Chapter 8
“So, uh, Doctor? Where are we going exactly?”
“You heard Graphite. Torchwood went home, and assuming things are the same here as in our alternate reality, that means he’s in the Everfree Forest.”
“But Doctor, I don’t know where his sector is. Do you?”
“Well, no, but I’m sure I’ll bump into one of them eventually. Then I can ask directions from there.”
“The thestrals haven’t returned to Equestria yet, Doctor. And from what I hear, they were never overly fond of visitors.”
“Don’t worry, Ditzy. You won’t be coming with me.”
“I WON’T?!”
“No. I’m going to drop you off in Ponyville so you can collect Ms. Storm.”
“Oh, I get it!” Ditzy finally nodded, blond bangs falling into her eyes. “So we’re going to set them up on a date!”
“Exactly. But where do you suppose would be a good place to meet?”
“Hmm... I can’t think of anything in Ponyville more romantic than the Gala...”
“Ditzy, we don’t need to top a high-class ball, we just need to get them together. Hopefully the whole ‘love at first sight’ bit will kick in after that.”
“If it doesn’t?”
“Then we’ll worry about it later. For now, I need you to help me set them up.”
“Okay. Well, I think their first date was a picnic dinner out in the Ponyville Park. Is that close enough?”
“Perfect! You get things ready, but most importantly, just make sure Acrylic shows up! I’ll take care of Torch.”
“Okay, then. Let’s do it.” The TARDIS landed just then, and the Doctor held the door aside for her.
“Oh, and Ditzy, be careful out there. We were out in the time vortex when the timeline was altered, so we should be alright. But I have to warn you, time may have tried to compensate by creating duplicates of us.”
“WHAT?!”
“So... just try not to bump into yourself.” He slammed the door shut faster than when he and Ditzy had been fighting off the daleks.
“Doctor!” Ditzy suddenly felt very vulnerable and exposed. How would she explain it if two of her were suddenly seen around Ponyville? Then again, the Doctor hadn’t even guaranteed that there would be a double. He was just warning her ahead of time. Right?
Ditzy still felt the need to stick to the shadows and lay low. Of course, her version of ‘stealth’ usually involved knocking over a few trash cans, plowing through a couple vendor stands, and all around leaving an absolute mess in her wake. So maybe it would be better if she just tried to act casual and get to Art Life as quickly as she could.
She scrutinized everypony she passed, suspicious of any strange look they might shoot her, but the only strange looks on that journey came from Ditzy herself. She finally reached the quaint little shop, and waited for the last customers to exit before ducking inside.
She crept around actually very quietly for a while, making sure the coast was clear of any Ditzy duplicates. She was concentrating so hard on being stealthy, in fact, that she didn’t notice the shop owner staring at her from behind the counter.
“Uh... Ditzy? What are you doing?” Ditzy jerked up, banging her head on the table and causing an avalanche of colored pencils to tumble down behind her.
“Oh! Uh, Acrylic! There you are! I was looking everywhere for you!” Ditzy nervously chuckled.
“Well... here I am... just like always.” Ditzy wasn’t used to seeing Acrylic back in her old earth pony disguise. In fact, since the second changeling invasion, thestrals had been rendered unable to switch forms at all. Yet, there she was, looking a bit younger than Ditzy remembered. Her mane was back to its solid blue color, the streak of gray nowhere to be found. The wrinkles by her eyes were also gone, and her hat didn’t look quite so worn. Ditzy briefly wondered if she looked much older in comparison. The pegasus was so distracted with such thoughts that she found it hard to focus back on the task at hoof.
“Yeah! Hard to find! Listen... I need to ask you a favor.”
“Sure, Ditzy. What’s up?”
“Can you meet me out in Ponyville Park later today? Around seven or eight?”
“What for?” Ditzy froze. She’d been so worried about encountering a double that she hadn’t even thought about what she was going to say.
“It’s... uh... it’s a surprise.”
“Ditzy, you know I’d love to help you, but I was actually supposed to have dinner with Rarity and the girls tonight. So I need a real reason before I skip out on them.”
“It’s... it’s...”
“Just tell me the truth, Ditzy,” Acrylic urged, sensing her unease. She even went so far as to lean over the counter and comfortingly set a hoof on her shoulder.
The gesture caught Ditzy so off guard that she blurted out, “It’s a date.” This time, Acrylic was the one caught off guard.
“A date?”
“My date,” she quickly saved. “Yes... I’m going on a date.” Acrylic’s eyes widened, and a smile blossomed on her face.
“Ditzy, that’s great! Congratulations! Who are you going out with?” Ditzy spat out the first name that came to mind.
“Time Turner.”
“That sly stallion! I should’ve known! Well, he’s a lucky guy.”
“Thanks...” Ditzy shuffled, face turning red upon realizing what she’d just done.
“So, what do you need me there for?”
“I... uh... I’ve never been on a date before.”
“Well, I have to admit, Ditzy, neither have I. I’m not sure if I could give you any good advice, if that’s what you’re looking for.”
“Not advice,” Ditzy quickly cut in. “More along the lines of decorating.”
“Decorating?”
“I’m setting up the first date.” Acrylic frowned.
“Isn’t the stallion usually the one who takes the mare out?” Ditzy broke out in a sweat.
“N-not this time,” she gulped. ‘Please buy it! Please buy it!’ Acrylic sighed.
“Well, in that case, I’d be glad to do what I can. What time did you say you need me? Eight?”
“Actually, better make it seven,” Ditzy thought. She had originally wanted to set up herself, but recalling the last time she tried to set up an event and wound up wrecking it, it may be best if she really did recruit Acrylic’s help. That would give them time to set up, and although she and the Doctor hadn’t actually set a time, he was usually late anyway.
“Seven it is, then,” Acrylic beamed.
“Okay... thanks.” Ditzy sprinted out of the shop and leaned against the outside door, heart pounding. She’d held up her end of the deal. Hopefully, the Doctor would be able to do the same.