28 Pranks Later: Twilight's Transmissions
Transmission 1: Exposure Is Key
Transmission 1: Blood Samples
My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle. I was once the Princess of Friendship, but my title has been diminished to nothing but a fragment of dust by a strange virus that has taken every pony in Ponyville. I've watched and observed the progress of the virus. The first sign of exposure to the virus, is a small cough, which quickly progresses to a much more severe cough, and continues on rapid basis. The most obvious sign, is blood leaking out of the eye sockets, along with severe nausea, and a severe headache. The last of the signs of the virus, is blood being extracted from the coughs.
I'm still alive, and continue to fight against the effects of the virus. I've noticed that the virus's effects on me are much more slower-paced, due to my immortality. I've decided to take this opportunity to possibly find this virus's weakness, and possibly a cure. To find a cure though, I needed somepony to volunteer as a test subject. Rainbow Dash, the first to be exposed to the virus, decided to take the risk, providing that it could lead to a cure. This is what I'm hoping for, along with every other pony.
The cause of the virus originated from what I am calling "the Joke Cookie Epidemic." A strange odor that came from the rainbow filling of the joke cookies was first exposed, immediately crippling test subject: Rainbow Dash. After realizing it was already too late, I returned to my castle, that had been converted into a lab for the sake of Equestria, only to find Rainbow Dash in severe condition. My assistant Spike had been exposed to the virus as well, but strangely, it had not affected Spike at a rapid pace.
I decided to start with simple blood tests, provided with Ponyville Hospital's equipment. I took blood samples from Rainbow Dash and Spike, and placed it in a small glass container, along with some of the filling from the cookies. The result was this.
RAINBOW DASH
Within a time period of one minute, the scent from the filling had already started to kill a large number of blood cells. This confirmed just how aggressive this virus is, and is classified under a CODE RED epidemic. FATAL. However, the virus only extinguished a certain amount of blood cells, before it just stopped. The blood sample was fatally affected by the epidemic, but still alive just enough to keep an organism living, but not by much.
Aggressive, yet it keeps the victim alive. Who or what ever created this virus knew what they were doing, at least to mortal ponies. Spike's results were different, VERY different.
SPIKE
Within a time period of one minute, the scent from the filling had not managed to do much to patient's blood sample. Only a minor amount of blood cells were affected by the epidemic. By the time this virus could even affect patient, the blood sample would've already produced a number of cells strong enough to hold off the virus, and fight it off. This is strange, because patient is affected, so I'm going to try one more thing to test my theory on why patient is even affected.
TEST TWO RESULTS
Just as I had suspected. I added more filling to the containment chamber with the blood sample, and immediately the virus grew more aggressive, but still managed to kill only a minor amount of cells. The result is how much exposure you have to the virus. Exposure is the key word here. Minor exposure makes the disease fightable if you are not a pony, but dragons have a higher tolerance against this virus, but only if exposed mildly. Patient might still be able to survive, if he remains within a containment of fresh oxygen. I already have a possible cure that might help to "control" the epidemic, but before anything can be done, Ponyville would have to be quarantined, and to do that, we need Canterlot's help. Sending a letter to Celestia. Hope we can get this controlled.
28 Pranks Later: Twilight's Transmissions
Transmission 5: Monstrous Appetite
I'm scared! Rainbow acted strange when I fed her something! She rejected it, and even pulled a scary outrage, saying she wanted blood, and only blood! She even attacked me, and tried to bite at the main artery in my neck! I managed to hold her off with my magic, and she's in heavy containment! I don't know what is going on, but I'm going to take some blood samples from Rainbow. Something has gone terribly wrong with her, and she has grown more aggressive! Please, Celestia! Send a reply soon! I'm scared to death!
EXPERIMENT 3
I've managed to gain enough of a blood sample from Rainbow, and am going to examine what in Celestia is going on in her bloodstream. I had to use some tranquillizer fluid to knock her out, because ever since I freed her from containment, she has come down with a monstrous attitude. All she wants is fresh blood, and nothing else. Please, let the answer be in this blood sample.
OBSERVATION 3
Something is wrong. The virus has grown even more aggressive against the blood cells, but not killing the blood cells. Instead, the virus has managed to surpass the dragon's blood's effects, and has removed the dragon's blood completely from Rainbow's sample. Never have I known of a virus that has a backup effect. It's almost as if the virus itself is a living organism. The virus backup has different effects than first exposure, making its victim aggressive and bloodthirsty. What can I do now?! The dragon's blood isn't enough, and if this virus has the capability to fight back against anything that can pose as a threat, how can you win that battle?!
The only known resource I know that can possibly have a medicine able to fight a virus that is able to fight against any sort of cure, is Canterlot's Quarantine Facility. Please, Celestia! Answer me!
TWO HOURS LATER
Rainbow is awake. She's very angry at me, and even her appearance has changed. Her eyes have turned red, and she's developed a growl like a wild animal. I can only keep her contained for now, until Celestia messages me back. It's been nearly ten days, and still nothing. I understand it's a busy occupation, but we need help, because who knows what else this virus is capable of. I sure don't. Whoever created this, was in the nature of some wicked science. I sure hope their own creation reaches them, so they can face everything that Ponyville has had to face. Ponyville has become a land of death, and unless help comes, we might have to face facts. Ponyville is dead.
FIVE HOURS LATER
It is now day ten of the epidemic, and Rainbow's growl is all can hear, even though she is contained in a room made of twelve-inch thick steel. What happened to my friend?! Is it even her anymore?! I hate to think that, but the Rainbow I knew would never harm any of her friends. At least Spike is still alive, but who knows how long it'll be before he turns on me?!
*BURP*
Wait! Spike just burped! Finally! A response! Hoping that Celestia can provide the resources Ponyville needs right now, before it's too late, and Ponyville dies to nothing!
CELESTIA'S MESSAGE
Dearest Twilight,
I'm sorry for late response, I only just got to your letter in the massive pile of paperwork that I have to sort through. I've contacted the Canterlot Quarantine Facility, and they have informed me that they are low on supplies for a code red epidemic, and the latest they can obtain the needed resources, would be within the next two weeks. Until then, I suggest you remain inside your castle, and keep me informed of the situation. Good luck, my dear student.
-Princess Celestia
Two weeks might be too long. I'm going to write her back, and inform her of all the current issues with the virus. This can't wait out for two more weeks. It must be resolved now. I just hope that she responds faster this time. Gotta go now, Rainbow is growling again. I can't handle it, so I'll put her to sleep for a short while again. Goodbye for now.
28 Pranks Later: Twilight's Transmissions
Transmission 7: Weakness & Growing Fear
Transmission 7: Weakness & Growing Fear
I couldn't do it. I tried, but my emotions got the better of me, so now Spike is locked up in containment to prevent the virus from any further exposure. I can feel the virus beginning to take hold of me, after fifteen days of failing to find any shred of hope in this time of darkness and pure mystery. I'm still trying to find some attempt of an explanation as to why Rainbow Dash became very monstrous and violent towards me. I can't help but wonder why, seeing the animal-like growl that Rainbow had before, has changed to a much more deep and violent sounding roar. I don't dare to enter the room where I'm keeping her, afraid for my safety, and also afraid of what I might find.
Spike's condition has continued to get worse, and as much as I hate to see him suffer, I can't kill another friend. I've kept Celestia updated on what I can, and I haven't received any responses as of yet. I explained very clearly that a two week period for the Canterlot Quarantine Facility to arrive and get this under control was not acceptable. Ponyville has gone dead silent, and the only sounds audible now are Rainbow's growls on a constant basis, Spike's coughing and wretching, and the sound of my depleting heart beat. I can feel it faltering with each passing second, and while I'm still able to support myself, it won't be long before I'm gone as well. I really hope that Celestia finds a solution, because I fear that I'm not safe here anymore.
Where will I go if my condition worsens or whatever I locked in that room manages to somehow escape? I fear the worse, seeing I swear I can hear the sealed door being weakened with each passing day. That could be my sense of insecurity and paranoia playing tricks on me, but either way, I'm not taking any chances. As time has passed, food and other resources have gotten low, so in my last letter, I asked Celestia to possibly transport extra food and such. I'm running out of time and options, and if help doesn't come soon, Ponyville's population will fall to zero. There's nowhere to run or hide.
TWO DAYS LATER
A letter finally came. I'm crossing my hooves, hoping that Celestia has managed to convince the Canterlot Quarantine Facility to arrive sooner, and that some resources have been provided. My belly has been grumbling for food within the past two days, and Spike has even begun to crave for even the simplest of things on the verge of death.
Dearest Twilight,
I talked to the head of the Canterlot Quarantine Facility, and the least amount they could provide, was ten days. I'm so sorry, but they want to get the area contained with every bit of caution possible. I can provide you with resources in that time, and will send those separately. As for Rainbow Dash, just try to keep the area she's in reinforced for now, and as soon as the Canterlot Quarantine Facility arrives, they will take care of it from there. For now, I've taken precautions, and have reinforced Canterlot with a protective shield against the virus. We don't need any other areas getting infected. I wish I could help you more, but I must keep Canterlot safe until Ponyville is contained. Stay safe, Twilight.
Your friend and mentor,
Princess Celestia
As soon as I take my eyes off of the letter, five extra boxes of the promised resources arrive separately. I'm not sure if I'll make it ten days from now, seeing the virus has lowered my strength along with the lack of resources. I'm going to have to try hardest to hold out the next ten days, and seeing I've made it twenty days already, I feel confident enough to give one more shot of making it out of this nightmare, alive. For now, I am going to gain strength back with a decent meal,
and if Spike is hungry, provide him a healthy meal. After that, I need to check the locks on the steel door where Rainbow is contained, as much as I'm afraid.
I need to hold out just a little longer. Help is coming. I just need to hold out ten more days, and hope that whatever I fear may be in that room does not escape.
TWO HOURS LATER
I'm terrified. I was right about the door, it was heavily damaged from the impact of whatever lies in the containment.I estimate that two more days, the door would've been breached and I would've been running for my life from the monstrosity I may have accidentally created. While repairing the supports that held the door, I just barely caught sight of something in the room. It was... nothing that I could describe, except terrifying, seeing once I saw "it"
I feel backwards onto my back in fright. All I managed to catch was a glimpse of blood-red eyes in pure darkness, staring right at me during a sudden thrust against the door. Not only eyes, but I swear I caught sight of what I thought were huge wings similar to that of a... no. No... No, no, no!
I couldn't have! It's impossible! But those eyes and wings seemed just like what I fear! Did mixing dragon blood cells with pony blood cells result in the creation of a mixture of the two species?! *Sigh* Calm down, Twilight. Don't assume things that may not be true. I'm going to check the blood samples from before to see if what I fear may be the cause of Rainbow's sudden change in behavior. Please let me be wrong...
ONE HOUR LATER
My fears just became reality. After sitting for nearly two weeks, the blood samples had changed miraculously,
and not in a good way. The blood sample taken from Spike had completely devoured the blood sample taken from Rainbow Dash. The cells within Rainbow's sample had been completely reconstructed, which normally would be a good thing, seeing the last time I ran an experiment, I had saw that the virus had worked against the lasting effects of dragon blood. The virus had an aggressive nature and had eventually killed all the cells, but somehow the dragon blood had once again, worked against the virus, rebuilding the cells in the pony blood.
So, the dragon blood just had a longer recovery process than the virus, meaning it could still fight against the virus, despite it's relentless aggression. However, the dragon blood has another effect against pony DNA. I had underestimated the strength of the dragon blood, and it turns out that the cells became overly-dominant, causing the cells of the pony blood cells to take over and rebuild the DNA structure. It's like a virus in it's own nature. While it may be able to combat the virus,
it's also too powerful of a remedy for ponies to tolerate without their DNA structure changing, causing the host to first gain small habits of a dragon like their appetite.
From there, it just progresses, until the pony becomes a voracious predator. Rainbow had become a mixture between a pegasus and a voracious dragon, and the longer she remains in containment, she will only progress, until the blood cells take full hold, and she loses most of her characteristics as much as her appearance as a pony. She'll become a full-fledged monstrosity with an appetite for ponies like me. Normally, this would be a miraculous break in science, but under these circumstances, it's a danger and possible cause of death for me. Please let these ten days be long enough, to keep me safe. I'm truly running out of time.
28 Pranks Later: Twilight's Transmissions
Transmission 9: The Bunker
Transmission 9: The Bunker
Day twenty since first exposure of the Joke Cookie Virus. I'm tired, exhausted, scared, and trapped in my own personal prison, created by myself.
Food supply is running low, and the only thing I hear in this dark prison is the roars of the monstrosity I never intended to create. I can hear the barrings growing weaker with each blow, which has caused my fear and paranoia to escalate in the only safe place left for any living creature left. Of all the things that could've wiped out a fraction of ponykind, I never would have guessed something as harmless as Joke Cookies. A product sold in Joke Shops throughout Equestria to young colts and fillies of all ages.
What could've caused this? What could have been in that batch of Joke Cookies that could slowly kill ponies in a gruesome way? Rainbow never intended this. She just happened to be the unfortunate pony to buy the batch that contained the virus. At this point, it doesn't matter, does it, Twilight? You tried to find an answer,
but failed to find a solution. You created a monster, and slowly but surely, you too are becoming a monster.
Look at yourself. You are as pale as a ghost in your final days of life, if even that much time remains. Your strength weakens. Your hope diminishes. Your sanity fades. Why didn't you just end it all, rather than fighting for a resolution that will never come?! Why are you such an idiot, Twilight?! You had saved Equestria multiple times before, so why couldn't you save Equestria this time!? Idiot! Failure! Worthless scum!
*Slap*
I apologize for my sudden outburst, I suspect it as an effect from the virus, along with my restlessness. I haven't slept since day twelve, and feel like I'm dragging lead. Shall anypony ever hear these recordings, promise me that you'll find what I couldn't. At this point, my hopes of being saved have faded to nothing but pure hopelessness. I'm sorry that I failed, Celestia.
Pinkie. Fluttershy. Rarity. Applejack. Rainbow. Spike. I'm sorry. I failed you all. I couldn't avenge your deaths, and only hope that you can forgive me when I join you in due time. Forgiveness is all I can ask for at this point. I'm too weak to support even a simple light spell anymore, therefore I can't see to eat or drink.
I continue to fight, and I don't know why I do. Anypony would've accepted the inevitable end at this point, but even in the darkest of hours, a small shred of hope remains.
Just stay strong, I keep telling myself. Help is coming, I keep telling myself. I know I'm only lying to myself, but in some way it gives me reason. Reason to fight against the virus that slowly continues to engulf my soul with a force of unbelievable strength. My mind is telling me to give in. To make the pain go away. To escape the misery.
But my will says otherwise. It's a conflict between mind and soul that is taking a toll on me. At the moment, I'm not sure what to choose. All I know, is that time is running out, and eventually I will have to end this conflict.
I must eat now. I'm hungry. This is Princess Twilight Sparkle signing off for now.
ONE DAY LATER
It's now day 21 since first exposure of the Joke Cookie Virus epidemic. I'm on my last resources of food and water. I continue to face that same conflict between my mind and what may remain of my soul. The virus has entered its final stages, and slowly my body is being eaten from the inside. All I taste is blood, and continue to cough up mass amounts of the thick crimson liquid.
My feces which I defecated only a few hours ago is pure red and black. The stench is unbearable in such a small secluded prison like this, but I only have myself to blame for that. The coughing started two hours ago, and has now followed with rapid vomiting. My mouth is most likely crimson in color, and my teeth rotten and deteriorating from the mass amounts of stomach acid being extracted. Celestia knows what else is in the contents of both the feces and vomit, and I'd rather prefer to not know.
Pain is all I feel, similar to something sharp navigating through every vein, artery, nerve, and intestine. I cried at first, but at this point, it has become second nature to me, thus why I've held off on doing another transmission. I hypothesize that it will only continue to worsen from here forward, and I know I'm not wrong this time.
Oh Celes...
*Vomits and coughs*
*Blood splatters against the ground*
*Coughs violently*
*More vomiting*
I-I'm sorry. I can't continue talking right now...
FIVE HOURS LATER
I think it has stopped for now. I'm quivering and shivering as I speak this transmission. I've realized the truth. I'm not going to make it. I'll be lucky to make it another day. As much as I wish I could just kill myself, I can't. It hurts to move at all, and I'm already slowly dying. I had to use my last shred of strength to just hit record, and will use the last bit of space left to say my final words.
My name was Twilight Sparkle. I was the Princess of Friendship. I'm the last survivor of the Joke Cookie Virus epidemic within the town once known as "Ponyville." I tried, but failed. To any pony that finds this and is listening, Rainbow is loose. She escaped two hours ago, and while she hasn't found me yet, she will not stop until she does. Please, kill her as an act of mercy. Don't make her suffer any longer than she already has.
Mom, dad, Cadance, BBBFF, Flurry... Know that I love you all, and I hope that you find safety, before it's too late. I'm sorry it had to end like this, but I never gave up trying to live for you all, in hopes of seeing your faces again. I'm-I'm *sniffs* I'm sorry...
Goodbye...
TRANSMISSION END
28 Pranks Later: Twilight's Transmissions
Canterlot Quarantine Facility: CASE 174252
DAY 22
CANTERLOT QUARANTINE FACILITY INVESTIGATION SUMMARY REPORT
LOCATION: PONYVILLE
CLASSIFICATION: EPIDEMIC [CLASS A]
CASE NUMBER: 174250
TEAM: ALPHA 1
On the date of 9/11/2016, Quarantine Team Alpha 1 infiltrated Ponyville, following a distress call from occupant "Princess Twilight Sparkle" on a CLASS A epidemic. Upon arrival, a total of zero survivors were found alive, while a total of 120 victims were discovered. All of them being dead upon discovery. Their causes of death are still unknown, but will be updated after each have been performed an autopsy.
Upon first discovery, the victims were all found in pools of blood, but no trauma or blunt force had been applied. Later discoveries and observations had concluded the blood had been exerted from the mouth and nostrils of each victim. The only other discovery in the outside environment and inside environments of the area of Ponyville was scattered remains of cookies. A sample of the cookie was taken as evidence, and is currently in the process of being examined for any harmful substances.
Quarantine Team Alpha 1 proceeded to the usual protocol, and quickly contained the area of Ponyville, before continuing any further into the investigation. My team will continue the infiltration after quarantine protocol is complete.
Signature of team operative: Capt. Stronghoof
DAY 24
CANTERLOT QUARANTINE FACILITY INVESTIGATION SUMMARY REPORT
LOCATION: PONYVILLE
CLASSIFICATION: EPIDEMIC [CLASS A]
CASE NUMBER: 174250
TEAM: ALPHA 1
Following quarantine protocol, Quarantine Team Alpha 1 continued the investigation of Ponyville, confiscating anything that could be contaminated. Upon further investigation, an additional fifty bodies were discovered, each of them falling under the same classification as the others. Each building was investigated, confiscated of anything potentially hazardous or contaminated, and marked as SAFE for further investigation, if necessary.
The last building to be investigated was the Castle of Friendship, located just outside of Ponyville. Due to the size of the structure, a second quarantine protocol was done to assure the safety of my team. A follow-up investigation with be done after quarantine protocol is complete.
Signature of team operative: Capt. Stronghoof
DAY 25
CANTERLOT QUARANTINE FACILITY LAB STUDY SUMMARY REPORT
LOCATION: PONYVILLE
CLASSIFICATION: EPIDEMIC [CLASS A]
CASE NUMBER: 174250
LAB: LAB A [SUBSTANCE STUDIES UNDER CLASS A]
After numerous tests, studies, and observations on EVIDENCE A, heavy traces of CLASS A substances were found emanating from icing of EVIDENCE A.
SUBSTANCE A: PASTANE
A heavily toxic gas used mostly in machines powered by unicorn magic of high velocity.
SUBSTANCE B: CYANIDE
A commonly used form of poison to kill household pests like rats and mice
SUBSTANCE C: UNKNOWN
No definition can be given, as there are no cases of any substance of this kind. Studies with rats showed it to be heavily aggressive on the host, acting as a base able to keep reproducing whatever had been mixed with it. The main thing about this unknown substance, was its ability to control the host's mindset.
FINAL SUMMARY: CLASS X [AERIAL SUBSTANCE]
CLASS X: FATAL
This substance was homebrewed by another source, as SUBSTANCE A & B cannot be found within the same environments in high quantities. Further studies will be needed to determine any further details. For now, it is advised to keep EVIDENCE A in a heavily controlled environment, and is only to be accessed by CLASS A laboratory scientists.
Signed by:Dr. Wingspan
DAY 26
CANTERLOT QUARANTINE FACILITY INVESTIGATION SUMMARY REPORT
LOCATION: CASTLE OF FRIENDSHIP
CLASSIFICATION: EPIDEMIC [CLASS A]
CASE NUMBER: 174251
TEAM: ALPHA 1
Following quarantine protocol, the Castle of Friendship was infiltrated, starting with a full search for any survivors. Unfortunately, no survivors were found, only a lone corpse of a baby dragon. Cause of death was classified under the same cause of death for the other victims within the Ponyville area. Further investigation of the Castle of Friendship will be followed up by a confiscation of anything considered hazardous.
Signature of team operative:Capt. Stronghoof
DAY 27
CANTERLOT QUARANTINE FACILITY INVESTIGATION SUMMARY REPORT
LOCATION: CASTLE OF FRIENDSHIP
CLASSIFICATION: EPIDEMIC [CLASS A]
CASE NUMBER: 174251
TEAM: ALPHA 1
A mass amount of potentially hazardous items were confiscated from the Castle of Friendship, but nothing else was found. The only things of interest found, were a massive cage-like room, breached from the inside by someone or something of massive size. Upon examination, claw marks, traces of blood, feces, urine, and pony teeth were found.
The quick assumption was that a dragon had occupied the environment, but after examining the teeth and testing the blood for a DNA match, both were found to match occupant "Rainbow Dash." The case was dropped immediately, due to there not being enough evidence to make a case or determine anything.
Once confiscation was complete, the case was filed COMPLETE, until further information was provided by the Canterlot Medical Examiner's. An updated report regarding said subjective will be filed and sent, if necessary.
Signature of team operative: Capt. Stronghoof
DAY 28
CANTERLOT QUARANTINE FACILITY INVESTIGATION SUMMARY REPORT
LOCATION: CASTLE OF FRIENDSHIP
CLASSIFICATION: RESCUE [CLASS A]
CASE NUMBER: 174252
TEAM: ALPHA 1
Princess Celestia forged a rescue mission, due to Ponyville seeming SAFE. Using clear directions sent and provided by occupant "Princess Twilight Sparkle," my team once again infiltrated the Castle of Friendship, and navigated with caution to the area she had chosen to occupy. My team and I soon discovered the area of occupation, and quickly opened the entrance to said area.
The inside of the area of occupation was composed of heavy traces of vomit, feces, and splattered blood among the walls of the enclosure. Wrappers of certain foods were present as well, but the item of interest was the body of Princess Twilight Sparkle. After checking vitals, she was found to be alive, and was quickly gathered up. However, upon extraction, Princess Twilight Sparkle became very violent towards my team. I tried to assure her that she was safe, but she didn't follow, and proceeded to attacking my team.
To my surprise, upon further examination of the princess, she seemed more monstrous in appearance. She had blazing red eyes, sharp jagged teeth, and spoke in a very raspy manner. It wasn't anything of pony nature, and she wasn't a pony anymore. Despite it being against protocol, I ordered that Princess Twilight Sparkle be terminated. She was quickly targeted and eliminated.
After elimination, the area of occupation was searched for any further evidence. A small recorder was gathered up as evidence, and after listening to the contents of the audio, I quickly ordered that any bodies confiscated from Ponyville were to be burned immediately. The contents of the recorder were enough to determine what had happened, and what was the right course of action.
The bodies were kept contained in a safe place, until Princess Celestia had heard the transmissions on the recorder. Not long after, all the bodies gathered from Ponyville were confiscated and burned. Ponyville as of now is restricted to enter under order of the Canterlot Quarantine Facility, and until a full investigation is done, will remain a restricted area.
One body still remains to be confiscated and burned. The only one we never found.
FINAL SUMMARY
SUBJECT RAINBOW DASH must be found and terminated before she produces offspring, or Celestia-help-us-all, Equestria will be damned to fall victim to whatever in Celestia's name was in that cage!
Signature of team operative: Capt. Stronghoof