All right, enough thoughts of aggravated assault. Where the hell am I?
Trees surrounded me wherever I turned. Yearlings clung to whatever light they could get through the leafy canopy above. The occasional fern or bush made up most of the undergrowth.
A forest... lovely. With no clear destination, I threw a fallen branch into the air. When it landed, the thinner side of the branch pointed me towards my heading. I have no idea if he sent me back or what. At least this sword will come in handy. The weapon was a basic katana: light weight and a perfect balance at the guard. It had a standard black sheath and grip. After a few test swings, I tied it to my pants and started walking.
I came across a small clearing at some point. I cautiously reached the center and stabbed the sword's scabbard into the ground. Using the shadow created, I deduced my true heading, northeast. Now what? I have no idea how to find water or even food.
With the sun going down, I figured I should find some sort of shelter and worry about water later. Luck was on my side that evening, as I found a large burrow beneath a dying tree. After assuring it was clear of animals, I crawled in and attempted sleep.
Day 2:
I found a stream today. No food yet however. I've added branches and vines to the front of this hole. Hopefully, it will protect me from rain and wild animals better than nothing. I attempted to make a fire as well. The bow trick didn't work as well as I'd hoped. The vine I was using snapped just as smoke was beginning to rise. I did find some tree bark that works as a wonderful writing pad. The tip of the stick I was hoping to make fire with is acting as my pen right now. Tomorrow, I set out for some food. If I don't get some soon, I won't have the energy to continue.
Day 3:
Before I start, if anyone finds this, I'm sure they will be wondering why I settled down so early in my wanderings. I was always told that if you don't know where you are, stay put. I'm not sure if it will help me in this case, but at least I have what I need to survive.
I found food, for the most part. While walking along the stream, I came across a berry bush. I can't remember how berries are supposed to look, but I need something. Hopefully, it doesn't bite me in the ass later.
I also made fire today. I found a rock in the riverbed that, when stricken against my blade, sparks were produced. If all goes well, I might be able to eat something I know is edible.
Day 4:
I've started hearing things. I don't know if it was the berries or if Discord is still messing with me. Right now, they sound mechanical and like voices.
Somehow, no matter how many times I strike this rock on my sword, the blade never dulls. This was good though, as I used it to catch myself some meat. By some stroke of luck, I came across a deer bedding not far from here. I won't say what happened, other than it was bloodier than I had thought. I won't be able to eat it all before something finds it, so I took what I could and returned.
I found a hollow log today. I used it to funnel smoke across the meat. Just the smell made me want to eat immediately, but I know to ration what I have.
Day 8:
It's been a few days. The deer carcass was eaten when I returned the following day. Whatever is out there, it seems to be leaving me alone. I've been staying fed with what little I can find.
There have been more whispers. It can't be Discord as I have received a letter:
Dex, if you are reading this, it means you are still in Equestria. Discord has been defeated and we are working on finding you. Stay safe until then.
-Princess Celestia
P.S. Twilight has been working on finding a way home for you. Don't lose hope. She said she has found something promising.
I don't know what to think about it. Will they ever find me? Can I really go home?
Day 9:
I made a flag with my shirt. I'm sure they will be able to find me with it. I Climbed my dead tree and placed it at the top. With any luck, the wind and rain won't bother it.
Day 10:
No rescue yet. I'm not sure how much longer I can last. The thing that ate the deer found me. It was a manticore. Two weeks of training and little experience with fighting left me wounded. It's dead, but I'm not that much better off; I'm sure something is broken. It seems the wildlife here is no longer wary of my presence.
Please, hurry. The voices are getting louder.
Day 11:
Still no rescue. The flag is still there, but I may just be seeing things. I just can't... tell anymore!
Most of my wounds have scabbed, but the bruises are growing. Whatever that thing did, it might not be a bruise. It's hard to move.
I'm starting to see walls and ghostly figures. They look human, but when I get close, they disperse.
I awoke to the sound of leaves crunching. No. Please. Just, leave me alone. Whatever it was, it was getting closer. I continued to lay in my hole. There was just no more energy in me.
"I think he's over here."
Voices. Always voices.
"I see him!" Hooves filled my vision. "Oh no, he's not good! Quick, get that thing over here!"
No, enough with the visions! "...go.."
"Goddesses, he's conscious."
"...go... away..."
"What? No!"
"...damn... visions..."
"Stay with me! I'm real! You're going to be fine!"
"...no...stay....back..."
"Get that thing over here already! He doesn't have long!"
"..."
"Dex!"
"..."
"DEX!"