//------------------------------// // Something Isn't Right // Story: To Fix an Empire // by Neoeryn //------------------------------// "Will these students please make their way to the Map? Breeze Gust, Mint Flash, Snowbank, Shallow, Nautilus, and Calamity. See you in ten minutes." "Umm, I think that's a bad thing." Gust and Flash uttered in unison. None of them were exactly sure why they were being called to the Map of Equestria -which was also considered a monument for the Mane Six- but they were sure it wasn't a good thing. "Maybe we did something and don't remember? What if we were brainwashed!" Snowbank had suggested. "I highly doubt that. Why would we do something to get in trouble, just for someone to wipe our memories of it? That wouldn't make any amount of sense. Besides, it's probably about Nautilus and I getting to class late this morning." As always, Calamity was the main voice of reason. "Wait, if it was just you two, why would the rest of us be called to the same place? That's what doesn't make sense." Shallow trotted to catch up with them, as they had lagged behind a bit. "Everyone knows about our club. In fact, I do believe our club is usually the center of attention. Have you ever seen the way the teachers and other students look at us?" Flash held the door open for the rest of them. They were greeted by Twilight, a look of worry and concern on her face. "Thank goodness you all made it. I've been trying to gather any information that I could find, but I came up with nothing!" "Is something wrong, Princess Twilight?" Nautilus was the first to step into the room, the others following closely behind him. They all made their way to the table in the center of the room. "I'm not exactly sure what's going on. The Map is calling, but my cutie mark isn't showing up. Instead, it's showing your club symbol. I think you all have a quest, or that was one of my guesses at least." She was right about one thing. Their club symbol was blinking on the Map. Perhaps the map was calling for them, but Twilight wasn't sure exactly where this place was. She had never traveled anywhere near it in all her years of learning or even teaching friendship. It was in a secluded corner, far from the mainland of Equestria. It looked similar to a mountain ridge. "I couldn't find any information on the location, but I did find these. They look exactly like the Elements of Harmony, which haven't been seen for years after... That doesn't matter now. I sent Spike to see if he could find anything in Starswirl's wing. I'm not exactly sure what to do with these, so I decided you all should come to see me tomorrow after school. We'll see what we can do." She sat down in her old chair, feeling slightly overwhelmed by old memories and mixed emotions. "I feel like I recognize those," Calamity picked up one of the new Elements, tracing the design with one of her talons. "but I'm not sure why or how. It feels like I've seen these before and the power in them also feels quite familiar." "Well, I know how long you've been trying to figure everything out about your past. Discord has told me quite a bit about that, and I think these may help you," Twilight was fixed on a new book, flipping through the pages to see if she could find anything. "but I'm not entirely sure if sending you all on your own is a good idea. You're still young, and your magic isn't-" "Princess Twilight," -Calamity placed the Element back into the box- "I know my magic isn't completely in control yet, but I really want to do this. I mean, we don't know what's going on. However, if this will help me find answers, maybe it's best I go alone." "Maybe you've just been reading too many history books," Snowbank placed a hoof on Calamity's shoulder. "I mean, it could be possible that you recognize them, but how could you be so sure if all you do is read about the past?" "She's right. Besides, sending you on your own is dangerous. I'll find someone to send with you at least." Twilight placed the box on the table. Shallow had blurted out, "Whatever it is, we're coming with you. Perhaps we may be going to help somepony. Maybe a village needs saving, or-" "Or what?" -everyone had swiftly averted their gaze from Twilight towards the door- "I heard something along the lines of, 'there may be danger lurking in every corner, but we should go anyway!' That's not exactly a good idea, and all seven of you know it. Especially you, Calamity. I thought you knew better." "Discord, do you always have to show up when I'm about to go on some quest?" Calamity's tone grew a bit more aggressive than she had meant it to. "How long have you been standing there," Twilight's expression had drastically changed from worried to irritated in a matter of seconds. "and what exactly did you hear?" "Oh, I just overheard something about these Elements of yours. I thought they were destroyed?" Twilight had put the box away before Discord could grab it. "That's what I thought as well. Turns out these also exist, and there's absolutely no information on them whatsoever. You're not exactly here for them, though. What do you want, Discord?" "Oh, I don't want much. You see, I was just going about my day, minding my own business. Everything was totally fine. Next thing you know, it felt like something was out of place. I figured you knew what was going on." He replied, leaning against the table. "Well, I don't. Just because I'm Princess doesn't mean I have the answer to everything. If something feels out of balance, even for you, then it's not safe for me to send them. Perhaps you should take Calamity." Twilight started putting the books back in neat piles. "Bringing her home was the reason I came here in the first place. I doubt she even wants to do this. Isn't that right?"