//------------------------------// // Chapter 42. Fading // Story: Time Bubbles // by Janicethelight //------------------------------// The Doctor and Derpy came out, each holding a hoof of a mesmerized Dinky. “Your ship is amazing, daddy doctor.  It's so big!” “I'm glad you like it,  Dinky.  But, most ponies don't know about it, so let's try to keep it that way.” “There aren't any cyber ponies here.” Derpy nodded, her mind on the stone ponies that could still be around.  She had a daughter now.  She would have to find a way to stop them from coming after her now...it could hurt her new family.  Her mind was on that until they found themselves in front of her home.  The Doctor knocked on the door.  Amethyst answered. “Hey Derpy. Doctor.  And...um, filly?” “Amethyst.  This...is Dinky.  We...we decided to adopt her.”  Derpy admitted. “You...you what?!  Doctor...Derpy.  I know you said it's been longer for you than me, and I chose to believe you...but even so...don't you think you're rushing thing a bi-” “Is this my sissy?  Do I have a sissy too?!”  Dinky asked excitedly. “Well, Dinky.  Amethyst and I are-” Derpy began. “Sissy!” Dinky interrupted, jumping into Amethyst's arms, “I'm so happy.  I went from having no home or family to having a mommy and daddy, and now I even have a sissy!” Dinky grinned up to Amethyst.  “Sorry, Amethyst.  We couldn't leave her where she was...and I guess she's decided you're her sister!” Amethyst didn't speak for a few moments before sighing, “no...it's fine.  I can be her sissy.” “It seems like Dinky has already found a place in Amethyst's heart.” The Doctor smiled. “Let's celebrate our new family!”  Derpy grinned, “Muffins for everypony!” “Ah.  Of course.  Wouldn't be a Derpy celebration without muffins.”  Amethyst nodded, “Come on, Dinky.  We can find you a place to sleep close to your mom.” “Yay! Thanks, sissy!” The new family enjoyed their muffins together, talking stories with one another.  It felt like they had always been together.  Laughter erupted from every pony around the table.  Everything was perfect.  The sun began to set.  Derpy and the Doctor watched the sun set hoof in hoof. “No matter what happens, I want you to know that I am thankful everyday that you came into my life.” Derpy spoke, looking at the stars.  “I know we have a lot against us...weeping ponies...cyber ponies...and the mystery behind the windows...all of your advisories thinking I'm the cause...but...we can face it...together!” The two kissed as a shooting star whizzed by.  A long, passionate kiss.  They then cuddled together through a blissful night. The sun was up.  The Doctor's eyes snapped open.  Something felt wrong.  “Derpy?” The sound of metal hitting wood caught his attention.  The Doctor raced to the Kitchen.  A batch of freshly baked muffins were scattered in the ground.  Derpy held her side.  The Doctor froze.  Derpy was translucent.   “Doctor...what's...What's happen-” Derpy started to ask before gritting her teeth in pain.  For a split second, she disappeared entirely before reappearing.   The Doctor breathed, “stay calm, Derpy.  I think somepony is trying to hurt you in the past.  Usually, you would have just disappeared from this timeline.  However, you've been in the Tardis, traveling with me...your death then would cause a major paradox.” “What...does that mean?”  She asked painfully. “It means I have a chance to save you...and I will, so hold tight.” He began to turn only to be stopped by Derpy.  “Let...let me come with you.”  Derpy pleaded, pain etched onto her face. The Doctor snapped his eyes shut.  “I'm sorry, Derpy...you can't.  You're disappearing enough as it is...if you happened to see yourself...or worse...come into contact with yourself...it would create a far worse paradox.” He kissed her forehead, looking into her eyes.  “I will fix this...and I will come back to you...I promise.” “Daddy…” The Doctor turned to see Dinky and Amethyst,  horror in their eyes.  “What's wrong with mommy?”  The Doctor froze for a moment.  Tears came to Dinky's eyes.  “I just got a family...am I going to lose my mommy again.” The Doctor's eyes were set in a blazing fury.  He turned, confidence radiating from him.  “No.  I am going to save her.  Count on it.”  He held a smile past his fear, kissing Dinky on the forehead as well.  “Amethyst, take care of Dinky...Dinky, take care of your mom.  I will come back.  I promise.”  He left.  He didn't look back.  He couldn't.  Tears were held back by fury.  He held his head high as he left the house.  As he approached his beloved Tardis, there was no surprise on his face when two stone ponies blocked the way. “Move.”  There was no answer.  Of course...there was no more unicorn.  What could they use to talk with now?  It didn't matter to the Doctor.  “A long, long time ago, when my favorite accessories were a bow tie and a fez, I gave you a warning.  Every single entity against me.  I told everyone of you that you had me with no plan...no backup….and nothing to lose.  Everyone left. Sure, it was a trap, but you were still afraid...and that was when I was protecting a box.  Just a simple box.  So, imagine, for a moment, how much more fury...how much less there is for me to loose when what you try to take...isn't a box...but something much more precious to me.  So, think back to that day, and remember how much fire I had in me...when it was only the Pandorica...and think about what you are trying to keep me from saving.  Think about it very, very carefully, and ask yourself...is it really worth it?!  And if you are thinking yes because of this...this thing coming through time and space and leaving nothing in its wake, then let me remind you who I am.  I am the Doctor!  I have toppled empires and stopped invasions in their tracks.  And,when my companions were in danger, you know fully well what I am capable of, so, if you really think this nothingness can stop me.  Well, then...you must have forgotten who I am.” He gave one sad smile before he continued, "I’ve learned much since I came to this place, including from my companion who erased one of you from existence!" He smirked, sonic out, “Now, this is your last chance. I know your maximum velocity and I know I’m standing at a sufficient range that you won’t be able to completely close the gap between us in a single round of ‘red light green light.’ But it will be sufficient for you to get out of my way. So I’m going to shut my eyes now, and you had better be somewhere else when I open them again. Move! Before I move you!” The Doctor blinked once and opened his eyes again. The Angels had split up to either side of the TARDIS, both at least ten feet from it. “Good choice,” he said as he unlocked it. “Relax, we have the same objective right now, stopping whatever this thing is. Good day.”  He quickly locked the door behind him and ran around, pulling, pushing, and prodding most every button on the console.  “Please.  Help me save her!”  He begged as the old familiar whirr helped say they were off.  “Don't worry, Derpy.  I will save you.  I swear it!”