Not our world anymore (IC)

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Twilight smiled to Starling before turning and walking back into the room. She levitated some complimentary saddlebags she had been given and put some things she figured she'd use over the course of the day into them. She had almost forgotten how rather unkempt she looked after the previous night. She immediately went into the bathroom and began freshening up. After all, speaking to a group of soldiers on somber subjects, looking like she had just beat her Heat was worse than seeming weak and foalish. After brushing her mane and spraying a bit of perfume on herself, Twilight walked back into the bedroom and levitated her saddlebags onto her back, "I'll be back later, honey." she said to Starling, smiling warmly to him as she trotted out into the hallway. Garen walked up alongside her, following his orders.

Philomena played a bit with Rex and Leafrun, Rex was very happy for the distraction of Phoenix in opposition to thinking about the maybe impending 'being made to look presentable'. Philomena had been up all night reminiscing with Princess Luna about Princess Celestia. She hadn't wanted to alienate Pyre Light, but she had literally not seen the Night Princess for a few thousand years. She had lost track of the male Phoenix, but figured he'd turn up soon.

[Blue Fox]

Starling smiled back warmly and nodded before she left. He stretched out his hooves before going over what he was going to do in his head. First he needed to speak with the sovereigns which wouldn't take very long, then he needed to track down Indigo wherever the hell he could be at this hour. Then after they went to see their old friends he would likely seek Winter Bell for that talk he said he would have with her. After thinking on this for a few minutes Starling trotted back inside, closing the balcony doors behind him before picking up his saddlebag. He made a mental note of where his armour was in case he needed it but the thought made him silently groan as he really really didn't feel like putting it on today. He left the room, making way for the main hall where he would check first for the Princess and the Queen. With any luck he might find Spike too. Starling was in a very good mood today since last nights activities, he felt rejuvenated and filled with a warm sense of love that settled warmly in his chest. He had finally done it. He had found a mare that he was going to be spending the rest of his life with, should fate allow it. He continued his trot down the hall smiling to himself all the way.

Winter watched them play for a while as she looked lovingly at the colt play with the immortal bird. Then she noticed something on Leafrun, a mark of some kind and not a small one. "I thought I told you to clean yourself up" she said as she trotted over, levitating the colt up to inspect the mark. She looked at it carefully before taking a cloth and rubbing it. It wouldn't budge which made her irritated at first but then as she brought her hoof over she notices it was the same charcoal colour as hers. She gasped as she pulled back the fur to see it had routed to the skin. "By Celestia" she said out loud before setting him down at her hooves. "You... your coat is changing colour.... to my colour !" she said as she fell back on her hind legs, unsure on what to make of it.

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Rex looked, and saw the spot on Leafrun's back as well, just noticing it for the first time. Philomena also landed and craned her head over to take a closer look on the new pigmentation on Leafrun. Leafrun looked over both his shoulders, anxious to see just what was going on, and why they said that his color had changed. His neck couldn't turn far enough to allow him to see just what they were all talking about, "What do you mean? I can't see it!" he said, mildly frustrated. Rex pointed over to a nearby mirror, "Dude, take a look in that." Leafrun cantered over to the mirror and turned himself parallel to it, so he could see what was on his back immediately behind his neck. He blinked in surprise when she saw that the area on his back had infact turned from white to a charcoal color like Winter's. He turned himself around and around, trying to get different views of it. Philomena cawed in a confused way, wonder what was happening herself.

Twilight looked to Garen as they made their way down to the Infiltrator barracks, the griffon guard having already given her the directions down to the place. It was actually convenient for to have an active encyclopedia of locations following you around the keep. However, Twilight knew better than to treat Garen as nothing but one. She was about to ask Garen about his evident attraction to ponies including herself and Winter, but he had lost a bit of her track on time as they found themselves at their destination, "Here we are." Garen said, nodding to Twilight, "Good luck, and just remember, I'll be right nearby." Twilight nodded to him gratefully, now that it was likely very clear that she and Starling were together, she could let go of the whole flank-staring thing. Twilight took a deep breath as she stood at the entrance to the barracks for one the infiltrator squads who had lost ponies. The knew that this had been the team who had lost 2. She didn't know exactly how many each squad had on them. From the sound of Starling's team, squads might generally consist of 5, 6, or 7 ponies. Regardless, 2 was some pretty significant losses considering the team size. She knocked her hoof on the door, and after some shuffling around inside, the captain of the team opened the door, "Hi." Twilight said to the older Unicorn Stallion. He was alot older than herself or Starling, probably more around her father's age, "My name is Twilight Sparkle." she said, not quite sure how to start off the conversation with much more than that.

[Blue Fox]

Winter pushed a hoof through her mane as she thought over and over on what it could be. She considered the fact it could be some kind of mole from when they were out in the desert but it didn't take on that kind of look nor growth. She stared at the spot for some time before sighing. She looked to Philomena and Rex, "We should maybe get Twilight and Starling to take a look at it, If it's anything we should be worried about the'll know" she said, finally coming to a decision on what to do about it. But she had to wonder that if this really was Leafrun's coat changing, then why would he take on the same colour as her.

The captain looked down at the young Unicorn mare and cocked an eyebrow as she revealed who she was. "So you're the mare we risked life and limb for" he said as he looked her up and down as if judging if what they had sacrificed was worth it. His voice was deep, deeper then Starlings and carried a gruff edge of a pony who was clearly battle hardened. "I have to say I thought the Alicorn would be taller and not so... colourful, but I guess appearances can be deceiving, no ?" he said with a chuckle, "Anyway I'm guessing you're here for more then just to say hi so come in" he said as he stepped back to allow her entry. He turned and as he took some steps back into the barracks he barked an order at his men. "Everyone front and centre, we have a visitor !" he said as he turned his position half towards Twilight as the soldiers began to assemble as fast as they could. Each of them was twice Twilight's size, the tallest being half a head taller then Starling. They stood to attention and in unison stomped a hoof in salute. The captain eyed his men carefully, there was eight of them including the captain, two of them new recruits to replace the dead. "At ease" he said after finally seeming satisfied, the squad responding as they shifted into more comfortable stances. "This here is Twilight Sparkle, the mare we went to recover during the infiltration at the Empires capital" he said before turning to Twilight, "Well miss Sparkle, whatever you're here for where all ears" he said as he faced her fully. The soldiers carried some shocked expressions as they all turned to face her, a few of them looked unimpressed, having heard the Alicorn to be some powerful force to be reckoned with.

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Philomena nodded her head and cawed in agreement, her millenniums of wisdom taking over from her earlier playfulness. She then got another idea, "Woona." she cawed, referring to Princess Luna. Her beat was simply not as articulated as a griffon's so words in the civilized races' language were difficult to impossible for her to pronounce. It occasionally frustrated her, having the wisdom, knowledge and understanding, but not biology. Her immortality had left her a lot to complain about as well. She remembered when Rainbow Dash, one of her best friends after the fall of Equestria, had become too worn to carry on with life. She had been there by her side along with her husband King Leeroy Wingkins, her top general, Thunderlane, Spike, and Rainbow Dash's foals, who had been born devoid of coloring and the ability to get cutie marks. After she had outlived all of the remaining colored and cutie-marked Equestrian ponies left, she had resigned herself to visiting only with Spike and watching over Canterlot's ruins, perching herself for days at a time, watching as life slowly returned to Pony Valley and the arrival of the humans. She had yet to recount the story to Pyre Light.

Twilight nodded as the captain spoke. She looked around at all the ponies in the room, each of them just as powerful, if not more so, than the Royal Unicorn Guards of the Princesses, in presence. Even though she knew her magic was stronger than theirs, she still felt a little intimidated. Behind her, Garen stepped into the room as well and stood by the door. This was of course required by the terms of Twilight's probation. Twilight waited patiently until she was called upon to explain herself. Twilight nodded and stepped forward, "Well... I came here to apologize for the losses your team took. I also intend to apologize to the other team who lost a pony, but I knew I should talk to your team first, since yours lost 2 ponies." She didn't know whether it was right for her to say that her venture to the Imperial Palace had been naught but an act of stupidity on her part. She knew, however, that it was only fair that they knew. If they got angry at her, she would deserve it, "Going to the Imperial Palace was my own choice, I thought that I could do something to make things better... But I was wrong... I made a foalish mistake and would have been killed or imprisoned forever because of it, had you all not come for me."

[Blue Fox]

Winter smiled. "Good idea Philomena, Luna will probably know exactly what this is" she said before levitating her saddlebags over and onto her back. When she was ready to go she turned to the others, "Philomena can you take us to Luna, I'm not really sure where she'll be" said Winter with a sheepish expression. The phoenix nodded before taking into the air, flapping her wings majestically before they all moved as the fire bird led them in her general direction. Winter wasn't sure how Philomena knew where the princess was but it was said that Phoenix's could tap into a level of magic that ponies couldn't. Like feeling the presence of someone over a much much vaster radius. They trekked down the hall after Winter had managed to pry the young colt away from the mirror, he looked confused but Winter reassured him with a loving smile. She had that sinking feeling in her gut when she realised she still needed to talk to him about Bane Silver. She wasn't sure if she wanted anyone else to be there when she spoke to him about it but she definitely wanted the others there during the meeting, strictly for their safety as she was sure the crazed mare would likely want her neck after seeing her with her son, assuming she wanted Leafrun.

The soldiers were surprised by the lavender unicorn who seemed to feel guilt after what had happened. In truth none of them had really blamed any pony for what had befallen their brothers but they had felt sadness upon coming home without them. The soldiers looked at each other, the captain sharing these looks too before he turned to face the young mare. "Admittedly at first we were upset with what happened. They were good soldiers. Soldiers we had fought alongside for over six years. They were courageous and when it came to the crunch they gave their lives to save the rest of us. Corporal Violet and Private Storm had remained behind while we were retreating to our secondary fall back position. We hadn't beaten them down enough and would have perished from being overrun, if they hadn't have bought us enough time to fall back and dig in" he said shaking his head. "Well all knew what to expect and we could have decided not to go on that mission. The Major however, had given a speech before we took off for dispatch. The things he told us, about you and who you are, made us all proud to be apart of it. We know you're an Element of Harmony. And although we're soldiers and don't know an awful lot about the elements, we know enough to know you're important to pony kind, and that makes the sacrifice worth while in my eyes" he said as he stood tall, as did the other soldier ponies. "Ma'am we would have given all our lives to keep you out of the Empire's hands" he said, the other soldier ponies giving multiple hoof stomps to emphasise their agreement. When they had stopped the captain smiled, "But thank you for coming down here and apologizing, it means more to us then you know" he finished.

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

"We apologize for a rather... ehh..." Airimus began to Princess Luna, looking back to Amalthea as she put out several fires they had lit on some bushes on the outer edges of the arena with a water conjuring spell. Princess Luna raised a hoof, "No need to apologize. I found every aspect of your and Amalthea's training exercise to be quite fascinating. It's not often that I have the chance to witness humans like yourselves using your elemental magic." Airimus nodded, sighing in slight relief, "Well... I'm glad you enjoyed it." he said, smiling. Both looked over as they heard the caw of a phoenix. Philomena had lead Winter Bell, Rex and Leafrun out to where they were in the gardens. Luna smiled and held out a fore hoof as her sister's friend flew over and landed on it, "It is always a pleasure to see you, Philomena." Luna began, then looked over smiling to Winter, Rex and Leafrun, "As well as the rest of you. I hope you all had a pleasant night last night?" she asked.

Twilight's eyes filled a bit with tears as the captain and the others assured her that they were forgiving her and weren't angry with her. Perhaps Luna, Madison and Spike had all been right, the guilt she would have to suffer through was quite a bit of punishment, "Thank you all for forgiving me, and believing in me, but... No pony has ever died before as a direct result of a decision that I've made. This was the worst idea I had ever had. Everything that happened between Kal'cane and I teleporting back to the Empire was my fault. I feel like not even Princess Celestia would have forgiven me as quickly as everyone else has..." She wiped her eyes the back of one of her fore hooves, "That's also why I feel like I should know more about Corporal Violet and Private Storm and the other pony who was killed... To know more about those who's lives I've ruined and ended."

[Blue Fox]

Winter smiled to Luna as they approached as did Rex. Leafrun however, had still not gotten used to the regal princess and was once again staring at her with awe and flat ears. He was intensely curious about her but also greatly intimidated by her as he was unsure on what to do or how to act around some pony so famous and renown. Winter watched the princess and Philomena for a moment. Together they produced an overpowering image of majestic power that almost threatened to capture Winter in the same stare. She shook her head however as she answered her question, "My night was lovely, thank you" she said with a bright smile before her expression changed more serious and concerning. She looked from the Princess to the humans before looking back to Luna, "Leafrun has a mark, on his back that seems to have appeared over night. I was wondering if you could take a look at it, just to make sure it safe" she said as she looked to Leafrun who was still in a day dream like stare. She put a hoof to her mouth to stifle a laugh at his behaviour. Even the mention of his name seemed to not have snapped him from his stare on the Princess. Philomena even put her head under her wing as she made a chuckling sound.

The captain shook his head, "You didn't kill them, a bullet and overwhelming odds did" he said in an attempt to put her at a little ease before continuing. "But if you must know their stories I would be happy to tell them too you" he said before thinking on what he knew of the two soldiers. "Corporal Violet was originally from Averone which I think was named Manehatten in your time. She was one of the hardest soldiers I've ever met and cared for every pony she'd ever met. She trained and served for a year before being promoted to our infiltration unit where she chose to stay for the rest of her serving time. She could have progressed but she simply loved her friends here too much to leave them behind which was why I think she chose to stay behind during the assault" he said with a sigh before carrying on. "She was beautiful, powerful and brave, unflappable in combat and unwavering when under stress." One of the other soldiers trotted forward and put a hoof on his shoulder. "She was also my wife" he said as he looked to the floor. It wasn't hard to tell that his heart was aching but he would never cry in front of his soldiers, that just couldn't happen. He sucked it up before moving on for the sake of his heart. "Well... then there's Private Storm, one of the fastest brainiest ponies I've ever met. He annoyed the hell out of me most of the time simply because he'd never stop talking. But I loved him like my own, like I do the rest of these ponies here. He was a good soldier, and a good friend" he finished finally. "I never asked them to stay behind, and by the time I realised, it was already too late. But they gave their lives for us, and for you. Just make sure you make it count" he said with a slight smile.

[GalacticWar_Xavier]

Princess luna raised an eyebrow when they mentioned a mark appearing on Leafrun. She then smirked a bit as she realized what this could mean. Airimus crossed his arms and watched, wondering what was intriguing the ponies so. She leaned her head down to take a closer look, and approached Leafrun. The little colt's eyes widened considerably and he shrank back slightly toward Winter as she did, "Do not be afraid." Luna cooed to Leafrun, Philomena flapped off of Luna's hoof and landed on the ground, looking on as well. Leafrun couldn't help it, as Luna approached closer he shrank back farther, until he eventually felt his tail brushing against one of Winter's legs. He wasn't afraid of Luna, but her presence and identity boggled his mind by sheer principle. It then finally happened. Princess Luna touched her nose to Leafrun's mane in a friendly nuzzle. Knowing what was happening made Leafrun's heart leap multiple times, and then a calm took hold of him. He finally understood that Luna wasn't the high and mighty divine goddess-type he had originally thought she was. Luna then took her chance to study the spot that had appeared on Leafrun's back, "It seems as though it has begun... Leafrun and Starling have been the first two ponies I have renewed the spell of Inner Harmony upon, which allows them to take on colors once again. I knew that you and Leafrun have a special connection, Winter. You have become like siblings, so that is why he is slowly beginning to take on a color similar to yours. I must also assume that Starling is going through some color changes as well... But above that, I suspect that it won't be long until the two discover or re-discover their special talents, and get their cutie marks."

Each detail was like a new blow to Twilight's soul. Corporal Violet had sounded like a wonderful pony... but she was dead now. With each sentence, Twilight had wanted to collapse to the floor and cry, but that would be more harmful than honoring of their actions. Especially when the stallion came forward and said that Violet had been his wife. She was steadily preparing herself to lose Starling at some point, bracing for the pain that would be their parting, should it happen. But losing him to the hooves of death was unimaginable to Twilight. She couldn't even think of how the stallion must feel. She looked to him with a teary-eyed look of the utmost apology she could. Private Storm's description wasn't any easier for her. He seemed like he would be one of those types of friends that every group of friends would have. When the captain then said that they had died so that they could all live, she nodded, "I will make it count." Twilight said, "I won't make any more foalish mistakes like that... for them."

[Blue Fox]

Winter looked down at Leafrun and gently nuzzled him, "That's wonderful !" she said, overjoyed that it was in fact a good thing and a visual mark of the fact that the land of Equestria was returning after all these years. She was also overjoyed that he was taking on some resemblance to her as a sibling, but with that came a heavy heart as there was a chance they could become separated in the near future. She knew it would break her heart to have to say goodbye. She looked sad for a second but it changed when Leafrun exploded with joy at the news. "THAT'S SO AWESOME !" he yelled making Amalthea jump slightly as he leapt into the air, bouncing off all four of his hooves. "I wonder what my mark will be !" he said excitedly before turning around to face Winter, "And I get to look like my favourite pony in the world !" he said before leaping onto her, wrapping his fore hooves around her neck. Winter put her fore hooves around his midsection picking him off the floor slightly as they held a tight squeezing hug. The scene was heart melting as the two ponies hugged for a long moment before Winter put him down. "I'm sure whatever you're mark is it will be just as special as you are" she said as she nuzzled his nose. Leafrun giggled happily. "Now that was adorable" came Starling's voice as he joined them from seemingly out of no where. His mane and tail was half white and half blue at this point.

The captain nodded in understanding before looking to his soldiers for a moment before looking back to Twilight, "Well we better get back to work anyway" he said, trying not to sound like he was pushing Twilight along or anything. He walked her to the door and stopped her just before she left with a hoof on her shoulder. "Hey, now I'm not sure what your relationship is with the Major but whoever you are you must have been important to him. Never in my twenty years of service have I seen a pony so determined to retrieve a pony from enemy lines. Just my two scents worth" he said before turning and walking back inside. He could have guessed she was romantically involved with the Major but for the sake of embarrassment on both his and her part he didn't risk it. He looked to his soldiers and sighed. "Well, lets go" he said before they went back to training.