Copycat: A Displaced Tale

“Could you start from the beginning? Perhaps it would benefit us all to understand all that’s happened.” Celestia requested when the three of them had taken seats in a dining hall. The castle staff had been made aware of Anna’s carnivorous diet and instructed to prepare a meal for me with what they could provide. They didn’t seem too happy about that, but at least they had fish on han- er, hoof.

“Of course. Now, as I mentioned on the way here, I wasn’t always a cat, let alone female. I used to be what’s known as a Human. In the world I once lived, magic was limited to sleight of hand or optical illusions. There was no manipulation of the elements or levitation, and the entire populus made do with the invention of various technologies.” Anna explained.

“That seems rather impressive. However, your reactions to this world don’t line up with the expected response from someone who’s been here as long as you have…” Luna observed. Anna nodded.

“Such things as true magic and universal travel are still only ideas in my world. These ideas have been novelized by inspired fictions. I immersed myself in them in my free time, and used to fantasize about being capable of such feats. Though over time, these novels and other ideas have gone beyond written texts, and theater plays, just as technology evolved, so did methods of storytelling. This has even reached so far as allowing the viewer to interact or even directly control a singular hero or team of characters. This method I speak of is known as Video Games, a media form I was training to produce myself in my previous life.

“One of my favorites was a series of games known by the title of Star Fox, which involved a lot of interplanetary travel and science-fiction technology. I have reason to believe I have become a slightly customized version of one of the characters of Star Fox, if not a potential soldier from such media.”

Luna and Celestia were listening intently, taking in every word with a mix of awe and disbelief, all hidden behind a carefully practiced mask of calm.

“And you seem to be taking all of this rather well. Tell me, how is it you have been taking this in stride?” Luna asked.

“In truth, I’ve been freaking out every waking second. But I push on because even growing up, I had learned that panic and fear distorts your judgement and makes any situation worse. I refuse to allow myself to make judgement calls based on fear. As well, I find comfort in the fact that I am wearing this armor.” Now that Anna thinks about it, with this armor being among one of the kinds of armor detailed in science fiction, she had to wonder if she had some kind of spaceship lying around somewhere. It’s a possibility to explore some other time. She still had an interview and mission to accomplish.

“That's an interesting lesson. And I can understand the comfort of armor... at least until its limits are truly tested.” Celestia chuckled. “But we’re getting off topic. You were getting to how you became what you are?”

“Of course. Now, the media I have spoken of previously have quite the following. My planet has a population well over billions, and a majority of them has access to the established Worldwide Media tool that came to me known as the Internet. This allows us to advertise meetings for certain circles of fans of this series or that game, usually many in one. These gatherings, known as conventions, can host a vast number of fan creations and merchants selling their wares related to the subject of the convention. I had the misfortune of purchasing a product from the only merchant I know of that was capable of not only transforming me into the character I was wearing a costume of, but subtly transporting me to another planet altogether… Possibly even another dimension, but I’d like to remain optimistic. My Copy weapon was the item I purchased. And the very same item that caused such a chaotic change in my life.”

“Then why do you keep it?” Luna asked, glaring hatefully at the offending item. Anna chuckled.

“If there is anything consistent about Humans, it’s their ability to thrive in conflict. Their ability to adapt in the face of Discord and Chaos. And most of all, their ability to survive when pushed to the edge. I recognized it was a weapon; the only weapon I had. My only self defence. But logical minds prevail… I recognized the Copy ability has the potential for Godhood. I’m no megalomaniac, but I know obtaining power will more efficiently allow for the protection of not just myself, but the innocents that I no doubt will meet on my travels.” Anna ended with a smile. But then her face allowed an expression of cold, critical analysis.

“You don’t even know you are hurting innocents, do you?” Anna asked suddenly, causing the alicorn sisters to tense up. They looked between Anna and her weapon, with which she was fidgeting nervously.

“What exactly do you mean? What innocents?” Celestia asked. Anna sighed.

“The creatures of nature. Timberwolves are Elementals who protect their territories. By taking control of nature yourselves, you take the lives of the Elementals who control and live in their element. A timberwolf sent me to work things out with you, to get you to understand what you’re doing, and to stop it.” Anna presented. The two alicorns shared a sceptical look.

“But we know what we’re doing.the creatures you call elementals have attacked ponies, even going so far as to kill. What better course of action than to show them what they do to us?” Celestia asked, worried and confused. Anna withheld a growl.

“That course of action casts you into ignorance. Tell me, how long have you and your kingdom been established?” Anna asked, hoping to show them what was wrong.

“Nearly 100 years. We’ve seen these creatures every now and then since we came, but not for long, usually.” Luna replied.

“Until they began killing ponies about 10 years ago, we were content to leave them be.” Celestia added.

“Did you begin controlling more than the sun and moon around 10 years ago?” Anna asked. Celestia’s eyebrow raised in doubt, while the connection immediately caught Luna’s mind.

“We did! We had pegasi begin scheduling weather for the Earth Ponies’ farms!” Luna answered.

“By doing so, you began killing the Elementals. They were not the first to strike. They are merely defending themselves. After all, what would you do to defend your home and life? I suggest laying down your control and striking a deal with the Elementals. They are sentient.” Anna told them.

“And who are you to tell us what to do?” Celestia asked with narrowed eyes.

“I’m not giving an order. I’m making a suggestion. However…. To ignore me would be to forsake the meaning of Harmony.” Anna said. Her weapon clicked, and blue pixels coated it as it grew back into the arm blaster form it previously took. She immediately began scanning Celestia. “So I suppose, in a sense, I am telling you what to do.” The two sisters tensed up as they waited for something to happen. It was about 30 seconds before the weapon beeped, changing back into a gauntlet. Above it, a holographic screen showed Anna’s new acquisition.

Solar Beam acquired. Solar magic has augmented your beam attacks. High chance to burn targets. Damage affected by proximity and exposure to solar energy/bodies.

Anna immediately toggled it on. No sense in not using all beam modifiers available.

Fire Affinity acquired. Intense Heat empowers armor and abilities up to 300 Degrees Celsius.

“What is this?” Celestia asked, cautious and afraid.

“Life insurance.” Anna replied coldly, standing up. “As much as I wish for peace, I must be prepared to fight for it too. Even if it means fighting you.” Anna turned with a stoney face toward the exit. Before she reached it, however, she stopped and considered her words carefully. She turned her head towards them halfway.

“Please know that though I am willing to fight, I would much prefer peace. You two seem reasonable enough. I hope you will chose to take me as an ally rather than an enemy.” She said before leaving. The two sisters stood silent and tense as they waited for the cat to leave the castle.

“Sheesh. What a drama queen.” Star Swirl the Bearded callously remarked as he made his presence known. The two sisters jumped in surprise, yelping a bit as they turned to him. He let out a hearty chuckle. “And I see she got to you too. But she has a point. You should listen to her if you really want to stop the killings.”

Luna gave her sister a subtle, yet smug smirk, feeling some satisfaction in being the one that’s right for once. She had argued against the killing of the elementals long ago, and now, ten years later, she had proven correct. Celestia paid the look little mind.

“Listen to her?! SHE THREATENED US!! If anything, she’s declaring war!” Celestia shouted in return, upset and afraid.

“Deep breaths, Celly. Remember what happened last time you lashed out in fear.” Star Swirl admonished. Celestia’s breathing didn’t slow down.

“No, she raised her weapon against me. That was a direct threat!” Celestia continued to argue. Luna put a hoof on the elder sister’s shoulders.

“Sister, stop. She gave us a choice.” Luna said in a soft tone to try and calm her down. Celestia tried to come up with an argument, but had to stop to recognize that her mask of calm had been broken, and that tears of fear had begun falling.

“I… I…” She paused to take a breath and wipe her tears. “...I need to rest. This business with Discord’s attack… I’ve reached my limit.” she said, excusing herself. She left for her room, where she could collect herself in peace. Moments after they heard the door to her room slam shut, a servant holding three plates of food cleared his throat.

“So… what am I doing with these, then?” he asked uncertainly. Luna sighed.

“I believe Starswirl and I will take the two salads. If you can find a carnivore among the castle staff or common folk, please let them have the fish. Or find some way to deliver it to Captain Anna Belle. No food should go to waste.”

“As you wish.” the servant said, levitating the two salads over to the two, as Starswirl took a seat.

“...From the way she acted, I’m guessing she was closer to 18 than 25 as her body suggested.” Starswirl started to pick up a conversation.

“...Old perv.” Luna quipped in return.

“Oh, don’t tell me you didn’t notice. She’s given herself two forms of immortality. She’s ageless, and can even return from death.” Starswirl said, much to Luna’s absolute shock.

“Then she may be unstopable… Perhaps it would be wise to heed her wishes then. An alliance will most certainly prove the best course of action.” Luna smiled as she thought forward with a clear head.

Strange… normally I’m the one breaking down with fear and hatred… What has Discord done to her? Luna paused to think for a moment. But she shook the thought from her head. I will need to help the common folk regain their bearings. They have been afflicted far too harshly in recent times.

Anna took several minutes to compose herself after she left. Her heart was pounding like a drum in her chest, and her blood had been running cold while she was in there, making such bold threats. It was like she was squaring off against death himself. The first thing she had freaked out about after the adrenaline wore off was “WHY THE FUCK DID I DO THAT?!” She then proceeded to go on a cursing tangent of regret. Sadly, it was too late to go back now unless she wanted to make it really awkward.

“Fucking hell. This is why 18 year olds aren’t old enough to negotiate with royals…” Anna lamented as she nearly clawed the fur out of her head. After a lengthy groan, she relaxed enough to compose herself.

“At least I got a couple neat upgrades out of it.” she muttered before walking out of the castle grounds and making her way back into the forest.

Celestia’s breaths shuddered as she finished her fit in her room. “It’s not fair… Why did they have to die so soon? I shouldn’t be in charge this young…” she whined as she hung her head. As her eyes cleared, she noticed her flailing about and crying had scattered various objects around her room, but her diary had landed right in front of her. Maybe she just needed to write to get her head together. Picking up an inkwell and quill once she spotted them miraculously untouched on a desk, she opened to a blank page in the book and began writing.

“Dear Diary,
It’s been too long since I last wrote in this dusty old thing. Last time was when mom and dad… were erased. I know Luna will never remember them like I do. I guess it was chance I saw my diary again when I needed it.

Nevertheless, there’s been something new today. Many things, actually. The first of which might scar me for a while… Discord. The spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. He played with me and Luna like we were mere toys. We were powerless to stop him, and he nearly unleashed… HER on my little ponies. But he was interrupted when a strange cat stole his powers and set him to the task of restoring all he changed.

Then there’s the matter of the cat… it wasn’t even an hour before she turned on us, accusing us of harming innocents. She threatened us like none ever have before. She isn’t against us for power. I don’t know what scares me more; Her ability to steal power, or her standing against us. She even has Discord at her beck and call since she defeated him so effortlessly.

Mother Faust, guide my hoof… I don’t know what to do in the wake of these dreadful events. I only hope I can survive what comes next…”

Celestia took a heavy labored breath as she set the quill down. Then she turned to a wall in her room and cast a quick spell, before the wall turned around and revealed a particularly tall cake. In her mind, she paused to apologize to her sister for breaking the strict diet, but these cakes were one of the means by which she avoided breaking her own mind with boredom, madness, or otherwise. And then, she proceeded to dig in as only a princess of the sun could.

The mess left so many stains, the cleaning staff had to remove the afflicted carpet and replace it entirely. At least they were paid VERY handsomely to keep quiet about it.

Anna sighed as she finished recounting her tale to the wolf back at camp. The Timberwolf seemed confused.

“Why do you sound dissatisfied? It sounds to me like you got our message across.” He asked.

“But I gave a bad message… I left a horrible first impression, and on top of that, if they end up somehow finding out I’ve got the power to Respawn, I could end up in an endless cycle of dying over and over again!” Anna distressed.

“...Oh.” The timberwolf whimpered in realization. Anna nodded with ears laid flat. After a long moment of consideration, she stood up.

“I have something else I need to keep an eye out for anyway. Can you ask around for anything fitting the description of a large metal bird capable of fitting a creature in a seat inside?” Anna asked. “I’ll stand a much better chance of survival if I get my Arwing.”

“...I suppose I could ask around. What about that Discord fellow? Do you think he would know anything?” Timber asked.
“Maybe. Let’s give him a call.” Anna said hopefully, smiling at the idea. “Discord!” she called out. One snap and flash later, a delighted voice replied,

“You called?” Discord was grinning, having a good feeling about this call.

“Yeah. I was wondering if you had any idea where I might find a crashed space ship. It’s designed more like an arrow or some kind of metal cat head than the usual stereotype of a flying saucer.” Anna asked. Discord thought for a few moments before investigating his Chaos Sensor, which was currently pointing to ten seconds ago.

“Ah, does it look something like this?” Discord snapped up an illusion of the Arwing, currently crashed in one of the newly settled farming towns just outside the Everfree Forest.

“That’s it exactly. Can you point me in that direction?” Anna requested.

“Maybe. Though my magic never likes to give straight answers, so bear with me. I’m just as new to this planet as you are.” Discord answered. Another snap, and a whacky compass appeared in his paw. The arrow was twisted on it, though Anna at least recognized the order in which the arrow stopped on three items. First, a Zap Apple Tree, then a crystal tree, then an S, presumably for South, then her Arwing.

“Hmm… This isn’t giving me any meaningful answers. Can you make any sense of it?” Discord asked, showing it more clearly. Anna nodded.

“I’ve set a few waypoints based on the order of stops. I already know where to go for the first one, so I have a general sense of where to go, but I have no idea about the Crystal Tree thing…” Anna said thoughtfully.

“Crystal Tree? You mean the Tree of Harmony?” Timber questioned. “I can lead you there. It’s just past the Zap Apple Orchard.” he got up and began leading the way, Discord grinning like a fool as he made an explorer outfit pop into existence on the trio. Anna giggled when she noticed her own was similar to the green tunic Link wears in Legend of Zelda.

“Nice choice.” Anna complemented, disregarding the utter disregard of reality that just occurred. After all, it has already been established that magic exists in this world, but she has not asserted what is possible. Therefore, anything that occurs is possible. Simple logic to explain her acceptance.

Soon enough, the three of them arrived at the Crystal Tree Timber had mentioned. Discord paused as, rather than a disgusted, tormented feeling he usually got when near this tree, he felt… calm. At peace, if it was a bit uneasy. Almost like it was accepting him, begrudgingly.

Anna was quick to scan the tree with her UI/Visor, and opened the file presented.

Tree of Harmony

The sentient tree before you endeavors to maintain balance and harmony across the entire planet. How it does so is unknown, but in recent years, its power has begun growing exponentially. Possible connection to the Alicorn Sisters may require further analysis of their relationship and further inquiry.

Alternative Identity: Lauren Faust

Lore: ERROR 404; History not found.

“This thing is Sentient?” Anna asked with a cute tilt of her head. Discord grabbed the UI file and looked at it himself, though he should not have seen it.

“That could explain why it’s not trying to kill me this time. And why there doesn’t seem to be anything on its past. Maybe this ‘Lauren Faust’ doesn’t want to share a history lesson?”

“Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it… but I will respect its wishes. Maybe someday it will trust me enough to share.” Anna said with a sigh. Just as she was about to turn away, something popped up on her UI.

Incoming Friend Request: Tree of Harmony

Accept?

“...Sure, why not?” Anna shrugged, once more assuming it was magic just finding a way to interact with her systems. Once the button went away, a chat window popped up. In blue text, it said,

Tree of Harmony: Maybe some day.

Anna smiled as she turned, leaving it in peace. The chat window minimized as she left. Now, it was just a matter of going South to her ship.