Main Street.

[Astral Midnight]

"I'm Astral Midnight," Astral said, looking the unicorn over, "and you are?"

Astral had thought about the unicorn's behavior. By the looks of things, the unicorn was ex-guard. Astral still wasn't sure. I should just ask, he thought to himself...

[Strong Defense]

"Oh well, thank you again Astral. My name is Strong Defense..." 

Buck me, way to go there Strong! Strong thought to himself. So much for the whole going incognito thing. Espionage was always more of Stormy's thing. Strong couldn't keep a sad look off his face thinking about his lost friend. He missed them so much. Looking back to Astral Strong putting on a worm smile trying to hide the pain that was in his eyes over his recent lost.

"Sorry about that."

[Astral Midnight]

"Well, it was nice to meet you. Even under the circumstances that we had." Astral nodded at Strong.

If he were to be ex-guard, he probably wouldn't enjoy saying out loud in public like this. Astral glanced around quickly. Though, it doesn't look like anypony can hear or see us right now. I'll just ask.

"Say, you wouldn't happen to be ex-guard, would you? You seem like you would be," Astral asked in a slightly hushed tone, hoping to not come across as blunt.

[Strong Defense]

When Astral asked that question Strong could feel his paranoia flaring up. No I am not going to let this shit control me. Strong's eyes scanned the street before looking back to Astral. Seeing that nopony was watching them Strong said.

"Astral do you have some place that we can talk about this in Private?" 

There was no way Strong was going to talk about this on the open streets of canterlot, even if it looked like nopony was around to hear. 

[Astral Midnight]

Thinking for a few seconds, Astral responded, "Do you know where The Falls are?" Astral only knew where those were because of his friends that had joined the guard showing him. He hoped it was somewhat safe enough to go there, but wasn't overly sure. "If you do, do you think you could meet me there in the morning? I have a few more questions to ask then."

[Strong Defense]

Strong was unsure if prolonging his stay in canterlot was a good idea or not but, he was in pretty bad shape after the battle and could use a friend right about now. Strong had only just met Astral but, if he turned out to be trustworthy then this could work out to Strong's advantage. Looking the Pegasus in the eyes Strong said.

"Ok Astral I will meet you at the Falls tomorrow morning but, do me a favor and don't mention me to anypony. It could put someponies in danger."

With that said Strong went on his way planning on meeting Astral come morning.

[Exit Strong Defense to the Falls]

[Astral Midnight]

Astral nodded at Strong, and then turned around and headed for where he remembered a library being. Once he reached the library, he looked around and found a few books on recent history. After catching up, Astral decided to attempt to find a place to sleep, in town perhaps. He walked around a bit, and found an abandoned building to camp out in. He ate, and then went to sleep.

The next morning, Astral packed up his things. He decided to try his luck at flying to The Falls, so he went to the roof of the building and barely managed to take flight. Keeping his mind clear, Astral headed in the direction of The Falls.

[Exit: Astral Midnight to The Falls]

[Queen Chrysalis]

Galloping down the streets of Canterlot, soldiers wearing the new royal crest and armor had came in as a unit. Spreading out with nails and posters, their actions were swift as each hammered sign was placed on and around each wall that avoided a doorway. Spaced out thorough and well organized through the large city, each sign read as followed.

"Looking for Hire. The Queen's proposition.

Title: Weapon specialist/Combat Trainer. 

   All citizens looking for a well paying full time job, the qualifications are as followed:

- All creatures must be skilled in the form of martial arts. No experience, No entry.

- All creatures must be able to handle any situation they come across, mental & Physical.

- All creatures must be well informed on the art of weaponry, fully mastering them to an extent.

- All creatures must have a high intellect for planning and outsmarting their opponents.

- Last of all, all creatures must remain loyal to the new nation and its leaders, any outsiders that betray this trust will be executed.

Bonus: Salaried with full benefits. Must be prepared to start immediately.

Job Description: Brought on to help make new armor and weapons needed for the new order, this employee will mainly be out on the field for training. Dedicating their time to their work, its main purpose is to train and recruit new soldiers to the ranks. 

All citizens interested in the position must report to the throne room for an initial interview. 

On the bottom, a small crest with the three new leaders of Equestria was stamped for approval. 

                           

[Noble Persona]

Wandering down the streets of the city he called home, Noble kept thinking back to times from fives years ago. Deep inside, he dearly wished to go back to those times. While outwardly, he behaved within the new laws and claimed his loyalty to the new regime, he kept his true feelings hidden within.

He barely even knew why he was walking through the streets right now. Perhaps he'd simply gotten bored or needed to get out of his home for a while and clear his head, rather than sit around and stare at the picture of his brothers that he kept beside his bed. Just as he was thinking he needed something to do, a banging sound derailed his train of thought. Curious and lacking anything better to do right now, he decided to investigate. What he found was a perfect opportunity. It seemed the Queen was looking for combat trainers who actually knew more than 'stick them with the pointy end'. He smirked and began to make his way up to the Palace. As he walked, he thought of another plan he'd been milling over for some time. Perhaps, it would soon be time to put that into action as well...

[Exit Noble Persona to Palace Gates]

[Perspective Shift]

Perspective Shift was in a good mood this day, not that he wasn't in a good mood every day. He had heard that the Palace Library was looking for some more help. After the war, his job at the smaller library at the other end of the city had become kaput. He exited his home, what was left of the one he used to share with his parents, and moved his hooves in the direction of the palace. As he walked, he had his trademark grin on his face and was humming a merry tune, greeting his fellow city dwellers with a dip of his head or a cheery, "Hello!". He stopped into coffee shop and grinned as he was served the life giving nectar that was coffee, by a changeling. He mused as he drank his coffee and continued his way to the palace. He was definitely liking the new regime. The crown had covered his expenses until he had found this job at the library and, while he had loved the Princesses, he was enjoying Queen Chrysalis' rule a lot more.

That was the other reason he was glad to hopefully be working at the library in the Palace. He would finally have the chance to access all the tomes and volumes related to Dark Magic. He was also hoping that he would get the chance to ask the Queen if he could learn about Changeling Magic.

He was stopped by the Palace Guards at the Gates and asked to state his business. He informed them in his cheery manner that he was applying to work at the library. They let him pass, a little annoyed at how anypony could be so cheery at any time. Perspective made his way to the main entrance and opened the door to the entrance hallway.

[Exit Perspective Shift to Entrance Hallway]

[Correctional Forces]

[Enter JO, Vaan and Astral from Palace Gates]

Walking through the main street of Canterlot, the streets were slowly becoming pleasing to the eye as workers helped maintain the streets cleanliness. From a once tremendous eyesore to a welcoming part of society, JO could only mentally thank them on a job well done. Walking down the street as passers by were both changeling and pony alike, it was as if the Queen's vision for their future was finally coming true. Looking to the darker colored pony, he was awfully silent and shy, surely he could help cheer him up. "Tell me Sir Astral, what do you wish to be in this new land? Career opportunities are just around the river-bend."

[Astral Midnight]

As they walked, visions of what these streets once were filled Astral's mind. Starting to daydream about his past, Astral simply took in the sights. Hearing the changeling's words suddenly forced him back into the real world with a small sigh escaping his mouth. He took a moment to think the question over a bit.

"I... Don't know.. I'm pretty useless.."

[Vaan]

The longer the group walked, the more comfortable the place looked. The capital city...a prime place to raise his daughter. Much better than the village he was previously at. He just hoped there were other children for her to play with. Perhaps the changeling young would be her friends.

Jumping out of his thought, Vaan heard the stallion speak and taken aback.

"Useless? No one is useless. Even the smallest things benefit everyone, "Vaan explained while pointing at Astral's cutie mark, "Besides, you got a cheat sheet right there."

[Astral Midnight]

Astral turned to look at Vaan's gesture, before shaking his head.

"That only confirms my statement. I'm invisible to the world.. My life has no real value.. Nopony would truly care if I died.."

These words rang very true with Astral. Yes, no-one would care, only because he had no-one left to care about him. He sighed and returned to looking at the ground, negative thoughts now taking over his mind again.

[Correctional Forces]

"Useless?" Cocking his head to the side with confusion at the pony's words, JO couldn't help but turn back to face the stallion. Given this position for his strength and brain power in understanding psychology, the changeling had held out his hoof in a stopping manner. "Oh you ponies. If I may speak freely. What would you do without these cutie marks? They simply lend you half of the way, while other species are forced to figure theirs out for themselves. I can read your emotions young sir, and it is very apparent that you have a lot of learning left to do. Your mind does not think the same as others do, and that is a good thing. You can see through the lies and debauchery, for you are a wounded soul."

Taking a moment for the pony to take it all in, JO continued with his heart filled speech. "When changelings need to learn their place, they seek answers from a higher hoof. Our Queen has always believed that we were more then useless pawns for the sake of war, we were a brave and unique race. We fought against the system, merely wishing to fit into society. While looking exactly like your brothers isn't the best in providing personal skills, its what you do with your life that makes you who you are. I have come from the bottom of my hive, and now I am a worthy soldier and protector for everything I deem right. Please do not assume your worth before you explore it."

[Vaan]

"See, this guy knows what's he's talking about, "Vaan spoke, "You know, most people knew me as the neighborhood hellion. Spouting on about how I wouldn't amount to much.Yet, those griffons didn't get me down... much. When I came of age,I left,got a job, and climbed my way up to something. Then, when things started to change , I had to discover another talent-smuggling. I didn't know I could do it until life forced me to. Like Jo said...You have to explore ,or you'll be forced too."

Vaan thought for a moment about the things he's heard around Equestria, trying to think of something to help. He didn't know why he felt inclined to talk to this pony. Usually,he'd leave until things blew over, yet he stayed. He wanted to help.

"Besides, I never heard of a cutie mark being that...dark, "Vaan chose his next words wisely. He wasn't trying to tread on anyone's hooves, "Have you considered that you may have mistaken the meaning of your mark? Not saying you have, but it's not unheard of. They are just general pictures about your talent. Perhaps...I don't know...it doesn't mean invisible to the world. Just empty. Empty as in waiting to be filled with knowledge or something."

[Astral Midnight]

Astral shook his head. "It's hard to explore your meaning if you have to constantly worry about having food at night and a roof of some sort over your head.. I didn't have those things just given to me.. And it's difficult to read my Mark differently when it appeared after I said, 'It's like I'm invisible to the world..' when I was little.. My life has been full of nothing but failures, and I doubt it's going to change anytime soon.."

[Correctional Forces]

Enjoying the griffons story and beliefs on the subject himself, JO had respect for his style and way of life. Griffons in a way, were like changelings, while they didnt feed off of love, they werent exactly happy go luck, nor did the ponies really always treat them right. Nodding to his words, Astral's come back had been incredibly rude to their efforts. While he understood the stallion's uncertainty, the way he answered it, meant that their words were nothing but trash to his ears.

"With the Queen's help young sir, you will have a home worth going home too. Cutie marks are very particular, each one is unique. If yours is that, then there must be a grand reason. You just haven't tried opening up your mind to explore it fully." Reaching up on the revamped homes, JO turned as he pointed ahead. "We're almost there, look ahead you too!"

[Vaan]

Vaan nodded in agreement with the changeling. He felt as if JO had stated everything that could have been said. Besides, if he would have continued with the conversation, he would have been beating a dead horse. (He internally laughed at his saying.) Hopefully, after a bit of relaxation, the stallion will ease and settle into the new Equestria, where things may be a little easier for him. And the griffon too.

Broken out of his thoughts by JO, Vaan looked towards the homes. His beak opened wide as the glory stood before him. His legs stopped moving, as he feared if he got closer, he'd figure it was a mirage the entire time. But no, the houses stayed no matter how long he looked or how many times he rubbed his eyes. He just couldn't believe what he was seeing. Houses much better than the one he owned back in the griffon country. Perfect to start his new life.

"The Queen is messing with me,right?" Vaan asked, "I go inside, there's an ambush, and I'm interrogated about something? Maybe made into a love generator after all the information I have is pulled? Because this isn't real."

[Citizens In Equestria]

[Enter Static Wing & Mathew Clayton]

After flying miles towards a hospital or rehabilitation center, Static wing had been forced to land as her breathing and sore muscles both seemed to need a break. With an unconscious stallion on her back, the brightly colored yellow mare had been wearing a grey body suit, her neon blue spiked mane filled with sweat as she shook falling to her knees. Glancing around and watching an odd set of creatures walking up the street, Static had held out a hoof towards them, her panting voice was distant but clear as they would see her right up ahead.

"H-hey! Help!"

[Vaan]

Vaan turned his head to look at the the loud mare in distress. He noticed her heaving breathing and the unconscious stallion on her back. They needed help; that much he could tell my the looks and her yelling, but he was so close to the start of his new life that he could practically envision it. He could have simply ignored her. That's what the old him would have done, but if he was starting again, he would have too stick his beak in places he'd rather not go. (He had learned long ago no to do that.)

"What's the matter?!" Vaan yelled back, motioning for Astral and JO to follow,"

[Correctional Forces]

Confused by the griffons words, JO had tilted his head with a puzzled expression. His Queen, do something like that? Smiling and simply shaking his head, the changeling knew his mother better then that. She may have stepped on a few hooves to get where she was now, but none of her actions were that selfish. "I assure you, it is not a set up. Our mother has been trying for years to get us into this world, she wouldn't ruin such a thing."

Finishing up his sentence and blinking in realization at the scene before him, JO turned to Astral. "Do you know of them?" Glaring with uncertainty, the stallion galloped behind Vaan, hoping to find out what happened. Lighting up his horn with a dull aura, a small green beam had shot.up into the sky, signalling distress.

[Citizens In Equestria]

Looking incredibly exhausted from her flight, the spiked maned mare had taken a breather. Relieved to see passers by attempting to engage in conversation and help, Static Wing prodded the stallion on her before giving off a concerned expression. While learning to help was always in her blood, the flyer wasnt quite used to being this involved in the city and its main street. Knowing it was her best bet to getting him help, she had been eager to do anything at this point. Hearing the griffon call out, the mare waved him over with a thankful gaze, her wings starting to feel the pain from carrying such weight.

"He needs medical help! I cant bring him to the hospital myself!"

[Astral Midnight]

(Sorry about the delay.. Had some technical difficulties.)

Trying to keep his emotions contained, Astral looked at the homes pointed to by JO. He couldn't help but wonder if his old house was still standing. But there was no time to think on it as the spiked maned mare suddenly interrupted them. Astral looked to JO and Vaan, obviously unsure what to do. He took a few steps toward the mare before completely freezing. He took a deep breath and stayed where he was, waiting for somepony else to tell him how to help.

[Mathew Clayton (Max)]

(Sorry if I haven't been here I had some medical incidents that restricted me from posting or access to the computer.)

In Mathews state of unconsciousness, he would be stuck with his nightmares with no way of waking up simply. Max can only rest on top of the mare and bearing witness to the events that have already unfolded, burning, death, destruction and repeating in an endless loop of torment which caused Max to have a seizure like effect in the real world where his body shook off Static Wing and he landed with a thud on the ground still not waking up, but, at least, the shaking seemed to stop.

[Vaan]

"Never seen them in my life!" Vaan yelled back to JO as he continued to run.

Seeing the flair, the griffon felt some ease come over him. His group could help until the actual reinforcements came. Hopefully, JO or Astral knew some sort of medical knowledge since Vaan only knew some basics, enough to keep someone from dying. Even then, sometimes it wasn't enough.

When the stallion clasped onto the ground, Vaan flapped his wings to give himself a small burst of speed until he reached the mare and stallion. He gave her a quick look over; he was checking to see if she was hurt or planning on continuing some sort of trap. She didn't seem hurt, just exhausted. The stallion seemed like a different situation.

"Name's Vaan," Vaan said, taking off his heavy bag, "What happened?"

[Citizens In Equestria]

Sitting down for a brief moment, Static gave herself a breather when she glanced to the body on the ground. Shifting to the griffon and pleased to see some help, her eyes didnt mistake him for anything but a helping hoof. Not good at medical aid herself, the flier was absolutely clueless on how to help the unconscious. Judging from the attitude this stallion originally gave her, if they don't move fast, he might wake up and try to run away. Static Wing had to do something, it was her duty as an offical speed unit flier. She was in charge of making sure the areas up ahead were safe for the citizens.

"I found him off the coast of Macintosh hills, he was trapped in a brutal wind storm. I tried to lead him towards help when he awoke, but he insisted on moving a different way. And then.. he fell and got knocked unconscious. He needs to see a medical team and checked out right away."

[Correctional Forces]

Galloping to Vaan's side, JO remained silent. Judging from her plain flyers uniform, it was clear she wasn't an official officer. While her volunteer work was respectable to the soldiers on the ground, the changeling couldn't help but feel they could be doing more. Finding runaways, locating more land and valuables, etc. But perhaps being by the Queen's side for so long had molted him, changed him for better or worse.

"The hospital wing in the palace would be the best place to take him. That way, we can keep an eye on this citizen to ensure he is friend not foe. He will then receive the best medical care in Equestria. Thank you for your help Miss." JO looked the mare in the eyes, his intentions pure as his eyes glanced to the stallion in need of care. Understanding Astral's hesitation, the changeling knew he couldnt change the stripes of the scarred.

[Astral Midnight]

Astral stood almost perfectly still as he glanced over the entire situation. He shifted his wings slightly, making sure his cloak was there. Upon feeling it there, he had to fight his instinct. As much as he wanted to disappear and run away, he stayed there. Memories of his past began to flood in again. This time they were of Rhyme. He couldn't help but see the similarity between this situation and the memory of Rhyme's passing. A sick/injured pony falling off of the back of another one.. Nobody around having much clue as to what they were doing.. He stood and hoped that this situation didn't end the same way as it had previously. He began to shake as he fought against himself in his mind, wanting to help, but at the same time, wanting to run. His wings slowly began to push his hood up toward his head as instinct took over slowly..

[Vaan]

"I do agree that the hospital wing is the best place, but I don't think we should move him too much just yet, "Vaan suggested, "Well, not until the professionals get here."

Remembering what basics he learned, Vaan put his talons on top and underneath the stallion's head and tilted backwards. once the mouth opened, Vaan check for breathing. Once he felt and heard the flow of air, he knew the pony was still breathing. Quickly, he checked the stallion's pulse; the heart was beating. Vaan let out a sigh of release. Not having a dead pony on his hands was great in his books.

"Jo, any idea when that help will be here? Lil Miss pony, give me a hand putting this guy on his side...and Astral..."Vaan paused, looking for the Astral. He saw him still far from the group, putting on his hood. The griffon didn't know why, but he thought nothing of it. Some creatures just take time. Besides, he would come around eventually,