Twilight and Spike discover a journal that reveals the history of the Ponyville Library.
After Spike accidentally sends a tower of books falling and damages the floor, he finds the journal of Golden Oaks, the original inhabitant of the Ponyville Library. Twilight learns of his account detailing how the tree was almost destroyed, and the stranger tale of how it was saved.
Spike cautiously added another level to the growing stack of books he needed to carry downstairs.
Just one more to go, and then comes the hard part.
He was very grateful that Twilight was out to lunch with her friends, and had taken advantage of her absence by using a few 'unimportant' volumes of an extensive series on taxes as a makeshift staircase to the top of his book tower. With the final book in place, he jumped down and prepared himself yet again for carrying this time an intimidating spire of twenty-two tomes. Wow, I wonder if this is a new record!, he thought to himself.
It took all of Spike's power to hoist them up, and his trembling feet threatened to surrender beneath him. Tentative steps brought him to the staircase. It was then he realized he didn't want to do this anymore. But he knew he was supposed to. His left foot patted around, searching for the first step. Then, his right foot followed. Soon enough, he reached the bottom safely, setting the stack next to the other six and releasing the breath of tension he'd been holding.
"Let's see, did I miss any books?" he said to himself while double-checking the checklist Twilight left behind. A single empty check box remained. He quickly found the last requested volume, and climbed the ladder to reach it--only to discover that it was the wrong book. "Trothmosis? What are you doing here?" Confused, Spike looked around for the correct placement and spotted the book he was looking for, exactly where the biography of the old ruler should have been. Reaching for another carved bookshelf to his left, he attempted to grab the book he came up for. The ladder creaked in protest, a warning to go no further. A moment later and he grabbed the correct book, and now had to place the other in the gap.
"Whoa!" Suddenly, he swung backwards, causing Spike to drop the book and instinctively grasp the top rung, his weight just barely keeping him balanced vertically on the ladder. Any wrong move and the floor would give him a rather painful lump he'd be feeling for weeks. He teetered slightly, trying to use the ladder as stilts and walk his way back to the safety of the wall. He slowly 'stepped' towards the bookshelf, and promptly slipped as the latter tried and failed to walk over the discarded biography. The ground sped towards him, and at the last moment he made a leap for one of the book stacks, toppling it. Spike watched in disappointment as they collided with the other stacks like dominoes. The last and largest pile fell, crashing thunderously into the floor and splintering the wood panels underneath.
Spike was mortified. The distant voices of Twilight and her friends snapped him out of his state and he scrambled to collect the books before she arrived. Thankfully, years of organizing had once again saved his purple scales as he rearranged the library precisely as it was before. Except for the gaping hole in the middle of the library's floor. He didn't even have any time to form a plan, and rushed to the front door just as Twilight Sparkle walked inside.
"H-Hey Twilight! Back so soon?" Spike said, attempting to delay his inevitable punishment.
"I only left for lunch, Spike. Are you alright?" She turned to walk towards the stairs, but he stepped in front of her.
"Great! In fact, it's so great, why don't you just take a load off and let me handle the rest of the day here? It-it's beautiful outside!"
"I know. I was just there," Twilight deadpanned. He's hiding something... Her look shifted to one of concern. "What happened this time, Spike? I'm sure it's not that bad." He sighed, accepting his defeat, and stepped aside, revealing to Twilight the broken panels in her library floor.
At first, she wasn't sure her eyes were aligned. She shook her head and blinked a few times. The wound in the floor was still there, a few books scattered inside. "Wha- How did this happen!?" Twilight shouted, although still trying to control her temper. Still, the sudden voice caused Spike to jump. "I didn't mean to! The books just fell, and they were stacked too high, and-" He was quickly silenced with the quiet raising of a hoof by Twilight as she calmed herself, knowing her anger would only make the situation worse.
Twilight waited a moment before speaking. "It's alright Spike. We'll fix it," She walked over to the fissure to examine the damage. "I'm just glad you're okay. You're okay, right?" Spike nodded. "Good. Now we just.. have.. to..."
She trailed off, staring at an unusual shimmer from a book she didn't recognize. "Hey Spike? What book is that?"
Spike saw the reflection as well, and he already jumped down in the opening to investigate. Twilight lifted the book, along with Spike, up to the main floor of the library. They both were surprised when they saw it in better light, and Twilight in particular was growing excited thinking about the possibly exceptional discovery. Carvings depicting a large tree adorned its strangely oaken cover, and along the ornate spine, the name 'Golden Oaks' appeared, with a small dome-shaped indent near the top, and a smaller ring shape embedded opposite of it.
"Twilight?" Spike asked, without taking his eyes away from the curious treasure before him, and he didn't know why.
"Yes, Spike?" Twilight couldn't look away either.
"I know how much you love books and all, but I think we found something important."
"Me too." Before even blinking again, Twilight had already summoned a quill and parchment and immediately began taking notes. It was going to be a long night again, and for the first time in a while, Spike was just as interested in what this find had in store for the both of them. She began impulsively walking forward, only thinking about her notes, now a growing list of every detail about the 'Golden Oaks' book.
Unfortunately she was too absorbed to remember there was a pit in front of her, and she soon plummeted into it. Spike snickered to himself while moving forward to help her back up on her hooves. "Owww.." Twilight sat up and rubbed her forehead with a hoof, but also giggled as she spoke. "Maybe we should patch up this hole first."
Twilight and Spike continued to study their new find deep into the evening and night. They spent at least a half-hour just looking at the front cover before finally cracking it open to read the contents. As Twilight took more notes, Spike read aloud the words of Golden Oaks, etched across a thin wooden tablet inside the book:
Year 951 (Celestia's Calendar)
"My Name is Golden Oaks. I am a unicorn, and I have studied Equestrian Grid Theory for 10 years. Simply put, I believe that, all across Equestria, there exist magical points of interest. These points are said to have a range of mysterious magical properties. I've been deeply fascinated with attempting to locate and chart as many as I can; none have been proven to exist, though there are many stories. But I believe that I have found the first real Grid Point. One year ago, I was scanning the Everfree for any signs of heightened magic. Suddenly, my horn detected a strange but incredibly powerful source of magical energy radiating from just under a very, very large tree. Instead of destroying the tree, I decided to hollow it out; it was very useful as a shelter, and not too far from the small village I believe is called 'Ponyville'. It was then I carved this journal out of the tree. It fits perfectly into the wall, like a small bookshelf."
Twilight and Spike glanced at the bookshelves, which now hold hundreds of books. What if more of them exist? Hmm... Twilight thought to herself. Spike continued to read:
"During the time I was carving out the tree, I discovered that the Grid Point was warping the floor inside and the tree rings were twisting into a spiral in the exact center. Tampering with this point is extremely interesting, but I should be careful not to harm myself. There were some spells I attempted to cast, and utterly failed. Levitation spells were impossible when standing in the center of the room. Spells to produce light I found to be weak during the day, and very strong after sunset. Invisibility is also impossible. Unfortunately, my knowledge of spells is limited, and tomorrow I am leaving for Canterlot for a few years to learn more. Year 960 I have returned from Canterlot, not only stronger in my magic, but my 'arsenal', if I may, has been expanded. I am quite relieved to find that the old tree was not bothered since I took my leave. It took four hours just to find it again. I visited Ponyville once more before I came here, for a few supplies. I think I may want to live here! Important note to self: A suspicious Zebra appeared to be following me on my way into the Everfree. I should be wary of him. As for my research, I will try teleportation on the Grid Point later tonight."
As Spike turned the wooden page, flakes of ash fell into his lap, and the remainder of the book was moderately charred. However, the words were still decipherable. Blinking, Spike read on, being a bit more careful with the journal, and noticing the words to be somewhat hastily written:
"There is much to say, the most important of which is that I must leave at once. The Zebra that followed me yesterday had told me I have "mocked nature" by living inside of the tree, and that it "was very sacred." I have known Zebra friends from my mother's treasure-hunting expeditions, but he appeared to be tribal, and there is no arguing the tribes. They are steadfast in protecting their land; how could I have known any tribes existed here? Their homeland is simply too far away for them, at least for the uncivilized Zebras. Before I could attempt to reason with him, he shouted "The tree must be purified!" and he had started a fire at the base of the tree. It wasn't long before the outside was engulfed in flames. The Zebra fled, and I started to panic. I had so many important papers on my work to save! The fire soon spread to the inside, and my entrance was blocked. I knew if I teleported to safety, I may never find the Grid Point again. Ultimately deciding my life over my studies, I summoned up all of my magical energy and tried my level best to teleport to safety. I hadn't noticed at the time, but I was standing directly on the Grid Point. The tree was ripped from the mossy earth below, and had teleported along with me!" Upon hearing this, Twilight eyes grew wide and she moved over to Spike. "The tree survived the attack, and I find myself and my home in the town of Ponyville. I am saddened to say that my papers have not survived the flames. I will begin rewriting them with this newly discovered information as soon as possible, and I believe that with proper care, the tree will heal over time in a natural manner. I hope I am safe now."
"Hey Twilight? How come floor isn't twisted like Golden Oaks said it was?" Spike asked.
Twilight thought for a moment. "Probably because the tree is no longer on a so-called 'Grid Point.' Which means it's unlikely that it will happen again. What else does he say?"
"Year 970 I have heard rumors among the towns-ponies that a unusually-dressed Zebra is in town and looking for a unicorn. I have had far too much fortune on my side as it is, and I need to leave at once.."
"That's it. The rest is burned up, and I don't think he wrote anything after that.." He gave the book back to Twilight, who examined the last wooden page. A single black and white striped hair drifted to the floor, and she didn't miss it. Twilight had new found determination to learn the fate of the missing unicorn.
"I'm going to find this Grid Point, and find out what happened to Golden Oaks."
Spike protested, "But Twilight, I think this is really interesting too, but don't you think some issues should be left alone? I mean, what if that Zebra's still out there?"
Twilight didn't want to give up on this just yet. "Spike, this was over fifty years ago. It's unlikely that the same Zebra stayed around to guard empty space in the Everfree Forest. Besides, even today, our knowledge supporting Equestrian Grid Theory is limited at best. This could give insight in a practically ridiculed field of study! Tomorrow, we're visiting the Mayor to see what she knows about the Library, and then we're going to find that Grid Point. For now, it's late. Let's get some rest."
Spike swallowed hard, but he knew he also trusted Twilight. His feelings were a mixture or worry for her, fear of the uncertain future, and excitement to learn the truth. "Goodnight, Twilight."
"Golden.. Oaks, you said?" Mayor Mare couldn't quite place that name, but it seemed so familiar to her.
"Yes," Twilight replied. "He used to live in the Library?" This was enough to restore the Mayor's memory.
"Oh. Oh, right! The Library! Well, about 40 years ago, a massive tree just materialized in the middle of town, and there was a unicorn living inside of it. Just like that!" She emphasized the spontaneity of a tree appearing suddenly by clapping her hooves together once. "At first, ponies were afraid of him. Trees just don't teleport around, you know. But we talked, and a few papers later, he was a citizen of Ponyville. Anyway, he left town about 10 years later. I never did find out what became of him.." She trailed off, deep in thought.
"What happened next?" Spike asked, trying to get comfortable in the hard wooden seat in Mayor Mare's office.
The Mayor continued, "I wanted to visit Golden Oaks and see how he was doing, and I wanted to know if he'd assist me in designing a library for Ponyville. It was also voting time, and I figured a library would really boost the polls in my favor," She laughed, but quickly her smile faded as she remembered what was next.
"I found the door open to the tree, and nopony was inside. The interior was badly damaged, scorch marks all over, hoofprints pressed into the wall, holes in the floor, it almost looked like there was a fight! I don't know who would fight him, he kept to himself mostly, but he was very nice. I asked ponies around town if they knew anything, and I concluded that he simply wasn't coming back. There appeared to be very few belongings aside from a lot of research papers, plus a few maps. I had it all sent to Canterlot a while ago. I... had the tree renovated and converted into a Library, named it after him in his memory. B-but on a lighter note, I was re-elected!" She smiled sheepishly, a faint blush spread across her face.
Despite her less than noble intentions in the past, Twilight had still obtained some useful information from the Mayor. "Alright, thank you Mayor Mare. I think we've learned all we can here."
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As Twilight stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest, the map floating before her doing little to reassure her she'll find anything during the search, Spike sat on her back trying to balance the wooden book in the palm of his claw.
"So.. how are we going to find the Grid Point?" He asked.
"I'm not certain it will work, but I'll try to re-create the same spell that Golden Oaks used. From that point on, it's guesswork. There's little information surrounding Equestrian Grid Theory. I guess we should start now."
Twilight drifted the map up to Spike to hold for her, and she began to charge her horn. A bright flash, then a gentle violet pulse began to emanate within a controlled radius of her. She began walking forward, slowly delving deeper into the Everfree as time crawled by.
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Two hours later, Spike was on the fringe of sleep, when the journal in his lap began to glow. Then it began to glow brighter. "The book is glowing," he said quietly.
Twilight stopped walking. "What's that, Spike?"
"The book is glowing! Look!" Spike hopped down and held the book in front of her. Twilight grabbed it with her magic, and hovered it to the left. The glow slightly faltered. When she hovered it to the right, the light strengthened. An excited squeal escaped her, and she began to use the book as a compass to find the elusive and only documented Grid Point, Spike following on foot. It wasn't long before they found a small crater, and the book was now a brilliant beacon above the very center of the circular depression. "Alright Spike, I need to concentrate as I perform a few tests here."
"Got it." Spike looked around for something to keep him interested. He spied a small burned rock not far from the crater, and he walked over to pick it up. This isn't a rock.. it's an acorn.. He noticed that it was still intact, and he gently removed the cap.
It began to dawn on him. Wait a second.. He eagerly picked up the wooden book and looked once more at the spine, specifically the two circular indents. He glanced back at the two acorn pieces in his palm. Suddenly, the realization that the acorn was possibly a seed from the tree struck him and he fit the bottom of the acorn into the spine, and then the cap in the other indent. From behind him, Twilight gasped, and the crater began to glow, mimicking the illumination of the journal.
"Spike, come over here!"
"Uh, I think I did that!" he said back, and ran over to her to share his discovery. "Look at this!"
"Spike, do you know what this means?" Twilight could barely withhold her enthusiasm.
Spike took a step back, and found himself unable to vocalize. Frozen in place, he didn't want to believe his eyes, and not for the reasons he expected.
"Spike?" Twilight turned around and followed his field of vision.
Two Zebras, adorned in tribal attire, stood across from them. The leader, the eldest of the two, had battle scars across his frame, some of which appeared to be the result of magical attacks. His very presence was intimidating. He stared Twilight directly in the eye for a moment, and took one step forward.
Twilight took one step back.
He took another step forward. Twilight stepped back twice, before clearing her throat and speaking in a slightly shaky voice, "Did you know Golden Oaks, t-the Unicorn?"
He waited a moment to respond, and then spoke. "He is no longer a threat to the Everfree Forest."
This information did very little to calm Twilight. She prepared a response, but the elder Zebra beat her to it. "You are a threat to the Everfree Forest. This place is sacred to us, and to nature. We will not allow an outsider to further desecrate this ground."
Twilight had to choose her words carefully. "We're just looking around, we didn't know-"
"Mmm-mmm! Hmmm!" The muffled cry of Spike caused her to spin around, and she saw him being held captive by the other Zebra. This flipped a switch in her mind, and this was no longer about research. "Spike!" Twilight let out a growl. "Let him go!" Anger slowly began to build inside her, evident in her voice. The Zebras began to calmly walk away, with Spike struggling to escape. No..
Much to her surprise, and the Zebra that was carrying Spike, a bolt of magic seared the top of his mane, catching it on fire for a second. This caught him off guard and dropped his captive. Twilight took the window of opportunity. "Spike! Hurry, over here!"
He ran as fast as he could to safety, and not a moment too soon. Both Zebras were now charging towards Twilight. She had to think of something, and very quick. If she teleported, they might go to Ponyville to find her, and she had no idea how many more Zebras there were. I can't get the whole town involved in a land war, and Ponyville just warmed up to Zecora.. I just had to lose temper and burn his mane. Think, Twilight, Think!
Twilight and Spike had less than a second to jump out of the way, the two Zebras charging right through were they once stood.
She charged her horn, and scraped her hoof along the dirt, preparing for a fight. Fine, it's a battle, then!
The younger Zebra turned around and ran towards her, before twisting around again and bucked his back legs. Twilight immediately created a shield of magic, dissipating as it saved her from two powerful back hooves. She returned with an attack of her own, summoning her energy and directing it into an invisible buck to push the Zebra on his back. The energy knocked the wind out of him, and he was thrown backwards and slid a few feet across the ground.
The elder Zebra now slowly stepped towards her, a crude spear between his teeth. Twilight stepped back, and was now standing in the glowing crater. She suddenly felt an incredible surge of energy and her horn crackled, violet sparks jumping across the tip and into the air. She saw Spike to her side, clutching the shining book. Then a wild idea entered her mind. "Spike, take cover under me!"
Spike ran over and hid under Twilight as she charged almost all of her available energy into one more attack. The Zebra leader started running towards them now, just as Twilight unleashed a blast of magic, pushing a ring of energy outward as hard as she could. Without any obstacles such as a tree on top of the Grid Point to filter the spells, she was directly connected to the Point, and had access to all of its mysterious energy. Anything could happen at this point.
Her spell was significantly magnified, and the first thing she heard was the wind cutting across the Everfree Forest, followed by wood cracking. The first thing she saw was the leaves and vines from every tree in sight blown away, followed by the grass, then the branches from the trees, then the two Zebras were thrown across the ground, and tumbled into the darkness. Spike couldn't hold on any longer to the book, and it was ripped from him, gripping Twilight's foreleg and holding on for dear life.
The one thing she didn't expect to see was some of the smaller trees blowing away, and the larger trees beginning to crack and fall over.
As the wind began to die down, she surveyed the damage around her. ..I just did all of that? She looked up to the sky, and there were scattered clouds around, except for directly above her. An invisible cylinder cut through, revealing the sun to shine on her coat. A creak caught her attention, and a damaged tree slowly leaned towards her, gaining speed. She grabbed Spike and made a leap backward, and they watched the tree pulverize the ground, where the crater was. Another tree fell, and obscured the crater completely, no longer glowing. Twilight took a moment to find her voice.
"Uh... I guess they won't have to worry about protecting the ground anymore.."
Spike was still in awe of what he witnessed, and he remembered that they lost the journal. "That was amazing! But, now we'll never find out what happened to Golden Oaks.."
Twilight thought for a moment, remembering how his research was sent to Canterlot, but decided not to remind him and save it for the future. "Well, the Zebra never said he wasn't alive. Although we don't have much to go on at this point. I think you were right, Spike. Some issues should be left alone," Spike hopped onto Twilight's back. "Maybe someday a new piece of information will show up. But don't you dare tear up my library looking for clues." They shared a laugh, and began to walk home, Twilight for once feeling tired of trying to find more information about the unknown fate of Golden Oaks.
You can't know everything, I suppose... but I won't deny that I'm still curious... Now that we know Grid Points exist, how many more are there, and where could they be?
Many miles away, under a magic-proof display case in Canterlot's Royal Palace, a centuries-old map of Equestria has been open to the public to view, though mostly for schoolfillies and colts on their field trips. A single point in the Everfree Forest section began to flicker like a star..
"Look at that!" One filly pointed out, and soon the other students on their field trip took notice of the anomaly.
"It's beautiful!" Another student said as she watched in awe.
"Miss Cheerilee, why is there a star in the Everfree Forest?" a colt asked.
Cheerilee was very surprised, and had no idea what to make of the small pointed star on the untouchable map. Well, it's an educational trip, why make up a story and lie to them? "I don't know what it means, class. It's certainly never happened before.."