"Cock-a-doodle-doo!" shrieked out a cockerel, sitting on the roof of Ponyville Library.
"Wha-what?" groaned a dragon, still curled up in his basket.
"Wake up Spike, we have a lot of work to do today" said a purple unicorn, standing in front of the mirror brushing her hair. "I need to find out more about ancient Griffon culture in order to present my findings at the schoolhouse."
Groaning, the young reptile turned over. "They're just little colts and fillies, Twi. They aren't going to understand everything about foreign cultures."
"I know. Which is why I need you to help me dumb it down for them" she said, smiling. Suddenly, there was a loud knocking at the door.
"Parcel for a Miss Sparkle" called out a male voice from outside. Running down the stairs, she quickly opened the door and saw a blue pony with a white mane and thick glasses squinting at her. In his mouth was a small brown parcel shaped like a book, wrapped in brown paper. Thanking the courier, the unicorn levitated the book inside.
"What is it?" asked Spike, sitting at the base of the stairs.
"I don't know. I haven't ordered any books recently and the stamp on this parcel is unrecognisable" she said, tearing off the paper. Inside was a plain tome bound in dull crystals, with metal guards on the corners.
"Certainly looks fancy enough" said Spike, licking his lips at the gemstone encrusted book. Looking at the wrapping, he noticed a piece of parchment on the floor. "Hey Twilight, I think you dropped something" he said, picking up the note.
"Hmm?" said the scholar, placing her book on the table. "What does it say?"
"Dear Twilight Sparkle" read Spike aloud. "During my period of getting to grips with my new home, I found this odd little tome in the royal bedrooms hidden under a floorboard. When I had a quick look at it, I saw it was detailing notes from the empire before it had disappeared. Since I know you have a love for books, I thought this may do well as a present. Lots of Love, Princess Cadence"
"Interesting" said Twilight, opening up the book. "I guess it wouldn't hurt having a look at what is in this book". Behind the crystalline cover, a small nametag could be seen. On it, the name 'Crystal Shield' could be seen scrawled on a line. "I wonder who he could have been" said the unicorn, turning the page over to start the book.
10/10/ 1500 A.D
Dear Diary
My lovely wife, Crystal Shimmer, told me I should make a diary, detailing my views into the day to day life of an Emperor. So here it is. My feelings that are secret to me and you about how life is going. First of all, I'd like to say that we have begun to make preparations for our annual crystal fair. It is a tradition passed on by my ancestors in order to prepare the shield that we use to protect the empire from the frozen wastes and griffons that wish to claim our land. We have survived every year up until now with few casualties, but I fear that the griffons will get restless and begin a full scale attack upon us. That reminds me, I should request that our military is trained much better this year. We cannot have a repeat of last year, especially since I think Shimmer is expecting.
12/11/1500
It has been a while since I last wrote in here. I suppose I just got lost in the preparations for the crystal fair. I am just so very excited, especially since the royal doctor has confirmed the gender of our unborn child. We are going to have a beautiful filly and she will inherit the family trait of wings and a horn. Maybe she will grow to become a powerful magician like the Princesses of Equestria, or a great flyer like her mother. Anyway, that isn't all the good news that today brought. The fair went off without a hitch, keeping this beautiful empire safe for another year. Despite the birds attempts at attacking us, we fought them off in style, with some of our Crystal Pegasi guard running spears through the griffons. It was a sight to behold, watching them all flee for the mountains. Despite what Ninetalons says, we rightfully own this land and will fight to death for it. I have Princess Celestia's backing on this, so hopefully it will never come to war.
3/2/1501
I always seem to lose track of time, don't I? Again, I keep forgetting to update my little diary, but I think that today is the most important day of my life. My little daughter was born today, with both wings and her horn. Shimmer fell straight asleep after birthing her, so I got the honours of sitting with her. I can't seem to think of a name to give her though, and I doubt the wife would be too pleased if I left her out of the process. My chancellor, Azure Heart, said that once we decide, we should celebrate this day with a parade. I certainly agree with her.
4/2/1501
Shimmer has finally recovered and we decided on a name for our daughter. Crystal Sky. She has a gorgeous pink coat, and her mane is purple, red and white. Much more interesting than my silver mane, I dare say. She hasn't been seen out much, and I am looking forward to seeing how she reacts to seeing what her homeland looks like. Shimmer is already looking for a necklace to give to her, whilst I am thinking of what her cutie mark will look like. If she is anything like me, and I have no doubt in that, she will have the mark of the crystal heart, much like her dear father.
15/2/1501
Much like I expected, she loved her first foray into the empire. Despite being unable to walk and riding on my back the whole time, her eyes were full of wonder at seeing all of the shops and ponies out to see her, cheering. It even looked like the heart was reacting to her being there, giving out a soft chime as we walked past it. I don't know what it was doing, but it felt like it was accepting her as a rightful heir. Today was a wonderful day.
22/2/1501
An emissary arrived from Canterlot today. He brought a small dress, covered in shimmering sequins, as a gift from the rulers of Equestria. I dislike it when those two buy gifts for us, since they have everything a pony could ever dream of. The other piece of news he brought was that the two sisters were coming to visit the empire some time soon. So it looks like we have a lot to prepare for, especially since it is coming up for Luna's birthday.
16/4/1501
The Equestrian royalty arrived today, covered in plain dresses that matched their furs. Princess Celestia's mane was shining a bright pink, while it began to show a tinge of blue as well. Maybe it is an effect of old age (She can now never read this diary). Luna looked good as well, despite not looking the healthiest and a little grumpy. I will never understand why she always looks like my mother when my father hired another young mare as a servant. She began to smile a little when she saw little Sky's face walk up to them. She is definitely starting to look like her mother, especially with the way her eyes shimmer in the sun. Princess Celestia soon retired to the guest room we had, while Luna sat on the balcony overlooking the empire, watching over the night. Sky wanted to stay up all night and sit with Luna, but Shimmer is a very insistent pony. I needed sleep too, if we were going to discuss politics the next day successfully.
17/4/1501
It turned out Luna sat up on that balcony all night on her own, save for her personal guard. She certainly seems out of touch with the other ponies. Declining to join us at the main room, she went to bed. I suspect she may have had a visit from a small filly during the day, if her nanny's exasperated letters are anything to go by. Celestia promised our nation protection from the griffons that live in the mountains that surround us, as part of a trade settlement. For the time being, we have accepted her offer. As well as this, she offered me and my wife tickets to this year's Grand Galloping Gala. This can only mean good things for the relationship of our two countries relationships.
5/5/1501
That was certainly an interesting night. Celestia introduced me to a certain griffon I never thought I would meet under happy terms. Ninetalons, current leader of the griffon race was there in order to talk about the peace deals being wrought. It appears that we now have a treaty for peace between the griffons and all pony races. I won't go into the boring details, but all we have to do is sell our gems to the griffons and Equestrians, while they sell their goods to us. The other most interesting thing that happened today was a young stallion I met there. He must have been no older than sixteen, yet his black coat looked like that of a legendary mages. After talking to him, I discovered that this charming young unicorn was called Sombra and was the protégé of the two Princesses. He expressed interest in visiting the Empire, so one day, we might see him again. I can see this shaping up to be the best year in the history of the Crystal Empire.
15/11/1501
Once again, the Crystal Fair went off without a hitch. Even better this year, we only had a few griffons attack this year and it was clear that these were bandits cast away from the eyries of Ninetalons. Also, I placed a new sport in for our soldiers to demonstrate. It was based off of a few skirmishes I saw last year in the battles, and should provide necessary excitement to the masses. I called it spear running, but Captain Quartz insisted on calling it Jousting. Either way, A good year indeed.
3/2/1502
It was Crystal Sky's first birthday today, and we got her a tiara to wear in order to signify her position of royalty. Trade with the neighbouring countries has also been booming, what with more and more mines being discovered now the threat of griffons has been reduced dramatically. I suggested to Shimmer that this year's good luck was a result of us having a daughter and requested that maybe another child would be good for our country. For some reason, she didn't agree with my sentiment.
5/6/1507
Ah, I finally found you again. When Azure retired, my newest chancellor could never get the hang of hiring dependable cleaners. Anyway, I suppose I should recall the most major events of the last few years. Crystal Sky has been growing quicker and quicker into a lovely young filly, whilst her mother doesn't seem to have aged one day. The truces between the countries has been getting much stronger through the years, to the point where Ninetalon's daughter, Featherblade, often comes to play with the Princess. I also received a letter from that young stallion I met at the Gala, saying that he was soon to graduate from Celestia's care and begin his journey around the world. I hope that he has a safe journey and will visit soon.
10/11/1507
Another year, another successful fair. There were a few problems this year though. The first of these was Featherblade visiting in full ceremonial gear, complete with a skinned badger helm. Certainly creeped a few ponies out, but we remain tolerant of our new avian allies. This brings me to the second issue we had this year. The attacks we received seemed more planned than the usual griffon that flies screaming into our barrier. I sent his daughter back home after the fair with a message to come see me as soon as possible. As unlikely as war is, it is a possibility I must always be aware of.
17/12/1507
Ninetalons arrived today along with his daughter to discuss the events of the fair. It turns out the situation is much worse than it was before. A separatist movement called the 'Eagles Claw' has begun to set up Eyries away from his jurisdiction, and their numbers are being filled with battle hungry Griffons. While Ninetalons himself doesn't wish for war, he cannot say the same for the new clan. Shimmer wishes for us to contact Celestia for peace talks, yet Ninetalons is less than willing to talk to her.
5/3/1508
All attempts at talking with the Eagles Claw clan have lead to violence. Ninetalons is still refusing to receive help from Equestria, as well insisting that we hold steady. I truly fear for our safety, but the support of my unlikely friend is reassuring. If by the next 6 months nothing has happened, I will have to ask for a summit. Thankfully, Crystal Sky is soon to get her first part of combat training, at her insistence. She has the same spunk as her mother, as well as the sheer energy. Whether she will actually see combat is still up in the air, yet if it comes to it, I refuse to let her fight like a soldier. She will hate me for it, but it is for her own good.
28/6/1508
Crystal Sky got her Cutie Mark today! It is very similar to mine, except with the actual crystal heart on her flank, not a crystal shield like mine. Reading back on this diary brings me back to memories of her as a newborn, curious to the world. She spent the rest of the day training in the mountains with Featherblade, who is also growing up to be a strong young lady. Children these days get more mature at younger ages. It is a shame that on this joyous day, we still have the threat of war hanging above our head. I asked Shimmer for another child, but she says that if the next one is like Sky, she might pull her mane out. I don't think that was no.
30/7/1508
Another letter came through the mail from the Unicorn Sombra. He had just been travelling around the northern wastelands and is going to be arriving in a few weeks. It will be good seeing him and how much he has grown since I last saw him. Ninetalons also visited, saying that he has been unable to get through to the Eagles Claw. I have no clue how we are going to solve this problem, but contacting Equestria may have to be a real possibility.
5/8/1508
My, had Sombra grown. No longer the adolescent looking slightly awkward at a gala, he was large and powerful stallion, with muscles rivalling those of our miners. He's also quite the charmer, with a gaggle of fillies following him as me and Sky showed him around. Shimmer was making a traditional hat for our guest, which he liked immensely. Upon talking to him, I discovered that he had been sent by Celestia to investigate what is going on up here. Can't escape sun goddesses, can you? Anyway, Sombra will be staying with us until we can contact a representative of the Eagle Claw, as well as when Ninetalons is able to visit the empire. With any luck, we can have a repeat of last time there was a summit, leading to this period of peace.
6/8/1508
Good lord, Sombra is a hit with the mares. I don't know what happened last night, but I saw at least 4 different mares leave the castle looking worse for wear. Reminds me a bit of my father, really.
17/9/1508
A message was finally received today from the Eagles Claw, saying they will meet us here. Nerves are running high amongst Shimmer, Sombra and Ninetalons, but I am just glad that we can already talk with the griffons again.
2/10/1508
An eventful day indeed. The Eagle Claw ambassador was an elderly griffon who seemed to know Ninetalons quite well. Turns out he was his uncle, who has decided to talk to us. They wanted us to give them all of the surrounding tundra around the empire in return for our safety. Both Ninetalons and Sombra objected to this, thankfully. We have agreed to open trade links with the newer clan, in return for no more attacks. Despite this I do not feel that this is the end of this conflict. Sombra assured me that should any more attacks occur, the Canterlot Royal Guard will raid the eyries. I do not wish to drag them into my battles though, nor do I want to be seen as a little brother to Equestria, so I politely refused his offer.
3/10/1508
With the summit over, Sombra returned to Canterlot to begin his job as captain of the royal guard. I see great things in the future for that boy. Ninetalons told me to keep alert as he returned to his eyries. Sky wanted to know what was up with the mean griffon, but I do not think she is ready to understand our current situation. After all, when I was her age, I was still ignorant to any species other than crystal pony.
9/11/1508
For once, we had a crystal fair without any violence. Featherblade visited once again, and won every game of jousting she did. If only she knew the origins of the sport. This was also one of the few times this year I saw Sky wearing her tiara. I swear, the two of them would fit right in with a pack of Diamond Dogs, a species thankfully absent from the empire. A few of the Eagles claw flew close to the empire, but only seemed interested by this fair. I must ask myself with the luck of this year, is Shimmer pregnant again?
3/2/1509
It was Sky's 8thbirthday today and to commemorate this occasion, I bought her a dagger. What with her fixation on becoming a soldier, I saw no harm in a small arm for her to train with. Shimmer seems less than pleased with this, insisting that she only needs to learn regular hoof-to-hoof combat at her age.
5/5/1509
Ninetalons finally gave up his role as leader of the Bloodwings. He is getting on in his years, wishing to only train the young of the clan. I have yet to meet his successor Stormbeak, but I was assured he was just as capable of maintaining peace between the two nations. Despite this, Ninetalons is still held in high regard among the Griffon council, as well as Featherblade climbing up their hierarchy. Seeing him move on does make me feel quite old, although luckily we are quite long lasted. Even longer than the legendary lifespan of Equestrian Earth Ponies.
18/9/1509
Sombra has come to visit again to ensure that everything is staying peaceful. Something seemed different about him, like he had discovered a new way of life. Stormbeak also came to visit today, requesting an audience with me. From what I could gather from him is that he lacks the wisdom that Ninetalons once wielded so well, but makes up with it in sheer charisma. Luckily for him, Ninetalons is still a dear friend of mine, as well as his advisor. Shimmer also came up with the brilliant idea of inviting him and Sombra to the celebrations at this year's fair. With any luck, this should bring us all closer, fostering in a new era of peace.
30/9/1509
Sky got her first scar today, after fumbling her dagger and gashing her leg. Shimmer has confiscated the blade, whilst shooting me the occasional accusatory glare. Maybe she was a bit too young for a weapon.
12/10/1509
I fear that we may be irritating the Eagles Claw if we do not treat them like the Bloodwings and Equestria. I have sent a messenger with a message inviting their leader, but I do not know if they will be joining us.
1/11/1509
No reply yet. I do not think they are coming. I haven't seen a caravan around these parts for a month now and I can feel a storm coming. Shimmer thinks I am being paranoid, but I feel she is being too optimistic.
9/11/1509
This is probably the most nervous I have ever been in the lead up to the crystal fair. Sky tells me to stop worrying and enjoy myself more. I wish I could have my innocence back like her, but children are children. Featherblade is here once again, having a slumber party with my daughter. I swear, a ferocious warrior princess eating smores and having a pillow fight with a little pony. Maybe it is just me being old, but seeing them two just brings a smile to my face.
11/11/1509
I'm sorry I didn't write in the diary yesterday. I'm not sure I can today. I am not a fit leader.
12/11/1509
After a few comforting words from a dear friend, I have decided to vent to you. The fair was going well, what with the new leadership of the Bloodwings enjoying themselves appropriately. However, good things cannot last. About 100 griffons from the Eagle Claw had managed to perform a sneak attack on the empire. Despite our best efforts to hold them off, they managed to wreck the fair and injure some ponies, including my beloved Shimmer. Something happened then to Sombra and the glint in his eyes scared me. He cast spells of pure darkness, blasting the attackers from the sky. I do not know what the future will bring us, but I think it will be similar to Sombra's magic; dark and full of hatred.
13/11/1509
Shimmer's condition has been slowly getting better. I don't think I have left her bedside all day and I look an absolute wreck. The worst hit was Sky, though. She doesn't know what is going on, but I don't want to tell her, unless it makes things between her and Featherblade awkward.
14/11/1509
Another unit of Eagles Claw attacked today, thanks to our weaker barriers. A posse including many of my guard, Sombra and many Bloodwings fought them off, but I know what is next. Shimmer wants to know what is going on, but I cannot tell her. Hopefully, this can be resolved peacefully.
15/11/1509
I looked out of my window and saw the new addition to the sky. Instead of our blue skies, the world had gone black, with lightning shooting back and forth. It turns out that Sombra was putting up an impenetrable shield to buy us time to rebuild the power of the crystal heart. I hear fillies cry when they see the caster of the spell, and I admit that it scares me too. He has smoke pouring out from his eyes, and his sclera has tinges of green in it. Nevertheless, we must restore the heart.
16/11/1509
Shimmer was much better today, so we went out for the crystal fair. Luckily, the barrier has returned in full power, allowing Sombra to stop coating the empire in that black magic. I don't think I'll ever get used to it, especially considering the toll it took on the unicorn's body. The next port of call is to demand an answer from the Eagles Claw.
24/12/1509
No mention of peace talks yet. Sombra and Stormbeak are getting restless, insisting that we attack. I do not wish to fight, but they Eagle Claw's insolence leaves us little choice. Shimmer agrees with me and she usually is right about these things.
1/1/1510
A letter came from Luna today, showing her support for us and saying that should there be a war, she has our backs. It is nice to have support, but I fear what will happen should there be a war. Stormbeak and Ninetalons insist I am being ridiculous, and the Bloodwings will always be our allies. I grow old though and wish only for peace.
17/2/1510
Sombra showed me something to fear today. More and more scouts have been seen loitering around outside the empire, making me believe that war is going to be inevitable. But when I see his magic snaring a hapless Eagle Paw and seeing his grin at hearing the screams of his foes, I fear that something is changing in him.
15/4/1510
Skirmishes on the outskirts of town are becoming regular now. Sky wishes to fight, but even Featherblade holds her back. This war is bloody and is no place for a 9 year old girl, even one as strong as her. While we are having no issue repelling the attacks, I can feel another storm brewing in the distance. Talking to Sombra, I can see that he is becoming more aggressive and his appearance is becoming more warped. I have tried to warn him off of the magic he uses so ferociously, but he refuses to listen. I pray for his soul.
30/6/1510
The war may be over, but I don't know the costs. Sombra marched over to the Eagle Claw camp and cast a gigantic ball of shadow over the resting griffons and destroyed the entire site. All of the fleeing griffons were taken into the jurisdiction of the Bloodwings and Canterlot, meaning that for once, the crystal empire is safe. The cost of this was Sombra, who hasn't returned since the attack.
5/7/1510
Still no news from Sombra. Our search parties have looked for him, but no trace has been found.
10/7/1510
Sombra arrived today, but I don't know if he can still be called that. His body is twisted and mangled by the magic he wields, rendering him completely unrecognisable. Nevertheless, he is a hero of our empire and deserves a hero's welcome to us. The Bloodwings wish us luck too, leaving for their eyries.
11/7/1510
I could hear snarling from Sombra's room. Whatever happened to him scares me.
10/11/1510
It's been over a decade since I started this diary, hasn't it? There has been many ups and downs throughout these years, but the Crystal Empire is stronger than ever, with the fair being another success. I also worry for Sombra, after he left to return to Canterlot we have heard no word from him. He is a strong pony, but I fear for his safety, especially after how far gone he seemed to be.
12/5/1511
Shimmer has fallen ill, and I don't see a future in sight. Sky is being incredibly brave, refusing to let her mother know she is scared. If I listen carefully, I can hear her sobbing into her pillow at night. I want to be able to put a hoof around my daughter, and tell her that everything will be fine. All I can do is wait for the next day for her condition to improve.
13/5/1511
The condition hasn't improved. Shimmer is still fighting off the disease, but we both know that her time is soon. When I asked her what we should tell Sky, she wanted to talk to her alone. I don't know what was said in that room, but I didn't hear a word from Sky the entire night. I wonder if I am a bad father for not consoling my daughter, but she insists that her mother needs me. I don't know what I am needed for anyway.
14/5/1511
I spent the entire day with Shimmer. She wanted to go out and see the lake where we first met for one last time and just remember the good times. We must have sat there for a good 5 hours, just watching the day go past. Even in the face of death, she still smiles and jokes like she is perfectly healthy. Maybe I need to stop thinking like she will die.
15/5/1511
We spent the day as a family today. Shimmer can barely walk, but she refused a walking frame. Visiting the park, she talked to Ninetalons and Stormbeak, saying her goodbyes. Other than that, we just had fun as a family. I suppose the running of an empire often got in the way of this, meaning that we never spent long enough in the company of each other. Tonight, I am sleeping in the hospital chamber with Shimmer. I refuse to let her be alone during these times.
16/5/1511
She slipped away today. I sat with her body for 3 hours, not saying a word to anypony. Sky sat with me for a while, but neither of us said a word to the other one. I gave my chancellor the day off to help us have just each other. After a while, I couldn't hold back the emotion and sobbed like a small filly cutting herself on a dagger. Sky wept too, but I often felt her hoof on my shoulder. The girl is growing up just like her mother, which tears me up inside even more.
17/5/1511
Sky slept in my room last night. I don't blame her for wanting company. I wanted company of somepony that could ease the pain.
18/5/1511
I found myself unable to even look at Sky today. She brought back memories of Shimmer, which only tore open the wound of losing her. I know she needs my support, but I am not a suitable father at the moment.
20/5/1511
The chancellor asked me the question I have been dreading; When is the funeral? It had to come some day, but I thought it would never have to come to this. After a long time, we decided to hold it a week away. I have never felt as terrible before as I did discussing the funeral of my wife.
26/5/1511
Me and Sky managed to get one last look at Shimmer before her casket was closed forever. She looked as beautiful as the day that I had met her and as innocent as a child too. The smile she had on her face warmed my heart, but it is hard for me to be able to keep a strong face for the country.
27/5/1511
The funeral was a simple matter, with the main ceremony only holding me, Sky, Ninetalons, Stormbeak, Featherblade, Celestia, Luna and the Chancellor. Sombra was invited, but I guess the invitation never reached him, as Celestia hadn't seen him since before the war began. As her casket was lowered into the royal plots of soil behind the castle, I couldn't help but smile at the beautiful visage of my beloved wife carved lovingly into crystal. The streets were lined with ponies wearing black, in honour of the star we had lost. I respect their sentiment, but I'd have preferred my subjects to be happy.
30/5/1511
I didn't even get out of bed today. I guess I miss her even more than I thought.
6/6/1511
I am a total wreck. Sky wants me to return to running the country and told me what Shimmer had told her before she died. She wanted our daughter to ensure that I ran this empire as well as we did when she was alive. Even beyond the grave, she is looking over me.
16/6/1511
One month. It has been one month since my world got darker and it has felt like a year. Every now and then, I go to sit at her grave and think. Sometimes, Sky joins me and we bond. She is starting to look like her mother.
12/11/1511
It's time for the crystal fair again and I have a mammoth task ahead. Plan this without Shimmer as well as make sure I can show myself as being in high enough spirits to keep the heart supplied with energy. I will succeed. It is what she would have wanted.
13/11/1511
It was a resounding success! If she is looking down on me, she would be proud.
3/2/1512
Little Crystal Sky is eleven years old today, but today is her first birthday without her mother around. I fear she is hiding her emotions, but on this day, she deserves to be happy. I took the day off of work and spent it all with her. She seemed in high enough spirits by the end of this, so I don't think I did a bad job.
16/5/1512
One year. I have been neglecting the diary in the times that it would have been best and yet I don't feel pent up. In fact, this day I feel is a happy day. Me and Sky went to the park again and played in Shimmer's memory. Later, we sat by the memorial and read a poem that the daughter had wrote. While this was obviously sad, I felt proud of us being able to recover.
15/6/1512
Sombra returned today. I welcomed him back like an old friend, but he was no longer the friend he was. He was even worse than he was after the war against the Eagles Claw, but I offered him a place to stay. I tried to talk to him, but he can barely form coherent sentences. I wonder if he knows about Shimmer.
16/6/1512
I looked into his eyes today and saw despair and rage. I am worried.
17/6/1512
He was at the memorial when I finally found him. Maybe there is something left of the pony I once knew. I cannot get anything else out of him, given that he can only say partial sentences anymore.
25/8/1512
Sombra's power is growing stronger by the day. This morning, I found Sky crying, in fear of the monster that he has become. Whatever has happened to him, it must be a result of the dark magic he wields so carelessly.
26/8/1512
I requested that he left the empire today after I saw him harassing some of the servants. He is no longer the pony I knew, instead just a husk full of anger, fear and the insanity driven into him. For the time being he did leave, but I do not know what he will do next.
31/10/1512
It all happened so quickly. As he returned, his body had begun decomposing into pure magical energy. Using its powers of fear, he quickly subdued all of the guards. Upon entering my chambers, he took Sky hostage and requested the empire in return. I couldn't have said no.
1/11/1512
Sombra is a cruel master. For some reason he has allowed me and Sky to remain in the castle. However, we are powerless to watch as our beloved empire is being ravaged before our eyes. I wonder if the Bloodwings have even noticed this.
30/12/1512
Every pony has been enslaved in the empire, even those considered nobles. Many ponies head out to the mines and never return. I am powerless to do anything to stop him, yet I feel responsible for everything. My dear Shimmer, I am so sorry for letting this happen to our treasured empire.
3/2/1513
Happy Birthday Sky. It has been a rough year for you, hasn't it?
1/3/1513
Today, the crystal pegasi and unicorns all disappeared. The only remaining horns and wings in the empire can be only seen on me and Sky. I am terrified at the prospect of what he has done to them.
12/3/1513
The crystal heart went missing today. As the days go on, hope gets slimmer and slimmer. Sky wishes to fight him back, but that is her emotions just wanting to get revenge.
15/3/1513
I feel sorry for our new tyrant. I see him some days looking like he has a fierce internal battle raging inside of him. If there is anything left of the unicorn I once knew, I pray for his safety.
16/5/1513
Two years and this how bad my life has gotten without her. I know it is ridiculous to blame this on her death, but I can only but wonder
17/5/1513
I am so sorry, my love. Why would I ever blame you for this horror, while when the blame clearly falls on my inability to protect my subjects. For the first time in what feels like forever, I wept. Sky consoled me, but I don't know if this is something that will ever go away.
27/5/1513
In what feels like the cruellest twist of fate, Sombra turned the statue of my dear Shimmer into chunks to be sold off. I still retain hope that inside that tortured body lives the old Sombra, scared but alive.
15/6/1513
I spoke to Sombra again today. His mind has degraded even further, leading to him being only able to growl the occasional word. If the old Sombra remains somewhere, then he is beyond help.
30/6/1513
Is it disrespectful to the memory of the old Sombra to call this monster by his name?
24/7/1513
A small resistance group has begun operating in order to try and get word out to Canterlot or the Bloodwings. I can only hope for their success.
10/10/1513
Word apparently has got to Canterlot. We should be in the clear soon, but Sombra is getting more vicious by the day. Ponies that lag behind are executed on the spot and their corpses are dragged all day by their friends and family. This needs to stop.
25/12/1513
A bunch of Pegasi has managed to fly into the empire and evade the attacks of Sombra. They managed to take the few children that survived the massacres in which Sombra purged the weak and ill. Sky managed to escape with them, hopefully to a better life than is left in this destroyed empire.
23/1/1514
I feel I am not long for this world. My body is old and these conditions we live in are slowly killing me. Word on the street is that soon the two princesses will intervene and save the empire once more. Many questions run through my mind, but the majority involve Sky. Will she be a good ruler of the throne? I guess I will never know.
24/1/1514
My legs are giving up on me, slowly rendering me immobile. I can still write, so any ponies that find this book can know my story and that of Sombra's.
25/1/1514
I guess my greatest regret was that I never did give Sky back that dagger. It was a family heirloom, once mine. I guess wherever she is now, it is probably better than here.
27/1/1514
My eyesight is beginning to fail me now too. I cannot tell whether this is a blessing or a curse.
1/2/1514
Please wait for me Shimmer, I will be with you soon. Forever.
3/2/1514
Happy Birthday, Sky. If you ever find this book, know that your father loved you and always will, no matter where he is. You have grown into such a strong young woman, which makes me so proud of you. When the monster that is occupying your empire is vanquished, all that is yours shall return.
4/2/1514
I feel weak and like everything is fuzzy. I guess this could be the last entry in my diary. I never did really get to say any goodbyes and looking through this book only brings back memories of better times. My tears are of happiness, knowing that soon the tyrants reign shall fall, leading up to the era of peace I have sought for so long. This is Crystal Shield, signing out. I'll be seeing you soon, my dear Shimmer.
"And that's all that it says" said Twilight Sparkle, tears forming at the corner of her eyes.
"You look like you need coffee" said Spike, walking towards the kitchen.
"Thanks" said the unicorn, getting piece of parchment from a drawer. "I'm going to need to write a letter to the princess about this."
"Why?" replied the dragon from the other room.
"I need to know more about the empire before Sombra... well, fell from grace" she said, beginning her letter. "The Griffon project can wait for the time being, as this is possibly the breakthrough of the millennia."
Upon finishing her letter to the princess, Spike shot both the book and the letter to Canterlot in his magical flames, leaving them to await the response...
