Part 3
Meeting with the Princess
___________________________________________________________
“Well, this has certainly been fun,” The Doctor said as he and Derpy walked amongst the other ponies in the crowd as they observed the stalls set up.
“Yeah,” Derpy agreed as she took a bite of the small star-shaped butter cake she’d just gotten from one of the stalls. “These moon-star cakes are almost as good as muffins.”
The Doctor glanced back at her. “Muffins?”
Derpy swallowed and nodded, smiling broadly. “Oh, yes. I love muffins. I love blueberry muffins, chocolate muffins, pope seed... I’d probably love coffee but Dad made me promise not eat them until I’m thirteen.”
“Yes, well,” The Doctor said, a little taken aback by the unexpected lecture on muffin flavours, “I don’t think they have muffins here. I’ve never heard of muffins at a festival—”
“Muffins, here!” a tanned Pegasus mare called from a nearby stand displaying a large number of muffins that were coloured like the moon-star cakes. “Get your Star Festival Muffins here.”
Before The Doctor knew it, Derpy had zipped over to the stall and was purchasing two muffins. He shook his head. “Well, open mouth insert foot— er, hoof, I guess.”
He glanced around, still fascinated by the advances the pony race had managed in just a few centuries. They’d met several ponies just arriving through some kind of transmat discs. These were clearly meant for long distance transport only, as the ponies arriving were laden with large amounts of luggage.
They spent several more minutes looking around the stalls, playing a few of the games, like Moon Ball and Zero Gravity Tag, before the sound of trumpets caught their attention.
They followed all the other ponies, including those running the stalls into the main square, where a podium had been set up. Several Thestral Royal Guards ponies, similar to the ones they'd seen scattered around the colony, were standing in front of it, stoic as any guard.
A dark-blue Earth Pony mare, with a light-blue mane and tail and a scroll for a Cutie Mark stepped up to the podium and spoke into the microphone.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, mares and stallions and all others,” she said, a huge smile on her face. “It is my great honour to present Princess Stellar Nova.”
All present cheered and stomped their hooves in applause.
The Doctor, only just now had taken notice of the non-ponies around them. He could see what looked like several griffins, some minotaurs and several dozen strange almost pony, almost bug-like creatures with hole-poked hooves, instectiod like wings and jagged horns and wondered what they were called.
His thoughts were returned to the podium as the mare stepped down and another stepped up to take her place.
This mare however, was far taller, more the size of a horse, The Doctor thought, with a black coat and a blue crescent moon for a Cutie Mark. What confused The Doctor, however, was she had both wings and a horn, both bigger than on any pegasi or unicorn he’d seen. Her mane and tail were odd too, unlike any other he’d seen. They seemed to be made of a field of deep-blue, filled with stars, which moved around in an ethereal wind. To top it off, unlike the other ponies, she had eyes that were more like lizard eyes, with strong turquoise irises, dagger-shaped pupils and, unlike normal eyes, the whites of her eyes were a light-blue than her irises.
“Greetings, my subjects,” she called out to the audience. “It is wonderful to see all of you enjoying the Star Festival this year. While my mother sadly could not be here this year, I am honoured and proud to host the Star Festival myself. Once again we celebrate how we have moved beyond the simple boarders of the planet and of races, to be one great world, united in peace.”
This was followed by cheers and stomping of hooves (clapping from those with hands, like the minotaurs).
“Now, enjoy the rest of the festival, my subjects,” the princess finished, nodded and stepping down. The Doctor could’ve sworn he saw one of her lizard-like eyes pause on him for a moment and small smile creep onto her lips before she’d stepped off the podium.
The Doctor blinked, shocked. “Well, that was a lovely speech. A bit short, but lovely, all the same. And, I must say, I never thought ponies could look like that. What about you, Derpy? Um, Miss Hooves?”
The Doctor turned to see Derpy had become frozen in place, her mismatched eyes centred, aimed at the tall mare on the podium.
“Miss Hooves?” The Doctor asked, slightly worried.
“It wasn’t just a ponytale,” she whispered, her body quivering. “Nightmare Moon.”
Several nearby ponies and a few of the insectoid creatures glanced at them, a few scowling at Derpy, before returning to the festival.
“Nightmare... Moon?” The Doctor asked, confused. “But, Derpy, you heard that mare. That’s Princess Stellar Nova.”
“No-no-no-no-no,” Derpy shook her head, looking to The Doctor, showing signs that she was panicking on the inside. “Doctor, that’s Nightmare Moon. Princess Celestia banished her to the moon almost a thousand years ago.”
The Doctor cocked his head. “What? Why’d she do that?”
“Because Nightmare Moon tried to put Equestria under a Forever Night!” the shaking Pegasus whispered back. “She wanted to blanket my home in darkness.”
“Hmm,” The Doctor frowned, looking around. “That doesn’t sound good, though, look around, Derpy. None of these ponies or any of the other creatures here seem worried. In fact, if the princess banished Nightmare Moon to the moon, then why are all these other creatures here?”
“I...” Derpy trailed off, looking around. Everypony and other creature in the crowd were looking up at the dark Alicorn, not in fear and pretending to be happy, but genuine happiness and respect. “I... guess not their not. And, that is confusing. Why would ponies... or, any creature, I guess, come to the moon after Nightmare Moon was banished to it? it wouldn't be safe.”
The Doctor nodded. “Remember, Derpy, we’re more than five hundred years from your time. Maybe, during those centuries, something happened. Maybe Nightmare Moon reformed. She has been called "princess" here, so maybe she’s changed for the better.”
“I would hope so,” a voice said from behind them.
They both yelped, whirling around to see the tall figure standing in front of them, flanked by several guards. However, she wore the small smile The Doctor had seen creep onto her lips before.
“Welcome, Doctor, Derpy. It is good to see you both again after so long.”
The Doctor blinked at those last words, but Derpy spoke before he could question.
“Y-y-y-you’re n-n-n-not Ni-Ni-Ni-Ni-Nightmare M-M-M-M-Moon, a-are you?” she quivered.
The smile on the taller mare’s face became warm and understanding. “Yes and no, my little pony. My form was created from Nightmare Moon, but I am not her. I am Princess Stellar Nova, daughter of Princess Luna, Sister of Princess Celestia and ruler of the moon.”
All Derpy’s fear vanished in an instant, replaced with confusion. “Sister? Princess Celestia has a sister?”
Princess Stellar nodded. “My mother. Come. I will explain what I am allowed over there,” she indicated to an empty table.
The Doctor grinned, knowing he was going to enjoy this talk, while Derpy followed uncertainly behind.
“So?” The Doctor asked once they’d all sat down at the tables, the guards taking stances nearby. “Please, princess. I’m curious as to how you know us, yet we do not know you, aside from what Derpy knows of this Nightmare Moon business.”
The princes chuckled. “Well, I can’t say too much, Doctor. My mother told me after last time to not give away any spoilers.”
The Doctor’s face paused for a moment, before he frowned. “Oh, come on, Princess. Couldn’t you give us a little clue?”
She replied with another chuckle. “I will say that Derpy was one of the first ponies to treat me as another pony and not as Nightmare Moon.”
Derpy glanced at the princess, confused. “But... I didn’t. I...”
The Doctor shook his head. “Oh, no, no-no-no, Derpy. She means later, when she meets you for the first time.”
Derpy frowned. “But, I’ve just met her. How can she meet me for the first time again if this is the first time we’ve met?”
The Doctor chuckled. “Oh, my dear Derpy. You have a lot to learn about time travel.”
“Speaking of which,” the princess looked at The Doctor firmly. “I trust you will continue to keep the TARDIS out of the wrong hooves? After that last disaster, I’d rather not—” She stopped, putting a hoof over her mouth, a light chuckle leaving her lips. “Oops. Sorry, Doctor. Wow. Mother was right. I do find it hard not to give spoilers.”
The Doctor blinked, then slowly nodded. “Anyway, Your Highness, I—”
The Doctor was interrupted by one of the guards tapping the princess on the shoulder. She leaned down and he whispered something into her ear. From the expression on the princess’ face, it was not pleasant news.
“Forgive me,” she said, standing up. “There are some matters to which I must attend.”
“I’m coming with you,” The Doctor said, standing up too. “Something is amiss and I want to know what.”
The princess frowned. “And just how do you know this, Doctor?”
The Doctor shrugged. "The TARDIS usually brings me to places where something's wrong, so I've learned to be on the side of caution with every trip, just in case."
“Hmm. Yes,” she nodded. “Come then, Doctor. We might require your help in this matter.”
“But... what about me?” Derpy asked, standing as well.
“Oh, just enjoy the festival,” The Doctor grinned. “This shouldn’t take too long. Just a few minutes, tops. Enjoy the festival, Miss Hooves.”
And with that he trotted off with the princess and her guards, leaving Derpy alone to the festival.
Once they were out of Derpy’s earshot, the princess whispered, “I see things haven’t changed, Doctor.”
“Hmm?” he asked, glancing at her.
“Rule one: The Doctor lies.”
___________________________________________________________
Derpy walked among the stalls, interested by it all. The culture the moon settlers had was different from what she was used to, yet so similar at the same time. She couldn't ingore that she was a little nervous, though, being on her own. But she was sure things would be okay. And, if she got too scared, she could always go back to The Doctor’s TARDIS.
“Wow. You’ve weally pweddy eyes,” a high, slightly distorted voice said.
Derpy looked down to see a small unicorn filly smiling up at her. Wait. No, not quite a unicorn filly. She hadf a pink coat and a teddy bear for a Cutie Mark like a filly, but her mane was the same as those strange insect creatures she’d been seeing. She also had wings like them and her hooves had holes in them. Maybe she was a mixed of pony and those creatures?
“Oh, hello, there,” the Pegasus smiled. “I’m Derpy Hooves. What’s your name, little one?”
“Plushy,” the little one chirped.
Derpy nodded. “That’s a nice name. Um, Plushy, what are you?”
Plushy giggled. “I’m a ponyling.” When Derpy raised an eyebrow, she continued with , “My mommy’s a Changeling and my daddy’s a pony.”
Derpy cocked her head. “Changeling?” She’d never heard that word before.
Plushy giggled again. “Dey’we bug-wike ponies who can change how dey wook. Watch.”
At that, the little ponyling, as she called herself, was engulfed in pink flames. Derpy moved to save her, but the flames quickly vanished and, in their place, instead of a burned Plushy, as Derpy had expected, she was looking at a filly version of herself.
Derpy’s mouth hung agape as the filly Derpy was engulfed in flames again and returned to Plushy.
Wow,” she finally managed after a minute. “That’s really amazing.”
Plushy blushed, then scuffed a hoof at the ground. “I’m not vewy good, yet. I can only change into tings my size.”
That would explain why she turned into a filly version of herself, instead of an exact copy, the Pegasus thought. She couldn’t actually make herself like she was now, only relevant to her own size, thus, a filly Derpy.
“Plushy!”
The two turned to see one of the (Plushy called them Changelings, didn’t she?) coming towards them, looking both relieved, flustered and annoyed.
When the Changeling stopped in front of them, she looked down at the smaller one. “Honey, what have I told you about running off on your own?” she asked, her voice having more of a distortion to it than Plushy’s.
The ponyling scuffed at the ground, keeping her head down. “Sowwy, Mama.”
The Changeling turned to Derpy. “I do apologize if my daughter has been bothering you, miss.”
Derpy shook her head. “Oh, no, no, no. She wasn’t bothering me. In fact, I was enjoying our little talk. You have a very sweet daughter, Mrs...”
The Changeling chuckled. “Chitin, dear. It was very nice to meet you. Come along, Plushy.”
Plushy’s ear drooped and she moved to follow her mother. However, they’d not gone too hoofsteps before something caused all three of them to turn their heads.
It had been faint, but they could have sworn they’d heard a young filly calling out.
Derpy and Chitin glanced at each other, nodded and all three headed towards the direction the sound had come from, Plushy riding on her mother’s back.
___________________________________________________________
“So, Princess, what exactly is going on?” The Doctor asked as they walked into what was clearly a base for the Royal Guards.
“I believe it would be better if you heard this from the captain,” the princess said, looking towards a pony on the other side of the room. “Captain Light Wing?”
The pony turned and came over. She was a Thestral pony, like the other guards. Her coat was the same slate-grey and her eyes were bat-like, with pupils the same as the princess, but with white where the whites in her eyes should have been.
Light Wing nodded, then glanced at The Doctor. “And who is this, princess?”
“Somepony who might finally be able to help us solve this mystery, Captain,” the princes replied. “Tell him what we have learned thus far.”
Light Wing nodded, then looked at The Doctor. “Very well. For the past nine months ponies from the colony have been disappearing. It was unnoticeable at first, a few going away here and there. It could easily be assumed they just went down to the planet. However, after some time, several reports came in, and we started to investigate.”
“And you learned right away that these ponies weren’t just going down to the planet, didn’t you?” The Doctor asked, his mood serious.
Light Wing nodded. “Indeed. We started by checking the transport logs with the timing of the disappearances, going as far back as we could. There were no records of transports going to the planet from the colony at those times. And, seeing as there are only two ponies who usually travel without the means of the transmats, we know they cannot be involved, though we still had to check.”
“And who might those be?” The Doctor asked, curious. It was the princess who answered.
“My mother and myself. We are Alicorns, Doctor. The most powerful off all the pony races. Only I, my mother, my aunts, my sister and cousin have enough magical power to travel from the moon and back without need of the transmats.”
The Doctor blinked, then glanced up at the princess. “Your sister?”
“Well, more like half-sister, really,” the princess corrected herself. “Twilight and I share the same blood, though the circumstances of how it happened are not easy to explain and is a conversation for another time.”
“Got it, moving on,” The Doctor nodded, turning back to Light Wing. “So, there’s no records of these missing ponies leaving the moon?”
The mare shook her head. “My mares and stallions searched them very thoroughly, Doctor.”
“So, if there’s no record of them leaving, it means these missing ponies never left. They’re still here, somewhere on the moon.”
Light Wing nodded, her face grim. “That is both good and bad news, Doctor.”
“Yes, I can see why,” The Doctor rubbed his chin. “If they never left and are still here, it means they’ve been hidden. But why? Why kidnap so many ponies just to hide them?”
Light Wing’s face somehow became grimmer. “Because they’re not just being hidden.”
The Doctor blinked. “What?”
Light Wing indicated for him to follow her through another door. At once he took in the familiar settings of an autopsy room and, lying on one of the stainless steel table lay what looked like a mummified Earth Pony.
“This was found headed for an incinerator on the dark side of the moon several days ago,” Light Wing said, stopping in front of the body. “It was brought straight to the guard. It’s the first clue we’ve gotten as to what could be happening. This is Trend Setter. He was an up and coming fashion designer who’d been visiting relatives on the moon. He went missing five days later.”
The Doctor nodded, took out his sonic screwdriver and scanned the mummified corpse. “This is odd. No signs of bruising or wounds. No internal bleeding. If not for the fact he’s dead, I’d say this pony is completely heathy—” The scan finished and he gasped.
“What?” the princess asked, her tone worried. “What have you learned, Doctor?”
He turned to her, his eyes showing deep worry. “This pony has been completely drained of all his magic and life force. He was literally sucked dry.”
There was an uneasy silence that passed through the room.
“So, the other missing ponies?” the princess asked, worried clearly in her voice now.
The Doctor nodded. “If we don’t find them they all may end up just like this poor fellow, and there’s no telling when that will be or how many more have already been like this.”
“Did you find anything else?” Light Wing asked, not bothering to ask just how The Doctor had figured that out. The princess trusted him, and that was good enough for her. “Anything that might give us a hint as to how to find them? Why they targeted him specifically?”
“Well,” The Doctor said, looking at the scan again. “The only thing I can make out is that he had an unusually large amount of Earth Pony magic for a pony like himself.”
Light Wing’s eyes flashed and she pointed at a nearby guard. “Check the reported missing ponies. Find out if they have anything about their magic, regardless of race, that was abnormal. If we can find a common link, we might be able to predict the next target.”
The guard saluted and hurried off.
“Thank you, Doctor,” the princess said, turning to him. “You may have help us more than I could’ve hope— Doctor, what’s wrong?”
The stallion’s face had gone very pale. “Whoever’s taking these ponies are going after those with unusual levels of inner magic.”
Light Wing nodded. “Yes. What about it?”
The Doctor looked to the princess. “Princess, Derpy came here with me.”
The princess cocked an eyebrow. “Doctor, I fail to... see... what...” Her eyes widened and she turned and barked, “Find Derpy Hooves at once! She’s a grey Pegasus with a blonde mane and tail, bubbles for Cutie Mark and mismatched eyes! She’s the next target!”
___________________________________________________________
Derpy, Chitin and Plushy walked down the alley, looking for the source of the voice they’d heard. As they rounded another corner, Plushy cried out, “Over there!”
Sitting against a wall was a small brown unicorn filly. Her head was slumped, her eyes facing the ground.
Derpy moved forward, sat down and wrapped a wing around the little unicorn.
“Hey,” she whispered quietly. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“D-Derpy... get away from her!”
Derpy glanced up at the tone in Chitin’s voice, only for her eyes to widen at the horrified look on the Changeling face.
Derpy glanced from her to the filly, who still hadn’t made any indication that she’d noticed the Pegasus. “Chitin, what’s wrong?” she asked, turning back to the Changeling. She could now see Plushy holding onto her mother’s back, her expression of fear, just like her mother’s.
“She... she has no feelings,” Chitin shivered, as if even saying such a thing was wrong.
Derpy blinked, glanced down at the filly under her wind, then slowly removed her wing and started to back away, not taking her eyes off the filly.
In their short time together, Chitin had explained some things about the Changeling race to her. Changelings feed off of emotions. Though they could also eat normal food, it wasn’t as sustaining for them as emotions. Changelings could also feel the emotions of others. If Chitin was saying she felt no emotions from the filly...
Derpy had just reached the other two, when the filly’s head lifted, causing them all to finch. Slowly, the filly turned her gaze towards them, causing them all to shudder. Her eyes; they had nothing in them, no emotion, no sense of life, nothing. It was like a living doll.
“Mama,” Plushy whispered as she shivered on her mother’s back, “I’m scared.”
“We need to run,” Chitin whispered back, glancing at Derpy, who nodded.
Suddenly the filly’s horn glowed with a pale green aura. At once, Derpy felt like she couldn’t move. At the same time a cry came from her friends as they were tossed backwards into a nearby wall, slamming hard against it.
Derpy couldn’t see what happened to them, her eyes stuck looking at the filly as she slowly stood up and walked towards her until she was looking up at her.
“Target acquired,” she said in a vocie devoid of any emotion. “Returning to base.”
The filly’s horn glowed brighter and Derpy’s vision went black.