> Dr. Whooves > by Trixie_Bites > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight awoke to a bright ray of sunlight peeking through her curtains and glaring across the room. She squinted heavily, and attempted to block out the unwanted light by shadowing her face with a lavender hoof. Her moves were futile, though, evoking a grunt of groggy frustration. Sighing, she heaved herself off her silky sheets and trudged over to her window, where she spread open the drapes to reveal the dawn. The calmness of the pink and orange skies caused Twilight to let out a sigh of happiness. Her tranquility was short lived, though, because Spike had found the peaceful moment a perfect time to intrude. "Twilight, are you in there?" his constant rapping against the door made Twilight moodily get up and walk over. She opened the door to reveal a purple dragon, whose green spikes were glimmering in the lighting. "Oh, Spike," she yawned, feeling her eyelids droop. "What's up?" "Well, I made you breakfast," Spike grinned. Once he saw the look on Twilight's face, his expression of happiness dissolved. "Sorry, did I disturb you?" Twilight drooped at the sight of his worried and hurt face. "No, Spike. Thanks for breakfast! You really are my number one assistant!" Spike beamed and scuttled down the stairs, leading Twilight into the kitchen. His desire to please Twilight made a smile play across her lips. She would definitely have to get Spike something special today. The last time she got him a present was.. When, exactly? "I didn't know what you felt like eating, so I included hay fries, a daisy sandwich, apple juice.." Spike continued rambling on about the morning's menu. However, Twilight's thoughts roamed elsewhere. Think of all the learning possibilities today! How about time? Yes, today I will delve myself into the mysteries of time! "Twi, are you listening?" Spike asked. Twilight looked over in a confused rush, snapping her gaze away from the window. "O-of course!" Twilight gave him a sheepish smile. "Oh, really? Then repeat back what I just said," Spike said, a look of triumph illuminating his face. "W-well, you know, y-you said.. Something about daisy sandwiches!" Spike raised an eyebrow, but seemed satisfied with his friend's answer. "Well, enjoy breakfast!" Twilight gave him a grateful nod before seating herself and biting into an orange omelette. Yes, she would definitely have to get Spike a special treat today... She hadn't often thanked him or showed her appreciation. "Anyways, what are you planning on doing today?" Spike asked as he set on scrubbing a pot clean. "Well, I really want to study time. I realize that even if I had learned about it before, I have only scratched the surface," Twilight replied through a large bite of an apple. "That's interesting," Spike nodded his head. "Isn't it a little hard though?" Twilight looked up at him in excitement. "Yes! It'll be a challenge! Oh, it's so exciting!" "Only you could find that exciting," Spike muttered as he poured himself a glass of water. He gulped it down, inspecting Twilight all the while. She seemed excited about something, like she was containing a secret. It differed greatly than her sour mood just a few minutes ago. Twilight finished her breakfast, and headed towards the door. "I'll see you later, Spike! Be a good dragon!" she called over her shoulder as she trotted away. "I will!" Spike waved, then shut the door. He sighed at all the chores he had prepared for him. Would it have killed Twilight to get him something every once in a while? Shaking his head, he began dusting off a thick book. Twilight Sparkle seemed to be in a cheerful mood that morning, anypony could see. Her bouncy gait and innocent grin was a phenomenon, based on her typical, placid behavior that she always seemed to have. Twilight entered Sugarcube Corner, inhaling the aroma of freshly baked sweets and sugary beverages. Strangely enough, the usual, bustling activity in the cafe was absent, replaced by a dead, eerie silence. Twilight brushed off the strange sight and scanned the racks for anything that stood out in particular. A gleaming cupcake caught her eye. It was tinged in blue, sparkling in the bright lighting. Eagerly, she skipped over to the stand, taking out her measly pouch filled with bits. In the deposit box, she inserted fifteen of them, then grabbed the awaiting cupcake. Spike's going to love this so much! As she was about to exit the empty shop, a rustling noise in the corner halted her. Confused, she walked over to where the noise came from, a dark corner. She had no idea how the part of the room had managed to stay shadowed, given the harsh fluorescent lighting beating down from above. Curiosity, a natural instinct, came into play. Twilight warily approached the corner, squinting to see any movement or shape that would give away it's whereabouts. Nothing. Shrugging, Twilight turned to leave. Another rustling escaped the concealed area. Now becoming frustrated, Twilight stomped towards the origin of the noise, only to find nothing. She looked harder, her pupils darting around for any sign of life. Her gaze lingered on a particular spot, where it seemed darkest. There was dead silence, encouraging Twilight to give up her fruitless efforts. When she was finally about to turn around, a screeching noise erupted from the dark, causing her to jump. Twilight's eyes widened when she saw the horrific creature in front of her. It was a shadowy color, see through, but black for sure. The only thing that gave it away was it's beady blue eyes, which were vibrant and lacked emotion. The creature's emotions seemed rigid, like it didn't have a mind of it's own. It lashed out quick, wavering in the air and changing shapes as it went. Twilight had no idea why she was cowering because of a pathetic shadow, but it sure did seem dangerous. Her cupcake dropped to the ground, coating the freezing tiling with creamy frosting. The tiny bits of gemstone poked Twilight's hooves, evoking minuscule droplets of blood. She was sure it was the end. The shadow walked over the cupcake, consuming it and turning it a dark grey. It approached her, yet Twilight could do nothing to escape. Terror clawed at her heart, sending fiery adrenaline to course through her veins. She squeezed her eyes shut, awaiting the final moments of her life. But it didn't come. A hissing, screeching noise sliced through what silence there was. As she peered through her eyelashes, Twilight discovered that she, in fact, was not dead. In the shadow's place, there was a light brown stallion. His spiky mane was messy and unkempt, like he just came out of a fight. Which.. He probably did. "Wh-who are y-you?" Twilight's voice quivered uncertainly. Her terrified mind could now only find the ability to inquire about simple things, much to her disliking. The stallion turned to her with a grin and said "The Doctor,".