Alone

"Twilight Sparkle, are you absolutely sure this is something you must undertake," Princess Celestia questioned, concern clear in her voice.

"If I don't, we could all die. That's the truth."

"But the elements and your friendship have always been enough to stand up to any foe. What are you expecting that could surpass even that?"

"You know about true evil, right?"

"Of course, but nothing has ever come along that would kill another creature."

"Everything we've experienced up to this point is like a filly's game. All the villains here just want to rule with iron hooves or claws. It's not hard to kill if you lack decency."

These words chilled the princess to her very bones. That's what her entire reign was founded on; trusting her subjects to be kind to one another. Thinking it could one day all come to an end through bloodshed caused great harm to her own mental well-being.

"We've been lucky so far, but it might not last forever. At least if I get stronger, there's a chance what or whoever it is can be stopped."

"What about your friends?"

"I couldn't put them through this. The type of training I have to do surpasses even the royal guard. It would leave even Rainbow Dash broken with her limited knowledge of the body's capabilities and weaknesses."

"That can't be."

"What kind of mental exercises do the guards do?"

"Mental exercises?"

"The guards are tough, but without knowing how to remain calm and collected during a battle, they're putting themselves at risk, not to mention their close quarters combat is far too slow."

"I see. It appears we need to reform our military methods."

"That's just the tip of the iceberg. I've taken a lot of notes on the strain requirements for different body types and how to overcome them. There's also the self-healing factor to take into account."

"Could you show them to me."

"Not now. I need them for this task."

The princess sighed. Letting Twilight put herself in such extreme danger was not appealing in the slightest, but the purple Alicorn was determined to complete this goal at all costs.

"Very well, but I insist you tell me what this regimen will consist of."

"The duration of the training is one year. There are four forests around the world that will provide me with suitable climates for my body to adapt to. My style of training will consist of cardio, awareness, and strength. I'll be spending three months in each location."

"And we've established that magic is forbidden."

"Right. My magic is strong, but some creatures have immunity to it. Clear thinking and physical strength will make taking down any enemy much easier."

"So your mind's made up, then?"

"It is."

"When will you depart?"

"June 1st."

"Alright. I'll make the necessary preparations. Just promise me you'll come back unscathed."

"It's a royal oath."

When June 1st arrived, there was a heavy feeling in the air. Not one soul in Equestria had ever attempted such extreme measures for the sake of protection. The possibility that Twilight could die was ever-present, and the distress it brought was unbearable.

"Twilight, I made something special for your trip," Rarity spoke. She levitated a dark purple piece of clothing off her back.

"A jacket?"

"You said you'd be going somewhere cold. I thought this would help."

"Thanks, Rarity. That's really thoughtful."

"My pleasure, dear."

"Twilight, it's time," Celestia informed her pupil.

"Alright."

Celestia touched the tip of Twilight's horn with her own. A magical seal was put in place to prevent the casting of spells. Even illumination could no longer be performed under this lock.

"Young one," Luna intervened, "be cautious. We still feel Nightmare Moon within us, and she is filled with fear at the thought of the strength you describe. Something much more sinister may dwell within you."

"Fear not, sister. We were born into powers of nature that we can't always control. Twilight has no such abilities."

"To disregard any possibility is foolhardy."

"Princess Celestia, what is she saying," Twilight asked with a tinge of fear.

"Don't worry. Luna has always had an ominous streak. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about."

"ALL ABOARD," The conductor yelled.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to leave."

"Stay safe, Twilight," Spike pleaded.

"I will, Spike. Take care of everyone while I'm gone."

Tears began to involuntarily fall from his eyes. Twilight's soon followed suit, and they shared one last hug for the time being before Twilight boarded for her first destination; the forest of dreams.

Twilight stared out the window of her seat. She had previously loaded her equipment onto the train. All she brought was a simple spear, a water filter, a survival book, and two fantasy novels for entertainment. However, at the moment, she didn't feel like reading. Her stomach was churning with nervousness as she stared out the window. What had Luna meant by something worse living within her? Was there a risk she would go haywire and turn on the population of Equestria? Could it be a predisposition to evil because of her unstable history? Whatever it was, she didn't want to find out. All she could do was pray this endeavor went well.

"Looks like rain..."

Shining Armor was home in the crystal empire when he received a letter from the princess pertaining to Twilight's goal. He was instantly horrified when he realized the impossible expectations she had set for herself. Not only did she lack athletic skill, but if the royal guard training was grueling, this could potentially leave her in a vegetative state if she wasn't careful.

"Cadance, come here, quick!"

"Not so loud," she whispered harshly as she appeared, "I just put Flurry down for a nap."

"This is urgent," he responded with a quieter tone," Twilight's gone to train in the wilderness for the next year. Just read this note."

Cadance skimmed over the letter.

"I don't get it. Why is she doing this?"

"I don't know. If she goes at the rate she's planning, her heart might give out. I've got to get to her."

"Shining, it's too late. She's already left by now."

"I can't just sit around and do nothing."

"Trust in her judgement for once. She wouldn't do anything she couldn't handle."

"I'm terrified. One wrong move and she's gone forever."

"Could you handle this training?"

"Yeah, but I've been at it for years. She's not accustomed to the pressure."

"Well, now's the chance for her to do that."

"I'm not gonna' let her do this. She's my sister, and I have to save her."

"She might no like that too much."

"I may be to blame for this already. The least I can do is try to make amends for never being there when she needed me the most."

Shining left the castle without another word. Even if it took eternity, he would find Twilight and stop her from destroying herself. Unfortunately for him, his suspicions would prove just as true as he feared.