Equestrian Diaries

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."