Issac

by Eyes

Book 2

Year 469 of the 5th era. Spring, Saturday the 16th.

Luna was being strange again today. We went out to visit a grove in the Everfree and had a long conversation about what's been bothering her. She dodged most of my questions and turned them into a survival lesson... She keeps holding whatever is inside. I try to tell her that I could help if I knew what was wrong but I don't think she listens to me sometimes. I get the feeling I need to remind her more often that even though I might look like a Ten-year-old, on the inside I'm an adult now.

Year 469 of the 5th era. Spring, Thursday the 28th.

Celestia still insists that I continue my studies on 'practical magic' even though we both know I'll never be able to use it. It irks me when she says her little one-liners, such as, "There is a difference 'tween science and wisdom. Ye may never be an able user, but to know how it can be used could be a great boon in your future." As if. The only good studying these days, in my opinion, is sword practice with Luna. Even if she always kicks my flank but I am getting better. When I spar with the guard I tend to win three out of five times.

Year 469 of the 5th era. Summer, Moonday the 2nd.

The Timberwolves are getting more and more brazen in their attempts to get into the castle town. - So much for the fireflies of my youth... Anyway - Luna, myself, and a small company of guards went out today to reduce their numbers. As we were mopping up an alpha decided to show its face, much to Luna's enjoyment. I swear, sometimes she loses herself in a fight. She seems almost to enjoy, not only destroying the pests but making them suffer. If it was anything else other than a magical construct I would be far more worried than I am. But the shout of a "Hazzah" whilst her hair is full of foliage still makes me laugh.

Year 469 of the 5th era. Summer, Wednesday the 18th.

The Griffon envoy arrived at the castle today. Fantastic timing by the way! Two foals were reported missing not long before they arrived. They're presumed to be out in the Everfree. Luna is sending out her newly formed 'Shadowbolts' squadron to locate and return them quietly. I, of course, asked Luna to join them in the search and was allowed. Her reasoning... Seemed self-serving, to be honest. That they needed to learn to help support ground troops and for them to rely on intelligence from the ground in areas of low visibility. She's treating this as a training exercise. I think I need to have a chat with Celestia about this one. I understand training is important and we need to keep this quiet but this is ridiculous. Stars above, I hope we find them in time.

Year 469 of the 5th era. Autumn, Sunday the 6th.

I'm finding less and less time to write these entries. Long story short, we found the foals and they were fine. It seems they were curious about the forest and got lost. Also, my talk with Celestia didn't go as I thought it would. She agreed with Luna and faulted me for tagging along, saying I slowed the search. Even though I was the one that found them hiding in a hollowed-out log... Those 'Shadowbolts' would have flown right over them. Am I the only sane person in this castle? She and I are still not on the best of terms, only talking when we meet for our magic lessons. I hope things start returning to normal now that the envoy is gone.

Year 1 ANM, Winter the 2nd.

I don't even know if it's winter anymore, with as random as the seasons have been. The second company and I are pushing as fast as we can to get to Luna's castle. Our hope is we make it there before Celestia and the First Army. I just need to talk to her, I know I can make her see reason! Celestia is wrong, she's not completely gone, I refuse to believe that. We should make it in about a week at this rate. The company is behind me in ignoring our orders. I chose them for that reason alone. We all love Luna, this world needs her and I know we can bring her back.

Year 1 ANM, Winter the 4th.

Cursewind and Night Flame are dead. The remaining pegasus in the scouting party reported that it was the Shadowbolts, or the twisted versions of them anyway. It seems this Civil War, or whatever you would call it, is bringing nothing but death to the ponies and the world. We have no time to grieve, we have to keep pushing forward. Aside from 'hit and run' tactics, we've met no resistance. We have to keep moving.

Year 1 ANM, Winter the 5th.

After speaking with Lieutenant Blue Whirl of the second platoon and Second Lieutenant Nightblade of the third, we've decided to send the third platoon out ahead to scout and reconnoitre as we continue our advance. This will hopefully make our scouting less dangerous to the individual. This is more of a Griffon tactic, and Third does have the most flyers. It's risky but hopefully, it'll pay off.

Year 1 ANM, Winter the 8th.

The third platoon found a village today. When they reported in and said it was in bad shape... I never expected this. We finally arrived at twilight, but with the way Luna and Celestia fight for control of the sky, perpetual twilight is becoming normal. The fires that were once homes had long since burned out, and only a handful remain. But, but the worst thing, were the bodies. The stallions, the mares, even the foals... Nopony was spared. We searched for hours trying to find anypony, a single holdout, but it was in vain. Only more bodies... We gathered all we could and made a pyre, it's the least we could do.

Year 1 ANM, Winter the 10th.
We failed, I failed... Blue Whirl saved me in the end. Luna... No, Nightmare Moon killed her. She took the shot that was meant for me. Dammit! This journal, me, and even my soul is stained in her blood. We should never have even tried this. Celestia, damn her, was right... If she hadn't shown up and used those BUCKING Elements of Harmony, we would all be dead. The entire company... I just, I can't.

I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony. "Spike, could you find me that old copy of Predictions and Prophecies?" Twilight asked, closing the journal.

Spike sighed as stood from his relaxed position on the floor, setting his comic on the table. "One second, Twilight."

Spike climbed the adjacent bookshelf and immediately grabbed the correct book. "Here it is," he replied, sliding down the ladder before walking it over.

"Thank you, Spike."

"Mm-hm," he grunted, grabbing the comic and falling back into his previous position.