Diary of the Dead

Sunset spent the rest of her suspension racking her brain over the mysterious diary entry. Fluttershy was supposed to be dead, and dead people simply didn’t write in their diaries. But even more than that, she turned the page again…and found more diary entries! At first, she was so shocked that she didn’t even bother to read them. But then, she finally gathered her courage and began, starting from the very first impossibility. It was a tough task, but one that had to be accomplished. This was a mystery, and Sunset was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Help me out here, Flutter, she thought as she read, give me something to go on.

Dear Diary,

I can say, today, I’m the luckiest girl on the planet. I am alive, though in a great deal of pain after surviving a terrible car crash. They brought you to me, my dear Diary, so that I might have companionship while I lay in this hospital bed. I still remember the crunch of metal on metal and the screech of the tires on the ground. It was almost as if violence were making love to itself, drawing strength from its own putridity and then spitting it all back out. But, before I fell into unconsciousness’s loving embrace, I saw them: horrid, terrifying shadow figures. I was so out of it that I could not register their humanity…or lack of it. They could have been apparitions, for all I know.

I do not remember the exact moment of impact, though I do know who I am, and who my family is. They’ve been to see me multiple times, and they said they would tell my friends about the accident. But…I have yet to see any of my companions or their smiling faces. I’m falling into a deep sadness, for I fear that they have cast me aside. I know I was the weakest member of our group, but surely they have more love for me than that, right? I just can’t help it! I feel so alone right now! Oh, Sunset…oh, Twilight…oh, Pinkie…oh…SOMEONE come see me! I’m falling into an abyss, and I need your help to get out! Please, come save me!

The last paragraph disturbed Sunset and shook her to the core. The descriptions of the wreck and Fluttershy’s descent into depressed madness were all too vivid. Once again, she held the diary to her chest and sobbed over it. But then, reality reached out and smacked her in the face. This diary entry must have meant that Fluttershy was still alive! A warm, happy feeling washed over Sunset, and she got up and began spontaneously dancing around. She started to laugh with all the joy that suddenly rose up within her. All of this flailing about finally led her to her bed, where she plopped down and held the book close.

“Yes! Yes!” She cried with happy tears streaming down her cheeks, “you’re alive! Oh, my dear friend, you’re alive! I’ve never felt so…thrilled before!”

Is it mine? A voice suddenly asked.

Sunset sat up straight, drying her eyes, and looking around. “Who…who said that?”

I did, the voice responded, though I do not exist within your four walls. I exist within the corners of your mind and the pools of memories you share with my owner.

“…Fluttershy?” Sunset asked.

Indeed, the soothing, sweet tone responded, and, though I may not be her spirit, I am still attached to your subconscious. Consider me an extension of your conscience. But, listen, Sunset, and take heed of my words. Taking conclusions as fact can be a very dangerous thing. It exists in the form of a cliff, and you are teetering on the edge of calamity.

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked.

Thinking I’m alive simply by reading some words on a page is foolish, the voice replied sternly, for somebody could just be playing a cruel prank on you and your friends. If I am alive, you must go find me…and my attempted killer.

Sunset realized with a start that killers would be directly linked to this mystery. If Fluttershy were indeed still breathing, it was up to Sunset to deduce just who it was. An adventurous feeling crept up inside her, and she suddenly became intensely determined. Since it was the end of her suspension, she could finally return to school and get her friends involved with this. So, she quickly got out of her pajamas and redressed in her normal attire. She felt like the sunny symbol that blazed on her t-shirt was ten times brighter. Fluttershy needed her help…and she was willing to give everything.

It was thus that she arrived back in the hallowed halls of Canterlot High School. She quickly sought out her friends, who welcomed her back after a week’s absence. Hugs were exchanged, much to the delight of a passing Principal Celestia, who also welcomed Sunset back. She praised the returning student for not giving up on life, and explained that Twilight made full reports on everything Sunset planned to do.

“She said you’re going to fulfill your dreams, not just for yourself, but for Fluttershy as well,” Celestia said with a smile, “I’m very proud of you, Sunset.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Sunset said respectfully.

“Well, I must be off to a meeting. Good day, girls!”

When they were alone, Sunset pulled the diary from its place in her backpack. The other girls were mesmerized by its beauty. Even Rainbow Dash, known for her tough tomboyishness, stared in awe. They knew that this was no ordinary journal, but in fact, the final memoirs of their departed friend. It brought tears to their eyes, but also a smile as they tried to solve the puzzle of just what may have been written there.

“So…Fluttershy’s diary, hm?” Rainbow asked.

“Yep,” Sunset responded, “but that’s not all. When Twilight and I looked inside, we found an entry from the day after she died!”

“What?!” Rarity exclaimed, “but, darlings, that’s impossible!”

“It might be,” Sunset said, “but sometimes impossibilities can actually be very real. This is one of those times. I mean, just look for yourself!”

She flipped the journal open and pointed to the entry. The other girls were in shock. “But-but-but-but,” Rarity stammered, “but that’s…that’s insane! I mean, she’s gone!”

“Is she?” Sunset asked cryptically.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“Is Fluttershy truly dead?”

“Um, yeah she is,” Pinkie Pie said, “we all heard from her parents, went to that really sad mourning anti-party at Twilight’s, and we’ve all received the location of her funeral. So…it looks like she really is gone.”

“That’s just the thing, Pinkie!” Sunset exclaimed, “we haven’t been to the funeral yet. Until we see the body, then we have to assume she’s still alive somewhere.”

“But what if it’s someone just yankin’ our chain?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t think so,” Sunset responded, “the handwriting’s too perfect! Guys…we have a mystery on our hands…and we’re the only ones who can solve it. Who’s with me?”

“I’m in!” Pinkie chirped.

“Me too!” Twilight said.

“I’ll design us new mystery solving outfits!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Oh, yeah!” Rainbow said.

“Aw, shucks. What the hell? It could be fun!” Applejack said, “though I still think it’s somethin’ of a wild goose chase.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Sunset said, “but what I do know is that, together, we’ll solve this caper!”