You are super old. How old? You don't know, but lately you've been feeling like your life has been coming to a close. You look towards your old broken pocket watch and wonder about a life you didn't live and the one you should've
You are super old. How old? You don't know, but lately you've been feeling like your life has been coming to a close. You look towards your old broken pocket watch and begin wonder about the choices you've made and didn't make. Both having to do something with Granny Smith and an old broken pocket watch that seems to put a certain time stallion on edge.
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Everyone has nightmares; even big scary monsters from under the bed have nightmares.
The Doctor
Man were you getting old. How are you? Heck, you don’t know, you stopped counting. All that you know is that your ancient in more ways than one.
It’s funny though, not long ago you were deemed one of the oldest ponies in Equestria(not including the Princess of course.) Oldest by fact that at least four generations(eighty years) worth of families have recorded seeing you alive, which is oddly rare given the circumstances. Not many ponies can say that they've lived for over 80+ years. Those that can, are usually in worse shape than you are.
For a pony as who is as ancient as you are, you consider yourself to be hanging on quite well in your senior years. Your joints don't creak as if you were opening up a old door and you don't crap yourself involuntarily.
But did you really care about how old you were? Because when you're as old as you are, things such as age and appearance doesn't really matter to you anymore. You thought of yourself as being fine just the way you are. Whether if your skin looked like a dried up prune or if you were as soft as a foals bottom, as long as you were ok with how you looked then there was nothing to worry about.
However, with age comes the impending sense of fear and worry. It didn't take a genius to know that at your age you could die at any moment. This didn't bother you much for some reason you knew death to be natural cause, there was no fighting it so why not just embrace it and live out the rest of your life without fear? This happened to be an ideal that you cherished, but like all other ponies, you had a fear as well. It just didn't happen to manifest until now while you were at the last stages of your life.
Lately you've been having nightmares, about a war.
You were running as fast as you could in each and every dream. Never before have you felt fear as a strongly as you did when you had this dream. You weren't alone in this dream. You were accompanied by a young filly. You were leading her away from this carnage that surrounded itself around you. All around you people were dying, kids, elders, middle aged adults, everyone was dying.
You don't know why, but you had to safe her. Maybe her parents had died in the conflict and she was all alone, you didn't know, she wouldn't talk no matter how hard you tried to persuade her multiple times but she just wouldn't talk.
You led her through countless demolished buildings and abandoned alleyways trying to get this little filly to safety, but each and every time you would fail. At the start of every dream you tried to protect this little filly, but at the end you would find yourself alone, that would be the cause of why you would wake up in tears. There were always loud noises such as explosions and screams. The screams were almost blood curdling. The dream wasn’t always the same, it was changed by showing different people and a different setting, but it did have the same outcome. You were always the last one to survive. A horrible thing that dream, you don’t seem to ever remember participating in a war.
As spent your time reading the newspapers, you found out that new studies have shown that dreams of death in any form could be a manifestation of a ponies regrets when of old age. This of course made you think. You don't have many regrets. There was only two things that you really wanted to accomplish in your life. The first was reconciling with an old friend whom you used to know from a long time ago and second was fixing this broken fob watch.
You've had this blasted thing for as long as you could remember. It's not really a special watch, is just that you have this stupid thing for decade yet, you couldn't help but remember that you've never once opened this thing. So meeting with your old friend and opening up the fob watch would basically be the last things you want to do in your life, and if you could accomplish these things then use practically done everything you've wanted to do in your life.
Really you just been biding your time though. As much as you want to leave, there hasn't been much motivation edging you on towards your last minute goals. Right now you were just living your life day by day doing what you've always done. Wake up, make some breakfast, take a morning walk through the park, read the newspaper, visit a few friends at their homes, head back home read a little bit, fix dinner, and go to bed. Pretty boring lifestyle isn't it? Can’t be because you're the one who's living it.
You were happily content with the daily routine that you had made for yourself. You were old, you didn’t have time for all that “What am I going to do today,” crap. This just made things easier. Besides when you’re over eighty years old what haven’t you done?
Today you found yourself just sitting on your couch looking at your old dusty pocket watch. You held it by it’s chain and slowly dangled it back and forth like a metronome. This old dusty thing. “How long has it been?” You asked yourself. You frowned as you couldn’t come up with an answer. “Come on. I’ve gotta have an age.” You said tossing the pocket watch into the air and catching it. “Are you telling me that I can’t even remember my own date of birth? Bullshit, pure and utter bullshit.” You thought as you stood and slowly walked your way into the kitchen to get yourself something to drink.
After you opened the refrigerator you took out a water bottle. Uncapping it, you let out a long refreshing sigh after quenching your thirst. “Wow. I must be older than I thought.” You said shaking your head at how senile you were becoming. “I mean how old do I have to be so that I forget how old I am?” Apparently very old.
You tossed the empty bottle into the recycle bin and began to wander around your house, staring deeply at your pocket watch. Just when you were about to sigh, there was knock at the door.
Knock, Knock!
Two knocks. You thought you recognized the knocks and the tone of the pounding. “It’s Fleur.” You thought before telling whoever it was to come in. If it wasn't her than it was the mailpony. The door to your home opened up to reveal that your assumption was right. A white pony with a magentish grey mane was standing at your door step. “Well, don’t just stand there give your grandfather a hug. You’re letting all the heat out.” You said with a old grin.
Smiling herself Fleur quickly did as instructed and hugged you. “I see you’re doing well. Grandfather.” She said hugging you tightly.
“Of course. I’m not going to let old age bring me down,” You said with a toothy grin which caused Fleur to chuckle. “Come on. Take a seat. I can’t have my favorite granddaughter standing up for no reason, now can I?” You said quickly pulling her into the living room, so she could take a seat on the couch. “How’s your modeling been going? Didja find yourself a boyfriend yet?” You raising an eyebrow, to see her reaction.
“My modeling career has been going great, plus I may have found the one.” She said causing your ear to twitch.
Did your granddaughter just say she may have found the one? Yes, yes she did.
“That’s great. I’m very happy for you.” You said while hugging her. “What's the young stallions name?” You asked curious behind whom she had fallen in love with.
“His name is Fancy Pants. He’s a big time celebrity in Cantorlot, You’ve met him before.”
You took a second and tapped your chin with your hoof. “Nope. The name doesn’t ring a bell.” You said with a smile as you shook your head.
Fleur shook her head. “I’m not surprised. You forget my name sometimes. You even forget your own name.” She said tilting her head as if she was trying to understand you.
You shook your head and placed a hand on her cheek. “Darling. I have never forgotten your name. You're the only granddaughter of mine who actually still comes by to visit an old loon such as myself.” You said with weak smile.
Fleur gave you a warm smile but it quickly faded away as if she was remembering something. “But I’m your only granddaughter.”
Upon say that, your smile slowly began to fade as you slowly pulled away your hand. “Yes… I suppose you are.” You said way making your way over to your recliner chair. Fleur frowned as she saw the saddened look on your face. You looked to the floor a began to space out.
“Whats wrong? Are you ok?” She asked s shifting in her seat.
You looked at Fleur and nodded your head. “Of course I’m ok. I’m always ok. Whats make you think that I’m not alright?” You said immediately cheering up.
Fleurs ears flattened just a little. “It was just that you seemed a little sad.” You quickly shook your head and told her that it wasn’t the case.
“Don’t worry about things like that. I would much rather hear about your new coltfriend.” You said putting up a very convincing smile. Immediately Fleur continued on about her new lover. You loved to hear things that involved Fleur’s life. The good, the bad, the terrible, all things involving your granddaughter brought a smile to your face. When you were with her, you felt like you could talk to her for hours. Which is exactly what the both of you ended up doing each time and every time she visited, hours upon hours would be spent reminiscing about the past or the present. You found yourself often telling her stories that you made up even when she was a little foal. She didn't mind rehearing them, they were good stories.
But at last all good things come to an end. Fleur would leave and you wouldn't see her again for a while. She was a busy mare, so you never thought much of it. Being somewhat rich and a model, your granddaughters life was always filled with excitement. And that was okay, you were glad that she didn't spend all her time with you anymore. It's a good sign that she's grown up and that she doesn't need you as much anymore. This was fine, she was grown now, you weren't needed there anymore to hold her hand as she went through the hardships of life, but even then as you knew she was grown, you couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness every time she left you. Perhaps it was a bit of loneliness? You can never been able to pinpoint what it was.
“Thanks again grandad for the wonderful talk. Its was nice seeing you again.” Fleur said kissing you gently on the cheek as you sat in your chair.
“Oh, don’t mention it. I’m just glad you stopped by to see me. You know how rare it is for a Grandparent to see their grandchild nowadays. Everythings always bustling and moving, there’s no time to relax anymore.” You said waving your hands around like a madman.
Fleur tilted her head and let out an exasperated sigh. “Grandpa, what are you talking about?”
You shrugged your shoulders and smiled. “Who knows? Hurry now, It’s getting dark outside. You don’t want to be caught by some madpony do yah?” You said raising any eyebrow.
“Oh please. I know how to take care of myself. I mean if I can take care you, then I’m sure I can take on any crazies.” She said walking elegantly as she held her head up high.
You began to whistle and she walked away and out of the house. “Thats my girl!” You yelled. “That’s mah girl.”
That night you had a dream. There was something different about this dream. There was a young mare and young stallion playing together. They didn’t see you. Not yet at least. They were playing around in a large meadow with a monolithic city in the background.
The mare had to be in her mid-teens while the stallion was probably in his early-20s. As you stared at them from a distance, the mare soon spotted you and pointed in your direction. At first the stallion became wary of your presence, but upon seeing who you were he gave you a small but warm smile. Taking the mare's hoof, the stallion began to walk in your direction. “Hello, we’ve been waiting for you,” said the stallion. He was wearing what looked like a military uniform, but you couldn't recognize the language or army he was affiliated with.
“What do you mean waiting for me?” You asked curious as to what he was saying.
“We’ve been waiting here a long time,” said the mare. “It’s almost time for you to rest now,” she said giving you a sad, but compassionate smile. She was wearing a small dress. Nothing too fancy, but it wasn’t simple either.
“Am...Am I dead?” You asked the both of them. The stallion shook his head, “Am I dying?”
The stallion chuckled. “Aren't we all?” The stallions voice betrayed his eyes, which seemed to be almost dead looking. No emotion appeared within his eyes.
The mares eyes however were the exact opposite. Hers showed emotion but her voice didn’t and it was almost eerie to hear. “You are dying, but you won’t die just yet. You still have to meet that mare, the one that got away and you still have to open up this watch.” She said slipping a fob watch from her dress and tossing it to you.
You caught it and began to look at its inscriptions. It was the same watch you kept. “What will happen after I do that? Will I die then?” You asked with a hint of concern in your voice.
“Change.” The mare said sadly.
“Change will happen.” The stallion finished.
“Hurry.” The two of them said at the same time. “There isn’t much time left.” The two ponies said as the dream began to dissipate. when it fully disappeared, you woke up in a daze like feeling clenching on to your watch. You knew what you had to do now. Time to leave.
That morning you began to pack up a few stuff to take with you. For some reason you knew that you weren’t going to come back for a long time so you made sure to place a note on the refrigerator directed to Fleur about where you had gone.
“Hello Fleur. If you’re reading this that means I’ve been gone for quite a while. I’ve on a journey for quite a while now. I’ve searching for the mare of my life. I knew where she was for a long time, but until now I haven’t had any drive to see her. So I’ve gone to see her and I probably won’t be back for a long time, but don’t fret I’ll be back soon enough, I promise.”
You kissed the letter and placed it on the refrigerator. You cut the light off and exited the house. You didn’t know when or if you would ever return, but if you did it would a long time from now. You shook your head and left, there was no need to stall anymore.
In the span of two days you took the train to Ponyville. It would’ve been quicker, but the train had to make frequent stops for maintenance checks. Apparently something was wrong with the engine, but luckily they eventually got the train back on track.
You had heard lately this small town had been attracting more and more ponies. The only reason you knew about this, was because of Fleur's frequent trips there.
You don’t remember the last time you were on a train, but you liked the feeling of it. The constant bumping motion and the noise that accompanied it. If you weren’t retired you would have become a conductor, like this young mare who was approaching you.
"Gather your belongings!" The female yellow earth pony yelled out before walking up to the passengers, collecting their train tickets. It wasn't long before the train conductor was upon you. "May I see ticket sir?" The female said while giving you a small but sincere smile. You took the ticket from your pocket and handed it to her. "Thank you. You're an earth pony right and you're heading to Ponyville. Are you moving there as well?
You smiled and shook your head. “No ma’am, I’m not. I’m just going to visit an old friend.”
“Oh, well I hope you enjoy your stay." The mare said as she continued doing her rounds.
You looked out the window and saw what looked to be Ponyville. You had mixed feelings about what you was going to find there, but hopefully it would be a good experience. .
The train came to a full stop as you had arrived at the train station. You stood up from your seat and began to walk out of the nearest door where you was greeted by the harsh sun that began to shine directly into your eyes. You instantly looked down towards the ground and began to rub your eyes. “Celestia’s working hard today, I assume.” You took a few steps forward and began walk towards your destination.
However, before you could really get anywhere you was approached by a stallion and a mare. The stallion had a grayish blue coat along with a dark silvery mane and pale, light grayish azure eyes. While the mare had a light sapphire bluish gray coat, with a pale, light grayish apple green mane and moderate gamboge eyes. Speaking of her eyes, they were kind of...cross eyed...which you found to look kind of cool actually. Her crossed eyedness made her look different and otherwise unique.
The stallion began to circle around you as if he was trying to figure something out. While doing so he began to tug on you as he tried to figure out that 'something'. "Grey coat...yes...weird looking...mane...pale eyes…Wait! What is this?!" He said while pick pocketing your watch from off of you.
Before he could look at the markings on the back of it, you quickly snatched your watch back and moved away from the strange stallion and began to brush yourself off. "Can't believe what? Who are you weirdos?" You asked almost glaring at the stallion.
"I'm The Doc-er. I mean, Time Turner and this is my assistant, Derpy Hooves. We’re both clockmakers." He said sounding pretty proud of the title, as well as his so called assistant. You didn't really understand about what's so cool about being a clockmaker, anyone could become one with the right amount of training... or if their cutie mark permits them to.
"Hello!" The mare said to you.
You was going to respond but the weird stallion had interrupted you. “I found myself rather intrigued with your fob watch there. Mind if I take a glance at it.” He said while extending his hand.
You looked at him and shook your head as you held on tightly to your little watch. “No. I don’t know who you are but I don’t like the way you act. You’re a little too shifty to me.” You said narrowing your eyes at him, which signaled him to back off.
“Alright, Alright. I understand. May I ask how long you’ve had that watch?” Time Turner asked while slowly lifting an eyebrow.
“Since birth, why?”
Time Turner sucked his teeth and shook his head. “No, then I must be looking for someone else. I’m sorry for disturbing you.” Time Turner said while shaking your head and quickly running off in opposite direction. “Come on Derpy let's go.”
Derpy looked at you and nodded her head as she quickly ran after her friend, leaving you alone.
You let out a large sigh and asked yourself. “What was that all about?”
Time Turner stopped running upon turning the corner behind a nearby building. Ditzy began to try and catch her breath after that short burst of running. Time Turner tapped his chin with his hoof and began to think.
“Doctor...why did we run? I thought you said that he might be the one?” Ditzy said, inhaling deeply.
Time Turner scrunched his face as he shook his head slightly. “I said I think he is. That fob watch he had, I think it's Gallopfreyan, but it's hard to say. I couldn't check the watch in time. Equestrian fob watches and Gallopfreyan fob watches look almost identically alike." He said shrugging his shoulders.
“How will we know for sure?” Ditzy asked.
Time Turner smiled and rub his hoof through her mane. “All in good time Ditzy. We just have to bide our time,” He said grabbing her hoof and dragging her along with him. “But for now we’ll head back to the Tardis.”
There it was. Just as beautiful as when it was first built. You almost shedded a tear at how magnificent the entire farm was looking. As you walked up to the house, you looked around and saw how large the orchard had gotten. You could almost remember when these large rows of trees was just in empty field and the trees we're just settling. You were glad to see that these trees had grown so large, and bore prosperous fruit.
As you walked up the wooden steps to the house, you could feel your oldness disappear as you began to hear laughter. As you slowly walk to the door, you turned your head to the left and saw two foals playing around in an abandoned field.
Of course you had recognize that one of the young foals was you, and the other was your old friend Granny Smith. The two of you were playing tag and she was it. She can never really catch you, so the games usually was one sided, but she didn't mind, she always spend her time looking after you and keeping you out of trouble. You old a lot to her and you decided that before you passed away that you would thank her for it.
You inhaled slightly and knocked on the door. You waited for a few seconds before hearing the locks on latch unlock, before watching as the door opened up revealing a blonde maned mayor with green emerald eyes. She look at you with a curious gaze as she tried to determine who you were and what you were doing here. "Um, may I help you?" She asked waiting for a reply.
She looks just like her. The resemblance between the two was almost uncanny, you figured that she must have been Granny Smiths granddaughter.
"Oh, I'm looking for Granny Smith. Do you know where she might be?” You asked giving the young mare a toothy grin.
The mare looked at you for a second and nodded her head. "Grandma! There's someone here to see you!” She said while opening up the door so you could enter into the house. You gladly took her up on her offer and walked inside. Surprisingly the house looks just about the same from all those years ago. Of course there was a few more decorations here and there, but overall the house was pretty much the same.
As you examined the house, the sound of footsteps begin to become audible through the old house. “Hold on now. I'm getting old. I can't move as fast as I used too.” An old elderly voice said letting out a hearty laugh. You turned your head towards the sound of the female voice and watched as she emerged from the hallway. “Now, who's here to see me-” Granny Smith soon stopped in her tracks upon seeing you. Your eyes slowly begin to form tears as you look up on the old mare that was standing in front of you. She slowly began to walk towards you with a shock and somewhat relieved expression. She seemed to have been fighting back the tears to cry just as much as you were. “I never forget a face.” She said her voice being barely audible.
You smiled as you nodded your head. “I know. I told you I would be back.” You said embracing her in a much desired hug.
When she let go of you, you didn't even see her raise her hoof as she planted a hard slap against your face.
As you took a step back from the impact, you watched as the old mare in front of you begin to break down. Something in it and which her granddaughter had never seen before judging by her expression. “Where were you?” Granny Smith yelled. “Where the hell were you?” She said causing your ears to flatten with shame. Its been decades since you last seen her and you didn't even have an excuse to make.
“I-I just forgot?” You asked rather than stated. You watched as Granny Smith raised her hoof again, but instead of hitting you she pulled you into another hug and just sobbed silently into your shoulder. You couldn't help but to embrace her one more time.
The two of you sat in the living room as she recovered. Granny Smith’s granddaughter walked into the room and handed the both of you a glass of fresh apple juice. “This is my granddaughter Applejack.” Granny Smith sniffled.
"Howdy!" Applejack said still confused about what happened earlier.
“Hello.” You said acknowledging her greeting.
“Applejack, this is the old friend I used to tell you about," Granny Smith smiled. "This is Inkwell. A friend of mine from way back when I was Apple Bloom's age.” She said wiping a tear from her eye.
“You knew my grandmother?” Applejack asked causing you to scoff.
“Knew her? We used to do everything together. We used to be the best of friends.” You said giving it to them it to the ground.
“Yes, yes we were,” Granny Smith said sadly. “Applejack, can you leave us for a bit while we reminisce about the past?” Applejack nodded her head and left the two of you alone.
When she was positive that Applejack left, Granny Smith began to speak again. “How have you been doing for these past eighty something years?” She asked curious as to how your life has been going. You rub the back of your neck sheepishly.
You rub the back of your neck sheepishly. “Geez, has it been that long? I've been doing fine. I've retired from the writing business a decade ago, so now I've been living on my retirement fund.” You said thinking about all the stories and newspapers you had written.
“I see,” she said almost quiet. “Why didn't you come and visit me?” She asked. You couldn't really blame her for being angry at you. Its been a long time since the last time you seen each other, you didn't even send a postcard to confirm that you were still alive.
“I don't know... I just forgot,” You said sad at the fact that you were admitting it. “For some reason you slipped my mind. I know, that's a horrible thing here from your former childhood friend but is true. I just forgot about you,” This time it was Granny’s turn for her ears to flatten. “But recently all I've been able to think about was two things and one of those two things just so happened to be you. I didn't want to die of old age and not see my dear old friend one last time."
Watching a smile form across her face truly felt like the best thing in the world. You waited years to see this and you were glad it was worth the wait.
"Hold on, what was the other thought? Granny Smith asked.
“The other what?”
“Just now you said that you were thinking of two things, what was the other one?” She asked.
You smiled and pulled out your favorite little fob watch. "Remember this? You asked as her eyes widened with surprise in a little bit of something else. You could put your hood on it but you could have sworn she looked at your watch with a little bit of discontent.
“Oh geez, that old thing. You still have it?” You nodded your head and began to look at it. “Why would you be thinking about that? You have that watch since forever.” She exclaimed causing you to chuckle.
“Yeah I know, but the watch is busted. It won't work, nor can I open it. I was wondering if you could be so kind enough to fix it for me.” This time you were paying attention to her, you could totally see that her smile have faded somewhat at the mention of opening up your watch.
"Of course. Let me go and get my tools and we'll have that watch fixed up,” She said standing up from her chair. “Applejack can you go out into the tool shed and grab my tools?"
After an intense hour long struggle with your watch, you found out that not even Granny Smith could open it. She tried everything she possibly could. The tried everything from moving the gears to trying to take it apart but the watch was pretty durable despite its old age. "Looks like you will need a clockmaker to help you open it." She said handing it back to you.
“Are there any of those clockmakers in town? I can go to them now and see if they can help me.”
“I don't think- wait, there is one young stallion in town who works on clocks. He's a clockmaker. His name is Time Turner. I'm sure he can help open it it for you.”
You smiled and began to toss the watch back and forth through the air. “If so, I can go to him right now.”
"I'll go with you. Granny Smith said.
You smiled again and took her up on her offer. Granny Smith didn't move like most elders. She alternated between walking like a senior and having the type of pep in her step that a youngster only a would have. When you asked about it, she told you that her hip had gone bad over the years. She told you not to worry about it as she's working on getting her hip replaced, but she doesn't have enough bits to cover it. You made a mental note of that.
The two of you reached the watchmaker's workshop, shortly after dusk. As you walk inside the shop, you could see a variety of different types of clocks and watches such as a large grandfather clock which rested behind the counter. Many of the different clocks ranged from old and ancient two fairly new.
There seems to be no one up front but you could hear the sound of rummaging in the back room. “Pretty nice place.” You whispered out loud, which Granny Smith silently nodded to.
“Hello? Is anyone here? You got customers!” You yell out while tapping your hoof against a bell on the front desk.
“Customers? Hold on, I'll be right there!” The voice of a young stallion said with a certain pep in his voice which you found kind of familiar.
A few moments later, the sound of hoofsteps could be heard. The stallion slowly walked into the room with a energetic bounce to his step. You could hear the stallion grumble something as he held a pocket watch in the air and then began to dangle it in the air. The stallion then turn his gaze towards you and his smile someone faltered. “Oh, it to you.”
“Ah, crap. It’s the weirdo.”
“Hey! Hey! Rude, I’m not weird. I’m strange. There’s a difference.” The stallion said while putting away his own pocket watch. He walked closer to the counter and took a seat on a nearby stool. " I asked you to miss me but judging by your expression I would say no."The stallion said giving you a light chuckle. He then turn his attention to Granny Smith. "Hello Granny Smith, it's always a pleasure to see you."
"Hello Mr Turner. I'd take it you two have already met before?" Granny Smith asked why stating the obvious.
“Yeah we’ve met before, this wacko tried to pickpocket me.” You said almost angry.
“I did not pickpocket you, but I am a wacko.” He said gleefully. “Now, what can I do for you two?” Time Turner said, not turning his attention away from you.
"My friend here has a broken fob watch and we'd like for you to repair it.” Granny Smith said taking the watch from off of you and handing it to Time Turner. Being extremely careful, he took it from the mare and began to inspect it.
“The watch is old, I take it?” Time Turner said while passing a glance to you.
You nodded your head. “Yes, that watch is just as old as I am, if not older.”
"I see." He said about twisting and turning to watch so he could see it at all the angles. “This might take a while.” Time Turner said with his smile finally fading as he noticed the markings engraved into the watch.
“I've got time.” You said looking at Granny Smith with a smile. “You can head on home. I remember the way.” You said.
“Are you sure that you don’t want me to stay?”
You shook your head. “Nah, It’s alright. My brain isn’t that senile.” You said giving her a wink.
“If you say so. You should hurry back soon though. I’m making apple pie tonight and as I recalled you haven’t tried my cooking.” She replied, leaving you in the workshop along with Mr Turner.
The clockmaker passed a glance at you ask you took a seat on the cold hard floor. His eyes showed a certain sadness that has smiled did not. Not wanting him to know you noticed this, your expression remained stoic.
“I should have this fixed within 30 minutes." Time Turner said grabbing his small tool kit.
"I can wait.” You said looking around the room, in search of some way to pass the time. For some reason you have a feeling that this was going to be a long half hour.
Time Turner would every so often mumble something to himself as he fiddled with your watch. You never really seen a clockmaker at work before, but to you he look like he was just playing with it. Your respect for his profession, however, kept you from calling him out on it, so you just sat there and watched him do his work. Eventually so much time had passed that you didn’t even notice that he had slipped into his back room.
30 minutes later
The Doctor held the fob watch in his hoof and began to sigh. He finally knew that he wasn't the only Time Lord left, there was another. He knew he should have been happy, but for some reason he wasn't.
Derpy who was also in the shop at the same time, watched as The Doctor began to dangle your fob watch in the air by chain. “What's wrong Doctor? If he’s a Time Lord like yourself, shouldn’t you be happy?"
"One would naturally think that, yes, I would be if this was a normal circumstances, but I don't know who this Time Lord is. He can be very dangerous. He might be The Master for all we know, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t dead.” The Doctor said almost sighing.
“Why would he be dangerous? I thought the Time Lords were a good race ponies?” Derpy said.
The Doctor shook his head once more. “No, that's how I chose to remember them. We weren't a good race, what we weren’t necessarily bad either. I think of us as being morally ambiguous."
"Oh... but I thought Time Lords could sense other Time Lords?"
“We can, but the chameleon arch hidden within our fob watches usually block out the scent. I can't tell whether or not he's pony or a Time Lord.” He said looking towards your direction, watching as you checked out one of the clocks that were on sale. “I guess there's only one way to find out.” The Doctor thought.
The Doctor walked back out towards the front and called out to you. “Did you fix my watch?” You asked standing up and walking towards the front counter.
The Doctor nodded his head and hand it to you back your watch. “Yes, I did. Here you go. why don't you try using it?” He said smiling.
You pressed the small switch on the side and watched that the fob watch flew open, before you could even say anything, a gold dust like form of smoke found its way into your nose. For a moment there was nothing, you're mind was now blank and all your thoughts were now gone. Until everything began to become clear again.
You shook your head and looked at the stallion in front of you. You both took a sniff of the air and took a step away from each other. You suddenly began to recognize each other.
“Theta!” You spat out.
“Vanguard!” The Doctor yelled out with the same level of disgust.
You tucked your watch away and shook your head. If I knew it was you, I would have never fixed the watch." The Doctor said expressing visible anger with his decision to help you.
"If I knew it was you I wouldn't have never allowed you!" You hissed. "I don't see any reason why you should be angry with me. I should be the one angry with you." You said pointing your hoof on his chest. You took a look at Derpy and shook your head. "Is that one of your new weapons?". You asked watching as The Doctor narrowed his eyes at you.
"She's not a weapon. She's my friend." He stated.
"Of course she is." You said sarcastically. "What is your name child? I'm sure your name isn't just Derpy. That's a horrible name."
"M-my name is Ditzy Whooves, but everyone just calls me Derpy. It's a nickname of sorts." She said backing away from your icy cold gaze.
"Well, then Ditzy. Allow me to give you some friendly advice. Stay away from The Doctor." You said sneering at The Doctor, who in turn let out a huff of anger.
"Why?"
"Because you'll live longer." You said with a tight-lipped smile. "He'll get you killed, child, and if he doesn't get you killed that means you'll seen him for what he really is. A monster."
"The Doctor is not a monster. He is a kindhearted, smart pony who helps out every pony he sees." She replied,defending The Doctors honor. He responded to her with a tender smile.
You snorted. "How long have you been his companion, Ditzy?" You questioned.
"Not long. Only for a few months, if not a year." She answered.
"You'll see it eventually. As I said, do not trust this pony. He is a fool of a Time Lord who should have never been born.
Ditzy shook his head. "I don't believe you. I won't believe you. The Doctor has always been good to me, and good to other ponies as well. Just because he's done some bad things int the past doesn't mean it should define him for who he is in the present. You are mistaken with who The Doctor is."
"I am never mistaken, maybe you're just a fool. Your eyes seem to show that." You said commenting on her crosseyedness.
You watched as her ears flattened in sadness. You realized that commenting on her eyes seemed to be her weak point. You made a mental note of that for some reason. The Doctor stepped forward now, his eyes filled with anger. "How dare you. You can talk about me, but don't you ever talk about my friends." The Doctor said furiously.
You snorted at his attempt to intimidate you. "I'm not afraid of you, Theta. I have a lot more experience in the universe than you do. I've come a cross far worse things than you." You stepping up to his challenge. "Remember whose older."
"You may be old, but you're not as old as you wish you were." The Doctor smirked. "You were 10,432, the last time we met."
"That I was and you were 800 at the time correct?" The Doctor nodded his head. "I thought so, how old are you now?"
The Doctor shrugged his little pony shoulders, "904 give or take... It's hard to keep track of your age when you're a time traveler." The Doctor smirked.
"Oh hush, I'm the one who told you that." You turning around and walking towards the front door.
"Where are you doing?" The Doctor asked.
"As much as I would like to sit here and talk to you, I have some place I need to be." You opened up the front door of the store, but was stopped by the sound of The Doctor calling out your name. "Wait, there are still questions I need to ask you."
"Then talk to me tomorrow then. I'm old, I get tired easily. I will be at the farm in the morning, so wait till then to ask me." You said now fully walking out of the door and towards the farm.
You arrived back at Sweet Apple Acres. The house you were just recently in smelt even more like apples than before. As soon as you stepped into the doorway, you were asked an expected question.
“Is it done?” Granny Smith asked while taking a good look at you. “It must be. Your eyes, they look different. I don’t recognize your eyes.”
You nodded your head. “Yes. It is done. Inkwell is no more. All that remains is me and me only.” You said with a small sigh. You began to feel extremely tired, just standing felt like it was too much work. Granny Smith took note of your sudden drowsiness and led you into the living room.
“Are you okay?” She asked helping you to lay down on the couch.
“Yeah, I’m just a little tired.” You nodded your head. “I’m sure one of your parents told you about what’s about to happen, right?”
“Only what you’ve told them. Yer supposed to be changing, correct?”
You nodded your head once more. “A more proper term would be regeneration. It’s a process in which my old cells, renew themselves into newer fresh ones. Causing a complete physical and often psychological change. It could happen because of severe illness, injury, or in my case old age.” You smiled.
“Yes, my father told me about this, when I was just a wee filly. I just never thought he was telling the truth. So what, you just disappear and some new pony just pops up with your name and memories?” She asked, which you confirmed with a simple smile. “I see, how much of you will change?”
You shrugged your shoulders. “Who knows. Some of ponies of my race can control their regeneration. I’m not one of those ponies. So it’ll be at random, but I think I can hold off until tomorrow,” You said nodding your head. “And when I’m done, I’ll be out of your hair by tomorrow.”
“I see,” Granny Smith said placing a blanket over you. “It’s alright. You can stay as long as you need too.” She said patting you gently on the chest. She reminded you of a mother taking care of her child and as a result, you yourself felt a little less ancient. “You know, you did my family a great service all those years ago.” She said looking at you as if she could almost see through you. Which you knew wasn’t the case. If she could see through you, see would have kicked you out as soon as your hoof stepped into the house.
In fact her eyes reminded you tremendously of her mother. In fact everything about her reminded you of her mother. Applejack also looked like Granny Smith. It was like the children of each generation was a splitting image of their parents, no matter how distant. “I may not have been there but on the behalf of my entire family. Allow me to say thank you.” She said closing her eyes as if she was almost honoring you.
You began to chuckle. ”Don’t worry about it. I should be the one who should say thank you.” You said giving her a weak smile.
She looked at you in confusion. “What for? For all you’ve done for my family, I only wish I could give you something more worthwhile.”
“Oh, believe me. Your thanks will suffice. Your family has done me a great service all these years and I have greatly appreciate it.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. My family owes you an even greater debt. Me and everypony here in Ponyville and everypony in Appaloosa owes you a tremendous debt to you as well. If you hadn’t helped my family all those years ago, Ponyville might have never been founded.”
You laid your head back on the couch and closed your eyes. You helped Granny Smith’s family out a long time ago. While you didn’t think you needed payment, they felt as though they were somehow obligated to help you in anyway possible, should you request their aid. Initially, you met their loyalty and kindness to you with skepticism, but over time you got used to it. Extremely loyal, the Apple family had pledged their allegiance to you, whenever you needed some help, no matter where you were, the family member was obligated to help you.
Granny Smith gave you a warm smile as she sense how tired you were becoming. “You rest up now and I’ll see you in the morning.”
You gave her a silent nod as you drifted off to sleep.
Though for a brief moment your mind was blank, you could smell the faint scent of flowers. Of course you recognize the scent of these plants, they were your favorite after all. The Schlenk Blossom.Though it smelt extremely nice when isolated, a normal pony would find the smell of these flowers when in large fields to be overpowering. You didn’t mind as you were used to the smell.
You opened your eyes to find yourself in the dream world once again. In fact, you knew this was a dream because these plants only exist in one place and that place was now gone. You were in the meadows of Trivida. Outside of the nearby city were the two ponies from your earlier dream. They both met you with a similar appearance as before.
“You’re back,” The Mare said showing visible sadness. “And so soon too...”
You chuckled sadly. “I suppose I am.” You smiled.
“Are you ready?” The Stallion asked.
You shook your head. “Can one truly be ready for something like this?” You chuckled once more. “I just wish I did something more productive with my time, but I guess we all have a purpose in life and mine was to be wasted.” You stood next to them and gave out one last great big sigh. “But I’m ready. I just hope I’m not a child in this one.” You said looking at the mare, who proceeded to smile.
“What’s wrong with being a kid?” The Mare asked.
“You’re all too unpredictable.” You huffed.
“There was a time where you were quite fond of this regeneration.” She joked.
You scoffed at the word regeneration. Sounds like death. “Yeah, but that was centuries ago. Times change.”
“Yes, times do change. You can only hope that this change won’t be so painful.” The stallion said.
“Yeah, I know...I know.”
The dream began to end as you let out a loud deafening scream. One of your hearts gave out. It felt like a thousand needles were repeatedly stabbing you in the chest. No matter how much you clenched your chest, the pain just magnified. You placed a hoof on the living room table but you didn’t have enough strength to support your weight so you just fell to the floor.
You couldn’t help but smile as you laid on the floor dying. For the first time you actually welcomed it. You welcomed the death of old age. Strange as you thought about it. This one was one of the most painful ones, yet.
Your breaths were becoming much more shallow and haggard, but death just wouldn’t come. It was as if it was taking its sweet, sweet time to embrace you. All you could do was just lay on the floor in pain as you watched as a bright golden dust began to emit itself from your hooves. “Come on, damn you. Just get it over with...” You whispered to no one in particular.
Applejack looked downstairs as a bright light illuminated the entire living room. She would have thought you turned on a lamp, but your constant screams put her on edge. She couldn’t call Big Mac to go check on you since he was over his marefriends house, and since Granny Smith was too old to call on for help and Apple Bloom was too young, it was her job to go check, even if she didn’t want too.
She quietly tip toed down the stairs. She watched as whatever lit up the living room died down along with your screams. She slowly turned on the living room light and noticed that an unfamiliar stallion was standing in the middle of the room. “Who are you?” She asked while keeping a distance away from the new “you”.
You shook your head and was about to answer but something stopped you. There was a small discomfort around your chest as you began to smile. “Sorry about that. New heart. It always kicks in last. You may call me, The Vanguard.”
“Are ya’ feelin alright?” Applejack asked as she watched you stare aimlessly at the living room wall. No matter how many times you shhh'd her, she continued to keep talking. Annoying as it was, you could understand her concern for you. You did just change into a new pony. Anyone with the right mind would be concerned.
“Yes, for the hundredth time I'm fine. Now would you kindly do me a favor and shut up. I'm thinking.” You said passing a glance at Applejack. You could tell that she didn't take too kindly to you telling her to be quiet. There was a quick moment of silence before she began to speak again.
“What are ya’ll thinking about?” She asked causing you to let out a much exaggerated sigh.
“I'm thinking about the last 400 years that I've wasted in that body. All those years that I could have spent doing something.” You aggressively began to rub your chin. “Too many memories that shouldn't be here. Waste of a perfectly good regeneration.” You spat furious we as you try to sort through your head.
Applejack shook her head. “What in tarnation are ya’ll gettin on about? What happened to ya? How did ya’ll change like that without the use of magic?”
“I guess your grandma didn't tell you everything now did she? Now listen up, because I'm only going to say this once. My name is The Vanguard. I am well over 10,000 years old. I hail from a planet called Gallopfrey. I changed my appearance through a process called regeneration, but on your planet it would be better associated with the term reincarnation- which is the rebirth of a soul into a new body, but regeneration is quite similar but still different. Regeneration Is the rebirth of a body but with the same soul. That old stallion from earlier was me, but now he's not. He's dead, but still alive. Am I making any sense to you?” You ask Applejack causing her to studder.
“Yes, ah mean somewhat.” She said trying to fully processed everything you had just laid out to her.
“Good. You're a lot brighter than I thought you were. Kudos to you.” You said tipping her hat over her eyes.
“Okay, so if you can live multiple lives, what number are you on right now?”
“My third, no! Fourth Incarnation. I believe I'm on my fourth.” You said feeling a bit uncertain about what generation you were on.
“Are you sure? You said that as if you didn't quite know the answer yourself.” She asked raising an eyebrow.
“My mind is a little fuzzy right now. Regeneration can be a bit-” Suddently you stopped, causing Applejack to wonder. There was a weird feeling building up in your chest, right where your hearts were. “Something's wrong.” You said hopping onto your hooves.
“What do you mean what's wrong? Applejack axe growing a bit concerned.
“I don't know!” You yelled. Then clinched your chest as an attempt to stop the pain. It felt like thousands upon thousands of little needles were stabbing themselves in and out of your hearts with each beat that they made. “My hearts! Something's wrong with my hearts!” You yelled out in a seemingly annoyed tone. This was always a reoccurring problem with you. With every regeneration you’ve had there was always something wrong with your heart. A defect you've had since birth, not every regeneration could fix the problem, in fact this time the pain seem to be at its worst.
“What's going on?” Applejack asked as she jumped out of her chair in order to assist you, but you immediately pushed her back.
“Get back!” You yelled. “I think I'm having a heart attack or possibly heart failure.” You laugh while in immense pain. “I can't tell, it's been so long since I've had one.”
“You mean you don't know?”
“I don't know alot of things.” You chuckled.
“That's not funny, you’re lying here dying on mah floor and ya’ll think its funny?” Applejack yelled out in anger and shock. You probably would have made a snappy remark but you didn't even hear what he said, you were already on conscious.
When you open your eyes you found yourself in your mind, surrounded by three others. The stallion, The Mare, and now the old Stallion. You couldn't help but give them a smile. “Well if it isn't me, me and what do you know? Me!” You yelled out clapping your hoes.
The oldest one here in terms of physical appearance was the stallion, he was your original incarnation. He was your second longest living incarnation, clocking in at about 2500 years before dying and regenerating into your second one.
The incarnation who had the pleasure of being the oldest was your second incarnation who had just happened to be your only female form. She had the pleasure of living about 7500 years before calling a quits and regenerating into your third incarnation.
You're very incarnation, however, was your youngest living incarnation. He only caught in around about 400 years old, before regenerating into what is now on your fourth incarnation, which means you're barely 10 minutes old.
“Oh great, it seems like he's a joker. I don’t like jokers.” The second said rolling her eyes.
“Neither do I.” The Third agreed.
“And what's so wrong with that? You don't have to say such mean things. You’re figments of my imagination anyway.” You said chuckling to yourself.
“Yes, we are. I find it funny how figment of imagination are telling you that they don't like you.” The second said crossing her eyes at you.
“You don't like me? That hurts. That really does. So how do you guys like the new body?” You asked turning around for a long time to see the full form.
All three of them took a second and looked at each other. “Average.” They all said in unison. “You lose points for still having a heart condition.” The second said.
“Not my fault. Birth defect.” You said with a loud huff. “Besides don't get on me, you all had it as well.” You pointed out.
“Just not as bad as you.” The third stated giving you what looked like a frown.
“Wow, I do not like me.” You said chuckling at the fact that you were one that had created these figments of your past selves. After the Time War you were left alone for a very long time. Think of it as a coping mechanism.
“So, do you have you made any plans?” The First asked causing you to shake your head in denial. Haven’t been here for more than a few minutes and you were already expected to have a plan.
“Nope.” You said not really giving any thought to it.
“Well, a lot of good that you are.” The Second said shaking her head.
“Hey, cut me some slack. I’m still new. I’ve still got to work out the few kinks here and there.” You exclaimed. “First, I just need to find my Tardis and I should be set.”
“Does anyone remember where it is?” The Third asked.
“Nope.” said The Second.
“Can’t say I do.” Added The First.
“Then what good are all of you then? We've got ten thousand years of memories floating around in here and we can't seem to remember anything that should be important!” You yelled out in frustration.
“Um, what are we supposed to be remembering again?” The Third asked.
“My TARDIS!" You yell it out with absolute anger. Sometimes you wonder why you even created these voices in your head. You're absolutely worth it sometimes. You dismissed the voices and watch as everypony begin to fade away, leaving you alone.
"This is going to be difficult. Very, very difficult." You sighed.
“And how long has he been out like this?” Granny Smith asked Applejack as she attended to your own conscious body.
“For a while Granny.” Applejack admit it.
“And ya’ll didn't think to wake me up?”
“Granny I tried, but ah think you hit the cider a bit too hard last night.”
Granny Smith began to blush. “Um, right then. It appears that he's just sleeping… You said he was having a heart attack right?”
“Yes. He said that right before passing out.”
“Well, don't panic too hard. I believe this might have been one of those side effects of that regeneration thing my mother told me about when I was Apple Bloom's age. He should be just fine, at least I think he is.” Granny Smith said letting out a sigh as she didn't know what to do with you.
“Now thats something strange. Your mother must’ve been well informed.” A voice said alerting both Applejack and her grandmother. Upon turning around they saw The Doctor with a look of uncertainty on his face.
