//------------------------------//
// Preparing for the unknown 
// Story: The Forest Kingdom 
// by Arctic Soul 
//------------------------------//

	Twilight rushed back and forth around the library. It was a noticeably silent run, and she sometimes had to catch a book that had fallen of the shelves, to prevent waking up Spike again. Each time she went from one side of the library to the other she had more stuff, which she dropped into a quickly growing pile of objects. A random assortment of books, quills, rope, and some food. After a few minutes of running Twilight finally stopped and set a pair of saddle bags on top of the pile.
She stared at the pile and sighed. "This is going to take a while." Her horn started shining as all of the items were enveloped in a purple aura. With a small burst of magic Twilight organized everything, and carefully fit it into the two saddlebags. "Or not." She smiled. "Tomorrow as soon as the sun rises I'm going to find out what is happening for myself." She said as she placed the saddlebags beside the library door. Twilight looked over at the windows. "Why is it so bright in here? It still night." She walked over to the windows and looked out. 
The sun had started rising from the East, and was barely visible over the horizon. "Oh. Grabbing all of those books took longer than I thought it would." She said as she levitated the saddlebags onto her back. "I guess I'll leave now. Starlight knows where I'm going so I shouldn't have to wake Spike." Twilight left the library and walked down the hallway towards the entrance room. She opened the doors with her magic and then left.

*****

Twilight stood at the edge of the Everfree forest. The weight of her saddlebags was uncomfortable but manageable. She looked behind her, but there was nopony there. I’ve done this many times before, so why does it feel wrong? She thought. Then realized it was probably that she had none of her friends with her. She hadn’t invited any of them because she felt that she could do this alone, and she didn’t really want to bug them this early in the morning. At least I’m not trying to go to the center of the forest. I’m just going to find what’s stopping all of the explorations. After all none of the reports said that it injured them, only that it stopped them.
The lavender unicorn took her first step into the forest.

*****

Two days, and many incidents with inhabitants of the forest later, Twilight had finally reached, what she assumed to be, the point where all other expeditions had stopped. 
Over the past two days she had encountered Timberwolves, Star-spawn, and many other creatures. Usually she would find them, or them her, during the night. The star-spawn had just walked by her, but after her earlier experience with an Ursa Miner, Twilight knew better than to underestimate them. The Timberwolves had also seemed unusually docile. Instead of attacking her as soon as they saw her, they had just growled until she had backed off and let them pass her.
In front of her there was a large set of gates. They were made out of magically shaped wood, so that the wood was still alive, but arranged into the shape of a gate. In front of the gate there were two Timberwolves, and one small dragon. The dragon had dark green scales, and stood only about two ponies tall. In both hands the dragon help primitive-looking spears, but both of them were glowing with some kind of magical aura.
“Halt! What business do you have in the Realm of Kingdoms?” The dragon said in a commanding, feminine voice.
“I have just come to learn what is stopping all ponies from exploring this section of the forest.” Twilight replied, in what she hopped was a confident voice. In truth she was pretty scared by the Timberwolves. “Was it you? If not could you tell me what or who it is?”
“If I tell you than I will have to remove your memory of this conversation. Do you wish to continue?”
“Yes, the only reason I came here was to learn, so I might as well hear what this is.”
“It was me. Though I have not stopped even a single pony from entering the realm, I remove all of their memories after they leave. My spear, Elanterect, has the ability to remove desired memories from its victim.” She said while lifting the spear in her right hand. “While Shaldiur,” She lifted her left spear. “Has been enchanted to retrieve the memories lost, and return them if necessary.” 
“Oh. That would explain it. What about the maps? All the maps are also blank when concerning the ‘Realm of Kingdoms’”.
“Another one of my responsibilities is to erase all written, drawn, or in any other ways inscribed, knowledge of the Realm.”
“You said the Realm of Kingdoms, what kingdoms? To my knowledge there are no kingdoms anywhere near Equestria.” Twilight said.
“The kingdoms: Alusia, Valinor, Relance, and the Forest Kingdom. The Kingdom of Alusia is the land of dragons. Valinor, the Constilii or star-spawn as most ponies from outside call them. Relance holds the Timberwolves, and all small creatures. While the Forest Kingdom is inhabited entirely by ponies.”
“Really? Ponies live here? Anyway if you’re going to tell me freely than why do you not want anypony that leaves to remember this place?”
“It is not my choice. That was decided by High King Winds Rest. He is the ruler of the Forest Kingdom, but has also gained authority over all other Kings in the Realm. If you wish to know more than you should seek his counsel.” The dragon stepped to the side. “If you wish to enter, continue. The Forest Kingdom is to the right of Xerian. When you enter you will be on the outskirts of Xerian, continue on the road you find until you reach the center of town. Then go right. My sister Tyreth guards the north gates of Xerian. Tell her that Kyren sent you to visit the King of the Forest.” 
Twilight started walking forward. “Thank you Kyren. I only have one more question for you. Will you take my memories when I leave?” 
“Yes, I remove the memories from all who leave, even the kings. But you will only forget what you saw in the Realm and most of our conversation. You will not forget anything else from your past.” By the time Kyren finished talking Twilight had reached the gate and was politely waiting for her to finish.
“Then I will see you later. Bye Kyren.” 
“Farewell traveler.”
Twilight stepped through the gates; she saw a bright, white flash, and everything changed.