In case Celestia babbles more information, I have had North Star let a spider into her cell to keep an eye on her. I still marvel at how she is able to speak with such creatures and understand them, and even more how they obey her wishes.

Moonwatcher has gone through all of the library’s records at least thrice over. There is no mention to these “Elements” that Celestia mentioned. Surely they had to have existed at one point—along with Princess Luna and the day.

It would seem a risky course of action is required: I must sneak into Her Majesty’s most private vault and look through the records there myself.

Stardust Sprinkle has agreed to do her best at distracting Her Majesty with a wide array of treats, and I know Comet Tail can keep the guards busy.

I must find these answers. I must.

I feel that my heart has finally stopped trying to hammer its way from my chest so that I may record what happened.

With the guards distracted, it was only a matter of reaching the vault. I had come expecting a complex security spell, but I found no resistance but a locked door. I crept inside as quietly as possible and began my search.

Her Majesty’s vault holds almost as many scrolls and books as the library does. I did not where to start—nor did I get the chance to.

The door slammed open, and there stood Her Majesty, Nightmare Moon.

There are no words I can use to describe my terror under her gaze, capable of freezing a pony’s soul with a single stare. But I knew she would not inquire first—she would let me put my hoof in it before retaliating. So… I gambled.

“I want to know about the alicorn in the dungeons,” I said, forcing bravery with every breath.

She stared a moment longer… then let out a sigh.

“There is much I have not told you, apprentice,” she said, looking about the room. “Perhaps it is time you learned. As my faithful pupil, you have a right to learn—to learn about me and my history of how I became who I am. To know what injustices led to my rule.

“As long as you do not take from this vault, I permit you to enter and read at your leisure.”

I stood dumbfounded, but quickly thanked her, and apologized for my intrusion. Then I quickly left back to the library to calm myself and write this entry.

This. This is the break we’ve needed. I’m sure of it. And that Her Majesty’s trust in me might be her undoing…

Author's Note

"When one has conquered all, I suppose one has little to fear."