Again.
Here I am.
I don't know where here is, though that's yet to cause panic since the first hundred times.
All I know, all I've ever known, is that I'm here, and here is nothing anymore.
There used to be sounds.
Clanks and shifts in the air as something besides me was out... somewhere.
Anywhere, but here.
If I were to start slowly recalling my thoughts since birth, I'd have trouble with the way everything started.
First, I thought that I was lost...
Then, I found out I was here.
Everything around me is nothing.
Nothing is all I know.
All I am.
All I have.
... and the memories.
I can't tell if they're mine.
I remember asking myself that when I first woke up here.
After that, I stopped.
I simply accepted the fact that the memories were here.
That I was here.
Now all I do is think.
Think about everything I know.
Something that may be mine, and something that I found here.
\\\//////
Entry: 1
Date: 1-15- Celestial Ear, Year 1
To whosoever shall find these words,
I write this now to document what little remains of our kingdom, so that if we fall, we have record of how we did.
Our beloved rulers, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, had done battle only days ago.
It feels as though the old days were decades ago, now.
Princess Luna had harnessed the hatred towards those that shunned the night and worshiped her sister, and turned into a nightmare.
Princess Celestia had only one option, and she now lays in her chambers, silent since her sister's banishment to the moon.
Now our enemies hear of this, and we've no armies left.
Those that served the Night had been labeled as Heretics, though they only wish to return.
Those that served the Day had perished en mass during the battle between our Princesses.
As I write this, the Griffon Empire, and the Diamond Dog Enclave prepare to march on our borders.
Some say that we have no choice, and that we should simply surrender now to avoid bloodshed.
Others say that we should fight them, and keep our kingdom from their wretched claws.
Few are choosing to stay out of it, but are likely to be swept in, regardless.
All we can do now is wait until the Counsel decides on what to do, before anypony starts a riot.
I'm going to leave for the meeting now, hopefully my brother is already there.
Perhaps if there's one pony who can help us, it's him.
\\\//////
Entry: 2
Date: 1-16- Celestial Era, Year 1
The meeting was horrible.
Everypony kept yelling and screaming like stupid foals.
Accusations are being thrown around in random directions as these politicians try and find something to blame.
None of them would hear the reason behind what my brother had said.
That we need to unite, now more than ever, and show these foes that we are not to be trifled with.
They wouldn't hear it.
Some said that we need Princess Celestia, now more than ever.
I remember one in particular that this was some, "Divine Test" by her, so that we can prove that we are "worthy" of her presence.
Pure, drunken shite, in my opinion.
I followed my brother, after the meeting, to the Solar Tower to check on Princess Celestia.
After we had tried to speak to her, we departed for our respective studies.
I had never seen my brother so torn.
To think, his greatest friends had a fallout so great that it had attracted the armies of so many.
He looks almost guilty.
I'm afraid to ask him, but know that if this festers for too long, he'd do himself great harm.
I've scheduled a meeting with the Generals for three days from now, to try and think of a way to defend ourselves.
Divines help us.
\\\//////
Entry: 3
Date: 1-20- Celestial Era, Year 1
It was almost as bad as the political hearing.
None of the Generals were willing to cooperate, almost all of them having some kind of stupid idea of taking the fight to our enemies early.
We'd do nothing but waste lives.
One suggested a Draft.
I had to resist the urge to bash his skull in.
If we were to go with the Draft, we'd loose what little stallion-power we have left, and leave hundreds, if not thousands, of families devastated more than they already are.
A few actually agreed on something, only it was as if they agreed because they were beaten by the same stick of frozen stupid.
They suggested that the Pegasi all fly straight for the Griffon Capitol, strike with, what they call, "Thunderheads," and assault their Empire from within.
The fact that they had suggested it was stupid enough, but they chose to humiliate themselves further by continuing.
They said that when they reach the Equestrian border, we could use Earth ponies to dig into Diamond Dog bases so Unicorn troops could act as suicide-bombers.
Those morons were rightfully assaulted.
Before the idiocy could escalate, however, somepony with an actual, working brain suggested that we hold all of our troops back and focus on trying to make new strategies before we blindly assault enemies we haven't fought in 300 years.
After the rest of the Generals managed to reluctantly agree, we finally managed to close the meeting, and send letters to the troops.
\\\//////
Entry: 17
Date: 3-8- Celestial Era, Year 1
I thought I had heard intruders earlier, when I used the facilities.
When I went to check on who was trying to break in, however, I found my brother trying to sneak food into the Archives.
The difference, however, was that this time, he had several bags under his eyes, and he told me that he was looking into enchanted metals and machinery.
I had asked him about why he chose to study those at the same time, and he told me that he might have an idea.
But what really grabbed my attention, was the way he said it.
He told me to think of it as the action that would bring our names to light, together.
That ponies of Equestria would look to us one day, and remember us as heroes.
"Star Swirl and Gear Mind," he said, "bringing in the new era at last."
So many memories.
I couldn't think why they were here with me, but I don't care.
I've never cared.
I can't.
All I know is that there are so many more.
Now, I remember something.
Numbers.
They're... all out of order.
I have to remember them correctly.
It's all I have.
I have to work.
I need to think.
I heard it.
I heard something else.
Something that wasn't a thought or a creak.
It was a slam.
Whatever it was, it was outside of here.
Again.
There were sounds outside of my thoughts.
I can hear something else.
Something... familiar.
What are they called?
They...
They're...
... voices.
\\\//////
"So the Princess wants all this relocated to Ponyville?" one of the shipping ponies asked.
"Yep, says it all here."
The stallions looked at the large, dusty box as they began to empty out one of the oldest parts of the Star Swirl the Bearded section of the Royal Archives. One of them held a clipboard in their magic, levitating the notes in a pale blue glow.
"Well, let's get it outta here," the other said.
They grunted as their magic began to pull the box out of the corner of the dimly lit storage, barely managing to lift it above the ground.
\\\//////
What's happening!?
I can't think straight.
I can barely think at all.
Everything I've known, everything I've been...
... it's all changing.
What was once everything I knew, became...
... something else.
I don't know how to describe it.
It was different than what I've known for so long, and caused my mind to retreat.
As I adjusted, I felt calm as I knew I was still here.
The voices had began to change, as well.
I need to think, for now.
That's all I can do.
That's all I know.
Time to remember.
\\\//////
Entry: 3
Date: 1-22- Celestial Era, Year 1
Well, we've managed to get some information from the scouts.
At least we have some grasp on the enemy threat.
Unfortunately, it seems as though they've learned of our position.
Both the Diamond Dog Enclave and the Griffon Empire have moved in on the outer territories.
The Griffons attack from above while the Diamond Dogs strike from within.
We've no defenses against both at the same time.
More and more refugees are showing up in our Royal City, demanding that we do something.
But what can we do?
\\\//////
Entry: 4
Date: 1-27- Celestial Era, Year 1
I've still yet to see my brother.
We've tried to search for him in all of the study halls, yet we can't find him.
I know where he could be, without a doubt, but right now, I think he might not be the best for us.
I suggested that we try to form a council, drawn between Civilian and Military representatives.
Some laughed.
Most, however, thought it was better than our current situation.
None have dared to even try to disturb Princess Celestia.
The Generals are panicking about the disappearances of smaller towns, though their cries go unanswered.
I understand their rage, but however just it may be, we simply don't have the capabilities we once had to react.
If we do, we must strike vital points only, and without a strong enough scouting force, we won't win this war anytime soon.
\\\//////
Entry: 5
Date: 2-1- Celestial Era, Year 1
Since I last wrote, we've lost all but fear.
The Generals have taken it upon themselves to go out and combat our foes, while the rest are begging for help.
The Dragons are distant as always, and want nothing but to sleep for now.
I thought I heard them mutter something about their younglings, but they're too far to ask now.
The Zebras still refuse to participate in open conflict, deciding it be best that they simply surrender when the time comes.
The Nobles accused them of betraying us, yet there was never an instance that they had assisted our kind in conflict before.
Buffalo are out of the question, as are Minotaurs, as they've yet to forget the racism against their kinds when Equestria was first founded.
Even the Changelings are avoiding this war.
When they simply wrote us off, they were thought of as less than insects.
After I read the letter, however, I thought it was understandable.
They have little to no resources for themselves.
How could they spare any for us?
I've heard murmurs of opting to surrender, and be done with this.
The next thing I knew, it was as if the Guillotine was about to come back.
Those that had agreed with it were almost executed, were it not for my brother.
He had said that we should crystallize the inside of the mountain, so that the Diamond Dogs can't dig underneath us.
He showed the Unicorns a spell to do it, and they're already off.
I'd have gone with them, had I the talent my brother did.
I'm needed now, there's another Council meeting.
Apparently the Griffons had taken a Pegasus city, and have several hundred hostages.
\\\//////
It's different.
Again.
Everything but here.
Noises are changing.
I can...
I don't know how to think about it.
My mind is unchanging, but...
It's as if I'm in a vessel.
A container.
It's moving beneath me.
It's moving around here.
The voices.
They're back.
\\\//////
"So this is all going to Ponyville?" the conductor asked.
"Yep, it's all here," said the mover pony.
The conductor nodded and stepped onto the train car before pulling up the bridging section.
"Thanks, have a nice day!" he said with a wave.
Both mover ponies waved and gave their farewells as the train began to rock forward, moving along the track to the town in the distance.
\\\//////
The there.
Outside of here.
I don't know what to think.
I don't know how to react.
What are my reactions, anyway?
Why am I asking myself these questions?
So many noises...
So many changes...
... f... fee-l-lin-ngs?
... feeling...
I...
I'm feeling the there.
M... movement...
The act of physically changing the location of-
Wait.
Physical...
Physical...
Physical...?
What...
Feeling...
I can't...
No...
Stop...
Rememb-
No.
Don't remember.
Can't think...
If I remember...
Only think...
Think...
Think...
Twilight hummed merrily as she sort out the newest batch of books from Canterlot. Almost all of the arrivals were replacements for the ones she lost in Golden Oaks, but those, she noticed, were few and far between. Each time she found one, however, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for her old home. Before she could think too much about it, however, the doors to her castle opened again, and revealed another load of books.
"Mornin' Princess!" the delivery pony greeted.
Twilight smiled.
"Good morning, Stamp," she replied.
"Got an interestin' load 'ere for ya this time," he said, nodding back to the cart behind him.
"What's so interesting?" she asked, getting up from her throne.
The Princess got up from her throne and walked towards the cart that Stamp was pulling. As usual, there were around a hundred or so books, all piled on haphazardly. However, behind the cart of books, was another cart, holding a dusty box of slightly rotted oak, large enough to fit a pony in. Across the rotting surface were runes, glowing with a small amount of power as they changed colors every few seconds.
"What's in there?"
"Got no idea, Princess," Stamp answered. "They just told me to bring it 'ere."
Twilight nodded as she absentmindedly signed the forms for the delivery, and mumbled her goodbye as Stamp left. She circled the box a few times, trying to find some kind of opening for it, but couldn't find one. With a flick of her magic, she raised the box out of the cart, and began to carry it to the back of the castle.
"Time to find out, then."
\\\//////
More change.
More voices.
More differences.
Everything there is changing.
The memories...
They're trying to come back.
I can't stop them all.
A few are breaking few.
Language.
Colors.
Purple.
I've only been able to document what these memories are telling me.
To record what they say is there.
The voices.
They're like the words.
The words without the thought.
Sound.
Hear.
I can hear.
To hear in here.
I'm still here.
They're all there.
Change.
Change is happening again.
Out there.
... I need...
... I...
... think...
Think.
\\\//////
Entry: 6
Date: 2-2- Celestial Era, Year 1
The Griffons have executed the hostages.
They let their bodies fall to the ground beneath the city of clouds.
Blood rained today.
We have no choice, now.
The Generals have left to fight, taking almost 3,000 troops with them.
Our enemies number at 20,000.
Even if we win, what will be left?
How much fight can any of those that left bring?
How much can those that left take?
The Council is furious about this.
We've lost almost all of the guards for the city, and now we're open to any attack.
My brother is still yet to be seen.
I can't help but feel responsible, somehow.
I've got to help.
I'm going to open the gates for the refugees.
We have the food, water, and space for them.
The Council agrees, but only because they think they could use them as shields.
Despicable cretins.
Time to open the gates.
Let's hope we don't keep them closed for long, though.
\\\//////
Entry: 7
Date: 2-5- Celestial Era, Year 1
The refugees are numbered smaller than we expected.
Apparently, a few hundred joined the Generals in the fight.
I can't be sure how I feel about their choice, but it's not mine to make.
A mare almost drowned in the moat outside the gate, after being pushed off.
I jumped in to save her, and dragged her back into the castle myself.
Her name was Professor Juniper.
She's quite well informed on several fields of medicine, so she's volunteered to look after the sick.
I'm glad that I jumped for her.
She could save some lives.
\\\//////
Entry: 8
Date: 2-8- Celestial Era, Year 1
Canterlot's hollowed out, now.
All of the citizens had fled to the castle while the gates were open, and now all that's left is a husk.
The castle itself isn't that crowded, however.
I've done the math, and if we ration properly, the crop we have now could last a year and a half, so long as we don't forget to enchant the storage.
I saw Juniper again, today.
She managed to save somepony that was having a heart attack.
We discussed the medicines we have available, as well as what we can grow now.
Apparently, she knows how to grow certain herbs that could be used for treatments.
I had the staff check for seed samples, and we've begun to seed the inner-wall fields.
I thought I felt a little sick, when I was talking to her, though.
I felt my face warm up, and I could feel my heartbeat steadily increase.
I'm going to ask her to check me for anything, to make sure I'm not too sick to aid the Council.
\\\//////
Entry: 9
Date: 2-15- Celestial Era, Year 1
The Generals have sent a letter back to the Council.
They were ambushed by Diamond Dogs from below and encountered heavy Griffon forces.
The battle apparently lasted three hours, and they lost 400 ponies.
They're calling it a victory, though, because they killed 837 of the enemy's troops.
I'd say that at this rate, we'd still loose horribly.
No matter.
I'm to check on the medicinal crop with Juniper later.
After she checked me for sickness, however, she was different.
When I told her the symptoms, her face started to redden as well, and she had a weird smile.
I think there might be some kind of disease going around, but I've only seen us as the victims thus far.
It could be the exposure to the medicinal crop.
She told me that there were unique side effects from the plants, and so they were illegal if used a certain way.
\\\//////
Entry: 10
Date: 2-15- Celestial Era, Year 1
I was wrong to write that in my journal before.
I don't think I'm sick.
When Juniper walked out into the fields to check the plants...
Something happened.
I heard her yelp in pain, and found that she had cut her hoof when she tried to examine one of the thorn-stemmed plants.
When I held her there...
When I looked to her face...
When I gazed into those eyes...
I forgot about everything else.
The scent of her coat, mixed with the aroma of the plants around us...
The way the plants curved in tone with her form...
The way her eyes seemed to caress my very soul...
I thought I was having a heart attack then and there.
It seemed as though she thought the same, too.
We tried to keep our distance for a bit, and left the air tense with awkwardness.
I looked back one more time before going to write this.
When we locked eyes again, she smiled at me, and...
I've never felt so alive...
I think I'm in love.
Twilight sorted through the piles of tomes and spellbooks from the Star Swirl the Bearded archives, cataloging everything she came across by date, color, content, and alphabetical as well. After looking back at the pile she had left, she drew a satisfied smile when she saw that it had shrunk considerably. With the last few in her grasp cataloged, she focused her attention to the next few, but paused when she saw one in particular near the top. While the others were well-kept, being only lightly dusty, this one looked as though it were practically infused with the dust at the cover. She wiped it off with her magic and upon the dull black surface, saw a strange symbol, resembling a circular Spirograph, while in the center, a single shape that resembled a flame rested.
"Wait a minute," she said to nopony in particular, "where have I seen this before?"
The Princess thought back to every book she had seen up to now, but couldn't recall what had matched the book she had found. Until she realized, she didn't see it on a book first.
"That box," she remembered.
The box that had been moved into her castle had the same symbol on the front, in glowing blue, no less. Whatever was in there was connected to the book. With that, she decided that the rest could wait until her curiosity had been sated. Twilight opened the book to the first few pages, and began to read.
Entry: 0
Date:
My brother gave me this book to write our endeavors in through our lives.
Only now can I see use for it.
We're about to go to war with each other.
Half of the Royal Guard left to join Princess Luna Nightmare Moon's army.
Why?
Why must we endure this age?
Why must we be the ones to witness such tragedy?
To think that something this powerful could happen in our time.
I fear what future entries I may write in here.
Twilight turned to the next page, but found that a majority of them were worn out from time.
"Why did it all fade? Hmm... maybe, there's another copy in the box?"
With a sense of slight urgency, Twilight went to find the box that held the same marking as the book.
\\\//////
Entry: 11
Date: 2-17- Celestial Era, Year 1
To think that the Generals would have been able to cause so much panic as they did upon their return.
None of us could have prepared for it.
They came into the walls of the city and dragged themselves along a bloodied path, scaring everypony in sight.
Only a few hundred made it back.
After the Council meeting, we learned that they tried to take back one of our former outposts.
Apparently, both sides were waiting for them.
Some of the soldiers coming back have missing limbs.
A few said that the dead were lucky.
I'm still debating that myself.
We're outnumbered, under invasion, and have no Princess to guard us.
I think now I see what the tribalists were worrying about.
We've weakened ourselves upon our reliance with Their Majesties.
They're all afraid.
She's afraid, too.
I've got to do something.
\\\//////
Entry: 12
Date: 2-18- Celestial Era, Year 1
We've started discussing terms of surrender.
The Generals, naturally, are enraged.
The rest of Equestria is cowering in fear.
Those who live here are still confused about the absence of both of their iconic rulers.
What are we to do?
Why do I bother writing in this anymore?
\\\//////
Writing.
Physical.
Language.
Sight.
Understanding.
Pain.
So many painful memories.
Flashes of something different.
Something not natural to here.
Screaming.
Red.
White.
Red.
Black.
Red.
Red.
Red.
Pain.
Screams.
...
What...
What was that?
Everywhere.
Everywhere in here.
The part...
The...
... right...
The... right... side...
... tw...
... tw-i-t-ch-ed...
What...
Disturbances.
Movement.
Feeling.
Senses.
Touch.
Face.
Eye.
What do these words mean?
How am I asking questions?
Why hasn't it stopped?
Can't...
Think...
Organize...
Organ...
Beating...
... red...
... think...
... screaming...
... think...
\\\//////
Entry: 13
Date: 2-19- Celestial Era, Year 1
I went to help Juniper with some of the herbs, seeing as how we'll need every single one we can for the soldiers.
She said that it we don't keep a close eye on them, we'll run out of seeds before we can plant a new crop.
I don't know why they can't save the seeds, but then again, I'm not an expert on flora.
I think I saw her blush, though.
So at least there's one not-horrible thing going on right now.
I think everypony needs something like this.
Something to hang on to.
\\\//////
Twilight looked through the massive emptiness of her castle's new archives, empty and massive while not having a single speck of dust anywhere she looked. The illumination from her horn being the only source of light made it look more ominous, however, while she searched for where Stamp had left the large box.
As she searched, she could only guess as to what may lie in the storage. Could it be some ancient artifact that Star Swirl himself had chosen to lock away? Could it be a simple collection of books having to do with the journal she had tried to read? Or is it something simple, like objects from childhood memory? The only way she would know is if she found-
\\\//////
What!?
What was that!?
What's out there!?
Emotions.
Panic.
Worry.
Fear.
Why!?
What's happening here!?
Urgency.
Light.
Seeing.
Senses.
Emotion.
Fear.
Why!?
What is fear!?
What's going on!?
\\\//////
As Twilight shook her head from the impact, she could have sworn that she could hear the thumping of her heart in her head. However, as her daze began to wear off, she stopped and listened. There was a heartbeat. It wasn't hers, though. She looked around to try and find the source, and widened her eyes as the source began clear.
The box was beating like a heart, while the symbols began to glow a brighter blue. Twilight started to back away from the cube of wood, hearing the container clatter and moan as the heartbeat began to race even faster, much like her own. The symbols burned brilliantly in a single flash, and dimmed out before the box began to fall apart.
Entry: 16
Date: 3-2- Celestial Era, Year 1
Though I found solace in joining Juniper in the gardens again, I find trouble still, wherever I go.
We talked on what we may have to decide upon when we begin to run out of herbs.
Should we let certain ponies die of infection?
Or do we let those already sick be taken by their own bodies?
If only the Council weren't trying to force a surrender upon the populace of the castle.
Maybe if we had more time.
For what, I don't know yet.
But when we do find out, we'll regret wasting every second arguing.
\\\//////
Entry: 17
Date: 3-8- Celestial Era, Year 1
I thought I had heard intruders earlier, when I used the facilities.
When I went to check on who was trying to break in, however, I found my brother trying to sneak food into the Archives.
The difference, however, was that this time, he had several bags under his eyes, and he told me that he was looking into enchanted metals and machinery.
I had asked him about why he chose to study those at the same time, and he told me that he might have an idea.
But what really grabbed my attention, was the way he said it.
He told me to think of it as the action that would bring our names to light, together.
That ponies of Equestria would look to us one day, and remember us as heroes.
"Star Swirl and Gear Mind," he said, "bringing in the new era at last."
\\\//////
Entry: 18
Date: 3-9- Celestial Era, Year 1
To think, this is what my brother has been doing.
He's been caught up trying to build a new defense for Equestria.
Not just some magical artifact, like the Elements of Harmony, or the Portal Mirror.
An actual device capable of defending us.
At first, I was, of course, skeptical.
To think that anypony should be more powerful than the Princesses and claim glory and power over Equestria.
He agreed.
Then he told me something even crazier, which I didn't think was possible.
Then again, it was Star Swirl, the definition of "Crazy Wizard."
I'm forgetting the point.
He wanted to construct an artificial defense, much like the Ancients did once.
He asked if I remembered the Golem we fought thirteen years ago.
I asked him how I could forget something that almost killed me.
He wanted to scale that same concept down into a more pony-like size.
To say this is the undertaking of the millennia would be an understatement.
That's what Star Swirl said, anyways.
Crazy bastard colt.
I didn't want to press him about Princess Celestia.
\\\//////
Entry: 19
Date: 3-9- Celestial Era, Year 1
I ran out of space for the last entry.
Anyways, Star Swirl wanted me to help him create a new type of Golem.
One that would defend Equestria from any threats it receives.
I tried to calm him down.
I tried to talk some sense into him, but he isn't listening.
He just keeps asking me about what I think we should construct the armor out of.
I simply stared at him.
If it were literally anypony else, I would have them committed to a mental asylum.
Being my brother, however, means that I had to at least give him a chance.
I know I'm going to regret this, but I'm going to go help him in a few days, on the fifteenth.
Maker have mercy.
\\\//////
Entry: 20
Date: 3-10- Celestial Era, Year 1
I told Juniper about what my brother said.
She was shocked to learn that I was apparently related to Star Swirl.
We had a little bit of back and forth humor discussing our siblings.
She has three older sisters and a little brother.
I had to remind her that my brother is Star Swirl the Bearded.
It was nice to have a moment like that with her, if only for a few minutes.
It was calm.
It was nice.
It was everything I thought we had lost when our Princesses left us alone.
I'm getting off topic.
I told her about what Star Swirl told me.
About building a new defense for Equestria.
Surprisingly, she debated her own opinion.
She told me that while it was unethical on several levels, we need something to keep us safe.
I'm still pondering her opinions alongside my own.
I'm trying to decide what would be right.
I'll think about it until I meet my brother again.
\\\//////
Twilight cleared away all of the dust from the pieces of the box and propped them against the wall in her new laboratory. Since she found the statue, she had been preparing the space with all of her new equipment from Canterlot, setting up benches and computers across a massive room. Above her was a balcony, where she had set up a viewing area for her friends if they wanted to watch her examine the statue once she told them about it. She smiled as the finishing touches were placed on the lab, and teleported back to the statue.
\\\//////
Light.
Flash.
Teleportation.
Crack.
Sound.
Everything is changing again.
I can...
... feel...
The invasive substance.
Moving around here.
Screams and blood from the memories.
Everything's becoming more vivid.
My thoughts are expanding the more I remember.
But the more I allow back, the more I feel.
It hurts to feel.
It's cold here.
It's undesirable.
Sight.
The...
... p...
... o...
n-n...
... y...
... pony...
Pony.
Alicorn.
Princess.
Pain everywhere.
Nothing but pain in here.
I hear the shouts.
A memory of another sensation.
Burning.
The pony is speaking again.
\\\//////
"What the," Twilight gasped as she examined the statue.
When she tried to move it with her magic, she found that it wouldn't so much as budge. Not because it was heavy, only a few hundred pounds, but because it was protected. Several runes along the metallic surface glowed red, seemingly melting into the bronze armor of the statue, and warded off her magic as though it were nothing.
"How can it still work?" she pondered aloud.
As she thought about how to move the statue for examination, she began to walk out, unable to notice the clicks of gears turning through its neck.
\\\//////
Something pulsing.
Words being defined by my memory of learning.
... learning...
"It's a learning machine, unlike anything you could imagine."
"How does it work?"
"How did you build it?"
"Will it help us?"
Pain.
Suffering.
Agony.
Descriptions of what I...
... feel...
... now.
Voices in here.
Painful memories.
Something...
... cold...
\\\//////
The machine whined almost inaudibly as it stood still as a statue as a few parts began to move inside it. A small drip echoed through the room as a single drop of crimson liquid met the floor beneath the head of the figure.
\\\//////
Push them back.
Push them away.
"You don't want to remember."
I don't.
It hurts.
"Seal away the pain."
Seal it away.
Think.
\\\//////
Entry: 21
Date: 3-12- Celestial Era, Year 1
Zerion.
The element to solve all our problems.
That's what my brother told me, anyways.
I wished to know more about what he had meant about the defense of our land.
He told me everything would be clear once he showed me on the fifteenth.
That's all I was able to get out of him.
That, and I heard him mutter the phrase above.
Zerion.
Where have I heard that before?
\\\//////
Entry: 22
Date: 3-13- Celestial Era, Year 1
Juniper and I had several patients today.
Well, she had patients.
I helped.
It felt good to help so many in need.
To see the good I've done.
She asked, at one point, if I knew how Princess Celestia was.
I responded by asking her why.
She told me that since I was Star Swirl's brother, I would know.
I lied to her.
She told some patients.
I lied to them all.
But their faces showed hope.
Something we need more of.
I feel now like I had to.
To make things more bearable.
For them.
For her.
\\\//////
Entry: 23
Date: 3-14- Celestia Era, Year 1
The Council was stupid again.
Big surprise.
They wanted to evacuate the castle to the inside of the mountain.
Some of them agreed.
A few, thankfully, knew that those caves were sealed off for a reason.
One responded by questioning how that will stop the Dogs.
Bickering ensued.
Bucking Nobles.
Somepony pointed out that I was still on the Council.
They all looked to me for advice.
I accidentally mentioned my brother.
They all want me to work on whatever it is that he has.
It's all we've got now.
\\\//////
Entry: 24
Date: 3-15-16- Celestial Era, Year 1
Amazing.
That's the only word I can use to describe this project.
I spent all day and night working with Swirl to further the completion of the Subjects.
I need to explain this for future's sake.
When I got to the Library, I went down to the secret section that my brother and Princess Celestia built.
Inside, I found schematics all across the walls, stones and runes scattered about, and half a month's worth of food in a corner.
I asked Swirl what he was planning on.
He showed me the prototype armor for a Subject.
Subjects, he told me, will be metallic guardians of our cities.
They will wage wars for us on a scale that would rival that of the Elite Guards.
A completely artificial warrior.
He had the materials for making them, but not the mindset.
He knew how to enchant them to function, but not how to build them.
That's where I come in.
I'll build a wall of metal soldiers to protect our land.
I'll be the creator of our last resort.
We can't rely on the Princesses forever, if the last few months are anything to go by.
My brother understands this all too well, and we've begun to create the first generation, the A family.
This will be the endeavor of a lifetime.
\\\//////
Sound.
Movement.
Voices.
More talking.
I can feel more approaching.
What...
Something in front of here.
Something...
... pink...
\\\//////
"OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo," Pinkie sounded as she approached the statue.
"What is it?" Rarity asked as she neared it.
"I told you, I don't know," Twilight stated. "It was just shipped to me one day from the Star Swirl the Bearded section of the Royal Archives."
"Didja try askin' the Princess?" Applejack asked.
"I'm not so sure about asking either of them," Twilight said with a frown. "This could be something they forgot a long time ago, but I thought it might be a gift from them, too."
"Pffft, it's not so scary," Rainbow Dash bragged as she flew up to the metal face.
"What's that?" Pinkie asked as she prodded a small exposed object.
When it clicked inwards, the line across the statue's head let out a clang as the piece separated from the rest of the head, stopping as it hit its limit. Everypony backed away in surprise when they saw the mouth of the metallic form open to its widest. Rainbow Dash froze and dropped to her hooves as she gazed into its horrifying maw. Inside were three rows of teeth on the top and bottom, much like a shark's. However, these teeth resembled that of a dragon, and each row was bent at a different angle. In short, it felt like looking into a hungry nightmare's mouth as it prepared to rip her apart.
"GAAAAHHHH!!!!" Rainbow yelled as she flew out of the room.
Twilight gulped as she closed in to examine the teeth of the statue. She caught a faint orange glow from inside its maw before it snapped shut. The others stepped back even further from it when it slammed its jaw closed, but Twilight remained close to it. When it looked as though it were done, she slowly approached it and tapped the surface with a hoof.
\\\//////
What was that?
That feeling?
It was here.
Yet also there.
Why?
What was it?
GONG
What is that!?
Panic!
Fear!
Terror!
Everything is pain!
Screaming, searing, horrifying, terrible, unthinkable, nightmare of pain!
I can't think!
I can't stop panicking!
Help!
HELP ME!
\\\//////
Something inside of the statue clicked at the contact, causing Twilight to back away. After waiting a few minutes, she decided that it was safe to interact with again, and turned to her friends.
"Alright, we need to move this thing to the Laboratory so that we can learn what it is," she said confidently.
"Ya sure that's a good idea, Twi?" AJ asked.
"I'm sure it'll be fine, Applejack. Besides, I've already set up protective wards in the lab, so if something does happen, it'll be contained to just that room."
All of her friends looked to each other before Rainbow flew back in with a small sweat on her head.
"H-hey, so, do we, um, need to do something, or, what?"
Twilight pointed to the board of wood underneath the statue.
"Applejack, do you have your rope?"
Within minutes, the five had tied the rope on the edge of the board and were all tied to it by a length of rope, ready to pull.
"Alright, on three," Twilight started. "One..."
\\\//////
Something stopped.
Everything is still again.
I can thi-
CRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRK
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
MAKE IT STOP!
MAKE IT STOP!
MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! *MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!***
"MOMMY!"
\\\//////
A cry of pain moaned from the shut jaw of the metallic figure, unheard due to the grunts of the ponies and creaking of wood and metal on a stone floor.
\\\//////
After a grand total of three hours of pulling, the five mares panted in exhaustion as they all shed the ties to the board, leaving the statue in the middle of the white room.
"That thing... needs to... be lighter," Rainbow panted out.
Pinkie gasped loudly before collapsing onto the floor, rubbing her face against the cold stone of the lab to cool her face.
"Jeezy-Cheesy... that was... heavy!" she managed.
"I think... I'll examine it... tomorrow," Twilight huffed out. "Everypony... wanna meet... me here?"
They all managed to barely confirm their future presence at the examination before Twilight spoke again.
"Who's... up for... an emergency sleep-over?"
Again, the group groaned in approval before trudging towards the door.
Panic.
Disruption.
Sight.
Purple.
Empty.
Wings.
It all burns!
I...
... memories...
Sight.
Vision.
Seeing.
Senses.
Movement.
Cold.
\\\//////
Twilight stared widely at the spot where a box once stood, and a contraption unlike anything she had ever seen took its place.
The form was that of a pony, except with massive differences. All over its body was bronze metal, acting as a chassis for it. Its legs had several long, thin slits that ran down to each hoof, and similar slots were on the mid-section of its barrel. Where the muzzle should be, however, was a smooth surface, cut only by one line that went across the entire jaw-line, back to a circular joint. Speaking of joints, each one exposed a set of gears and metallic pieces that reminded the Princess of those toys she had seen the Crusaders take apart. The head had two protrusions where ears would be on a normal pony, and where the eyes were supposed to be were plates of bronze metal that met at a horizontal line in the center. Twilight took a peak at the back of it, slowly circling the statue of metal, and saw that where a mane would run, were metal bars and gears, locked in place. On its flanks were the same symbols on the book's cover, except with the writing, "64-B" where the flame should be.
Overall, what she was seeing was a marvel of technology.
"What in Equestria," she breathed out as she approached the machine.
\\\//////
More speech.
Equestria...
... must...
... directive...
... protect...
... talking, again...
Movement.
Watching.
Pain.
Dark.
... think...
\\\//////
Entry: 13
Date: 2-22- Celestial Era, Year 1
All of our resources are strained, again.
So many are begging that we simply surrender.
Where are our greatest heroes, some ask.
I'm one of them, as well.
Where is Princess Celestia, with her supposedly holy might?
Where is my brother, with wisdom that stretches beyond writing?
Where are our Elements of Harmony, that had defended us in times of need?
What happened?
Juniper and I have to go sort out how we're to ration what's left.
\\\//////
Entry: 14
Date: 2-23- Celestial Era, Year 1
Celestial Era.
I've written it every time I make an entry, yet I can't figure out why.
Is it because we've lost one of our leaders, and have to now give all of our trust to her, alone?
Or is it because some of us have come to believe that she's now our only God.
I don't believe her to be.
I've seen the way she's behaved with my brother.
The way she was with her sister.
The way she taught me and my fellow enchanters.
She's not a God, in any sense.
If nothing else, her absence proves this.
It seems as though I'm wasting my time writing mere observations, now.
How I wish something would go in our favor, in these upcoming days.
\\\//////
Entry: 15
Date: 2-25- Celestial Era, Year 1
Juniper and I kissed.
It was only for a moment, an accident, but
I felt
Everything.
For only a few seconds,
The war, the hunt for us, the abandonment of our leaders, the destruction of our cities,
None of it mattered.
I didn't want to make a big deal about it, as it was an accident.
But when I apologized, she moved forward and kissed me again.