//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: Generosity, Equalized 
// Story: Equal Equestria Enlightenment 
// by stupidhand14 
//------------------------------//


Shining Armor's Log Day 368

Boring paperwork. It was always boring paperwork for the Captain of the Royal Guard. I sat in my office, signing off on many of the different necessary files. It was always mind numbing for the old rising star of the Royal Guard, and today was no different. The Crystal Empire was unbearably quiet, and the Royal Sisters practically protected themselves. That left boring, tedious work for me to do. My silence was broken, however, by a guard.
"Sir, we have someone here to speak with you," said the guard.
"Who is it?" I asked. I didn't get visitors every day, and they usually were unimportant Canterlot ponies that wanted to feel important.
"It's your sister's dragon, Spike. He says he needs to speak with you urgently." I gasped, surprised that the number one assistant was not near his boss.
"If he's here, it’s probably very important. Send him in," I commanded.
Spike entered the room, looking around nervously.
"Hello Spike... Where's Twily?" I asked. "I thought she'd be here with you." Spike's head shot up.
"That's just it; I don't know where she is!" Spike all but shouted. I was now in panicked older brother mode.
"What do you mean you can't find her?"
"She and the others went to follow some new map thing in the middle of the castle, and they haven't returned yet." I couldn't help but sigh in relief.
"If I know my sister, I know that she'll be fine in any situation, as long as she has her friends."
"B-- Bu--- But," Spike began to say before getting cut off.
"Spike, don't worry. She's probably just been stalled a bit. She'll be fine."
"But their cutie marks disappeared off the map," Spike said, still worried.
"Maybe it just disappeared because they've been gone for that long? Ever thought of that Spike?"
Spike looked down. Even I could tell he was embarrassed for having troubled me with this. I was starting to feel bad for mocking Spike's worry. He was just worried over a loved one after all.
"Listen, Spike," I began, "Perhaps I could stay with you until Twily returns."
Spike was shocked. "You'd really do that?" he asked.
"Of course. It beats paper work," I replied with a chuckle.
"Yeah... and you’re probably right. Twilight could beat anything as long as she is with her friends."




Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 375

Today was a day of celebration! We have gained a new friend, though I suppose it was my change in the equalization process that caused it. This week's events are the first step towards an equal Equestria.
One major flaw in the equalization process was the fact that it can only handle one pony at any given time. I had ordered some ponies to build more equalization huts before the Princess arrived, and they finally finished. These new and improved huts had separate caged in areas, which would divide everypony from each other. It was also much harder to break out of, and each area had its own library of wonderful books to read. 
Myself, Double Diamond, and a few other ponies escorted the prisoners to the new cells without incident, and the next few days were spent in routine. Every morning we would ask if they wanted to join our little community. They would decline, and back into the caged areas they went. They were fed three meals a day, but no pony interaction. These was, from some new books released by somepony named Psych, the most deprived conditions that a pony can meet that would still allow them to survive. However, he argued that ponies minds are far more malleable when at this state.
After four days of this routine, I noticed one of them was mumbling things, and they were smiling slightly. That is usually the first step in enlightenment. That day, when taking them out to ask if they would like to join the village, something wonderful happened.
Rarity stepped forward and said in a rush, "I want to join the village."
Everypony started to chatter. We were looking forward to having a new friend.
"Rarity, what are you doing?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock.
"Oh, I am terribly sorry my dear... But... I I must give up my cutie mark for my freedom. Perhaps... Perhaps it won't be so bad," was her response.
"Everypony, we have a new friend," I announced to the crowd. There were many cheers, though some were still skeptical. After Fluttershy's lies it would be hard to trust any of these six.
"Are you familiar with what happens now, Rarity?" I asked.
"Oh, but of course," she answered. "Unless I am mistaken, I will be staying at your home for the short time it will take to build my own home."
"Yes, that is correct. Come, let me help you get settled in," I told her while guiding her towards my cottage. After leading her in, I was forced to do something I wished we didn't have to do.
"Now... Rarity, there is a slight issue."
"Oh? What is it?" she asked, worried.
"Ever since Fluttershy's lies, some ponies don't wish to trust other ponies outright. We will need to assign you a buddy to watch over you."
"Oh... That's okay, darling. I understand. It is a horrible thing Fluttershy did, but she was just misguided. I can assure you, she is the kindest pony I have ever met. She would never lie to you without reasons, even if they were misguided."
"And you are sure they are wrong?" I asked her, looking deeply into her eyes.
Rarity just continued smiling. "Yes, those ideas were founded on misinformed conceptions."
I could not, and still can't, see any deception in her. Her cottage is being built at a surprisingly fast speed, as per my orders. When one person of a group realizes the truth, it is much easier to convince others of our philosophy. It is only a matter of time until all six realize their mistakes and that we're only trying to help them.