Prologue: The Book

A long time ago, a group of islands just south of Equestria were found by accident by several ponies who then established their new home on it. Many years went by before the islands were disturbed and a small war erupted there. The war then grew in scale as Equestria joined in too. After the war, all known records of the island and the Royal Family's involvement in the islands was destroyed, all except for a single book which was hidden away in the hopes that it would never be found. If not for one brave Pegasus then this may have been true...

Rainbow Dash gently walked into the old house, cautious and wary of any dangers that may lie. Hours ago Twilight Sparkle had approached Rainbow Dash in the hopes that Dash would find an old Pegasi library. Dash despite her reluctance had agreed. Now she was regretting that decision as she entered the library section of the old house. The room was freezing cold to the point where there was some ice covering parts of the library. Rainbow Dash paused as she inspected one of the walls which was strangely not covered in ice and yet it was the coldest area in the entire library. She gently placed her hoof upon the wall, then slowly a hum filled the air. The wall glowed with a mysterious symbol, a symbol that was strangely similar to the Element of Loyalty, but with a pair of magnificent Pegasi wings on the side. The wall slowly retracted and moved to the side as Rainbow Dash hesitantly entered the room. The room was small and empty if not for a small podium that had a black book on top of it. Rainbow Dash approached the book, coaxed by a mysterious presence that just pleaded her to take the book and read it.
Slowly a mysterious whisper echoed across the room "Rainbow Dash..."
Rainbow Dash quickly swiveled "Who's there?" she demanded, but much to her surprise that instead of a response she merely heard a faint whisper that further beckoned her to the book.
"Don't be afraid...Grab the book, and read it" said the whisper. Hesitantly, Rainbow Dash obliged the voice and opened the book. Much to her surprise as soon as she touched the book did the same symbol of Loyalty appear once again, and the lock which had been on the side had fell away with an echoing "click". Suddenly, the room warmed up and appeared to be much less darker despite there being no causes for the sudden light or warmth.
"What just happened?" muttered Rainbow Dash as she gently slumped to the floor with the book in hoof. The first thing she noticed was the mysterious title some of which was scratched out: "T e D kS C r les". In the middle of the book was the glowing blue rune that she had seen before. Intrigued by the title and by the mysterious rune, Rainbow Dash began to open the book until a page somehow fell out and landed next to her. Rainbow Dash picked up the page and began to read it.

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(The page seems to radiant a mysterious black and silvery aura)

If you are reading this now then that means that my time has long since passed and Equestria is now under the rule of Celestia and Luna. If it is not so, then that means that the Brotherhood has indeed invaded Equestria and successfully taken control of it. If neither events have yet occurred then that means that Time has taken its own course and everything has changed. I do hope that the first part has occurred as it is a lesser of three tragedies. The book that you are now reading is not yet complete; as in my haste I was not able to compile my journal and notes successfully into a single book and was forced to hide this one while I was finished the other five, both of which I have scattered in fear of them being found and used against their original purpose. This book was passed onto my dear friend (The name appears to be blotted out) who, with my consent, carried it to an old chamber in Cloudsdale. To make sure that no one would be able to open this book, nor the chamber, besides their rightful owner I imprinted both with the seal of Loyalty as only the bearer of the artifact can unlock these seals.

By now you may wonder as to why I took such precautions to guard this book, well the truth is that this book inside has many dark secrets. Secrets which, if used improperly, could lead to disastrous consequences. This book itself is the cornerstone in the tower that is Equestria and if one were to read it then they would be holding the keystone that, if it were to be removed (Or in this case, revealed), then they would be able to topple Equestria and bring down the entire nation on its knees. For within this book lies The Truth. The Truth of what really happened back in Equestria's golden years. The Truth of the royal family. The Truth of what really happened to the Exiles. And finally, The Truth our lives and how we were stripped from history and exiled to a far away place, never to be seen or heard of again. By reading this book, you shall ensnare yourself in matters that I would never wish to bestow upon anyone. Before you turn the page, I implore you. Please. Think of your future and what you are getting into and only once you have truly thought it over, do you have a choice. The choice to leave now and forever forget of this place and my words, never to see of them again or you can keep reading and tear down your life and rebuild a new one. The choice is yours.

Rainbow Dash put the page down, and looked at the book that lay before her. The book, which was so raggedy, aged, worn, and weathered. It looked like any old book and yet...The book's presence belayed its appearance as it gave an aura of power, age, and darkness. A feeling which she had not felt since she had fought Nightmare Moon. But this time, the feeling of darkness was not evil, rather it was warding, lonesome, and full of sadness. Rainbow Dash, for the first time ever, carefully considered her options, and at last she made her choice:

Rainbow Dash opened the book.

Author's Note

I'll appreciate any corrections regarding punctuation or grammar as this is my first fanfic.

P.S. The first chapter of the journal will be published, hopefully, by the end of the week. -Ashe S. Black