October 8th.

Day 1.

I camped close to the entrance. Better safe than sorry, and Zecora's isn't that far away.

I thought I would check with Zecora first, to see if everything is okay and to see if she knows anything else about the beast. She is probably the only pony/zebra that knows more about the Everfree forest than I do, and she probably knows exactly what this thing is.

I had almost forgotten how amazing the forest is. The flowers, little aninals that dare show themselves, and even the bugs look absolutly wonderful. The cool breeze at night blowing through your fur makes it all complete.

I had to notice that it has been getting colder than usual...

I haven't seen anything that could be the beast. Hopefully, as it's dangerous enough being outside forest, much less being in the forest itself. With my knowledge, I can only hope I'll make it out alive...

October 9th.

As soon as I saw the open door, I knew something was wrong.

Zecora would never leave her door wide open. Something entered her house...although I already knew, I looked inside.

The walls were clean, the potions and brews were all untouched. the only trace of blood was at Zecora's body, with the telltale hole pierced through her body. It's almost like a sick calling card.

I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what to do. There is only one thing I can do.

I'm going out of the forest.

October 10th.

I broke the news to everypony at Sugercube Corner this morning. They were all devistated, and Applejack suggested we hold a funeral for her. We decided to leave her body in the forest, so she would at least be at home, and that we would hold the funeral without...well, her. Funny, not being at your own funeral.

We all went up and said some words. It was truely beautiful, and it was exactly what she had deserved.

But the thing on my mind was no Zecora this whole funeral. It was the inevitable. And while I didn't want to, I knew it had to be done.

I needed to go back into the forest.

It was still out there. Whatever it was, it was still out there. And I don't want another death to occur. I feel as if this animal, if it even is an animal, is my responsibility, one that should be performed alone. However, my friends disagree.

Rainbow and AJ want to go head first into the forest and take this thing out. I tried to tell them that this thing was too dangerous, but they wern't listening. So this is what Pinkie Pie felt like during the parasprite invasion...

I had to yell to get their attention. I hate yelling. It hurts my vocal chords and I don't like to make anypony feel bad. But I had to get their attention, because there was no way I would let them go into that forest. I gave all my reasons, my knowledge of the creature, and reminded them of the gruesome sight I saw at Zecora's house and at the Manticore's death site. I was only trying to protect them, but Rainbow Dash got very angry.

She started to yell at me. She was talking about how much braver she is then I am, and what makes me think that I can go out into that forest and that she couldn't. Applejack was getting angry at her. I was only trying to help, not start a fight. Rainbow started calling me all sorts of names, some that I had never even heard her say. I couldn't take it, so I ran home crying. I was only trying to help them...

[October 11th.

Applejack told me that Rainbow Dash went into the forest last night.

Apparently, the whole group had a big fight that ended with Rainbow Dash punching AJ in the face. You can see the black eye now. She then sped towards the Everfree Forest. Rainbow Dash can't die, for a number of reasons...

One, because I love her. She's been like a sister to me, from helping out at flight camp against those bullies to where we are now. She's always been there to help me out, no matter what, and...I can't lose somepony else. I just can't. First Zecora, then Rainbow, then whoever else...I won't be able to take it.

Second, because my plan wouldn't work.

Before Rainbow intterupted me yesterday, I was going to propose that we use the Elements of Harmony to help stop the monster. That way, it would be done quickly and efficently. I do love Rainbow, but her attitude can get her into situations even she can't fix...I fear this is one of them. I honestly don't think she'll survive.

Applejack seemed a little bit shaken by their fight. We all don't like it when one of us fights, and when their life is on the line...

Do I need to go in and try to reason with her?

Of course I do. Why wouldn't I? I'm sure she's camping. If I go tonight and keep walking and looking for hoof prints, I'm sure that I'll find her soon. Yes, I have to try.

I have to try.

October 9th.

Day 1. Take 2.

I haven't found her yet. I checked Zecora's though I really didn't want to, and she wasn't there. Her body was gone to, snatched up by the investigators for further...investigation. I have a lingering feeling that they're useless.

I settled down for camp next to Zecora's. It's a miracle I'm not dead, if what happened to Roseluck is true. If what happened to Roseluck is true, than Rainbow Dash couldn't be living. I wonder if she had a hole through her as well. Common ponies aren't allowed access to the autopsy reports, only scientist and lawyers. I have no doubts in my mind, though.

I need to get a move on. I wouldn't want to lose Rainbow Dash, literally.

October 10th.

I still haven't found Rainbow today, but something else is on my mind.

It's cold. Really cold.

Never in the Everfree have temperatures gone so low. But that isn't the problem. It isn't snowing. Not one bit. It's just as cold as this on the coldest day in winter, and it isn't even snowing. This has something to do with the monster, I'm sure of it. I wonder how Dash fared.

I'm not going to write in here for a little bit. Not until I find Rainbow. I'll write again when I've found her.