Shellshock

Time: 1000 Hours (10:00 am)

Location: Canterlot Castle

The generals, the princesses and Captain Shining Armor rose theirs hoof to their heads in a salute as the casket came down the aisle. Around them, ponies were lined up in rows, each with their particular "mourning" outfits. They mostly consisted of black, and none had bright colors. To his right and left, Carbon and Shadow Fang each saluted to the casket as well, neither of them happy to be where they were. It was the funeral for the fallen. A while after the attack in Seaddle, it was decided that instead of individual funerals, the dead would all be honored in one ceremony, that would last as long as it needed to. The scent of roses hung in the air as ponies tossed them into the path of the caskets, honoring those that had passed. Ember gave a quick sniff as she tried to control her own emotions. She couldn't help but feel that she was somewhat responsible, even though everyone said she did his best.

"With great victory... Comes great sacrifice." She heard Fuse whisper to her.

She gave a slight nod, then turned her attention back to the funeral. Across from her, members of the 1st and 2nd Infantry, 33rd Squad, and the surviving members of Lifeboat saluted as well, each of them in their respective uniforms.

Another casket passed, and the name of the deceased was given, along with requests of old stories that others had with the dead pony. The priest called for anyone that had known the soldier personally, and if they had anything to say. A young light red filly stepped up, along with a mare holding her hoof. Ember recognized the filly as the one that had thanked Echo and Crimson for saving her life when they were in the mines, and nearly shed a tear. The young one had lost a family member no doubt, but who it was, she couldn't be sure. The young girl placed one brightly colored daffodil on the coffin, along with a picture of her holding the hoof of a larger pony.

"I'll miss you daddy." She said as she said a tear. The generals sigh while ponies around her cooed. Apex briefly lowered his head, overcome with guilt over watching the child carry so much grief. The filly explained how her father had been inspired to join Operation Lifeboat after Seaddle, and how he had given his life to save a younger colt at the Siege of Canterlot. She looked up to the casket and kissed her hoof, placing it on the casket."I love you."