//------------------------------// // Pursuit // Story: The Fortune Cookie and Other Tales // by -TheStoryteller- //------------------------------// Deep in the Everfree Forest, Twilight peeked out from the cover of the bushes in which she was hiding. She winced as she tried to adjust herself to be better hidden. All around her, ponies were searching: some carrying torches, some lit by unicorn light, but all united in their anger and determination. She stared out between the leaves. Even a few of her friends were among the posse. “Spread out!” yelled Rainbow Dash. “She can’t have gotten far!” The closest group of searchers were only a few yards away, moving through the thick foliage in her direction, so Twilight held her breath and moved cautiously to another spot. She’d never been this deep into the Forest before and her senses were being overwhelmed by the scents of the various plants around which she crouched. Add to that the fear of pursuit and the pain of her own injuries, and it was all she could do to not simply burst into tears. She dearly hoped there were no predators in the area as well. Only one thought was prevalent in her mind. If she could just make it to Canterlot and talk to the Princesses, she could find out just what was going on…find out why the whole town was now against her. ******* A day earlier Twilight hummed to herself as the train clipped along. The ride was mostly steady, although there was a lurch every now and again as they rounded a curve or went down a slope. The landscape zipped by, showing a riot of greens, browns and the occasional lake lit by Celestia’s Sun as it slipped into the early afternoon phase. Inside the car, there were a few other passengers, some chatting with their companions, some reading, and even a few fast asleep. Twilight smiled at the one across from her that was lightly snoring, then she turned her thoughts inward. It had been a wonderful science conference in Manehatten, and her head was filled with new theories to research. For now, she was just looking forward to getting home. She missed Spike and her other friends, even though she’d only been gone a week. She undid her saddlebags and went through the gifts she’d purchased for them all. There was a bag of small gems Spike would like as a snack, an ‘I Heart Manehatten’ t-shirt for Pinkie as well as a few things for Fluttershy, Rarity, AJ and Dash. She smiled as she pictured their faces when she gave them their gifts. Her suitcase was also overflowing with notes she’d taken and books she’d gotten as well. It looked to be quite an interesting opportunity for study. Now the conductor was coming forward. “Ponyville! Next stop, Ponyville!” Twilight gathered her things in her magic and made her way to the doors. As they came to a stop, she looked out the windows, expecting to see some of her friends waiting. The train stopped with one last chug and a hiss, and the doors opened. Twilight stepped out and looked around. That was odd. There was nopony there to greet her, not even Spike. She frowned, then shrugged, gathered her belongings and started home. Her walk back took her through the heart of the town and there she was greeted by many ponies. On the way, she decided to stop at Sugarcube Corner to pick up some sweets and talk to Pinkie. Not to accuse her of course, but just to talk. She knew Pinkie was probably busy, but it was so unusual for her not to greet her whenever she came back from a trip, Twilight couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. She set her suitcase down outside and went in. It always smelled wonderful whenever a pony came into the shop and today was no exception. Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, chocolate…these were just a few of the various aromas that greeted her as she made her way to the counter. There were a few ponies in front of her, but the line was quickly served by Mrs. Cake and Twilight soon found herself at the head of the line. But then something odd happened. Mrs. Cake looked up and saw Twilight and her eyes grew wide. She didn’t smile as she said, “May I help you?” Twilight was somewhat taken aback by her reaction, but then she said, “Umm…yes, I’d like four blueberry muffins, please. Oh, and is Pinkie around?” Mrs. Cake got her muffins without speaking. She put them in a bag and said, “She’s in the back. Four bits, please.” Twilight frowned, then got the money out of her saddlebag and laid it on the counter. Mrs. Cake took the bits and put it in the register. She then looked at Twilight and frowned herself. “Is there something else you need?” Twilight almost gasped, but then she composed herself and said, “Well, yes. I’d like to talk to Pinkie.” She stared at Twilight for a moment, then turned and cried, “Pinkie! Twilight’s here to see you!” “Okay!” Twilight heard her call. Soon her friend came to the counter. “Yes?” Pinkie asked. Her mouth was set in a line, instead of the bright, welcoming smile she usually wore. Now Twilight was really confused. “Pinkie…I’m back.” “I can see that. What do you want?” Twilight took a step back in shock. “I…I just wanted to say ‘hi.’ You usually greet me whenever I come home and I missed you.” “I was busy, okay?” Both she and Mrs. Cake stared at her. Twilight gathered her purchases in her magic and backed away. “I also have a gift for you, but I guess it can wait." She gave her friend an expectant look, hoping to see her brighten at the gesture, but she was disappointed. Pinkie's expression did not change. Finally, Twilight said, "I’m…sorry. I just thought…never mind.” Quickly, she turned and left. Once she got outside, she looked back into the shop. Pinkie was speaking to the other ponies and pointing at Twilight. A few had turned to look out at her as she stood there. Their expressions changed from neutral to almost hostile as they listened to Pinkie. Twilight picked up her belongings and left, practically running all the way home. The afternoon sun streaming down upon her belied the emotions she was feeling. Pinkie had never behaved in such a way and it was extremely unsettling. The castle loomed before her, its bright stone reflecting the sunlight and its colorful pennants embossed with her sigil fluttering in the wind. It was a very welcoming sight and she sighed in relief as she entered the edifice. “Spike! I’m home!” Spike stuck his head out into the hallway, a cook’s hat perched on his head as he stirred the contents of a bowl. “Hi, Twilight!” he called. “Welcome back!” Twilight breathed another sigh of relief at Spike’s greeting. She’d been half-afraid Pinkie’s attitude might have spread to her number one assistant. Then she laughed at herself as she set down her suitcase. “What’s funny, Twilight?” She smiled. “Nothing, Spike. I’m just glad to see you.” She walked into the kitchen. “What are you making?” “Oh, I’m just marinating some veggies for a stew,” he answered. “That sounds wonderful, Spike. I’m so glad you’re here!” She walked up to him and gave him a hug. Spike hugged her back but frowned. “Are…you okay, Twilight?” She smiled again. “I am now. Oh! And I got something for you, but you can only have them after dinner.” She levitated the bag of gems out of her saddlebags. Spike began to drool. “What is it?!” “Ah, ah, ah! After dinner!” She backed away from him. Spike harrumphed. “Fine. I can wait.” He turned back to the oven. Twilight stuck out her bottom lip. “Don’t be like that, Spike.” She gave him the bag. “I was just teasing. Take as many as you like.” Spike face lit up like a lightbulb. “Thanks, Twilight!” He opened the bag and looked inside. “Oh, wow… these look delicious!” Twilight turned back the entryway and grabbed her suitcase in her field. “Just call me when dinner’s ready.” She climbed the stairs to her room, took off her saddlebags and stepped into the bathroom. Soon, it was filled with steam as she turned on the shower and went in. She was just lathering up her mane when there was a knock on her bedroom door. “Just a second!” she called as she quickly rinsed the shampoo out. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around her head and opened her door. Spike stood there with Rainbow Dash, who covered a smile when she saw Twilight. “You’re dripping water on the floor,” teased Dash as she pointed out the puddles. Twilight sighed. “It’s to be expected when somepony is rushed out of her shower!” Using her magic to rub the towel over herself, she added, “What can I do for you, Rainbow?” Rainbow frowned, then said, “Don’t you remember?” Twilight gave her a blank look. “Augh! The newest ‘Daring Do’ book! You said you’d try to find one in Manehatten.” Twilight slapped her forehead. The newest book had been so popular it had sold out in Ponyville, before either she or Dash could get their hooves on a copy. Manehatten’s larger bookstores should have had one. But there was a problem. “I’m so sorry, Rainbow…I forgot.” Dash hung her head. “Pony feathers! How could you forget?” “There was so much going on with the conference, I guess it slipped my mind. Again, I’m sorry.” Rainbow waved a hoof. “That’s okay. Maybe next time.” She turned to go, but Twilight stopped her. “Rainbow…have you…seen Pinkie?” “No, I just got back from a week at Cloudsdale. You were my first stop. Why, is she okay?” “She was acting a bit peculiar today.” “Peculiar how?” Twilight frowned. “She just didn’t seem like herself. Come to think of it, neither did Mrs. Cake.” Dash smiled. “Ah, you know Pinkie. It’s probably nothing. I’ll go talk to her, if you want.” Twilight smiled. “That sounds like a good idea. Thanks Rainbow; she has me worried.” “Don’t sweat it. I’ll go see her right now.” With that she turned and left. Twilight looked at Spike. “You haven’t talked to Pinkie, have you?” “Me? Naw, I’ve been enjoying the break while you were gone. Not that I don’t like having you around!” he quickly added. Twilight grinned at him. “Okay, Spike: point taken.” She sniffed the air. “Dinner smells good.” Spike looked shocked. “My stew!” He turned and ran to the kitchen. Twilight laughed lightly to herself and went back into her bathroom to finish cleaning up and drying off. It was good that not everypony was acting weird. Rainbow would soon get to the bottom of things. ********* It was still early enough after dinner that she decided to go find Rainbow and see how things had gone. She took flight and soon landed at her cloudhouse. Ringing the doorbell, she stood back and waited. After a few moments, the door opened, but Rainbow just stood there staring at her. “Rainbow Dash! Did you talk to Pinkie?” Rainbow kept staring closely at her. After an awkward silence, Twilight added, “Is…something wrong?” Rainbow scowled. “I can’t talk to you right now.” Twilight’s eyes widened. “Why not?” “I just can’t, alright?! Get off my property!” Twilight took an involuntary step back. “Rainbow…” Rainbow stepped forward. “I mean it! Go!” Twilight burst into tears and fled. Dash watched her leave and muttered to herself, “Pinkie better be right.” ******** Twilight flew all the way back to her home, ran to her bedroom and shut the door. She then threw herself onto her bed and continued sobbing. What was going on?! First Pinkie, now Rainbow! Were all of her friends going to act like that? There was a knock on her door. “Twilight?” said Spike. “Are you okay?” When she didn’t answer, he gingerly opened her door and stepped inside. She was sitting up and hugging a pillow, crying uncontrollably. The sight broke his heart. He walked over to her and hiked himself up, then sat down. Twilight opened her eyes and saw him, then let go of the pillow and threw herself over him, holding him close. “Oh, Spike! It was terrible!” Spike patted her back and said, “Tell me what’s wrong.” She sniffed and said, “Pinkie was acting weird when I saw her, so I asked Rainbow to go talk to her. When I went to see how it had gone, Rainbow told me to get away from her! She was so mean, and I don’t know what I did to deserve that!” Spike didn’t know what to say, so he just held her and let her cry. After a few minutes, Twilight’s sobs turned to hitches and she wiped her face. She looked down at her surrogate brother. “Thank you, Spike. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Spike hugged her fiercely and sat back. “That’s why I’m here.” His face clouded over when he thought about the way she’d been treated, so he asked, “Do you want me to go talk to them?” Twilight’s eyes widened and she said, “No, Spike! Just…just stay away from them. Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be over soon.” She then got up to grab some tissues and blew her nose. “I’ll be alright.” “Are you sure?” She turned and smiled at him. “I’m sure.” She looked at the clock. “It’s late; why don’t you go on to bed? I’m sorry I kept you up.” “It’s no trouble, Twilight.” He hopped down and walked to her door. “Goodnight,” he said as he left and closed her door. After waiting a few minutes to make sure she wasn’t coming out of the bedroom, he quietly left the castle. He’d soon find out why everypony was acting so strange and get them to apologize. The next thing Twilight knew, she was awakened by the sounds of a mob outside the doors. “Spike! Spike! What’s going on?!” Getting no answer, she cautiously went to his room and peeked inside. He was gone. Whatever was the matter, she’d have to face it alone. She went to the castle doors and slowly opened them. There, it appeared to be the entire town had turned out, and they all looked angry. “Please, everypony! What’s going on?!” “You know ‘what’s going on’!” cried a pony. “Stop pretending!” Twilight trembled as she stared at them. “I really don’t know! Please tell me what I did wrong!” “Enough talk!” cried another pony. “Get her!” A brick came sailing through the air and struck Twilight’s side. She cried out and tried to raise a shield to protect herself, but her magic fizzled out before she could do so. The shock of her failed spell made her hesitate a moment too long, as she was soon overwhelmed by ponies. Desperate, she kicked out and managed to get them off her, then immediately tried to take flight. She’d only made it a few yards before she was brought down by another object striking one of her wings. She screamed and fell, but managed to roll to her feet and take off running, her fear lending her speed. As she ran full out, she managed to flap her wings just enough to gain a bit of altitude and with it more speed. But the injury to her wing was too much and she soon found herself running again. Even so, she’d managed to leave the crowd behind as she plunged into the Everfree. Veering off the relatively safe path, she made it into some thick foliage, then waited. Soon, there came the sound of her pursuers, so she crept deeper into the woods. Desperately, she tried to think. The ponies weren’t just trying to catch her, she realized, they were after her blood. She felt cold inside as this thought took her, but she forced her breathing to slow as she considered her options. Without Spike, there was no way to send a message to Princess Celestia, so she’d have to somehow get there on her own. She couldn’t fly there, not now, and her magic had already failed her once, so teleporting was out of the question. The train was her only option. Carefully, quietly, she crept out of her hiding place and began making her way back into town. Hopefully, there was one last train leaving tonight, so she had to be on it. She only hoped her friends weren’t waiting by it. After several near-misses, in which she’d almost been spotted, the train station came into view. She began weeping with relief as she did indeed see the train waiting there. From her hiding place, she could hear the conductor cry out the last call before leaving. All of a sudden, she heard ponies behind her, as the train let out a huge plume of steam and began to slowly chug away from the station. No time! She quickly left her hiding place and began to dash madly for the departing vehicle. A shout of “there she is!” sounded near, too near, as she put everything she had into a sprint. The train was already putting on speed as it cleared the station, so she pushed herself even harder as the sounds of pursuit became louder. With one last leap, she clutched madly at the train’s caboose, pulled herself up and looked back. Her heart fell as she saw all of her friends, even Spike, among the crowd. And that’s when Rainbow Dash took off and flew after her. “You’re not getting away!” she cried as she chased her. But fear had lent Twilight strength, and with one last desperate move she lit her horn and blasted Rainbow out of the air. The pegasus cried out as she was stuck, fell, and tumbled along the tracks. Twilight watched her in horror, hoping she hadn’t killed her. As the train started around the first bend, she was just able to make out Dash shaking her head and getting slowly to her hooves. The train moved on. Twilight sighed and stayed where she was, not daring to enter the car and possibly run into more ponies trying to hurt her. After a few minutes, she cried herself to sleep. ********** The train’s final lurch as it pulled into Canterlot Station shook her awake. The Moon was out, and all was relatively quiet for the big city. Cautiously, she climbed down off the back to the caboose and onto the platform. She held her breath as a few of the ponies departing the train looked in her direction, but other than the occasional nod none seemed to pay her much attention. That was good, for it meant that the madness in Ponyville hadn’t yet spread to Canterlot. Or so she hoped. The rest she’d had had done her well, for she was now able to trot again. As quickly as she could, she made her way to the castle. She walked up to the guards stationed at the gate and announced herself. “Princess Twilight Sparkle to see Princess Celestia. Please.” The two batpony guards exchanged a look. “Did you say, ‘Princess Twilight Sparkle?’” one of them asked. She looked at them both, then hesitantly replied, “Yes. Is…is something wrong?” Suddenly, they both leveled their lances at her and one said, “You’re under arrest! Don’t move!” She backed away. “What?!? What’s going on? You can’t—” but they quickly grabbed her and slapped an inhibitor ring over her horn. “Come with us,” one growled, and Twilight was forced to follow them as one led and the other took up the rear. Soon, they made their way to a huge set of double doors with the Lunar Princess’ sigil emblazoned upon them. One knocked and said, “Your Highness. We have her.” “Enter.” They opened the doors and ushered Twilight inside. Princess Luna walked slowly forward and Twilight stared up at her. “Princess Luna! What’s going on? Why have I been treated like this?” “Fascinating,” murmured Luna as she walked around her. Addressing the guards, she said, “Awake my sister at once.” “Yes, Your Highness.” They both bowed and exited the room, leaving Twilight and Luna alone. Luna regarded her. “You are quite remarkable. What is your name?” Twilight stared at her. After a few moments, she said, “You know my name! Please, please tell me what’s going on!” “You really don’t know?” Twilight shook her head. “Has everypony gone crazy? I have no idea what you mean!” Luna repeated herself. “Fascinating. I’ll leave it to my sister to explain.” She looked up. “Here she comes now.” The doors opened, and in walked the Sun Princess, followed by another, purple pony. Twilight stared at her, then screamed! Before her stood an exact replica of herself. “A changeling! Princess Celestia, what are you doing with her?!?” cried Twilight. But Celestia sadly shook her head. “No, my dear…you are the changeling.” Twilight stared at her, then at the other pony, then fainted. ********** “Awake,” said Celestia as she gently shook her. Twilight pulled herself to her hooves and looked around. She was alone with Celestia, Luna…and the other Twilight. “Please tell me what’s happened.” Celestia smiled down at her. “As far as we can tell, you are a new kind of changeling, one designed to infiltrate and mimic perfectly every aspect of the pony you’re copying. Even down to the memories.” She looked closely at her. “What do you remember?” The changeling looked up at the ponies as they stared sadly down at her. “I remember being at the conference at Manehatten. I remember being a foal, and playing with my brother Shining Armor. I remember everything!” Twilight said, “Those are my memories. This is horrible!” she added as she turned to Celestia. “What are we going to do with her?” Celestia closed her eyes as she slowly lit her horn. “The only thing we can do.” Her magic enveloped the changeling as she tried to return her to her changeling form. But it failed. She remained in Twilight’s image. Celestia shook her head. “It is as I feared: the magic can only be changed by the Changeling Queen.” The changeling looked up at her as tears began to fall. “Please help me. I can’t stay like this, now that I know what I am.” Luna answered, “We’ll do whatever we can for you.” “Thank you. I…I…what’s….happening?” The changeling’s head fell to the floor as she began breathing heavily. Celestia covered her in her magic once more. Her face was grave as she said, “She’s dying. It must have been a failsafe incorporated into her disguise.” She picked her up and rushed her out of the room. ********** As Celestia, Luna and Twilight clustered around her bed, the changeling opened her eyes. There was a doctor there, and he looked grim as he watched her. “Is there anything you can do?” Twilight asked him. He shook his head. “This is magic beyond our science. I’m sorry.” “Twi…Twilight?” said the changeling. Twilight rushed to her side and held her hoof. “Yes, I’m here.” The changeling smiled and said, “Tell my friends…I love them.” Then she closed her eyes one final time.