//------------------------------// // Chapter 36: Healing // Story: Time Bubbles // by Janicethelight //------------------------------// The sights and sounds of Ponyville happily readying themselves for the summer sun celebration was almost unnerving after everything, and for the first few days, The Doctor and Derpy couldn’t find the ability to be a part of it.  Derpy called in sick from her job.  It all seemed so wrong...after everything, they saw...after everything they knew, and no pony knew of anything else.  No pony even knew that the Crystal Empire ever even existed.  Derpy could barely sleep.  The Doctor still stayed by her door.  The Angels were still out there, but the Tardis didn’t feel as safe as the town, and Derpy needed safe….he needed safe….his thoughts wandered through the night.  They went to dark places that he hadn’t thought of in some time.  Maybe...maybe it would be for the best….not to travel anymore.   Losing Sombra...losing the whole of the crystal Empire...finding out that there is no book where it is even mentioned...not even Celestia remembering it now...how could he go back after everything...how could he stand tall and proclaim to help after failing an entire kingdom...He looked up to the darkened window, his thoughts back to Derpy, and Sombra’s final words to him.  He had loved Companions in the past to varying degrees with Varying results.  He had companions love him...but for a companion to go through all of this...he didn’t know at this point what would be more painful for her...if he stayed or if he left.   He knew for the moment, there was no choice...not while two weeping angels were still on the hunt for her execution for something she hadn’t even done yet that still didn’t make any sense.  And the world was nice...it was still and peaceful during the night, and cute and fun loving during the day.  Ponies would come and help them.  A pair of twin ponies told Derpy she was welcome to their spa if she thought it would help.  The pony she stayed with, Amethyst, worried over her, noticing that it was more than the pegasus flu...whatever that meant...even her work seemed to understand.  It was odd to the Doctor how the ponies could be so angry at one turn only to show sincere compassion another, and yet, it felt familiar to the humans of Earth.  Ponies had their faults just like humans.  There was more unity here than Earth though.  Even after ponies became angry with one another, they made up or reconciled by the end of the day.  Very few fights seemed to last longer than that.  There was an understanding here that made this town resemble Transalor...a peace that reigned over all, and the squabbles being small scale.   The next day, a sudden, “Hiya!”  Woke him.  Pinkie was beaming at him.   “Oh...hello there, miss Pie.” “Oh, Doctor.  Don't be silly.  You can just call me Pinkie.  Is Ditzy home?” “Derpy is, yes, why?” “Well, Amethyst has been really worried.  I have been too.  It's been three whole days since she's come to buy a muffin.  Ditzy-uh, Derpy loves muffins!” “Yes well-” “And for that matter, you seem down in the dumps, too!” “no no.  I'm fine, see.” The Doctor gave a smile. “Doctor, please.  I know smiles.   That is a big old  fake smile.  I can see it in your eyes.  I came here just in time.  Let's go get Derpy!” “But-” the Doctor felt himself pulled by Pinkie up to Derpy's room.   Derpy was awake and shocked by the sudden entrance of Pinkie who suddenly began to sing. “I've heard all around town that you've been down for some time, it's true. As your friend I've come round to cheer up both of you!” “Pinkie this really isn't-” the doctor began only to be given a balloon animal from pinkie. “I just want to tell you that you brighten up my day! And give you a celebration to celebrate you both today!”  As she sang she went through town, and as if catching the song bug, the ponies sang, waving at the two, and giving them small tokens and hugs as they went. “Cuz every pony needs cheering up, once in a while And friends will always be there to help when you need to smile So when you need to take a breath and let go of a bad day Count on your friends who will see you through it all the wayyyyy For my favorite wall eyes friend, I have a gift for you.  Please enjoy these muffins. I hope they help you smile true. As for you, Doctor whooves, I don't know you well, but hopes this proves That I'm a friend, oh so true This blue card I wrote for you! And it says: every pony needs cheering up, once in a while And friends will always be there to help when you need to smile So when you need to take a breath and let go of a bad day Count on your friends who will see you through it all the wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy So, how are you feeling now?” Pinkie asked at the end of the song. “Well. I suppose I feel a bit better.” “Oh...what's wrong?”  A timid voice asked. “Derpy and Doctor whooves have been down for a while.  I was just trying to get them to smile.  He he.  I'm a poet and I didn't know it. “ “Oh...my.  um.  I'm sorry you're feeling down.  Um...I have some tea at my cottage, and talk about what has been bothering the both of you... if that could help.” “That's very kind of you but-” the doctor attempted.  “Hey ya, Fluttershy!  What's going on?” Rainbow Dash asked.   “Ditzy Doo and her new friend seem to be feeling down.” “What?  Are others picking on you again?  I swear, you just show me who it is, and I'll give them an earful!  No pony disrespects my old flying buddies like that!” “But Rainbow Dash...aren't you still mad that I ruined that neat trick you were trying out?”  “What?  Oh.  Nah, it needed work anyway.  Besides.”  Rainbow flew down, “I'll always be around whenever you need me.  No matter what!” The Doctor was floored, smiling despite the heartache from past experiences.  Derpy felt she didn't belong,  but at least some ponies in her village felt otherwise. “It wasn't another pony making fun of my eyes...it was...it's complicated…” “Is this pony bothering you?!” Rainbow Dash eyed the doctor suspiciously. “No!”  Derpy shouted before breathing a sigh, thinking of some way to tell them the truth without telling them the truth. “We just...lost a friend the other day…”  “Oh how awful.  Do you know where they went to?”  Fluttershy asked. Derpy shook her head.  “No.  They pretty much disappeared.  And I don't think we'll ever see them again…” “You know what.  If they are really your friend, then you'll see them again.  I know it!” Rainbow Dash nodded.  “Right.  Until then you can hold them fondly in your heart!” Pinkie smiled, “that's where I hold my sister's since we don't see one another very often.” “I'll tell you what.  Vinyl is gonna play later.  She's hoping she'll be chosen to do the music for the summer sun celebration.   Why don't you two come enjoy some awesome music and take your minds off of things.  Have fun.  I'm sure your friend would rather you enjoy yourselves than just sit around sad.” “I know I would feel really sad if I couldn't find any of my animal friends.” Fluttershy admitted, “you don't have to push yourself if you aren't ready.”  “We just want to help your frown turn upside down!” Pinkie grinned, “we care about each and every pony in ponyville!  That means we care about you two!  We want to help however we can!” “The concert is in a few hours.  Come if your up to it, kay?” Rainbow Dash nodded, going off. “Pinkie, let's give them a bit longer to think about what they would rather.  We don't want them to feel pressured.” Fluttershy advised. “Okie Doki Loki!” They left the two in the town.  “Well, Derpy.  I think you're more accepted than you thought.”  The Doctor nodded. Derpy smiled a bit.  “Pinkie can't stand it when a pony is upset.  She's always trying to help ponies feel better.  Fluttershy is timid, but she has a big heart, and Rainbow Dash will have your back when things are tough.  They are good ponies, all of them.” “Yes.  I suppose we both needed friends to help us out of our dark thoughts.” “Friends are good at helping you when your down, each in their own way...but I'm still sad...after everything.”   “I am too Derpy.  Believe it or not...it was the hardest thing I've experienced...and I've experienced more than I can say…” “Would it be easier...to just...move on...or to dwell on it?” “Honestly,  I think that depends on the who.  Some feel better talking through their pain...others feel better letting it go in time, bit by bit...others still need to let their frustration out in one big swoop.  There are many ways to grieve, and that's what we're doing...we're grieving for everything that's lost..everything we know that your friends don't.  Grieving is natural.” “How do you grieve, Doctor?” “Me?!  I let my pain go bit by bit during quiet moments, and sometimes I just stay alone in the Tardis for a long time just to have those quiet moments….you know, in all my years, no one...no pony has ever asked me before.”  the doctor looked over to Derpy, “how about you?” “I don't know ...cry, I guess.  But I promised myself that I wouldn't cry so much anymore…” “Derpy, look at me!”  The Doctor demanded, and her good eye lined with his, “Never...ever...be upset for having emotions.  It's okay to cry!  Crying is natural.  What's unnatural is keeping all of those feelings bottled up inside.  You let yourself grieve, Derpy.  I'm here.” “...but...but you need to grieve too, right?”  Derpy felt the tears in her eyes before they clouded her vision, “I shouldn't be so selfish…” “I've been grieving each night since we've been back in my own way.  I need to he alone to do it...I get the feeling that you, my dear companion, need a friend to help you through it.”  After a long time in a quiet area of town, crying, Derpy sighed, clinging on to the doctor.  “Did you want to go listen to some music?” She wiped her face with her foreleg, thinking about it.   “Why not...maybe listening to some good dance music will help lift our spirits.”  She nodded. “That's my mare!” Derpy blushed, her heart flying off without her for a moment.  She felt a surge of guilt afterwards.  How could she feel so happy, even for a brief moment, after everything. “Derpy?  Are you okay?” “S-sorry doctor...I was just...Is it bad for feel happy even after a horrible thing happened recently?” “Of course it isn't.  It's okay to feel any emotion.  Honestly, you need the happy times to help pull you through the bad ones.  It's why so many talk about funny deaths at a funeral, or come together to help others after a disaster.  Now, how about we both have a little happy time together.” “Okay.”  Derpy nodded as they went off to see the setup of the musical afternoon.  A familiar white unicorn with blue hair was setting up.  Curiosity filled Derpy as she went up to her, “Uh, hello again.  Can you tell me how you know me...or the Doctor?” She looked her up and down, tilting her head.  “Not sure what you mean.”  She shrugged, “Don't know you and not sure if you mean my doctor, but I doubt that much.” “Wait, but-but you knew us when we saw you at mmmph.”  Derpy felt her mouth covered by the Doctor. “So sorry.  My friend was confusing you for a different...white...unicorn.” “Hey, it's no biggie.”  The white unicorn shrugged, “name’s Vinyl Scratch, but on stage they call me DJ Pon3.” “Ah nice to meet you, Vinyl. I'm the Doctor and my friend here is Derpy.” “Sweet to meet you both.  I would love to chat, but I have a world of work to do before my big gig and I'm already super behind on my work.” “Well then, why don't we help you out then, miss Vinyl?” “That's amazing of you, Doctor dude.  Derpy.  Thanks!” She pointed out things that needed set up before checking on the wires. As soon as she was out of earshot, Doctor let her go. “Doctor, I don't understand...she knew us!” “No, she WILL know us.  Remember, Derpy.  We went to Canterlot some time in her future.  This may be our very first meeting.” “.....time traveling is confusing….” Doctor laughed, “yes well, you get used to that sort of thing.” “Ponies that you know who don't know you?  How can you be used to something like that.   Seems awfully lonely to me.  I couldn't imagine meeting you before you knew me...after everything we've been through.  If you looked at me, and didn't know me.  I think it would hurt.  It wouldn't be your fault but I know it would make me miss the you that knows me…” “...you're worrying over me again.” Doctor sighed, pushing her hair away from her face, “I will admit that there have been times that I felt heartache when I saw someone that didn't know me yet, but I was more excited for them.  They had so many adventures that they didn't know were just around the corner.” “That's a nice way to look at it.  I guess then I could be excited if I would meet you in the past.” “Not that you have to worry about that. “  he grinned before murmuring, “nor would you recognize me… even if we were in a world where you could see my younger self.”  “What?!”  Derpy asked.  “Nothing at all.  Don't mind me.” “Um...okay…” They helped out Vinyl finish setting up.  While dusting off her hooves, Vinyl grinned, “thanks for the help you two.  Maybe sometime I can return the favor.  Never know when you'll need help from a friend.  I have a home in Canterlot, but I've been thinking about moving down here.  The problem is I'm not sure how Tavi would feel about the commute...maybe someday. Anyway, I'm going to start the sound check.  You two go on out and enjoy the concert.  You've earned it!” Derpy and the Doctor nodded, going out so she could start getting ready.  There was already a small gathering of ponies.  Doctor breathed in the air.  “It sure is peaceful in this time.” he spoke. “I guess I never really noticed before...but yeah.  The most difficult part of living here is the Everfree forest, but no pony goes in there.  We may have an occasional Timberwolf come out, but that's as exciting as it got until you showed up.” “I just hope I'm not the one who dragged things to this quiet place.” “Nah.  I'm sure everywhere in every universe there's ups and downs.  I mean, Equestria isn't perfect, but its still home.” Derpy smiled. “...home…” The curtain raised amd Vinyl began a bassy concert surprising the Doctor.  Ponies cheered, dancing in the square.  Derpy pulled him close as the two began a long dance.   After hours of dancing, the started their walk back to Derpy's house, exhausted, but laughing. “In all of my years, I never thought a pony could dance like that!” The doctor giggled.  Derpy smiled.  She kissed his cheek before blushing. “Sorry it's just...I think that's the first time I've seen you truly laugh in a long time  It was nice to hear it again, and it made me so happy to see your happiness and I guess I just acted without thinking and-please don't be mad.” “Derpy.  I'm not mad.”  The doctor calmed her, “You're absolutely right.   It has been way too long since I've laughed.” Derpy smiled as they went on.   Two angels watched from behind a building. ‘The Doctor will not leave her side.’  One thought to the other. ‘He doesn't understand the danger she is.’ ‘Her power is growing.  We can't allow it to become stronger.  The walls of dimensions are the thinning moreby the day.  Something else is bound to break through.” ‘So far it seems as though she does not understand the power she has either.  Perhaps we could use this…’ ‘We will need help.  Between his...stubborn pride and her raw power, we’ve already seen the outcome.’ ‘Right.  We need another...one who will see her for the threat she is...and will be able to dispose of her even with him on watch.’ The two angels seemed to disappear, a rip appearing where they were for a single moment before closing once more.