//-------------------------------------------------------// "Chaos Control" -by SliceofLife- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter I: "The Phenomenon" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter I: "The Phenomenon" "Prologue: Chaos Control" "Gilda Gilda!" A young griffon raced down a candy coated path of Griffonstone with haste, as she refused to look back. The skies were covered with pink clouds, while the town itself looked unrecognizable from before. Majority of the nests and houses now consisted of surfaces made entirely of graham crackers, while certain railings had now become sweet delicacies of varying shapes and sizes. The young griffon continued down the path, before closing her eyes in desperation and calling out once more. "G-Gilda, Gilda where are you!?" Almost immediately snatching and grabbing the young griffon from between two houses was Gilda, as she planted the younger griffon in front of her with both talons before raising one in front of her beak. "Shhhhhhh! Calm down. Ya seen Gabby anywhere?" The young griffon still panicked, as she shook her head hurriedly. "G-Gabby went to try and talk some sense into it Gilda." There was a hint of hope now upon her, as if Gilda's presence comforted her. At a time this wouldn't be the case, but ever since the ponies came, Gilda's atmosphere, personality, and overall aura had changed. She was different now, fun to be around. Enjoyable to be around. This at the very least, brought a smile to the young griffon, a sense of confidence. "You'll, you'll go save her won't you? She went all alone Gilda." Gilda flinched, before running a talon down her face with an exaggerated sigh. She was fairly upset, but tried not to put it onto the younger griffon in front of her. "She, what!? Went to talk to it? All alone? What's that griffon thinking!? Ugh." She pointed a sharp thumb back, gesturing the younger griffon to leave. "Go towards the path leading out of town, the rest of Griffonstone should be gathered there already. I'll grab Gabby, so don't you go back deeper into town until I give the all clear, got it!? And stay low, this weather ain't safe." The younger griffon nodded hurriedly yet again before rushing away from Gilda and back onto the path towards the town exit. Gilda made her way out of the alley as she watched the younger griffon hurry off per her instruction. Afterwords she turned back around, back towards the path leading further into Griffonstone, and its throne room. The entire settlement was unrecognizable, a canvas of chaos. Some houses were flipped upside down, remaining suspended in the air, while as aformentioned, almost everything was now made up entirely of candy, and even the weather had become something out of a filly's candy dream. Pink clouds circled Griffonstone as chocolate rain drizzled over most areas, while not all. Gilda looked upon the sight with determination, though a hint of doubt showed and caused her to look down at the ground. "What would you and your friends do at a time like this Dash?" Gilda closed her eyes in anger for a second, before shaking her head and bearing that determined expression once again. "No! Get a hold of yourself Gilda! You can't just rely on Dash and her friends! I can't just let us be pushed around by some, thing! It may have magic but that doesn't matter! I won't be scared like a lame'o!" Gilda spread her wings, "Now let's do this!" With that she flew up into the air, and raced towards the Griffonstone throne room hurriedly. Along the way, Gilda saw flying in the opposite path other griffons who had yet to leave town. Majority of them thick with chocolate rain which had drenched their feathers, leaving them sticky, and causing it to become harder to fly. Some of them even crash landed into the nest houses, prompting Gilda to stop with a screech. "Hey!" She glanced around before cupping her beak with both talons. "Listen up!" This grabbed the attention of all the other griffons within earshot, who only sought a voice to simmer down the chaos. Gilda continued, "Stay low! Use the ground paths and the houses for cover! Make way for the town exit! Don't come back in here until the all clear! Got it!?" The other griffons listening all nodded to Gilda with worried looks, as they calmed themselves as best they could and touched down upon the ground path. Majority of them now running on all fours, racing for the town exit as swiftly as they could to escape. Gilda naturally glanced back too as if to make sure they were safe during their escape. It'd almost become a natural habit, something she herself didn't notice. However she didn't have time to dwell on such things, as she made her focus on the throne room yet again. She looked at it with a long pause, knowing that's the destination she needed to go. With a squint of determination, she raised an arm in front of herself before spreading her wings and bursting forward with haste. Gabby needed her help and she wasn't going to abandon one griffon she knew was still here! Gilda practically charged without a second thought, with no fear or worry for her own well being, that didn't matter. Meanwhile in the throne room, a large cauldron of smoky dark chocolate steamed lightly. Otherwise the room itself was absent of the magical chaos present outside. Suspended over the cauldron, tied at her pawed ankles by licorice restraints, was Gabby as she was also tied around her body, preventing her from flying or moving around. She looked towards the throne with both worry, and desperation for the one she was speaking to. "Listen! I know the ponies, they, they would never want something like this! You have to be making a mistake!" Then, revealed to be standing there atop the worn griffon throne, was none other than a draconequus. Smaller than a more familiar past tyrant, but a draconequus nonetheless. A being of inherent chaos, though, perhaps she didn't entirely fit the bill, being as petite as she was. She was currently turning a wheel, connected to a spool of licorice which kept Gabby suspended over the cauldron of chocolate. "Quite the misconception. Have you even ever heard of choco-spells? I'm quite the natural. Well I mean if you haven't heard of them that'd make sense to, cause um, you're a griffon and all." Her eyes lit up with excitement as she glanced over at Gabby, "But listen! I've looked into a muuuultitude of theories regarding chocolate casing! You have nothing to worry about! It'll harden ya know? According to my paaarticular findings regarding the binding of chocolate and griffon feather weight, I'm sure this conjuring should be efficient. It's really safe okay!?" "Hey, what do you think you're doing Twerp!?" Gilda was suspended in the air, now having entered the throne room. The draconequus blinked, before turning to look up and over at the other griffon who entered through a massive hole in the wall. She stared at the griffon long and hard, before smiling wide. "Twerp!?" She looked to Gabby in excitement, "Well I agree, that's a fair response based on my size and body weight stature. Interesting wording nonetheless however." She began tapping her lower lip as she looked up in thought, "Perhaps this is something derived from griffon culture I'm yet unaware of. More studying to be required." She kept on turning the wheel, causing Gabby to lower closer and closer into the cauldron. "Based on your mannerisms and course of action, I can only assume you're here to save your friend. Another misconception, for there is no saving required. Your friend and I are having a peaceful discussion." Gabby looked at Gilda, despite being upside down. "Gilda! I-I think I'm getting close! I can get through to her!" Gilda scowled at Gabby lightly. "What!? Don't be an idiot! I'm getting you out of there, hang tight okay!?" Gabby's eyes widened at Gilda, as she just closed her eyes and couldn't help but let off a chuckle. "Hang tight she says, heh heh!" Gilda now immediately looked back to the draconequus. "And you, Twerp! I asked what do you think you're doing!?" The draconequus continued turning the wheel, lowering Gabby closer into the cauldron of chocolate. She stopped, snapping a claw which caused the wheel to abruptly remain stilled. She raised a paw in a lecturing manner, closing her eyes. "A fair and reasonable question, I'm testing the magical concept of choco-hardening on griffon feather weight. Particularly theory three four two dash seventy seven. With enough magical talent to manipulate direct mass, I can freely play around with the range of the choco-hardening at will. This is a very important process, griffons albeit interesting, are quite free moving. Expected, but nonetheless frustrating with heightened emotions. Griffon One has agreed to become part of my experiment until the ponies arrive. So, why not? A willing subject is always the best subject." Gilda had a brow raised, as she just remained suspended in the air in silence for a second. "What are you, some sort of geek?" The draconequus shook her head as she blushed, almost flattered and needing to look towards the ground. "W-Well I don't know if I could be considered a geek as of yeeeeeet! But thank you for the compliment. I mean, I try my hardest to broaden the range of my magical capabilities but it's been quite hard to make sense of the multitude of visiooons, practicalities, measurements and connect them in such a way that all makes sense. But if I can present my theories in a knowledgeable and constructive manner then I will have earned that title. But you, are the judge of that hmhm." She grinned playfully before turning back towards the wheel. "So, what can I do for you, Griffon number two?" Gilda snarled as she placed a talon now on her hip before pointing firmly at the draconequus. "Listen! I've given you enough of my patience! Either you stop all this, or I'll make you stop! And what do you mean until the ponies arrive!? This is griffon territory!" She glanced over at Gabby noticing she was getting closer and closer to the chocolate, before snapping. "And stop turning that wheel!" The draconequus flinched, as she stopped turning the wheel again and glanced to the upper left, while faced away from Gilda. "I heard patience is a virtue, but I wonder if that's also true." She muttered with an inquisitive expression while looking at the wheel. "More studying to be required." She let go of the wheel, keeping it still yet again before turning around and looking up at Gilda once more. She placed a paw upon her chest. "And I can't stop yet Griffon number two, I still have much work to do. The designated route to my success is through here. All the stars line up, and should I be correct, the goals I have will all have been met! From rhyme to reason, from season to season! I have to follow the correct path, then I can go on to spread more magic throughout the region. It all makes sense, surely?" Gilda now looked sluggish as she tiredly eyed the draconequus. "Okay, I'm done with this." Gilda raised a arm in front of herself once again, before spreading her wings and bursting forward with a charge straight towards the draconequus. "It's obvious you're nuts!" As Gilda arrived at her position, the draconequus smirked with her eyes closed as suddenly she was encircled in a large purple shield, glistening like a diamond, causing Gilda to crash into it and skid across the ground nearby, coming to a slowed stop. Once Gilda's attempt to reach her had been neutralized, the shield shattered and the draconequus raised a sharp claw. "Dominus Shield! A fairly reliable spell to use! My magical arsenal has all the tools!" She glanced over at Gilda upon the ground with a chuckle. "If a magical duel is what you desire, then magic on your part is prooooobably required." She shrugged, turning back towards the wheel. "Now, where was I again? Ah yes." Gabby gasped, as she glanced worriedly over at Gilda. "G-Gilda! Are you okay!?" Gilda huffed, as she slowly rose back up to all fours. "You're right, I don't have magic, and you have too much of it. But even if I'm not good enough to stop you from doing all this, the ponies will stop you." Gilda shouted, "They always deal with threats like you!" There was a long drawn on silence for a moment, as it was obvious something needed to be addressed. Gabby looked to the lower right reluctantly, hinting that she knew more than she had yet to mention. The draconequus turned yet again, looking at Gilda with a blank stare, almost confused. Suddenly, she responded with a silent smirk and a raised brow, as if Gilda were missing something. "Well that all sounds awfully funny considering the ponies are what made me." Gilda's eyes widened as she was stunned into disbelief, and confusion. "Wha? What're you going on about!?" The draconequus continued smiling down at Gilda, enlightening her with knowledge. "Exactly as I said, word for word. The ponies are the ones who made me, I only want to thank the one responsible. And once I do, I can go on doing what she created me for. To spread my magical gifts to everypony in Equestria, and learn as much as I can about my magic along the way! And once she sees my work, she'll be so proud of me. I'll have achieved my destiny." She became jittery, clasping both her paw and claw together and looking up, practically drooling at the mouth. "All my studying will have come to fruition! All the spells I've learned, everything I've accomplished, oh she'll be so impressed!" She chuckled, letting off a sigh of relief before looking back down at Gilda for a brief second in satisfaction. She spread her arms, looking up with a happy exuberant proclamation, filled with utter joy. "My one and only teacher, the brilliant Twilight Sparkle!" Chapter I: "The Phenomenon" "Well only if you don't mind that is Twilight." At Princess Twilight's castle, both Starlight Glimmer and Twilight trekked around one of Twilight's many grand libraries. Twilight seemed distracted with something, as her eyes scrolled up and down the numerous rows. Starlight continued speaking to her, some distance behind. "It wouldn't be for long, j-just a few days!" Twilight took a second to pause, before turning around with an amused and gentle smile. She strode up to Starlight casually, simply placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Starlight, you don't have to ask me to invite one of your friends over. Trixie is welcome here anytime she pleases, you two have more than proven your dedication to one another. Besides, what sort of mentor would I be to not support fostering the friendship between you two?" Twilight began trotting towards another row with a raised brow, "It is what I'm teaching you after all." Starlight Glimmer chuckled softly, as she rolled her eyes, also amused. "I know I know, it's just-" but she paused, something else immediately catching her attention as she looked at Twilight. Suddenly worry overcame her, "Uh Twilight. We have an issue." Twilight glanced back at Starlight still with a raised brow, before the same thing that caught Starlight's attention immediately caught hers as well. A bright pulsing flash emitted from Twilight's flank, well, particularly her cutie mark as she blinked, looking down at it. "Oh, looks like it's an important friendship issue we got to take care of!" She almost seemed excited, "It has been pretty quiet for me as of late." Starlight's eyes widened as she glanced back at her own flank, which wasn't flashing, as she looked down in disappointment. Twilight approached Starlight yet again. "Starlight, what's wrong?" Starlight sighed, as she frowned somewhat. "It'd be nice if I could go with you more often, just to help out is all." Twilight smiled earnestly, flattered as she gave Starlight a soft hug. "You've helped me plenty Starlight, and have taught me more than you know." She backed away from her some, "This is only one instance. You never know what the next might bring, try not to worry." Starlight glanced to the right, still not satisfied as she uttered softly. "Yeah..." With that the two made way for the throne room chambers, to prepare to meet with the others who might've been called. Only a short time later, Twilight, and the rest of the mane six along with Starlight, had already gathered before the Cutie Map to prepare to see what issue might need taking care of. Twilight smiled as she glanced around at each and every one of them. "Thanks for coming everypony, it looks like Equestria is having another friendship issue we need to take care of. So, who here's coming with me?" There was a drawn on awkward silence as the rest of the group looked at one another, waiting for somepony to speak up. Twilight glanced around at each of them as well, before blinking a little. "Uh, who else's cutie mark started glowing recently?" The silence continued, as they all looked at one another again before worried gazes started becoming more apparent. Worry came over Twilight as well as she inquired in question. "Wait, so uh, none of you besides me were actually summoned?" Applejack frowned, looking at Twilight still worriedly. "It looks like it Twi, I know fer sure mine wasn't blinkin at any time." Both Rarity and Pinkie Pie followed in suit, "Me either Darling.", "Not me, nope!" Fluttershy shook her head, "My cutie mark wasn't going off either Twilight." Starlight glanced around at the others, gravely concerned as she looked back over at Twilight, still not saying anything. Rainbow Dash suddenly kicked her hind legs up and onto the table, as she placed her forehooves behind her head and closed her eyes. "It's no biggie! If Twilight's been summoned to deal with a friendship issue on her own, it's probably something easy for her to deal with. We shouldn't worry about it. It is Twilight after all, what sort of problem can't she handle!? This is the Princess of Friendship here." Starlight looked over at Rainbow with a comforted smile, as she nodded in agreement. "You're right Rainbow. That makes sense." When suddenly, the map itself popped on and Twilight's cutie mark remained suspended over the area of Griffonstone. Rainbow Dash, startled by the happening ending up accidentally falling out of her chair. Twilight leaned forward, raising a brow. "Griffonstone, but I thought we already-" and she fell silent. The others looked upon the map as well, also mimicking Twilight's shocked expression as Applejack commented. "What in the hay?" As they all looked down upon the map, they saw how the depiction of Griffonstone had changed. Pink clouds encircled the mountainous region it was in, while fragments of rocks and houses remained suspended in the air as tiny representations. This left majority of the group quiet, while Twilight was more inquisitive. "That's, that's Griffonstone?" She had to take a moment to just take it all in. Pinkie Pie blinked, turning her and sticking her face to the map. "It looks a lot more different than before! Kinda yummy!" Rainbow Dash groaned as she finally got up, "What're you all going on about!? What about Griffonstone!?" As she herself eyed the map, not expecting much, before coming to a pause while shock also overcame her. "H-Hey, what's going on there? Why's it like that?" Twilight became fairly serious as she continued to eye the settlement. "Well, at least we now know why the map has called me here. Even if I don't understand what's going on, there's obviously trouble in Griffonstone. This also seems to be a magical issue, so I guess it fits." Starlight suddenly cut in, placing a hoof over her chest. "Fits? T-There's nothing fitting about it! Look at that place Twilight!" Twilight looked at Starlight, then back down at Griffonstone in question, thinking to herself in silence. Starlight continued, "That place looks to be in total and utter chaos! This, this isn't a some simple problem, isn't it obvious!?" Applejack nodded to Twilight. "I have ta agree Twilight, but then again, I do trust in the map." Rarity rubbed at the back of her mane, "It doesn't often stir us wrong. It may be simply trying to keep us safe." Rainbow Dash snapped impulsively, "By sending Twilight alone out into danger!? Well if that's what it's doing, I don't like it!" Twilight raised both hooves slightly. "Guys guys guys! Let's calm down here. It's entirely possible we might be exaggerating things. Y-Yes Griffonstone looks to be in deep trouble. But that doesn't mean it is. Besides, I feel a lot more harm can come from not listening to the map than simply going along with it. If I find something is amiss and I can't handle it, then I'll come straight back here to grab some help." Starlight intervened once again, "At least take me with you then Twilight! If it's a magical issue, then I can definitely deal with it!" There was silence within the room as all eyes went to Starlight, and Twilight frowned with a mutter. "Starlight..." Starlight shook her head. "Don't give me that look Twilight! This, this isn't about what I said earlier. It's about keeping you safe! That map is obviously sending you into something you may not be able to handle on your own! Have you ever even seen such a drastic change!?" Twilight closed her eyes halfway, glancing back down at Griffonstone on the map. She had to admit to herself, she hadn't. Starlight continued persistently. "Let me go with you! It's obvious enough this has us all worried! Let's be different just this once." There was yet another lengthy pause, before Twilight shook her head and broke the silence. "I appreciate everypony's concern, but like Applejack said, I also trust in the map. If it is trying to keep you all safe from danger, then I'd rather you not go." She smiled at each and every one of them, "But I also understand all of your concerns. So I'll also simply scout ahead, and report back here before dealing with the issue. I don't want you guys worrying for my well-being, so if it isn't too dangerous, I'll let you all know regardless. Does that sound fair?" Applejack tipped her hat with a smile. "That sounds good ta me. Just keep us informed Twilight, we'll stay here for the night." Rarity nodded in agreement. "Certainly Darling, you transport right back here if anything seems funny." Fluttershy carried on the conversation, "We'll be right here to support you when you get back. We aren't going anywhere." Pinkie Pie shot both hooves up into the air. "You can count on us! Pachew Pachew!" Twilight chuckled, as she seemed enthusiastic, smiling wide at each of them. "Good! Then we're all in agreement? Rainbow Dash?" Rainbow was fairly quiet, as she had her hooves crossed and muttered with a groan. "Sure, sure. I guess." Twilight still smiled, but regarded Dash with worried eyes, before also acknowledging Starlight. "Starlight?" Starlight, much like Rainbow Dash was quite reluctant, but voiced agreement in some fashion. "Fine." Twilight closed her eyes with a nod. "It's settled then. I'll inform Spike of the news, so he also doesn't worry." She poofed from her chair, now standing at the side of it. "I've got some things I'd also like to pack before making way for Griffonstone. If a few of you don't mind, I could use some help. Just so you guys can go about your usual business throughout the day later. I don't want to keep you long." Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack nodded, a little less worried than a few certain others, and comfortable with the plan. They all rose from their seats and along with Twilight, began making their way for the throne room exit, conversing casually as per usual. As dismissive actions were taking place, Rainbow Dash eyed Starlight in silence, and curiosity, wondering if she were the same. Starlight seemed utterly distracted, as she eyed the ground, in deep thought, obviously in distress about this entire thing. Rainbow continued to look at her for a few seconds more, before her gaze drifted back down to the map and Griffonstone. There was something off about this entire Cutie Map mission, and Rainbow wasn't going to ignore the feeling she had about it. After the meeting had concluded, Starlight stood alone in her room as she looked out the window. She trotted back and forth before exhaling with a frown. "Well then, I guess it's all or nothing. But I'll feel much better about this knowing I at least checked too." Starlight's horn started to glow as she stood over the side of her bed now, while looking at a laid out map. "A little bit farther east, but that's okay." Suddenly bursting into her room was Rainbow Dash. "Starlight! Wait a second, I know what you're doing!" Starlight flinched, as she gasped, hurriedly snatching the map. "R-Rainbow Dash!? I uh, it's, it's not what it looks like! I just-" Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves with an eager smirk. "And I want in. I know you're planning to scout out the place first." Starlight still seemed startled, honestly surprised. "How'd, how'd you know?" Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "It was preeeeetty obvious, considering you were the only other one who agreed with me, and how you were all doom and gloom there at the end. You're also a pony who likes to take action just like me! No way are we gonna let one of our closest friends charge into the face of danger alone, no matter what destiny claims is best! Am I right? So as I said! I want in! That cool?" Starlight blinked, looking at Rainbow Dash now with a raised brow. "Are you that worried too?" Rainbow exhaled before groaning lightly. "Well duuuuuuh! Twilight is also my friend bozo! And even if everypony else is confident in this plan, or safety measure, whatever ya wanna call it! Griffonstone is also where one of my other friend's lives! I'm not just gonna sit this one out, no matter what that dumb map says. There should be no harm in us checking things out first even if that's the case. All we gotta do is not involve ourselves right? Sounds easy enough! I mean I can fly there. But hey, if you're going to teleport, why not have me tag along." She leaned forward with a smirk. "You are a skilled enough unicorn to be able to teleport other ponies with you? Am I right?" Starlight just frowned with an annoyed look, as she simply pressed a hoof against Dash's chest and they both disappeared. Meanwhile, in the Griffonstone throne room, the petite draconequus now absently stirred a giant cauldron filled with strawberry cream with telekinetic magic, as she glanced to both her left and right at both Gilda and Gabby, who's bodies were now encased in hardened chocolate. Their heads were exposed, allowing them to look around freely, but otherwise they couldn't budge. The draconequus placed both her paw and claw on her hip, raising her paw with confidence. "And see, as I've stated, this proves we can have supreme confidence in my chocolate shell design. With a bit more refining, it can even be used as royal guard armor perhaps. Both edible, aaaaand durable!" Gilda tiredly eyed the ground as she was lost in her thoughts. Rainbow Dash... And appearing right outside of town, towards the path leading into Griffonstone was both Rainbow Dash and Starlight, now within the area. But upon initially arriving they were each stunned with awe, standing there in silence as they peered up at the once familiar griffon settlement. All the griffons were now gathered out front, many of them huddling together or attempting to help clean one another off from sticky candy substances, while their houses themselves remained floating in the air as if defining a lack of gravity in the entire area. If you guys do come, I just hope you know what you're getting yourselves into. Starlight backed away a little, as she shook her head. "What, w-what in Equestria's name?" Rainbow Dash looked down with passive anger, before smirking and trotting forward without hesitation. "Well then, let's do this." Starlight glanced over at Rainbow Dash in confusion. "Rainbow Dash, w-what're you doing? We can't get involved, remember?" Rainbow Dash continued trotting forward as she glanced back at Starlight. "Defiiiiine, involved?" Gilda looked now glanced over at the young draconequus wearily. Something isn't quite right about this Dweeb. And within the cauldron of strawberry cream, the draconequus smiled patiently, eagerly as she had both her claw and paw on her hips as she stirred the cauldron. Slowly, other flavors began to appear, arguably grape and something which consisted of a darker shade of violet. Twilight Sparkle's candy coated image appeared on the surface of the substance and she sighed in adoration. "Soon, so very soon." And meanwhile Twilight was still back at the castle, while surrounding her was Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy, all helping her pack some various books. Applejack glanced up and down a couple of rows of books as she turned to look at Twilight. "Twilight, ya suuuuure ya can't just, ya know? Go over there and take a look with all the knowledge ya have? I mean, as said, ya never know." Twilight closed her eyes and raised a hoof slightly in a lecturing manner. "Which is precisely why I must pack these books Applejack. Afterall, at times, it's helpful to have a direct reference to a problem. One I might not be able to recall. Better safe than sorry." Applejack frowned with a passively annoyed look before turning back towards the book shelves. "Ya ya I got cha." Pinkie Pie opened the doors to the room they were in, accompanied with Spike. "I found Spike!" Spike glanced over and up at Pinkie Pie, frowning somewhat. "I can speak for myself you know." Twilight glanced over at Fluttershy, "Also Fluttershy, might you be able to grab Discord for me later?" Fluttershy blinked, turning to Twilight with a look of surprise. "Why of course Twilight. Did you need him for something?" Twilight shrugged as she kept an at ease smile on her face. "No real reason, just a little curious about something." Fluttershy continued to blink in a clueless yet curious manner, before nodding with a smile. "Okay." Twilight pulled a book from the shelf, as she brought it down to her level before then looking down at it. Upon the cover was a dim sketching of a draconequus, along with chaos based magic. Twilight was silent, and now quite serious. She seemed fixated on the sketch, before looking forward and thinking back to the map in a troubled manner. It should be impossible but, could it really be true?