Small groups of survivors stumbled forth out of the shadows and into light, gazing up to not only see one airship, but several. Dozens washing away the clouds and bringing forth the unfiltered light of the sun upon a cold and injured people. Ponies who were once lost, now called to. Ponies who had lost all, but would soon be rebuilt.

For that was what the airships brought. That was who they were. I still remember…

“Shatter, your flank…”

Cross’ first words in what felt like ages, and he referred them to his younger brother’s rump. Though, not entirely. Not for the reasons that confused both Shatter and his grandfather. Instead, a different revelation dawned on them when the younger of the brothers was adorned with a never-before-seen cutie mark on his flank. Earning his before Cross. Though not showing his enthusiasm, Shatter nonetheless wiped away the soot to unveil it fully.

And Shatter Heart almost couldn’t believe it when he saw it. For his cutie mark was not some abstract image or idea relating to a talent. Instead, his cutie mark was a symbol; the Neighponese symbol for family.