Chapter 6--Princess Celestia
“Another beautiful Friday morning,” Celestia said to her guard captain Moonlight Darkness.
“Indeed. What shall we do today, Princess?” Moonlight asked.
“Well, with the annual Summer Sun Celebration in a week from tomorrow, I was thinking we could start getting preparations ready for that.”
“That seems reasonable.”
“Good. Do you have the list?”
“Of course. Item 1: Banquet Preparations. Do you know who to put in charge of the food?”
“Hmm, normally I would put Chef Le Grande in charge of food but he’s requested the week off to spend with his family. And I don’t quite trust the Sous Chef enough to cater such a large event as this. Perhaps Starswirl knows someone.”
“Shall we go see him then?”
“I think so.”
They went to Starswirl’s workshop to find that he wasn’t there.
“Either he’s perfectly mastered a camouflaging spell, or he’s not here,” Celestia mused.
“Look, there’s a note,” Moonlight pointed out.
Celestia lifted the note and read it, “Went jewelry shopping. Be back later. Starswirl. It’s dated today.”
“I didn’t know Duke Starswirl wore jewelry.”
“He doesn’t. This is just his way of letting me know that he went to visit his fiancee without letting anyone else that may be looking for him know that he has a fiancee.”
“The Duke is engaged?”
“My point exactly. Come on, I know where he is.” She led her guard captain to Fine Jewels and Metals, Sapphire Silver’s shop. “Iron Chain, how are you today?”
“P-princess Celestia? I’m doing well, though I must admit this is quite a surprise seeing you here?”
“Even royalty needs a little exercise every now and again. But more to the point, I am searching for my cousin Duke Starswirl.”
“Ah, yes. He and Sapphire are in the back likely discussing private matters.”
“Could you take me to them?”
“Of course, Princess.”
He led them to the back room and right as they walked in, Sapphire said to Starswirl, “I’m pregnant.”
Everyone froze and the combined realization of Sapphire’s pregnancy and the presence of each other. Iron Chain broke the silence with the obvious statement of, “Awkward.”
“Well, congratulations Starswirl and Sapphire,” Celestia said.
“Is this why you wanted to talk to me?” Starswirl asked Sapphire.
“Yes, and of course you are the father.”
“I’ll leave you four alone,” Iron Chain said as he went back to the front counter.
“Well, Starswirl, I am sure you will be a great father,” Celestia said. “But I came here to ask you something.”
“Well, I’m still slightly in shock by this new bit of information but go ahead and ask your question.”
“I was wondering if you knew anyone that would be good for catering the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“Well, my friend Cinna might be open that weekend. She’s the head chef at Pino’s if you want to ask her.”
“Very well. Thank you cousin and good luck with fatherhood.”
“Yeah…”
Celestia and Moonlight Darkness left to go to Pino’s. Upon arrival, the hostess greeted them. “Princess Celestia and Captain Moonlight Darkness. Welcome to Pino’s. Table for two?”
“Actually, we need to talk to the management if you don’t mind, Sweet,” Celestia said.
“Of course, Princess. Though I’m surprised you know my name.” She started leading them to the back to talk with the manager.
“It is a ruler’s duty to know the names of all her subjects.”
“Well, here we are.” She opened the door and Celestia and Moonlight walked into the room.
“Princess Celestia,” the restaurant owner, Pino, said. “To what do I owe the honor?”
“Good morning, Pino. I am looking for someone to cater the upcoming Summer Sun Celebration and my cousin Duke Starswirl suggested your restaurant and more specifically your head chef Cinna.”
“Well, we’d be happy to cater the Celebration and I would insist on Cinna being the main cook at the event.”
“Splendid. And rest assured that you will be greatly compensated for this.”
“Thank you, Princess. I’ll go and tell Cinna right away.”
They all left to do what they needed to do. “What’s next on the list, Moonlight?”
“Item 2: Weather. We need to assign a pegasus to keep the sky clear for the Celebration.”
“A pegasus? Maybe Luna knows someone.”
“But isn’t she sleeping?”
“That’s true but I could visit her in the dream world. Moonlight, I need you to put me to sleep once we get back to the castle.”
“Of course.”
They walked back to the castle and went to Celestia’s bedroom. Moonlight casted a sleep spell as instructed and Celestia fell asleep.
Celestia was in an open field when she heard a voice. “I’m coming back,” it said.
“You again,” she said. “Who are you?”
“Now, now, Celestia. You know I can’t answer that. That would spoil the surprise.”
“When are you coming back then?”
“Oh about 250 years or so.”
“What are you planning?”
“Ah, now there’s the million-dollar question.”
“What’s a dollar?”
“An old form of currency used about 6 billion or so years ago by a race known as humans.”
“How do you know this?”
“Because I was there.”
“Which returns me to the question: who are you?”
“You’ll find out in due time. But as I recall, you needed to speak with your sister. Allow me to send you to the dreamscape then.”
Before she knew what happened, she was in the blackness of the dreamscape. “I’ll have to deal with that voice later,” she mused to herself. “Now then, let’s find Luna’s dream. If I recall, all I have to do is think about her and her dream will appear in front of me.” She began thinking about Luna but nothing happened. “That’s odd. Logic would dictate that this means she isn’t asleep. But what would she be doing if not sleeping? I suppose I’ll have to wake up and see. Now if I could just remember how to wake up on command.”
“Allow me,” the voice said.
Celestia woke up to see Moonlight waiting for her. “What did you find out?” he asked.
“I found out that Luna is not sleeping right now. Let us go and see why.” They went to Luna’s room and saw Solar Flare knelt down and holding a ring box open. Celestia put her hoof to her face and asked no one in particular, “Why do I keep walking into moments like this?”
“It might help if you knock before entering a room,” Moonlight advised.
“Well, Solar Flare, I will marry you so long as my parents will allow it but before we ask them, I need to deal with my invasive sister here. May I help you, Tia?”
“Um, my apologies for barging in. I was just wondering if you knew any pegasi that would be good at keeping the sky clear for the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“Hmm, I can’t think of anyone right away.”
“What about Tiny?” Solar Flare chimed in.
“I suppose he could work. I forget that he is a pegasus because he acts more like an earth pony.”
“Where can I find Tiny?” Celestia asked.
“I suppose I have no choice but to admit to you where I’ve been going every night. There’s an alleyway between Pino’s and Fashion Fancy Fabric. At the end of this alley is a brick wall and in the center of this wall is a magically hidden hole. Stick your horn in the hole and cast an unconcealment spell to reveal the door to the Shady Sneak. Tiny is the bouncer there.”
“Thank you, Luna. I’ll let you two get back to your business.” They left to go to the Shady Sneak. “It seems we’re going to have a rather full table tomorrow night,” Celestia said as they walked.
They arrived at the brick wall and Celestia found the hole and performed the spell in it to reveal the door.
“Celestia, Moonlight Darkness. This is unexpected,” the bouncer said.
“I imagine so. You must be Tiny,” Celestia said.
“I am.”
“Would you mind telling me why you aren’t addressing us with our titles?”
“Ah, of course. I’m forgetting to do my job properly. Welcome to the Shady Sneak Pub and Grill. Please enjoy yourself and be sure to adhere to our number 1 rule: everyone here is treated equal.”
“Everyone is treated equal?”
“That’s right. It’s our founding motto.”
“I bet I can guess who the founder was. In any case, we came here to request your assistance in keeping the sky clear for the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“Sure, I’ll help. But I’ll need to find someone to fill in for me.”
“I’m sure that won’t be a problem.” They turned to leave. “Oh and one more question. How did you get in here if you’re a pegasus?”
“Feather recognition. Each race has its own way of opening the door, you just have to know how.”
They left without another word. “What’s next on the list?”
“Item 3: Decoration. Any ideas?”
“I think decor is best handled as a tag team between a couple of ponies.”
“Who did you have in mind?”
“Tailored Moon and Sapphire Silver.”
“Isn’t Sapphire Silver--?”
“The owner of Fine Jewels and Metals? Starswirl’s fiancee and newly discovered foalmomma? Yes, her. Let’s go.”
They fled to Fashion Fancy Fabric first to find the fashionista friend of the family.
“Princess Celestia, it’s always a pleasure to serve an old friend. How may I be of assistance?” the shop owner asked when they arrived.
“Well, I’ve been looking for someone to be in charge of the decor for the upcoming Summer Sun Celebration and of course you were the first person to come to mind, along with another. If you wouldn’t mind working as a team, I would greatly appreciate your help.”
“Who is the other?”
“Sapphire Silver.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so? I’d be glad to work with Sapph on the decor.”
“Good now we just need to talk to Sapphire about it. Thank you Tailored Moon.”
They left and were on their way to Fine Jewels and Metals when Moonlight asked, “So, how are you going to go about this?”
“The same way I handle anything. A good ruler must remain calm and collected when dealing with uncomfortable situations.”
They arrived at the shop and Iron Chain was at the front desk again. “Good afternoon, Princess. What brings you back here?”
“Is it afternoon already? We’ll have to get some lunch soon. But right now, I’m looking for Sapphire Silver.”
“You just missed her. She and Starswirl went out to lunch.”
“You know, for a secret relationship, they’re rather public about it. Very well, I wouldn’t want to interrupt another private moment so I’ll just leave you with a message. Tell her that I would like her to work in conjunction with Tailored Moon to create the decorations for the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“Yes, Princess. Anything else?”
“That’ll be all. Thank you Iron Chain.” They left the shop to continue their planning. “What’s next on the list, Moonlight?”
“Music, it’s the last one.”
“Good. I can think of who should be in charge of music while we get some lunch. So, where should we eat?”
“I’m in the mood for Coltalian.”
“That sounds good, let’s go to Pino’s then.”
They walked to the restaurant and Moonlight said, “It feels like we’ve been walking in circles all day.”
“That’s because we have been.”
“Princess Celestia, Captain Moonlight Darkness. Welcome back. Do you need to talk with Pino again?” the hostess greeted them.
“No, Miss Pie. We’re here to eat this time,” Celestia said.
“Of course. Table for two?”
“Yes.”
“Follow me to your table then.” she led them to a table that was clearly reserved for high society guests. “A server will be with you in a moment.” She left them to look at the menu.
“So have you thought about who to put in charge of the music?” Moonlight asked.
“I haven’t the slightest idea. Perhaps our server will have some ideas.”
“Good idea. Ah, pomyani chorta.”
“Good afternoon, my name is Lemon Frosting and I’ll be your server today. Can I get you started with some drinks?” the server, a yellow earth pony stallion with creamy white hair said as he came to their table.
“I’ll have a glass of Moscato d’Asti,” Celestia said.
“I’ll just have an iced tea,” Moonlight added.
“Of course. Anything else?”
“I was wondering if you had any suggestions as to whom I should put in charge of the music for the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“Music, huh? You should talk to Oratorio over at the Concerto di Canterlot.”
“Very well. We shall head there after our meal.”
Lemon Frosting went to get their drinks.
“So, you seemed rather flustered after coming out of the dreamscape earlier. Any reason why?” Moonlight asked.
“Well, for the past few nights, I’ve had a recurring dream. I’m in a wide-open field and there’s a voice.”
“What does the voice say?”
“It’s different each time. Sometimes it says my name, other times it just says ‘soon.’ But this time it held a bit of a conversation.”
“What did it say?”
“It said, ‘I’m coming back.’ It was more distinct this time and I could tell it was undoubtedly a male’s voice. I asked who he was and he said it would spoil the surprise if he told me. He said he was coming back in 250 years. Of course I asked what he was planning which he said was the million-dollar question. I asked what a dollar was and he explained that it was a currency used by something called humans 6 billion years ago explaining that he was there during that time.”
“Hmm, sounds like it could be important. I suggest you talk to a prophet or even the Duke might know something.”
“Perhaps. Oh, look. Here come our drinks.”
They got their drinks and ordered their meals, carrying on in idle conversation as they ate.
“That was a good lunch, I needed that. So, shall we be off to Concerto di Canterlot?” Celestia asked.
“I believe so.”
They walked across town to the grand concert house where none other than Oratorio himself greeted them. “Ah, Princess Celestia, I’ve been expecting you. Lemon Frosting sent a message saying you’d be coming this way and here you are. So, how may I help you?”
“We were wondering if you’d be so kind as to arrange the musical accompaniment for the Summer Sun Celebration this year.”
“I’d be honored. This will be an event to add to my memoir for my posterity to read.”
“Yes, I’m sure your descendents will be proud. Thank you for doing this for me, Oratorio. We’ll be off now.”
They went back to the castle where a random maid was waiting for them. “Princess, a stallion has arrived as is refusing to leave until he speaks with you,” she reported. “We attempted to force him to leave but he is somehow able to evade capture. I sent him to your sitting room.”
“Very well. I shall speak to him. Did he leave a name?”
“He just said to call him the Doctor.”
“A Doctor? I wonder what this could be about.” They started walking toward Celestia’s sitting room.
“I don’t know. Perhaps he’s a scientist coming to report some new findings,” Moonlight suggested.
“Perhaps, but that seems unlikely. In any case, we’ll find out soon enough.”
They continued walking until they reached the sitting room. Celestia opened the door to reveal a brown earth pony stallion with long brown hair in a messy style. He had an hourglass cutie mark and he was holding a strange device pointed at the door.
Moonlight stepped forward to protect Celestia. “Get back Princess. This is clearly a dangerous pony and that must be an undocumented weapon.”
“Oh I am dangerous but I’m not a pony and nor is this a weapon,” the stallion said.
“You must be the Doctor,” Celestia said.
“That I am, Celestia. That I am.”
“That’s Princess Celestia to you, sir,” Moonlight corrected.
“And Moonlight Darkness. I should have you know that I need not address her by her title because she is not my princess. I serve no one but myself. Though I’ll admit I am rather partial to the inhabitants of this world, I am still above all of them. And I would greatly appreciate it if this conversation was private, if you don’t mind leaving.”
“I stay by Princess Celestia’s side at all times.”
“Moonlight, wait outside please,” Celestia said. “I can handle myself with him.”
“Yes, Princess.” He left and the Doctor pointed his device at the door and it emitted a strange sound.
“What is that and what did you just do?”
“Sonic screwdriver. I just sound proofed the room so your little body guard can’t overhear our conversation. So, why don’t you go ahead and ask the question that’s been on your mind since you first heard my name?”
“And what question might that be?”
“The one that everyone always asks when they first meet me.”
“The only question I can think of to ask is Doctor Who?”
“That’s the one. Unfortunately I can’t tell you the answer. My real name is too powerful to tell just anyone. I’ve only ever told two people and one of them forced me.”
“Who would those people be?”
“My wife and more importantly, a human known as Síor, or at least that’s what he goes by.”
“A human? I’ve heard that word before.”
“I know you have. At this point in your life, you’ve heard that word exactly once before this instant.”
“How do you know that?”
“This is not the only time I’ve made an appearance in your life. And any time I become a recurring presence in someone’s life, I always make sure I know everything I need to know about them. I was present at your birth and I was present at your death.”
“How is this possible?”
“Put simply, I’m a time traveller. Some call me the savior of worlds, others refer to me as the ever-present warrior, but I prefer to be called the Doctor. And you might be wondering who my patients are. More precisely, my patients are not people but rather events in time that need someone like me. And there is a very large event in time revolving around you, Síor, and a being known as Discord.”
“Discord?”
“You’ll find out who he is pretty soon. He’s the one who’s been talking to you in your dreams. Right now, there’s nothing you can do about him but in a couple hundred years, you’ll be fighting him and I’ll show up again as well.”
“Why are you here if I can’t do anything yet?”
“I just thought I might introduce myself so you know who I am in the future. I only have one more stop in your timeline shortly before your second battle with Discord. I came here to give you this warning. I shall see you again Celestia. Until then, I’m afraid I can tell you no more.” He whistled and a strange blue box began to appear.
“What is that?”
“You’ll find out soon enough. I’ll be taking my leave now.” He stepped inside the box and it disappeared again.
“Well, that was interesting. I suppose there’s nothing I can do now except wait for events to come. Moonlight, you can come in now.” He didn’t enter the room. “Moonlight?” She opened the door to see Moonlight waiting right outside. “Didn’t you here me calling?”
“No Princess, I didn’t.”
“Hmm, I guess the Doctor forgot to remove the sound proofing. I think I’ll leave it though. It could be useful in the future.”
“Speaking of the Doctor, where did he go?”
“He left in a strange blue box that he summoned with a whistle.”
“Do you have any idea how crazy that sounds?”
“I’m sure it sounds very crazy but it’s what happened. But enough about that, isn’t it about time we had our tea?”
“Of course Princess, but what did he have to say?”
“Oh, nothing much. Just various things about the future.”
“I see. And you don’t find that the least bit suspicious?”
“In the 1050 years that I’ve been alive, I’ve learned that you should always be suspicious of everything and everyone but with that suspicion, you must also keep an air of curiosity otherwise you might never hear bits of information that could save your life.”
“Wiser words have never been spoken, Princess.”
“Yes they have, you’ve just never heard or read them. But enough talk, let us have our tea.”
“Right away, Princess.”