> Ent Of The Everfree
>  by Note Of A Ghost
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1:  The Tree Man
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wow, I never thought something this beautiful would reside in the Everfree." Twilight said, completly blown away by the scene before her.

After hours of trudging through thick shrub and the mysterious unknown, the group of seven came to a clearing at the base of a waterfall that crashed down into a crystal clear lake. The lake sat still only being disturbed by the ripples from the colliding water. A soft surrounding of short grass being the only thing separating the trees and the pool.

It was such a sight that even Rarity had broken her focus from the 'icky' mud.

"I think here is as good of a spot as any to set up camp, what do y'all think?" Applejack asked, placing her bag on the grass.

"Look at that water... It's absolutely magnificent!" Rarity squeed.

"Last one in's a rotten apple!" Spike shouted before tearing off his shirt and making a beeline for the lake, only to meet the ground mere feet before the water's edge. He looked up as there was a splash, sending a few drops over him. "What the fuck, Dash!"

Rainbow Dash laughed at Spike's misery as Applejack and Pinkie Pie rushed into the water.

"Spike, Watch your language!" Twilight scolded him only making Dash laugh harder.

Spike got up with huff and was just about step into the water when a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Oh don't worry about them, Spikey. We're all here to have fun." Rarity said before kissing him on the cheek and running to her swimming friends. The now blushing dragon forcefully calmed himself as his newly grown wings threaten to extend against his will. Another huff escaped his lips before he joined them.

Back on dry land, Twilight and Fluttershy were laying out a picnic blanket and collecting the abandoned hiking bags and clothes when Fluttershy noticed something was off.

"Twilight..." She said, gaining the attention of her alicorn friend. "Do you see that tree over there?" Fluttershy pointed out to a tree on the tree line.

"You're going to have be a little more specific, Fluttershy." Twilight replied, slightly amused by the question.

"That one there." 

Twlight followed her hand and sure enough there was indeed... A tree.

"It looks like a tree to me."

"I don't like it." Fluttershy said almost upset.

"Well don't look at it." Twilight was confused by how 'funny' her friend was acting. "Fluttershy, are you feeling okay?"

"I guess I'm just a bit nervous. A small family of squirrels came to my cottage early this morning, they were worried about the forest."

Twilight's confusion did nothing but grow. "Why are squirrels worried about a bunch of trees." She quizzed.

"They think that something is changing the other creatures." Fluttershy whispered, sending shivers through Twilight's fur. As spooked as she was, though, Twilight shrugged it off so they could enjoy today.

"I'm sure what ever it is isn't that bad. We can handle anything in this forest now... I am a princess." 

Both mares giggle before returning to the fun they were suppose to be having. Just in time to have their attention caught by a certain drake shouting from distance.

"Look out below!"

All six mares looked to top of the waterfall to see Spike as he was about to jump. The drop was about thirty feet, so nothing too dangerous, but still enough to cause alarm to the more paranoid of the group.

"Spike! What are you doing up there!" Twilight screamed.

"Bah, I've got wings." He says while shrugging.

And away he jumps. The group gasped as Spike's body sliced through the surface of the water, making quite the splash. There was utter silence as worry grew since time was ticking on and Spike hadn't surfaced yet.

"Do you think he's alive?" Pinkie asked, breaking the ice.

"Yahoo!" Spike cheered as he burst through the surface with a fist pump before sinking back down. "What a rush." He continued as he swam back to the others in the water. Dash, Applejack and Pinkie cheered and highfived Spike.

"The food is out if any of..." Twilight didn't even get to finish her sentence before a soaking Pinkie was sitting on her lap, munching on a sandwich. "You could've at least dried yourself before doing... Whatever it is you just did."

"Where's the fun in that?" Pinkie replied simply.

As the group ate their lunch, unnatural movement in the tree line caught the attention of a watcher. Said watcher saw that this group was in much more danger than they realise, especially since they were about to encounter the infection.

The leaves of a bush were slowly pushed apart as a large, heavy body slithered through with utter silence and skill of a predator moving on its prey. 

"You don't need to be on a beach to bathe in sunlight, darling." Rarity said as she layed on a beach towel, soaking in the sun's rays.

"Amen." Spike whispered to himself before sitting bolt upright and a face of terror.

The group notice and voice their concern, asking if he's okay, to which he replies

"Manticore!"

All seven of them jump to their feet as the hulking beast pounces for the nearest which happens to the white unicorn, Rarity. Spike reacted fast and with an extremely powerful beat of his wings, he rocketed straight in the way to have his shoulder crushed within the the beast's strong jaws.

"Spike!" Rarity screamed, 

"Get back!" Spike demanded and Rarity backed away to the the others.

Spike faced the manticore, their faces inches apart before taking a pained breath in and releasing a torrent of green flames right into it's eyes. The manticore reared back with a deafening roar. It forced itself to the ground, knocking Spike down. The beast was readying to the clamp its teeth on the drakes throat. Spike closed his eyes, not noticing the heavy vibrations in the ground below him.

*Thud* *THUD* *THUD*

A huge being swung its enormous arm, hitting the manticore in the side and launching it across the clearing were it collided Into tree trunks.

Spike stared at the being and it stared back. It was a giant stallion... Made of trees!

"Spike! Your shoulder. Are you okay?" Twilight shouted, rushing to his side. She glanced over where the manticore had latched on, only finded scratches.

"I'm fine, my scales are tough." He replied with a wince.

A furious roar resounded through the forest, snapping the attention of everyone present to the manticore as it charged back the beast. It's eyes were glowing a vibrant green, something manticore don't have. The giant readied itself in a stance and went to attack but was caught off guard by the manticore pouncing into it. The beast's claws dug into the being as did its teeth. The being cried out before throwing the beast into the ground with a hard thump.  Before the beast could recover, the being raised its right arm as it formed from a hand into a spear. The being thrusted it's spear arm down slicing straight into the body of the manticore. The beast cried and thrashed around as droplets of blood spurted from the soon-to-be fatal wound. The thrashing and crying turned to forced breaths and whimpering as the life left the beast.

The giant whispered in an ancient tongue before ripping it's own arm off, leaving it in the dead manticore.

The group were absolutely shell shocked by what had unfolded infront of them.

The severed arm started moving. It twisted and grew, extending branches from the top and a thick trunk at the bottom. The trunk eventually swollowed the body and the branches grew leaves which bloomed into a beautiful flower as the transformation was completed

The being turned to the group which became ridged from it's gaze.

"Are you... Okay?" It's voice was rough and deep, but also slow and full of wisdom. When recieving no reply, the being spoke again. "Do not be... Afraid... I am..."

"An Ent! A real life ent!" Twilight shouted in joy. This broke the trance of the others and they all looked to the purple alicorn with clueless expressions.

"A what now?" Applejack asked.

"It's an ent. Ancient guardians of myth that are said to be a part of the forests. They watch over all the creature and protect the innocent from any evil that threatens their homes." Twilight explained, only getting more excited. "Wait..." She exclaimed, putting her excitement on pause. "Why did you attack the manticore? If anything you should have attack us for intruding on your forest."

"Don't give him ideas." Dash said as she subtly hid behind Applejack.

"That manticore was no longer under my care... She was infected." The giant said as he glanced at the new tree before returning his gaze.

Fluttershy gasped in realisation, this is what the squirrels meant.

"Yes, miss Fluttershy. I was the one who sent that small family to your door." The giant said.

The group became on edge as the giant spoke Fluttershy's name.

"How... How do you know my name?" Fluttershy asked meekly.

"I know many things." He said mystically.

There was a slight *pop* sound as Twilight wrote out a letter in her magic. The giant watched her as she passed the letter to Spike, which he engulfed in flames. The giant turned and started walking.

"Wait where are you going?" Twilight exclaimed.

"You wish for me to meet your mentor, do you not?" The giant replied

"How did..."

"I suggest we do not keep her waiting, Princess Sparkle."

"How did... What have we found?" Twilight rhetorically asked her friends. Before the seven followed the tree man.
> Chapter 2: Grey Willow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Why did you rip off your own arm? A bit extreme, don't you think?" Spike asked, drawing everyone's attention to the Ent's missing limb. It was the first thing to be said for quite some time.

"A sacrafice... The animal's spirit... Was caged... No longer in control... Giving a part of me... Allows the spirit... To live on... As a piece of the forest... As it was meant to be." 

The group went back to sitting in silence, not knowing what to say as they waited. It was agreed that they would stay at the clearing and wait for the princess to arrive. The Ent wasn't so keen on staying, but Twilight convinced him by saying that Celestia was coming here and to walk away would only complicate things.

"This location is rather beautiful." Rarity said, trying to change the awkward atmosphere. There was a round of agreements, except for the Ent.

"Not if you see as I do... The lake is tainted with blood... The stone is as silent as it is still... And the trees weep with torment... I do not find this place... Beautiful." The Ent said, leaving the group speechless as they try to wrap their heads around his words. They all become uncomfortable with the scenery as it has been spoiled.

"As poetic and gruesome as that may be, why don't you like it here?" Twilight asked.

"The lake is tainted with blood... The stone is silent as it is still... And the trees weep with torment." The Ent simply repeated.

"I don't think we've found the smartest tool in the... Tool... Drawer." Dash whispered to Applejack.

"Look whose talking." Applejack quipped, lightly elbowing her friend.

"What does that mean?" Twilight asked, a slight hint of agitation in her voice.

The Ent took a moment to think. Trying to find a way for them to understand what he means wasn't easy, especially since this language felt so foreign.

"It is like Fluttershy..." The Ent started. Fluttershy hid behind her mane at the mention of her name. "I... can speak with the forest... As she... can speak with animals." He finished. A small victory was achieved as the group finally understood. "I... do not find... this place beautiful... Where you see clear water... I see murky blood... Where you see tall... Strong... Pinaceae... I see... Broken husks... Where you see... Solid stone... I see rubble... Bound by emptyness... I do not like... This place... Because the forest... hurts here... A wound... Bitter sadness." The group was captivated by his words as if he were telling a story around a campfire; they were interested, but were disturbed and fearful of what's to come.

"So what happened here?" Spike asked.

"I... Can not... Say." The Ent replied.

"Why not?" Rainbow asked,  demanding for an answer.

"Because... I do not... Know."

"What!" Rainbow threw her arms in the air, grumbling about how she hates cliff hangers.

"If you can talk to the forest, surely it can tell you what happened." Twilight said.

"That is true... However... You... Of all ponies... Should know... You can not... Force others... To share... What they do not wish... To share."

Spike got to his feet quickly and flared his wings. "What's that supposed to mean!" He shouted, shaping up for a fight.

"Spike! Calm down! He's right, I am the princess of friendship, I should know that... Plus, I doubt you could fight an Ent." Twilight explained, calming the young drake. Spike sat back down with a huff, releasing a plume of smoke from his nostrils

"Why... Are you... Offended?" The Ent asked Spike.

"What?" Spike replied.

"If there was any offence... To be taken... It would be taken by Twilight... Why do you stand?" The Ent elaborated.

"It's what friends do. If your her enemy, your mine aswell." Spike seemed excessively aggressive with the way he spoke.

"I do not... understand such a concept... As friendship." The Ent said, bringing shock to the whole group. Especially to the princess of friendship.

"Are you saying you don't have any friends?" Rainbow asked.

"Friends?... I do not." The Ent answered.

"How could you not have friends? Surely you've had at least one, life is simply dull without them." Rarity spoke.

"I do not... Remember." 

"You don't remember if you've had friends?" Rainbow said, not buying it.

"So many things... I feel as though... I know... But do not."

"Amnesia? Intriguing. What is the oldest thing you remember?" Twilight asked, taking on the role of a psychologist.

"Another Question... that would be... Wise to..." The Ent started, but was cut off.

"To wait for the princess to arrive? You know it's not hard to repeat yourself." Twilight sounded slightly agitated that she didn't get her answer.

"I... Was going to say... It would be wise... To have your princesses... Join us... Instead of... Concealing themselves in magic." The mares and drake looked around, confused. They were the only ones in the clearing, and if Celestia or Luna was nearby Twilight would have picked up on their high magical aura. "Why... do you hide... You have... no enemies here." The Ent spoke towards air which only rose the confusion of the group.

There was a small whizzing sound as a golden sphere and a cobalt blue sphere appeared shortly before disappearing, leaving princess Celestia and princess Luna in their wake. The group's confusion was promptly replaced with shock as they all knelt quickly to their monarchs.

"You may rise, my little ponies." The White alicorn said.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna... What were you doing?" Twilight asked as she hugged her mentor.

"Princess Twilight..." Celestia started causing Twilight's brain to malfunction as that was the first time Celestia had addressed her as a princess out of formal means. "You needn't bow to me, you are also a princess."

"Sorry, old habbits." Twilight said sheepishly with a slight blush of embarrassment.

"What is more of concern is how this Ent knew we were here" Luna said, stepping towards the tree with an inquisitive spark in her eye.

"Yes, how did you know we were here?" Celestia asked.

"I... Did not... The forest told me... Of your presence." The Ent said with a slight nod of his head.

"You can speak with the forest? Just like the legends. Can you command wild life as well..." Celestia asked, indulging in her desire for discovering new things. Her eyes widened as she realised how quickly she dropped the normally indestructible princess mask. "Excuse me, it's been a very long time since something so interesting as presented itself to me." She said, trying to recover what credibility had been dropped.

Celestia's eye twitched as she saw her sister putting so much effort in keeping herself from bursting into fits of laughter. Luna knew exactly what the twitch meant and had to take a deep breath.

"It is unnerving... To see you both... Taunt one another... Like times... Of old." The Ent spoke.

The two sisters were quite shocked that he was also able to pick up on such subtle banter between them, but they kept it well hidden.

"I don't understand what you mean." Celestia replied.

"Nor do I. We do not 'taunt' each other." Luna said in addition, striking a quizzical expression.

"Then... I must be mistaken... I... Appologise."

The Ent's words sounded sincere which threw the sisters off even more. The other ponies and Spike were beyond confused at what was being said, but didn't voice any questions.

"If I can drag us back to the topics at hand..." Twilight started.

"Please." Spike sighed with a fluff of his wings, obviously exhausted by the confusion.

"Can you tell us your name now?" Twilight asked.

"Of course... I am called... Salix Atrocinerea." The Ent answered.

"That sounds familiar..." Twilight uttered.

"It's the proper name for a grey willow." Fluttershy said softly.

"Hold on just a flying minute here! If you have amnesia, why can you remember your name?" Rainbow interogated, grasping at straws.

"From my... Limited knowledge... Names work differently... For Ents." Salix responded.

"How convenient." Rainbow stated, crossing her arms.

"I would like... You to trust me... Perhaps... leading you to my sanctuary... Will help alter... Your stance." Salix said.

"And why, exactly, do you want my trust?" Rainbow asked firmly.

"Darling, there's no need to be so rude." Rarity insisted, lightly hitting Rainbow's shoulder.

"I feel it... Nessessary... It would also... prevent division... Of a powerful force... If certain events arose."

"And which certain events are we speaking of?" Luna questioned.

"I... should not... Say." Salix answered evasively. He turned away from them and started pacing, pondering on the amount of trust he should put in these ponies. He started whispering to himself in an incoherent babble.

"I have reached... Conclusion... If you would follow... I will show you." Salix said turning back to the group.

"And what are you going to show us?" Rainbow asked, again, making her distrust very clear.

"I... Can explain... As we walk... I know little... But need aid... In my search." Salix answered.

"What are you searching for?" Twilight asked, captivated by the idea of a mythical adventure.

Salix turned and walked in a seemingly random direction. Even though he was around ten feet tall, he walked rather slow. About the same speed as the ponies.

"Celestia? Are we going to follow?" Twilight asked with pleading eyes.

"Ooo, an adventure!" Pinkie shouted with glee.

"I don't know about this." Rainbow disagreed.

"As long as we don't have to go crawling through icky mud." Rarity hoped.

There was silence from Celestia as she pondered. There were definite risks, but if she and Luna went along they would have more than enough protection, even if this Ent were luring them into a trap, he doesn't seem all that devious... In fact he's more blunt but also wise.

"I suppose there would be little harm in finding out where this Ent wishes to lead us." Celestia said before the group went after Salix.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The group had covered a surprisingly large amount of distance in the short time walking. They were in a part of the forest that had rarely been traversed and it showed as there was a low thick bush covering the whole forest floor, making the majority of the group nervous with each step.

"Salix Atrocinerea. What a mouthful, can we give you a nickname?" Pinkie asked.

"You... May."

"What about Root?"

"I don't know, doesn't have enough grunt if you ask me." Applejack said.

"We could call him Grey Willow." Fluttershy suggested.

"you did say it was his... Uh, more simple name." Rarity stated. The group nodded in agreement, minus a rainbow maned pegaus.

"Grey, You said you name works differently to ours. How does it work?" Twilight asked On another topic.

"I... Share my name... With many of my kin... A Tribe... If you will." Salix answered.

"Wait, so how do you tell eachother apart?" Pinkie quizzed.

"We do not... Individualise... With names."

"But what if you're talking with more than one other Ent? Won't it get confusing?" Twilight asked.

"I... Do not know... I have not spoken... With others... Of my kind." Salix answered.

The group looked to eachother with a mix of confusion and concern.

"If I may, Grey. How old are you?" Celestia asked.

"It has been... too long to know... for certain..." Celestia gave a smirk to her sister as they have seen millennia. That was until grey continued. He gave a small chuckle. "One of the... Few things... I remember... Was the day... You were born... Celestia. The kingdom... Stood still... For the first time." Grey said, reliving the old memory.

"Wow! I had no idea Ents could live for so long." Twilight exclaimed, soaking up as much information as possible.

"They may... They may not." Grey said mysteriously.

"What do you mean by that?" Applejack asked, voicing everyone's thoughts.

"I know little... Of my kin." 

"How can you not know about your family, or even your kind?" Rarity asked as if it disturbed her.

"It is not simple... When they have... not existed for many millennia." Grey answered a bit firmer than his normal soft tone.

Everyone was slightly taken aback. Although it was not vicious, it was an incredible change in the short amount of time they had known this tree stallion.

"If Ents don't exist, then what are you?" Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow.

"For Celestia's sake! Rainbow! We understand that you don't like Grey! But can you not understand that he is the last of his kind and has been plagued with such a curse for Celestia knows how long! How would you feel if you were the only pony in the world!" Fluttershy exploded at her friend, completly taking everyone by surprise, even Grey was slightly intimidated by the always timid mare. Fluttershy quickly realised what had happened and apologised to everyone, especially Rainbow. "I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me. Please forgive me, Dashie." Fluttershy said on the brink of tears.

"It's okay, flutters. You're right. I'm sorry, Grey." Rainbow said, her ears flat and her head hung low.

"Where I'm taking you... Will explain... More than I can." Grey replied with little interest in the apologies.

"Where are you taking us?" Luna asked.

"Once a city... Now... it serves as... my sanctuary." Grey answered as they continued their short journey.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


After nearly an hour of walking, the forest started to change around them. At first no one noticed, but the nearer they were to their destination, the more noticeable the changes became.

"Um, why are those glowing?" Applejack asked as she pointed out a few strange-looking fruit, hanging in the canopy above them that were indeed glowing with a vibrant, light blue colour.

"The flora... is very different... to what you... would be use to... No pony... to my knowledge... has ventured here." Grey explained. "They are similar... to your apples... But glow." He added.

"So we are the first ponies to have ever seen what we're seeing?" Twilight asked.

"To my... Knowledge... Yes."

"Where better to house a species said to protect forests, than in an unknown part of a forest." Celestia said.

The group came to a stop when Grey halted by the dangling vines of a large tree. The vines were thick and seemingly heavy, making it difficult to see what lies beyond.

"What... You are going to see... Must not be known... By any others... Than those present... If such knowledge... Were to be shared... I would fear... The destruction... Of the single... And only representation... Of my kin." Grey warned as he reached through the vines with his one arm and pulled them to one side, making a doorway for them to pass through.

With the weight of the situation settling in, no one wanted be the first to step through, but the curiosity became too much for Celestia and she took the leap with her sister and student beside her. The rest of the group followed shortly after.

What they saw took their breath away. They stood at the head of a large, stone bridge that lead across a deep valley that curved away making the other side of the bridge look like an island that held and incredible structure of sheer beauty and architectural finesse. 

Art by martanael on deviant art
"Suyaa Riin... The great city... Or so the scriptures... Have told." Grey stated as he walked past the gobsmacked group of ponies.

"Although it's a stunning view, It doesn't exactly look big enough to be a city." Rarity said.

"Size doesn't matter, Rarity. It doesn't have to be big to be great." Twilight stated.

"I'm with Rarity. You know the old saying; the bigger the better." Applejack declared.

"Are we still talking about the city?" Spike asked, earning a small slap on the shoulder from Twilight. "Ow! Why?"

"You don't need to be making jokes like those." Twilight scolded.

"Why not? Princess Luna thought it was funny." Spike complained. All eyes turned to Luna, who adorned a guilty expression. Twilight turned back to Spike with a scowl.

"Come on, Twilight. Ease up, we're all here to have fun." Pinkie chimed in.

"Why don't we see what Grey wants to show us." Celestia advised, prying the focus back to where it should be.

Grey had already crossed the sturdy stone bridge and was already waiting at the large gates on the other side. The ponies quickly made their way across the gorge for Grey to make the next movement.

The Ent placed his arm against the left door and heaved. The door resisted his efforts, but soon gave in and moved slowly with a loud, rusty whine. Everyone passed through to be met by the entrance of what could be guessed as a castle. Grey led them up the few steps and again pushed open the large door with great, but less than before, effort.

The room was grand, with a curved double staircase that framed another set of doors. However, it was plagued by the broken statues that lined the cracked and crumbling walls. The white stone floors with a dull grey seeping through, and the wild plant life that curled through the shattered windows like a green smoke.

"It isn't... much further." Grey said as he started heading down a hallway to the right of the stairs. The hallway was much the same as the first room with its beauty and magnificence clouded by a length of time in decay. Grey turned left, down another hallway and the ponies followed. The hallway ended when it joined another that ran along the edge of the building with more shattered windows that revealed a deep valley. This side of the valley was completely coated with countless more buildings, making the "small city" easily twice the size of Canterlot. At the base of the valley and heading up the other side was a true castle. The structure was many amounts bigger than the one they were currently in and had several spires reaching for the sky as they surrounded a center building that sent bridges, connecting it to the towers. Looking back upon the city, everyone noticed that it was in utter dismay. Nearly all of the roofs had some part that had caved in and the streets were covered in rubble. Even in its ruined state, it was still very impressive. Not only was it an incredible sight, but it had lasted for so long against the harsh and wild weather of the Everfree.

"So Rarity... Still too small to be a city, huh?" Rainbow asked sarcastically.

"I reckon it's earned "The Great City" as its title." Applejack stated.

"Grey..." Twilight said, halting the Ent and drawing his attention to her.

"Is there something... Bothering you... Princess of Friendship?" Grey asked.

"Uh, just curious. If that's the castle over there, what's this one?"

"It's age... Makes its difficult... To know... It could have been... A scholar's collection... Or it could be... A city archive." Grey answered.

"Are you saying there's books here?" Twilight asked with her left eye twitching.

"I am..." Grey started, raising Twilight's hopes. "However... The language is lost... Even to me." He finished, making Twilight deflate like Pinkie's mane.

"Is there any way we can learn this language?" Celestia asked, joining the conversation and leaving everyone else as they marvelled over the city.

"I sought... for your help... Because I have not a way... But I believe it not impossible." Grey explained.

"If I may ask, Grey. What is that?" Luna asked as she pointed out a bright, sickly green glow infront of the castle entrance.

"It looks very similar to changeling magic. Celestia, do you think Chysalis has found this place?" Twilight asked.

"I honestly can't say for sure..." Celestia started.

"That there.... Is magic beyond... even that... of the changeling queen... It is the magic... that has caused... So much suffering... for this forest... And its inhabitants." Grey said mysteriously.

"So what is it?" Rainbow asked, cutting to the chase.

"It is a tear in the veil... That separates this world... From that of the spirits." Grey explained. Everyone's eyes went wide at the description Grey had given them. "Time... Is of the essence... Please... Follow me." Grey said before he continued down the hallway. The group was in no hesitation and followed closely. "That tear... Has been there since before I can remember... I have been able to study it... And among what little... it has revealed to me... It affects everything to it's soul... The animals become lost... Pained and uncontrolled... I have seen hydras flee... from rabbits... that are effected by this magic... I also found... That it is dormant... Closed... like an unlocked door... long ago." Grey explained as they arrived at large, single door which he pushed aside for everyone to enter.

The room wasn't very big, but it was very high and had shelves lining the walls, top to bottom filled with books. A collection of wows came from the ponies as they all took in the impressive collection of ancient pages.

"I have seen the pages... of every book... but not a single tale." Grey said.

"That's beyond frustrating." Twilight seethed

"So, Grey. You had an idea on how we could learn this language?" Celestia asked.

The Ent didn't say anything.

"You do have an idea, don't you?" Luna asked, stepping forward.

"No... I do not." Grey answered.

"I get a feeling this is going to be a very extensive adventure." Rarity sighed.





Just over half an hour had passed as the ponies, drake and Ent threw ideas about on how they could break this language barrier. The ideas included: how about we have a picnic? Which was suggested by none other than the pink party mare herself, Pinkie Pie. It was another ten minutes before the first 'real' idea was produced.

"I've got it!" Rainbow shouted out. "Twi, when you fought Starlight the second time, didn't you use some sort of time travel spell?"

"Are you saying one of us should go back in time to try and find a translation?" Spike asked as he inspected the desk before kicking over an empty bin.

"Why not?" Rainbow asked.

"I doesn't sound like a bad idea." Applejack agreed.

"It is the best we've come up with thus far." Rarity added.

"There are so many things we would need to consider. For starters, to travel back as far as Grey makes it sound would take a tremendous amount of magic, possibly even killing an alicorn, and even if we were to use that much magic, it could take years to create a transcript. We don't even know if the equestrian language would be the same as it is now." Twilight exclaimed.

"It wouldn't  have to be... the same... Perhaps... With the combined magic... of three alicorns... It would be enough." Grey said, bringing a whole new possibility to the equation.

"But who would go through? I know I don't want to." Fluttershy asked.

"Considing what Grey said about no pony having been this far into the everfree, It would be best if Grey were to go along with one of us. If the Ents were to see one of their own, we would be seen as less of a threat." Luna stated.

"Celestia, do you know this spell?" Twilight asked.

"I have heard of it, but not of depth. It is not everyday I read forbidden scrolls... Especially when they get stolen." Celestia replied with a laugh.

"Unfortunately, it's not as simple as casting a spell. There needs to be an anchor at both places, the one in the present being stronger." Twilight started to explain.

"Then how did starlight do it?" Spike asked.

"She activated the spell, which doesn't take as much magic, although still a lot. The map was acting as the stronger anchor. How she got an anchor on the other end, even she doesn't know." Twilight answered.

"Wait, so how were you able to follow her?" Applejack asked.

"I was piggybacking off the residual magic. We're drifting from the topic at hand. What I'm trying to say is that to go back so far, we would need Celestia, Luna and myself here to cast the spell, be the anchors and hold the spell for as long as we can. What we need is another alicorn to be on the other side to hold the connection."

"And unfortunately Cadence is weeks away even by the fastest means of travel." Celestia added.

"And what of this... Starlight... She has experience... With similar situations... does she not?" Grey suggested.

Silence enveloped the room as all present went into thought.

"It isn't a long trip, we could get her here by tomorrow at the latest. Which is possible considering we still have our camping gear." Twilight considered.

"I could go back. I'd get there and be back in seconds." Rainbow boasted.

"Well what are you waiting for?" Applejack coaxed.

"Hold up Rainbow. Do you know which direction Ponyville is, and could you find your way back here?" Twilight asked.

"Um..." 

"Twilight, wouldn't teleporting be even faster?" Rarity asked.

"It would, but the more magic any of us use now, is less we can use on this time travel spell." Luna answered.

"Why doesn't Grey lead a few of us back so we can get Starlight and pick up a few more supplies on the way?" Pinkie Suggested.

"Good idea."




The next morning Grey, Applejack, Spike and Starlight Glimmer arrived at where the others were waiting.

"I can't believe he's an Ent! A real life, living, breathing, talking Ent!" Starlight yelled to Twilight when the two mares met face to face.

"It's exciting, I know. We have more pressing matters to address right now, though." Twilight said

"Right. The others filled me in on the way." Starlight said before she became slightly worried. "I have to admit, I have my doubts about this."

"We all do." Spike muttered.

"So what do you need me to do?" Starlight asked.

"We need you to act as the anchor in the past to keep you two connected with the present." Twilight answered.

Starlight's face drooped to one of shock and worry. "Wait, I'm going back?"

"Yes. It would be Twilight, but we need as much magic on this side as possible to give you as much time as possible." Celestia said.

"I... I don't know. I mean, that's a lot of responsibility. I don't think I'm ready for that sort of... I don't even know what we're doing back there... then." Starlight said.

"What we're trying to do is find a way of learning their language, or some way to read these books." Twilight informed.

"I'm sure you can do it, Starlight." Fluttershy said in attempt to bolster Starlight's confidence.

The rest of the main six voiced their opinion of belief in Starlight as well.

"Alright, I'll try."

"First things first, we'll need to go over the spell with Celestia and Luna." Twilight stated.

After a few more minutes of preparation, Twilight, Celestia and Luna were standing behind Grey and Starlight. 

"This process is very delicate and if we get interupted it could sever the connection and Starlight and Grey will be stuck in that time period." Twilight said to her friends.

"In other words. Just sit there and be quiet until we're back." Starlight joked.

The three Alircorns' horns flared with their respective magical aura as they began to cast the time travelling spell. The exertion of magic was easily seen as their eyes glowed a bright white. Three magical wisps formed from each alicorn and floated up and over Grey and Starlight before settling infront of them and joining as one. A small, light pink vortex appeared where the wisps met as a wind started to blow around with strength, kicking up a vast amount of dust from around the room.

Starlight nervously looked at the swirling mass of magic as memories of how she used the same magic to almost destroy Equestria. She then noticed Grey looking at her with little emotion on his face. Could ents even show emotion? It wasn't her highest concern at the moment.

"You are worried... Good." Grey spoke as the vortex slowly grew in size.

"Good? I think we have different definitions of the word." Starlight replied.

"It means... you want to succeed... Not wishing... for the concequence... of failure." Grey elaborated. The vortex was now at its largest point, enough for both to walk through in what comfort they can gather.

Grey made the first step before being pulled into the vortex and dissapearing to the other side. Starlight followed, hesitating before the point of no return. "Here we go." Starlight said with a deep breath before completely following Grey. The vortex engulfed Starlight and once she was gone, it shrunk to a sphere the size of a bowling ball. 

Twilight's, Celestia's and Luna's eyes returned to normal and all three of them were hit by fatigue.

"Whew, now we just need to stay focused on that point and hope that Starlight and Grey can find a translation." Twilight said.

"I am glad this step is easier than the last." Luna said with the agreement of her sister.

"At least we are here, in this nice and safe room and not down by that scary magic thing." Fluttershy said.

That was when a loud, high pitched screech echoed through the valley which was followed by a large explosion. Rainbow and Spike ran to the single window in the room and looked for the source of the sounds.

"Oh, that's not good." Spike said.

"You just had to say that, didnt you?" Rainbow commented.

"What is it? What's out there?" Rarity asked anxiously.

"Well, that big scary thing Fluttershy was talking about..." Spike started.

"Yes." Applejack said demanding more info.

"Well. Another one kinda just appeared out side." Spike said, causing the majority of the ponies in the room to pale.

"And that's not the worst part." Rainbow added, still staring out the window. "This one just spat out some wierd looking monsters." She finished, making the rest of the ponies to pale.

"They might be friendly." Fluttershy said with dwindling hope.

One of the monsters spotted Rainbow in the window and pointed at her with an outstretched, sharp claw before releasing the same screech from earlier. The other monsters looked at where the first was pointing before releasing screeches of the own and rushing inside.

"You really need to stop talking. They're coming this way!" Rainbow shouted as she rushed away from the window and over to the door before slamming it shut and leaning against it. Applejack was quick to her aid and started sliding any heavy objects infront of the door. The rest of those who weren't occupied also joined as just before Applejack was able to get a heavy desk infront of the door, it burst open with a great force throwing Rainbow with it. At the door were the monsters.

"This isn't good." Applejack said fearfully as the first monster rushed into the room with its sharp claws bared and ready to slice.
> Chapter 3: The Old World
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

One of the creatures took advantage of the ponies recovering and charged straight for Applejack with it's razor claws poised for striking.

Instinct took hold of Applejack and she tried to raise her arms in defence. The claws came down only to be deflected by a translucent, blue wall. A quick glance behind showed Rarity with the same coloured aura floating around her hands.

"Whew, I owe ya one!" Applejack cheered before twisting her body to the right, bringing her right knee to her stomach as she did. Finishing the spin with the deliverance of an almighty kick of the gods right to the creature's chest, sent it skidding along the floor to the feet of it's friends.

The other three monsters charged forward with much the same show as the first. A chair slammed into the face of one of them, courtesy of Rainbow Dash, while another was assaulted with a torrent of blue bolts, slowing it to a halt. The Third creature reached out for the back of Celestia's neck and sliced at tremendous speeds. A loud grazing sound came from the point of impact as the claws had struck the incredibly tough scales of the young drake who had dived in the way. unfortunately his desperate act wasn't accurate enough to miss Celestia and he knocked her off balance, also breaking her concentration. The sphere of Magic distorted and warped, causing strain on the other two alicorns. Celestia was quick to act and poured her magic back into the sphere, bringing back it's stability.

Getting back to his feet, Spike looked over where he had been cut to see scratches with a small bead of blood. "Those are sharp, you bitch!" Spike exclaimed as he grabbed the back of the beast's head with his left hand, reared back his right arm with his own claws drawn before shoving his hand with all his might into the creature's face.

Spike's fingers sunk in deep and the creature started thrash about in his grip as a mist-like, black liquid spewed out from the wound, saturating Spike. Once it ceased all movement, it started to glow in the same sickly green as the Tear before it exploded, forming a puddle of goo where it once stood. Stunned from the light, Spike lost balance and tumbled at Rainbow's hooves just as she was launching a powerful kick. In an act of desperation, she was able to redirect her attack, but pure luck befell her as she ended much like Spike, on the floor with a very intimidating creature standing over them.

Rarity saw the two and knew if she didn't help them they could end up in a bad state. Taking a moment to charge a recently studied spell in her hands. She could feel the power course through her hands and gather between her palms forming a small, glowing ball of magic. She threw her arms forward launching a small, electrified beam into the creature before her, just as it threw its arm out to strike hitting her in the arm. the beam incinerated a hole through the creature and it trashed about screeching before it too, exploded into a puddle of goo.

Rarity whipped around to face the beast wailing on Spike mercilessly as he protected Rainbow from being struck. His scales may be tough but even they weren't doing so well against the intensity of these attacks. She charged the same spell, feeling her magic drain for her reserve and into her fingertips. This was surely the last time she could cast this. With the spell fully charged she threw her arms forward, only to be shoved to the ground with Applejack now atop her, both groaning from the collision. What little of the beam was cast struck forth, hitting it's target barely, but enough to stun it as it stumbled off of Spike.

Spike was obviously hurt as he hit the ground beside Rainbow on the brink of unconsciousness. After watching Spike take those hits for her, a fiery rage grew within her chest and she launched into action. She placed he hooves below her while still crouching. Her wings spread and with an immense push, she flew shoulder first into the chest of her opponent. The two went Barrelling for the wall which cracked and crumbled under the impact, the impact that left a sore Rainbow laying in a puddle of black ooze.

As the final creature exploded below Applejack's hoof, there was a second boom. Rainbow got to her hooves and ran over to the window where she saw the tear in veil change.

"Something is happening out there." She stated, causing the rest of the ponies to look at her.

"Are more of those things coming?" Applejack asked as she nursed a now unconscious Spike. "Fluttershy, can you help me over here." Fluttershy obeyed and uncurled from the corner and rushed over to Spike's limp form.

"No, I don't think so." Rainbow replied.

"We should use this time to barricade the door!" Rarity suggested weakly. Rainbow nodded and went to work.

"I'm sorry Applejack, I should've helped." Fluttershy apologised as she opened a first aid kit from her bag.

"It's alright, Sugarcube. We handled it just fine. Plus, we can't have the only pony here who knows first aid to get hurt now can we?" Applejack said, calming the distressed Fluttershy. Applejack got up to help with the barricade but as she did she noticed Rarity not looking so flash. "You okay, Rares?"

"Hmm, oh I'm fine, darling. A little exhausted is all, I'm not use to using this type of magic." Rarity answered.

"Alright then. Sit down for bit, if more of them come you can bet your hide we'll need you."




Meanwhile in the past





The seemingly endless swirling came to a halt and the pink morphed into the room Starlight was just in... only cleaner. A second look around the room and it was clear the spell worked. A deep sigh escaped Starlight's lips.

"Back in time... again." She mumbled.

Grey turned to her and could see this was bringing back some unpleasant memories. He figured it best to leave the subject for later as there were higher priorities. 

"It would take time... to search each book... for any differences." Grey stated.

"Yeah, time we don't exactly have." Starlight added. "So what's our plan?"

Grey didn't answer, instead he just stood and stared at Starlight, making her slightly uncomfortable. A few light thuds came from behind the door and both of them turned to face it. The door handle twisted and Starlight's heart rate quickened. 

The door creaked open to reveal an Ent. Starlight took notice that this one was not like Grey, it was shorter, and a lighter colour. 

'How do I tell apart genders? Starlight wondered to herself.

It also had very thick rimmed glasses sitting atop a short, stubby nose. A baby blue cloth was hung over it's left shoulder and connected again at it's right hip. This Ent was carrying a book and refused to look up even as it shut the door with it's foot. The being stopped in its tracks before slowly raising it's head to meet with Starlight's gaze. 

Starlight could feel it curiously look her from head to toe. That was until it dropped its book and it's right hand shifted to a small and sharp spike. Panic grasped Starlight in it's greedy fingers as she failed to move. The Ent went to step forward but stopped abruptly.

"You. Will. Not. Harm. Her!" Grey stated viciously as he moved in front of Starlight, his own arm as a spike, but his was longer and wider, much like a lance.

Starlight took a quick breath but couldn't calm just yet. She has no idea what kind of damage a fight between two mythical beings could entail.

The other Ent took a moment to process what was happening before it collapsed to one knee with his head down. It spoke in a foreign tongue with... fear?

"Grey? What's it saying?" Starlight asked hesitantly.

"The language... of the forest... Unfortunately... I do not... speak it." Grey turns back to the ent. "Why... do you bow... to me?"

The other Ent looked up at Grey, quizically. It took him a moment but he cautiously rose before wandering along his bookshelves and pulling out a book. Flicking through a few pages the Ent then looked back to the two. Grey was still protecting Starlight.

"Thou Speaketh the tongue of ponies?" The Ent asked, shocking the both of them. a translation already exists.

'This makes things easier.' Starlight thought to herself.

"Atrocinerae, thou do not know how thine is?" He continues. Grey can't find a response. "This concerns mineself of the future. Salix art a prestigious branch the family Salicaceae, Atrocinerae being..." The ent pauses for a second before referencing his book. "The... second for... the throne." Silence fills the room. Starlight can't believe what she's hearing, Grey is royalty... ent royalty. She had no idea ent society was so similar to that of the ponies. Her thought were cut short, though.

The Ent flips though a few more pages before holding a stern stance. "Atrocinerea. Thou art traitorous. What reason have thou for bringing a pony here?"

"He's not a traitor." Starlight started, stepping out from behind her living cover. "We have come from the future and we need a translation between out languages to save our home." It seemed like a reasonable explanation.

The Ent flipped though more pages, back and forth.  

The atmosphere grew thick as they waited for a response.

"Thou needeth proof."

Starlight thinks for a second before moving to the side to reveal the small, floating ball of magic. The ent is stunned by what it's seeing. It wanders over closer to the ball, examining it with a keen eye. It reaches out an arm and moves it's hand around the ball before pausing, wondering. It places its hand on the ball and the pink magic warps and flows up the Ent's arm, though the groves in It's bark and up to it's eyes where they fill the sockets, giving it bright pink eyes. The Ent pulls away his hand and the colour fades, leaving the ball as it was beforehand.

"Who thou art maketh it simple to believe..." the Ent said.

"That's a relief..." Starlight stated with a sigh.

"What Is it you..." The Ent is cut off by clumsily tripping over the rug and launching the translation book from his hands.

The three of them watched the book soar across the room, each one feeling the gental caress of panic as the book lands straight on top of a lit sconce, setting the book on fire.

Grey leaps into action and pulls the blazing book to safety, but his efforts are for naught as each page has suffered dearly.

"Of course that would happen, I mean why not? What have we done to desearve this?" Starlight wonders aloud as she paces back and forth with her hands covering her face, the distress very clear.

"This... complicates... things." Grey stated, staring at the singed book in his hand.
> Chapter 4: Translations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grey holds the severely damaged book in his only hand, thinking how they can salvage the situation.

"Oh, this is bad. Like, really bad." Starlight murmurs as she paces back and forth. She throws her hands on her head in an attempt to control her hyperventilation.

The other ent in the room rises to his feet, seemingly cursing to himself. He brushes himself off before taking the book from Grey. He flips through some of the pages before throwing the book into a bin. He starts to rant off in his language and showing quite a display of displeasure, throwing his arms in the air and pointing to Grey then to Starlight. The ent pauses and takes a deep breath.

"Atrocinerea... Thou hath made a traitorous decision bringing a pony to thine city." The ent spoke calmly but frustrated.

"We've already told you that we aren't from this time and why we're..." Starlight starts with a raised voice.

"I understand thine words and I hath determined it reasonable to aid thee... However this maketh everything very complicated." The ent added, cutting of Starlight.

"Then... how can we... fix... the book?" Grey asked, getting the group back on track.

"This book is not the only of it's kind. There should be another in the possession of the book trader."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go get another copy." Starlight ordered hastily.

"Unless thou desires death, Stay here. Antrocinerea will accompany mineself." The ent says before gesturing Grey to follow him as he walks to the door. Grey does as told and follows the ent, looking to a slightly startled Starlight.

"Stay... hidden... until... my return." With that said, the two ents left Starlight to her own devices.

"Great. Now what?" She asked herself.

Grey followed the ent through the building. It was amazing to him, seeing the building as it use to be, pristine walls and beautiful tapestries. They made their way to the back door that led to a well kempt garden and down a path trailing to the bustling city below. Before making their way to the city, the ent led Grey to a strange tree. This tree gave Grey a sense of strength and focus. It was a grey willow.

"Thine missing arm will unnerve many. Use this tree to recover thine self." The ent ordered.

Grey knew what the ent was telling him to do. He had come across this ability accidentally once before, however to do so hurts the tree very much, but it does mean he won't have to wait for his arm to grow back. He places his hand on a large thick branch. This tree was very healthy.

"I... apologise... for this... brother." With a swift yank of his arm, the branch was ripped free of it's owner. Grey cringed as he heard the tree's screams in his mind. Taking the limb of one of his very own was mentally crippling, but it had to be done, He needed to play it safe and he needed his arm. He placed the branch against his shoulder and his body morphed around the end. Before a minute had passed, Grey had his arm back and was ready to continue after a quick 'Thank you'.

Grey almost couldn't believe his eyes as all the different ent folk wandered around tending to their business. He had never even imagined the city would be this amazing.

Back at the study, Starlight was growing bored and anxious. She watched the orb flutter a few times, forcing worry through her mind. 'oh, I hope they're alright. This spell must be taking a huge toll on them. Hopefully we can get a translation soon.'

Her concern was abruptly cut short as the sound of heavy footsteps and voices could be heard beyond the door. Starlight hushed herself and listened carefully, hoping it was Grey... No there were at least two voices speaking in the ent language. Starlight started to panic and desperately scanned the room for a good hiding spot. The shelves were high, but the space on top of them would be a very tight squeeze, that's if she could even fit into that gap. The voices were getting closer and there was a knock on the door. Starlight's heart raced and she dived under the desk just as the door opened and an ent walked in. It was taller than Grey and very solid looking. Starlight shut her eyes, praying not to be found and her hands placed themselves over her mouth and nose, muffling any sounds she might accidentally make.

The ent froze, it's eyes fixated on the glowing orb. It stood still for a moment before moving to examine the mysterious magic. The ent made a few noises that starlight could only guess was 'what is this thing'. But as long as it was focused on the orb, the less likely she would be found.

The ent, however, recognised this as pony magic. They scanned the room, shifting it's body. Pieces around it's body became thicker, like armour. It's left arm growing a shield and it's right turning into a small blade. Scanning the room, it's attention was caught by something curled under the desk.

Starlight heard what sounded like wood creaking and cracking before she felt a tight pain around her lower leg. She went to scream, but it was replaced by a sharp gasp and she was ripped out from under the desk. The next thing she knew she was dangling upside down, face to face with a terrifying, armoured ent. Instinct took over and she quickly cast a spell, shooting a light turquoise beam right through the ent's head. It's head exploded into chips and shards before it's body went limp, falling to the ground with a deep thud. She hit the ground hard, but quickly sat up and rubbed her head. Her eyes fluttered open and what filled her vision made her wish she had kept her eyes shut. A couple of meters in front of her was the door... and that door was occupied by three more ents, identical to the last, armour and all.

"... Fuck."





Grey followed his new companion through the bustling streets. There were ents of varying sizes and looks. It truly amazed him to see many of kind.

While busy in his musing he bumped into something and knocked it over. Pulling his gaze to what he had collided with, he found an ent, much smaller and thinner than him sitting at his feet. Just as grey outstretched his arm to help the small ent up, it jumped back and clambered to one knee and bowed to him, sputtering words he couldn't understand.

The ent helping grey helped the small ent to his feet and saying something. The small ent then made a small bow to grey before rushing away.

"What is... happening?" Grey asked as he looked around to see many of the surrounding ents also on one knee

"They art respecting thine title"

"I... see." Grey responded, confused. But they had to press on.

The ent showed Grey to the market, where he managed to retrieve the translation book and was now on his way back to the study, following close behind the ent that was helping Starlight and himself. As they walked through the city something caught Grey's attention. he looked to his side and saw two intimidating ents carrying what looked like a cage and one more escorting them. Upon a more careful inspection he noticed the cage housed an unconscious Starlight.

"Oh... no." He spoke before moving towards the group. He was halted by a hand on his shoulder and turned to see his aide.

"Atrocinerea... thine sap may be of stature, but if thou interrupts, thou will complicate this further." Grey wanted to at least try, but he was more wise than that and knew that it would be best to find another way that causes the least amount of harm. "They will take her to the castle."

"You are... correct." He started. "Do you have... a plan?"

"indeed..."





"How could this have gone so wrong?" Starlight cried. She had woken up in a cage being watched by a few ents that towered over her.

The room she was currently in was magnificent to say the least. Large, white stone walls covered in beautiful tapestries of woodland colours. White marble pillars framing each tapestry. Her marveling was interrupted by a loud voice.

"Pony, how have thou come to be here?" The question was made by one of the five ents infront of her.

"Please, I'm from the future. I just need a translation for our languages, so we can..." Starlight pleaded before being cut off.

"Thou haven't a thought for what this could mean!" Another one of the five boomed, making starlight wince.

The ents started speaking in their natural tounge to each other, seemingly in an argument.

'Think Starlight, what do I do to get out of this... what would Twilight do?' The ent in the middle of the five spoke one word, silencing the ones arguing. Starlight looked up to see the ent in the middle staring into her eyes.

"This brings me sorrow, small pony." The middle ent spoke with a femine voice. "But with thine discovery of our home, we can not allow thine self to leave." 

Starlight's eyes widened. 'Does that mean they're going to...'

"We must return thou to nature in thine pure form." 'They're going to kill me.'

Starlight frantically looked around her cage for any means of escape. 'Even if I could get out of this cage, what would I do then, there's a whole city of ents out there. Where's Grey?' just as the thought graced her mind there was a loud bang on the closed double doors behind her.

The doors opened to reveal Grey and the ent helping them. Starlight was so relieved she could've cried.

The ents dealing with Starlight spoke, seemingly surprised. Grey and the other ent approached. Grey looked highly sophisticated, a large, grey cape draped over his right shoulder. The friendly ent spoke in a very aggressive way, resulting in one of the guard like ents to raise his sword-like arm. Starlight had no idea what was going on, but Grey raised his arm before forming his long lance-like weapon. As soon as that happened the four ents, flanking the one that sentenced Starlight, dropped to their knee. The middle spoke once more before Grey lowered his arm, returning to normal. The guard then lowered his own arm and turned to Starlight. Sweat beads forming on her forehead. She started to panic as the guards hand reached down to her, however, her panic was relieved when her cage was opened. 

"Starlight... follow me... quickly." Grey directed, softly. Starlight scrambled to Grey's side, following him closely as they exited the giant structure. The two guards escorting them out to the streets.

As the walked Starlight felt a headache coming on and rubbed her head.

"Are you... okay?" Grey asked, noticing his companions discomfort.

"Yeah, I'm..." She paused as her heart rate rose exponentially for no reason. Her headache was replaced with panic. "Somethings wrong." She glanced up to the sky as dark clouds formed a circle above them.

Grey looked up to see what his friend was so concerned about. What could be seen of the sky through the clouds shifted to a green glow.

"WE MUST GO, WITH HASTE!" Their friend shouted. The three went to run, but lost their balance and fell as a green bolt of lightning struck the ground behind them. They turned back to see a sickly green portal ripping the air itself apart. The portal spat out three orbs of the same green glow, as they collided with the ground, they formed into horrifying creatures with razor sharp claws. 

Starlight was stunned, she couldn't find the strength to break her terror bound trance. That was until she was hoisted off the ground, into Grey's arms. The two Ents raced away towards the study.

Bolt after bolt of green lightning fell upon the city, ripping more holes in air. Beast after beast was spat from the portals, starlight watched as ents were slaughtered. But they weren't going down without a fight, especially since many of them could form their own weapons out of their very arms.

"That is the door, make haste!" Their friend shouted.

As the trio got close to the building's door a bolt of lightning struck right infront of them, knocking the ents to the ground and launching Starlight from Grey's arms.

Grey rose to his feet with speed and formed his lance.

Starlight looked up to see Grey facing off against a portal that spat out green orbs.

Three monsters surrounded Grey, they let out a blood curdling screech and charged him simultaneously. Grey thrusted his arm right through the face of one of the monsters, making is explode into the puddle of goo. Grey then used his other arm to knock back another monster, but that left him open to the third. It slashed its claws deep into Greys side. He let out a grunt before cleaving the monsters head clean off with the tip of his lance.

Starlight was amazed at how much force Grey could put into his swing. Grey had his back to the monster he knocked over, which used the opportunity to slash at his exposed back, tearing chips of his bark off. Grey fell forward to the ground, he quickly rolled over to face his attacker only to watch a teal bolt of light blast through the side of its head. It promptly screeched and exploded to goo. Grey looked to his left to see Starlight with her hands outstretched and the same teal light covering her hands.

"Quickly!" They heard the voice coming from the door and looked to see the other ent waving them in. They wasted no time following him inside and up to his study.

"Grey, do you have the translation?" Starlight asked as she stood infront of the orb of pony magic.

"I... do." He responded, standing next to her. "What... do we do... now?"

"I'm going to pour my magic into the orb, they should feel it on the other side and, together, we should open the portal... hopefully." Starlight explained with a sigh.

"The mother of nature is with you, Atrocinerea." Grey looked back to see the ent that proved very helpful.

"I could... use your help... in the future... friend." Grey spoke, reaching out his hand as an offer.

The ent chuckled. "Mine time is now, not then." A wind picked up as Starlight had succefully opened the portal. A loud screech echoed from outside.

"More are coming, make haste, Atrocinerea." The ent stated.

Grey and Starlight looked to each other before stepping into the portal. A loud crash came from behind them, they looked back to see more monsters rushing into the room. They last thing they saw was their friend being cut down before the portal swallowed them, taking them back to the future.
> Chapter 5: Close Call
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The alicorns in the center of the study are starting to sweat.

"They really are taking their time." Twilight grunts. The strain of holding the time travelling spell is taking it's toll, not just on Twilight. The two senior alicorns are also feeling the pressure of significant magic drain.

"I'm not normally one to worry, but I haven't used this level of magic in a long time." Celestia added, tension in her voice.

Just as that was said, the ball of magic shifted and pulsed. The three alicorns recoiling slightly as they felt the magic from the orb push back.

"That must be Starlight. On my count." Twilight ordered. She counted to three and they all poured what magic they had left into the ball. 

The portal formed and Grey stepped through with Starlight being spat out onto the ground beside him. The spell was released and the three alicorns gasped for air as relief took hold.

"No!" Starlight shouted, reaching for where the portal was as it slammed shut and dissipated.

"What's wrong, what happened?" Rainbow asked, rushing to help Starlight.

"An unnecessary... sacrifice... may nature... reclaim you." Grey said, a small bow of his head following his words.

Starlight proceeded to recall the events that transpired in the past, with Grey's limited input to fill the gaps.

"So what, you put on a cape and they just handed her over to you?" Rainbow asked, her skepticism still clear.

"What's yer problem with him, Dash?" Applejack spat. "Even I get that this'll turn sour fer us without Grey's help." She added.

"We should be thanking Grey for bringing this to our attention." Celestia started. Rainbow's ears lowered, recognising she's the only one on her side. "Who knows what could have happened to Ponyville, or even the world, should this be allowed to spread any longer." Celestia continued.

"Something doesn't add up." Starlight chimed in, gaining everyone's attention. "Why has it taken so long for anyone to find out. It took minutes to spread across this city. Maybe even hours for the city to be destroyed." This made the group fall silent. What stopped the tears and spirits from spreading beyond Suyaa Riin?

"What ever the answer may be, we should focus on scouring this study for ways to remove these tears." Luna said, bringing the group back on track. She moved over to Grey and took the book from him. "Twilight, I require your assistance."

"Please hurry. I don't want any more of those scary monsters to come and Spike is hurt pretty bad." Fluttershy said meekly, concerned for the drake she had tended to. Said drake had recovered somewhat, if only his wings were so lucky. They had taken the worst of the beating. The membrane having been torn is multiple places.

"I'll be fine. Tis but a scratch." He said with a huff, knowing it would take a long time for them to heal properly.

"Shh!, that green, glowey thing just spat out some more monsters." Pinkie hushed. A few of the group joined Pinkie at the window, huddling close to the wall for cover. A lack of screeching or rushing into the building gave the idea that these spirits were not aware of the group's location.





After an hour of searching the study shelves and translating titles, the group had managed to narrow it down to only three books. Twilight had given Luna plenty of grief too, constantly being distracted by the wealth of knowledge before her. 

They also had decided that at least one of them should be at the window, taking turns to watch the tear for any change. 

Confidence was not strong with only three books having been found. Especially since the translation was only loosely related to what information they needed. Luna, Celestia and Twilight set out on reading the books, trying their best with only one translation to share. Twilight was already having trouble as old equestrian was hard enough to understand, she was essentially translating twice. Celestia wasn't in much of a better state having forgotten most of the ancient language over centuries of not using it. Luna, however, was having far less difficulty. Who would have thought being isolated from society for so long would benefit her in any way.

"This book talks about spirit magic, a way to connect with beings on the other side of the veil. That is what these beasts are, aren't they Grey?" Luna asked, pulling away from the book she had just finished.

"To... my knowledge... yes." Grey replied.

"Apparently, the ents didn't have magic as we know it. They used the spirits to influence the world. Truly remarkable."

"This one seems to be a record of the spirits the ents had encountered. There are both good and bad." Celestia started. "But it has nothing on the spirits taking a physical form, or being able to connect the two worlds so far. I will keep reading."

"Although very fascinating, this one turned out to be useless." Twilight huffed, placing the book down gently.

"So, what now?" Rainbow asked. The room filled with a brief silence before Starlight chimed in with a stroke of genius.

"There was a book trader in the market... in the past. Maybe there's something there?"

"No." Grey said with a pause. "Even if... the books... survived... there were none... of what... we search for."

"Maybe we would find something in the castle, then." Starlight added.

"That's good enough for me. I'll just fly over there and check it out." Rainbow stated, proudly, preparing to zoom off out the door.

"No way ah'm letting you go off on yer own." Applejack said as she grabbed a firm hold of Rainbow's tail, halting the young mare. Rainbow turned and began to loudly voice her disagreement, when Applejack quickly placed her hand over Rainbow's mouth. "Are you forgettin' there's things out there that want t' kill us?" Applejack hissed, only causing Rainbow to roll her eyes. "Ah have no doubt you could get through that there castle n' back before any'v us could say apple buckin', but it's just too risky." She continued, releasing Rainbow.

"AJ's right, Dash. We don't know what's in that castle. You could get injured, or worse, there could be a really bad spirit in there." Twilight added. "It would be best for us all to stick together."

"Most definitely." Celestia said. "I've just come across 'spirits of emotion'. From what this book says, they are very powerful and unpredictable. I could go on, but I think we are starting to waste precious time." She finished, standing up. "I think we had better make a move on this castle before it gets dark."

With the group in agreement, they decided to press on. Grey picked up Spike and held him on his back with his left arm. The group left the study, sneaking through the halls in search for another exit. They made their way to the lower floor and found a hole in the wall they could all squeeze through.

Managing to make it down to the streets without being spotted, Grey turned back to see if the Grey Willow was still standing. There it was, standing tall and proud, its thick canopy seemingly hovering as it spread out. Unfortunately it was above the tear, those spirits had control over that tree for now.

"Let's keep moving, Grey." A voice pulling him back to the group and the task at hand.

"A grey willow. A friend of yours?" Fluttershy whispered to Grey as they moved along. Cautious to keep low and quiet.

"Yes... it gave... my new... arm" Grey answered, almost sadly.

"I'm sure it's glad to have been able to help you."

"I hope... but it is oddly... quiet... not singing... silent." Grey's words took Fluttershy by surprise.

"They sing?" She asked.

"Yes... all Willows... sing... in my... presence."

"Wow, that must be beautiful. I wish I could hear it."

"Yes... it brings me... peace." Fluttershy smiled. She had witnessed a side of Grey she wasn't sure existed. 'He has feelings too.' she mused to herself.

Rainbow led the group as she was deemed the lightest on her feet. She was a natural at sneaking around, guiding the team from building to buildling, using cover where they could. They made their way to what could have been guessed as the main road. They peeked down the road and saw that it was busy with spirits. A couple tears long the way.

"Damn it, we'll have to go another way." Rainbow spat, turning back and leading the group down a smaller, quieter road.

"You're doing a splendid job , darling. As long as we get there safely." Rarity reassured. Rainbow quickly looked back at her friend.

"Why do you girls keep tempting fate like that." She sniped, causing a few giggles at the expense of their superstitious friend.

It wasn't long before they came to a troublesome obstacle. They were going to have to cross a road in the open to continue towards the castle. Not too bad, but what made it troublesome was the large tear a few meters up the road they needed to cross. Even worse, there were quite a lot of spirits wandering around.

"We're going to have be very quiet." Rainbow started as she then informed the rest of what she had seen and her plan to get them all across. She had planned that they would cross one at a time, hoping to attract the least amount of attention as possible.

Slowly, one by one, they cross the road. It was working well and Rainbow even thought that maybe they could have just crossed all together. It would have made it faster, but surely a big group would have caused one of the spirits to notice. No, with this plan Rainbow could control when someone crossed, timing it with when the spirits were looking in another direction.

There were only four of them left to cross now; Rainbow, Twilight, Fluttershy and Spike. The young dragon had convinced Grey to put him down, that way if it came down to it, Grey could fight properly. He was also adamant that he could still use his legs.

Just as Pinkie was making her way across the road, she was filled with an overwhelming sense of dread, freezing her in place. That was when that horribly familiar screech resounded through the city. She twisted round to see one of the spirits lunging toward her, razor claws coming down. Everything seemed to slow right down, life flashing before her eyes. She couldn't move, she didn't have time to move. 'Is this it?' was all that came to mind. 

The world started whizzing to the left, the spirit's claws narrowly missing her and time returning to it's normal pace. That was when she had realised that the world wasn't moving, she was. Something wrapped around her waist, had pulled her to safety.

Thanks to Luna's incredible reactions and fast casting of magic, Pinkie had been closely saved. Although it didn't seem fast enough as Pinkie let out a pained cry, grasping for her left shoulder. One of the claws had managed to graze her, leaving a gash that was spitting blood at an alarming rate.

More chilling screeches filled the city, the spirits wasting no time to attack the group.

"Run!" Rainbow shouted, turning back and pushing the three with her back the way they had came. The spirit that had swiped at Pinkie now separated the group and with many more now closing in on their position, they had to get away fast.

"Get to the castle! We will meet you there!" Twilight added. A few distant cracks and booms almost making her words unheard.

The four of them ran as fast as they could, turning corners and rushing through broken homes. A few glances back proved that they were losing their pursuers.

They came to a halt as Spike found he couldn't run any further. His beaten body reaching its limit. He collapsed onto a wall, barely keeping himself on his feet.

"Just... gimme... a second." He spoke, gasps of air interrupting him.

"We'll go inside this building and you can sit down." Rainbow said as she guided Spike inside. "I think we've lost them for now."

"Why do those spirits want to hurt us?" Fluttershy asked, also gasping for air.

"They must be bad spirits." Twilight started. "They must be lashing out from whatever makes them bad." Her tone wasn't it's usual matter of fact. She may know more than the three with her, but all she could really do was guess.

"Rainbow, do you think you could fly up and find a way to the castle?" Twilight continued, having caught her breath.

"You know it." Rainbow replied, her bravado lightening the mood some. She headed to the point they entered from, careful to look for any spirits that might have found them. After seeing the coast was clear, she spread her wings and took to the sky. The city seemed a lot more calm from above. The castle was easy enough to spot and it looked like they had a clear shot to it as well. A bright, golden flash caught her eye and she looked slightly to the right to see the rest of their group were in a fight. 'I'm sure they can handle themselves.' Rainbow thought, trying her best to suppress the urge to go help. Her worry, however, was cut short as a green bolt shot by, inches from her face. A small yelp escaped as she lost her balance and dropped a few meters before composing herself. She looked to the ground to see another green bolt flying right for her, nothing she couldn't dodge now that she knew it was coming, after all, she is a master in the air. 

What cast the green bolt gave her pause, though. A hovering, half skeleton surrounded in the same sickly green glow as the tears. There was two, but just the sight of them was enough to run shivers up her back and make her fur stand on end. Rainbow didn't hesitate to drop back to the ground.

"Good news, we've got a clear path to the castle." Rainbow started.

"You say that like there's bad news, too." Twilight said.

"Can't get much worse than this." Spike added.

"I was seen by the spirits, we'll have to move now if we want that clear path." Rainbow's words made Spike sigh. "That's not all." She continued, helping Spike to his feet and ushering the group outside.

"There's more?" Fluttershy asked, trying her best not to give in to panic.

"There were these other spirits. They were gross, like floating skeletons that shoot magic."

With Rainbow's lead, the four made quick movements, narrowly missing the chasing spirits.

"I saw the others, too." Rainbow informed as they moved. "They were in a fight."

"I hope they're okay." Fluttershy worried.

"I'm sure they're fine. With Grey and the two princesses, they've got plenty of fire power." Spike said with confidence, quickly getting hushed by Twilight.

They continued to make their way through buildings and avoiding spirits. As they neared the castle they could begin to hear the shouting, crashes and booms of battle. They followed the sounds in hopes of reinforcing their friends. They could see the magic being cast over the buildings infront of them.

"They must be just through this alley." Rainbow instructed, leading down the gap between buildings. Just as they were about to exit, a familiar form crashed into the corner of the walls, sending debris flying and the form skidding across the ground. It was Grey. He shakily got to his feet. The four were about to rush to his aid, but they all froze as this massive Beast of a monster grabbed Grey with it's giant hands and hoisted him off the ground. Grey, acting quickly, grunted as sharps spikes formed all over his body for a brief moment. The monster roared before throwing Grey into another building.

Twilight! Over here!" Twilight looked to her left and saw Applejack waving her over with the rest of their friends just behind her. They were standing outside of the castle gate, fighting off a few smaller spirits and trying to prevent them from getting inside. The group of four wasted no time in moving for the gate, using whatever energy they had left to get there as fast as they could. 

Unfortunately their attention wasn't all that Applejack had received. The giant monster flicked its head around to see the small group running. With a ferocious roar, it gave chase, gaining on them quickly. The larger group of ponies holding the castle gate shouted and screamed at them to run faster. The three ponies used their wings in desperation. Spike flapped his wings too, but with the holes his wings weren't working. The Giant hand plummeted for the young drake.

"SPIKE!!"