//------------------------------// // Lock Light and the Doctor // Story: Son of Sombra // by Stargazer42 //------------------------------// “But this pony is only doing good,” Twilight retorted “they’re not stealing or damaging anything. And Fluttershy, you did say that this pony helped you get ahead of schedule, just like they did with Applejack. If Applejack had to work yesterday, she would’ve completely forgotten Apple Bloom’s birthday instead of nearly forgetting it. The present which this pony bought Apple Bloom was a obviously a backup plan in case Applejack was still too busy…” “But Fluttershy’s got a point,” interjected Rainbow Dash “I mean I don’t know how you guys feel, but I don’t want someone completely at home and familiar with all of my stuff. I don’t want them touching anything, even if they are helping. It’s an invasion of my personal space.” “Yeah,” said Pinkie Pie “personal space!” “Pinkie,” Applejack retorted “you always invade people’s personal space to throw parties.” “True,” Pinkie Pie said “but that’s not…” “And you love throwing surprise parties,” Twilight said “what if ponies had the same attitude towards your parties as you do towards this pony doing good deeds?” “But…” “Girls,” Twilight said getting up “I think that we should just give this pony the benefit of the doubt. Now let’s pack up. It was fun, but I still have to finish those reports to Princess Celestia.” They all got up, but Pinkie was insistent “Wait!” she said “how about one more stake out? Just to prove you’re right Twilight. Let’s say, at Applejack’s place?” “Well,” Applejack said “I don’t know…” “Oh come on,” Pinkie Pie said “please?” “Oh alright,” Applejack replied “but one night only, and that’s because I don’t have to work today.” They repeated the same plan. They slept until dark and then began their nightly vigil. The wind was chillier this time, keeping them all awake. Rarity threw a thick navy blue scarf over herself “Anyone else want one?” “Shhh,” the others said. “Alright, alright,” Rarity whispered “no need to get in a fuss.” The full moon waxed high in the night sky again but it was clear due to the night breeze blowing all of the clouds away. The dark clad long maned pony stepped out from behind a tree. Pinkie Pie elbowed Twilight Sparkle who woke up and nudged Applejack. They watched as the pony went to the barn, got the buckets, and dashed off, flying as fast as he could. Applejack whispered “If the pony thinks they can steal my apples…” “Wait,” Twilight said “let’s just watch.” A few moments later he came back with a bucket of loaded with apples and placed them in the barn. In the blink of an eye, he was gone again. The pony returned, sixty times, doing a full day’s work in a few hours. The pony then proceeded to separate the good apples from the bad ones. After taking one look around the pony locked the barn, placed all of the buckets back in place, put a small sack of coins in the same spot and then flew off into the night. Applejack got up, Twilight whispered after her “Applejack, get down!” “No,” Applejack said back “I can’t let them go without telling them how I feel. I know how much money they gave us and it was quite a lot. They can’t keep doing this, otherwise they might not be able to provide for themselves. It’s generous and all but now knowing what I know, I can’t simply stand by and let it happen. Pinkie followed her “She’s right,” she said “I have to know who they are.” The others followed after the pony. Twenty minutes later, they arrived in the town square of Ponyville just in time to see the pony land by the fountain next to the town hall. They were by the bridge opposite to the fountain when out of nowhere, they heard a low grinding metallic sound which gradually got louder and louder as next to the fountain, a small blue police box appeared out of thin air. A door opened light emanated from it as a pony with an hour glass cutie mark stepped out. “Twilight,” Applejack said “I can’t hear anything. Can you cast a spell or something to help out?” “Okay,” she said “but magic shouldn’t be used to spy on other ponies.” “I think this is a necessary exception,” Applejack responded. Twilight’s horn briefly glowed and the sound came through her horn so that they were all able to hear the conversation that followed between the two ponies by the blue box. “Hello Lock Light,” said the Doctor looking at him quizzically “it’s been awhile my old friend.” “Indeed it has,” said Lock Light “not since we fought in the Revolution together in the Crystal Empire.” “Revolution,” whispered Pinkie Pie “what…” “Shhh,” Rainbow Dash whispered as she nudged Pinkie Pie with her elbow “I’m trying to listen.” “It’s me Doctor,” Lock Light said smiling “I know you’ve been through a lot but really, it’s me.” “Can’t ever be too sure,” he said “I remember once when the Dalek’s made a robotic replica of me and nearly took my friends in.” “Fair enough,” Lock Light said as the scan was completed “but I still told you the truth now didn’t I?” “Yes,” the Doctor said smiling “you’re looking rather sweaty and out of breath. What have you been up to?” “Oh just doing some service around Ponyville Doctor,” Lock Light answered “the Apple family mostly. They work so hard with so few ponies that I just had to chip in, but I don’t want them to see, so I’ve been working at night while they’re asleep. It’s actually kind of sweet how Applejack reacted this morning. She was so shocked. It’s all worth it when you see that.” “And a little something besides?” “Doctor,” Lock Light said admonishingly “I don’t have any ulterior motives with her. They need help and so I gave it.” “Right,” said the Doctor “I haven’t been around for thousands of years just to be deceived by that little line which I’ve heard equally as much. But that’s okay if you want to keep your secrets…” “Alright,” Lock Light said “I do have some feelings for her, but that isn’t the only reason why I do it. I mean after all we’ve saved Equestria a couple of times haven’t we? And not once did we ask anything from Princess Celestia.” “Well she probably wouldn’t have given me a copy of the special edition of Casablanca if I asked for it,” said the Doctor “but I get your point. Anyway, we’re needed. I informed the Princess that we’ll be going to Halcyon in Sector ZZ 7 Gamma 1.29…” “How far away is it,” Lock light asked interrupting and gesturing with his hoof “and when?” “About three thousand years ahead in the year 4,242 in Equestrian time that would place us in the fourth celestial year of peace and about five thousand light years across the galactic disc. You coming?” “Do you really need to ask that?” “Don’t you want to know the dangers before we go?” “I’ll figure that out on the way,” Lock Light said “besides, my work here is done for the night. I could use a shower and a good brush." “Everything’s onboard the Tardis.” “Right then,” Lock Light said “let’s get going, besides, I think I was followed here.” With that, Lock Light and the Doctor entered into Tardis and disappeared. “Whoa,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed “that pony’s a lot cooler than I thought! And to think he’s a Pegasus!” “Certainly,” Twilight said “and he’s friends with a time travelling pony called the Doctor.” “What,” asked Spike “was that he said about traveling to a different planet?” “The Doctor said Halcyon in Sector ZZ 7 Gamma 1.29,” Twilight answered “I don’t know where that is, I’ll have to check my guide to astronomy. But Halcyon if I remember correctly is…there!” Twilight pointed upwards and they all looked, a bright twinkling blue-white star, larger than the others around it was seen. “Seriously,” Rainbow Dash said “I have to meet this pony. What was his name?” “Lock Light,” Pinkie Pie said “that’s what his name is, Lock Light. Funny though, I haven’t seen him before tonight. I guess I didn’t notice he was here!” “True,” Spike said “but maybe you didn’t see him because he didn’t want to be seen. I mean it’s obvious that he’s a good pony, and he probably gets nervous around others.” “That’s right,” Twilight said “so far we’ve only seen that he’s a good pony, I mean, he goes off to different stars and saves others. That’s an admirable quality.” “What do you think Applejack?” Pinkie Pie asked “he does like you after all.” “Yes,” she stammered awkwardly “well, that don’t mean nothin’. He told the Doctor that he did it because we needed help and that’s all fine and well with me.” “But…” “Pinkie,” Twilight said “you don’t need to pester Applejack about it. She’s embarrassed enough as it is.” “But…” “Come on girls,” Twilight said “let’s get some sleep.” They then trotted back to Twilight’s house and did so. The next morning shone bright and warm on the dead autumn leaves which were about Ponyville, yet everyone was about their daily business. Shopping, chit chatting, and enjoying themselves on this fair autumn day. Suddenly a pony galloped into the square “Run for your lives!” she screamed as she reared and then continued onwards. A huge two legged pony with one eye, four horns and six arms slowly trailed in her wake. The other ponies scattered while the Ipopony smashed buildings left and right. The Ipopony uprooted the Sugarcube Corner and shook it causing all of her cupcakes and the friends to tumble out. The Ipopony tore the house in half and threw the pieces, the top smashing into the town hall and the rest of the trunk falling on the homes surrounding it. The Ipopony bellowed in rage as it stomped and smashed. Its voice rang out “Where is he?” it said “where is Lock Light?” “I’m right here, Ipopony,” he said stepping out of the Tardis with the Doctor. “Looks like we got back here in time,” the Doctor said “never a dull moment with you is it?” “That’s not the pot calling the kettle black.” “Fair enough,” the Doctor said “anyway what are we about to…” The Ipopony charged at them. “Usual plan Doc,” Lock Light said as he flew off towards the Ipopony. “Lock Light,” the Ipopony raged “I’ll tear you to pieces like I did that building.” “You can’t win White Lightning,” Lock Light said back “no matter what creatures you spawn to send after me, they’ll all suffer the same fate.” Lock Light dove and missed the first punch the Ipopony swung at him. He butted against the second arm’s arm pit causing the Ipopony to clutch itself in pain. A swift kick to the back of its left knee brought it crashing down on the town square fountain. The one eye glared hatred and fury at Lock Light as he missed more punches. A burst of fire belched from its mouth as he tried to incinerate Lock Light. “Doctor,” Lock Light yelled as he missed another punch “is the machine ready?” “Just a few more calibrations,” he said with his sonic screwdriver in his mouth, it’s blew light glowing as the sounds emanating from it whistled and whined “I have to get it so that the black hole it generates won’t suck the whole planet in.” Lock light spun and kicked the Ipopony in the jaw sending it the ground knocking the wind out of it “How much time?” “Five minutes!” That usually means three, Lock Light thought then said “You got it!” Lock Light dove, he took his hoof and elbow dropped the Ipopony as it tried to get back up. The Ipopony’s face cased a small crater to form after it was slammed against the green grass. It pushed itself up with all its strength angered at being beaten so badly and urged on by the master who was controlling it. Lock Light flew higher and began dodging as the Ipopony threw pieces of roof timbers at him. “Doctor!” “Nearly there,” the Doctor said “almost…” “We don’t have enough time,” Lock Light said “he’ll destroy the entire town if we don’t act now!” “Done!” the Doctor pressed the activation switch and the machine came to life “Ha ha!” he said excitedly as he danced around it “It works! It works, it works, it works!” Lock Light repositioned himself so that he was in front of the machine pointed straight at the Ipopony’s tusked face. “On my mark Doctor,” Lock Light yelled as he flew closer and closer to the Ipopony. The Doctor braced himself against the machine and got ready. It had to be timed at the exact right moment. Lock Light flew past the Ipopony, it jumped trying to grab at him. Lock Light dodged flew back towards the Doctor, spun around and kicked the Ipopony square in the jaw again in one quick loop. “Now!” he screamed at the Doctor. A brilliant beam of orange light which flew towards the Ipopony, Lock Light flew underneath, and cast a spell of banishment with his unseen unicorn horn underneath his shaggy mane. A small black hole began to emerge and sucked the monster out into deep space before it winked out of existence. The town was dead silent as Lock Light landed next to the Doctor. Everyone stared at them in utter amazement. Then first one, then another, started applauding with their hooves. Rainbow Dash cheered “Wahoo! That was awesome!” She flew to Lock Light who was talking with the Doctor. As she came closer she heard him say “Congratulations Doctor. That was a brilliant piece of engineering you did there.” “Well, nothing that your…” “Excuse me,” interrupted Rainbow Dash “can I get your autograph? You’re so cool! That was the coolest pony I’ve ever seen!” “Not half as cool as your Sonic Rain-Boom,” Lock Light said nodding towards Rarity “I was in Cloudsdale that day. I remember you saving your friend there.” “But I mean your flying,” Rainbow Dash said excitedly “that was almost as good as the Wonderbolts!” “You’d be insulting him if you really believe that,” said the Doctor “after all he was captain of the first Wonderbolts Squadron and is Co-founder of the Wonderbolts Academy.” “Doctor…” “Wow!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash “Twilight, did you hear that? He was captain of the first Wonderbolts Squadron and Co-founder of the Wonderbolts Academy. No wonder you were able to get those tickets so fast!” “Pardon?” “The box tickets to the Wonderbolt’s show last week! Don’t you remember?” “Oh that,” Lock Light said “it was…wait…” He looked around and realized at a glance what happened last night and who had followed him and the Doctor as Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack walked towards them. “Doctor,” he said “gotta go. Now!” “Wait,” Rainbow Dash said following him as he flew off “was it something I said?” No one was supposed to know it was me Lock Light thought as he tried to get rid of Rainbow Dash I just don’t like talking with people about it. He headed towards the Everfree Forest and he flew into the tangled web of trees as Rainbow Dash followed. Lock Light sped up and with a turn of speed, he flew pulled so many tight maneuvers that he lost Rainbow Dash in the branches. “Humph,” Rainbow Dash said to herself “well that was rude. All I wanted to do was say ‘thank you’.” She flew back to Ponyville and saw the others crowding the Doctor. “What’s this machine for?” she heard Twilight ask. “Oh this?” said the Doctor “it’s a simple worm hole generator. I picked one up while I was on Pepion last week. Thought it’d come in handy in a place like this. I recalibrated it to…” “Just a minute,” Rainbow Dash said “who are you? “I’m the Doctor.” “The doctor of what?” “Space and time travel I suppose,” the Doctor said “are you a doctor?” “No, I most certainly am not,” Rainbow Dash answered “anyway, who was that pegasus who helped you? I tried to thank him but he left and lost me in the Everfree Forest.” “That’s Lock Light,” the Doctor said “and he’d probably hate me for the rest of his life if I told you more. But he’s a good sort, he just is shy around other ponies and doesn’t like recognition. He says it’s embarrassing.” “But,” Pinkie Pie asked “why? Doesn’t he like it when other ponies are nice to him? He does so many nice things for other ponies that he never asks for anything back?” “That’s just who he is,” the Doctor said “it’s a long story.” “Well,” Pinkie said “how about you come to my place and…” “You mean the one that was just torn to pieces by the Ipopony?” “I see,” she said. “How about you all come onboard Tardis, we can chat there.”