Equestrian Diaries

Chapters

Chapter 1: Dead End
Chapter 2: First Blood
Chapter 4: The Performance
Chapter 5: Celestia's Promise
Side Chapter 1: Sixth
Chapter 6: Of Blood
Chapter 7: Of Books
Chapter 8: Trouble in Ponyville
Chapter 3: Meet the Master

Chapter 1: Dead End

The world is a scary place.

I am a very observant pony. Even when I do hide behind my mane or my friends, or I hide behind a bush because I mistook my shadow for a monster or any manner of things, I am a very observant pony. I've drawn only one conclusion from my observations, and it is that the world is a really scary place, but that's okay because I have my friends to help support me. With them by my side, I can even stare down a full grown dragon! At least, so I thought, until I found there are things several times scarier than dragons.

They thought I shouldn't be frightened of everything so easily. B-b-but any manner of things could go wrong! What if a timberwolf jumps out at you from that alleyway? What if that serial killer I read about on the news came to Ponyville and is waiting to murder you? Being frightened keeps you alert. Still, they referred me to a pony who suggested that I write about everything that frightens me. I guess it gave me something to do in between caring for my animals, so it was alright.

Wednesday, October 13th
[7:16] Remembered scary dream a minute after waking up, dash under bed until Angel pushes me out.
[7:25] Every animal has been served breakfast, including Angel. Oh I hope they will be alright today!
[8:02] Mistook shadow for potential serial killer! Eep!
[9:47] Rustle in the bushes froze me for 5.28 seconds! Eep!
[11:14] The Crusaders were playing a dangerous game of tag again. Oh, I hope they don't get hurt!
[12:30] Every animal has been served lunch, including Angel after some difficulty. Oh, I hope their day has been going nicely.
[13:56] Saw a couple of squirrels running about. I hope they're alright.
[16:01] Mistook shadow for potential timber wolf! Eep!
[18:08] Helped a duck across a street. I hope he gets to his destination alright.
[19:10] Rustle in the trees froze me for 5.31 seconds! Eep!
[20:30] Every animal has been served dinner, including Angel after slight difficulty. Oh, I hope they sleep alright.

I love my animals, so naturally I would write them down as well since I always fear what could happen inexplicably. Writing the time seemed to help a little with the anxiety, too.

Looking back, I would've bucked the pony who suggested I started a diary hard enough to maybe displace a single hair by half a millimeter or, well, actually that sounds violent. A lot less violent than recent events, than what I found myself to be, umm, capable of, but she couldn't have possibly known. Oh well.

Oh, umm, I'm sorry dear reader, if there is any. I'm starting to ramble and I'm deviating from chronological order and and please forgive me!

Well, umm, off to the scope of things. Let's start where it all began, the day that forever changed my life.

Fluttershy awoke with a soft, barely audible yawn. She yelped, then hid under the bed, having remembered a scary dream she had just had. After being angrily pushed out by Angel, Fluttershy walked over to her diary to write the first entry of the day, only to see it was already written.

"That's odd."

Tuesday, October 26th
[7:16] Remembered scary dream a minute after waking up, dash under bed until Angel pushes me out.

"Did I write on the wrong day yesterday? Oh dear, did I get the day mixed up?"

She glanced over at the calendar, noting that it was indeed the 26th of October. She looked back towards the diary, taking note that an entire days worth of entries were already written for the 26th. Without warning, the page shimmered, the words becoming incomprehensible blurs for a split second before reforming, causing a started squeak from Fluttershy.

"Wha-what happened?"

[7:18] Angel impatiently kicks my hind leg. Oh no, I got distracted and forgot about breakfast for the animals!

That entry definitely wasn't there before, she thought. It only appeared after-

A rapid kicking of her hind leg from Angel shocked her out of her mental conversation, back to the emergency at hand-a potential late breakfast for her animals. Her internal clock, courtesy of the sun and her pegasus nature, confirmed the time: 7:18

Fluttershy rushed downstairs, preparing breakfast at speeds Rainbow Dash would be proud of, realizing when she was done that she was two minutes early.

[7:23] Every animal has been served breakfast, including Angel. Somehow, despite starting late, I managed to serve it early! I do hope their day will be alright.

The entry also seemed to correspond with what had just occurred. Fluttershy looked towards the next entry.

[8:56] Mistook shadow for the spirit of Nightmare Moon. Eep!

Is it possible it tells the future? Fluttershy's eyes widened. Before, it changed as I was reading it. That must be because the very existence of the diary changed the future-my future. So if I know that I'll be startled by my shadow-

The diary blurred again, the entry reasserting itself, but the only thing changed was the time: 8:58

Th-this must be a trick, though. Or maybe I'm tired. I should go for a walk. Future telling diary, writing down my entries ahead of time? That's silly. Really silly. Stop being a silly filly, Fluttershy.

Fluttershy eased out of her train of thought and, after a little hesitation, grabbed her diary and walked out, feeling the crisp air of a late October morning on her coat. She closed her eyes and fluttered and stretched her wings, letting the warmth of Celestia's sun soak into them in contrast to the cool air.

It's a beautiful morning. Too much so to worry about the potential ramifications of what I might have.

Fluttershy began her morning stroll through the wakening Ponyville, nodding shyly to those who took notice of her.

"Morning, Fluttershy!" called out a familiar purple unicorn.
"Oh, umm, hello Twilight."

Should I tell her? No, nonono. I haven't even confirmed! And I'll probably just sound crazy even if it really is true. No, I'll just keep it to myself.

"Uh, Fluttershy? Are you alright?"
"Huh, wha-what?"
"You were kinda staring at me for a while. Is everything alright?"
"Ye-yes. Everythings, umm, fine. I'll just be on my way. Have a nice day, umm."

Fluttershy squeaked. Twilight stole a final worried glance before walking off.

Fluttershy continued her standard morning routines, also making a stop at the market for ingredients which Angel insisted on.

[8:58] Mistook shadow for the spirit of Nightmare Moon. Eep!

Fluttershy jumped at her shadow with a squeak, afraid the spirit of Nightmare Moon had come back for her, only to realize her own silliness. The ponies around, used to her antics-well, either that or used to the strangeness of a town inhabited by Pinkie Pie-ignored her franticness. After confirming the time and the diary entry, Fluttershy's eyes widened.

It happened just as it said it would.

Fluttershy, hesitantly, looked over to the next entries, then froze.

[9:01] Heard shouts from a ways off, probably near Sweet Apple Acres, oh my!
[9:03] It's horrible! The sweet, innocent Cutie Mark Crusaders all got ahead of themselves in one way too far, and Sweetie Bell is seriously injured! She's being rushed over to the clinic, and I'm more frightened than when my friends and I took on the dragon. This is just horrible!

"The fillies!"
Taking full advantage of the exercise she went through to provide water for Cloudsdale and the fear for the innocent fillies, Fluttershy flew a 10.1 over to Sweet Apple Acres, frantically searching for them, when she saw it: An impromptu Rude Goldberg somehow set off by the Crusaders by the tool shed, after a number of steps that impressively looked set up, resulted in a axe being launched into the air, heading straight for Sweetie Bell.

Applejack's shout and the wide, fearful eyes of the Crusaders went unnoticed to Fluttershy as she zoomed straight for Sweetie Bell, scooping her up as the axe grazed her flank, causing a small amount of blood to ooze over her tri-butterfly cutie mark.

"OhmyCelestiaareyoualrightSweetietheaxewasheadedstraightforyouandIthought--"
Fluttershy's ramble trailed off into a sob as she hugged the startled filly, completely oblivious to the blood now drying on her flank.

"Fluttershy! Thank Celestia ya came! I dunno what might've happened had you not, but-uh 'Shy, it looks like you got grazed by that axe there," Applejack said, before wincing at what she realized might have been a mistake to tell Fluttershy.

Fluttershy, after letting go of the confused filly, took one look at her flank, eyes suddenly wide open. She let out a surprisingly small squeak, and even more surprisingly to Applejack, began taking a few supplies from her saddlebag, and started cleaning and bandaging.

Seeing Applejack's surprise, she softly spoke up, "Umm, this is nothing I haven't seen before. I take care of a lot of animals, you know."

"Right," Applejack briefly replied, before turning her attention to the three fillies now hopping around, completely forgetting the mortal danger Sweetie had just been in. "You three. I hope you won't be playing around sharp tools no more. Ya gave me quite a scare. If Fluttershy hadn't been there, there's no tellin' what might've happened. Let this be a lesson to you three. Now git, go on!"

The CMCs happily hopped along, chattering about potential nonsensical ways in which they could acquire their cutie marks. Applejack, smiling, shook her head, then walked over and hugged Fluttershy, eliciting a squeak.

"They really had me scared there fer a sec."

Fluttershy nodded in response.

"What brings you out here anyways?"

"Oh, umm umm, I was, uh, in the area?"

Applejack stared hard at Fluttershy, who began a nervous smile. Her staring intensified, as did Fluttershy's smile. Finally, Applejack's expression formed back into a wide smile, and Fluttershy mentally sighed in relief.

"Well, if ya need anything, just call. I gotta get back to work now. Later 'Shy."

As soon as Applejack was at a sufficient distance away, Fluttershy pulled out her diary, suspicions confirmed.

[9:00] Just barely saved Sweetie Bell's life! I'm so glad she's alright. Fillies shouldn't be playing around sharp objects. I was grazed by the axe, but a little blood is nothing to a filly's life. I'm just glad she's alright.
[9:03] Said hello to a little birdie. He's so cute!

"Okay Fluttershy, take deep breaths. No need to panic knowing you have a magic diary that can tell you the future which you can somehow change with the forewarning with the possible ramifications. No need to think on how you're now talking out loud to yourself around a bunch of apple trees. Oh, hello little birdie!"

Fluttershy blinked twice in rapid succession, realizing that yet another entry was fulfilled.

Maybe-maybe this gift was instilled so I could use it to help everypony! After all, I've already saved the life of a sweet, innocent filly. Who else could I help with the forewarning? It only seems to correspond to what I would normally write, but-

Fluttershy skipped happily away from the tool shed, humming a tune as she moved through the trees.

Fluttershy awoke to a new day with a quiet yawn, for once not rushing off under her bed from the memory of a scary dream. She hurried off to her diary, gleefully looking to see if there was anypony she could help with her new found gift. The day started normal, but then, Fluttershy's eyes widened in fear as she looked upon the last entry and the two words written ominously below it.

[8:07] Died by blood loss from a throat puncture.
---DEAD END---

Chapter 2: First Blood

"Dead-end?" Fluttershy whispered. Angel ran in, figuring he had to rescue Fluttershy from below her bed, only to freeze at her expression.

"Angel," she spoke softly. "It looks like I'm going to die in an hour."

Angel's eyes widened. Then he shook his head furiously and slammed his foot harder into Fluttershy's hind leg than he ever had.

"Ow," she spoke surprisingly nonchalantly. "I should be freaking out and hiding right now. Isn't that what I do? Instead, all I can think about is who would take care of you guys and how my friends might miss me. Even though I'm often in the background and very rarely speak up, I know they care."

Fluttershy sighed, eliciting another kick from Angel.

"What is it?"

He glared at her.

"Oh! Right, I'm sorry. I have to go feed you guys."

He shook his head rapidly and kicked her again.

"That's not it? You aren't hungry?"

He glared at her again, then moved his hand across his throat as if to imitate slitting it.

"Is this about what's happening in an hour?"

He nodded his head in agreement.

"What about it?"

He glared hard, put his paw on Fluttershy's leg, and shook his head rapidly.

"You-you don't want me to go?"

He nodded.

"I-" she took a few seconds to process the thought. "I've changed the future before with my foreknowledge. I can do so again! I will live. But, who is it that's going to murder me? Oh I don't know what to do! I need help. Umm, maybe I should go see Applejack?"

[8:25] Died by a blunt object to the head.
---DEAD END---

"Well, that's no good. But how did he find me so fast? Sweet Apple Acres isn't even that far, though, so maybe. Hmm. Perhaps I'll see Rainbow Dash?"

[8:28] Died by a 580 meter drop.
---DEAD END---

"So we know the murder can fly. That narrows it down to a pegasus, griffon, or dragon. Or-well, an alicorn, but the Princesses would never. Or maybe a unicorn manages a good shot of magic, or maybe an earth pony with a crossbow, or maybe-"

A swift kick from Angel brings her back to the immediate issue at hoof.

"Right, sorry Angel, I was over thinking a little. The murder can probably fly, but it's possible it's not the case. Moving on. Rarity?"

[8:15] Died by blood loss from multiple puncture wounds.
---DEAD END---

"Pinkie Pie?"

[8:35] Died by ???
---DEAD END---

"Not even the diary knows how I die in this case? I just do? That is-I guess it can't predict the ways Pinkie tries to save me? Umm, maybe Twilight can help me find a way out. After all, she's the smartest one in Ponyville."

[8:21] Twilight teleports us away from a hostile pegasus!
...
[11:15] Died by blood loss from a throat puncture.
[DEAD END]

"This is the only one that gives useful information before the event that causes my death, and it seems it really is a pegasus. This seems to also give me a larger window to figure things out, but-"

Yet another kick from Angel interrupts her. He pulls out a pocket watch as she turns to him, then points at it, glaring.

"The time? The-time. The time! Oh dear oh dear oh dear I'm running out of time!"

Angel begins to shove her out of the room.

"Alright, alright, I'll just head to Twilight's. Uh wait! What about breakfast?"

Angel responds by shoving her closer to the door.

"Oh, alright. Sorry! I really don't mean to abandon you guys like this, it's just that I'm about to be murdered and we probably want to prevent that and-"

The door is slammed in her face, cutting her off.

"Oh, umm"

Fluttershy flies straight towards the Ponyville Library, ignoring everypony that says something. She stops at the door and meekly knocks three times, and waits. Then, realizing she should probably be assertive in a situation such as this, she opens the door without waiting, blushing furiously in the process.

"Twilight!" she shouts-at least, shouting when it comes to Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy? Is something wrong?" Twilight replied, rushing to her usually meek friend as she notices her expression.

"Twilight. Can you lock me up in a magical cage with no way in for, umm, the rest of the day?"

Twilight blinked rapidly for a second, unsure how to reply.
"Uh, that wouldn't be too hard in theory. Why would you want that, though?"

"Can you just do it? Please?"

"Fluttershy, tell me what's going on."

Fluttershy sighed.

"I'm going to be murdered if you don't."

Twilight's eyes widened.

"Are-are you sure? This horrible! How do you know?"

"I just, umm, know."

"Fluttershy, you should know me by now. You know I won't accept that."

"You have to believe me, though!"

Twilight began to raise her voice as she talked. "Fluttershy, I do believe you, but I can't help me if you don't tell me what's going on!"

Fluttershy squeaked.
"You'd think I was crazy if I told you."

"Fluttershy, you ran in here and asked me to lock you up in a magical cage."

Fluttershy looked Twilight in the eyes, then wordlessly pulled out her diary and handed it to Twilight, opening up to the current day.

"This is-this is, uh," Twilight began as she processed what she saw, notably the future entries.

"It's my diary. It shows me what I would have written in advanced, as in it tells the future-"

"I know."

"-it's been like this for–you know?"

Twilight walked over to her desk, pulling out a book from deep within.
"This is my diary."
She turned the page to the latest entry.

Wednesday, October 27th

Today I realized one of the harshest realities of life: death. Logically, I've always known death as just an aspect of life. We are born, hopefully live a long, happy life, and eventually die. I only know of three beings who seem exempt from this inevitability, but otherwise I always knew it was there, although far away.

I never thought I would have to deal with it so soon, and to one of my closest friends, too. I still can't believe she's really gone, and I don't know what to do. I really don't know what to do, and it scares me, and it scares me knowing I'll never be able to tell her anything again, that she's gone for good.

She was murdered. Murdered. I thought Ponyville was one of the nicer, safer places. There hasn't been a murder here in decades. Perhaps it's that crazy mass murderer from Hoofington? Even so, why would they be here? I want to go after them now. I want to, but I just really don't know what to do. Not even books comfort me.

What have I learned? Don't take anything for granted. Cherish it, for it might be ripped from you at any second, whether it may be a nice book or a friend's life.

"I've never let anypony or dragon see this diary, not counting the friendship reports I also send to Princess Celestia," Twilight said after giving Fluttershy a chance to read. "Around since I began studying magic, I would write down everything I learned here that wasn't from a book, no matter the subject. Lately, I've been getting them in advance. It surprised me, and I still haven't figured out how it's doing it, but I also see now I'm not the only one with a Future Diary."

"Future-Diary," Fluttershy stated slowly as she continued to process what she read.

"It's a fitting name, isn't it? Now that I know there isn't just one. This is really fascinating. I wonder if there's others? But-but now's not the time to think about that. Ever since I read it when I woke up, I've been preparing some supplies and combat and defense spells. I was just about to teleport to every one of you girls when you ran in. I don't know why he's after you, but I will stop him with whatever it takes. Even if I have to-if I have to-" Twilight gulped. Then, in a voice rivaling Fluttershy's meekness, said, "-kill him."

"T-Twilight! You-you can't do that!"

"He's going to try to kill you, Fluttershy!"

A loud banging sounded from the library door.

"Who could that be? Coming!"

11:14

"Twilight, wait! It's the murderer!"

As if on cue, the door flew across the room, having been bucked by a cloaked pegasus, the red wings the only part of them to show. Fluttershy stood and stared at them while Twilight leaped in front of her, assuming a threatening but defensive stance as her horn glowed.

"I won't let you lay a hoof on her!" Twilight shouted.

The pegasus chuckled, a distinctively masculine voice sounding through the cloak.

"Get out of my way and you won't be hurt. The only one to be killed is that yellow filly over there. Now be a good little filly and get of my way so I can kill her, and I'll even avoid dirtying the floor or your books."

The change in Twilight was instant. A small purple aura flew from the sides of Twilight's eyes and her horn glow turned a menacing black. Black tendrils tore through the ground toward the pegasus and wrapped around him, forming an inky cocoon as she shouted in a voice that rivaled that of Princess Luna's Royal Canterlot voice.

"YOU WILL PAY FOR THREATENING THE LIFE OF A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE!"

Fluttershy could only watch, shocked at her friend's transformation. Then, without warning, she very visibly shuddered, and the inky cocoon fell apart, the pegasus leaping over and bucking Twilight across the room into the wall. He turned his attention to Fluttershy and laughed.

"I've never seen a unicorn use such pathetically woven magic. I knew provoking her would give me a show, but that? That was beautiful. Provoking her so much that she turned to dark magic, something that's not only hard to even cast in the first place, but so obviously unpracticed that it was easy to break?"
He licked his lips.

"Oh look, you're positively shaking! Maybe I can have some fun with you before I gut you. Haha, satisfying two cravings at once? Mmm."

Before he could lay his hoof on Fluttershy, a barrier formed around her, surprising and litterally shocking him, causing him to jump back. Twilight ran over and attempted to buck him, only causing him to grunt and subsequently laugh.

"Little filly, you're going to need to gain at least ten times your strength to even-"

He never got to finish his insult as Twilight teleported herself and Fluttershy away.

The two mares appeared just outside Applejack's home. As soon as they appeared, Twilight grabbed Fluttershy and started sobbing into her chest.

"Fluttershy! I-I'm so sorry. I don't know what happened. I was just so angry and and then I started using black magic which I still don't understand, mostly because it's always scared me but then I used it and almost caused you to die and please forgive me for being such a failure and-"
Twilight's ramble became incomprehensible as Fluttershy let her sob, her eyes closed as she chose to hold them back.

"Twilight," Fluttershy stated softly. After Twilight ignored her, Fluttershy pushed her away. "Twilight."

Twilight looked up at Fluttershy, seeing a brave face on the usually shy mare, who continued, "Twilight. You are not a failure. You are everything but that. You are a smart, beautiful mare, who's even the student of a Princess. Now please, don't make me be the brave one here!"

Twilight sniffed, then gave Fluttershy a real hug.
"Sorry Fluttershy. Let's take care of him and cry later."

Fluttershy nodded.

"I noticed something while I was being useless, standing there," Fluttershy began, staring into the ground. "When he bucked you, his cloak flapped a bit. I could've sworn I saw a book. He-I think he has a Future Diary like us, Twilight! It would explain how even when I changed the future by choosing a different plan, my dead end would be way too short of a time away from the other ends."

Twilight's expression hardened.

"Then we can't afford to waste time. Fluttershy, if he does indeed have a Future Diary and is using it against us, let's use ours too. Mine isn't so useful in this situation, as it only gives me lessons ahead of time, but don't you write about everything that scares you?"

Fluttershy nodded. Twilight continued, "Then yours may be lifesaving here. Being attacked sure is scary, so yours can give us foresight into all of his visible moves against us. What's the next entry?"

"There's no change from when I made my plan to see you. He's-oh my. He's going to be here within the next two minutes!"

"Celestia damn this! We have no time to make a plan. Is there any other useable info?"

"He's going to rush out at the trees at us. Umm, can you really not stop him with your magic? It says that you fire purple bolts at him which he dodges, and he breaks a barrier after several seconds of pushing his hooves on it, lighting up like a light source."

The diary phased.

"This is bad, this is very very bad," Twilight started. Fluttershy placed her hoof on Twilight's shoulder.

"Please calm down Twilight. You're smart and the most powerful unicorn I know. Also, the future has changed with that knowledge, though it's still a dead end. Please, Twilight!"

Twilight glanced at Fluttershy, who's brave expression was waning a little.

"R-right. He's clearly highly trained. Dodging the bolts is self explanatory, he used his Pegasus nature to redirect the shock barrier charges, and he knows how to disrupt mana flow with his own innate magic. Power is nothing over control, and while my control is normally excellent, it's lessened due to earlier, and he can clearly break mine in this state."

Fluttershy handed her diary over to Twilight. The diary phased over and over as Twilight processed more information about the enemy's capabilities due to the foresight. Running out of time, she stopped, grabbed Fluttershy, and teleported the two away just as the pegasus flew in.

The pair appeared in Rarity's Boutique, devoid of its owner.

"Rarity?" Twilight shouted. There was no response, to which Twilight shook her head.

"Do you have an idea on how to stop him?" Fluttershy asked.

"No, I'm sorry. But we can keep buying time until we figure it out. You're still on a dead end, although-" Twilight pulled her diary out of her saddlebag. "It looks like I'm on one now too."

Fluttershy gasped. "Oh my! Twilight! I'm so sorry I got you into this."

Twilight shook her head. "Don't apologize. You're one of my closest friends."

Fluttershy nodded. Twilight continued, "And no matter what, we will figure this out. It's not going to be easy, though. He is exceptionally skilled. I've lost count as to how many times I've changed the future with the foresight, and I still can't figure it out. This is military-no, Royal Guard level training."

"Oh-oh my. We're fighting someone from the Royal Guard?"

Twilight shook her head in response. "I don't know. He could be ex-Royal Guard, he could still be Royal Guard, or he might have gotten training from elsewhere, although it's unlikely. Either way, he has their level of training. Princess wanted me to go through some military training before, and now I really wish I hadn't procrastinated on it."

Fluttershy stared at Twilight, unsure if she really heard her say that she procrastinated, but quickly shook the thought off to focus on the matter at hoof, then took a look at her diary as Twilight went through plans in her mind.

"T-Trixie?" Fluttershy said.

[11:14] Trixie came out of nowhere and stopped the pegasus from hurting Twilight with a stunning spell! Oh my!

"What?"

Twilight took a look at the entry and repeated, "What?"

Twilight pulled out her diary.

"Fluttershy! Look, I'm no longer on a dead end!"

Fluttershy smiled. "I'm glad."

[11:15] Died by bloodloss from a throat puncture.

"Fluttershy-"

Fluttershy hugged Twilight.

"It was nice knowing you, Twilight."

Twilight briefly returned the hug before shoving her away.

"No, Fluttershy. No. I'm not letting you die, and I don't know how, but it looks like Trixie isn't letting me die, either. We'll factor her into our plans and come up with one to save you."

Fluttershy smiled. "I'm so lucky to have you as a friend, Twilight."

Twilight giggled. "I'm the lucky one."

The pair giggled for a moment before going through plans.

"No, no, no!" Twilight shouted. Several teleports and multitudes of plans later, Fluttershy's dead end drew near with no end in sight. The two were in a clearing near the Apple Family home, the time being 11:12.

"No matter what I attack him with, who we acquire help from, how we try to escape the town, he always gets you. Trixie manages to save me from most of my crazier plans, but I can't seem to stop your dead end."

"I wish I wasn't so useless," Fluttershy murmured.

"You aren't useless, Fluttershy. It's just, well, neither of us have any combat training, and the few in Ponyville who do can't seem to come close to his clearly elite training."

The red pegasus marched into the wide clearing. Twilight turned to him, taking a defensive stance in front of Fluttershy.

He shouted, "It seems you've both stopped running. According to my diary, I'm not going to murder you, filly unicorn. I am, however, going to murder the yellow one over there. I don't know how you manage to escape with your pitiful lack of training, but save yourself the trouble and step aside now."

"No." Twilight replied, angrily, but much calmer than before.

"Very well."

The pegasus flared his wings and glided along the ground towards them. Drawing upon previous failed plans, Twilight slowed him down the best way she could, firing apples around him and causing the branches to lash out at him. He wove back and forth, but Twilight's concentration kept him back, even occasionally whipping him. A few concentrated bursts of magic added to the assault, forcing him to fly in ways that would make Rainbow cry.

Why am I so useless? Fluttershy thought. I know I've managed things in the past, but mostly I've just stayed on the sidelines. It didn't bother me before that I was weak and helpless, but now? Now, with my friends' very lives on the line?

Even with Twilight's persistence, it only took him the greater part of a minute to reach them, and Twilight desperately erected a barrier in a last ditch effort. Instead of casting a shock barrier which couldn't seem to even faze the trained pegasus, Twilight pooled all of her concentration into keeping the barrier going. All it bought was time, however, and the barrier soon faded, leaving a triumphant red pegasus, a tired Twilight, and a frightened Fluttershy. Twilight glared at the murderer, refusing to move. He pulled out his blade.

Fluttershy continued to stand still in fear.
First, Trixie is going to come out and counter him, but he's going to kill me anyways. But-but maybe if I wasn't such a coward? Could I do something? Could I make the decision to prevent my Dead End? Could I do what he does so seemingly easy?

Before he could strike, magic tendrils grabbed him and sent him spinning in the air, tossing him a meter away, stunning him in the process. His blade fell beside Fluttershy, and his diary fell open half a meter away. Trixie appeared beside Twilight, her horn flaring menacingly.

"If you wish to harm Twilight Sparkle, you must get through me, the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

It's coming. Oh, it's-that-that's his diary!

At the bottom of the stallion's left page were the two ominous words that have haunted Fluttershy.
---DEAD END---

Upon Fluttershy seeing it, diaries across Equestria flickered.

I see. He's going to be dead too, isn't he? B-but I don't want him to die. I don't want anypony to die. Why should anypony die before their time? B-but he is a bad pony, isn't he? Even if he stopped here, would be be killing ponies elsewhere? Innocent mares like me? Fillies? Twilight? No, no, he has a dead end too. He's going to die right here, right now, and so am I-but no, no, no! My animals! My friends! After reading Twilight's diary entry, there's no way I can let myself die. No, that pegasus will be the only one to die today. But I-it's-it's inevitable. He's going to die anyways. I-I'm sorry.

Before either the stunned red pegasus or Twilight and Trixie could react, Fluttershy grabbed the blade in with her mouth, half leaped and half glided over to him, and thrust it into his neck, his life blood suddenly spraying onto the mare, shock evident on all there. Fluttershy twisted the knife, plunging it as far as she could, heavily coating herself in red.

"I'm so, so sorry," Fluttershy whispered, tears running through the blood as she let go of the knife. The now redder pegasus collapsed as the newly red pegasus let go, creating a red puddle as blood continued spilling out.

Red. So much red. Way too much red.

Fluttershy fainted, ignorant to the shouts around her.

Chapter 4: The Performance

Fluttershy's home swirled into view again, the senses quickly returning. Fluttershy first thing opted to curl into a ball and hide behind her mane.

Neither Twilight nor Trixie said anything, so Discord, still there, spoke first. "Hey Fluttershy. Remember when you stared down that dragon? Fun times, fun times."

"How do you even—" Twilight started to ask, before shaking her head and walking over to attempt to comfort Fluttershy.

"There are just some things scarier than dragons, Discord," Fluttershy whispered.

Discord sighed, picked up Fluttershy, unrolled her, and set her back on the floor.

"Eep!" Fluttershy called out, attempting to curl up again, but finding herself frozen.

"Discord!" Twilight yelled. "What are you doing? Can't you see she's scared?"

"What do you take me for, Twilight? A blind bat?" Discord retorted, transforming into a bat and flying around in circles around Twilight before crashing into the back of her head. He reappeared back on the couch with a stronger glare from Twilight drilling at him.

"Fluttershy," Discord continued, softly. "You made a decision yesterday. You decided to live and avert your dead end so you could spare your friends the pain of losing a dear loved one, and spare your animals from having to go without such a kind caretaker. Don't start being selfish now, of all times."

"Discord. Can't she have a little time to—"

"The others aren't taking time to cry. Neither should you."

"Are you telling us we should participate in this-this game?"

"Precisely. Or, at the very least, prepare to defend yourselves."

Fluttershy sniffed, then turned to Twilight and Discord and spoke. "But if we do that, that means Twilight or I will have to-have to—"

Discord finished for her. "—kill the other? Yes, yes you will."

"How could you ask such a thing of me, Discord? I thought we were friends."

"We are friends, Fluttershy. But there are forces beyond even your favorite Lord of Chaos. There's a lot I have hidden from you all that you are just beginning to unravel. It's not pretty, is it? It's not even amusing!"

Discord pulled a single hair out of his beard and tossed it onto the floor, where it formed into a dozen kittens which ran around to Fluttershy, snuggling and purring into her. Fluttershy squeed and started to pet one, before they subsequently disappeared without a trace. She looked back to Discord, who wore a sincerely sad expression.

"Now I apologize, for I must drop out again, but there are some things I simply must attend to. Good luck to the two most powerful elements, and to the quiet great show-pony. Farewell!" Discord bowed, and melted into the floor, disappearing without a trace.

"P-powerful?"

Twilight opened her mouth as if to reply, but closed it and shook her head. The three sat in silence, neither one sure of what to say to the other.

Trixie spoke up first. "Well, Twilight. Whichever route you go, know that I will follow you. You have my word on that. I owe it to you."

"Th-thanks, Trixie."

"Umm, if I may ask, what made you seek Twilight out and all? If you don't mind me asking, that is," Fluttershy asked.

Trixie smiled. "After I headed out of Ponyville after my foalish attempt at revenge with that dreaded amulet, I realized I wasn't who I was before. As I moved on, trying to rebuild my career, I kept thinking about the events that transpired. About just how it was that Twilight beat me, and saved me from that amulet. And, well, I started to make friends. Real friends. I was finally, well, happy. I was coming over to thank Twilight with a performance, but my diary abruptly changed, and continued changing as I ran towards Ponyville as fast as I could. I finally reached you guys and, well."

"You wanted to perform for me in thanks?" Twilight asked.

"Ye-yes. I can't thank you enough, Twilight, for giving me a new light on my life."

"I, well—" Twilight smiled. "There's a good friendship report buried here, but I'm afraid my mind is a little frazzled from recent events." Twilight's smile slowly failed as she spoke. The three then sat in silence again.

Twilight spoke up again. "I know this isn't the best time, but I think I'd like to see it now. We, well, we can talk about our next moves after. I think we could all use a break."

Trixie smiled. "Certainly, Twilight."

Fluttershy meekly nodded to the idea, and she and Twilight followed Trixie outside to her wagon parked a short distance away. Trixie positioned herself at the front and began to move the cart, declining help from Twilight and Fluttershy. After a few short minutes, the three arrived to a calm meadow, and Trixie, with a small application of magic, opened up the cart to reveal her stage tucked inside.

Trixie bounded onto the stage of her life calling, and effectively transformed into her performance form. Fluttershy knew something was missing from how she knew Trixie from before, and this was certainly it. Trixie's very pose, the way she carried herself, her expression, and even the position of her hat. She called out, "Come one! Come all! Come, and witness the magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

As she announced, a stream of sparkles erupted from her horn, transforming into colorful fireworks in the sky. A few ponies who were out walking took notice, and cautiously walked over, most remembering Trixie from before. Some wore glares, while others looked merely in curiosity. Fluttershy and Twilight sat a few meters from the stage, watching attentively.

"Today's performance is dedicated to one whom I can say for a fact is more great and powerful than Trixie herself. Not only does she posses magic, but she possesses the magic of friendship, of which she shared with me and changed my life. Twilight Sparkle, this performance is dedicated to you. Now, watch with awe, as the Great and Powerful Trixie demonstrates her life changing moments, and behold a lesson all should take to heart."

Trixie's horn glowed a little brighter as she focused more lights into the sky. The multicolored lights danced around in the sky, forming distinct shapes. Within seconds, they showed the form of Trixie standing on a stage much like the real one was standing on now. A swarm of lights stood before the image Trixie, a group of indistinguishable ponies.

"Here I was, trotting into Ponyville like I owned the place. I boasted and lied about my feats all to impress. I claimed I vanquished an Ursa Major." Trixie chuckled. "As I boasted and boasted, performing not for them, but for myself, several ponies stood up to me."

Several images appeared from the crowd, but disappeared as the image of Trixie silently laughed.

"Later, an ursa minor appeared and showed me for the fraud I very much was. I tried to fight, but I was powerless against it, for all the magic I practiced was for theatrics."

The scene changed to an ursa minor rampaging on the streets of Ponyville.

"Then, here comes Twilight Sparkle, whom all of you here surely know. She, in a feat of genius and power, sent the ursa minor back to its cave. What's more, she was entirely humble about it."

The images showed Twilight appearing and glowing brighter than any of the images, and the image of the ursa minor floated away. Fluttershy couldn't help but notice how much more detailed the images were now than how Trixie's were when she first came to Ponyville.

"After that, I fled, unsure of what to do. I tried to perform again and failed, my new reputation preceding me. It was a dark time in my life. I let my heart grow colder than the rocks I had to farm to make a living."

The images showed a depressed Trixie surrounded by rocks, the eyes of the image suddenly opening wide with red as the rocks turned from gray to blue and shattered.

"It was then I searched for the magic to take revenge, and came across the dreaded Alicorn Amulet, which imbues both power and insanity. I marched straight to Ponyville to confront Twilight."

The image of a cloaked Trixie strided over to an image of Twilight, image Trixie's horn glowing with red.

"I did, and with the immense power of the amulet banished her, and proceeded to abuse the citizens here."

The lights spun to show Snips and Snails dragging a bed sat on by Trixie, her horn still glowing red. The real Trixie closed her eyes and breathed in slowly before continuing.

"What happened next is still laughably ironic. I, due to the power of the amulet, was the incredibly powerful unicorn, and Twilight became the show-pony. She bested me with my own talent. She sent a message to her friends and, with their help, tricked me into taking off the amulet."

The images showed Twilight wearing a green amulet standing up to Trixie, her horn glowing as smoke appeared in front of image Trixie every time Twilight's horn glowed, her friends switching places in the process. Trixie then took Twilight's amulet while taking off her own, the red in her horn suddenly fizzling out as an image of Rainbow Dash flew off with the Alicorn Amulet.

"And after it all? After I had made a fool of myself, came back with revenge, kicked her out, and abused her friends? What did she do?"

The images flashed and shifted to show a deeply apologetic Trixie bowing to Twilight, who regally gestured her to stand.

"She forgave me. And then, I left. As for what happened next?"

The images changed to a picture of Trixie laughing with a group of other ponies.

"I figured it out. I figured out why Twilight Sparkle had bested me both times. It was the magic of friendship, I now know. The magic of friendship, which Twilight extended to me despite it all. After that, I could finally perform again, and as I made friends, I found my magic to be far stronger than ever before."

The real Trixie proceeded to take off her hat with her hoof, and bowed towards Twilight, who shifted nervously at all the attention.

"So let it be known, citizens of Ponyville. Citizens of Equestria. It's all in good fun to boast once in a while, but real power, a power you can really call Great and Powerful, is that of friendship."

The lights from the show separated and shot into the air, exploding into more fireworks, now shaped as the faces of various smiling ponies. Trixie bowed once more, the now large audience, at least for Ponyville, stomping their hooves and smiling in approval.

"Thank you all, for witnessing the performance of the Great and Reformed Trixie!"

It looks like Trixie was forgiven not just by Twilight, but by the rest of Ponyville too. Friendship really is powerful, though I already knew that.

Fluttershy gulped.

But what can friendship do about this-this game? I really wish I knew.

Trixie stepped off her stage as the crowd continued to stomp and, with a small application of magic, sent her stage back into her cart. Twilight and Fluttershy walked over to her as the crowd began to dissipate.

"That was, uh," Twilight started, blushing a little. "I'm just happy I made such a positive influence."

Trixie invited Twilight into a hug, which she accepted.

"You have no idea, Twilight."

"Oh, I think I do. I was lonely once too until I discovered the magic of friendship. I mean, it didn't quite happen that way. But—" Twilight looked towards the ground. "—I can only wonder how it can work in this case. Let's go to Canterlot, girls. I need to see Celestia."

Trixie nodded. Fluttershy nodded as well, being just as lost, glad for some direction.

"Wh-wait! What about my animals?" Fluttershy softly interjected.

Spike then ran from the thinning crowd, hopping in front of Fluttershy.

"Me! I'll do it, Fluttershy! You can count on me! Oh, by the way Twilight, where were you last night? You never came home, with only Owlicious for company, and let me tell you, he's not exactly easy to talk to."

"Umm, I'm not sure—" Fluttershy replied, nervously looking in the direction of her cottage.

"—that should work, Spike, since you've taken care of them in the past," Twilight interrupted. "And I was over at Fluttershy's, helping to, uh, take care of her animals. Now, don't do it alone, though, make sure you talk to one of the girls for help as you need it."

"Right. So how long will you be gone, Twi?"

"I'm not sure, Spike. The three of us has some business to take care of, and it might be a while."

"The three of you? Trixie's going with you? And why don't you let me come with you if it's going to be a while?"

"We need you here, Spike, to hold down the fort and help take care of the animals. Consider this a top priority mission, Spike."

Spike stood up straighter and made a salute.

"You can count on me! Oh, uh, what was with that magazine you left on your desk, by the way? I didn't even know you read magazines. Something about Wet Mar—" Spike found his mouth zipped shut, a "mmph" sounding out as he attempted to continue.

"Not. Another. Word." Twilight scolded. Spike nodded, and his mouth was unzipped. Fluttershy and Trixie looked at each other, the latter shrugging, both unsure of what to make of the exchange. As Spike bounded off, Twilight turned to the other two.

"We should get ready. Meet here in two hours?"

Fluttershy started to question, before meekly lowering her head, deciding against questioning, despite the rush.

Spike ran back towards the three, a letter in one of his claws.

"Hey! This just came for you."

Shortly after Twilight yanked it from him with her magic, Spike bounded off again, his determination for his mission overriding his curiosity. Twilight's eyes darted back and forth, taking in the message. After a few seconds, she lowered the letter and looked at the two.

"It seems Celestia is sending us a chariot. She wants to see the three of us immediately. We still have two hours to prepare, though. Meet in front of the library, instead."

The other two nodded, one meekly, the other dutifully, and the three separated.

"And remember, Angel—"

"Yes, Fluttershy, yes, I know. I've taken care of them before, so don't worry. Besides, Angel loves me, isn't that right?"

Angel proceeded to stop on Spike's tail, eliciting a yelp from the surprised dragon. Fluttershy sighed, but smiled anyways.

"Well alright, Spike, I trust you. Just remember to ask help from the girls if you need it. Now for your efforts—" Fluttershy drew a large sapphire from her saddlebag. Spike's eyes widened and drool formed from his mouth as he watched the gem move towards him.

"Wow. Thanks, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy scooped Spike up in a hug.

"Just don't be too distracted by the gem."

"Ah, don't worry. I know how to deal with my dragon greed."

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie gathered in front of the library in time for a royal chariot to descend. The three of them each had saddlebags with essentials and some other items, prepared to be away for a while. Trixie left her cart with Applejack who, despite still being wary of Trixie, promised it would be safe in the shed. The two pegasi drivers waited professionally as the three climbed into the carriage, preparing to take off before being interrupted.

Rainbow Dash flew towards the group, stopping in front of the carriage.

"I saw the performance," Rainbow Dash said. "But I still don't trust Trixie. I want to go with you guys."

Twilight shook her head. "Sorry, Rainbow, but Celestia called for the three of us exclusively. I'm afraid you're going to have to stay here."

"But—"

"No buts, Rainbow. This is Celestia we're talking about."

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Fine. But Trixie, if you lay a hoof on Twilight, there is no escape from the fastest flier in Equestria. Got it?"

Trixie smiled. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Rainbow Dash nodded and flew off. As soon as she did, the pegasi drivers took off, the chilled air suddenly flowing against the group.

"So I really am going to see the Princess Celestia," Trixie commented as the chariot ascended. Twilight giggled.

"Don't worry. She's not really as impossibly imposing as you might think. She's really quite approachable."

"Easy for you to say. You're her student."

The countryside sped beneath them as the chariot flew closer towards Canterlot. Twilight quickly cast a sound dampener around the three and pulled a notepad out of her saddlebag. The pegasi drivers, busy with the flight, took no notice.

"We might as well go over all that we know about the situation so far," Twilight suggested. The other two nodded, Fluttershy hesitantly so.

"A deity declaring herself as Harmony, claiming to be the Goddess of Space and Time, has brought twelve beings into some sort of survival game, with the winner to be declared as her successor. All three of us are included, and each one involved possesses a Future Diary.

"Fluttershy, as First, has what I call the Cautious Caretaker Diary. It reports everything Fluttershy observes as frightening, as well as about the animals around. I, as Second, have what I call the Lesson Diary. It reports everything I learn outside of books. Trixie, as Third, has what I call the Magic Diary. It reports all the magic feats Trixie will perform.

"The three of us have decided to stick together, and are about to go see Celestia. After us, there is Swift Brick, as Fourth, who had what I'm just going to call the Murder Diary. I was only able to see a glimpse of it before it disappeared, but it seemed to detail his murders, showing who, how, when, and where they took place. He's now, well, out of the game.

"Beyond the first four, we know almost nothing of five through twelve. I have my suspicions about who Sixth and Eleventh are, but I don't want to lay down names until we're certain.

"Now, for plans, we're first going to see Celestia. It looks like the three of us will be receiving some training that we can use for self defense. That's, well, unfortunately as far as I know for certain. For now, we won't pursue any of the others. I don't know if we even want to participate in the first place except for self defense. Any questions?"

Fluttershy and Trixie shook their heads.

"Then let's go see Celestia."

Twilight released the sound dampener, the wind they continued to feel now having sound again as they flew off towards Canterlot.

The cool starry night shimmered as the chariot descended. The moon was especially bright tonight, illuminating Canterlot in all of its nighttime glory. The castle spires were awash in moonlight, and the city below twinkled with the lights of nighttime activities.

The chariot made its way down to the courtyard of the castle. A pair of Royal Guards awaited Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie as the three stepped off. Wordlessly, the five trotted into the castle and towards the throne room. The two guards stopped at the door, moving aside as the doors swung open. Warmer air greeted the three as they stepped into the presence of the two regal diarchs: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Fluttershy and Trixie instantly bowed, while Twilight ran forward, embracing Celestia and smiling warmly towards Luna.

"It's good to see you two," Twilight said.

Trixie stared open mouthed at the exchange, her eyes practically asking why Twilight was still alive. Fluttershy, the only one to notice Trixie's expression, softly giggled.

Celestia replied, "As it is to see you, my most faithful student. I only wish it could be for lighter reasons."

Luna then spoke, "A pleasure to you too, Twilight Sparkle. I would love, as ponies say these days, a chat, but unfortunately the night court is about to start." Luna turned towards Celestia. "Sister, if you wish to avoid the night time nobles—"

Celestia nodded and turned to the three. "Follow me."

Celestia stepped off her throne, and made her way out of the throne room, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie right behind her. Celestia lead the way through a couple hallways, finally stopping at a door emblazoned with her cutie mark. Nodding to the guards, Celestia opened the door and walked through, motioning the others to follow her.

The room contained an assortment of plush cushions, a number of paintings of various ponies, several bookshelves filled with books, and a desk with papers neatly stacked on top of it. Celestia sat down on the largest of the cushions, and motioned for the other three to sit as well.

Celestia closed her eyes for a brief few seconds, then reopened them and began to speak. "You might be wondering why I called you here so suddenly, but I'm sure at least one of you has figured it out. That is, I am, as Harmony has dubbed, Eleventh."

Chapter 5: Celestia's Promise

Celestia sat with a neutral expression, briefly observing the reactions of Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie. Twilight, remembering Celestia's words from before, looked expectantly at Celestia, waiting for her to continue, although a little bit of nervousness shown through. Trixie mirrored Twilight, while Fluttershy looked down, shivering despite the warmth.

"Do not fear, my little ponies," Celestia continued. "Although I am a part of this game, as Harmony calls it, I have no intention of playing a part. I do not agree with what Harmony is doing, especially with her lack of explanation. Fluttershy."

Fluttershy squeaked as Celestia spoke her name. "I know you were the cause for the first casualty. However, I do not hold it against you. You did only what you had to, and it was a mercy to him anyways. His name was Swift Brick, and he was one of the finest the Royal Guard had to offer. One awful mission, the details I cannot convey, left a scar on him. Even though he was not at fault for anything that transpired, he locked himself away and convinced himself he was a monster. By the time we realized the sort of help he needed, he had already transformed himself into the monster he saw himself as."

Briefly, Celestia's expression turned to sadness, before she regained her regal expression, and continued. "As for why I brought you here, besides wanting to tell you all this personally, it is very likely that some of the others will come for you. I want you all to remain here in Canterlot to go through Royal Guard training. That way, if danger comes your way and you're without support, you'll be able to defend yourself and incapacitate any foe without killing them.

"Above all, I promise that no matter what transpires, I will do everything in my power to make this right. Make no doubt about that. Now, I'm afraid I must call this meeting short, since all of you need to be up very early tomorrow. I know you three just arrived here, but I want to start you on your training straight away. It will be harsh, and it will at times feel brutal, but I am confident that you will all see it through. There is a servant waiting outside who will direct you to the barracks you'll be staying at. I will call you three for a follow up in one week. Good night, and good luck."

Twilight and Fluttershy stood up and left, the former wearing a sad expression at having no further time with her teacher. Trixie started to follow them, before turning around and facing Celestia again.

"Is it-is it okay if I ask you a question, Princess?"

"Of course."

"I, uh, not that I'm not grateful, but why are you extending the same service to me?"

Celestia smiled warmly. "Not only were you in part responsible for Fluttershy averting her dead end, it's clear that you are a friend of Twilight, and, thus, a friend of mine."

"I-I-thank you, Princess."

Celestia nodded, Trixie rushing off to meet back with the other two.

Friday, November 5th (One week later)
6:30

The whistle. That loud, shrill, loud, sharp, loud, startling, loud whistle. The whistle which had defined the past week ringed through Fluttershy's ears. As much as she wanted to hide, she knew facing it was the less scary option by a wide margin.

"Get up! Come on! A pace like yours will get you killed in an emergency!"

Fluttershy quickly hopped out of bed, warmth flooding from her body almost immediately. She reached for her armor as had become usual, as normal Royal Guard cadets generally trained it in, and despite not officially being a cadet, was no exception.

"If we were under attack, you'd already find yourself with a brand new hole in your throat at this pace, Shy. Sparkle, Lulamoon, you'd only last two more seconds at your pace. Let's go! I want to see you out on the field five seconds ago!"

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie, under the insult barrage from their drill instructor, rushed out to join the actual cadets who were already out jogging on the track. Fluttershy struggled to keep up with Twilight and Trixie, ultimately falling behind, earning the usual dose of extra insults from the instructor.

Despite knowing how much stronger she had gotten in just a week, Fluttershy still felt like her hooves would fall out from beneath her at any moment.

"Princess Celestia!" the drill instructor suddenly called out, surprising Fluttershy and making her stumble and roll around, accidentally knocking over a random cadet. After whispering a brief "sorry" that almost sounded like a squeak, Fluttershy cautiously made her way over to the Princess.

"What are you doing, Shy?" the drill instructor shouted. "Get back on the track right this instant before I—"

"That won't be necessary," Celestia interrupted, smiling warmly in the process. "I've come to retrieve Twilight, Fluttershy, and Trixie for the day."

"I, oh, of course, Princess. Shy, Sparkle, Lulamoon, get over there this instant!"

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie all ran over, grateful for an intermission. Celestia motioned for the three to follow, and made her way towards the castle. Following the same halls as before, the four reached the sun emblazoned door, making their way in. As before, Celestia sat on the larger cushion, motioning for the others to sit as well.

"How has your first week been?" Celestia asked as the others made themselves comfortable.

Twilight groaned. "It was nothing like my brother said it would when I asked him a few years ago. It was worse! Nothing but pushing us past the point of exhaustion, and throwing insults no matter how well we do. While practicing shielding with the other unicorns, Trixie and I held out the longest, yet we still received nothing but insults!"

Trixie nodded in agreement as Twilight continued. "And what's more is Fluttershy here got it the worst. And when she tried hiding, she was denied dinner and was forced into scrubbing the floors of the barracks for hours! I, uh, pardon my complaining, Princess, I just needed to get that out."

Fluttershy meekly nodded.

"It's perfectly alright, Twilight," Celestia replied. "It's normal to feel this way. Basic training is supposed to be a composition of stress testing, physical aptitude, and magical aptitude. Punishments for deviating are harsh, as well, so that in a real battle, order is kept. And those who stand out, for better or worse, tend to receive extra attention. I wouldn't take it personally, especially since you three have done very well considering you were far less prepared than is usual for going in. It is harsh, but it has allowed Equestria to remain safe all these years. Now then, have you three had breakfast yet?"

The three shook their heads.

"Excellent. Follow me, then."

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie followed Celestia as they made their way over into what appeared to be a small dining room. Inside, servants were just laying down a meal as the four took their seats. On the platters were all sorts of delectable salads and flowers. There were also a small number of treats.

"Eat up," Celestia said after a pause. "I'm sure you are all hungry after a week of what they serve to cadets."

The three shuddered at the thought of the food they had been subject to before starting on breakfast. Trixie observed the way Twilight ate, and attempted to mimic her in hopes it would be the proper way to eat in front of a Princess.

"Princess? Is this room as always—" Twilight began asking once she had finished.

"Yes, Twilight. Ask away—I'm sure you have many questions as always."

"How much do you know about Harmony and the other contestants?"

"I've always known there was a deity behind the Elements, but I never saw her until very recently, shortly before you all did. As for the other contestants, do not worry about them. You should be safe here."

"If we're so safe here, why are we going through this training?" Trixie asked. "Oh, excuse me Princess, that was rude of me."

"There's nothing to worry about, Trixie. I will answer questions from you and Fluttershy as well if you have them. About your question, it is in part a caution, to prepare you just in case, but also for if this drags on as I'm sure you wouldn't wish to be kept in Canterlot indefinitely."

"I remember you mentioning that Harmony was dying. How can a goddess be dying?" Twilight asked.

Celestia shook her head. "That, I do not know. She may not even be a true goddess. However, her power is very real."

"What is your Future Diary like, exactly?"

"I received a very special Diary. Unlike the others, mine isn't based on a diary I had been writing in before." Celestia summoned a white book into existance, opening it as she spoke. "It allows me to see into the diaries of the others. It's how—"

Celestia shut the book suddenly, teleporting it away. "Get back!" she yelled.

Celestia took hold of one of the dishes with her telekinesis and, wrapping everypony in the room including herself in a golden hued shield, fired a beam at it, vaporizing it instantly. Before any of the others could question, Celestia teleported over to the doors, opened them, and shouted, "Guards!"

Within seconds, several guards made their way over.

"A changeling has infiltrated the castle. I have secured this room, but he could be anywhere. Find him and place him under arrest immediately. Be wary. Even alone, he is extremely dangerous, and he may try to trick you."

As the guards began their sweep and relay of orders without a delay, Celestia closed the doors once more and looked back towards the other Diary owners.

"Do you three have your Diaries with you?"

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie each nodded.

"Good. Never let them out of your sight. I was careless, and it looks like Fifth managed to plant a hearing device to spy on me. Now, I want you three to head over to the barracks immediately. I'm sorry I have to cut this short, but this calls for my immediate intention. And please, do not try to go after him yourselves."

Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie, although slightly shook up at the display of alicorn strength, quickly left the room to make their way back towards the barracks. Along they way, they were inspected multiple times by the guard to make sure they weren't changelings.

With the high alert, it appeared that no cadets were outside. The barracks were found locked; although after a quick knocking, they were opened briefly to be let in after a quick inspection.

No breaks, however, as the high alert simply meant indoor exercise.

Sunday, November 7th
23:47

The barracks were completely devoid of light. Fluttershy laid fast asleep, exhausted by the day's events. She didn't even hear the whispering or the pushing at first.

"Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy's ears finally flickered.

"Come on, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy finally shifted, rising herself to a sitting position as she rubbed her eyes. She opened them to get a look at whoever was waking her up, only to be surprised once her eyes adjusted to the glaring light now shining in her face.

"Apple Bloom? What are you doing here? You shouldn't really be here."

Apple Bloom shifted her flash light so it wasn't shining in Fluttershy's face.

"Ah don't care. Ah have to be here. Ah don't know who else to turn to."

"Oh dear, is something wrong?"

"Something—wrong? Ah'm guessin' you haven't been readin' the news here."

Fluttershy shook her head. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. This is more than about that, anyways. Although, ah think the best way to start—uh, could ya hold this?"

Apple Bloom hoofed over the flash light to Fluttershy, who pointed it at the filly as she reached for a book in her saddle back. She opened flipped through it, stopping at a page and flipping it over to show the other.

Fluttershy's heart sank upon seeing the familiar near the bottom of the left page.

***
I wait until the timing is perfect. I sneak past all the guards, making my way to her barracks. The first one I come across turns out to be it, and I finally find Fluttershy. I then wake her up. Something's not quite right though, but what is it?—
---DEAD END---
***

"Ah'm Sixth, Fluttershy."

Side Chapter 1: Sixth

Friday, November 5th
14:22

Brief rustles could be heard to cautious ears as three small figures carefully made their way through the forest. While not as thick as the Everfree, it provided ample cover for adventurous fillies.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle, watch where you're going," Scootaloo whispered as the two bumped into each other.

"You were the one who bumped into me," Sweetie Bell argued, also in a whisper.

"You guys keep quiet or we'll never get our cutie marks," Applebloom interjected, ending the argument.

"Sorry," the other two replied simultaneously.

"Hush, y'all, ah think ah hear somethin'."

The three quietly adjusted themselves into a more hidden position as the whoosh of two fliers landing sounded from a nearby clearing. From her position, Applebloom could just make out that one of them was a griffon, while the other a pegasus.

"So this is where Fluttershy lives?" the pony questioned, having a rough female voice.

The griffon replied, a similarly rough voice, "Just a short distance from here, yeah. Still can't believe a scaredy dweeb like her could manage the first kill. Can we really be sure it's her?"

"Unless the newspaper was fake, Fluttershy, acting in self defense, stopped a murderer right here in Ponyville. Not only was this the day before Harmony brought us in to tell us about the game, but Ponyville isn't exactly known for crimes, just as Fifth said."

"Heh. Well this should be easy. That lame-o is afraid of her own shadow."

"Don't forget what Harmony said. Even though it was probably luck, she escaped from a dead end."

"Maybe Harmony was exaggerating and those sorts of things aren't hard to get out of?"

"I don't know, but we can't just swoop in and kill her. We need a plan."

"Hmm. Maybe we can use one of her friends as bait. I know! Rainbow Dash. I have a score to settle with her, so this'll kill two birds with one stone."

"You have one to settle with her too? That bitch got me kicked out of the Wonderbolt academy!"

"Heh, really? Guess this'll be fun for both of us, then. Let's go."

"Yeah. Seems working with Fifth temporarily is worth it after all."

The two figures flew out of the clearing, leaving the three fillies in near silence. Sweetie Bell's eyes were wide and she was noticeably shaking, Scootaloo's face was scrunched in anger, and Apple Bloom appeared uncertain of what she thought of it all.

"S-so it's just as ah thought. Fluttershy really is a Diary owner," Apple Bloom whispered, audible only to herself.

"They're going to pay for threatening Rainbow Dash like that!" Scootaloo exclaimed, her wings flapping in the process.

"Dash can take care of herself, can't she?"

"Normally I'd agree, Bloom, since she's the coolest pony in town and all, but these are Diary owners like you. Who knows what they can do with knowing the future! Besides, if you get them, you'd be one step closer to winning!"

"But Scoots, ah already told you ah have no interest in this game. Don't you know what it means to kill? It means you end their lives. They'll never get up again."

"I know, Bloom, and maybe you don't want to be a goddess, but can you really stand around while they go after Rainbow Dash? Fluttershy isn't even in town, so Dash's on her own without us! Come on, Bloom, your Crusader Diary is the only defense for awesome here!"

"Ah guess. Ah can't say ah'm comfortable with this, though."

The pair turned towards Sweetie Bell, who by now had tears running down her face. Scootaloo sighed.

"Oh come on, Sweetie Bell. You heard what we said. We can't let Rainbow Dash down."

Sweetie Bell shook her head. "But I have a really bad feeling about this, Scootaloo. I can't shake the feeling something bad is gonna happen."

"It'll all be fine. In fact, I bet this'll get us our cutie marks. Cutie marks as defenders of awesome!"

A weak smile made its way onto Sweetie Bell's face. "I guess. Are you sure this is what you want, Apple Bloom? This is your thing, after all."

Apple Bloom nodded. "Well, ah can't just let other ponies be in danger when ah can do somethin' about it."

Scootaloo grinned, and counted down. "3—2—1—"

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS DEFENDERS OF AWESOME!"

The fillies started running off, only to realize they had no idea how they would accomplish their goal.

"Uh Apple Bloom? Why don't you check your diary?" suggested Scootaloo.

"Hmm"

***
Scootaloo retrieves Rainbow Dash, who listens to us, but goes after the other two Diary owners herself. The Cutie Mark Crusaders go after her, determined to fulfill our duty, only we made the mistake of having no solid plan. Rainbow Dash gets captured, and we—
---DEAD END---
***

"Uh, girls? We're gonna have ta tread carefully on this one. Scootaloo, fetch Rainbow Dash. We're gonna need to do some super future defyin' convincin'."

Scootaloo salutes.
"You can count on me!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell waited patiently in the clubhouse. They didn't have to wait long, though, as pretty soon, Rainbow Dash flew in followed by a ground entrance from Scootaloo.

"Alright, alright, I'm here," said Rainbow Dash, irritated. "Now, what in the hay is going on here?"

"Rainbow Dash." Apple Bloom looked seriously at Rainbow Dash, the latter suddenly very confused and very concerned. "If ya don't listen very carefully to me, and hear me out, ah'm gonna die and you're gonna be a hostage."

"Wait wait wait," Rainbow Dash replied. "Is this another harebrained scheme of earning your cutie marks? Acting is nice and all, but maybe for once you should look into thing you're actually good at—"

"RAINBOW DASH!" Apple Bloom shouted, catching the pegasus off guard. "Listen ta me very closely. This ain't a filly game here. Ah'm very serious right now. And if ya don't want Fluttershy getting hurt cuz you didn't listen ta us—"

"Whoa whoa whoa, what's Flutters have to do with this?"

"Shut up an let me finish!"

Rainbow Dash shut her mouth and looked at the filly seriously. The CMCs were known for their trouble making, but she's never heard them yell the way they did. Not to mention, the voice carried real anger and a very subtle hint of fear.

"Alright. Talk quickly."

Apple Bloom nodded, then sighed.

"First off, some deity claimin' ta be the Goddess of Space and Time has round up twelve ponies, well maybe some of them ain't ponies, but anyways, we all pretty much got these things called Future Diaries that give us entries from the future, that we can change if we carry out actions that we wouldn't do otherwise. Apparently, she's dying, and wants us to kill each other, and she'll pass on her title to the last pony standing.

"Now, you adults have kept it hidden from us fillies, but ah'm not a dumb filly like ya might think. Ah found a newspaper and connected two and two from what Harmony said with one of the contestants dying from First, a clearly meek pony like Fluttershy, and how the newspaper mentioned Fluttershy actin' in self defense. Then, some pony and a griffon landed in a near clearing and talked about how they were gonna kidnap you to get to Fluttershy, which confirmed it."

"Don't you find it strange that a town with no murders in its recorded history suddenly dealt with an attempted one, with the to be murderer killed in self defense? This is why ah want you to listen very carefully to me. Rainbow Dash, you—"

"Now wait a minute," Rainbow Dash interjected. "Are you really expecting me to believe that crazy story?"

"Rainbow Dash, please! Fluttershy is in danger! Don't you care?"

"Of course I care!" Rainbow Dash half shouted, anger clearly in her voice. "If there's even the possibility that Flutters is in danger—well, just in case this isn't from your crazy active imagination, I'm going to go right up to them, and if they try to capture me, I'll just kick their flanks. Do you really think they'd be able to take me hostage?"

"Yes. Yes I do. In fact, it's already set in your future."

Before Rainbow Dash could respond, Apple Bloom picked up her diary and shoved it towards Rainbow. Hesitantly, she looked over at the entry.

"This is, uh, must be some kind of prank. Do you really think this is enough to make me believe this crazy story of yours? And what's that dead end thing supposed to mean?"

Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo gasped.

"Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo gave Apple Bloom a frightened look. "Why didn't you tell us—"

"Cuz it ain't gonna happen, that's what, so long as we convince Rainbow here to listen to us."

"Now wait a minute. Even if I believe you, do you really expect me to stand back and let three little fillies commit murder? Do you even know what death means?"

"My parents graves can attest to the fact that ah know very well what death is."

Rainbow Dash closed her mouth and just stared in silence for a while. During the duration of the silence, Apple Bloom never once slipped in her stance towards Rainbow Dash.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but—I'll help you and do what needs doing. On one condition. We're going to capture them, and not hurt them in any way. That way, they can't hurt Flutters if they really are going to, and if I'm mistaken in believing you three, we can pass this all as some prank."

Apple Bloom nodded. "Ah prefer that anyways. We can just hand them off to the authorities and keep their Diaries so they can't use them no more."

"So, do you actually have a plan?"

"Gimme a sec. Might take a bit."

"That's insane!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "If this griffon really is out for blood, you could just as easily get killed! And even if not, you could still get hurt."

"It's the only way. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo. You know what to do."

The pair nodded, Sweetie Belle hesitantly so, and rushed off before Rainbow Dash could reply.

"Now wait a minute—"

"Dash, please. You're the fastest pegasus in Ponyville if not Equestria. If anypony could ensure none of us are hurt and pull this off, it's you."

"I-I guess you're right. I am pretty awesome. But—"

"Dash, only ah can do this. Just trust me."

"Argh, fine. Again, I can't believe I'm agreeing to all this, but—"

Rainbow Dash paused, her ears perking up. Apple Bloom's did as well.

"The bitch has gotta be around here somewhere. Thought for sure she'd be taking a nap," sounded a voice from outside.

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "Gilda," she whispered.

Another voice sounded, "Say, once we've killed Fluttershy, how do you want to deal with Rainbow Dash?"

"Lightning Dust?" Rainbow Dash asked rhetorically, a little more than a whisper.

"Not sure, Dust. But with our Diaries, we can safely take all the time we need with her."

Apple Bloom looked towards Rainbow and whispered, "Do ya believe me now?"

Rainbow Dash wordlessly leaped out of a side window, immediately shooting off into the sky.

"Hey, Dust, look out!"

Apple Bloom ran outside as Rainbow Dash, after a brief ascent, spiraled in a descent around where Lighting Dust was hovering. A tornado formed around Lightning Dust.

Lightning Dust laughed. "Ha, like this could keep me? Don't you know who you're messing with?"

Rainbow Dash then proceeded to grab a nearby cloud and launch it using the tornado, letting it shoot out at a high speed. Lightning Dust, seemingly oblivious, followed the cloud.

Rainbow turned towards Gilda "Hey, Gilda! Bet ya can't catch me!"

Rainbow proceeded to bolt past Gilda, the latter roaring in anger before following in pursuit. Before long, however, Rainbow Dash stopped and turned around, prompting Gilda to stop in front of her.

"Bombs away!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell shouted as a water balloon shot from a nearby catapult. It hit Gilda straight in the face, enraging her further.

"That's it! I'm not letting you dweebs pull another one on me."

Gilda pulled out her diary and continued. "Oh, like that's going to work. But really, Dash, tossing a filly at me?"

As Gilda taunted them, Rainbow Dash scooped up Apple Bloom and tossed her towards Gilda. Apple Bloom held her diary in front of her as she sped towards Gilda, freezing the griffon up a little.

"Why, you—I'm not going to let you change the future!"

Gilda caught Apple Bloom and scraped her claws against the diary, shredding papers and binding. With a single stroke, the diary was rendered utterly useless. Gilda laughed.

"Yeah, that's right! Thought you could—"

Gilda never finished her sentence as Apple Bloom bucked the sensitive spot Gilda had between her wings. Gilda looked towards at the grinning filly in surprise as she fell to the ground. Apple Bloom leaped off her to be caught by Rainbow Dash. A cage awaited to catch Gilda as she descended, too close to the ground to re-open her wings in time. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo closed and locked the cage before Gilda could break out.

Instead of raging, the griffon could only look at Apple Bloom with shock and surprise. "B-but—"

"Here's the thing." Apple Bloom smirked. "Once Lightning Dust was out of the way, it was just a matter of following the entry. When ah held my 'diary' when flyin' over to ya, that wasn't really my diary. Ya see, Gilda, knowing what the future is gonna be doesn't mean ya know how to change it."

"B-but, you don't even know what my Diary does, or Dusts' Diary!"

"Yer right, it was a mighty gamble. A gamble that sure as hay paid off."

Rainbow Dash walked past Apple Bloom, intent on talking to Gilda herself. "Were you really gonna ponynap me and kill Flutters, Gilda? Why? I know we weren't on the best of terms, but the Gilda I know would never steep to those levels."

"You're pathetic, Dash, so it's pretty obvious you wouldn't understand. Killing Fluttershy would've just brought me one step closer to becoming something even more powerful than Celestia. How could I resist?" Gilda glared furiously at Apple Bloom. "But it looks like I've been out-smarted by a freaking filly. So when are you going to kill me, then?"

"Ah'm not."

Gilda laughed again. "Pathetic. Truly, utterly pathetic. Ponies really are the inferior race."

"Is that how you really feel, Gilda?" Lightning Dust asked, suddenly appearing above the cage. Rainbow glared at Lightning Dust, the former's wings twitching.

"Li-Lightning Dust! Finally! Break me out of here, and let's show these dweebs—"

"No thanks. I think I'll just let these guys take care of you and go off and go back to Fifth without you."

Gilda roared. Lightning Dust chuckled and continued. "I'll have my payback someday for getting me kicked out of the Wonderbolts and onto the streets again, Rainbow Dash. Just sit tight for now. I got bigger flowers to fry."

"Lightning Dust! I—" Rainbow Dash started to shout, before Dust became nothing more than a dot in the distance. "Ugh, this is a lot to take in."

"Tell me about it," Scootaloo agreed. "I'm still getting used to this whole thing. But Apple Bloom, wow. Maybe we should let you plan everything from now on."

"Me? Ah dunno, Scoots. The Diary did most of the work."

Scootaloo turned her flank towards Apple Bloom. "Do you see anything?"

"Nope, sorry Scoots."

"Aww. Looks like none of us got our cutie marks this time."

Sweetie Bell screamed, "Apple Bloom, look out!"

Apple Bloom turned around, only to see a dagger flying towards her from Gilda. Too late to dodge, Apple Bloom covered her face. When it never came, she cautiously moved her hooves to look, only to see an orange body in front of her.

"SCOOTALOO!"

Apple Bloom could only barely hear Gilda comment. "Well, damn, that was my only dagger and I got the wrong filly."

Rainbow Dash flew over to Scootaloo, who now had a dagger imbedded in her chest. She coughed blood into her hoof, then fell back towards Apple Bloom, who caught her.

Rainbow Dash looked towards Gilda, and then at Scootaloo. "Scoots! Wha-how-why? GILDA!"

Rainbow Dash flew over to the caged grinning griffon, lightning arching around her wings. Rainbow Dash punched the cage with her left fore-hoof, tears now streaming. "How could you do such a thing, Gilda? Just what happened to the Gilda I knew?"

"Hmmph."

Rainbow Dash looked back towards Scootaloo, who was now facing towards Apple Bloom.

"Scootaloo, don't worry. We-we'll take ya to the doctor and they'll patch ya right up." Apple Bloom said.

Sweetie Belle stared at the scene, before forcing herself away and began rushing off towards town, shouting, "Just wait there, I'll get somepony!"

Scootaloo blinked slowly. "It's a pretty nasty wound, isn't it?"

"Scootaloo—"

"Become the Goddess, Apple Bloom."

"Scootaloo?"

"You have to! You, or maybe even Fluttershy, but definitely not some jerk who would let these things happen. Promise me you'll try, Apple Bloom. Promise me you'll make sure at least somepony good wins."

"B-but—"

"It's kinda funny, isn't it? Here I am, giving my last words, and I don't even have my cutie mark."

"Scootaloo, please—"

"It sure was fun, Apple Bloom."

"Scootaloo—you-you aren't gonna die without a cutie mark."

Scootaloo closed her eyes, a smile on her face. Rainbow Dash was keeping herself barely composed, watching both Scootaloo and Gilda.

"Ah've got it, Scootaloo. Ah promise." Apple Bloom said, a finality in her voice. She walked slowly towards the caged Gilda, a conflicted expression showing forth. Rainbow Dash watched the filly cautiously. Apple Bloom then proceeded to take out a match stick.

"What are you doing, Apple Bloom?" Rainbow asked.

Apple Bloom ignored her and lit the match, tossing it onto Gilda's Diary before Rainbow could realize what she was doing.

Gilda chuckled as the space around her swirled into a center focal point. In seconds, the griffon was gone, along with any evidence she was even there beyond the diary.

"Apple Bloom, you—"

"Ah hate this. Ah just really want to cry, but ah promised Scootaloo that ah would make sure somepony good survived to the end."

Rainbow Dash wordlessly glanced over to where Sweetie Belle had ran, who was now rushing towards Scootaloo along with a couple other ponies she recognized from the hospital. Sweetie Belle, pushed away by the professionals now attending to Scootaloo, joined Apple Bloom. Rainbow draped her wings across them for a moment.

"Come on. Little fillies shouldn't be seeing this."

Rainbow guided the fillies away as the sun set.

Sunday, November 7th
15:05

"Hey, Apple Bloom!"

"Don't try to stop me, Rainbow Dash. Ah already had to sneak past Apple Jack, and—"

Rainbow Dash shook her head as she walked over to Apple Bloom's side. The pair were standing inside a train station, a train about to leave for Canterlot waiting beside.

"I'm not. This feels very, very wrong, but at least you're going to Fluttershy and Twilight. You know I would go along, but—"

"—but ya need to keep an eye out in Ponyville, and you're the only one who can do it."

"You hardly even gave yourself time to mourn. How can you be so strong at your age? I'm having a hard time seeing you as a filly now."

"Ah made a promise. Ah intend to carry it out. Action now, crying later."

"And after seeing what happened, I've no right to stop you. I just want to tell you something that's been bugging me about Lightning Dust. I got rid of her too easily. She's a lot of things, but she isn't stupid. I'm thinking she followed that cloud on purpose. Please be on the look out, Apple Bloom. I don't know what I would tell Applejack if she had to lose you after I let you go."

"Ah can't make any promises about what's gonna happen. Ah'm confident ah can reach them in the barracks, though."

"Barracks?"

"Yeah, accordin' to mah Diary, Fluttershy's stayin' in a barracks."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow and started to comment, but the train honked, signaling last minute boarding time. Apple Bloom hopped on.

"Stay safe, Apple Bloom."

Apple Bloom nodded as the doors closed.

Chapter 6: Of Blood

For the next several seconds, Fluttershy stared at Apple Bloom, shock on her face. Apple Bloom, rather uncomfortably, stared back, before finally breaking the awkward silence.

"Ah'm not here to kill ya, if that's what you're thinkin'."

"Oh-oh no, I didn't think that at all. It's just, well, why are you involved in this?"

"Why are you?"

B-but she's a filly! This isn't right. Not at all.

Fluttershy stared wordlessly and worriedly, then took out her Diary.

[23:50] Died by sudden explosion from beneath.
---DEAD END---

Fluttershy gasped. Reacting quickly, the mare grabbed Apple Bloom, opened up her wings, and leaped away from the spot just as an explosion rocked the barracks from below where she had just been sleeping. A few cadets around were caught in the blast, and everypony who wasn't found themselves suddenly very awake. Twilight and Trixie were instantly alert, and leaped from their own beds, narrowly avoiding explosions from beneath them.

The four Diary owners and the other survivors rushed out of the barracks as more explosions barely missed them, shrapnel flying through, threatening to impale them. A few unlucky cadets were met with sharp pieces of wood. Despite the time of day and year, the temperature surged as the group made their adrenaline-powered rush.

[23:51] A flung dagger hits Apple Bloom! How horrible!

Fluttershy flung herself to the left with Apple Bloom as they made their way outside, a dagger whooshing on past only to hit an unfortunate cadet.

[23:51] More explosions! They just keep coming!

Apple Bloom glanced at Fluttershy's Diary and then shouted towards a frazzled Twilight, "Twilight, teleport us away from the barracks!"

Twilight, although surprised to see her there, focused her magic and teleported the entire surviving group and herself several meters away, avoiding yet another explosion.

[23:51] A flung dagger hits Trixie! Where are they coming from?

Fluttershy squeaked a quick "sorry!" and bucked Trixie just hard enough to push her away from the incoming dagger. The showmare looked incredulously at Fluttershy, before looking towards the sky to find the source. A few other daggers flew by, but were deflected by the unicorn cadets around. As the group organized themselves, Fluttershy focused her eyes and found a shape zooming around in the sky. Several unicorn cadets attempted to fire at the attacker, but they avoided every shot with ease.

Behind Fluttershy, a few cadets fell without warning, not even from her diary, which phased too late for them.

[23:52] A diamond dog just came from the ground and attacked nearby cadets! Oh no!

The ground to her left erupted and a diamond dog leaped out. The dog grabbed a pair of surprised cadets and tossed them into the burning barracks before burrowing again. The thrown pair yelped and ran out, rolling on the ground to free themselves of the flames. Twilight doused them with water collected from the surrounding frost, and the pair shivered but yelled out thanks.

"This doesn't make sense!" Twilight shouted. "How could a diamond dog get past Canterlot's defenses?"

As if to answer her, a trio of diamond dogs busted out of the ground just as the diaries of Fluttershy and Trixie phased.

"Th-they, we—we're under attack by Diary owners, girls!" Fluttershy whispered, but her words failed to reach the ears of anypony there.

"Fluttershy, Twilight, they must be Diary owners. My Diary is phasing constantly," Trixie shouted.

"That's what I just—" Fluttershy softly grumbled, before shaking her head to concentrate on the matter at hoof.

[23:52] Grabbed from beneath! Oh no!

Fluttershy leaped to her left just as a diamond dog rushed forth, opting to slash at her with his claws. A bolt of raw magic from Twilight flung him several feet, and Trixie attempted to grab him in telekinesis. The diamond dog grumbled and forced himself out of the hold, but was met with a spear from a cadet. Three other diamond dogs leaped out of the ground and viciously tore at the one who killed their comrade. More cadets, braving the fearsome thought that they're experiencing a real attack, retaliated. The five living diamond dogs were pushed back, but they quickly dove back into the ground. The cadet they had attacked was found in a pool of blood.

One of the nearby cadets fell to the ground, sobbing as she looked upon the body. Two diamond dogs busted back and attempted to assault her, but Trixie used solidified magic to trip them, and Twilight telekinetically lead the grieving mare out of harm's way.

Diamond dogs continued to burst out, separating everypony and ultimately creating a chaotic battlefield. Cadets tried to get organized, only to be cut down by the larger creatures, not being helped by the fact that only half of them were armed.

Trixie took initiative and, diary on hold, weaved her magic across the field, parrying what could have been lethal blows to various cadets and smacking diamond dogs to throw off their assaults. In the process, another two dogs had been speared, leaving only three.

Twilight then changed her tactics to dropping the temperature around. While it caused many of the ponies to shiver, the diamond dogs took it even worse. They grew more sluggish and the cadets were able to avoid blows and drive them away.

In the midst of it, Fluttershy leaped to and fro, an utterly frightened expression on her face. She dodged every swipe at her, never attacking anything herself, but she shouted advice to various ponies, saving them in the process.

They were never this violent. Mean, but not violent, Fluttershy thought, shuddering in the process as she relayed future information as best as she could.

Apple Bloom pressed her hoof into Twilight to get her attention, then shoved her Diary towards her.

"Hold onto this and follow the latest entry, please. Ah've got an idea."

"W-wait, Apple Bl—"

Apple Bloom dashed across the field, away from the nearly finished fight occurring between the dogs and cadets, shouting, "Hey Lightning Dust! Remember me?"

"She's a Diary owner, Twilight," Fluttershy explained as Twilight gawked at the display from the filly. Fluttershy stole a glance at Apple Bloom's Diary.

***
Lightning Dust sure can dodge, but as I grab her attention, Twilight throws a spell past her that wounds back and hits her in the back, stunning her and throwing her towards the ground!
***

The airborne attacker, still dodging the occasional bolt of magic, flew a little lower and shouted, "Oh, hey, you're a sharp filly, aren't you? Bad idea to separate yourself from the others, though!"

Twilight fired a spell which flew straight past Lightning Dust.

"You guys aren't even trying anymore, are y—"

Not bothering to check her Diary, Lightning Dust failed to notice the spell curve back towards her. It hit her back, jolting her and causing her to spin at an angle towards the ground. Her Diary fell straight towards the ground towards Apple Bloom, who lit a match and threw it on the grass. Apple Bloom, feeling the ground shudder, dashed away, narrowly avoiding the diamond dog who flung himself through. Sparks from the displaced ground still managed to hit the Diary as it descended, and it caught on fire instantly. Quick shots from Twilight, Trixie, and a few other unicorns stopped the diamond dog from pursuing Apple Bloom. He burrowed once more into the ground.

Lightning Dust caught herself before she could hit the ground, and started to laugh, only to realize she wasn't holding her Diary. Her eyes widened and she started to shout before space warped around her and she disappeared without a trace.

Several cadets stared at where Lightning Dust was with shock, while Fluttershy, Trixie, and Twilight wore the same expression towards Apple Bloom, who was now running back towards them. The group kept alert for further action from the diamond dogs, but the ground, now littered with the bodies of cadets and three diamond dogs, had grown very quiet.

A short distance away, a small group of guards lead by Celestia herself made their way, rather late to the party. Celestia gazed upon the aftermath of the short battle that had taken place, eyes devoid of expression.

"Guards, get a medical team and treat the injured straight away, and sort out the dead so we can notify their families and give them an honorary passing. Also, stay on high alert in case the diamond dogs attack again, and notify General Brown Shield of the breach."

Celestia then focused her attention on the other four Diary owners, but before she could say a word to them, an explosion rocked the ground from beneath her.

"Celestia!" shouted Twilight as she covered her face.

When everypony looked back, the smoke was already clear, leaving a still immaculate Celestia.

"Follow me," Celestia ordered, ignoring the fact that she was subject to an explosion which would have killed any normal pony. Wordlessly, but cautiously, Fluttershy, Twilight, Trixie, and Apple Bloom followed her through the ordered chaos as the guards scrambled to fulfill orders.

Before they walked far, the ground a distance away from all the ponies displaced again as a diamond dog jumped out. All of the guards around pointed spears and crossbows at him, but the dog simply raised his paws.

"I'm not of those who ripped through these ponies," the dog shouted. "And I want nothing to do with them. You don't like us dogs and I don't blame you, but we aren't supposed to kill. We never go that far. But one among us decided against that, claiming he could see the future. I will answer any questions you have about that dishonorable cur."

A small group of guards made their way towards them, weapons still drawn. They circled him and motioned him forward. The dog complied and began to walk with them.

Celestia motioned the three mares and filly to follow her again, leading them away from the scene. Trotting through the castle, they once again reached the sun emblazoned door and made their way in.

"I did not think they would attack so soon, and so directly," Celestia began as she sat down. "It seems I have made a grave mistake."

"Don't blame yourself, Princess," Twilight replied. "How could we have even known that they were working together?"

"I already knew. And I should have seen this coming. Yet, there is nothing to gain in dwelling on our mistakes, past learning from them. Apple Bloom, I am very disappointed in you. Twice you have ended the life of another when you could have taken an alternate route."

Apple Bloom grew very pale, suddenly realizing that she was under negative scrutiny by a Princess.

Celestia continued, "Surely, you must know what the consequences of such actions usually are—"

"But Princess!" Twilight interjected. "She's just a filly! And Harmony put her up to it, so I don't see how you can hold her accountable. Umm, with all due respect, Princess."

"You are right, Twilight. She is a filly, and she was forced into an awful situation nopony could imagine. Because of this, no action will be taken against her. However, Apple Bloom, know that what you did was very wrong. Killing is never alright unless there are no other alternatives, and there very were alternatives in your case."

By now, tears were streaming down Apple Bloom's face as she listened to Celestia. Apple Bloom looked up towards Celestia as she finished and replied, "It was for Scootaloo. Ah promised her that no bad pony be allowed to succeed as a goddess. Ah know you may hate me now, Princess, but ah don't regret what ah did. Ah did it for my friend and for Equestria."

Celestia shook her head. "I don't hate you, my little pony. I am simply disappointed. I heard about your friend, and you have my condolences. However, I have been attempting to seek an alternative to this madness. Let me take the burden of your promise, Apple Bloom, as I have promised the rest here that I will do all in my power to make this right."

Apple Bloom slumped, and finally curled up into a ball of soundless tears. Fluttershy cautiously walked over and draped her wings around the filly as she fell asleep in the midst of it.

"You must all be tired after events such as these with such little sleep. Your training shall be put on hold, seeing as the outside is no longer safe. I will be busy tomorrow, but you will be free to roam the castle so long as you don't try to leave. I don't wish to contain you, but the others are far more bold than I anticipated, so it's for your own safety. Good night."

Fluttershy lifted Apple Bloom onto her back and walked out. Twilight hesitated with moving, but as Celestia wordlessly made her way through the inner door of the study, Twilight reluctantly followed Fluttershy with Trixie right behind her.

Author's Note

This was initially part of a larger chapter, but I opted for splitting it. The next part is in the editing process and should be released soon.

Chapter 7: Of Books

Knock knock knock

The door in front of Fluttershy opened in a flash of magenta, and the sight of Twilight hunched over a book surrounded by several stacks of even more books greeted her eyes. To her right, three droplets of water surrounded by magenta were circling around. On the numerous candles, the flames were dancing rhythmically to a tune only Twilight herself could know. A small stack of papers were right beside Twilight, and a quill still wrapped in her telekinesis hovered over the top.

"Oh, hello Fluttershy. Can't sleep?" Twilight asked as she glanced over in Fluttershy's direction.

Fluttershy shook her head, to which Twilight continued, "Come in."

"Apple Bloom is sound asleep," Fluttershy mentioned as she cautiously stepped in, the door closing behind her. "I was worried at first that she might have nightmares from recent events, but she seems to be sleeping soundly."

"What's keeping you up, then?"

Fluttershy sat down and stared at the floor.

"Come over here, Fluttershy. You can tell me if you want."

Hesitantly, Fluttershy moved between a couple stacks of books to sit beside Twilight, who gave a comforting smile and quietly waited for the shy mare to speak.

"I can't stop thinking about Fourth. And now, I see the faces of the diamond dogs and ponies who died just hours ago."

Twilight laid a hoof along Fluttershy's back.

"You saved lives earlier with your forewarnings, Fluttershy."

"I know. It's just—that one life I did take. And the lives that may be lost as this continues. They say that the world outside Equestria is a very unkind one. Does this sort of thing happen there, too? I think I liked Equestria much more before this started."

"I've been thinking about it too. So many meaningless deaths? I'm reading up on combat and defensive magic. I'm also looking into honing my shield weaving. I hope to make Equestria a safe place again."

"The Princess said she had it covered, though, didn't she?"

"About her. Something feels off. I couldn't quite place it, but I'm afraid, Fluttershy. She just seems so... distant. And, you know she can't just leave Canterlot whenever she wants to. More bystanders could get hurt if this drags on. Princess Celestia won't like it, but she has to know that we're the only ones who can stop them out there before this gets out of hoof and more ponies get hurt."

"I don't want to see anypony get hurt, either," Fluttershy replied. "I-I w-will stand with you and help however I can. If that's alright, I mean."

Twilight looked towards Fluttershy and smiled.

"I would be happy to have you with me. With you, me, and Trixie, I fear for the others who would stand in our way."

"You've been listening to Rainbow a little bit too much."

Twilight giggled, as did Fluttershy a moment after. They spent the next minute giggling before breaking out into a simultaneous yawn. A couple of blinks later, and the two were huddled together in the middle of the fortress of knowledge, fast asleep.

The rays of dawn ascended across Fluttershy as she began to flutter her eyes and wake. Glancing at the books around her, she remembered where she was, and who was next to her as she fell asleep. Blushing, she thought about the warmth of having Twilight next to her, then noticing the warmth was gone. Fluttershy stood up and looked around, noting Twilight was nowhere to be found. The soft patter of water sounded from nearby, signaling where she was.

The chill of the room permeated Fluttershy's coat, and she shivered. She thought again about the warmth Twilight provided, and her thoughts shifted to how she might—

W-wha-no, no—it's too early for that, you dirty mare, Fluttershy mentally chided herself.

Looking to a stack of books, one titled A Comprehensive Study on Magical Amulets peaked her interest. After carefully moving it out of the stack, Fluttershy opened it up to the table of contents. There were several sections, including ones she recognized, such as the Alicorn Amulet and the regalia of the Princesses. There was nothing on the Elements of Harmony, but a look to a copyright date showed it was published before Princess Luna's reformation.

Turning to the section on the Princesses' regalia, Fluttershy scanned the chapter.

Maybe I can find out a bit more on this amulet Rarity gave me, Fluttershy thought as her eyes raced back and forth along the text.

Often has the regalia of the Princess been seen, but few know that the gems are far more than the sort you could dig out of the ground. They are actually of a sort of pulsing gem. Unlike the ones previously mentioned, it has been observed to hold the properties of the three other known types, much like the Princess herself holds the properties of the three pony races.

Pulsing gem, Fluttershy thought. That's what this is. I remember now.

Fluttershy flipped back to the table of contents to look for a section on pulsing gems. Finding it, she turned to it.

Pulsing gems are a very, very rare sort of gem. They occur naturally, but as of our current state of technology, there is no way to manufacture them. There are several theories to how they occur, but the most prominent is that they form under extreme conditions alongside powerful magical activity. The only way this can realistically occur is within the draconian lands during mating season when the males compete for the affection of the females. Understandably, acquiring one is very difficult, and I have been blessed to be able to study one personally.

These gems contain special properties which, to put it very simply, allows them to absorb, store, and channel magic from living organisms. For practical purposes, they can serve as an energy reserve, and they can assist in channeling magic better than one could do otherwise. There's different types, and certain pulsing gems work best with certain races. Presumably, there's ones which will work with other sentient beings, but I only have notes and personal observations on them working with ponies.

The one I have in particular works best with pegasus magic, which my lovely assistant volunteered to test for me, although she wishes to remain anonymous. We found that not only could she better adjust air currents to fly faster, her control of weather also improved, and she found that with concentration, the amulet could help her cause lightning to arch around her wings. I also conjured up a magic shield for her to try and disrupt, and she made more progress with the amulet than without. She also commented how much easier it was to use her magic.

The section went on about pulsing gems suited to unicorns and earth ponies, but Fluttershy took her attention off of the book and onto the amulet around her neck. Gazing completely at it, she failed to notice Twilight trot up behind her.

"Morning."

Unprepared for Twilight's greeting, Fluttershy let out a soft cry and leaped over the fortress of knowledge before facing her and blushing at her own silliness.

"You should get freshened up too, Fluttershy. I don't plan on letting this day go to waste."

Meekly nodded, Fluttershy fluttered over to the bathroom, not bothering to consider how she has her own room and bathroom to use.

"Oh, Fluttershy?" Twilight spoke as Fluttershy was closing the door. "Oh, uh, never-mind. I should go prepare a list."

Trixie was waiting out in the hallway as Fluttershy and Twilight headed out of the bedroom. Beyond raising an eyebrow at the two walking out of the same room, she made no comment.

"Alright, girls. I don't know about you, but I plan on making use of our time to prepare for future encounters, for which I've prepared a checklist just for."

Twilight proceeded to unroll a rather long list.

"Make checklist, check. Introduce checklist to Fluttershy and Trixie, check. Now it's off to breakfast!"

Twilight rushed off, followed by Fluttershy and Trixie. Upon reaching the royal kitchens, Twilight opted for a daisy and dandelion sandwich, as did Trixie, while Fluttershy went for a simple dandelion sandwich. After a quick argument from Twilight to not make the meal overly fancy, the three Diary owners went to sit in silence, each lost to individual thoughts. Twilight looked through her list, Fluttershy checked through her Diary for the day, and Trixie stared off in contemplation.

After quickly eating their breakfast once it arrived, Twilight announced, "Alright, girls, it's time for sparring!"

At a curious glance from Trixie and a nervous one from Fluttershy, Twilight continued. "We need to be prepared. We got a little training during the extended week, but we didn't get to spar much. I think this'll help us if we run into other Diary owners again."

Twilight lead the way once more through the castle, the other two right behind. Shortly after leaving the dining room, Apple Bloom was found strolling around with wide eyes.

"Oh, hey Apple Bloom," Twilight greeted. "How are you feeling?"

"Hi! This place is huge! Did ya really live here, Twilight?"

Twilight giggled. "Yeah."

"This is pretty awesome. Ah only wish Scootaloo could see this."

Fluttershy walked over and cautiously put a hoof on Apple Bloom's shoulder. The filly shook her head and pushed it off.

"We Apple folk are supposed to be hardy, as Applejack says. Ah kinda have to be if ah'm gonna survive dealin' with her when ah go back home."

"I'm guessing you didn't come with her permission," Twilight commented.

"No, and she ain't gonna be happy. But ah did what ah needed to do. Dunno if Fluttershy told ya, but ah'm Sixth. Ah came here cuz ah wanted to fulfill my promise to Scootaloo but ah wasn't sure what ah was gonna do. Hoped y'all could help. Ah trust the Princess, though. It-it's made things easier. So is she a part of this too?"

"Apple Bloom—"

Trixie interjected, "Celestia is Eleventh. Fluttershy is First, Twilight is Second, and I am Third." At the 'what are you doing' glance from Twilight and Fluttershy, Trixie continued, "She has a right to know what's going on just as much as we do. She may be young, but she saved Fluttershy's life from waking her up, and she stopped one of the other Diary owners."

"Thanks miss, ah appreciate not bein' treated like a filly," Apple Bloom replied as she shot a glare at Twilight. "And ya might find this bit of information useful. The Lightning Dust that attacked us actually came to Ponyville a few days ago with Gilda, another Diary owner. Me and the Crusaders overheard them talkin' about takin' Rainbow Dash as a hostage to drag Fluttershy over so they could finish her."

Fluttershy shivered.
R-Rainbow Dash? Oh no, she's in danger!

"Naturally, ah couldn't let that stand. With Dash's help, we confused Lightning Dust and caged Gilda. But then Gilda—she-she killed Scootaloo. After that, ah burned her book."

The other three nodded, concern evident on their faces.

"That's not all. Lightning Dust came back briefly and mentioned something about goin' back to Fifth. Dunno who that is, but ah reckon they ain't our friend."

"Fifth could be the reason for the coordination between those Diary owners who attacked us earlier, then," Twilight commented.

"Troubling indeed," Trixie added.

Fluttershy shuddered more.

And what's more, they're willing to hurt our friends. This is not right—not at all.

"Oh!" Twilight exclaimed. "The list! We don't want to run off schedule! That'd be—that'd be, well, hehe, let's get going."

Twilight rushed off before the other three could comment. Fluttershy and Trixie run off to catch up. Apple Bloom paused and watched for a moment, but then followed as well.

At a door was posted a Guard, to whom Twilight trotted up to.

"Hello, sir. Is anypony using this facility at the moment?"

"No, Miss Sparkle. It is clear for today if you wish to use it."

"Thank you."

Upon walking inside, Fluttershy was greeted with a strangely empty circular room. She glanced towards Twilight, who was making her way through another door.

Very shortly, Twilight walked back out with a large, thick blue roll. She unrolled and laid out the large square of a padded mat. Twilight teleported to the right end.

"Alright," Twilight said after straightening out the mat. "Fluttershy, why don't you and I go first?"

"Oh, umm, I don't know if that's a good idea. Maybe it'd be better if Trixie went—eep!"

Fluttershy found herself in a telekinetic hold, the magenta glow leading her over to the mat on the other side of Twilight.

"Sorry, Fluttershy, but I need you specifically for this more. Now, try to break out of my hold. Just feel for the magic with your hooves and wings, and try to adjust your own as they instructed you last week. A single disruption in a telekinetic hold is usually sufficient to break out."

Fluttershy nodded, or at least tried to, and focused. Her pulsing gem flashed briefly, and she fell onto the mat, gracefully landing on her hooves with her wings fluttering slightly.

"Great job, Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy meekly nodded.

"Do you think you're ready to try to break a shield?"

"Umm, I guess I could try."

Twilight summoned up a shield, and motioned for Fluttershy to walk over. The mare pressed her hooves on the shield as she had seen Fourth do, and attempted to disrupt it. Despite her efforts, and the glowing of the pulsing gem, to which Trixie noticed and gasped, Fluttershy couldn't seem to break it. Unlike with the telekinesis, the shield continuously rewove itself when she managed to cause disruptions. Finally, Fluttershy collapsed on the mat.

"That was pretty good, Fluttershy," Twilight said she she dropped her shield.

"Oh no, that was awful."

Twilight shook her head. "Not at all. When Swift Brick disrupted my shields, it still took him time, and not only was he an elite trained pegasus, I've been working on improving my defensive and combat magic. Even with a pulsing gem, it will take a bit of practice, but that's why we're here."

Trixie rushed over to the two of them. "So it's really a pulsing gem? It's-it's magnificent!"

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh yes, it's very pretty. It's a gift from Rarity."

"Wow—you two sure have nice friends."

"You do too," Twilight replied, then with a smirk said, "Unless you think we aren't nice."

Trixie smiled. Twilight, looking at both of them, continued, "Say, Fluttershy, how about Trixie and I help you practice your pegasi magic while you give us some experience in dealing with it?"

"Umm, if you want to, that's fine."

As Trixie's shield collapsed, Twilight cheered, "Great, Fluttershy! You are a really quick learner!"

Fluttershy blushed and dragged her right hoof back and forth. "Oh, umm, it's no big deal, really."

"I'm hardly as skilled as Twilight, but that's still impressive. You can drop the humbleness for a second."

"Oh, I'm not exactly humble, I just, well—"

Fluttershy shuddered.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked, concerned.

"I-I think the future just changed. I've felt this before as my Diary shifted."

Right after replying, Fluttershy glided over to her bag where her Diary laid. She took it out and looked towards the current day.

[14:15] The guards are running around on high alert! What's going on?
[14:20] Oh no! They just said Ponyville is under attack! My friends and animals are in danger!

"P-P-Ponyville! It's going to be attacked!"

"Oh no!" Twilight exclaimed. "That the future suddenly changed to that must mean—it's another Diary owner! We have to get over there!"

"But Twilight," Trixie replied. "The Princess explicitly told us to stay inside."

"I know, but the Guard can't possibly deal with ones who can tell the future! We're going. Now."

"First I witness you hugging the Princess, now I see you going completely against her orders—"

Trixie sighed and followed Twilight as she dashed away. Fluttershy, although nervous, flew after the pair.

"Ah'm goin' too!" announced Apple Bloom as she followed.

Twilight skidded to a stop. "No, Apple Bloom, you have to stay here!"

"Nuh uh. Ah'm not standin' by when ah know ah can make a difference!"

Trixie pulled Twilight away, saying, "I don't think we have time for this."

Twilight grumbled and rushed off. Fluttershy cast a worried glance towards Apple Bloom as she followed.

Harmony? I just can't understand.

A pair of guards awaited the four at the main entry door, stoic as always. As the mares and filly got closer, they sidestepped in front of the door and angled their spears to block their path.

"By order of Princess Celestia, you must not leave this castle."

In response, Twilight's horn began to glow.

"May I remind you that there are active wards to prevent teleportation, and that attacking—"

Before the guard could finish his sentence, the four Diary owners were already no longer standing in front of him.

Author's Note

I'm a little worried about the whole having both Fluttershy's inner dialogue and the writing from the book both being italicized. I hoped I made it distinctive enough and that it works. I don't think there'll be much if any more book reading.

Chapter 8: Trouble in Ponyville

"I still can't believe you did that," Trixie commented as the train rushed through the countryside.

"The Princess will understand, although I suspect the guards will be updating their wards. Say, Fluttershy, do you see anything useful on your Diary?"

Fluttershy nodded. "It looks like we'll be dealing with the same two who tried to run Applejack and her family off of their farm."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Flim and Flam?"

"Who're they?" Trixie asked.

Twilight replied, "Two brothers who seem to care about bits and nothing else, even of what happens to ponies that their business affects. They came to Ponyville with a machine for automatic cider, and tried to drive the Apple family out of business, but their arrogance eventually caught up to them."

"Hmm. Arrogance is indeed a very exploitable flaw. I would know."

"Yes, but we should still be careful. We shouldn't assume of what we're up against."

"Umm," Fluttershy said. "It seems they're on a sort of machine again."

"Well then we'll just bust their machine and chase them out of Ponyville!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Which is all we're going to do. Our only goal is to stop them from hurting anypony and taking their Diaries back to Celestia," Twilight stated. "No pony will die today."

The other three nodded as Ponyville loomed ever closer.

The normally mostly peaceful streets of Ponyville were awash in an assortment of colors as various ponies streamed out of their homes, concerned about a growing fuss. A peculiar locomotive-like vehicle rolled through the middle of town—familiar, yet different in design. Whistles and horns sounded as if from a normal train, albeit a rather distorted one, but blew from an assortment of strange gears and tubes. On a pair of seats sat two nearly identical unicorn stallions, both with red and white manes and a light-tan coat. The two were distinguishable only by the mustache adorned by one, as well as their cutie marks.

The towns people glared, and some even booed, very clearly remembering the trouble Flim and Flam had caused them previously. The pair glanced towards the audience, then back to each other, smirking.

"Why look at these shining faces, they do seem excited. Why of our proposition, they should be delighted!" Flim shouted.

The crowd responded with more boos, a tomato making its way through. A green shield appeared and the fruit splashed on it, dripping onto the ground where a couple ponies were just standing before having backed up.

"I dare say, dear brother of mine, they are brimming with joy. Why don't we share it with them?" Flam continued for him.

"Nopony cares! Get out of our town!" shouted one.

Flim and Flam's expressions shifted to a glare, and the two whispered to each other briefly before shifting their attention back towards the crowd.

"We were going to do this civilly, even conduct a most lovely patter, but fine. We'll get to the point. Bring us Fluttershy, and we shall bid you adieu," Flim announced

After a pause, the crowd parted in the middle in front of Flim and Flam. The brothers grinned at first, before seeing the two ponies walking through. Applejack and Rainbow Dash, glares fixated on their faces, made their way in front of the machine.

"You're crazy if you think we'll just hand over our friend," Rainbow concluded, wings flaring and ready to take her into the air.

"What in tarnation do you want her for anyway?" Applejack asked.

"It's nothing of your concern, Miss Old Fashioned. Our business with First—I mean, Fluttershy, is between us and her."

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened briefly before she settled back to her glare.

"One of you is a Diary owner."

Flim and Flam glanced back towards each other, grinning widely, before turning back to her and simultaneously answering, "Incorrect."

Rainbow leaped into the air, leveling herself with them but still keeping back, narrowing her eyes.

"What's this diary thing, Dash?" Applejack asked.

"It would be more accurate to say we're both a Diary owner. Tenth, to be specific," Flam replied.

"And what does your Diary do? Something lame, I bet."

"Oh no. We believe ours to be the very best. Why, our Genius Diaries proclaim every genius moment of the other," Flim answered, smirking.

Dash smirked in return. "Actually giving out your Diaries' abilities doesn't sound very genius."

Flim and Flam frowned.

"It matters not," Flim retorted. "We'll crush you, whichever number you are."

This time, it was Rainbow's turn to frown.

"I'm not a part of this dumb fight to be a god thing, but I will not let you lay a hoof on my friend."

Applejack, irritated from being ignored, shouted, "Would somepony tell me what's goin' on?"

"Stay out of our way, then," Flim threatened. "Hurting others is not in our policy. As long as we have our way to the other Diary owners, we will happily leave everypony else alone."

"Go buck yourself."

In response, the horns of Flim and Flam flared up. From the machine extended a large claw, which extended to a nearby apple tree, ripped it out of the ground, and snapped the trunk with little time. A few pieces of shrapnel flew from the force of it, though luckily no one was hit. The crowd began to thin as more and more ponies started to back up, although Applejack and Rainbow stood their ground.

Applejack galloped over and attempted to give the machine an orchard's worth of bucking, but before her back hooves could connect, a green shield pulsed and rebounded the force back, tossing her several meters. The tough countrymare merely stood back up, however, ignoring the new scrapes she earned.

"Why that is the tackiest piece of metal I have ever laid my eyes on!" announced Rarity, casually trotting over to Applejack and Rainbow. "Your last machine was alright enough for me not to comment, not to mention your musical number was spectacular spectacular, and the suits complemented it rather well—"

"Rarity," groaned Applejack and Rainbow simultaneously.

"—but then you made these horrific additions, and what's more, you're using it to hurt my friends. That's two lines you're crossing."

The three mares prepared themselves to charge, only for a flash of magenta to appear between them and the machine. Fluttershy, Twilight, Trixie, and Apple Bloom all assumed defensive stances, the eyes of the last three daring Flim and Flam to make a move.

"Stop right there!" Twilight shouted. "The three behind us and the rest of Ponyville have nothing to do with this insane game. Don't involve them."

"They left us no choice." Flam shrugged.

"Somepony tell me what the hay is goin' on already!" Applejack shouted. "You ain't honestly telling us to stay back, are you? And Apple Bloom! Ah nearly wrangled Rainbow to find out you were runnin' to Canterlot to go find Fluttershy for some reason. Ah want you to run back home this instant, missy, and we can talk once we've run those no good con ponies out of town."

"Ah ain't budgin', big sis'," Apple Bloom replied.

"Applejack," Twilight interrupted. "We need her here. Please, we'll explain everything after."

"You may be one of my best friends, Twi', but ah ain't lettin' you put my little sis' in harm's way. Now—"

A pink hoof on Applejack's shoulder silenced her. The others around nearly did a double take upon suddenly seeing Pinkie Pie there.

"Applejack," Pinkie started, her voice startlingly low. The state of her mane, utterly flat and lifeless, caused Applejack to shudder ever so slightly. "Twilight is right. You need to let them handle this on their own."

"But Pinkie—"

Pinkie shook her head. Applejack gulped and stepped back. Rainbow Dash flew down towards them.

"Pinkie—" Rainbow started.

Pinkie shook her head again. Rainbow's shoulder's slumped. Rarity, after a pause, stepped back as well. Pinkie then stepped back with them, her knees twitching ever so slightly, nodding to Twilight.

Rainbow gasped as a claw was extending straight for Fluttershy while her back was turned. She was about to dash into the air, when a pink hoof holding down her chromatic tail stopped her.

Fluttershy extended her wings and jumped to the side. The claw grazed her side, eliciting an "eep", but beyond a scrape, she escaped without harm. The claw slammed into the earth, tossing dirt and a few pebbles around. The others around jumped slightly.

I want to hide so badly, Fluttershy thought, but with a gulp, forced the thought down and turned around to face the brothers.

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow shouted, then desperately looking at Pinkie Pie, who simply shook her head again.

"Please," Pinkie pleaded. "Just stay back."

Rainbow attempted to wiggle away, but Pinkie's grip was surprisingly far too firm. She finally settled, defeated. "Fine. But you four better make it out alive. Oh, and watch out, they have some sort of shield. Also, they both make up Tenth and their Diary allows them to see into their future genius moments, or at least so they say."

"Ah don't like it either, but Pinkie's never like this. I'll stay back—for now. Apple Bloom, you better come back so ah can tan your hide later," Applejack added.

"It looks like I was right about Fluttershy needing it," Rarity whispered to herself.

Fluttershy briefly turned her head back and gave a warm smile. "It'll be alright, girls."

With another magical application from the brothers, the machine extended a different component. It was cylindrical with a hole in the middle, resembling an odd sort of cannon. The mechanism began to spin, as a different component reached out to a nearby apple tree and started to suck apples, branches, and then the trunk. Out of the cylinder rapidly fired the remains of the tree. Twilight and Trixie's horns flared, and a mix of magenta and pink protected the group from the assault.

Flim and Flam continued to suck in trees, earning a grimace from Applejack, and pelt the shield with the machine's rapid fire.

"Psst," whispered Apple Bloom to Fluttershy. "Follow me."

As Flim and Flam were busy sipping cider while the machine was pelting the shield, Applejack and Fluttershy sneaked around the barrier and circled over to the machine.

"Try to climb onto the back here."

Fluttershy nodded and flew up. No barrier met her as she flew around to confront Flim and Flam directly.

"It's a good thing our diary lets us know of our genius ahead of time, isn't it, Flam?"

"Oh yes, Flim. This way we aren't too late with our ideas."

To that, as Fluttershy was stepping around, a jolt arched from the machine and caught onto her, frying the mare with electricity and causing her to fall into the waiting claw component.

"Fluttershy!" Apple Bloom and everypony else aside from Flim and Flam shouted. Apple Bloom added, "Ah don't understand, the Diary said it would work!"

The brothers smirked.

"Ah'm sorry, Fluttershy," Apple Bloom whispered to herself.

"Dead End for you, First," Flam announced.

"Fluttershy, the machine is strong, but it's powered and controlled by their magic! Use that against them!" Twilight shouted, desperately.

The claw began retracting, but it didn't go very far. The light glow of green instead flickered and the claw refused to retract further.

"What's going on!?" Flim and Flam shouted simultaneously.

Smoke flowed from the component as the green glow sputtered out. The claw opened up slightly, enough for Fluttershy to free herself and fall to the ground. Beyond being shaken up and somewhat singed, Fluttershy's smile to her friends calmed them. Turning up towards the brothers, however, Fluttershy's gaze turned into a frown—one of the very epitome of disappointment. Flim and Flam gulped.

"Now look what you've done," Fluttershy scolded. "You've attacked innocent ponies, tore up several apple trees, of which aren't yours, and nearly crushed me. What do you have to say for yourselves?"

"I, uh—"

"Well, we—"

The two stammered, before Flim finally managed to hoof a button. A dome slid into place, blocking the pair from view. Twilight and Trixie, in the midst of it, had ran over to Fluttershy and Apple Bloom. The machine stirred to life again, and the four opted to circling the machine to avoid the projectiles hurled by the cannon.

"I'm so glad you're alright, Fluttershy," Twilight sounded between breaths as they avoided more apples and wood from the now blindly firing cannon. "Now that we know their weakness, we can fight back. We don't need to attack directly, we just need to prevent them from using their machine."

"Actually attacking it to begin with is easier said than done, though," Trixie commented. "Any attack I thought of making would've failed."

"Which is why we're going after it indirectly. Fluttershy, do you think you can find a way to disable the shielding?"

"I-I can figure something out."

"Trixie, help me disable the cannon."

Trixie nodded, and the two unicorns conjured up their magic together to form a moving shield in front of the cannon. Wood and fruit splashed against it, and while the mares conjuring the shield were sweating with the effort, it held.

"Apple Bloom, see if you can help Fluttershy out with disabling the machine, but please be careful."

"Ye-yes."

With then cannon unable to hit them, Twilight focused her magic to then lift a nearby boulder and lead it over to the sucking component. The effort of both maintaining a shield and moving the boulder showed, but only a short few seconds passed before it was over. The component attempted to suck it up, but upon doing so, it sputtered and shook. Lacking a supply of ammunition, the cannon ceased fire, and the unicorn pair dropped the shield.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy, after a quick check from Apple Bloom and her own Diary, opted to press her hooves on the shield and disrupt it directly. While it threatened to push her back, Fluttershy focused with all of her ability, her pulsing gem glowing bright. Flim and Flam, realizing her intent, brought the machine into motion, rolling away and disrupting her concentration. Fluttershy fell onto the ground, but quickly stood up and leaped back to avoid being flattened.

Lacking weapons, the brothers opted for chasing the mares around. The large, clunky machine could not keep up with the small targets, however. Finally, it stopped, and a shimmering appeared before falling completely. The dome raised, revealing the pair.

Flim and Flam shot a few raw bolts of green magic towards the mares. Twilight and Trixie stopped the ones heading to themselves without problem, but Fluttershy covered Apple Bloom as one headed for her. The blast hit her, eliciting an eep, but she turned back around to glare at the offenders.

With the shield gone, Twilight decided to fire several shots of raw magic at key areas of the machine, smoke billowing.

"Give up," Twilight ordered. "We've wiped out your machine. There's no escape. Hand over the Diaries and step out of the vehicle. Princess Celestia will ultimately decide what to do with them."

Flim and Flam turned towards each other, a hushed conversation taking place. They then looked at their respective Diaries, grinned, and pressed separate buttons on opposite sides. The chairs flung them sideways, revealing a spring beneath. The two were flung into the distance before any could react.

"We were so close!" Twilight shouted, exasperated.

"Ponyville is safe, though. That's the important thing," Fluttershy quickly said to ease the failure.

"But they'll be free to try again."

"Please!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "I can go after them, there's no way—"

"This isn't your fight," Fluttershy argued, shaking her head. "And as much as we hate fighting, it's ours to bare. Please don't put yourself in danger, Rainbow."

"Well, whatever they try, they ain't gonna be able to wreck Ponyville. Ya showed them that," Applejack added. Then, frowning, she continued, "Now, one of ya'll better explain what the hay is goin' on."

Several ponies were cautiously making their way back towards the scene, several cheering in the process, others nervously looking around to see if the situation really was settled.

"Let's head over to a quieter area." Twilight suggested before leading the group of eight over towards the library.

Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all listened, rarely interrupting, as Twilight explained the events of the past couple weeks, assisted a little by Trixie, and added to by Apple Bloom for her parts.

Throughout, Pinkie Pie was simply a melancholy statue. Rainbow Dash was stoic, already being partially familiar with the situation. Rarity wore a grim expression. Applejack, meanwhile shook in her seat. Her expression continuously hardened, and slowly clenched her jaw further and further. When Twilight recounted to the train ride that current day, Applejack appeared ready to buck someone's head off.

"The nerve of her—" Applejack said, quietly. Then, shouting, "The nerve of her! Ah don't care who this Harmony thing is, ah don't care if she's a bucking god or what, what gave her the bright idea of putting my sister in this situation? She's just a filly! A darn filly, told to kill or be killed. Harmony! Wherever the buck you are, show and explain yourself!"

After the outburst, Applejack became eerily silent, waiting for a response. The seconds ticked by, none saying a word. Applejack shouted, and started galloping to the door, when a smaller form jumped on her back. She instinctively threw the pony off, sending her into a bookshelf on the opposite side. Turning around, her anger faltered upon seeing she just tossed her own sister.

"Apple Bloom! Ah-I—"

Apple Bloom stood and shook off the books that had fallen, much to Twilight's dismay, who re-shelved the books while still taking note of the situation.

"Ya gotta calm down, 'sis." Apple Bloom walked calmly towards Applejack.

"How can ah, Bloom, when ah hear you were nearly killed twice, and could very well lose your life as this drags on? Ah don't want to lose you too."

Apple Bloom embraced Applejack in a tight hug. The pair stayed in the hug for several seconds before letting go.

"Don't worry, big sis'. Princess Celestia said she would make it all alright."

"Can she really? Even if it stops here, she can't undo what just happened. At the very least, though, ah ain't losing you. Come back with me to the farm, Apple Bloom."

"That would be unwise," Trixie interrupted. "They'll target her."

"Ah'll stop them. They ain't touchin' my family," Applejack argued.

Twilight shook her head. "You'll be no match for them. We'll take Apple Bloom back with us to the Princesses. She'll be safer with us until this whole thing blows over."

"Don't ah get a say in this?" Apple Bloom asked.

"And then ya'll will run back out after some other attack, and Apple Bloom will follow you, and she might not make it alive."

"Please, big sis'. Ah followed them cuz Ponyville was in danger. You would've done the same thing."

"Darnit, Apple Bloom, would ya just listen?"

"Would you listen?!"

"Girls!" Rarity interrupted. "Please, let's be more civilized. Applejack, I agree with Twilight, Trixie, and Apple Bloom here. I'm sorry, but it probably really would be best if she follow them to the safety of the Princesses."

Applejack looked towards Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie to see the two of them shaking their heads. She then looked desperately towards Fluttershy, who shifted her glance towards the ground.

"Fine. Ah'll be at the farm. Please, Apple Bloom, please come home safe when you can."

With that, Applejack, defeated, silently headed out the door.

"Why couldn't the new big crisis be just a large scary monster?" Rainbow asked. "You know, something we could gather up the elements for and shoot it with a giant awesome rainbow?"

"We'll get through this," Twilight halfheartedly stated. "Just as long as we stick together and remain friends, we can get through anything. Right?"

"Darling, what if you have to finish it?"

"F-finish it?"

"I must say, this Harmony is going about choosing a successor in a truly barbaric way. But do you even have a plan, Twilight?"

"A plan? I-I—Princess Celestia will think of something, I'm sure of it."

"If you say so, Twilight." Rarity turned towards Fluttershy. "How's the pulsing gem, dear?"

"Oh, it's been a great help. Thank you again, Rarity."

"Stay safe, all of you. I'm afraid I must go check on Sweetie Belle. Did you want to see her, Apple Bloom?"

"Ah don't think she wants to see me."

Rarity worriedly looked towards Apple Bloom for a second before heading out the door.

"Hey, Pinkie? How'd you know to keep them—" Twilight looked around and realized Pinkie was no longer in the room. Shaking her head, she looked towards the nearby desk. "I better write Celestia a letter."

Twilight, with a small application of magic, drew out a quill and a piece of paper and began writing.

"I really should go check on my animals—"

"—wait, Fluttershy, we shouldn't split up, and I need to deliver this to Spike, anyways."

Fluttershy nodded, and a minute passed as Twilight wrote.

"—and, done!" Twilight announced, then nodded. Twilight, Trixie, and Apple Bloom followed Fluttershy as they made their way towards her cottage. Several townsponies waved or said hello, but beyond polite reciprocation, nothing was said.

Inside the cottage, Spike slept on the sofa with Owlicious on his head and Gummy biting the dragon's tail. Beyond incomprehensible chatter from a few animals scurrying about, the home was quiet and devoid of chaos.

"Hey, Spike!" Twilight called. "I've got a juicy topaz for you!"

Spike leaped, much to Owlicious's displeasure but with Gummy still attached, and with a rush appeared at Twilight's side, drool dripping from his snout. Twilight dangled a topaz just over, and he attempted to grab it, only for it to float above its grasp.

"Wait, Spike, I need you to send a letter."

Spike raised an eyebrow.

"That's it? Not that I'm complaining, but usually a topaz means more than sending a letter." Spike rubbed his eyes. "Morning, by the way."

"Well, I needed you up to send this letter now, plus you've been performing your mission quite admirably."

"Oh yes," Fluttershy commented. "It's quite calm. Though, why is Gummy here?"

After sending the letter away with a breath of fire, Spike looked back and forth. "What are you talking about? Gummy isn't here."

Before one of the ponies could retort, Spike belched, a letter appearing.

"That was fast," Twilight commented.

"What does it say?" Trixie asked, as Twilight quickly scanned the letter.

"Celestia wants us to stay put in Ponyville until a carriage picks us up at about 7:45 in front of the library."

"Aww, you're leaving again already, Twilight?"

"Yeah, sorry Spike. Still counting on you to maintain the cottage for Fluttershy."

Spike saluted, which briefly earned a giggle from Twilight before she glanced solemnly at Fluttershy, then Trixie, and then Apple Bloom.

Chapter 3: Meet the Master

Lilac and light red blurred together as the world around Fluttershy slowly came into focus. Birds chirped happily outside, and the warm sun slowly covered more of the bed as she struggled to fully awaken. The mare slowly raised herself, getting a better look at the room she was in. It appeared to be her own-quite comforting after the events which Fluttershy wished were merely a nightmare. Sitting on a stool to her right was Twilight, fast asleep as her head sat on the edge of the bed.

I'm in my room? And Twilight's here?

Off in a corner on the opposite side of the room on the right sat Trixie, awake and staring at Fluttershy with a blank expression on her face.

"I see you've awakened," Trixie said in a seemingly flat manner.

"Oh, umm, good morning," Fluttershy replied as she walked out of bed, stretching her legs and wings.

"Yes, good morning, I suppose that's an appropriate thing to say after such events transpired." Trixie put her hoof to her forehead. "Sorry. I'm not sure what could be said at all here."

Fluttershy looked down.

"Why am I even here?" Fluttershy whispered. "Shouldn't I be in some cold, dark cell someplace deep?"

Trixie looked confusingly at Fluttershy, cocking her head to the side.

"Why on Equestria would we or anypony else put you there?"

"Because-because I'm a murderer," Fluttershy replied, lowering her voice throughout the sentence until it was barely audible at the end.

Fluttershy found herself spun around and taken into a pair of purple hooves in a tight hug. Fluttershy did nothing as Twilight, tears flowing, hugged her.

"She was worried about you," Trixie said, looking to the side.

"You were simply defending yourself," Twilight began saying after a while. "You are guilty of nothing. I don't want you calling yourself-"

"Twilight, please," Fluttershy replied. "Killing another pony is murder, regardless of the intentions. He already had a dead end, Twilight. I too had one. It seems we both would have died. My act was selfish, Twilight. I acted so that he would be the only one to continue onto a dead end. I'm a murderer, Twilight. There's no spinning it any other way."

That's right. Unlike when we first met Discord, I broke from my element all on my own.

"How can you say that so calmly?" Twilight looked at Fluttershy.

"I don't know. I don't know what is happening to me. I should be breaking down and sobbing, but inside I'm just confused. I don't want to deal with this, Twilight. I want to fly up as high as I can go and shut my wings."

"That would be pointless," Trixie interjected.

"You are still Fluttershy. It's just been-it's just been a horrific event, but we've been through tough times before!" Twilight half shouted.

"The tough times never involved spilling the blood of another. How can I call myself the Element of Kindness now? I've gone against it." Fluttershy retorted. Twilight started to reply, but, Fluttershy placed a hoof on her mouth. "Please don't try to argue anymore."

Twilight pushed Fluttershy's hoof away with her own.

"Now wait a second, Fluttershy. Since when did you go against your element?"

"I-I ended a life."

"A life who, as you said, was going to end anyway. A life who had ended the lives of others, and if what I learned about him was anything to go by, was going to end others, and I'm sure you know this."

"But-"

"Fluttershy, you are the Element of Kindness, and I can't think of a single thing that could change that. The event was horrific, yes, but your actions saved a great number of ponies from losing an amazing friend. Don't regret your choice to live for a single second, Fluttershy. Please, please don't."

So in the end, it was the Element that saved me? Kindness. What is Kindness, really? I'm not so sure anymore.

Silence permeated the room once more.

"Four," Trixie said, breaking the silence. "We know of four, and one of them is dead."

"Huh?" Fluttershy looked at Trixie in confusion.

"Future Diary owners. It is uncertain why or how our diaries have inherited the ability to see entries from the future, but it's doubtful we're the only ones, and entirely possible there could be others just as malicious."

"You have one too?"

"It's how I found you two."

"Are we really going to discuss this now?" Twilight asked.

"I-I'm sorry Twilight," Trixie replied. "I just-"

Twilight shook her head. The three sat in silence again.

"I need to go feed the animals," Fluttershy softly said, and excused herself out of the room. Wordlessly, the two others followed. As Fluttershy stepped down onto the ground floor, Angel ran and leaped onto Fluttershy's chest, hugging tightly.

"Why hello, Angel. Were you worried about me?"

The bunny nodded furiously.

"It's alright. I survived, and I'm going to make sure I will always be there to take care of you."

Angel shook his head.

"Wh-what? You don't want me to take care of you?"

Angel still shook his head.

"What is it then?"

Twilight sighed.
"I wonder if that's what he was going on about earlier," she said.

"About what?"

"I was telling Trixie that I plan on going through basic training with the Royal Guard. As I did, Angel here kept kicking me and pointing at your room while you were, uh, asleep."

Angel nodded furiously again, grabbing Fluttershy's leg and pointing to Twilight.

"You want me to follow Twilight?"

Angel nodded again.

"Princess Celestia has already accepted the three of us. It was a little strange how she replied to my request and included you in exactly twenty seconds after my letter, but-"

"I'd rather just forget all of this and continue caring for the animals and having picnics with you and the others. I want to leave this all behind and continue my quiet life. Why do things always have to go wrong?"

"That may be impossible," Trixie stated.

"Let's go for a walk," Twilight suggested. The other two nodded.

After the animals were all fed, the three trotted wordlessly out the door. They walked in silence, trotting side by side through the crisp October morning. The streets were far quieter and emptier than usual, and the few who were out passed the three mares without a word.

A sudden boom from above interrupted the silence, an expanding circle of rainbow shooting from above as a cyan pagasus zoomed down and skidded to a stop in front of the three. Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy in a tight hug before she could react.

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow exclaimed. "I heard about what happened," she continued, her words growing subtly fainter through the statement.

Fluttershy shrunk back with a small squeak. Rainbow Dash shook her head and continued, "You did what you had to. But next time, come find me. I'll kick the plot of anything that tries to hurt you. I gotta go take care of weather duties, but call my name if you need anything or want to talk, got it?"

Fluttershy nodded, to which Rainbow saluted and flew off. The three continued on, walking past Sugar Cube Corner when a familiar pink pony walked slowly towards them, hair completely flat with a sad expression on her face. Pinkie Pie walked over and hugged Fluttershy.

"I'm sorry I wouldn't have been any help had it been your future," she whispered. The party pony wordlessly walked back into Sugar Cube Corner, and the three continued along, Fluttershy shaking her head to remind herself not to dwell on the implications of what Pinkie just said. It's Pinkie, after all.

Several minutes later, Rarity, just coming out from her boutique walked over toward the group. She approached Fluttershy cautiously, giving her a quick hug, then took an object from her saddlebags.

"This," Rarity held it in front of Fluttershy for her to see. It was an intricately woven necklace with an encrusted gem. It was cyan on the edges, growing darker in blue towards the center. Rarity placed it on Fluttershy, snapping it into place. The gem glowed warmly as it laid on the surprised mare.

"This is a very special amulet. This one is specifically enchanted to assist with the flow of magic the way a pegasus uses it."

Fluttershy's eyes widened, as did those of Trixie and Twilight.

Twilight spoke first, "Th-that's a-a, wha-how, just how did you get it, Rarity? That must have cost a fortune! I never thought I would see that sort of gem outside of the regalia of the Princesses!"

Rarity smiled. "I've had it for a while, but it's designed specifically for pegasi, so I don't really have a use for it. After, well, recent events, I think you should have it."

"I-I," Fluttershy sputtered. "I can't accept this, Rarity!"

"I'm not giving you a choice," Rarity replied. "Please, take it."

Fluttershy meekly looked towards the left and nodded, realizing it was pointless to argue with the Element of Generosity. She was met with another hug from her.

"Stay safe, Fluttershy," Rarity whispered as she walked back towards her boutique.

The studious side of Twilight took over as she violated Fluttershy's personal space to get a good look at the amulet. Noting Fluttershy's nervous expression as Twilight examined it, Trixie intervened.

"Hey, Twilight?" Trixie said. "Maybe you should take a look at it when it isn't attached to Fluttershy."

"Oh, umm, I don't really mind, not really," Fluttershy replied, her nervous smile and blush betraying her words. Twilight looked back up and blushed as well.

"Oh, uh, hehe, sorry, guess I got a little carried away. Let's move on."

Fluttershy began to make her way back towards her cottage, followed by Trixie and Twilight. Once there, Fluttershy flew over to her couch and laid down, staring off into nothing in particular. Trixie and Twilight took a couple seats of their own, and the three sat in the quiet.

A familiar voice sounded from nowhere in particular. "Oh come now, is that really the proper way to handle things?"

Fluttershy's ears perked up. "Discord?"

The familiar draconequus stretched himself out from the floor boards taking a seat beside Fluttershy on the couch. He was met with a quick hug from the pegasus, a glare from Twilight, and a curious look from Trixie. He yawned, gulping (or ungulping?), then pulling a glass out of his mouth filled with chocolate milk. He stared intensely at it, stroking his beard, before peeling it and eating the contents, throwing the peel through the floor boards he arrived from.

"Where have you been, Discord?" Twilight questioned, ignoring Discords antics.

"Oh you know, a little chaos here, a little chaos there. I've been off attending to some things. Don't worry, I'm behaving. Although, maybe that one joke I made to a filly with the three ponies at the bar was a little too-"

Noticing the glare Twilight was giving, Discord coughed before continuing. "-well, anyway, I'm here to deliver a message from Mother in case you don't quite get what the pull you'll be feeling anytime soon is doing. Basically, she wants to see you. Now."

"Mother?" Twilight and Fluttershy asked simultaneously.

"How's that little game going, by the way? Hmm? Nope, no time for that. She wants you now. I don't suggest you keep him waiting, although he probably already knows how long he's going to wait, so saying that might be redundant."

Discord snapped his claws, and the three mares only watched as the world swirled into a focal point, leaving them in darkness momentarily before the scenery shifted.

Fluttershy found herself on a circular platform attached to a larger structure with eleven other, similar platforms, forming a larger circle in itself. Each platform except one hosted a dark shape, most too obscure to give any information on what or who they could be besides their size and how they stood. The ones she could tell were of a pink hue, although still recognizable, the figures of Twilight, immediately to her left, and Trixie, to Twilight's left. On Trixie's left sported a simple wooden sign with the words "DEAD END", itself adorned with a bloody dagger. Upon closer observation, the each of the platforms had Roaman numbers etched into them. On Fluttershy's was a I, on Twilight's a II, on Trixie's a III, and so on up to XII on Fluttershy's right. The sky was a mess of different shades of a dreary grey, as if a painter opted to spill every mix of grey he could create haphazardly onto a canvas.

High up across from Fluttershy, above all the others, was a plain bone-white pedestal. On it sat a large black alicorn, the snout suggesting a mare. Her eyes were entirely white, and seemed to have a drawing property, as if the eyes held the entire universe in them, and gravity was simply drawing Fluttershy toward them. At first, Fluttershy thought the alicorn had no mane, until she noticed the grey sky near her head moved, realizing the mane blended with it. A gray smudge covered her flank, and somehow, Fluttershy suspected it wasn't her cutie mark.

The alicorn spoke, a faintly feminine voice piercing through the air. Fluttershy couldn't quite place it, but the voice sounded eerily familiar, even though Fluttershy could be certain she has never heard it before.

"Hello to you all. By now, all of you are aware that you posses diaries of which are beyond ordinary. Many of you have recieved a little information, some more than others, but none of you have the whole picture. I have brought you here to correct that. First of all, though, I suppose this calls for an introduction. Be honored, for no sentient creature born of this Equestria has ever had an audience with me until now. I reserve my true name, but you may refer to me as Harmony. I am the Goddess of Space and Time.

"Now, allow me to explain about this survival game. You all posses what Second had previously and correctly dubbed 'Future Diaries'. They are, for the most part and to put it simply, based around the normal diaries you have been writing in until now. They predict future entries as you would have written in them, with few exceptions. With them, you have up to a thirty-day foresight with which to change the future to suit your own goals, but this power has a weakness. Render the diary unuseable, and the owner ceases to exist."

Fluttershy shuddered. You mean I could have destroyed his diary, and killed him wi-without all that blood? I-I-nevermind, the outcome would have been the same. W-wait, thirty days?
Fluttershy quickly opened up her diary, flipping past the pages to confirm that there were a fair number of filled pages. She sighed in relief upon seeing it extend to the 28th of November.

"So what's up with the weird flashes and changes in the diary without us doin' anything?" a young, feminine voice interjected, carrying the hint of an accent, a familiar voice as Fluttershy noted, speaking from the sixth platform.

"It is simple, Sixth," Harmony answered. "Any action which deviates from from the normal flow of time will cause a change in a diary if it affects an entry within. This can happen in two ways. One, the foresight of any diary owner causes them to take a path they would not otherwise have taken. Two, any action carried out by myself directly."

Harmony extended her hoof, pointing to the third platform.

"That," she continued. "Is a notice of the first contestant to die in this game, as a few of you are aware. With some foreknowledge, he went after a random contestant, who happened to be First, which brings me to another topic of interest. When another diary owner has both the intent and the capability to kill another diary owner, and the future dictates they carry it out, they signal a dead end flag. This is the core of the game. Signal dead end flags, carry them out, and avoid them if at all possible if they are passed on to you."

The next interjection came from the twelfth platform, a masculine voice speaking forth. "What is the meaning of this game? Why are you telling us to kill each other, not even knowing who any of us are with being obscured and all?"

"Figuring out the other contestants will be left up to you. Collecting information is the first and probably most vital part of the game. Now, as for the purpose, there is a goal for the remaining eleven of you to reach. Kill and survive, and you will attain my knowledge and the capacity to use it, succeeding me as the God or Goddess of Space and Time."

"STOP THIS MADNESS AT ONCE!" shouted one of the larger figures, coming from the eleventh platform, a powerful feminine voice piercing through, one shockingly familiar. "Why force this cruel game on those gathered here, many of them innocents who have never seen true violence? I understand you are dying, but there has to be another way to find a successor!"

"Eleventh. I know you've shed the blood of others for the sake of your own title. You should understand that even seemingly cruel things find their ways in bringing kindness in the end."

"This is nothing like that!" Eleventh proclaimed, her powerful voice only wavering slightly, standing her ground against the goddess. "I had to do what was necessary for the good of all. I can't see how this is anything but pointless!"

"Nothing I have done is pointless," Harmony calmly answered. "And what I have done has been for the good of all, even if you can't see it. There is little point in arguing over the existence of the game. Now, I have a final few words to say: one, the only escape from this game is death or becoming God. Each of you are capable, and that is why you were chosen. I understand killing may sound appalling to many of you, but I assure you, you will think differently when faced with the possibility of your own murder. If you were to find you could not deal with this, you could always choose to die, but I already know I didn't pick a single being who isn't capable of playing."

Fluttershy gulped.

"First here proved that yesterday. It's a miracle upon miracle that you avoided a certain dead end, and turned the tables on your would be murderer. I suspect you might even be the one to win. And with that, I can call this meeting adjourned. I may call future meetings in the future, the notification for which I'll forward to your diaries. I look forward to overseeing you all. Farewell for now."

"Wait!" Twilight called out. Harmony looked towards her. "Are you related to the Elements of Harmony? What does Discord have to do with this and you? And how can you be dying if you're a god?"

Harmony disappeared without a single answer.

The bipedal creature standing on the seventh platform spoke first after Harmony's departure, a rough masculine voice. "First, it seems, is the greatest obstacle, but no matter. I hope to find you soon. You will be one stepping stone to victory. Farewell."

Fluttershy shuddered as the creature departed.

The next comment came from the fifth voice, one with the barest hint of a buzz. "I wish you good luck, First, although you already seem to posses it. Still, a little more can't hurt, especially considering you may now be the favorite target. I look forward to the outcome between us."

Fluttershy murmured as they departed as well.

"Ah don't like this. Ah don't like this one bit," sixth spoke to herself as she departed as well.

"Hmph. I'll be God, just you wait," said ninth before she promptly departed.

Eighth, Tenth, and Twelfth departed without a word.

Eleventh turned towards Fluttershy, Twilight, and Trixie. "Do not fear, my little ponies. I will make sure to protect you, and prepare you for if and when my protection fails. I want no part in this game, and neither should you. I'm confused as to why Harmony would do this, and I can't let this go on without answers. We'll speak more later. Farewell for now."

Eleventh departed as well, followed by Twilight, Trixie, and then Fluttershy.

Author's Note

Any seen correlation between the corresponding numbers is purely coincidental. Mostly.
I'm also a little apprehensive here. Dialog's one of my weak spots, and this chapter is pretty dialog heavy, but ah well. I'll never release if I obsess over every little detail.