//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: The Past Revealed // Story: Time Lord: The Story of North Star // by Thrawn1800 //------------------------------// Chapter 7 I had nightmares again, Sombra’s dark and terrible touch still lingering within me. For a terrible moment, the darkness seemed to overwhelm me. Then through the shadows, I heard a voice calling out a name. A name of subtle, terrible power. I latched onto the sound, following it through the shadows. I woke with a start, and above me was the one I wanted to see most. The Doctor lifted me, holding me against him. I cried into his shoulder, horrified by what had happened. Why did this haunt me still? Why couldn’t I have peace?   “Doctor.” I whispered.   I lifted my mouth to his ear. Using barely more than a breath, I whispered his name. He shuddered, bringing me closer. I could hear his breath, slow and ragged. I shivered, the memory of my dreams strong inside me. I remembered where I was, and looked up. Caramel was watching us, looking confused.   “C-Caramel.” I said, my voice shaking.   “Yes?” he said, glancing between me and the Doctor.   “This is the Doctor.” I said.   He nodded. “I know. He told me.”   I returned my gaze to the Doctor. “Where did you go?” I asked. “Why did you leave?” “I can’t stay.” he said, shaking his head, a tear tracing down his cheek.   “Why?”   “I… can’t.”   He gave me a final squeeze, then let me go. He slipped off the bed and started for the door, his ears flattened and head hanging low. “Doctor?” I said, making to follow. “Please… don’t leave me again.” “I’m sorry.” he whispered. “But… I can’t stay. Not yet.”   “Please!” I said, feeling something inside of me breaking. “Please! Don’t go!”   The Doctor looked past me, at Caramel. “Take care of him for me.” he said. “Please.”   Caramel nodded, walking over to me, and putting a hoof on my shoulder. The Doctor continued, opening the door. Before he disappeared, I heard him whisper something. Then he left, closing the door behind him. I didn’t follow, knowing I could never catch him. Caramel took the Doctor’s place, holding me as I cried. Only this time, I felt an emptiness inside. I let him lower me back onto the bed, arms still around me.   ___________________________________________ I did fall asleep again, if only from sheer exhaustion. And though no more nightmares came, I felt no better rested in the morning. Caramel’s arms were still around me, his head resting on my neck. Despite my spent state, his warmth did penetrate the cold somewhat. I didn’t move, not wanting to wake him, and not even feeling the need to rise. I closed my eyes again, trying to take comfort in his presence. After a while, I felt him stir. He realized how he was lying, and removed his head from my neck. He laid his head in front of mine, his brown mane hanging down over his forehead. His blue eyes were searching mine, and his concern was evident.   “Good morning.” I whispered.   “Yeah.” he said. “Um… last night…”   “What about it?”   “I-I’m sorry. Is… is there anything…?”   “Yes.” I said, closing my eyes.   “What?”   “I want another of those walnut muffins. Can we go back to Sugarcube Corner?”   “Sure.”   “But first…” I said, leaning forward. I kissed him lightly, brushing his cheek with a hoof. “That.” He smiled slightly, then pushed the covers off of us. He climbed down from the bed, and I followed him. We showered, Caramel helping me clean under my wings. After we’d dried off, I draped the collar around my neck.   “Here.” said Caramel. He picked up the bowtie, and wrapped it around my neck, tying it perfectly.   “Thanks.” I said, straightening it slightly.   “You’re welcome.” he said, his cheeks a bit pink. “Bowties are cool.”   “I know, right?”   Downstairs, he picked up a green scarf. I smiled, stepping up from behind him. I gently removed it from his hooves, and wrapped it around his neck. He raised an eyebrow, but I just winked. Together, we left his house, and he closed the door behind him. We started down the street, heading for Sugarcube Corner.   Caramel walked right next to me. As we went, he leaned himself against me. I looked down at him, but he just smiled coyly. I figured the natural response would’ve been to drape a wing over him, but that was a bit beyond my… ability. I settled for nuzzling the top of his head. I noticed that he’d changed his mane-style slightly, leaving his bangs hanging down and over his forehead. It looked nice, and I told him so. His smile turned into a grin, and his gait gained some extra spring.   When we’d reached Sugarcube Corner, I opened the door for him. He entered, thanking me. The counter appeared to be unattended, but we went over anyway. Caramel rang the bell, but nothing happened. Then, slowly and dramatically, Pinkie Pie rose up between us.   “The dinner worked!” she shouted, reaching her arms out and pulling us into a tight hug. “I knew it!”   “I guess it did.” I choked out. “Pinkie, air?”   She let us go, then she whisked us off to one of the corner tables.   “So, what’ll it be?” she asked. “Something ummy-nummy I bet!”   “I’d like another of those walnut muffins.” I said, smiling happily. “With extra ummy-nummy-ness, please.”   Caramel laughed, but Pinkie seemed to take the request seriously. “Okay Northie!” Caramel told her what he wanted. “Okie dokie lokie!” she said, bouncing off to the kitchen.   “Does she make everything fresh?” I asked.   “I have no idea.” he said. “I wonder where Mr. and Mrs. Cake are.” “Who-?”   I heard hooves on stairs, and looked over towards the sound. Two ponies were coming down the stairs. One was a tallish yellow stallion, with an orange mane and tail. The other was a blue mare, whose magenta/pink mane and tail were done up in an interesting swirl. They spotted us, and walked over.   “Good morning, dears.” said the mare, with a very motherly tone.   “Good morning Mrs. Cake.” said Caramel cheerily. “Mr. Cake.” “Who’s your friend?” asked Mr. Cake.   I let Caramel introduce me. “This is North.”   “A pleasure to meet you North.” said Mr. Cake, extending a hoof.   “Mr. Cake.” I said, shaking it. “Madam.”   Pinkie Pie returned, carrying our food. She set it down, then turned to the Cakes.   “Good morning!” she declared.   “Good morning Pinkie.” said Mr. Cake. “Did you sleep well?”   “Yes!” She returned her attention to me and Caramel. “Here you go, you two lovebirds!” “Lovebirds?” asked Mrs. Cake. “Are you two…?”   I felt my face turn red, but we both nodded.   “Well,” said Mr. Cake, his expression now completely neutral, “that’s… interesting.”   He leaned down next to me. “So, North, how many stallions have you bedded before Caramel?” he asked, his tone angry. “Excuse me?” I said, jerking back. “I don’t… we haven’t…”   “Dear, leave him alone.” said Mrs. Cake.   Before Mr. Cake could say anything more, I heard someone call, “Not Mom!”   “Um… do you have children?” I asked.   “Two little foals.” said Mrs. Cake. “Why?”   “I think one of them is calling you.”   “Not Mom!” came the call again.   “See?”   “Oh, that’s Pound Cake!” she said. “Would you like to meet them?”   “Dear,” said Mr. Cake, “I don’t want a… a coltcuddler near our children.”   “Honey, Caramel’s been your friend for years. And he trusts North.”   “Fine!” Mrs. Cake gestured for us to follow, so we stood.   Behind us, Pinkie said, “But what about the food?!”   She looked between us and the food, then she sighed exasperatedly. “I’m coming.”   They took us upstairs, where the calls of “Not Mom!” continued. They took us into a bedroom, which was decorated in a way that made it obvious it was a children’s room. The walls were painted in swirling blue patterns, and there were two cribs. Mrs. Cake led us over to them, smiling happily.   “This is Pound Cake.” she said, picking up a little foal.   He was pale cream, with a curly brown mane and tail. He had two tiny wings, which were beating furiously as he squirmed out of her grasp. He flew up to the ceiling, hovering over their heads.   “Now Pound Cake.” she said. “Come down.”   “I want NOT Mom!” wailed Pound Cake.   “Pound Cake, if you’re hungry, you need to come down.”   “NOT Mom! NOT Mom!”   “Oh!” I said, figuring it out. “He wants you, Mr. Cake.”   “What?” he said, surprised.   “Call him down.”   He looked skeptical, but he obliged. “Pound Cake? Would you please come down?”   To everyone’s surprise, Pound Cake immediately flew down. Mr. Cake caught him, looking astonished.   “How… how did you know?” he asked. “How could you possibly know?”   “He told me.” I said.   “Who? Pound Cake?”   “Of course. Weren’t you listening?”   “But… he’s just a foal.” said Caramel. “How could you possibly understand him?   “Timey Lord!” shouted Pound Cake, pointing at me. How did he know? Baby intuition, no doubt.   “He’s making himself pretty clear.” I said.   “Timey Lord!”   “May I?” I asked, holding out an arm.   “Certainly.” said Mrs. Cake, overruling Mr. Cake’s objections. She took Pound Cake and gave him to me. I took him, holding him carefully.   “You’re weird!” said Pound Cake.   “I am not!”   “Yes you are! You can’t fly!”   “I am not weird! And it’s not my fault!” “What are you doing?” asked Caramel. “Well, duh!” said Pinkie. “He’s obviously talking to Pound Cake.” “But-but-but…” stuttered Mr. Cake.   “Mom!” said another voice.   Pinkie Pie zipped over to the other crib, and lifted a second foal out. A little filly, light yellow with an orange mane and tail, like her dad. She had a bow in her mane, and a little horn on her head.   “This is-” started Pinkie, but Mr. Cake cut her off.   “If you can really talk to him,” he said, “ask him what her name is!”   “Alright.” I said. “Pound Cake?”   “Pumpkin!” he said, reaching towards her.   “Is her name Pumpkin Cake?” I asked.   Everyone’s jaws dropped, except for Pinkie. “Told-ya!” she said happily. “Timey Lord!” said Pound Cake. “Take Mighty Armageddon, Pounder of Cakes to his sister.”   “Mighty Armageddon?” I said, laughing. “Pounder of Cakes?”   “Silence, Timey Lord! Take us to our sister, The Great and Terrible Pumkin.”   “The Great and Terrible Pumpkin?” I handed him carefully to Pinkie, my expression neutral. Then I broke out laughing, collapsing to the floor and pounding it with a hoof. Tears of mirth poured down my face, and everyone stared at me. Pinkie, however, had handed the two foals to their mother, and joined me on the floor. “T-That’s priceless!” she said. “W-What do they call me?”   “Silence Timey Lord! Oh Almighty Pink One, make the Timey Lord be silent!”   “They… they call you the Almighty Pink One.” I said, another wave of laughter coming over me. “Sweet!” she said.   “It is?” I asked, looking up. “Hmm?” She had a cupcake, part of which was missing, in her hoof.   “How- never mind.” I said, rolling back onto my front and standing. “Thank you for letting me meet them.”   “You’re welcome, dearie.” said Mrs. Cake. “You probably want to go eat your breakfast now.”   “Yes, thank you.” Caramel, Pinkie, and I followed the Cake family downstairs.   “You two go on ahead.” said Mrs. Cake.   Caramel and I returned to our table. We ate, our food having reached the perfect temperature. The muffin was even better than the one I’d had the previous day. It tasted a little different, but I couldn’t put my hoof on it. Caramel had already paid, so when we’d finished, we stood to leave. “Was it good?” asked Caramel.   “Yes.” I said. “Thank you.”   He nodded. “You’re welcome. What now?”   Before I could speak, I heard Pound Cake call something out from the kitchen. “Go now, Timey Lord.” he said. “May good fortune rule over you, peace live in your heart, and the stars watch over you. May you find solace in your friends when you meet your greatest challenges.”   “Um… sure thing!” I called back. “See you.” “What did he say?” asked Caramel. “I’ll tell you later.” I said. “When we’re… alone. Right, Pinkie?” Pinkie popped up from behind a table. “Shoot!” she said. “How’d you know?” “I have no idea.” “Bye you two!” she said, holding the door open for us. “See ya round… Timey Lord.” “What?” I said, shocked. I turned around, but she was already gone. “How…?”   “Don’t even try.” said Caramel. “Just… don’t.”   “Fine. Want to go for a walk?”   “Sounds nice.”   We walked around town together, just enjoying the day and each other’s company. He leaned on me again, but I didn’t mind. Around us, the snow was sparkling, despite the many hoofprints in it. After a while, we took a seat on a bench. He rested his head on my shoulder, and after a moment, I wrapped an arm around him. We stayed there for a while, then an idea came to me.   “Hey, Caramel?” I said, brushing the top of his head lightly with my chin.   “Yes?” he said, looking up. “Feel like going to library?” “Sure.” We got down from the bench, and set a course for the library.     ___________________________________________ When we reached the library, I looked over at Caramel. “Do we knock?” I asked. “It is Twilight’s house, too.”   “Only upstairs.” he said. “We could just go in, but if you want to knock…” I raised a hoof, and tapped on the door. After a minute, the door opened, Spike holding the doorknob.   “Hi Caramel.” he said happily. But when he saw me, his expression changed into an angry one. “Goodbye.”   He slammed the door in my face, and I stepped backwards.   “What was that about?” I asked, confused.   “Let me.” he said, walking forward.   He opened the door, and walked in. When I tried to follow, I got a door to the face. I staggered back, clutching my nose. “Ow!”   “Spike!” I heard Twilight’s voice inside. “Why did you do that?!”   “It was an accident!” he protested.   “Then why did you slam it? You never slam it!”   “Can we let him in?” asked Caramel.   “I’ll get it!” said Spike. “Whoa!”   “No, you’re not.” said Twilight. “I am.” The door opened again. This time, Twilight was standing in the doorway.   “Sorry.” she said, “I don’t know why he’s acting like this.” “Can ah comh ihn wifhout gehtfing ah dhoor sfmahfsed ih mah fhafce?” I asked, still holding my nose. “Yes.” I walked in slowly, keeping a close eye on the door. I made it past without being ‘sfmahfsed ih de fhafce’, and went over to Caramel. Spike was sitting on the stairs, his arms crossed.   “Spike,” said Twilight, closing the door, “tell North you’re sorry.”   “Fine!” he said angrily. “I’m sorry!”   Twilight rolled her eyes. “Close enough.” “North?” said Caramel. “Is your nose bleeding?”   I looked down, removing my hoof from my nose. “No.”   “Okay. Just checking.”   “Thanks.” I said, pecking him on the cheek.   Spike gave a low growl, which only I seemed to notice. Twilight raised an eyebrow.   “So, Pinkie was telling the truth.” she said, sitting down in front of us. “You two are… coltfriends?”   “Um… yeah, I guess so.” I said.   Pinkie Pie stuck her head in through an open window. “What he means is… YES!” She disappeared, all of us staring at the spot where she’d been. “So… how long?” asked Twilight. “Only since yesterday.” I said, giving Caramel a quick squeeze. “Rarity was here earlier. She said the Cutie Mark Crusaders made a ‘romantic’ dinner, but she didn’t say who for. Was it you?” Behind her, Spike was glaring at me. “Yes.” said Caramel. “But they had Pinkie’s help.” “Interesting.” For a brief moment. A brief, terrible moment, the world around me seemed to shift. I started breathing heavily, panicking. Ponies? Why were there talking ponies?! I started backing away from the others, stumbling. I looked down. I was a pony? The others looked over at me, their expressions confused.   “North?” said Twilight, her voice distant. “What’s wrong?” “He’s faking it.” said Spike, his voice also faint. The world returned to normal. I sat, taking great gasping breaths. Caramel and Twilight looked concerned, but Spike didn’t seem to care. Caramel approached slowly, reaching down a hoof to grasp one of mine.   “Are you okay?” he asked. “Y-Yes.” I said, still breathing heavily. “I-I’m fine.” Neither he nor Twilight seemed to believe me, but they dropped it. When I was adequately recovered, I sat up straight. “So, why’d you decide to drop by?” asked Twilight. “I wanted to look around.” I said. “I like libraries.” “Well, it may not be as big as the Canterlot or Crystal Empire libraries, and it’s nowhere near the size of the one at the Everfree Castle, but it’s alright.” “Everfree Castle? It’s still standing?” “Yeah. It’s really interesting, all the things we’ve been finding.” “I-I’m sure it is. Can we browse?” “Go ahead. If you’re looking for anything in particular, I can help.” “Thanks.” Caramel and I spent hours at the library, happily sifting through the books. Another thing Caramel and I had in common, our respect for the powerful awesomeness of libraries. I finished reading all of the Daring Doo books, and even found an interesting history book. Using the section I’d found it in, I was able to get caught up on Equestrian history (A lot happens in a thousand years). After a while, I gave in to the nagging urge, and went to the magic section. I looked around, seeing if anything caught my eye. A smaller book stood out. Its cover was red, and the words on the spine were golden. I walked over and took it off of the shelf. The cover was thus: The Math in Magic Polaris I opened the book and gasped. Inside was all the work I’d done. All of my theories, my spells. Everything. I flipped to the front of the book. The foreword was written by… Starswirl? It said Starswirl… the Bearded? I dropped the book, letting it land with a soft thud. I sat heavily, staring forward, unseeing. Starswirl had been gone so long. So very, very long. I heard someone approaching, then felt a hoof on my shoulder. Caramel sat, and picked up the book. “You wrote this?” he asked. “Yes.” I whispered. He closed the book softly, putting it down beside him. He hugged me, and I rested my head on his shoulder. I didn’t cry, I just sat there in a haze. After a moment, I felt words come to me. “I amar prestar aen.” I whispered. “What?” said Caramel, looking down at me. “I… I think it means… the world is changed.” “For you… I suppose it is.” “What’re you two up to?” said Spike grumpily, who’d just walked in. “This is a library, not-” Twilight appeared with a flash of light behind him, and covered his mouth with a violet aura. “Seriously!” she said. “What is wrong with you?!” “Hms-mhng-rhmty-umfmt!” “Go to your room!” she said. She let him go, and with one final glare, he left. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” “That’s alright.” I said, carefully slipping the book back onto its shelf. “Listen, Twilight. I think we’d probably be going.” “Alright.” “Bye.” said Caramel. We walked to the door, which Twilight opened for us. Together, we exited, and returned to his house. After we’d both showered, we decided to turn in early, the day’s events having been exhausting. ___________________________________________ At the Ponyville Library ___________________________________________ Twilight waited until North and Caramel had left. Then, she ran back to the shelf they’d been in front of. Which book had North been hiding? She found it, a small red one with golden writing. She pulled it out, and looked at the cover. It was an old favorite of hers, one she’d read quite a few times. “Wait a minute,” she said to herself, “the author… Polaris?! Spike! I need you!” “Coming!” he shouted back. He came running down the stairs, coming to a stop in front of her. “Yes?” “Look at this!” she said, pushing the book forward. “The author’s name!” “Po… Pa…” “Polaris!” “Polaris?” he said. “Okay… so?” “Remember the night Rainbow Dash and Pinkie brought him here? Before he started acting all weird, he said his name was Polaris!” “I remember that!” he said, looking surprised. “You don’t think…” “He might be.” she said. “Spike, take a letter!” “Yes ma’am!” He ran off to get the necessary supplies. He returned shortly, freshly inked quill poised over the parchment. “Ready!” “Dear Princesses Celestia and Luna” said Twilight, “And if they’re there, Cadence and Shining Armor. I have reason to believe that the stallion I told you of is none other than Polaris, a historically significant magic theoretician and spell writer. Is this possible? I mean, the guy’s a pegasus, and he can’t even fly! Do you know how this could have happened? Your friend (and for some, sister), Twilight.” Spike finished writing, then he sent the letter. “What if it is him?” asked Spike. “Then what?” “I don’t know, Spike.” she said, yawning. “But let’s not worry about that right now.” The two of them went to bed, their dreams undisturbed. ___________________________________________ The Tardis In the Time Vortex ___________________________________________ The Doctor was banging his head repeatedly on the Tardis’s control panel. “Why why why why why why…?” he said. “Why?! Why can’t I tell him?!” The Tardis twittered a response. “What do you mean? Not time yet?” Beep. “Are you sure? Are you absolutely sure?” Beep. He nodded, taking one of the seats surrounding the central consoles. After a minute, though, he stood and started pacing. “How am I supposed to wait that long?” No answer. He stopped pacing, and curled up on the floor. Tears flooded his eyes, blurring his vision. “I-I-I c-can’t…” he said. “I can’t…” “But… I must.”