starts walking off*
Damion: *waits for Victor to walk further* I’m sorry about my brother.. He’s not exactly here by choice, so the last few days have been kinda hell for us, heheh. He’s just grouchy, he’s actually really nice..
Rosie: *snorts* I’ll take your word for it. I’ll try not to antagonize him too much then, heh….. And sorry about saying your ears were big. I think they are cute~ *as she rubs on of Damion’s ear*
Damion: *ear twitches in her hand* Heheh, it’s okay. And I know they are.~ Mom always said so.
Saanvi: *covers her muzzle to giggle* You are… what is the term…. A, Mama’s boy?
Damion: *cheeks turn red* There’s nothing wrong with loving my mama…!
Rosie: *ears twitch as she looks to the side* Heh, I wouldn’t know. But it was nice to meet you, Damion. It’s nice to know that not all the stallions here are brainless jocks, hehehe
Damion: Snrk! I promise, we’re not brainless….. Not really jocks either.
Rosie: *smirks* Well, if you ever want to get away from your grumpy brother, I’m sure we can keep you company~ *nudging Saanvi a little with a grin*
Saanvi: *blushes heavily* Y-yes! Heheh.. *plays with her ponytail*
Damion: *smiles at them both* Heheh, that would be nice, thanks. *starts trotting after Victor* We’ll see you two around! *waves back at them*
Rosie: *waves back and waits until he’s further away* What a sweet boy….. They are gonna eat him alive~ *smiles and waves*
Saanvi: *waving as well* I have seen baby elephants with more backbone than him….
Rosie: Buuuuuuuut…. *turns to Saanvi and grins* He might be a really nice friend…. Maybe even a special pony for you? *eyebrow waggles*
Saanvi: Mmm! St-stop teasing! *pushes her hand against Rosie’s snout a little hard*
Rosie: Mmph! Hmhmhmhm! *playfully noms Saanvi’s hand*
Saanvi: *whines* This is going to be a long six weeks..
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We decided to take a break from all the drama on Capricorn Reef and introduce a few side stories, featuring your favorite bat brothers, Victor and Damion Bates, as well as a few new faces to the cast, Saanvi and Rosie Quartz! We'll be posting a few boards to introduce them as well as a few other side characters. We hope this is a good distraction and also some good additional flavor for the world and plot (we have one of those?) of the story.

At this point in time, we are at the beginning of basics, same time that Daniel Dasher, Orpheus, Octavus and Lafayette all first meet! Check out their side of the story here -->

Next:

Description

Signing up to join the Royal Guard was easier than anticipated. The recruiters were hungry to sink their claws into fresh meat and fill their quotas, that they were willing to sign up just about any pony who showed interested, as long as they filled the requirements. Even an elegantly clad Canterlot upper-class-pony mare in designer clothes and thick, vibrant make-up. Not to say that Rosie Quartz didn’t get a few odd glances to say the very least, but she was more than qualified to sign up for Guard. Now if she could get through basic training? Well, that’s another story altogether.
First day of basic training, Rosie stood out in the middle of a large training ground, surrounded by the other new recruits, none looking to be any older than her, some looking like they are still in high school. Quickly scanning her surroundings, Rosie quickly noticed the overwhelming difference between stallions and mares. She knew that mares don’t normally join the military, but she thought there would be at least a few… Her ears perk as Rosie caught sight of a short, spotted mare with curled ears keeping to herself on the side. If Rosie was to have any chance of making a friend, this would be it.
Rosie: *casually approaches* Hey! You are a new recruit too, huh? There are quite a bit of us here, wouldn’t you agree, heh *gently smiling, but sounding more nervous then she intended*
Mare: *ears perk up* H-hi.. Yes, I am new recruit too, heheh. *shuffles hooves a bit* Uhm, my name is Saanvi..! I’m a bit new here… I-in Equestria. *has a thick accent*
Rosie: I noticed. I like your accent, it sounds maybe Saddle Arabian? You are a far way from home…. Oh, my name is Rosie Quartz. I was born and raised here in Canterlot.
Saanvi: Is nice to meet you, heheh.. And very nice to meet someone who knows area.. I almost didn’t make it here. *ears droop*
Rosie: *smirks* Yeah, the streets here can seem like a maze. I used to get lost all the time as a filly. *rubs the back of her neck* It’s nice to meet you too. I was afraid I was the only mare here, heh..
Saanvi: I was afraid of that too.. *looks over her shoulder at all the male recruits* I not sure if I’d stay if I was only mare.
Rosie: *shrugs* It would definitely suck, but I’d still stick to it no matter what… but hey, at least we have more room in the shower to ourselves~ Imagine all these gross sweaty guys crammed flank to flank in those nasty locker rooms?
Saanvi: *thinks about it, but her pale face turns red* I am, conflicted by the image in my head…! *covers muzzle*
Rosie: Snrk! Hehehe, maybe you’d just want to be there with them, hmmmm? Maybe when some of these twigs beef up, they’ll make for some decent eye candy~ *as she looks around at all the scrawny recruits*
Saanvi: *looks around and sees two fairly short recruits, one with very fluffy mane and the other with a lion like tail like Rosie* I at least take comfort knowing I am not only short one here.
Rosie: From my past experience, it doesn’t matter how small you are, it’s how you use it~ *as she rubs her face, remembering when Crayola punched her* I’m sure you’ll do great here.
Saanvi: I hope so.. I’m sure you will too. *smiles and wags tail*
Rosie: *snorts and puts her hands on her hips* Oh I know I will~ I’m not going to let some dumb basic training stop me. I’m going all the way! You are looking at the next Captain of the Royal Guard!
Saanvi: *blinks* Really? Heheh that sounds--
Male Recruit: Utterly laughable, heheheh! Like they’d like a prissy mare be a captain.
Saanvi: *flinches and turns around*
Rosie: *ear twitches, before side glancing back at the recruit* Well, they let you join so they really must be desperate. I was told there was a height limit.. Obviously it wasn’t for your dick. *with a smirk*
Male Recruit: *face turns pink* Tch..! Course you’d say that.. I’m surprised they let fatasses in here. Especially her. *looks over at Saanvi*
Saanvi: H-hey..! *covers her backside*
Rosie: …. *turns to step in front of Saanvi and get in the recruits face* … Aww, how cute, your blushing… Let me guess, a small, sniveling little runt on you would just love to get stepped on. *puts a hand on his chest as she leans in* Say something like that again, and I’ll make sure I crush whatever masculinity you have left.. *shoves him back* Get out of my face, scrub. You are nowhere near my level.
Male Recruit: *stumbles back, flabbergasted….. Then runs to hide in the crowd*
Saanvi: *ear twitches* ….. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a stallion run that fast before..
Rosie: *turns back to Saanvi and smiles innocently* Oh don’t worry about him. What were we talking about again?
Saanvi: I-I forget.. *looks away and twiddles her thumbs*
Rosie: Hmmmm.. Ah! I was saying why I joined the guard. Yeah, I plan on ranking up and all that boring stuff.. What about you?
Saanvi: …… *pokes the ground with her hoof* I wanted a better, respectable job than what I had back home… And to uh… *waves at Rosie to lean down so she can whisper*
Rosie: *ears perk and leans in* Hmm?
Saanvi: *talks quietly* I am trying to earn citizenship this way…
Rosie: Ah. Right, that makes sense. Honestly, that’s pretty awesome, you doing this all by yourself. You have my respect, that’s for sure. *with a gentle smile*
Saanvi: *smiles back* Thank you, heheh. It means a lot to hear from someone else.
Rosie: No problem. I got your back, hehehe~ Us girls gotta stick together after all, right? Hehehe~
Saanvi: Heheh yes! *tail wags, then ears perk as she looks at more recruits coming in* Oh, even more stallions.. *pouts a little*
Rosie: *looks around* … I see a few bat pony mares but.. I’m sure they are in the Night Guard. My dad used to say how the Night Guard was nothing but a bunch of adrenaline junky meatheads. They do a lot of damage, but also take the most damage..
Saanvi: *cringes slightly seeing one with huge fangs and a wide grin on his face enter* And maybe a bit crazy looking? *points*
Rosie: *ears fold back* …. Yeaaaaah, we are just going to avoid that lot…
Saanvi: *watches them all pour in* There’s so many of them.. *ears perk, cheeks a little pink* Those two don’t look very… scrawny..
Following in with the rest of the recruits, two bat pony stallions. Apart from the rest of the newcomers, they were built in muscle and height already. Whatever they had done before signing on served them well. The larger stallion had a glare as he scanned over the other recruits, then whispered to the other one, letting out a hiss that made the other nod in agreement. They both split off for the entering group to stand alone together.
Rosie: Huh.. No kidding. They must be brothers or at least know each other before this……. *glances at Saanvi and grins* … Wanna go introduce yourself? *in a teasing tone*
Saanvi: *squeaks* N-no no, it’s fine! They don’t look up to talking anyway… *staaaaares*
Rosie: *smirks* Well, maybe you’ll get a chance to be social at some point…….. Saanvi, you’re drooling..
Saanvi: MmmMMM! *rubs her muzzle and checks her hand* Ah- No I’m not, you’re poking at me! *pouts*
Rosie: Hehehe~ Just a little biiiit~ I can’t help it, you are just so cute! *as she pinches Saanvi’s cheek*
Saanvi: *whines* Stop iiiiiit..!
Rosie: *snickers and stops* Okay, I won’t pester you too much. After all, it’s only the first day… *glances over at the brothers again* …… Definitely a bunch of meatheads, that’s for sure.
Saanvi: *rubs her cheek and glances over* They don’t look like they want to be here either… Is weird, everypony else here is, more or less excited. *looks over at the rest, mingling and chatting with each other*
Rosie: *shrugs* Probably just nervous, I wouldn’t dwell too much on it. If they don’t want to be here, then they won’t last. It takes more than just physical strength to survive in the guard. You need drive!
Saanvi: And a strong backbone.. I will need training on that.. *looks at her backside, and pokes at her sides*
Rosie: *snickers* That’s the whole point of basic training, isn’t it? To train you so you are ready to protect Equestria and it’s citizens. I have zero experience with any of this besides what my father told me… but I would think by the end of it, we’ll be prepared.
Before Saanvi could respond, the sound of a fight breaking out in the large group pulled her attention away. It was hard to see at first, but as a few recruits stepped away, the two shorter stallions seemed to have gotten caught in the middle of it all. One being held to the floor and other held upside down by his ankles.
Saanvi: Ah- I-I would hope we don’t turn on each other first..!
Rosie: *ears perk as she leans to the side to get a better look* The hell is going on? We haven’t even started training yet and… oh, they are bat ponies… See what I mean? Just a bunch of adrenaline junkie idiots…
Off on the side, one of the bat pony brothers started to run get to the crowd, only to come to a halt when his brother called out to him in a loud bark.
Bat pony: Damion! Leave it alone!
Damion: *turns around* But they’re gonna get creamed!
Bat pony: *snorts and trots up to him* We don’t need to get into any more trouble because of you.. Leave it alone.. They’re fine, see? *points to a tall saber-toothed bat pony jumping into the fight to help* Crazy bastard is gonna do something about it. If they get a few scrapes, then it is what it is…
Damion: *ears fold back and sighs* Sure, Victor…
Victor: Hmph… Couple of hybrids in the guard… It’s bad enough they were even allowed in..
Damion: *muzzle scrunches up* I can’t even tell what they are.. One’s got paws, and the other… his eyes just tell me it’s nothing good.
Victor: Stay away from those lot, Damion…. You know they can’t be trusted.
???: AND JUST WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!?!?
Guard1: Straighten up, rookies! Stand ready when in the presence of General Crow!
All at once, the attention turned to a tall unicorn guard dressed in full Night Guard armor. One ice blue eye and one pink eye shone from under their helmet before removing it, revealing a battle scarred unicorn with fangs that jutted from under their lips. They sneered at the group that was fighting, but kept their gaze to the three that got caught in the middle of it. Although they spoke quietly, they could still be heard from where Rosie and Saanvi were standing.
Crow: ….. You three… Follow me.
The three battered recruits stood up, dusted themselves off and follow the General inside the castle, not saying another word.
Victor: Hmph, talk about a rough first day.. I doubt they’ll be sticking around if the General got a hold of them.
Rosie: *watches as Crow walks by* Whoa… that’s the General? They look like they eat recruits for breakfast… look how thick those arms are! Daaaamn, to think that’s a mare…
Damion: *ears perk and looks over at Rosie* You can tell from this distance? I thought that was stallion..!
Rosie: *ears perk, not realizing they could hear* Uh… N-not really. My dad used to be in the guard and knew Demetrius Crow back when they were only a recruit.. He quit shortly after they out ranked him and became General.
Damion: *cringes* Oof..
Victor: Snrk, poor sport… Not surprising. I’ve heard very little about her, but that look in her eyes speaks for itself… She doesn’t just tear recruits apart for breakfast..
Damion: But lunch and dinner too. Hehehe~
Rosie: I’ve heard stories… Just don’t know how many are true, heh. *glances at Saanvi* My name is Rosie by the way! This is my friend, Saanvi. *nudging her forward*
Saanvi: *jumps a bit and looks at the brothers* H-Hello…!
Damion: *smiles a bit* I’m Damion. This is my brother Victor, heheh.
Victor: *nods to them, looking down at Saanvi*
Saanvi: *tail tucks in, having to look straight up to make eye contact*
Rosie: Heh, so you two are friendly. We were trying to decide if you were anti-social or just shy. *with a wink*
Damion: *rubs the back of his neck* Heheh, more just not really excited to be here. Normally we get along with other ponies just fine! This whole recruitment thing is just new territory for us..
Rosie: Isn’t it for all of us, heh. But I guess you better learn to suck it up! We are stuck here for a good month or so, hehe. But… seeing that you two are already decently fit, I doubt either of you will have much trouble~ *side glances and smirks at Saanvi*
Saanvi: *looks up at Rosie with a pouting face*
Damion: We kept in pretty good shape beforehand, heheh. Mostly for sport. The years really paid off. *flexes a bit*
Rosie: *raises an eyebrow and watches him flex* …. Is this the part where we innocent, frail mares are supposed to swoon? Snrk! *with an shit-eating grin*
Damion: *ears perk* Huh? Uh- No no, I wasn’t trying to- *looks away fast*
Victor: *rolls his eyes* Don’t be a wuss, Damion.
Damion: *grumbles a bit*
Rosie: *smirks* I’m just teasing. It’s hard to tell when a guy is being genuine…. *looks at Victor* Or just being a dick-head.
Victor: *raises an eyebrow* Shove it, Drag Queen..
Rosie: *fluffs up a little* Excuse you! I didn’t ask you for your opinion, Count Chocula
Victor: Oh, so it’s Count Chocula now? What happened to Adrenaline Junky idiots…?
Rosie: *ears fold back* Fucking bat ears… And for the record, I called you a meathead.
Victor: What, for this? *gestures his arms* Should I call you Thunder Thighs? I could hear those things clapping from miles away…
Rosie: Ha! I’m sure you could with those giant elephant ears. You probably could pick up radio reception with those things. Maybe I’ll just call you Dumbo from now on. Fits you both physically and mentally…. Or are those words too big for you grasp?
Damion: *ears droop back* The hell did I do?!
Saanvi: Uh.. *pats his arm* Y-you’re okay, heheh.
Damion: *holds one of his ears*
Rosie: *ears fold back and cringes* I wasn’t….. Hrmmm.. *grumbles* I’m sorry. That was uncalled for…. *glares at Victor before looking away* I just get worked up easily. Your ears aren’t that big.
Victor: *narrows his eyes and smirks* Thank you…. Besides… *reaches and gently pinches at Rosie’s ears* Yours are definitely bigger.
Rosie: *flinches a little and stares at him* Excuse me? I’m not the one who can hear me walking from miles away. I apologized, get off your pedestal. *smacks his hand away*
Victor: Hmhmhm, very prickly, aren’t you Rosie? Maybe I should call you Thorn Bush from now on.~
Damion: Viiiiic…
Victor: What? I’m just playing nice, little brother.
Damion: I dunno if your brand of nice is going to fly here.
Rosie: *ear twitches* No no, it’s fine. He can call me whatever he wants…. *smirks* I don’t even remember your name. Guess you just aren’t making an impression on me. *turning away from Victor to ignore him*
Victor: *looks her up and down* Snarky. I like it. I can tell what type of impression you like to leave, Thorn Bush. It’s written all over your face…. And well, other places too. *pinches the base of her tail*
Rosie: *tail floofs up as she jump* Eep! H-hey..! Goddesses, you are a grabby one, aren’t you? And what the hell is that supposed to mean, leaving impressions in other places?
Victor: Let’s see, where to start.~ Your make up looks like top brand stuff, you smell like a pretty strong type of hair spray and your nails look almost too perfect to even dare touch dirt…. A prim and pampered unicorn like you won’t last a day here.~
Rosie: *looks at her nails and picks a little dirt out of them* Hmm, they do look stunning, don’t they? I’m sure they’ll look even better once I finish wiping that smug grin off your face.. And show you, no pony underestimates Rosie Quartz.
Victor: Hmhm, is this the part where I’m supposed to be intimidated?
Rosie: Of course not. We’re supposed to be working together for a safer Equestria. But I hope you practice your saluting for when I outrank you.
Victor: *snorts* Like I ever would… Sorry to disappoint your ego, sweetheart. But I don’t plan to stick around after these six weeks are up.. I’m giving my time, and then me and my brother are leaving this place so we can move on with our lives, and actually LIVE to enjoy it..
Damion: *ears droop back* Don’t say that, it’s not that bad here. I bet we’ll do fine enough to even stay as guards, or--
Victor: Damion…. *snarls at him* We talked about this…..
Damion: *takes a step back and looks away*
Rosie: *glances between the two of them* …. Stay or leave, doesn’t matter to me…. *turns to Damion* But if you do decide to stay, I look forward to working with you, Damion. *as she extends her hand to him*
Damion: *looks at her and smirks a bit, shaking her hand firmly* I do too, heheh…
Rosie: *glances at Victor* And, if you want to be a wuss and quit, all power to you I guess.
Victor: Riiiiight… Damion, let’s go.. We have to go into our faction. *starts walking off*
Damion: *waits for Victor to walk further* I’m sorry about my brother.. He’s not exactly here by choice, so the last few days have been kinda hell for us, heheh. He’s just grouchy, he’s actually really nice..
Rosie: *snorts* I’ll take your word for it. I’ll try not to antagonize him too much then, heh….. And sorry about saying your ears were big. I think they are cute~ *as she rubs on of Damion’s ear*
Damion: *ear twitches in her hand* Heheh, it’s okay. And I know they are.~ Mom always said so.
Saanvi: *covers her muzzle to giggle* You are… what is the term…. A, Mama’s boy?
Damion: *cheeks turn red* There’s nothing wrong with loving my mama…!
Rosie: *ears twitch as she looks to the side* Heh, I wouldn’t know. But it was nice to meet you, Damion. It’s nice to know that not all the stallions here are brainless jocks, hehehe
Damion: Snrk! I promise, we’re not brainless….. Not really jocks either.
Rosie: *smirks* Well, if you ever want to get away from your grumpy brother, I’m sure we can keep you company~ *nudging Saanvi a little with a grin*
Saanvi: *blushes heavily* Y-yes! Heheh.. *plays with her ponytail*
Damion: *smiles at them both* Heheh, that would be nice, thanks. *starts trotting after Victor* We’ll see you two around! *waves back at them*
Rosie: *waves back and waits until he’s further away* What a sweet boy….. They are gonna eat him alive~ *smiles and waves*
Saanvi: *waving as well* I have seen baby elephants with more backbone than him….
Rosie: Buuuuuuuut…. *turns to Saanvi and grins* He might be a really nice friend…. Maybe even a special pony for you? *eyebrow waggles*
Saanvi: Mmm! St-stop teasing! *pushes her hand against Rosie’s snout a little hard*
Rosie: Mmph! Hmhmhmhm! *playfully noms Saanvi’s hand*
Saanvi: *whines* This is going to be a long six weeks..
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We decided to take a break from all the drama on Capricorn Reef and introduce a few side stories, featuring your favorite bat brothers, Victor and Damion Bates, as well as a few new faces to the cast, Saanvi and Rosie Quartz! We'll be posting a few boards to introduce them as well as a few other side characters. We hope this is a good distraction and also some good additional flavor for the world and plot (we have one of those?) of the story.

At this point in time, we are at the beginning of basics, same time that Daniel Dasher, Orpheus, Octavus and Lafayette all first meet! Check out their side of the story here -->

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