Starlight Glimmer's Diary Day 397
There are lines I have not crossed until now. I have forced the truth on some, I have stolen from others to survive, and I disobeyed my professors when they told me I was going too far with my research. I have disobeyed several laws, and have nearly killed another sentient creature. Even then, I had a code of integrity. I have changed since my early years.
"If my conscience becomes a hindrance to me, then I will simply erase it. I have no other choice but to move forward.” I remember hearing that somewhere, and it fits. I have done something that I once thought was pure evil. The ends justify the means; the removal of cutie marks. I must always remember my goal. It gives me strength.
It was just after the sun had been raised that eight ponies stood outside my home.
"Thank you all for accepting this request of mine," I told them. They were to be the eight messengers, who would be split up into teams of two. "I know that missing some of the festival is hard for many ponies, but you all accepted. So, for our new friends who will be going as well, I would like to give these." I passed the necklaces out to Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy.
"This looks simply divine," Rarity cried out upon seeing the necklace. The other ponies had... less enthusiastic reactions to them.
"But, I don't want to keep you waiting. Safe travels!" I shouted to the messengers as they galloped away. With those four out of the way, only two other problems remained.
The town was very active, considering that most of the party preparations were planned today. This meant that, if I were to bring Twilight Sparkle to my house, I had to take her there myself.
As usual, as soon as the door opened, Twilight Sparkle got up. Of course, it was morning, so she was still bleary eyed from the little sleep she got.
"Follow me," I said simply, before walking away with the door open. Twilight obediently obliged. We got back to my home before too many ponies saw us walking together. When we entered, however, I did not lead her to the living room Instead, we went upstairs.
"Why are we going upstairs?" Twilight asked.
"Ponies are less likely to hear us there. You and I have some things to discuss."
My private room was lined with books and my journal, all of which were moved to the side. There were two cushions to sit on, but I preferred to remain standing.
"So, what do you want to talk about? Perhaps another plea to make me 'see the truth?'" she asked with venom filling her voice.
"No, I am unable to break you through those means. You have stopped my plans, and I cannott let that continue," I told her. I pulled out one of the necklaces. "Do you know what this is?"
"It appears to be a necklace... with an enchantment on it."
"Yes, but can you tell what enchantment?" I asked. Twilight studied it for a minute before admitting she did not know. "This enchantment allows me, the caster, to cause the necklace to tighten around the wearer's neck, and heat up. It could cause pain or death, depending on my wishes." I let that sink in for a few moments.
"How does this effect me?" Twilight asked. "I will not join you, even if you threaten to kill me."
"Who said anything about killing a princess? No, you see, I had five more of these made. I only have two with me."
After a few moments of tense silence, Twilight asked, "Where are the other four?"
"One is on each of your friends. They aren't here, and will probably be gone for a few days."
"What do you want from me?! Why can't you just let me and my friends go?!" Twilight screamed at me.
"Simple, I need you here. You would have spoken to Celestia or some other ponies and warn about the town. I couldn't allow that, so now... here we are. The choice is yours. You can continue to resist, or you can do exactly as I tell you. Your choice."
"Its not much of a choice, is it? I... I'll do what you say."
"Very good. Now, we will have a very special guest soon. This is what you are going to do...." I instructed Twilight on my plans of waht she was required to do when Shining Armor arrives. It took several hours, but I was able to get her to memorize the plan. With a final warning, I sent her off to clean up and become presentable.
After Twilight was clean and had stylized her mane, we went outside.
"Everypony, I have an announcement," I shouted to everypony within earshot. Immediately, the entire town came to me to hear what it was.
"We have a new friend," I told them, gesturing my hoof at Twilight Sparkle. Applause and cheers broke out. "Now let's get the rest of the decorations set up. We still have a party to get ready!" I told everypony after the applause had died down. Immediately, they went back to their jobs.
Shining Armor's Log Day 397
The force of 51 ponies met about two miles away from the village. The teams had confirmed Twily was in the village while I was traveling there. Apparently, she was either being treated as a prisoner or a respected guest.
"Alright, everypony listening? We will be charging the village in lightning formation," I commanded. "We will be fast, we will be ready. We do not know what village this is, but it appears to be full of ponies with the same cutie marks. This could be the work of some monster. We don't know. I will lead us in. Any questions?" There were none.
"Then let's get ready. We're leaving in five minutes," I said before turning to pack my stuff away.
The five minutes passed by much faster than I thought it would, and before six minutes had passed, 51 ponies from the Equestrian Royal Guard were charging onto the small village.
The townsponies fled into their houses to avoid being hit by the guards, except for six ponies. The most prominent and the only one I recognized was my sister, Twily.
"Twily!" I shouted as I galloped over to her. I would be lying if I said that we did not hug upon first contact.
"Hey, Shining. How are you?" she asked.
"I am good, Twilight, the real question is 'How are you?' You've been missing for weeks now!"
"I'm doing.... fine," she said, looking to the side slightly. "I've just been busy with all these... wonderful and... kind ponies." She gestured to the ponies behind her.
"Hello there, and welcome to our little village," the mare in front said. "I am Starlight Glimmer, the mayor of this town."
"Hello," I replied. "I am Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Guard."
"First a princess and now a captain? Things sure our becoming lively in this town," she said with a smile. Twilight fidgeted to the side. That is when I noticed that her cutie mark... was an equal sign.
"Twilight... what happened to your cutie mark...?" I asked in horrified shock.
"I h- decided to give it up... to have true friendship," she replied.
"True friendship? Twilight, you're not making any sense."
"I believe I can explain," Starlight Glimmer said. "In our town, we believe that cutie marks cause dissension and ruin friendships. Your sister's map sent her here to learn how to have true friendship."
"How does one even remove a cutie mark?" I asked, calming down some.
"It's through the cutie unmarking," one of the other ponies said.
"Cutie unmarking...?" I asked again. This was beginning to become too much for me.
"Yes, that is when I use the staff of sameness to remove a pony's cutie mark," Starlight answered. "It's a very simple and lovely process. Most ponies experience a large amount of happiness from being freed from their cutie marks."
"Uh huh... do you mind if I talk with my sister alone for a few minutes?" I asked.
"Actually," Twilight began to say, "I mind that. Whatever you tell me, you can tell these ponies. They are my.... friends."
"Sir," one of the guardsponies interrupted. "You have a letter from Princess Celestia... a private letter. It just arrived by courier."
"Surely it can wait? We are in the middle of something," I told him, annoyed.
"No, sir. It cannot wait." I shook my head.
"Listen, I'll be back soon, Twily," I said before turning to the mayor. "Do you mind if my men and I stay at a hotel or someplace around here?"
"I'm afraid we cannot allow that," the mayor replied. "Only ponies without a cutie mark can stay here."
"What?! You're joking, right?" I asked incredulously.
"I'm afraid not. Those are the rules of the town."
"Fine. I'll be back tomorrow then. It appears we have to remake our camp," I told them before riding off.
There's definitely something strange in that town, and I have to find out what... Something's wrong with Twilight. Why would she lie to me...