//------------------------------// // Part 6 Welcome Party // Story: Adventures in the TARDIS // by Scroll //------------------------------// Feather Wind has only a little bit of trouble finding his way back to Ponyville because the town is still so new to him and because it got dark before he even started. He just lost track of the time up on what he personally calls the Wind Cliff. Since he is seeing the terrain from high above, even under darker conditions, it affords him a wide enough perspective to find obvious landmarks. From there, he is gradually able to zero in on his primary destination. Once he does find Ponyville, which has some lights on by then since it got dark enough, Feather is able to find the Clock Tower itself fairly easily since it is one of the taller structures in the town. Aside from that, the task is made even easier when he hears it go off. That is how he can tell that he arrived by 7 PM. Feather Wind does not land directly in front of the Clock Tower, though. Instead, he lands in a dark open space to avoid drawing too much attention which is something he tends to do even in his own time. At this time, he does not wish to be delayed by having to stop and answer curious and/or alarmed questions about how he is able to fly despite being a unicorn. There's also a chance that he still might be famous as Equestria's first flying unicorn. If that is still known, then he might have yet another question asked of him; how in Celestia's name is he still alive and so young after all this time? Once he lands, he floats his Mist Cloak back into his saddlebag and then ignites his horn to create a light. He uses it to carefully watch the ground for potholes and ditches along his way to the Clock Tower since there isn't even a road on the path he is taking. Before Feather even arrives at the Clock Tower, he can already hear quite a large crowd chatting within the Tower and some outside of it. It's as if there are so many invited guests that they couldn't fit them all in the Tower so the party got extended outside the Tower as well. To that end, party streamers and tables full of food are generally in front of and near the Tower entrance. Another thing Feather hears is really generic-sounding party music. That last part surprises Feather a bit because it means Pinkie invited an entire band to the party too just for a group of strangers she met today. Since there is more lighting near and within the Tower, Feather has his own horn light fade away. He frowns a bit as he reduces his speed to a slow trot. He did not entirely know what to expect before he saw this party, but the very big crowd here makes him uncomfortable. He rarely liked to be the center of attention and, unfortunately, because of his rare and once famous skills, he had become such an individual more often than he cared for. He remembered the days when paparazzi and journalists hounded him down for an inside scoop, especially when he was also a member of a prestigious noble family in Canterlot to boot. Here, Feather isn't as likely to be the focus of attention for the same reasons as before, but he is one of the newcomers into town and basically one of the guests of honor. This makes him feel very squeamish right now. In previous parties he's attended before, most of them were among the Canterlot elite. In addition to being nervous about being the center of attention, sometimes that attention was especially snooty and even a bit hostile sometimes, likely because of jealousy but they never admitted that. Not all elite were like that, though. Some of the students at Silver Horn Academy, as well as the school faculty, were pretty easygoing and easy to talk to. Parties among lower-class citizens were rarer for him which is a double-edged sword for him. On the one hoof, they often seemed like nicer citizens, and on the other, the culture shock made him more uncertain about how to approach these new social cues. As a result, he does what he usually does; withdraw and keep his head down. In thinking of that, this reminds him of one of the students at Silver Horn who once talked about inventing an invisibility spell and also heard that such a spell already existing somewhere in the annals of history. They half-joked about putting in the effort to either research this possibly pre-existing spell and/or put in the effort to invent it from scratch. Their motives for such research weren't noble, but they weren't sinister either and made no effort to hide it which, again, made it sound like a half-hearted joke. Feather brushed it off at the time, but there were many times since that moment he found himself wishing he went through with that research after all. Moments like this are such a case. If he had that spell memorized, he could use it to sneak into the TARDIS and not have to deal with being the focus of so many strangers. Feather makes his way into the Clock Tower while trying his best not to draw attention or be conspicuous, such as making an obvious attempt to sneak about. Instead of that, he trots into the Tower as if he doesn't have a care in the world, but in truth, he feels uptight and really nervous somepony is about to stop and talk to him. For all of Feather's efforts, he does make it inside the Tower itself but he gets almost immediately ambushed by Pinkie Pie herself who slaps a party cone on top of his head probably more roughly than she really intended. “There you are! There's the last guest of honor! Welcome to the party!” Pinkie Pie greets. “I hope you enjoy yourself. I've invited practically all of Ponyville who had the time to join. There's punch and cakes and sweets and . . . Ooo-ooo! Later on we can play a game of Pin The Tail On the Pony! How does that sound?” “Kind of . . . overwhelming,” Feather admits with a squint of discomfort. “That's the spirit!” Pinkie cheers as she nudges Feather with a bent knee to Feather's right shoulder. “But you'll get used to it after a while once you mingle a bit. I guarantee that everypony here is super-duper fun!” She closes her eyes as she beams very happily. “I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.” “I'll take your word for it,” Feather expresses without any true enthusiasm. “Of course!” Pinkie cheers, apparently completely oblivious to his discomfort. “Now get out there and introduce yourself. I'm sure you'll have lots and lots of fun.” Then she starts bouncing on her hooves to hop away from him while she sings casually, “La-la-laaaaaaa!” Feather Wind looks up and notices the shiny green party hat that was literally slammed on his head is currently concealing his horn. That makes him wonder something. Some hats are too short to do that if it doesn't have a hole to stick the horn through and thus hangs off the tip somewhat which often gets uncomfortable for a unicorn eventually. Other times the hat is much longer and there is plenty of empty space between the tip of the horn and the top of the head accessory. To test this, he curiously taps the tip of the party hat with his hoof. In doing so, he notices that there seems to be a half-inch gap between the tip of his horn and the top of the cone-shaped party hat. “There you are,” greets Stern Wing as she approaches Feather Wind with a serious expression on her face. “Come with me,” Stern requests then drapes a wing protectively over Feather because she knows he gets uncomfortable in large crowds. “Ah . . . no thanks, Stern Wing,” Feather says as he brushes off her wing. Stern regards him in surprise as she asks, “You're not uncomfortable in here?” “Well, I am, but please don't make it that obvious,” Feather replies. “That makes me even more uncomfortable.” “Oh. Gotcha,” Stern acknowledges. “That's probably your father's conditioning in you. He taught you to always hold your head up high no matter what social situation you find yourself in, but at least you aren't snobby about it while you're at it.” “My father never pushed me that far,” Feather informs her. “Truth be told, he never tried. He does have some arrogant pride but it is well-tempered with a dignified poise. He always told me to have a firm presence but also be approachable, at least to the right ponies.” Stern frowns slightly as she shakes her head then says, “That's one thing I never liked about the upper-crust society you grew up in. So many labels they put on ponies as well as rules about what is right and wrong to approach as well as how to do it 'properly.'” “Hey! I'm with you on that one. You know that,” Feather assures. “But that's the kind of society I grew up in. I did my best to cope.” He frowns. “Above all, I hate any idea that restricts freedom.” An uncomfortable moment of silence passes between them while they are surrounded by a lot of other noise. Pretty much at the same time, they both take a deep breath and then make a deliberate effort to change the subject. “Feather, come here. There's something neat I want to show you,” Stern invites with giving a come hither gesture with her right wing at him. “What is it?” Feather asks curiously as he moves to follow. “More evidence that we're in the future,” Stern answers as she continues to lead to the opposite wall from the entrance. “Oh?” Feather asks while feeling very intrigued. “Take a look at this,” Stern invites as she gestures to some weird box on a table. It has a black spinning thing at the top and some kind of mechanical arm extended above the black spinning thing. Behind all of that is a twisted cone-like tube that appears to be the source of all the music in the room because that music is loudest at this point. Feather gives the device a puzzled look as he figures, “Some kind of magical device, I guess.” “That's what I thought at first, too, but then I noticed everypony else's reaction to it,” Stern points out. “If this was a magical object, then you'd think there would be more of a reaction to something that rare, but no. Everypony is reacting like this thing is perfectly normal. Almost mundane. Maybe I wouldn't go as far as to say it is common per se, but it seems ordinary enough for everypony not to bat an eye at it.” “Oh. You're right,” Feather agrees as he observes the others more carefully. “Good eye, Stern.” “I've trained myself to be vigilant,” Stern explains. “It shows,” Feather commends. “This device is called a phonograph,” Doctor Kelly explains as she trots up next to them while levitating a cup full of purple liquid. “Also later known more commonly as a record player.” She grins softly at the device. “Neat. This is the first one I've ever seen in action. At least one that is real.” She then floats her cup closer to her lips and takes a sip. “You've actually seen these devices?” Stern asks curiously. “I read about them and seen holographic simulations of them,” Doctor Kelly answers. “See, this is the kind of stuff I like to see when I travel with the Doctor. History coming to life.” Her eyes dart about. “That, and everything else around here.” “I haven't even traveled in this world's past yet and I already agree with you,” Feather tells Doctor Kelly. “I've studied history as well, but of course that is relative to my own time. I look forward to seeing the things I read about come to life.” “What do you two think of Ponyville so far?” Stern asks her two companions curiously. “A quaint and cheerful little town,” Doctor Kelly answers. “I sincerely mean that. Everything from the sights, the sounds, the smell around here, the attitude of the villagers and even the feeling of magic or the taste of the food. It all feels so cozy here. It's like settling next to a warm and cozy fire while drinking a cup of hot cocoa. It's just pleasant in ways that is kind of hard to describe. I also appreciate the experience from a sociological and archaeological standpoint. I've even documented some things that our history text might have gotten wrong, but I'll have to double-check that.” “Oh yeah! The magic would be very different for you,” Feather recalls as he regards Doctor Kelly. He slightly cocks his head curiously as he then asks, “Do you like it so far? Do you find it uncomfortable or . . . what?” “I remember you told me that you felt uncomfortable with the magic of my home world,” Doctor Kelly recalls then shifts her eyes at Stern. “I can let that private information slip because he already told me that he told you that information. In fact, he said that to you all before he even met me.” “I'd still like an answer to my question if you don't mind,” Feather presses with a reminder. “Certainly different,” Doctor Kelly says as her eyes slowly scan across the room. “Not uncomfortable. Just different. It's sort of like tasting brand new food or smelling a brand new scent. It feels kind of exotic to me . . . sort of.” She snaps her focus back at Feather as she adds, “Weaker, too.” She shakes her head. “It's not really a bad thing yet. Again, just different. In fact, I'm kind of glad it is weaker so that the new sensation doesn't overwhelm me.” “Do you think it is having any adverse effect on your health?” Feather checks with concern. “Because, if it is, that might be a big problem. I get the feeling that the type of magic in your world is the one that's exotic compared to most of the rest of the universe.” “You're probably right there,” Doctor Kelly agrees. “And, so far, I am experiencing no hostile side effects. Believe me, I've been keeping a close eye on that.” “I believe you,” Stern assures very seriously and sincerely. “Me too,” Feather also agrees. “I'm glad you two trust me. I shall endeavor to remain worthy of that trust,” Doctor Kelly promises. “See that you do,” Stern warns a little firmly with a slight narrowing of her eyes. Doctor Kelly did not comment on that reaction. Instead, her gaze lingers on Stern for a moment before turning her attention to the approaching gray pegasus mare, Derpy. “Hey guys! Are you all having fun?” Derpy asks brightly. “Because I sure am!” “Speaking for myself, that warms my heart to see,” Feather says to Derpy with a soft smile at her. “You deserve all the happiness you can muster.” “Thank you!” Derpy squees cheerfully. “You too, Feather. You're such a nice stallion.” “He is,” Stern agrees with a proud and loving smile down at her stallion friend. “You seem to have settled in well,” Doctor Kelly observes as she regards Derpy. “Such is to be expected. You have grown up in this town and with all these ponies.” “Not all of them,” Derpy corrects as her eyes scan about, but not entirely in the same direction. “A few of these faces are new to me.” “Huh.” Doctor Kelly looks forward blankly as she floats her cup closer to her lips. Before she sips it, though, she comments, “I stand corrected.” Stern widens her eyes a bit as she says, “You know, it just occurred to me that we haven't seen your home or family yet.” “Oh shoot!” Derpy exclaims as she slaps her face with a hoof. “I knew I was forgetting something. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why am I always so dumb?” Then she looks about as she adds, “Well, my parents are here somewhere. They are currently watching over and fawning over Vision.” “Please relax,” Feather coaxes in a soothing voice. “We can see them later if not tonight.” His smile brightens as he adds, “In the meantime, I'm glad to hear that Vision is being looked after and that your folks already care for her so much.” “Come to think of it, I should check with work too,” Derpy recalls as an eye looks off to her side. “Now that we've returned to my actual time period, time is advancing here and that means my responsibilities have as well.” “So you're taking a vacation from the Doctor's adventures by returning to your work in Ponyville?” Doctor Kelly asks Derpy with an upraised eyebrow and a gleam of amusement in her eyes behind her holo glasses. “At this point, a sense of normalcy might be very relaxing for me,” Derpy figures as she looks back at Doctor Kelly. “With the Doctor, things are exciting but also hectic. It might be nice to return to something more routine. You know? Besides, I do enjoy my job.” Doctor Kelly puts her left hoof on Derpy's right shoulder as she says, “I know exactly what you mean.” “Speaking of the Doctor's hectic adventures, I got your message about the one who was tailing us earlier,” Stern says to Feather. “But I save those details until we have more privacy.” “Pardon me?” Doctor Kelly asks Stern with minor alarm. “Somepony was tailing us?” “We'll discuss that later,” Stern says quietly. Almost too quietly to be heard over the noise of the surrounding crowd. She then lifts an eyebrow as she adds, “That said, I'm sure you had your invisible little floating thing scanning all kinds of things. Among that might be the one who was following us.” “If your droid didn't scan her earlier then now is your chance,” Feather says as he regards then nods at the front entrance. “There she is.” Stern and Doctor Kelly look to where Feather indicates in mixed alarm, but Derpy regards that direction in outright confusion. The cloaked figure Feather saw earlier is there with a beige hide and mix of black, white, and gray mane/tail. She is wearing glasses this time and appears much more unassuming. “That's her?” Stern Wing checks as she continues to regard the newcomer. She also regards everypony else's reaction to the newcomer. “That's her, but the glasses is new,” Feather informs. “Derpy, is she anypony you recognize?” Stern checks with the mailmare. “Ummmmmm . . . Well, she's no pony I met before, but I got to admit she does look a tad bit familiar,” Derpy answers while holding her confused look. “I'm not sure why.” She scratches her head. “Where have I seen her before?” “Perhaps a celebrity?” Doctor Kelly suggests. “This town seems small enough in population that most ponies would know each other's name, and look how fast Pinkie organized this party to make newcomers feel welcome. If you had attended a party like this with and about her before, then you should be more familiar with her. Instead, you seem to have passing familiarity with her so perhaps a newspaper article? Are there magazines you like? Do you have a favorite author?” Derpy looks a little sheepish as she admits, “I, ah . . . have some trouble reading.” “And you work as a mail delivery pony?” Doctor Kelly then shakes her head. “That's ironic.” “A lot of ponies sign letters with a picture or stamp of their cutie mark,” Derpy somewhat explains. “I don't have too much trouble with those.” “More acute visual memory? Huh.” Doctor Kelly looks thoughtful. “I need to give you all a more thorough examination.” When the mare in question spots them, she trots across the room to meet up with the group. “Take me to the Doctor,” the mysterious mare requests upon arrival, but it almost sounded like a demand. “So you claim to have met the Doctor before?” Stern probes. “I have,” the mare assures. “Not sure if he's met me yet.” “What is his cutie mark?” Stern asks quickly. “An hourglass,” the mare answers just as quickly. “The top and bottom parts are golden and it is filled with brown sand.” She then gives a coy grin as she adds, “You can't miss it, though. It's honestly one of the most common cutie marks in the world. I've already seen nine of them in this room alone.” She looks about. “That, and a suspicious number of cream-colored mares with a mix of blue and pink mane.” Intrigued, Feather Wind starts to scan the other ponies in the room and gradually comes to realize that this mysterious mare has a point with her last remarks. “Name two of his odd quirks,” Stern continues to probe. “If he's being honest, he claims to be an alien called a Time Lord,” the mare instantly responds. “He also seems greatly amused by some pony terminology. He keeps insisting that his hoofs are something called 'hands'. There is a hidden pocket just above his cutie mark. He claims he can regenerate if he is ever killed, but it will greatly alter him.” The mare flashes Stern a daring smirk. “Shall I continue, Oh Fastidious Interrogator?” Instead of answering, Stern narrows her eyes. The mare copies her. Stern narrows her eyes tighter. The mare copies her. Stern leans her head forward and stares down at the smaller mare. The mare matches Stern's resolve except she stares up at Stern. The two of them continue this hard stare for ten seconds at each other before Stern finally relents by straightening her head, widening her eyes back to normal, and even smiles as she says, “Oh wow. I like you.” “Shall we continue, then?” the mare invites. “Lives are on the line while we dawdle down here.” “Are you serious?!” Stern asks in great alarm. “Sweet Celestia! You should have started with that dire warning.” “In hindsight, I think I agree,” agrees the mysterious mare in glasses.