//------------------------------// // 11th Doctor - The Eternal Child // Story: Dr Who / Lunaverse - Time after Time // by Talon and Thorn //------------------------------// Today seemed far too nice a day for the nasty business he was forced to do, Pokey thought as he skulked through the streets of Ponyville. Today, much to his distress, he was forced to play tax collector, and it made him feel dirty. Nopony liked the confusing mixture of different taxes and tariffs that all Equestrian citizens were required to pay; in most cases they just had to send the money to the government, but when that went wrong some unlucky individual had to collect it in person. In this case that unfortunate individual was Pokey Pierce.   It wasn’t fair, he thought, as he turned away from the frowning face of his latest victim. This was supposed to be Trixie’s job; she was the one the townsfolk were supposed to despise, not him. She was actually quite good at it. But she and the rest of the elements had been dragged away somewhere overseas by Luna, so he as always had to pick up the slack - as if he didn’t do most of the blue mare’s work anyway. Still, he couldn’t help but feel a little worried whenever Trixie was away, maybe more than he should be. For all of her boasts and bluster about her powers she was still only a normal unicorn mare, and not even a trained fighter. If anything went wrong she could get hurt or worse, the thought brought a lump to his throat and caused his tail to thrash about.   He’d been thinking about Trixie in less and less professional and more and more romantic ways recently. He’d tried to squash the feeling, but the truth was that she was just his type. He’d always been chromasexual, attracted to certain coloured ponies. It was superficial, he knew, but he found white and pink to be major turn ons, and despite the implied narcissism he was attracted to blue as well, so he’d always found Trixie’s white and blue colour scheme hot. On top of that - although he wouldn’t mention it out loud - there was something about her freewheeling attitude that he found liberating; there were never two days the same around her. The problem of course was that Trixie was his boss and, well… she was Trixie. He knew she didn’t, maybe couldn’t, reciprocate his feelings in any physical sense, and that any relationship would affect both of their careers. But just knowing that didn’t stop his desires. He’d been fighting with her more and more recently (never an unusual situation given her unprofessionalism) just to feel some sort of passion from his crush. Sooner or later something was going to slip out, and that would cause all sorts of awkwardness. He’d had this type of crush before, many times - Oak Leaves, Pinkie, Minuette, Big Mac, Redheart, to name just a few - and they didn’t normally last long. But this time it felt different, more like a real thing. Still, he’d said that before. He could only hope his heart would turn to another before anything disastrous happened. If only there was some way he could just turn his feelings off… or turn Trixie’s feelings on.   With a sigh he pushed his troubling thoughts aside, and tried to get back to work. He checked over his list again; at least this day of being glared and snarled at was almost over. Just one more house to visit, then he could get back to just doing Trixie’s less odious tasks. Twenty three Stallion Drive was on the very edge of Ponyville proper, before the town spread out into farmland dotted with the odd stand of houses. He didn’t think he’d visited it before, or even seen it in passing. The building certainly looked like it had been there for a while, and unlike its neighbours, it had seen better days; the roof had several rather prominent holes in it and the walls, although standing, were at rather alarming angles. The door, however, looked solid and freshly painted with a striking shade of blue. Pokey checked his notes again. Oddly, there was no name for the occupant. Only one way to find out, he thought.   Raising his hoof, Pokey gave the door a few quick knocks. There was a crash of breaking glass from the other side of the door, followed by the screech of some sort of enraged animal. The door opened and a grey blur streaked between Pokey’s legs as a large squirrel fled as quickly as it could. Pokey spun around and watched it as it disappeared into the distance.   “We can try again tomorrow then, Pasquirreleo?” came a voice from behind Pokey.   The blue stallion spun back to the door to see a young purple pegasus stallion, probably not much older than Pokey himself, standing in the door. His mane was an untidy black mop and he had a black bowtie tied loosely around his neck. “He’ll be back,” said the stranger. “He just can’t keep away from the nuts.”   Pokey gawked for a moment.   “I’m the Doc... The Physician.” The stallion rolled the word around his mouth for a moment as if trying it out. “What can I do for you?”   Pokey blinked. That was odd - his grandfather’s name was Physician too. It wasn’t that common a name. “Hi, I’m Pokey Pierce. I’m here to collect your taxes,” he said with a smile.   “Taxes! Taxes!” bellowed the Physician in excitement, forcing Pokey to stagger back a step or two. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had to pay tax before. How do you do it?”   Pokey rolled his eyes. Of course his last collection of the day would be a strange one. “It’s quite simple and to the point, really. You give me,” he looked down at his notes, “two hundred bits, I give you a receipt, and that’s it.”   “Hum, I don’t get it. What’s so great about that?”   “Well, the money is used by the Princess to build roads and fund the guard and things like that.”   “That doesn’t sound very exciting. Why are people are always going on about taxes? I assumed they were something special. So I just give you money and that’s it? No party, no explosions, no fun?”   “No just a receipt,” said Pokey slowly. “Are you related to Pinkie Pie in some way are you?”   “I don’t think so, although she did name one of her children after me.” He looked thoughtful. “Maybe I should look into my namesake sometime.” Then a look of pain crossed his face. “Ah, never enough time. Anyway, so, money. Can you tell me of any when that a lot of it went missing? An accident or ship wreck or something?”   Pokey stared at the strange stallion for a while, trying to decide if he was actually crazy or just bluffing. Either way, he wasn’t going to let the pegasus get to him. “Well,” he said carefully, “there was the Trotanic. Sank not far out from Horseshoe bay. It was carrying the pay for most of the guard at the time.” His voice got stronger as he warmed to his subject. “They say the hull was pierced by something sharp in the water. Most ponies don’t remember it but it’s a bit of family history, you see... my great grandfather was one of the crew and he met his wife on a lifeboat...”   The Physician held up a hoof. “How long ago was that?”   “About eighty years... eighty three, I think. As I heard it, it could have been a disaster, but somepony warned them about the leak in time for everypony to abandon ship.”   The Physician stopped him again. “Ok, I’ll be back before you know it, maybe even sooner.” The manic stallion rushed away, leaving Pokey to stare at the open door. There was suddenly a wheezing groaning sound from the house.   “Physician?” asked Pokey, sticking his head into the house. “Are you alright?” There was no reply. The inside of the house looked like an explosion in a brick-a-brac shop. A stuffed crocodile hung suspended from the roof, and one wall was covered with a network of cables and wires leading to a number of strange looking light bulbs that glowed gently. In one corner was what looked like a small alchemist’s laboratory, where a number of potions smoked and bubbled. In the centre of the room stood a large freestanding bookshelf, leaning at a dangerous angle; it was packed with dusty looking tomes in languages Pokey couldn’t make out from his spot. Even stranger, small piles of nuts were neatly stacked here and there around the room, and hundreds of red flower pot shaped hats were piled in one corner.   Overcome with curiosity, Pokey carefully trotted into the room. “Physician?” he called again, but there was no reply. Trying not to disturb anything, the blue stallion carefully made his way over to the electrical equipment. He had a passing interest in such things and electrical power was rare in Ponyville; this strange stallion must have his own generator somewhere in this place. Sitting on the bench, wrapped in a web of wires and placed on a battered metal box, was what appeared to be a large colander with a metal spike sticking out of the front. As he watched, a faint green aura formed around it. Pokey was surprised to feel an echoing tingle in his own horn, almost as if some unicorn was casting a spell nearby. Confused, he moved his head closer to the device to get a better look. It almost looked like an artificial horn. Although it didn’t have the elegance of the mighty organ gracing his own head.   Suddenly Pokey felt a yanking sensation and with a yell he was dragged towards the electrical equipment. His horn made contact with the spike and in a flash of light and electricity - and a feeling like somepony was driving a hot knife into his head - he was hurtled back, head over hooves, across the room and into the bookcase, which collapsed beneath him, striking the chemicals and smashing several beakers. The stunned stallion blinked, trying to clear his vision. He gazed up just in time to see the wires holding the crocodile to the ceiling snap, and only just had time to give a cry before it fell onto his chest and knocked the air from his lungs.   “Are you alright?” asked the Physician, suddenly looming over Pokey as he dragged the stuffed reptile away.   “...” gasped the still winded pony.   Reaching out with a hoof, the purple pony pulled Pokey to his hooves again. For some reason the Physician was soaking wet and stank of salt and seaweed.   “I’m sorry,” gasped Pokey, gesturing around the room. “It was an accident.”   “What?” asked the Physician, looking around. “Oh, that’s not a problem. This place needed a clean out anyway.”   Pokey carried out a quick inventory; all of his limbs seemed to still be intact, although his horn was still throbbing. He quickly lit it up and gave a sigh of relief when there seemed to be no significant damage. A questing hoof fell upon his saddlebags; they were empty! Looking around, he noticed his various papers, letters and pouches had spilled across the floor during his impromptu flight. Swearing to himself, he started to gather his things up again. “What is that?” He gestured at the strange device. “I found it quite shocking.”   “Oh this,” said the Physician, picking it up gently with one of his wings. “Well, I’m studying unicorn magic and that’s difficult when you’re not created a unicorn, so I had to improvise.” He stuck the strange device on his head with the spike pointing forwards. A look of concentration passed over the pegasus’s face and once again a green aura emanated from it. To Pokey’s astonishment, the crocodile was also surrounded by the same glow, and started to levitate into the air.   “That’s... that’s...” stuttered Pokey.   “Magic?” suggested the Doctor.   “But you’re not a unicorn! You shouldn’t be able to do that!”   There was a crackling sound and a smell of burning, and the glow around both the helmet and the stuffed animal died. The crocodile fell back to the ground.   The Physician sighed and took off the device. “Still not got all the kinks worked out, but I’m getting there. Anyway,” he suddenly looked up at Pokey, “I’ve got your money.” He lifted a soaking wet bag of coins and passed it to Pokey while at the same time steering the blue stallion towards the door. “It was nice of you to tell me about the Trotanic and how Hawkeye and Grace met, but you should go. I’ve still got a lot to do.”   Pokey frowned. “When did I tell you my great grandparents’s names?” he asked.   “Oh, I’m sure you mentioned it some when,” said the Physician, pushing Pokey out of the door.   Pokey turned to find a closed door barring his progress. “You didn’t get your receipt,” he said lamely. A part of him considered knocking again and demanding to find out what was going on, but the larger part of him - including his still throbbing horn - demanded that he should find somewhere to lie down and rest. With a sigh, he quickly scribbled out a confirmation of the taxes paid and slipped it under the door. Then he turned away; he still had other chores to run.     “Next!” came a call from in front of Pokey.   The unicorn shook himself and looked around. It was late in the day and the post office was almost empty.   “Next!” came the call again from the handsome purple pegasus with a white mane standing behind the counter. For a moment Pokey was surprised that Ditzy wasn’t there, but then he remembered that she was off with the other element bearers.   “Sorry Script,” he said, stepping forwards and starting to empty parcels, boxes and letters from his saddlebags onto the desk. There was a metal box among them that he couldn’t remember packing. He scowled at it. How had it gotten there? Then he realised that Silver Script was talking to him again. He turned back to the older stallion. “What was that?”   “I said, is something wrong? You don’t seem all there today.”   “I’ve just had a hard day,” he said, rubbing his still tingling horn. “Anyway, all of this stuff needs to get to Canterlot, express delivery.”   “What is all this, anyway?” the mail stallion asked, stacking the post onto some scales.   “Some sort of audit is going on in Canterlot. They keep asking for copies of our files and they want this batch by tonight. I’ve spent the last two days writing it all out. I don’t see the point really, but hopefully they’ll get off my back now.”   “You’ve missed the last train, I’m afraid. Next one’s not due until tomorrow morning.”   Giving an annoyed sigh, Pokey slammed a hoof into the desk among the packages. He wished there was some way to get all this stuff to Canterlot by tonight. A further bolt of pain erupted from his horn.   “No need to take it out on the desk, you know,” said Script ruefully. “There’s a royal courier in, delivering some special documents for the mayor; something to do with the relief funds. She should be able to take your package back to Canterlot. It’ll be expensive, a hundred bits.”   Pokey rubbed his horn; it might have been his wishful thinking, but it felt a bit longer than normal. “Thanks, that should work. Just charge it to the representative’s account.” It was easier to pay monthly for the office’s postage rather than have to carry money around all the time. Besides, it would teach Trixie a lesson - she’s only mentioned the audit just before she left, despite being informed several weeks ago.   “Will I see you at Berry’s tonight?” said Script, adding the new parcels to a bulging sack.   It was a tempting offer, but Pokey didn’t feel up to a night out right now. “No, I think I’ll just get an early night. I might make it tomorrow, though.”   “You hear anything about where Ditzy and the rest of the girls are off to?” said Script, leaning forward. “I know they can take care of themselves, but I get a bit worried, you know.”   “They don’t tell me anything. I just know they’re somewhere outside of Equestria. But don’t worry, the Princess is with them… I’m sure they’ll all be fine.” Pokey knew that Script’s relationship with Ditzy was a little more than just employer / employee; the postmaster felt a little bit paternal about the cross-eyed mailmare and her daughter. Of course, he wasn’t the only one to worry about the elements; he sometimes thought that he, Script, Dinky and Bon Bon should form a support group. Maybe they could invite Cheerilee’s fish and Carrot Top’s fields as well.   “Yeah I’m sure they’ll be fine, just like every time. But it doesn’t stop us worrying, does it?”   “No,” mumbled Pokey. “But if you ever tell Trixie I told you that, I will deny it until my or her dying day. Her head…” Her beautiful snow covered head… “... is big enough as it is.”   Script grinned. “Well, I’m sure they’ll be back soon then, probably with some tall tale for us. I better make sure this all gets to the courier.”   “Thanks Script,” said Pokey as he turned to leave.     “La da de, la da dum,” sang the petite yellow mare as she wandered the dark corridors of castle Canterlot. She swayed from side to side, following the music in her head. Her horn glowed as she pushed a small cart laden with letters and packages in front of her. She haphazardly turned a corner, almost overturning the cart. “La da da dum.” She straightened up, then backed up a few steps before rushing forwards.   At the end of the corridor was a door flanked by two large stallions; a brown earth pony and a purple coated unicorn. “Da da dum,” she finished with a flourish, coming to a stop just in front of the door and its guards. She gave the unicorn a cursory nod before turning to the brown stallion, looking up at him with a wide smile.   “Hi big guy,” she said. “Sorry about that but I just get a song stuck in my head sometimes. You know what that’s like?”   The titanic stallion looked down at the mare a fraction of his size and broke into a sweat. “Uh, yeah,” he mumbled.   She reached into the cart with her magic and started to levitate out a bunch of letters and parcels. “I really like music and dancing,” she commented, lowering her gaze. “But I just can’t find the right partner.” She looked up into the brown stallion’s eyes. “Some stallion big enough to really be able to twirl me about but still light on his hooves.”   “Um, sorry.” His knees were almost knocking.   She gave a slightly exasperated sigh. “Here you go,” she said gently, floating the mail onto his back.   “Well, if you can think of anypony who fits the description, just tell me.” She turned and began to push the cart away, her tail playfully flicking his cheek. “La da de ta ta,” she hummed as she danced off. Both stallion’s eyes followed her until she turned the corner.   The brown stallion slumped against the wall, breathing heavily.   Bear signed loudly looking at his partner. “Ox,” he said. “She is so into you. Just ask her out before she gets bored.”   “Can’t,” stuttered Ox. “What if she says no?”   The purple unicorn shook his head. He’d seen Ox calmly face off against a blood-crazed griffin without breaking a sweat, but all he needed was for a pretty mare to bat her eyelashes at him and he fell apart. “Come on. What’s she got to do to make it more obvious, present for mounting?”   Ox’s face shone bright red.   Sighing again Bear lifted the post off of his companion’s back and opened the door they were guarding. Within was a mid-sized office containing several filing cabinets, a desk against one wall and a door at the far end. He trotted over to lay the letters on the desk and did a double take when he realised there was a pony sitting there, a mare with a white coat and mane.   “Hi Notary,” he said. “Got the post.” His horn glowed and a purple aura surrounded the letters and parcels. “Doesn’t seem to be anything harmful in them.”   “You’re supposed to do that before you bring them in here,” she reprimanded the large stallion, then began to sort through the pile. She picked out a large package. “This will be the Duke’s latest report from Ponyville. He wants it taken straight to him.”   “Sure thing, I’ll take it on through,” said Bear, but Notary had already turned away, busied herself opening the other letters.   He trotted over to the inner door and gave it a light knock. “Come in!” came the almost instantaneous answer. He pushed the door open. The chamber beyond was lushly furnished, and dominated by a large oak desk set in front of a large window looking down over the city of Canterlot, currently lit by the light of the full moon. Facing away from Bear as he entered was a swivelling chair, which turned to reveal a short brown stallion with flaming red hair.   “Duke Greengrass,” noted Bear, nodding as he dropped the parcel on the desk.   “Thank you. Doesn’t Ox normally bring my mail? Oh, it’s that delightful little mailmare again, isn’t it?”   “Yep. I think he needs a lie down.”   “He really is hopeless, isn’t he?” laughed Bear’s employer.   Bear nodded in agreement and then yawned widely.   “You look tired. Is it your mother again?” asked Greengrass.   Bear flinched. “She didn’t have a good night,” he said.   “I am sorry to hear that. If there is anything I can do to help?”   “No, thank you,” said Bear carefully. Greengrass was a good boss, but there were limits to how much he wanted to intertwine his work and home lives. “The doctors say there isn’t much can be done now, except wait.”   “Well tell me if you’ll need any time off,” said Greengrass as he picked up the parcel and started to unwrap it. Deciding he wasn’t needed any longer Bear discreetly left the room.   Greengrass sorted through the various papers contained in the parcel. It had seemed a good idea at the time. He had managed to get a position on a committee with oversight of the representatives in North Everfree. Once there, he could use his power to get copies of any their paperwork and record any potentially embarrassing irregularities in how his enemy, Trixie, ran her office, and without her knowing who was requesting them. Unfortunately to date most things checked out. Still, maybe Notary would be able to find something. With a sigh he threw down the package. There was a metallic clanging sound.   “Odd,” mumbled Greengrass as he searched for the source of the sound. A small battered metal box seemed to have been included in the paperwork. Intrigued, he opened it to reveal an irregularly shaped crystal, smaller than his hoof. What was it? Why would Trixie have sent him something like this? He gingerly picked it up and examined it in the moonlight filtering in through the window. He expected some sort of trap or enchantment, but Ox had checked it for harmful magic.   There was a knock on the door and Notary stuck her head around the door. “Your appointment with Marquis De Salad is in a few minutes, my lord,” she said. “Have you read the papers I gave you on his recent behaviour?”   “Yes, you believe he will try to part company with us?”   “It seems likely. The details we have of his expense reports are damning, but given the current political climate he may decide that it would be better for him to come clean rather than continue under your control.”   “Like the others, then?”   “Yes, like the others. I do think we should let them go for the moment. The Princess’s forces will no doubt be watching us closely after your unfortunate outburst at the gala.”   Greengrass frowned, then his face brightened. “Ah, but the greater the threat the greater the thrill of triumph. I am sure you can outdo any Shadowbolt who might be sticking her muzzle where it isn’t wanted.” Notary blushed almost imperceptibly at the compliment. “Anyway, when De Salad arrives, show him in. I’m sure I can change his mind.”   Notary nodded and closed the door again.   Tossing the crystal aside, Greengrass slumped in his chair. Sheep! The rest of the court were brainless sheep! They had all taken Luna’s warning to halt their corruption as a serious threat rather than the sign of weakness it was. A sign that the immortal ruler was losing her grip on power; with her sister’s return, Luna couldn’t afford the chaos a purging of the court would cause. The fact that she had threatened her court rather than actually doing something meant that it was time to remove her from power, not that the court should cower at her very shadow. Still, her outburst had been successful; most of the court were too scared to act, or were spending all their time watching each other for hints of corruption, rather than rallying to deal with their ruler. Even with the Alicorn out of the country, the court remained huddled in their offices in fear or had fled to their provinces. Just this week several of his closest allies, ponies he had worked hard to purchase or blackmail, had tried to wriggle off of his hook. Blackmail only worked when nopony else knew your target’s secrets, and the truth potion and Zizanie’s capture at the gala meant many ponies dark little secrets weren’t as secret as they used to be. So far, he had managed to maintain their allegiance but his grip was weakening. Curse that aged cow! She was so obstinate, trying to maintain her grip on power rather than gracefully stepping aside for a more competent ruler, like himself.     A knock on the door roused Greengrass from his thoughts. That would be the Marquis. Greengrass shuffled some papers and put on a calm expression. “Enter!” he called.   The office door opened and Notary led in Marquis De Salad of Neigh Orleans. The Marquis was a tall thin black unicorn stallion in his early middle age. His yellow and red striped mane was carefully styled and he wore a frilly pink suit.   “Ah, De Salad,” said Greengrass. “What brings you to my door?”   “We are through,” announced the Marquis rather melodramatically, not even bothering to sit down.   “Through?” asked Greengrass, raising an eyebrow. “Whatever do you mean?”   “I mean I will no longer be supporting you in court, I will withdraw my proposal to change the hay subsidy regulations, and I will be cancelling my province’s trade agreement with Caneighda. I want nothing further to do with you or your schemes.”   “That seems rather rash, don’t you think,” said Greengrass calmly. “Of course, it is your decision, but have you considered what might happen to you if somepony were to audit your expense claims over the last few years?” He brought out a thick wad of papers. “They do make rather interesting reading. You are rather keen on spending time at certain hotels… well, not that much time, it’s just as well they charge by the hour, isn’t it?” He leaned back for a moment to study his opponent's reaction, and allow his talent to gauge his enemy’s weakness. Ah, there it was. “And I’m sure your husband would be interested in hearing about some of the ‘guests’ you ‘entertain’ there.” He reached into his desk and pulled out a wad of photographs.   The Marquis looked pale for a second, then rallied. “I have spoken with my husband recently.”   Greengrass looked perturbed for the first time. “And?” he said cautiously.   “He is soon to be my ex-husband, but he will not make a public fuss about my infidelities. You no longer have a hold on me, Greengrass.”   Greengrass stood up quickly and leaned over the desk. “Still, the revealing of your claimed expenses with be most harmful to you,” he hissed, before getting himself under control again.   “That may be the case. I will repay every jangle and throw myself on the princess’s mercy, but I will no longer be your pawn. You may not see where your games are leading us, but I do. I will not be known as one of the ponies who caused the fall of Equestria’s government. You were there; you know what the Princess threatened. I know I am guilty and I am willing to pay the price for that but I will not follow you to destruction.”   Greengrass’s smile faltered slightly. “You’ll regret this,” he said dangerously. “Luna is toothless, she would not dare to move against the whole court.”   “She is the Princess!” cried De Salad. “She raises the sun and moon! Who else could protect us from Corona!”   “There are records of magics capable of duplicating her abilities, and it was the elements - not Luna - who defeated Corona. Their bearers can be controlled with the correct leverage.” His roaming hoof found the crystal and he gripped it tightly in his anger while trying to prevent any trace of emotion on his face.   “No! We are through, Greengrass. I may not be a saint, but I want no further part in your corruption, and I doubt the rest of the court will either. You are mad!”   “I’m sorry you feel that way,” said Greengrass, trying to keep his tone even. “We’ll just have to see how things work out, won’t we?”   “Oh don’t worry, you haven't seen the last of me!” exclaimed the Marquis as he turned to go.   “I wish you would just leave with the rest of the sheep, then,” whispered Greengrass under his breath.   Suddenly the crystal flashed with a pale light and the Marquis was no longer in the room. There was no aura to indicate unicorn magic; he simply vanished. Greengrass stared at the now open space where his ex-ally had once stood, his mouth hanging open. “De Salad?” he whispered, then blinked. “Notary!” he yelled.   His assistant appeared at the door. “Yes, sir?” She looked around the room. “Where is the Marquis?”   “He.. he just disappeared,” mumbled the still shocked Duke.   “Teleported?” she asked. “I was not aware he was able to perform that feat.”   “No, just disappeared. I just said I wished... that I wished.” He raised the crystal to his face. “I wonder. I wish the Marquis De Salad were here.” The crystal glowed again.   Suddenly a sheep with a yellow and red striped coat appeared in the room. It gave a bleat of distress and ran into the corner, away from the ponies. Notary jumped back in surprise while a wide smile grew on Greengrass’s face. “I wish my desk were made of silver.” The wooden desk was replaced by a metallic duplicate. He turned to his assistant. “I wish your mane were longer.” Notary’s hair uncoiled from the bun it was tied into and stretched down her back. She gave a little shriek and backed away. “I think that’s a better look on you,” he commented with a grin.   “How.. how are you doing this, Sir?” asked Notary.   He looked down as the crystal. “I think this might be a game changer, Notary,” he said with a smile. His assistant ran a hoof through her extended mane and looked at him ruefully. “Don’t look at me like that. I can use this as a reward as well. I wish you had a jar of your favourite snack.” Suddenly a glass container packed with pickled apples appeared in front of Notary. She blinked at it for a moment before carefully unscrewing the lid, removing one and taking a tentative bite. She smiled and took a second larger bite.   “Thank you, sir. They taste just like the ones from Moscolt. You just can’t get them the same in Canterlot.”   “This really is a wonder,” said Greengrass peering at the crystal. “With this I could control the entire court in less than a month.” The wishing stone illuminated again with a dull glow. “Maybe even less than a week,” mumbled the Duke staring into its depths. It was almost as though something was staring back at him, something very familiar. He shook his head. Notary was saying something. “What was that?” he asked.   “I said, are you feeling alright, sir?”   “Never better.”   “Maybe you shouldn’t be so rash. You have no idea how this item works.”   Greengrass tossed the crystal from hoof to hoof. “You worry too much Notary. Still, it may pay to test its power, and I have just the subject.”     The mare lying beneath Pokey was beautiful. Her blue and white mane was spread out around her head like a halo against her shining blue coat. The vast purple cape she wore was covered in stars and stretched out beneath her as far as the eye could see. A white sock partially covered one fore leg the other three were scattered here and there.   “Vous savez que je ne l'avais jamais agir de la sorte en dehors de vos rêves,” she sighed in a lyrical accent, causing a shiver to pass through the stallion’s body.   He leaned forwards and nibbled her neck, causing her to give out a loud nicker of pleasure and arch her back, pressing herself against him. She tasted good so he bit down and took a mouthful. She was made of cake; the outer shell was bitter and tangy but her core was so sweet and carried a faint smell of bourbon.   Suddenly she flipped him over so she was lying on top, pressing down upon him, the buckle holding a pink silk saddle onto her back bit into his belly. Her cape billowed about to form the night sky above them while grass sprouted from the ground beneath them, tickling his back. With a smile, she started to kiss her way down his chest as he let his head flop back. Her hungry mouth and insistent tongue moved lower and lower until...   “What is this thing?”   Pokey’s eyes snapped open as his dream was scattered to the four winds.   “A horn enlargement pump? How does that even work?”   He shot up in bed. The dull glow of pre-dawn light was just making its way through the curtains. He looked around and made out a moving shape near the door. He blinked and his vision started to compensate for the low light levels. “Physician?!” he cried.   The purple pony spun around. “Where? Oh right, yeah, that’s me, isn’t it?”   “What are you doing in my house? In my bedroom?” Pokey cried.   “Well, I’m looking for something.”   Pokey turned to his bedside table and switched on the gas lamp there, illuminating the room. The purple pegasus had opened one of his cupboards and was poking around inside. “Horn sharpening kit, ‘Your horn and you : Thinking your way to a better horn’. Blimey, it’s all about the horn with you, isn’t it?”   Pokey leapt out of bed and stumbled for a second as his legs were still tangled in his sheets, before rushing over to the cupboard and slamming it shut. “That is private!” he hissed, his blush showing through his blue coat, turning it purple.   “Well I guess it would explain that,” said the Physician, pointing at Pokey’s head.   “What?” asked the surprised stallion, going cross eyed as he tried to examine his own horn. It seemed easier than normal.   “How long is your horn normally?”   “That’s very personal. It’s not like I measure it.” He backed off a few steps before looking down a bit bashful. “Ok, its seven and three sixteenth inches.”   “Measure it now,” the Physician insisted, bringing out a ruler from somewhere.   Pokey took the device in his aura and started to lift it to his head. “Can you at least look away?”   “Why?” said the Physician, looking confused.   “Never mind.” He placed the ruler next to his horn and checked. “This can’t be right.” He measured himself again. “Just over eight inches. Horns don’t just grow overnight like that.”   “They do if you change the universe.”   “Excuse me?”   “When you played with my device earlier, you created a small area of reality flux. I guess you were thinking about your horn, and the flux worked on that mental impulse.”   “You created a device to enlarge horns?” Pokey gasped. “You’ll make millions!”   “That was just a side effect. I was making a device to create a unicorn spell to allow reality fluxes to be detected.”   “I have no idea what you are talking about.” He shook himself, remembering why he was angry in the first place. “What are you doing here? How did you get into my house?”   “You left the door open.”   “No, I didn’t.”   “Well, you did once I opened it. It wasn’t locked, once I unlocked it. You could do with better security.”   “There aren't many thieves in Ponyville, usually.” He glared at the Physician, who didn’t seem to notice.   “Anyway, I need you to return what you took from me.”   “I didn’t take anything,” said Pokey, looking offended. “Except your money, but I told you about taxes.”   “What? No, I mean the crystal.”   “What crystal?”   “The shard, the shard of reality.”   That term rang a faint bell in Pokey’s head, but he couldn’t put his hoof on where he’d heard of it before. Maybe something from Trixie? Or one of the other element bearers...   “Look, it may seem like a little thing but it’s very dangerous. Your horn could just be the start of all the trouble it causes. The others were just as bad - giant timberwolves, Windigo-dispelling flames, poisonous snakes… these things always seem to cause trouble.”   “Wait, giant timberwolves! Snakes!” exclaimed Pokey. “You’re the Doctor! Cheerilee mentioned you, Carrot Top and Lyra too!”   “How is Lyra?” asked the Doctor, sounding concerned. “I hope she and Bon Bon are feeling better after what the Kandymare did to them.”   “They got out of hospital a few weeks ago. Bon Bon still isn’t herself though - it wasn’t easy to get Lyra to leave her for Luna’s mission.” He shook himself. “Trixie’s told me how you killed her grandfather!” he cried angrily. He had arrived at work one morning to find Trixie slumped over her desk, surrounded by empty bottles. She had drunkenly told him that she was celebrating her grandfather’s birthday before collapsing onto him, sobbing and explaining what had happened to Quartermoon. How she had investigated his death, and found he had been poisoned by a Naga controlled by a rival called Maestro. Pokey had held her tightly until she had finally cried herself to sleep, then carried her to her bed and tucked her in. He doubted she remembered it, but he still did; thinking back, it might have been the start of his current problems, when he’d stopped seeing her as his troublesome boss and started seeing her as a vulnerable filly.   Pokey stepped back from the Doctor, starting to fill with anger at what the other stallion had done to his... done to Trixie. His horn began to glow dangerously.   “What! No, I...  I... that wasn’t entirely my fault. I didn’t know what was going to happen,” stuttered the Doctor.   Pokey still did not look convinced. “Once Cheerilee explained why you were here, Trixie blamed you for creating that Naga in the first place.”   The Doctor slumped. “I suppose I was responsible... I’m responsible for all of it, really. I did damage the barrier in the first place, brought the shards to Equestria.”   Surprised by the admission, Pokey felt his anger start to drain out of him, and he let his horn go out.   “But I’m trying to do what I can,” pleaded the Doctor. “And to arrange for this world to be able to protect itself once I’m gone.”   “Gone?”   The Doctor gave a wan smile. “Oh, I might have a few hundred years left in me yet, but this will be the last time I visit Equestria. I’ve used up all my bodies, you see, every one, and the barrier’s still not fixed. Oh, it would hold, but there are still some gaps; it’s a bit leaky, so anypony with the right magic can get in or out, and I won’t be here to plug them anymore. So I’ve decided to work out a way to allow you ponies to find them yourselves; think of it as my legacy. I’ve fixed the transmogrifier so I can stay for a few months, and once I found a shard I spent all my time working on a way to use unicorn magic to find others. Well, not all the time, I spent a few days flying around going ‘Wheeee!’ because,” he gave a wide smile and stretched his pinions, “Wings! Wings are cool!”   “Well, I suppose they are,” said Pokey, backing away from the suddenly manic pegasus.   “Yeah.” He gave a few beats of his wings and rose into the air. “I have no idea why I used to be so bad with them.” He slammed his head into the ceiling. “Ouch!” He rubbed his bump. “Note to self, flying is better outside. Anyway, I know unicorns will eventually be able to locate the shards; I’ve got insider information as it were. So I decided to make sure it happens. Of course, I wasn’t a unicorn this time so I had to find out a way to mimic their abilities.”   “Hence the metal horn that shocked me?” said Pokey, rubbing his horn. It still throbbed a bit.   “Exactly. The work I’ve done has caused a few changes to the shard. It leaks, sort of like nuclear reactors aren't supposed to.”   “Leaks? What does a shard of reality leak?”   “Reality, of course. Do keep up,” said the Doctor, as if it was the most obvious thing in the universe, causing Pokey to bristle. “It changes the universe in small ways around it. Hence your horn.”   “So it’s not specifically a horn growing device then?”   “No, that’s an unintended side effect. But it could be dangerous in the wrong hooves. So give it back.” The Doctor held out a hoof.   Pokey shook his head. “I haven't got it.”   The Doctor’s face fell. “But I looked everywhere, twice! I even started in the last place I’d look and worked backwards.”   “What does this shard thing look like, anyway?”   “I converted it back to its natural form - by the way, if the Mayor asks where her boxing trophy is, it wasn’t me - so it looks like a crystal. I stored it in a lead box, since it helps to block the influence.”   Suddenly Pokey flashed back to his visit to the post office. There had been a metal container there. “Oh no,” his eyes widened, “I think I might have posted it to Canterlot.”   “What!” bellowed the Doctor.   “I must have picked it up by accident in your house and then it got mixed up with the post.” He turned towards the window. The sun was just starting to edge above the horizon. “It’ll have arrived last night, so it’s probably in some bureaucrat’s office by now.”   The Doctor gave a sigh. “That doesn’t sound so bad. The more unimaginative the pony who's got it, the better. I guess I’ll just have to go and get it.”   “Because of course there are no insanely ambitious politicians in Canterlot who would sell they mothers to get even the slightest leg up at court,” said Pokey sarcastically.   “Well, that’s good, I hate worlds that have governments like that. This should be easy, then.”   Pokey rested his head in his hoof. “I was being sarcastic.”   “Really?” said the Doctor, his face falling. “So there might be a few problems, then?”   “Very likely. Now, we better get the first train. It should be leaving fairly soon.” He headed for the door.   “Wait a minute. I didn’t say you could come,” said the Doctor, following the blue stallion. “I don’t take companions with me anymore - they keep getting hurt, and I don’t want to have to go through that again.”   Pokey stopped and turned. “I can look after myself, Doctor. Anyway, do you know the office the letter was sent to?”   “No.”   “Do you even know the way to Canterlot?”   “Well, I know it’s on the top of a mountain. There can’t be that many around.”   “Then I think you’ll need me.”   The Doctor pouted for a moment. “Fine,” he moaned. “But just this once. With some luck we’ll be able to get the shard back before anypony can use its power to cause mischief.”     “Ah, Baron Max,” said Greengrass. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”   “What is it?” asked the grey stallion, turning to face the Duke. “I really don’t have time for this right now.”   Greengrass considered Max to be the perfect subject to test the powers of his new windfall on. As the court’s most junior member, he was in no position to harm the Duke if something went wrong, and as a plus Greengrass had always found him to be an annoying imbecile, if an easily misled one. Now all he had to do was to decide what to do with him. He felt out with his personal talent; now, what was the naive fool’s weakness? He was stubborn and bull-headed; Greengrass was sure he could work with that. Then inspiration hit. What would happen if he removed his enemy’s weaknesses? It might actually make him a challenge. He muttered something under his breath, and the crystal, currently hung around his neck, glowed for a second. In front of him, Max froze and then seemed to slump slightly.   “I thought we should maybe talk about your position in the court.”   “My position?” asked Max weakly.   “Well, I can’t help but notice that you don’t really fit in here. You’re a bit of a fish out of water.”   “Well.. Well, I suppose you’re right, maybe...”   Greengrass grinned. This was almost too easy. “I’m hardly the only one to notice. It’s a bit embarrassing, really. What you need is someone to show you the ropes, tell you how to vote, things like that.”   “That sounds right. Fragrant helps me...”   “Oh, I don’t think we need to bother the Duchess about this. I’m sure she’s tired of all of your bungling by now.”   “Well I suppose...” the grey stallion seemed to be close to tears. Greengrass almost felt sorry for him; maybe he’d gone over the top with his new power. This was why it was important to try it on somepony unimportant first, he thought with a grin.   “Now, now. Don’t be like that,” said Greengrass, throwing a leg over the other stallion’s back. “I’m sure I can sort it all out for you. Now, just come to me before you do anything and I’ll tell you just what to do. I think that would work, don’t you?”   “Yes, I suppose so... Thank you.”   “That’s alright, my dear Baron. Now, maybe you should take some time away from court, try out a new hobby. I’ve always found gardening to be very relaxing.” He gently pushed the dazed stallion away and Max staggered towards the door. Greengrass grinned, watching him go. That had been too easy; maybe he should tone it down in the future, even if only to make things a challenge. The stone around his neck pulsed. No, that would be a waste of his new powers.   “That seemed to go well, my lord,” said Notary, seeming to materialise at his side.   “Very well. When I said I could control the court in a week, I may have been underestimating. I think I could do it in a single night.”   Notary frowned. “An exaggeration, surely?”   “Maybe, but not by much. Come, I have another idea I’d like to try out.”     “Duke Greengrass! What is going on here?” demanded Shining Armour. He had just been going over various reports on Corona’s possible locations when the noble had just barged into his quarters without even knocking. To the Captain’s surprise, there were no sign of the guards at the door.   “Ah Captain, I wanted to have a little chat with you about your sister.”   “What! What about Twilie, I mean Twilight?” The white stallion stepped forwards threateningly but Greengrass stood his ground.   “Certain evidence that has come to hoof which would go down very badly at her trial. If it were to come to light.” He tossed down a file. “A certain magical accident… many ponies were injured… a few even killed.”   Shining Armour caught the folder in his aura and started to scan the pages. Greengrass’s amulet flashed brightly for a second. “This... dark magic... But Twilie would never do this.”   “Yet the evidence is rather compelling, is it not? No pony has linked it to your sister yet, but a few words in the right ears would be all that would be needed. The fact that some of the listed tomes come from your own family’s library suggest that your parents may have some explaining to do about their choice of reading material.”   “This is all lies, no pony would believe this.”   “Oh, I think you might find that there are always those waiting for the powerful to fall. Your family might find itself running out of allies rather quickly.” Greengrass grinned. He really was enjoying himself. The shard glowed again.   Shining Armour’s gaze dropped. “What do you want me to do to make sure this evidence is never seen?” he mumbled.   “Oh, nothing much. There is a certain item of baggage I’d like your guards to collect for me.”   He outlined the rest of his plan to the guard captain, whose eyes widened.   “This... this is...”   “Oh, don’t tell me you’ve never thought about doing it before. Now run along, I’ll see you soon.” Looking broken, the white stallion staggered towards the door.   “Sir!” hissed Notary, once Shining Armour had left. “This is far beyond what we had planned. What are you doing!”   Greengrass seemed to think for a moment. “Maybe you’re right...” The amulet glowed again. “No... No, winning is what I’m doing. You saw how easy that was? One of the most powerful stallions in the nation, brought down by a single wish to obtain certain evidence against his sister. A little longer and I will control the whole court; Luna will never suspect the power I hold. Come, Notary, I have a performance to prepare for.” With that, Greengrass strode from the room. Notary followed in his wake, looking very worried.     “Did I mention I always wanted to drive one of these as a child?” said the Doctor, as he and Pokey climbed into their seats on the morning’s first train to Canterlot.   “Only a few times so far,” noted Pokey, stretching his back. His pegasus companion had originally wanted to fly to the capital, but Pokey had managed to dissuade him. It was a long way and few pegasi could beat a train over such a distance.   “Do you think we could speak to the engineer?”   “I don’t think they’ll let you drive it, Physician. Sorry, Doctor.”   “I suppose not,” sighed the Doctor, looking out the window as the train started to pull away.   “Why did you decide to use a different name anyway?”   “Habit, mostly. I’ve been trying to go incognito for the last few decades; far too many of my enemies have started to expect me. The problem with a long life, I suppose. I’ve tried a few names - Caretaker, Tailor, Twentyman, Matt.”   “What’s in a name?” noted Pokey, closing his eyes. He wanted to try and make up for this mornings interrupted sleep. Hopefully without any Trixie-themed dreams, this time; the difference between fantasy and reality was rather frustrating. “I’ve got an aunt called Caretaker, you know. And it’s not like I use my birth name most of the time.”   “Really?” said the Doctor. “What’s your real name?”   Pokey realised his mistake and his eyes shot open. “Never mind, that’s private,” he mumbled.   “Oh, go on. I told you mine,” said the Doctor. “Pleeaasseee!” he begged.   “Oh fine, but don’t laugh. And never, ever tell Trixie.” He sighed. “My birth name is Pinprick.” His face glowed red. “And honestly it doesn’t suit me, regardless of what Nurse Redheart says. That examination room was freezing.”   The Doctor thought for a moment. “I don’t get it, was she going to give you an injection? Are you scared of needles?”   “No, it’s more the other way around… I wanted to stick her with something.” Ah, a white coat and pink mane. Bliss, he thought. Shame about her personality. “But all the pointing and laughing put me off my stroke.”   “Oh... Oh...” mumbled the Doctor, looking shocked. Then he relaxed again. “No, I still don’t get it.”   “Never mind.” Pokey closed his eyes again, hoping this journey wouldn’t take too long.     “Greengrass!” shrieked Puissance as she was dragged into the throne room by a pair of guards. “What is going on here? How dare you do this to me!” The ancient pegasus struggled weakly against her captors.   “Ah Puissance,” said Greengrass. “How nice to see you again.” He gently rested his posterior on the throne. “This really is quite comfortable - only the best for our Princess, I see. I suppose it’s just as well she doesn’t use a throne made out of her enemies fallen weapons, like the ancient Griffin emperors did; that would be far too cold and sharp. It could cause a nasty accident.”   “Release me!” cried the aged pegasus at her guards, who looked towards their leader. He in turn deferred to Greengrass.   “I’ve done what you asked, Greengrass,” said Shining. “Now we’re even.”   The red headed earth pony leant forwards. “Oh, I don’t think so, Captain. You just kidnapped one of the most powerful ponies in the land. That wouldn’t look very good, would it?” The amulet glowed again.   “But you told me to!”   “I’m sure that is a solid excuse for the courts. I think we might be working together for a long time yet, don’t you?”   Shining’s head dropped and he staggered back.   “Don’t worry, I reward loyalty well. As for you, you old hag!” cried Greengrass, turning back to Puissance. “You threatened to destroy me once, but it looks like I’ve got there first.”   “You wouldn't dare!” cried the pegasus, her face red with rage. “If anything were to happen to me, my family would crush you, you upstart fool! I am a Vicereine!”   “I’m sure your family would thank me. You are nothing, if it wasn’t for your wealth... I wonder, where would you be without your money?” Greengrass gripped the crystal attached to a chain around his neck. Below him, the jewellery covering the noble pegasus disappeared, and her greying hair seemed to shrink back into her skull, ending at a more practical length and became wrapped back with a simple piece of cloth. Her face became more lined and her back more bent, and a mop and bucket appeared by her. She looked around in surprise and then glanced up at Greengrass fearfully. “Begging your pardon, your highness, but why am I here?”   “Ah,” sighed Greengrass, slumping across the throne. “I think the throne room could do with a good scrub, don’t you? The place is such a mess. You can start over there.” He waved a hoof at the far corner.   “Of course, your highness,” replied Puissance, grabbing her mop and bucket and rushing off as quickly as her old hooves would carry her.   Notary stepped forward. “Was that really necessary, Sir?” she asked. “I would have thought you would have preferred to savour her fall more.”   Greengrass looked at her coldly. “Oh, I enjoyed it immensely. It’s just that in my new position, I can’t afford the time to do this all personally. If I’m going to be the tyrant to replace Luna, I should at least be an honest - not to mention impressive - tyrant.”     Notary stepped back with a shudder. She could hardly recognise her boss any more. His new found power was going to his head so quickly and he wouldn’t listen to her warnings. She didn’t know what to do.   “You know, I think this place could do with a few changes. I don’t see why I should wait to supplant Luna,” announced Greengrass, throwing wide his forehooves. “King Greengrass has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” The wishing stone blazed with light, and around him the throne room flowed and altered.     Pokey was rudely awoken from another Trixie filled dream as his face impacted with the floor of the carriage. He staggered back onto his hooves and looked around. The train had come to a screeching halt and he had been thrown from his seat. The rest of the passengers seemed equally confused. “What’s going on?” he asked nopony in particular.   “I rather fear that it’s something to do with that,” said the Doctor, gesturing out of the train’s window.   Pokey looked in the indicated direction at where Canterlot stood, or rather where Canterlot should have stood. The city was missing; in fact the entire Canterhorn had disappeared. In its place stood a shimmering dome maybe two miles in diameter. It cut the train tracks off. Around the edge of the dome stood a number of ponies, including a few members of the guard. They were all milling around uncertainly. “What is that?” Pokey gasped.   “It’s a reality barrier,” explained the Doctor. “I think someone has found the shard... this is going to be more difficult than I thought.”   “What does that mean?”   “It’s the physical representation of the barrier between two universes. Someone inside has used the shard to alter reality, but the shard isn’t powerful enough to affect the whole universe. That effect indicates its boundaries.” He peered closer. “I can sort of see through it, so the differences can’t be that great.”   Pokey peered at the barrier; the other side seemed to be quite green and he could make out movement. “So someone’s changed the universe on the other side of the barrier?”   “That’s more or less it. Small differences like your horn are easily accepted by the universe, but this must be on another scale. Do you know who might have done this?”   “Not a clue. There could be any number of ponies in the city who might try to change the world to suit themselves.”   The Doctor started to make his way to the carriage’s door. “Well, I guess there’s only one way to find out. I’ll have to go in.”   Pokey struggled past the carriage’s other occupants and followed the Doctor. By the time he left the train, he found the pegasus arguing with a guard who was standing by the barrier. “Look, anypony who's passed through hasn’t come back. I can’t let you go,” insisted the guard.   The Doctor backed away as the guard turned to the stream of passengers starting to disembark from the train.   “I need to get into that thing. I might be able to find out what’s going on and fix it.”   ”Wait a minute, is that safe?” asked Pokey.   “I’m fairly sure I’ll be fine. The transmogrifier should be able to compensate for any changes in the laws of reality, and I doubt the other side of the barrier is totally incompatible with this universe’s rules. However, anything that passes through which hasn’t already been affected by the shard might get altered by its power, that’s why no pony’s come back through. You stay here and see if you can contact someone in charge to properly seal off the area.” He took a few steps back before galloping forwards at full clip. The guard turned to try and block him, but he was too late. The barrier parted in front of the Doctor like a river before he disappeared with a flash.   Pokey sat there for a moment, unsure what to do. He could see the benefits to trying to organize things here, but he didn’t like being told what to do. He’d told his older brother on his death bed than his would be the horn that pierced the heavens, but what had he actually done to accomplish that? It was more than just having a sharp horn; it was about doing the best he could. And when would he get a better opportunity to improve himself than how?  He stood and pawed the ground for a moment. The Doctor had said that things which had been affected by the shard wouldn’t be affected by the barrier, and his enlarged horn was evidence that he had been changed by its power. Steeling himself, he charged forwards horn lowered. “Gangway!” he cried.   The guard, once again surprised, leapt towards Pokey, but only impacted with him glancingly, sending the unicorn tumbling through the glowing shield. For a moment Pokey’s skin felt like a million insects were crawling all over it; then he found himself surrounded by lush fields of green plants.   “Pokey!” cried the Doctor. “I told you not to follow me!”   “You’re not my boss, you know. She’s not here and I’m sure she’d have followed you as well. Anyway, where are we?” He turned around; rows of vegetation stretched as far as he could see in all directions. There was no sign of the barrier he had just passed through.   “Exactly where we were, I think. It’s just that the inside is bigger than the outside. That’s more common than you’d think. There could be the whole of Equestria inside this dome.” He spun around, “Whoever made this certainly like plants.”   Pokey peered through the greenery around him; here and there ponies seemed to be caring for the plants, pulling up mouthfuls of weeds and pruning back the vegetation. In the distance he could just about make out a cityscape. “That looks like Canterlot!” he said, pointing. “But on the ground! What happened to the Canterhorn?”   “I guess whoever created this place wasn’t keen on heights.” The Doctor scampered over to the nearest gardener, a grey stallion with a short brown mane. “Where are we?” he asked.   The stallion looked up with dull eyes, spitting out a mouthful of unwanted plants. “This is the garden of King Greengrass.”   “King Greengrass!” exclaimed Pokey.   “You know this Greengrass?” asked the Doctor.   “He’s a Duke in real life, a rival of Trixie’s. He’s tried to gain control over the elements a few times.”   “Well if he’s gotten his hooves on the shard, then it looks like he’s used it to improve his position somewhat.”   Pokey shuddered. A world created by Greengrass. This couldn’t be good. “We’ve got to stop him!”   “How long has the king been in charge?” asked the Doctor.   “He only revealed his power to us a few hours ago, but now I can’t think why we ever followed Luna,” said the grey pony, looking confused.   “This Greengrass doesn’t do things by half, does he? Less than a day and he’s declared himself ruler of the whole country,” said the Doctor grimly. “I guess we better find him.”   Pokey looked around at the endless fields. “He could be anywhere.”   “Yeah, but as he’s set himself up as king, I’m sure we’ll find him at the heart of it all; in the city.”   “But how do we stop all this?”   “We need to get our hooves on the shard. We should be able to use its power to put things back to how they were. But you have to be careful; the slightest distraction can result in changes to the world. For instance, you might possibly create a few hundred fezzes by mistake, but that’s just because they're so cool.”   Pokey considered for a moment. There were certainly a few things he’d like to change about the world. A pony or two he’d like to be more accommodating; a few injustices to be righted. It was a very seductive thought. He could see how easy to would be to replace King Greengrass with King Pierce, then shuddered at the thought. The very fact that he was considering this showed what a bad choice of ruler he’d be.   “Come on, we better get going before this place gets even worse,” noted the Doctor, leading Pokey towards the city in the distance.     Not much seemed to have changed about Canterlot. Pokey had thought that the city would be bedecked with pictures of Greengrass, but the changes seemed to be more subtle. There were more guards around, but the population seemed happy. Maybe a little too happy; they all had wide smiles but they didn’t quite fit their faces correctly, as if they were happy but didn’t know why.   “This is a little creepy,” shuddered Pokey.   The Doctor nodded. “Things have gone further than I’d thought. I think the whole population’s been affected. Try to fit in, we don’t want them to realise we’re different from everypony else.”   Pokey tried to look happy as he and Doctor made their way through the streets towards the castle. They arrived at the gate to find it heavily guarded; scores of troops stood around the entrance.   To Pokey’s surprise, this didn’t seem to deter the Doctor at all, and he marched straight up to the gate without a care in the world. Pokey followed behind, trying to look like he was supposed to be there.   “Halt,” cried a black unicorn in the uniform of an officer. “What business do you have in the castle?”   “All hail king Greengrass!” cried the Doctor. The guards all snapped to attention. “We are his most royal majesty's personal crystal inspectors.” He held out a small card.   The officer squinted at it, “That’s blank.”   The Doctor glanced at it, “Oh, right! It burned out, didn’t it? I keep meaning to get it replaced. I mean I must have left my papers in my other, umm, saddlebags. Look, if you don’t let me in, the king will be very angry with you all, and you wouldn’t want that, would you?” He glanced around. The guards did not look impressed.   Pokey stepped forward and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry about this,” he said. “My companion here is new. You know how it is - they just don’t give them the proper training any more. Now, we submitted both a Q278 and S668 form in triplicate three months ago. If you check your pigeon hole you should find the requisite AP77 form to allow us entry to, um, inspect the king’s crown jewels.”   The guard looked confused. “I haven't received any paperwork about this. Where is your pass?”   “Didn’t you get the memo?” said Pokey glibly, continuing his bluff. “Passes are being phased out - too easy to duplicate or lose. Look, this is all very important. The king will punish you if you delay us any longer.” Pokey gave a scowl.   The guard stared intently at him and Doctor for a moment. “Very well. You may enter, but my men will escort you to the throne room.”   “I don’t think that’s necessary. I’m sure we can find it,” said the Doctor.   “I insist,” hissed the officer.   “Very well,” agreed Pokey, as the portcullis was lifted and the main gate swung open. He and the Doctor trotted forward, guards on either side of them.   “Wait a minute,” said the officer.   Pokey’s nerve snapped. “What in Luna’s name is it now?!” he cried.   “Temporary passes,” mumbled the officer, holding up slips of card in his aura. “Wait a minute, Luna? Stop them!” he shouted, “Secure the doors! Seize them!”   With a whooshing sound the portcullis started to drop towards Pokey; he looked up, open mouthed, as it hurtled towards him. The Doctor leapt forward, pushing both of them past it as the wooden construct smashed to the ground. Guards started to swarm towards them, but they were all trapped on the other side of the gate.   “Thanks,” muttered Pokey, picking himself up and dusting himself off.   “Don’t mention it.” The Doctor ran to the castle’s inner entrance, a smaller but still solid door. He pulled out his sonic screwdriver and scanned it. “Blast! It’s barred and this doesn’t work well on wood. I knew I should have downloaded that app when I had the chance.”   Behind them the gate started to grind back up as several guards struggled with the mechanism.   “Get behind me,” yelled Pokey, lining himself up with the door. “I can get us through.” He concentrated and began to feed more and more power into his horn. He’d never tried this on anything quite so thick before, but hey, with a larger horn he might be able to be even better at this, right? A white aura started to form in front of him.   “What are you doing?” cried the Doctor.   “I’m going to make a sharp exit,” cried Pokey as he lowered his head and charged forwards. “PIERCE... THE... HEAVENS!” he roared as his horn entered the thick wooden door like a hot knife into butter. The ancient portal split down the centre and its pieces were thrown aside as the blue unicorn battered his way into the chamber beyond. Stunned by his own success, Pokey skidded to a stop, a wide grin on his face. “I did it! I did it!” he cried and started to do a dance of triumph.   “Wow!” exclaimed the Doctor looking at the wreckage of the door. “I guess you’d never have a problem losing your key, if you bothered to lock your door properly.”   They were both startled out of their revelries as the portcullis behind them rose enough for the guards to start to scramble under it. “This way,” cried the Doctor, picking a path at random and galloping down it. Pokey followed, head still held high in triumph.     With a clatter of hooves the Doctor skidded across the floor and crashed into a bucket of soapy water, spilling it, before falling to the ground.   “Sorry, sorry,” came a cry as an old pegasus mare rushed over. “Are you alright, me lord?” she asked.   “Fine,” said the Doctor, getting to his hooves. “My fault, I should have been looking where I was fleeing.”   Pokey rushed into the room. “Doctor,” he panted, “I think we lost...” He stared at the old mare. She had the face of one of the most famous ponies in the land. “Vicereine Puissance!” he gasped.   The mare looked confused. “Do I know you gents?” she asked. “There’s not many that call me by my birth name, most just call me Purdy, and I certainly ain't no Vicereine. What kind of world would it be where one of them cleans the floors?” She gave a short laugh.   “But.. but.. don’t you remember? What’s Greengrass done to you?”   “His Highness has been very kind to me, the work here isn’t hard and I get ten whole days off a year! Not many can boast that.”   The Doctor took out his screwdriver and scanned the cleaner as she righted her bucket. “I take it she used to be somepony else?”   “She was one of the most powerful nobles in the country. Now look at her!” said Pokey, staring at Purdy as she began to whistle cheerfully while moping at the floor.   “The shard’s very powerful; it can totally change someone to its holder’s desires,” said the Doctor grimly.   “She seems happy enough with her new position,” pondered Pokey. He couldn’t square the cheerful old mare before him with the bitter hag Cheerilee had described to him after the Gala. Maybe the teacher had been exaggerating.   Purdy stopped and leaned on her mop. “Oh, I am happy. There are some born to lead and some born to make sure things are kept spic and span, as my husband - rest his soul - used to say. I’ve got lots of children. Never could keep my tail down.” She gave a toothy grin. “And grandchildren and even great grandchildren now. I know most of the ponies in the castle and I’m never short anypony to chat with. What more could I want?”   “But you used to run several provinces.”   “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, Dearie. I wouldn’t know what to do with a province. I’d probably just end up messing it all up. I’d never be happy with that sort of pressure. Nope, cleaning is more my speed.” She gave the floor a scrub.   Pokey considered for a moment. Could the shard actually be used to make ponies happier? To fix their problems? It was a very seductive thought and he had to fight against it.   Before he could think any further, a group of guards galloped in from the far door to the chamber. Skidding to a halt on the soapy floor, they raised their spears at the intruders. Purdy gave a squeak of alarm and dropped her mop in surprise. Pokey turned to run but saw another group of guards arriving from the other direction. They were trapped.   The Doctor looked back and forth between the two groups of blank faced guards. He raised his hooves in surrender. “Take me to your leader,” he announced with a smile.     The Doctor and Pokey were dragged into the throne room by a phalanx of guards. The room was impressive and closer to what Pokey had expected the city to look like under Greengrass’s control. Everywhere were vast tapestries in green and red showing images of Greengrass’s face or cutie mark, and bowls of lush flowers stood around the walls. At the far end was the throne itself, upon which Greengrass lounged. Two attractive mares were attached to the throne via ornate silver chains; a young lime green earth pony with a thick curling orange mane, and an older yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane. They both had green silk saddles with bronze inlay adorning their backs and green and white striped socks covering their legs. They lay, limbs intertwined, at the foot of the throne, looking up at their ruler with adoring looks in their vapid eyes. Around the throne stood a throng of ponies in noble garb, the remains of the Night Court; they looked nervously up at their new leader. Two lines of guards stood at attention all down the centre of the room, lining the path to the throne.   As Pokey was led towards the throne, he finally got a good look at ‘King’ Greengrass. He was a giant, larger even than the princess. On either side of him stood a heavily armoured pony, one unicorn, one earth pony; although large, they were dwarfed by their leader. His brown coat shimmered and his mane almost glowed with energy.   “You know,” said Pokey as they came to a stop at the foot of the throne, the provocatively dressed mares scuttling out of the way, “Trixie always said you were a short stallion. Did you think you needed to add a few inches, or feet, to impress the mares?” Then he remembered his horn and tried not to wince at his hypocrisy. Maybe his unconscious had made a few changes as well, Redheart might not laugh any more.   Greengrass glared down at Pokey. “What are you...” he began, before looking at himself, seeming confused. “I don’t remember...”   Turning his head away from the commanding figure of the stallion, Pokey noticed an attractive white mare standing in the shadows of the throne. “Notary!” he gasped. She was wearing a delicately styled gown of white silk, her long mane done up in an intricate style. “You left Blueblood for this looser? I thought you had better taste than that.”   Drawn from his introspection, Greengrass looked aside at his assistant. “You know this pony?” he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.   Notary flinched at her boss’s tone. “I met him once at a conference. His name is Pokey Pierce. He is a fool of no importance.”   “Hey, I’m a very important fool!” cried Pokey. Wait, that hadn't come out quite how he’d planned. “I do most of Trixie’s work.”   “He works for Trixie Lulamoon,” admitted Notary.   “Trixie? She is here?” he asked, looking around anger in his voice. “Come out, you fool!” he bellowed.   “I’m afraid not,” said the Doctor, stepping forward. The guards crossed their spears in front of him, blocking his path. “You’ll just have to deal with me instead. Now, I believe you have something of mine?” he nodded towards the faintly glowing crystal set on a chain around Greengrass’s neck.   The giant stallion’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you? What do you know of this?” he asked.   “I’m the Physi... let’s just go with the Doctor, it’s easier to remember. As for that little jewel, it’s something you should never have gotten your hooves on. It was just a mix up in the post, really. Now, if you’ll just return it we can get this all sorted out. You don’t understand the damage that thing can do - the damage it’s probably doing to you right now.”   “I wish you to tell me all you know!” demanded Greengrass.   “Sorry that won’t work on me, if only affects things from this universe. Just as well, really, or we could be here for a long, long time. Look, you need to listen to me...” Greengrass turned to Pokey. “He’s protected as well,” noted the Doctor.   Greengrass looked nervous for a moment, then an easy smile passed over his face again. “Interesting, you will be a challenge. Good, I was beginning to get bored. If you did not exist I might need to create you. Now, I could have my guards force you to talk, but that would be... messy. Instead, maybe we could play a game?”   “Oh, I like games!” infused the Doctor, “What shall we play? Drafts? Global Thermonuclear War? Charades? Hop scotch? Ticket to Ride? Settlers of Catan?”   “Chess, Doctor.”   “Ah, well, it’s traditional I suppose, but I can never remember how the little horsie pieces move. Wait, are all the pieces horsies here?”   Greengrass gave a smile. He grabbed the shard around his neck and whispered something. Suddenly the centre of the throne room was home to a giant chess set, each of the dark blue or white pieces several times a pony’s height: The nobles and guards scattered aside. “I think I’ll play the moon side, there is a rather delicious irony to that.” Suddenly he was standing on top of the blue king, while Notary was on the queen and his bodyguards stood upon the knights. Pokey and the Doctor did not move. Greengrass scowled. “It seems you’ll have to get some exercise first.” He gestured at the opposing pieces.   The Doctor trotted over and began to clamber up a set of stairs built into the white king. Pokey moved to mount the queen but found that there was no way up its steep sides. “Hey, what about me?” he cried.   “Ah, Pokey. I didn’t see you as such an important piece - you are more of a pawn. Trixie herself is barely a rook, let alone anything truly important,” taunted Greengrass.   Pokey scowled. “Hey, I’m the brains behind that team, you know.”   Greengrass laughed as Pokey started to scale the king’s pawn.   “Right,” called the Doctor, lying down on top of his piece. “I guess now is the time for you to lay out the grossly unbalanced rules of this game? What do I get if I win?”   “If you win you get my wishing stone, just as you want.”   Pokey snorted. “Because you’re entirely trustworthy! A real straight arrow!”   Greengrass ignored him. “But if I win, you will tell me what it really is and where I can find more. Oh, and Doctor? You probably don’t want to lose Mr Pierce's piece, that could be... messy.”   “And your own allies?”   “Oh, I’m sure I will be able to keep them safe.” Ox and Bear looked nervous, but Notary kept her icy demeanour. “Now, the sun moves first. By the way, I wish I was the best chess player in Equestria! That should make things interesting.”   “Just as well I’m not from Equestria, isn’t it?” said the Doctor with a grin. “Now, let’s see… d4.” With a rumble the queen’s pawn moved forward as if pushed by an invisible hand.   “d5,” announced Greengrass. “Your move.”   Slowly the two armies wheeled around the board. Greengrass played aggressively, striking at the heart of the Doctor’s troops, forcing him to sacrifice several pieces to protect the pawn that carried Pokey. When a piece was taken it was crushed into dust by its attacker.   A thrust resulted in the knight carrying Bear being left without protection, and at the mercy of the Doctor’s forces. The large unicorn shifted nervously as he eyed the Doctor’s queen, positioned to destroy him. “Sir?” he asked sounding unsure.   “Don’t worry, Bear. I know the Doctor’s type,” murmured Greengrass, glancing at his opponent. “I can see his weakness.” Bear straightened, apparently convinced. Notary looked on with greater concern; she knew Greengrass would not normally sacrifice one of his servants over such a minor matter, but ever since he had obtained the wishing stone he hadn’t been himself. She bit her lip in concern.     With a sigh, the Doctor used the queen to take a piece without a pony on it.   “See, he is spineless. This will hardly even be a challenge.”   The game continued for several more turns, but the Doctor’s need to protect both himself and Pokey, as well as his unwillingness to attack his opponent’s living pieces, weighed against him. Eventually his king and a few remaining pieces were forced into a corner, while Pokey was stranded at the far end of the board.   “It’s almost over, Doctor,” gloated Greengrass. “You might as well give up and tell me what I want to know now.”   “Oh, you never know. This game can result in a few turnabouts. You see, sometimes the weakest piece, d1, can become the strongest. Pawn becomes Queen, check and checkmate in three.”   Pokey desperately held on to his mount as it changed shape, a crown growing on its head. “Who’s the lesser piece now, Greengrass!” he called.   A grin spread across Greengrass’s face, “Very clever, Doctor. But can you go all the way with this?” At his command, a bishop moved back from the attack to protect his king. “Now, Doctor, do you have the guts to do what is needed? Take my bishop and I take your queen, killing Mr Pierce, but then you can capture me. I will give you my wishing stone and Equestria can go back to its long torpid rule by Luna, or you can take over yourself if you so wish. Or you can prove to be as big a fool as I think you are, lose this game, and tell me all you know about my little trinket.”   “Do it!” insisted Pokey, his mouth dry. “I don’t matter, saving Equestria is what’s important.”   The Doctor stood strong for a moment, but then his shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry, I can’t do it.”   “You must!” cried Pokey. “Queen to e1.” The giant wooden piece ground along its path.   “Wait! I didn’t call that!” cried the Doctor.   “Mr Pierce did say he was the brains of the outfit,” said Greengrass with a smirk as Pokey’s piece rose of the ground and, with Pokey desperately trying to maintain his position, slammed down on the opposing piece, crushing it to shards.   “Very brave of you Mr Pierce,” said Greengrass with a hint of respect. “But also very stupid, and stupidity must be punished.”   “Wait, you don’t have to do this!” called the Doctor. “I concede, I concede! I’ll tell you what you need to know!”   “Don’t Doctor, I’m not afraid,” said Pokey. His shaking body showed that the statement was a lie. “Don’t worry, a true stallion doesn’t die, even when he’s killed.” He turned to Greengrass. “Do your worst.”   “Please, my lord,” cried Notary. “You have already won, you don’t have to do this. Please, spare him. For me,” she pleaded.   Greengrass stood frozen in place for a moment. “Yes,” he mused. “I can afford to be merciful, this time. I accept your surrender, Doctor.” The surviving giant chess pieces started to shrink, returning their burdens to the ground.   “Are you alright?” asked the Doctor, rushing over to Pokey.   “I’ll be fine. But what do we do now?”   “I don’t think we can stop him,” he whispered. “But he may be able to stop himself. Follow my lead.”   “Now, Doctor,” said Greengrass, returning to his throne. “What is this?” He lifted the crystal from his chest.   “It is a shard of the barrier separating this universe from all others. As an innate part of the universe, it can change its rules,” explained the Doctor.   “And there are no limits to its power?”   “It is but part of a greater whole; its range is limited.”   “And are there other shards like this?”   The Doctor remained silent, his face impassive.   “So there are, then? And with enough of them I can control all of Equestria; I can depose Luna for ever. I wish I could locate the other shards,” he announced. “Ah, so many,” he sighed closing his eyes.   “And what will you do with this land once you control it all?” asked the Doctor.   “With Luna gone, Equestria and everything beyond can truly be controlled by ponies.”   “You say ponies, but really you mean you alone. How will that make you any different from Luna? I guess after thousands of years of eternal monarchy, you can’t fit your limited brain around any other type of government.”   “There is no need for any other government,” snarled Greengrass. “I am a better ruler than Luna ever was! Under my control Equestria will spread to every corner of the continent and beyond! I have the power to make this world a paradise!”   “And what have you done with it?” asked Pokey. “Petty revenge! You turned your rival into a cleaner! And as for these poor wretches,” he gestured at the besaddled mares. “What did they do? Refuse to date you? You’re pathetic.”   Greengrass growled and stepped forward.   “You’re not even yourself anymore,” said the Doctor. “Just a bad caricature, created by your own twisted mind.”   “No one would want to work for a monster like you, unless you forced then to,” said Pokey.   “Of course they do.” Greengrass started to look perturbed. “In my world, my allies have all they want.”   “Allies? Is that all you’ve got? No friends? You really are alone, aren't you?”   “They are my employees. I don’t need friends!”   “Can’t they be both? Trixie might be insufferable sometimes, but I still care about her, and she about me, in her own way...” The declaration suddenly made him feel better. Trixie did care, in her own way. It was a shame he’d figured it out just before it looked like he was going to die.   “It doesn’t matter! As long as they are loyal, I reward them well. Of course that are happy with this world.”   “Have you tried asking them? If they can even think for themselves anymore?   Greengrass turned to the armour clad stallion to his right. “Ox, you prefer this world, don’t you? Here, no mare will ever deny you.”   The guard shuffled awkwardly and turned away. “Actually, sir,” he rumbled, “I don’t know if they actually like me or just act that way because you made them. It’s not the same.”   Greengrass frowned, “I... see,” he said slowly. “Very well. Bear, surely you will follow me? With just a word I can heal you mother; you can have many more years together.”   The other guard raised his head. “That is very generous, my lord, but no.”   “What?” said Greengrass in disbelief.   “No. It just wouldn’t be the same. She’s ready for what is to come and so am I. She wouldn't want to keep living just at your sufferance. Plus I’ve seen how easily you are willing to sacrifice your forces nowadays.” He took a step back.   “Notary, ever loyal Notary. You want this world, don’t you?” he asked, desperation starting to sound in his voice, looking down from his throne.   The white mare looked up at him in silence.   “You are so easily overlooked by the unwary, your skills unappreciated. But I can raise you up so that no pony will ever ignore you again. Everypony will see how very special you are. I can make you a princess or a queen to rule at my side.” He leaned down and ran a hoof down her cheek. It came away wet. “Natalia,” he whispered. “Please tell me you believe in me.”   She stared up at him for a moment, then turned her head away. “I am sorry, sir.” Her voice quivered and tears flowed openly. “But I can no longer tell the difference between you and Princess Luna. What good are my skills in your world when you can just wish to do anything? At least Luna pretends to need assistance. You are not yourself, sir. This is not you.” She gestured at the hall and its banners. “You were clever and subtle with your power. I respected that. But not this travesty. I cannot condone your actions.”   Greengrass looked shocked for a moment, then his face screwed up in anger. “Ungrateful wretch, I can make you trust me! So be it then, I wish... I wish...”   Notary backed away covering her face uselessly with one leg.   “ I... I... no. No, you are loyal to me! What am I doing?”   “You’re not yourself,” said the Doctor. “The shard doesn’t just work on your conscious mind, it’s interacting with your unconscious, your id; it gives you what you want, even when you don’t know you want it. It even changes you; once you decided to become a tyrant, it began to change you into the tyrant you thought you’d be. Look at yourself. Did you really wish to be a giant, or did it just happen?”   “No, this isn’t right,” muttered Greengrass, looking down at himself. “What have I done? What have I done? Notary!” He turned to the where the white mare had stood, but she was not there. In her place stood a doppelganger, exquisitely beautiful but with eyes dull and bovine.   “How may I help you my lord?” the new Notary intoned. As the would be king watched, a chain appeared, linking her to the throne. An inlaid saddle appeared on her back, and socks on her legs. “Your every pleasure is my only wish,” breathed the newly minted slavefilly.   “No, No!” cried Greengrass, backing away from the vision in horror and disgust, falling from his throne. “I didn’t wish for that. Bring her back! Bring her back!” With a rumble, part of the throne room collapsed as a mass of vegetation spilled into the building. “What! My garden! What’s happening? What have you done?” He turned towards the Doctor.   “I haven’t done anything, Greengrass. This is all your fault. You’ve lost control. You knew deep down that you’d never control Equestria, that everything would fall apart.”   “No! No! That’s not true. I should rule, Equestria would become great under my leadership.” He looked up at the Doctor and Pokey, his wish-created height failing him. He turned to the few remaining members of the night court who had not fled. “Please help me!” he cried. The shard flashed ever brighter.   “Hate you!” cried the assembled night court, ignoring the destruction all around them. They turned to Greengrass as one.   “Insincere little mongrel!” hissed one.   “Nothing without his hired help,” muttered another.   “Not a patch on his father,” cried a third.   “Shut up!” screamed Greengrass like a petulant child. “I don’t like this game anymore! I don’t want to play!” He tore at the chain around his neck and snapped it, throwing the shard aside.   The shard bounced several times before landing, blazing with light, at the Doctor’s hooves. He backed away as if it were on fire. “I can’t use it like this!” he cried. “I’ve got far too many regrets, so much I’d like to change about the world, any world!” He turned to Pokey. “It’s up to you.”   “But..” cried the blue stallion, as the throne behind the weeping Greengrass disintegrated into dust. He didn’t know if he could do this, be trusted with such power, after what it had done to Greengrass.   “Do it!” shouted the Doctor.   Pokey grabbed the amulet in his aura and the whole universe seemed to pause. This was it. He could do anything he wanted now, make any changes he wanted. He didn’t have to be an assistant, he could be whatever he wanted, defeat Corona, be a hero. Make Trixie... make her what he wanted her to be for him. But then she wouldn’t be Trixie. She’d be the Trixie he wanted, not the Trixie she was. He sighed, and made a wish.     Pokey looked around. He and the Doctor were standing in the centre of the throne room. Gone were the giant banners proclaiming Greengrass’s superiority, the giant weeds attacking the building, and even the oversized throne, replaced by a much more modest version. Greengrass himself was also absent.   “Did it work?” asked Pokey cautiously.   “I don’t know,” said the Doctor. “But this looks hopeful. What did you wish for?”   “That none of this had happened.”   “Good choice. With some luck, nopony will remember what happened, apart from a few echoes, like dreams. Where is the crystal?”   “I don’t know.” Pokey looked around, but there was no sign of it.   “Hum. I think it might be back at my place in Stallion Drive, then. Oh well, it shouldn’t take too long to get back.”   “Halt!” came a cry. “Who goes there?” All around the room, guards were starting to converge on their position.   “Oh, dear,” said the Doctor. “This could be awkward. Now, is Shining Armour guard captain?”   “I think so, why?”   “It might be time to call in a favour.” The Doctor stepped forwards. “We surrender, take me to your captain,” he intoned.     Vicereine Puissance gave a start. What was she doing here? She was in a small chamber somewhere in the castle. The floor was half covered in soapy water and a mop rested against one wall. One of the castle’s cleaners must have left it here; she would see him or her punished for leaving a job half finished. She turned to go, then stopped. It seemed wrong to leave things like this. She reached out with a hoof and grasped the mop. To her own surprise, she dipped it in the water and started to scrub the dirty floor, and a sense of satisfaction flooded through her as the tiles started to shine under her assault. She glanced around furtively; there didn’t seem to be anypony to see her. She returned to her cleaning and began to whistle a cheery tune. Once she was finished maybe she should visit some of her family to see how they were, to her surprise she realised she actually missed them.     Notary looked down at her work. More and more of Greengrass’s allies were breaking away now. It might take a while, but his power base was weakening and she didn’t think there was anything she, or anypony else, could do about it now. She could try to cushion the inevitable fall, but nothing further. Both his and her career would soon be in tatters; she’d be lucky to be the assistant of a representative in some far distant province after all of this was over. Still, Greengrass had been good to her, and he deserved her loyalty.   Something troubled her. Did Greengrass really appreciate what she did for him? Would he prefer some brainless yes mare? A vision of her chained to a throne upon which Greengrass sat swam into her mind, and she shuddered. Maybe she should be looking out for herself instead?   She considered for a moment, then took out paper and a quill and began to write.     “I’m glad Shining Armour was so understanding,” said Pokey. “Or we could be in prison.”   “Oh, me and Lieutenant Armour go way back. I think he’ll keep all of this quiet. No need for Luna or anyone else to find out what happened.” The Doctor opened his house’s door and disappeared inside. He returned a second later with a familiar box. “Just as I expected, the shard’s back where it should be. Still, I think I’d better get it back to its proper place, it’s rather too dangerous to leave lying about. Thanks for putting the universe back how it should be. Weren’t you tempted to make a few changes?”   Pokey laughed. “Probably more than you can imagine, but it’s not my place to do that. This world might not be perfect, but it’s our responsibility to make the most of it through hard work. A shortcut just isn’t the same.”   “I don’t know, there are a lot of things I’d want to change, and not just increasing the number of red, pot shaped hats in this world.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Here.” He passed Pokey a long scroll covered in what the unicorn recognised as spell notation. “Make sure this gets into the hooves of a mare called Twilight Sparkle.”   “Twilight?”   “You know her?”   “She almost destroyed the town a while back!”   “With a giant smoke monster?”   “No, a giant star bear.”   “Huh. Well make sure she gets it eventually, she should use it to develop a spell to detect shards in about twenty years. That should make sure Equestria is safe from my mistake. I’ve got to go now.”   “This is really it?” asked Pokey, feeling unexpectedly sad. “You’re never going to return to Equestria?”   “Well never say never, but it’s not likely. I’ve nothing else to give this world. You’ll just have to go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine. Goodbye, Pokey.” He held out a hoof.   “Goodbye, Doctor,” said Pokey shaking it, “And thank you for everything.”   The door shut, and after a few moments a grinding sound could be heard. Before Pokey’s astonished eyes, the whole house faded from view. He blinked for a few moments, then turned away. Things were back to normal; he still had taxes to collect and Trixie’s work to do for her.   Whistling to himself, Pokey glanced around for a moment to see if anypony was about, before taking out a ruler in his aura and measuring his nine inch horn. Well, maybe things weren’t entirely back to normal, but he felt that he deserved a little reward for saving all of Equestria. He still needed to decide what to do about his feelings for Trixie.   “Good morning, Mr Pierce,” came a cheerful voice.   Pokey turned, quickly hiding the ruler. “Good morning, Mayor Scrolls,” he said with a bow.   “How are you today?” she said politely.   “Well, busy as always, and you won’t believe the morning I’ve had, literally!”   “Tell me about it. What with the rebuilding, I’ve been working my hooves to the bone, just work and sleep. I’ve not have a moment to myself in weeks.”   Was it his imagination, or was the Mayor looking younger than normal today? He scrutinized her for a second, then caught a glimpse of something that set his heart racing.  Pink roots! Her hair had the most gorgeous pink roots! “Maybe I can walk you back to your office. I have some business to discuss with you,” he said as suavely as he could. “It sounds like you’re due sometime off; maybe we could talk over drinks?”   He hoped it wasn’t his imagination, but the Mayor seemed to blush slightly and looked down. “I think I’d like that, Pokey,” she said.   He grinned. He knew he had more work to do for what’s-her-name, his boss, but it could wait for the moment.     Greengrass sat at his desk and felt troubled. He couldn’t put his hoof on the cause, but things felt wrong - as if something was out of place. He felt too small, and the vast office too cold and empty. He opened a folder and looked at the details of a plan he had in mind; a way to leverage Luna from her throne. After a few seconds, he slammed it shut again. It just didn’t seem important anymore.   Getting to his hooves, he walked into the main office. It was empty; Notary was nowhere to be seen. “Ox, Bear?” he called, but there was no reply. He pulled the door open, but nopony was there; just an abandoned mail cart. He thought he could hear the sound of a mare giggling and a stallion singing with a deep voice in the distance. He scowled; at least one of his guards should be on duty.   He returned to the office and looked around. There were three envelopes left on the desk, all address to him.   He angrily tore them open and read them one at a time with increasing disbelief. They had resigned, all of them. They had abandoned him. The ungrateful wretches, after all he had done for them.   Still he was better off alone. He slumped heavily into Notary’s seat, tears starting to stain his face.   Alone.   He was all alone.