Surprisingly, the Canterlot Library only had a few ponies in it. Most of them engrossed in one or two books. So when Flutter Moon entered quietly, it was rather easy to dodge out of their peripheral vision. She had made it a habit of coming here often. Sometimes to check out a book, other times to observe the general vicinity of the library. So if any did notice her, they would not pay too much attention since she was considered a regular.

Making her way to the back end of the library, she again noted the two books with a sun and moon image on each back. Looking around to make sure she was still un-observed, she quickly propped up a stool nearby, and pulled down the two books in unison. Hearing a soft *click* sound as the bookcase slid back and opened to reveal a smaller space with a stairwell spiraling down.

“Well, there is no turning back now. Onwards and downwards I guess.” She whispered as she descended the stairwell, closing the door behind her. As she descended the she notices some lovely runes that were sprawled along the walls. Some she could read, warning her to turn back. Others strange equations that seemed to have no meaning. Some looked so old that they may have predated the castle itself.

“Come now Flutter Moon, let’s not be distracted by the nice-looking scribbles. Stay focused on the task of finding the book.” She said to herself. Finally reaching the bottom, she came upon the giant room. There was something strange about the room. Most libraries had an almost dead and musty feeling of books, but here, it felt like they were alive. Some of them probably were, was one of the conclusions that she made when she felt a presence beginning to take notice and was watching her. Though she didn’t know where it came from.

A shiver ran down her back as she made her way around the massive room. Books, books everywhere. Trying to gauge where to start, she couldn’t help noticing that one book in particular was catching her glance. Veering away as she once again consoled herself not to get distracted. Pausing for a moment, she noticed that the moonlight, coming from a nearby window, was moving! She quickly glanced and saw that, true to what Nightmare Moon had said, the moon was now on its course moving through the sky!

Sitting and staring at the window for five minutes, Flutter Moon soon recognized what she was doing and consoled herself again. Drawing closer to the same book that got her attention, this time though, the temptation was too great. Disregarding the increase of her senses telling her that indeed, there was something watching her, she touched the book.

A wave of intelligence brushed up against her mind, seeking to penetrate her very psyche. Trying to throw up a clumsy mental barrier, something Moon Sparkle had once taught her, but to no use as the intruding mind got whatever information that it was seeking.

“So, thief, do you have anything to say for yourself?” A masculine voice came from all around her and from nowhere. Flutter Moon promptly jumped in surprise.

“Who… Who was that? Who’s there?” She said looking around wide eyed.

“I would be the book that you were about to steal, you were just out of my vision as you entered, and seeing a non-unicorn enter into the sacred Halls of Knowledge without accompanying a unicorn got my attention. Now, as to my earlier question, do you have anything to say for yourself, thief?” Said the Book accusingly.

“I… I don’t consider myself a thief…” Said Flutter Moon.

“Don’t try lying to me, I scanned your mind and saw you had an intent to take one of the books here, clearly mine as I am the book of the grea-” But before the Book could finish itself, Flutter Moon interrupted it.

“Actually, I don’t want to steal you…r book, I am looking for the book of Prophecies and Predictions. Could you tell me which one that would be? Quickly, I don’t have much time.” The sudden sense of courage that came from herself surprised her. Then she reasoned that, whatever this book was, it couldn’t hurt her, it was just a book.

“Well I’ll be, such rudeness to one of the most ancient and greatest books in this library, I will have none of it here.” Said the Book quite pompously.

“I don’t mean to offend, I am just on a very important mission that could have major implications in the future, and that could affect thousands of lives. So if I offended you in any way I am deeply sorry, but I must be going soon, as Dawn Lighter could be here any minute.” Said Flutter Moon.

“Would that be the Spirit that indwells in that unicorn that came by earlier? I was too far away to see her, and she stayed hidden from me by a very powerful mind wall. Tell you what, if you tell me what is going on, then I will help you find your book, OK? Said the Book.

So, fearing the waning moon, she quickly told the story of how Nightmare Moon had returned, defeated her, and her five other friends, and took over the kingdom. The Book listened well, only asking a few questions here and there. It was surprised that Nightmare Moon did away with Celestia so quickly.

“Did you know her? Celestia I mean.” Said Flutter Moon.

“I knew them both actually, and it is sad how the mighty have fallen.” Said the Book. “Anyway, thank you for telling me your story, now to fulfill my part of the bargain.”

“Oh thank you, thank you so mu-” but before Flutter Moon could finish. There was a great warmth that came into the massive room, wrapping strands of moonlight all around. A peace came over Flutter Moon, thinking it was the sun, she turned, once again, to the window, which had warmed up the room considerably.

Sadly, it was still the moon in the sky, and Flutter Moon, realizing that she had talked to long, went into a frenzy. “Please, please tell me where it is. Dawn Lighter could be coming any minute and I won’t have much time.”

“Very well, touch me again, and I will piggyback onto you. Nightmare Moon did something to the book you are talking about, and I want to investigate.” Said Book.

Touching it again, Flutter Moon could feel the presence once again on her mind, but this time, when she withdrew her hoof, it stayed. “You had passed it when you came to me, go back to the middle. I will direct you from there.” The presence said.

Finally finding the book, Flutter Moon was about to pick it up when the presence gave her a warning. “Be careful now, Nightmare Moon has placed a spell of detection to trigger if any move this book. She infused the spell so that it stays constant. I can suppress it, but only for a while, and then it will be released.” It said.

Careful not to pick up the book, Flutter Moon opened the book, and flipped through the pages until she found the one about Nightmare Moon. As they both looked over the prophecy of Nightmare Moon’s return, they noticed the new passage that followed the return of the Queen. This new passage, which was a prophecy of its own. Told of a coming war.

“This isn’t right. You and your friends should have easily defeated Nightmare Moon with the Elements of harmony. In fact, you yourself have quite a bit of magic in you. What happened?” The presence wondered.

“I think Dawn Lighter, before she got possessed, hesitated. Something in her eyes told me she had given up. None of us know what could have happened.” Said Flutter Moon.

“But everything about that seems wrong, as if… no, that wouldn’t be possible, unless…” The presence’s thought process trailed off.

“Unless?” Asked Flutter Moon.

“I have a theory, but for now, you need to go, quickly. I am going to borrow some of your will to cast the spell. Bring me back to my book and bring this book along.” Said the presence.

“But wait, I never got your name.” Said Flutter Moon.

“That’s not important right now. Right now, you need to get out of here. With that book. I have placed a spell on it that should allow you to bring it out of this library, but my magic can only go so far. When you cross the threshold that leaves this place, the spell will collapse. When that happens, run like hell.” Said the Book.

“But I…” Started Flutter Moon.

“GO!” Said the Book, pushing her towards the exit with the book. As Flutter Moon sprinted up the staircase. She quickly brought the latch down and moved through the passage. When she did, she could hear a giant *BOOM* when the bookcase closed behind her, and a voice, also booming. That said, “INTRUDER!”

Author's Note

Another chapter so early! Crazy I know, but I really want to get this one done sooner rather than later. Gotta get the story moving!

Edit: More stuff fixed. Also, I forgot to say this, but this is my favorite chapter for this story.