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// The First Entry- 
// Story: In These Times... 
// by EternalShadow54 
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Journal Log, Entry #1-
Date: September 3rd, The Season of Youth...

My first day out in combat! (Well, technically...) I can hardly believe it! I mean, I've always had a love for fighting and showing off my abilities and such, but to actually be allowed to serve Equestria in its darkest time under the command of Celestia herself is more than an honor in itself. The Solar Empire wasn't exactly what I thought it would be though. I figured there would be less mares, but in these times, I guess anything is possible. Still... I can't help but feel a rather bit... well, I'm not sure... I mean, Luna wasn't the best of princesses, but why would she lead a rebellion against her own sister? Wasn't sharing the crown of rule enough?

Regardless, the full week of training was pretty strenuous to say the least, but nothing that I couldn't handle. Besides, the knowledge that I'm protecting innocent ponies everywhere makes the pain and stress worth it. The need to meet my foe out there on the field has never been greater, and I'm glad my sister gave me this journal to record my thoughts, even if I did have to fake thinking that it was a rather stupid idea. How surprised will she be to see it full by the time I return home! Celestia knows that I already miss them, and I plan to ask my special somepony to marry me the day I come back. That's worth fighting for... right? As Celestia always said, we fight for a brighter future, and the phrase couldn't be any more true. Father... mother... sister... I'll make you proud... I ship out for some fort tomorrow morning. I wonder if I'll make any friends out here... The war couldn't have affected anypony TOO much by now, seeing as it started only about a month ago. Oh well... but, you never know...