After Teddie Safari fled Street Rat and left her two sons behind, life for the two colts certainly became worse. Wren Warrant was just a baby, too young to really do anything about it, but Star Shooter felt he had to get away from his bastard of a father.

And he did; despite being young himself, Star Shooter ran away as far as his legs and wings could take him. He lived on his own, surviving off of salvaged scraps, and was hostile to anypony who tried to approach him and offer help. Don’t need nobody, he thought. I was born tough. You gotta be, in this world.

But one day, he saw some recruitment flyers for the royal guard and was suddenly interested. At first, he joined as a way to get back at the world, to obliterate anyone who caused injustice…like his father. Of course, Captain Armor and Commander Tempest wouldn’t tolerate that attitude, so they whipped him right into shape.

Meanwhile, Indigo Dreams lived a pretty average life, if a bit lonely. Her parents were both lieutenants in the royal guard, and were a bit too enthusiastic in trying to set their daughter up with a young, handsome cadet. Their favorite was Star Shooter, a new cadet who had…come off to a rough start, but he was doing better now! He was a good colt who was trying his best, they said. He’d be perfect for their daughter.

Indigo couldn’t say she didn’t like Star Shooter. He was sweet, and strong, and witty too. Her parents liked him too, almost treating him like their son. He would always love her, and protect her, and keep her out of harm’s way…right?