Dinky adventrues with her favorite stallion in the world
The Doctor is confused. Not only because he's newly a pony, but because everypony seems to already know him. Especially a cute little filly that's the daughter of a pony with strange eyes. Derpy apparently already is his campanion, despite meeting her for the first time.
Yet while it's all new for the Doctor, for Dinky the situation is very different. To her he is no stranger, but a Stallion she is ever so glad to see again. The love of her mother's extremely long life. Also, Dinky has a plan. A plan to give her mommy and the Doctor something utterly priceless.
Momma had just called me muffin again and I smiled. For a while she had been so scared of muffins, but I wasn't really sure why. Once I knew I had a little talk with her and explained how she was being silly. Momma is super smart, but sometimes she doesn't get really obvious things like that. Then mom's eyes looked right at me and I knew she was super serious. It's about the only time both eyes ever looked at the same thing.
"Now I trust you Dinky, but stay away from the crusaders. You're right they are nice ponies, but they were dangerous before, and they're even more dangerous now." Then she smiled. "Now go have fun."
She then waved and I waved back. I thought about saying something how she's put me in way more danger than the crusaders ever could, but that sounded really horrible. Also, if I did that she might decide I should never go outside again, and start securing the house again like last time. That didn't end well. I then started walking over to Bon Bon's shop. Twist is her apprentice and we talk a lot. Unlike me she agrees with my mom that crusading for your cutie mark is too dangerous. It is kind of silly for me anyway. I know what it's going to be, just not when and how I get it.
Then I saw the pinatas. There were five of them in a rough circle, steamers wrapped loosely around them. Pinkie was imitating a royal guard, and thanks to her new abilities right down to looking like a pegasus. I still don't how how she learned to shapeshift, but I don't get why everypony seemed so surprised. The gingerbread armor was surprisingly accurate, but still an even bigger give away than her pinkness she wasn't a real guard. Each pinata was an hourglass, and couldn't help but remind me of him. I walked to the edge of the cordoned off area and looked at nothing but a random section of the street, not any different from any other as far as I could tell. I then looked up to see Pinkie glaring down at me. I was a little scared until she ruined it by giggling.
"Aww, that’s so hard. I mean I thought I was like a super good actor and stuff, but being all boring and stiff is super difficult."
"Pinkie, what are you doing?"
"Oh, well I had a combo, so something is going to crash into this spot super fast. I wanted to make sure nopony got hurt."
"Is there any reason for the hourglass pinatas?"
"Duh, it's not just anything, but a time traveling spaceship. There are like five of those I know of, but I figure the hourglass is a safe bet, ya know."
I nodded. "I'm probably one of the few ponies in this town who would have any idea what you're talking about." I smiled "Do you think it could be…."
Before I could say anything else I heard a noise. I didn't bother to look up, I ran, and Pinkie was soon ahead of me. After we were a good distance away she jumped in the air, somehow leaving her gingerbread armor hanging in the air. Then she swallowed it in one bite. Seriously I didn't get everypony being surprised. Shape-shifting is far less weird than some of the things she does. Then I looked back just in time to see something crash into the spot in question. Candy went everywhere, a huge cloud of dust being kicked up. I caught a few pieces of candy with my magic. I ate them while we were waiting for the dust to clear. Pinkie had already somehow gathered a large pile of candy despite not seeming to move.
"I bet I know which one you hope it is."
I nodded. "Can you see if it's blue yet?"
She shook her head. "Noph yef. But it if forta small."
I briefly turned to see Pinkie with a great deal of candy in her mouth. I then turned back to the cloud. I could see a fairly small rectangular shape, but couldn’t make out the color. Then I suddenly remembered something, and focused hard as I could. The wind spell was supposedly really simple but it took me forever to learn it. But it did the job really well, gently blowing away the dust. It was a blue box that now read "Guard Box" at the top, but I knew it used to read something else. Then he came out.
The Doctor. He looked a little shaky on his hooves, and seemed to be taking in the scenery more than usual for someplace he'd been before, but it was him. He was the bravest stallion ever. And strong and smart too. He was amazing, and he was back. I couldn’t wait any longer and rushed up to him, leaping to give him the biggest hug I could. He didn't hug me back. After a moment I sighed and let go, then backed up a few steps. He leaned in close, and stared at me.
"Fascinating. I wonder if…"
"Hiya doctor." Yelled Pinkie
"Gya." The Doctor then fell back on his haunches as Pinkie was suddenly right in front of him. "So you can talk too. I was wondering if…"
"Can talk?" I asked
"Yes little girl, this might seem odd to you but I'm from a different universe and…"
"I didn't use to be a pony." Pinkie and I echoed.
He blinked. "Then again apparently not."
"Wait, you don't even know my name and you're still confused about…" I began, then hung my head and sighed. "That means this is the first time." Then suddenly I smiled and my head shot up. "That means it's the first time. Which means…"
I then hopped around in a circle giggling. There was a good chance Pinkie actually knew why I was doing it, but I also know she wouldn’t care if she didn't and would join in regardless. Then of course she joined in the hopping. The Doctor looked quite bewildered of course. After a few minutes I stopped, but Pinkie kept going. I then bowed slightly, and smiled brightly. He smiled in return.
"Hello. My name is Dinky Doo, it's a pleasure to meet you for the first time Doctor."
He stared for a second. "You know me? Oh, now that is just terribly interesting."
"Yes, now I should really take you home. Momma will surely want to see you and Star probably will, though she's never been your biggest fan."
Pinkie suddenly stopped, halting entirely in midair a moment before falling to the ground. "Oh, and I'm Pinkie Pie." Then she gasped. "Omigosh, I can finally give you your welcome party. See the first time you came here you said you already had a welcome party so I couldn't throw it then, I mean it's just silly to have two welcome parties, even if your first welcome party is in the future, but now it's the future which means…"
Then she gasped again, took off, wings buzzing rapidly, and flew off toward sugar cube corner. The Doctor stared after her then he turned back to me and looked at me. At first I thought he was staring at my eyes, but then I realized he was staring at my forehead. Oh yea, he knows almost nothing.
"I am a unicorn."
"What?"
"You're staring at my horn right? I'm a unicorn. Pinkie looked like a pegasus, but she's really not. Like you she's really an earth pony, but she's special."
"How special?"
"That's a real long conversation, and you should ask someone else, they can explain it all better. The really important thing is magic does work here and can do amazing things."
"Magic, come now magic…"
"You could call it something else, but ultimately it's still direct manipulation of an observable, albeit to you alien, force to create desired affects. There is a scientific explanation, but mostly the explanation is magic is a force which exists to counteract the traditional forces and prevent the heat death of the universe."
"Oh. Well, you seem to be a very knowledgeable little filly, don't you." Then he tilted his head to the side. "Why did I just say that? It seems accurate enough but…"
"Someone I know calls it a filter, but it's more than that. Certain concepts don't exist in this universe, or have been translated to others. Like what you used to be for example."
"Ah, so you know that despite my appearance as a small horse I used to be a pony."
I laughed.
"Ah, I see what you mean. Fascinating. Well I'm sure I'll get the hang of it."
"You will yes. Come on, momma will be so happy."
"Hmm, well I don't see why not, but what I really need is some way to repair the Tardis. I doubt there is anypony here that…" he laughed. "Anypony? Really? Marvelous."
"There is actually. She's helped you several times before. However you certainly won't have the bits right now and Blinkie is immune to the paper."
"You know about the…" He then smiled. "Your mother is one of my companions here isn't she. She…" his face then dropped. "I'm going to be here awhile."
"It's a very nice universe. You should give it a chance."
"I'm sure it's lovely but…"
"No, I mean literally it's nice. Your universe seems so much…" I paused. "…meaner."
"Universes can't be mean or nice they just…"
"But you can have a universe where probability is shifted to make certain outcomes more likely, not to mention the effect of magic."
He laughed. "Imagine that, a nicer universe? I suppose I at least have to give it a try, regardless of whether I want to or not. Lead on. Allonsy."
For a time I just stared, smiling. Compared to how long mom's had to wait for things waiting a few months was nothing, but I still missed him so much. He got this little smirk on his face, then shook his head.
"Ah, so clearly I have a fan. Now I know I can be quite charming but this silly little crush you clearly have on me, it will pass."
I cringed. "Crush? Ewwwww."
"What? I know I'm older than you, literally ancient actually, but I know I don't look it."
"It's not that it's that…"
Then I stopped. I suddenly realized the full truth was the one thing I could not tell him. I quickly thought though what would be the best lie, and suddenly I had it. Technically it was even the truth, even if it sort of avoided the real reason I was so grossed out by that idea.
"My mom fancies you."
"Ah. Yes, I think I get it now. Hmm, and you picked up that turn of phrase from me as well, didn't you?"
I nodded. "Yes, come on, let's go. Oh momma will be so happy."
"She does know that…"
"Oh she knows exactly how you feel, trust me."
"Excellent."
Then he started marching in the wrong direction. I laughed. The Doctor was amazing, but sometimes he could be as silly as momma. He soon came back and I trotted off in the right direction.
Momma was hugging him tightly. So tightly The Doctor was clearly having trouble breathing. Momma was surprisingly strong. I smiled at the sight, including The Doctor struggling to escape. But of course then momma stopped hugging right before his need to breathe got serious. Star had walked in during and rolled her eyes, but said nothing. I then realized I should make this clear as possible as soon as I could.
"Momma, Star, as you know, this is The Doctor. Doctor I would like to introduce you to my mother Ditzy Doo, and my sister Amethyst Star."
"Charmed as ever." Said Star, rolling her eyes then giving a light snort.
Momma looked down and sighed, but then looked up, eyes focusing briefly on The Doctor and smiling. "I prefer it if ponies call me Derpy though." Momma then giggled
"Hmmm, I could be wrong but isn't that not exactly positive?"
"I don't think so, and most ponies don't even get the reference." Momma then laughed. "I think it's funny."
"Ah, well it's a pleasure to meet you." The Doctor smiled "Are all ponies so, hug happy."
"Well, not really, but it's been a long time." Momma gave a tiny smile. "I know you've been around but you haven't been here. You're very important to this family."
"What do you mean exactly…"
Then momma turned away. One of her eyes was still looking at him. "I can't tell you."
"What? Why not. There is clearly something more going on than just…"
"She won't tell you." Said Star. "So since this is clearly the first time the Tardis is currently stuck in a hole in the street right?"
I nodded.
"Fine. Then I'll go pull it out of there and meet up with you soon as I can. You can go with mom and Dinky to talk to Blinkie."
"Wait, you plan to drag it back here?"
Star rolled her eyes. "No, I plan to levitate her. I am a very powerful unicorn. Before Twilight moved here probably the most powerful in town. I could probably even try teleporting her, but she really hates that."
I then giggled. "But she can't open jars."
Star glared at me briefly, then walked out the door. I giggled again. It was really silly. In fact it's not even all jars, she can open jelly but not pickles for instance. Momma said I shouldn’t tease her but it's fun and most of the time she giggles after giving me the look. I guess she always does try to look her best in front of The Doctor even though it's just to show off or something like that. I don't quite get it.
The Doctor had asked a lot of questions on the way over. He'd never stop asking them really but it wasn't usually one right after another. I think he would have kept going if we hadn't reached the metal barn. He had been babbling about technology for a while. Momma and I had just been standing there listening when Blinkie opened the door. She looked like Pinkie, but purple with grey strait hair. She also had one shinny metal robot leg. It was neat. As usual she also had on a pair of odd metal goggles.
"You're here for the parts to fix the Tardis for the first time correct?"
I nodded.
"As I told your mom last time I charged her for those already since it would be a good time to fabricate them. One second."
She then vanished for a moment before pushing a large brown box in front of the door, then out. Then she closed the door.
"Huh, well she seemed like an odd mare." The Doctor then laughed. "Oh, of course, why didn't I think of that earlier. It only makes sense. Anyway, as I was saying, she seems odd. I generally like odd."
Momma nodded. "Oh yes, you get along well."
"However it would be quite useful if we didn't have to…"
"I'm almost there Mr. impatient. It's not like this is easy."
Then Star came up to us the Tardis suspended next to her. She set it down next to us, only a few hooves away. She was breathing heavily. It looked a little beat up, but already much better than when it crashed. Far better than it could have possibly repaired itself without any help. I smiled.
"Star, you cast a repair spell on it?" I asked
"Mom would have made me anyway. Besides I like her, even if she doesn’t like my attitude toward the doctor."
"Anyway, I guess you all have been inside before, so we should just, go."
"Yay!"
I then opened the Tardis with my magic and rushed inside. It looked pretty beat up, and weird. There was so much stuff missing from the main room, and he clearly hadn't changed the controls at all. No wonder he crashed, even if they are the right size now they don't make sense for a pony to operate with all those tiny buttons. Then I suddenly realized what I just did.
"Ooops."
"Wow, magic can sure do some strange things. You opened the Tardis. I mean that's just outright incredible. Do you have any idea what sorts of forces…" Began the Doctor
"It's just her." Said Star "I can't do it, and I've never seen any other unicorn try. I bet Twilight Sparkle herself couldn't open it."
"And Princess Celsetia and Luna too." I added
"Really now? Why would that be?" He then laughed. "Not that I have any idea who you're speaking of mind, but why should Dinky be the only exception."
Then Blinkie's box slid inside with enough force to knock The Doctor over. The floor was anything but slick, but momma was like that. It wasn't all the time but she could be amazingly clumsy. As it in it was hard to believe it was even possible to be that clumsy. There was a reason her main job was mostly just thinking and writing reports. Momma then came inside, a nervous grin on her face.
"Sorry."
"No really, it's okay." The Doctor then got to his hooves. "Well, there is surely a lot of work to do. I'm not sure how good the repairs could possibly be for a society that hasn't launched even a satellite, even if it is a society of magical ponies."
"You are constantly amazed what Blinkie can do." I added
"Which is stupid." Said Star, shaking her head. "You should know better by now."
"I'm sure it will work very well even if it looks a little different than you're used to." I said
"How different could it be?"
We all looked at each other, Star, momma, and I passing looks between us. The Doctor's complaining about "steampunk crystal filled magical nonsense" got absolutely ridiculous at times. In fact this was probably going to be very annoying, since the complaining has been fading with time. But we were together. It didn't seem like the beginning was where we had to go to get to the end, but we all knew that's how it worked. Unless of course I was going to suddenly start doubting myself.
Silent Sky was the only guard next to Luna. She was a jet black pegasus that looked a lot like her sister Fluttershy, but carried herself in such a way that made it very clear the stern mare was a very different pony. I still thought her neon pink hair looked nice, and her silver armor looked good on her. She was also glaring intently at The Doctor. Luna on the other hand, smiled widely.
"Ah, good to see you again Doctor. It has been so long."
"Does everyone know me?"
"It may seem that way, but you have simply been running into some very interesting ponies like Lady Doo."
"Oh, I lost that title a long time ago Luna." Momma laughed "The nobility got very mad at me for a few incidents here and there. Eventually I couldn't go any lower and they even took away my title as a knight of Equestria."
"Ah yes. But don't you usually do something to earn those back?"
Momma shook her head. "They made a law specifically to keep me from ever gaining a title again. It was flattering really." Then she giggled
"Ah yes, I have missed thy sense of humor. We should have talked more before now."
"Hmm, this is new. A monarch that actually likes me after having met me previously."
"Of course I like you doctor. I even traveled with you once. However most of the time I simply run into you the slow way, which can be quite confusing."
"The slow way." He blinked. "So you really are immortal?"
Luna nodded. "When I said a long time I mean it has been slightly over a thousand years. A meeting most unpleasant, for both of us. I know you have been around on occasion, but the only occasion I had to even see you was during the young flyers competition."
"Which clearly is in his future." I added
"Ah yes, this is your daughter Dinky, yes?"
I barely managed not to gasp.
Momma nodded. "Yes, this is Dinky. Star couldn’t be here, she was busy babysitting. I still can't figure out how Bon Bon convinces her to watch Tootsie so often, but she does."
"Ah. I see." Luna paused, then nodded. "So Doctor. Is it true you really haven't been here that long?"
"Yes."
"EXCELLENT. THAT MEANS…" Silent Sky rose a wing to block Luna's face. "Ah, of course Sky. Sorry about that."
"Well that was certainly interesting." Said the Doctor "So you and your sister are co-rulers of Equestria, and you want to talk to me. Let me guess there is some crisis only I can solve and…"
Luna shook her head. "While your skills are certainly rare Doctor, they are certainly not unique. In fact that is why we called you here. She should be here momentarily."
"She?"
I gasped. The two of them together are always interesting. Then with a very familiar sound a similarly familiar guard box appeared. Except it was mostly bright pink with white trim and heart designs all over it. Pinkie was the only pony I knew of that didn't think it hideous, and even she thought it needed some more color. Painting it wouldn’t work because the Tardis didn't recognize the paint as part of it so it would leave the paint behind when it vanished. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I never would have believed there was ever a time when ponies thought that much pink was a good idea. Then she stepped out.
They were of course remarkably similar. The same unending confidence and that certain look in their eyes. Right now at least even almost the same haircut. But currently she was also a much paler brown, had freckles, and red hair. The Professor smiled. The doctor stared open mouthed at her.
"Y..y..y…y, you're ginger."
The Professor fell over laughing. "Of all the bloody things to say and that's the first thing that comes to mind. Oh it was so worth waiting. Should have known to trust you Dinky. Should of known you knew what you were on about."
"To save time…" said Sky. "Yes, she is this universe's version of you. Yes, she is female, yes, she is ginger, and her Tardis is stuck like that because the 80s were horrible."
"Ah yes, quite right." The Professor then got back to her hooves. "You look smashing as always. Too bad that…" She then looked at mom glaring at her and fell backwards.
Luna laughed
"Both eyes, right. Not mentioning it. Also still not clear on the whole lusting after your alternate self thing. I don't think there really is an answer obviously."
"Now hold on a minute here." Said the Doctor. "How can you really be the alternate version of me if you're a woman. I mean…"
"Widely socially accepted lesbianism."
The Doctor just stared and stared. The Professor just smiled back. The Doctor seemed to think we were strange about sex and stuff, but he never really elaborated. On the other hoof maybe he just never elaborated around me. He then shook his head.
"That is not the answer to my question."
"But it gives you an idea, doesn't it? We even have very similar companions, at least in character, if not appearance. It's wonderful to finally meet you for the first time."
"Wait, the 80s, do you mean the 1980s?" said The Doctor
The Professor nodded. "Oh yes. Apparently your universe even uses the AD demarcation as well, but it stands for something other than After Discord."
"Hmm, interesting. But did the chameleon circuit get stuck in the 1980s?"
She nodded. "Yes. Tried to fix it a few times since then, but it ends up the same Braytish guard box from the 80s every time."
"Hmm, well, how are you ginger. I'm never ginger."
"Really? That's odd. This is the third time for me. I was even a zebra once. I don't think stripes suit me."
"Three times?"
"Its all just chance Doctor." She said "In this universe I was much more likely to be born female than male, and just as in your world for some reason there is a strong chance to not even change ethnicity, much less species."
"Species?"
"Yes, at least appearance. We are of course both Gallopfreean to the core, but I've regenerated into a number of different species. The horn was useful, but really it's the wings I miss most. You should really hope for wings, flying is just marvel."
"A chance of…"
The Doctor then shook his head. He walked up to her and looked her in the eyes. For a time they stayed like that, then he walked around her. When the Professor smiled momma and I both sighed, knowing what she was going to say.
"So, can't resist checking out the flank, can you? I know I'm gorgeous, but the way I remember it you're usually the one admonishing me for that sort of thing."
The Doctor marched back in front of her and glared. "I was not…"
"Stallions always say that, but is it ever true? Even with you?"
"Now listen here…"
"No thank you. Anyway, here is the real reason I came." The Professor then threw a small part of what looked like a clock at the Doctor, which he failed miserably at catching but I managed to grab with my magic.
"Something really important. You'll see what I mean soon enough. See you later Doctor. Right now I have an alien planet to show two fun loving mares."
"Wait, but you can't just leave?"
"I can. Oh, and by the way. Unlike you I already know what it takes to make my Tardis work perfectly, and I'm willing to take the risks, so I will get there, and exactly when I want to. Just like I got here right on schedule."
Then she laughed and ran into her own Tardis. It was soon gone. Luna hadn't said anything during this exchange, but now had a huge smile on her face. Of course really the Doctor knew what it took too, he just doesn't allow himself to do it yet. But he will. Once the Tardis is repaired he'll leave and the beginning of his story will end, and we can get back to somewhere in the middle.
I suddenly realized something terribly important. The Doctor was walking back to the Tardis after lunch. It was nice spending time with him again.
"Oh no, you have an appointment with Colgate."
"I what now?"
I looked around nervously, trying to see if I could see a clock. "I knew it was today but I forgot. You can't be late. We need to hurry."
"You still haven't told me…"
"It's a dental appointment, she really hates when ponies are late so…"
"Oh please. First off I don't really need such a thing and second I…"
"That doesn't matter. You agreed, and she doesn't accept changes in her schedule. It's so much better if you just get there on time instead of letting her use…"
"Shush now Dinky."
I sighed and looked down "Sorry, but you really should have listened. It's probably too late now. I think the cut off is ten minutes."
"What exactly could she do to be for messing with her schedule anyway."
"No, she literally doesn't let anyone mess with her schedule."
"How so? I think you need to be more clear and…"
Then with a loud crack and a flash he was gone. I sighed again and took off as fast I could to Colgate's shop. The sign read "Minuette's Dentistry" since it was her legal name, but almost no one called her that. I walked in and looked at the clock. It said it was 14 past the hour. I bet I got here in like 4 minutes. There was a black scorch mark on the carpet. There was a small desk where a pony could sit, but Colgate didn't have a receptionist. There were doors on either side of the desk, but the left one really led to a kitchen and some stairs since Colgate lived upstairs. The right hall only had two rooms, the one with the dentistry stuff and an office.
"This is just ridiculous. I demand…"
"You made this appointment, I don't care if was future Doctor and you don't remember, just hold still. Using my magic like this is tiring. You usually settle down once I get you in here. I don't get why you're being so obstinate."
"You don't get why I'm being obstinate? You're dragging me about helplessly with your psychokinetic powers and you don't understand why I'm upset?"
I then trotted into the room just in time for Colgate to activate the restraints on the chair, and she released her magic. He of course struggled mightily. It didn't work though. It never did. Colgate then looked down at me.
"Oh, hello Dinky."
"He doesn't have a usual yet. This is the first time he's met you."
She blinked "Really?"
"Uh huh." I nodded
She squeed "Omigosh, I get to do my intro."
Then she vanished in a blue flash, with a matching flash in a large cabinet in the room. This was followed by sounds of shuffling and finally she thrust the doors open, a sonic dental tool that looked a lot like The Doctor's sonic screwdriver in her magical grip. She was also wearing a surgical mask and white labcoat. If she wasn't standing in a cabinet, albeit a big one, it would be really impressive. Her mane even seemed to be blowing in the non-existent wind a little. I clapped my hooves together.
"What."
"So, you ask me who I am?" Colgate began
"What?"
"I'll tell you who I am. I am the slayer of cosmic plaque. I am the champion that defeated Gallopfree's worst ever inflammation of temporal tempestuous teeth. I am the pony brave enough to give the endless maw braces."
"Seriously, what?"
"But if you finished, doesn't that mean it's not really endless?" I asked
"I am…"
She clicked her sonic toothbrush, even though only one setting made that part visible. The lights in the room began to flash, and there was fog now.
"…The Dentist."
"Oh come on. That's just…" The Doctor then trailed off.
With a second click the effects vanished. "But of course you can just call me Colgate, everyone does."
The doctor's head slumped forward the maximum it could strapped to the seat as he was.
"Come on, look up. Don't worry, unless something has gone wrong your teeth should be perfect this time."
The Doctor looked up and sighed. "So let me get this strait, you are from, Gallopfree, a name I'm still not entirely sure how to feel about, and you use the great technology of the time lords to make sure you keep your schedule and clean teeth?"
"Of course. Teeth are important, as are schedules. Even the mightiest creatures in the universe should practice good oral hygiene."
"Well, yes but…"
"Unlike you cousin…" Colgate blinked. "Well, actually I'm her cousin not yours but logically…" Then she turned down to me. "Has he met the Professor yet, because if not this whole conversation…."
"Uh huh. A few days ago. Luna too."
"Excellent." Colgate ran the sonic toothbrush over the Doctor's teeth, a blue beam moving over them that matched the color of Colgate's magic. "Now as I was saying unlike you, I chose a name that really made sense."
"My name makes sense."
Colgate laughed and rolled her eyes. "Sure it does. Anyway, as I thought, your teeth are perfect like usual with a regeneration, and while it's not easy for you to last long enough it's still a terrible idea to use regeneration in place of bushing and flossing."
The doctor blinked. "Wait you mean…"
"Usually I don't let them see it since they ask questions, but yes, it's rather similar to your screwdriver in some ways. For the life of me though I still don't understand why you never use the teeth cleaning function."
"It can do that?" asked the Doctor
"Of course it can do that. I mean…" Colgate laughed. "Omigosh, you really didn't know. I finally get why you expect to be mocked whenever I mention it now."
"Oh, lovely." The Doctor frowned
Colgate undid the restraints. "I mean the very idea that a sonic multi-tool wouldn’t have a function to clean teeth? That's just silly."
"It's not that silly." The Doctor muttered
"So you're telling me you used something other than sonics to brush your teeth when you were a little colt."
"First off I was never really a little colt…"
"Actually for a few months you will be." I added
The doctor quirked an eyebrow.
"And you can't honestly finish that sentence with anything resembling a no."
The Doctor got out of the chair and looked down. "Fine, you're right. Come on Dinky, let's get out of here and leave this insane mare to her work."
Colgate just laughed. The doctor then stomped out of the office as loudly as possible. It was always strange to hear the two of them talk. Sometimes it was like this, these weird arguments, but other times she reminded him of Gallopfree and he started talking somewhat faintly with a far off look in his eyes. It wasn't always fun things, but it was always interesting.
I looked down. Of course one thing I forgot is while my future self has told me a lot, she so hasn't told me everything. I think The Doctor was glaring at me. This seemed familiar, but he of course he couldn't get what this felt like to me. I was in the main room of the Tardis. I knew he was close to finishing the repairs but I didn't think he was that close. He was still wearing the saddlebags from when he came in.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. You always check the Tardis for life signs before you leave though, why didn't you detect mine? It's so easy I can already do it."
"Well yes, it is very easy, but why in the world would I bother. It's not like…" The Doctor then stopped. "Wait."
There was a brief pause and we both echoed "Oh, now I see."
The Doctor shook his head. "Well, right. I suppose there is nothing for it. Not sure the Tardis is calibrated right yet anyway and the modern age would have better tools I'm sure. I'll just pop right back to when we left and…"
"But we can't do that yet, can we?"
The doctor sighed. "No, we cannot. Clearly crossing the dimensional divide really is too much for the repairs at this time."
"Duh. Some of the components were magic based. You burned them out trying to do that. Didn't Blinkie tell you not to try that yet?"
The doctor sighed again. "There was a note to that effect I suppose. It's just everything seemed to be working so well."
"You should have known it wasn't likely to work."
"Oh really little miss know it all? And why is…" He then face hoofed. "Oh yes, you know me, and so does everypony else. So obviously it takes a bit of effort to leave at the very least." He then looked down at me. "So, want to see what Equestria looked like about a hundred or so years ago?"
I hopped up and down. "Oooo, do I ever. I almost never get to go with you on adventures through time."
"Right then. Allons…" He had turned around, then stopped. "Wait, what am I thinking, you're a child. If the Tardis stopped here it could be dangerous."
"I can take care of myself. I'm a big unicorn."
He laughed. "I'm sure you are but…" Then he tilted his head. "Wait, do you mean magically you really can?"
I nodded. "I mean I can't like defeat an ursa major, or not even a normal bear, but I can blind one and get away if I had too. The flash spell is really easy."
"You don't say. A spell that blinds predators and allows an easy escape. I have to admit that would be quite a good survival tactic. Pegasi and the wings is obvious but…"
"Earth ponies are really strong and tough."
"Well I guess that's well and good but…"
"No, I mean really strong. Bon Bon's special talent is making candy but she can still crack stone with a buck."
"Ah, yes, that could certainly work, and the endurance for a long run would be more than enough. Fascinating."
"So can I come?"
"Oh yes, why not. I mean I'm just going shopping, how much trouble could I find?"
I sighed. I don't think the Doctor noticed as he opened the door to the Tardis and strode out confidently. Well, at least it will be exciting.
We were running of course. It was damaged now, it's blaster stuck firing at a bad downward angle that meant we had to be right in front of it. The Doctor was surprised by the horsehead on top. I forgot this was the first time he saw this version of the salt shaker looking things. The thing's outer coating was blackened by damage from lightning and fire, and it was full of small dings. Except other than making it look beat up I don't think it did anything. The one good thing is the palace guards kept trying to stop it instead of us.
"Always with the running. How are you Dinky?"
"I'm fine." I giggled. "The running is kinda fun."
"Ex-ter-mi-nate"
"Just not what we're running from."
I then turned the corner and there they were. The doors of Celestia's room. As expected there were about twenty guards in front of the door. They weren't exactly great under pressure, they just didn't have the experience, but the royal guard was very well trained and given time they could organize properly. What I didn't expect was the doors being open and a small path just right for me to lead the doctor right into her room. I figured it wasn't worth it to worry about that sort of thing when it came to Celestia pretty quickly. She may not really know everything, but it sure seemed like it sometimes.
"Wait a moment, are we…" Began the doctor.
"She's right ahead." Said a guard "I suggest you hurry. We can handle this one easy enough."
Once we were on the other side of the door we briefly looked around the room. Celestia was on the balcony. I ran forward, the skidded to a stop and bowed. She didn't turn around so she probably didn't see it. She seemed to be looking off in the distance, most likely at the fleet of flying saucers that were filling the sky. The Doctor didn't bow of course.
"Now I know you don't know me but…"
"Oh come now Doctor, that's just silly."
"He doesn't know you." I added
"Ah, I see. Thank you Dinky."
"Your majesty, I have a plan. A desperate plan, but a plan nonetheless. I think maybe, just maybe it could work but I need you to trust me and listen to everything I have to say."
"I do trust you Doctor, but I will not listen. I know the Daleks Doctor, what they are, and this is far too rare an opportunity for me to pass up."
"Opportunity? You say you know them but you don't understand the Daleks…"
"Are hateful beings that cannot be reasoned with. They are worse than beasts, as they do what they do with a sort of almost joyful malice. They wish to extinguish all other life."
"What, but then how is this an opportunity?"
"They are creatures undeserving of mercy Doctor. Surely you cannot argue this?"
"No. There have been, exceptions, but they weren't really Daleks anymore."
"Yes. The opportunity is that for once. I need not hold back."
"What do you mean by…"
Then the Doctor gasped. I hadn't heard that sound very often, but I couldn't blame him. Celestia's mane was no longer a gently flowing river of hair, but a raging inferno. But I think what impressed him more was the yellow glow on her horn matching that of the countless flying saucers filling the sky. Then with a shimmer and flash they were gone.
"What?"
"I banished them to the sun, just as I did to the fleet that came to attack this planet to chase the refuges from Gallopfree."
"What?"
"The sun is mine. Just as my near forgotten sister…"
"We just talked with her not long ago." I added
She laughed. It sounded a bit hollow. "Of course. Her domain is the moon, and mine is the sun. She was quite fond of sending things there that annoyed her, but obviously I cannot be nearly so flippant."
The Doctor shook his head. "No, that isn't, well, that's interesting but…" He shook it again "What do you mean refuges from, Gallopfree. I still can't believe that's the name. I mean you think we'd be at least a little more sensible, even as ponies."
"Ah, well there are some differences. Your time ladies were not only brave and wise and strong, but at a time great warriors. Here the strange ponies of Gallopfree never were. They tried to stop the creation of the Daleks, but they failed."
"And they lost the time war." Said the Doctor "Not a series of costly horrible battles, just countless losses. Because that's what they're like as ponies."
"Yes, losses of all kinds, but thankfully rarely their lives. In the end only Gallopfree stood between the Daleks and the domination of all. So they gathered for a single decisive strike that would end it once and for all. This was a grave mistake."
"They opened the eye, didn't they?"
Celestia nodded. "Yes, and a gaping void swallowed the greatest threat to life that I have ever known. But more important is what happened before that."
I smiled and hopped in place a little. "I know this part. The mean old Daleks knew time lord technology really well, but time lords are still ponies, or at least close enough. They have magic, even though it had been so long they used it."
"So one instant all the time ladies and lords in existence were huddled together on their planet, the next they were suddenly gone in a way science could not explain, leaving the Daleks baffled. But not for very long."
"They went all sorts of places, but a lot came to Equestira because they knew the ponies here are real nice." I added
"And I made a promise to the Professor long ago the ponies of Gallopfree would always be welcome here."
"They had to leave all their technology behind so the Daleks couldn't follow, so they lost a whole bunch of stuff, but they're alive."
"Yes, they have a certain attitude I dislike, but they seem to enjoy the, rustic nature, of our planet well enough. The Daleks that somehow avoided the trap came here since the Professor's Tardis was just about the only one still in existence."
"Or possibly they followed mine. They came to threaten earth…"
"Terra." Said Celestia. "Gaia I would also accept, no matter how confusing."
"So what you're saying is…"
"Every time lady and lord has the same cutie mark. They wander this world doing their own business. On other worlds they have tried to even rebuild their society, with some success, but here they simply act as normal ponies and few question it or care."
The Doctor sat down on his haunches. "This is…a lot to take in."
"I told you this universe was nicer." I said then smiled
"Hmm, that should be long enough." Said Celestia. "As I said, the Daleks are without a doubt not deserving of mercy. I know them and know this. Yet I still cannot help but try to give them some, even if it might not be true mercy, I still must try."
Then her horn flashed and a random assortment of creatures appeared in the courtyard below, blocked off by various barricades and surrounded by guards. Royal guards now took to the air as well. Most of the new crowd were ponies, a decent amount other ponylike things like goats, sheep, and deer, and there was even a small dragon and at least one griffin. There might have been something really odd in there too.
"Wait, you can't seriously mean you turned the Dalek attack fleet into…"
"That menagerie below us?" Celestia laughed. "I can and did Doctor. None of them will like it at first, but they are not Daleks anymore. One could argue in the end they are really just new beings with memories which can only cause them or others trouble, but I cannot help but feel this is the right thing to do. I know it is the best I can do."
"So just like that, it's over?"
"Yes Doctor, just like that. There are many reasons I relish chances like this. Not just because I can let loose without fear, but also because every time something like this happens I must struggle to remember the last. That is a good feeling."
"Indeed. I think I should just go. I mean I know this is an alternate world but…"
"I understand. By the way, Canterlot does have a rift and I seem to remember that is why you ended up in this period to begin with."
"It was for repairs too." I said "We parked the Tardis right next to the clocktower. In fact the nice time lady that lives there might have even hooked it up to the rift for us."
"Ah, very good then."
The Doctor was just still for moment. He still had a hard time processing the fact that all the time lords were still running about the universe, even if they were stranded for the most part. Eventually some new Tardises would be built, but it would take a long time. They were time machines so obviously I had seen them, but it still meant you had a bunch of ponies upset about it until they either finished theirs or got picked up by somepony. The time lords were scattered pretty fully though, and from what I've seen most of them seem to have come to prefer it that way by the time they can build a Tardis.
He laughed. It echoed through the large indoor atrium. The Master was not a nice pony, but he was handsome. The first time I heard of him I didn't see how he could be in any way charming, but it was obvious enough to me now. But he was still the mean pony that hurt momma, so like usual I just glared at him as hard as I could. He just smiled in front of us. He was a light blue pony with blonde well styled hair. The Doctor then ran in front of me.
"She has nothing to do with this. I won't let you hurt her."
"Hurt her?" He raised an eyebrow. "I know you're the slow one, but you can't seriously think I'd do harm to sure a cute little time filly now do you."
"Time filly? Wait, you mean…"He spun around to me. Your father is a time lord."
I slowly nodded. "Momma said not to say and I agreed. I'm not quite normal, but…"
"That makes no sense. I would be able to tell."
"Can you tell that he is?" I asked
He spun back to the master. "No, not even a little. What is going on."
The master then laughed. "Oh, I get it. This is the first time you've met this version of me, isn't it? Now I get it. Let me explain. First off you can't sense us because that simply does not work here."
"It probably has something to do with this universe having a different sort of time/space system, but it might just be random chance too."
"Secondly…" began the Master "I am not a nice pony. About the only thing you and I agree on The Professor does not is that mares are not smarter than stallions."
"Wait, she believes that?"
"Most of this entire universe seems to believe the superiority of mares, haven't you noticed?" Then he laughed. "No, I suppose not. Of course annoyingly you seem to be some excellent evidence to prove her point."
"Hay. Now wait a second you…" The Doctor then blinked. "You sound more like the old him. Before the Master. Maybe not quite but…"
"There is no drumbeat. Never really understood what that was about honestly, but it seems terribly important to you. I am not the fool and ruffian you describe. I would never dream of hurting a fellow time lord, and even try my best with the native Equestirans as well. No point in ending their tiny little lives even earlier."
"Ah, so you're saying you're no longer a murderous megolamanical maniac, now you're just a horribly egotistical ponce."
"I am the Master. You, she, and all your companions refuse to accept that, but I am everypony's master, and one day all will know that."
"Now that sounds more like the fellow I've come to loathe."
"Yes, yes. How droll. Now our little chat has come to an end. Guards." The master shouted. "Toss them into the cell downstairs. With them out of the way things should go off without a hitch and….they should have been here by now."
"Hello once again my double."
The master then groaned. Above us was The Professor, wearing a long flowing blue dress, her hair was done up in a bun. Then two other ponies came behind her, in only slightly less fancy dresses. One was a bright pink mare I didn't know the name of with a bright orange curly mane. She had on a simple blue dress and I think she had wings, but I wasn't sure. The other was Jet Harness. She was a red pegasus with a messy brown mane. At least it looked messy to me, she insisted it was the height of style. The long slightly unkempt look didn't seem like it would be in style in any era to me, but I was still a foal, no matter how special. She was wearing a black dress that showed off her wings. Future me said my pegasus heritage meant eventually that would make sense to me but wings being sexy made even less sense than everything else.
"Ah Doctor, looking as stunning as ever I see." Jet smiled "And once again I'm having some very naughty thoughts looking at you Dinky."
"It really is you, isn't it?" asked the Doctor
Jet nodded. "Oh yes, Captain Jet Harness, at your service. Though you never let me."
"I know some ideas change, but a child. Really?"
"Oh I'm not saying I have naughty thoughts of her now, I'm not that perverted. No, I mean her older self. She is quite the hottie. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree if you know what I mean."
"Not entirely. You know her mother?"
Jet then laughed. "Oh, yes, early Doctor, right. Nearly forgot. Neigh, I mean that smoking hot w…" Jet then smacked herself in the head. "I mean smoking hottie that is her mother. Oh the wings on her."
"Well it's oddly comforting to know a change in gender and universe hasn't affected you much at all."
"Ooo, it's the really early one, isn't it."
I nodded. "This is the first time he's traveled through time in Equestria."
"Oh really?"
The Master then blinked. He was halfway out the room, but then sighed as everyone turned to look at him again. He then trotted back out into the room to look up at The Professor. I noticed the pink pony was now hovering in the air, like she was waiting for something. I wasn't sure earlier but clearly she really is a pegasus.
"You have destroyed all my carefully laid plans while I was distracted, correct?"
"Oh yes." The Professor then giggled. "Though we did most of the work before that."
He sighed again. "Just a few countries under my control, is that really too much to ask?"
"Wow, you may be handsome but it seems like you get dumber over time." Said Jet
The Master laughed. "Oh please. That being said it's clear that now all that's left to me is a bit of revenge. So how about this. Doctor, Dinky…"
Then the pink pony tackled him to the ground. She laughed as he got the wind knocked out of him with a sickening crunch. The Professor shook her head.
"Really River, you could have held back a little."
"Oh come on, it's The Master. Even if I overdo it it's no big deal, he'll just regenerate."
"River? As in River Song?" asked the Doctor
She looked up and smiled. "Sorry Doctor, but I have my mare, and you'll just have to be satisfied with the wife you do end up with."
"Wife, what wife?"
The master groaned. "And you stopped me because?"
"Oh a little hint never hurt anypony." She then smacked the Master in the head. "And as to your question Doctor, sorry, but no spoilers."
"Ugh, very well. Ta for now."
Then the master was gone in a flash of light. We'd never figured out exactly what sort of mix of technology and magic his escape device was, only that it felt like a teleport, but couldn’t be blocked like one. About the only thing we had learned was he always closed his mouth when he used it, suggesting he triggered it with his tongue somehow. The Professor smiled brightly.
"Oh well, another plan foiled and another escape. Onwards we go I suppose."
"Now wait a second, you're just going to leave?"
"Yes, well." The professor then looked behind her. "See the Master assumed a bit too much of me. While his plans are thoroughly foiled, there is one little problem we didn't manage to take care of it is should be nearly caught up by now, so I really must be off."
Then she took off in a full gallop across the upper floor, quickly passing though a doorway and out of sight. Jet and River took to the air just in time for the wall behind them to give way. A huge metal griffin had just knocked down a good part of the building. Most of that landed on the robot so it was having trouble moving, but it sure didn't stop.
"Actually it's not that little." Said Jet
There was a loud crackle of static from the robot which suddenly transitioned into speech mid word. "…ocity. Finally cook…." There distortion before it said the next word. "The Professor for an hour at 350 degrees, basting lightly."
"Wait." The Doctor turned to me "I thought you just said that the Master doesn't like killing and that…"
River laughed. "Yea, we kinda broke it. It got its cookbook and orders mixed up so now it wants to serve The Professor as dinner instead of a nice meal in a locked room."
"Why would he do that?"
"He's trying to woo her." I added. "Even though there is no way that will ever happen."
"Oh, yes, that too I suppose, but I meant why would you give a huge death machine files on cooking."
"Oh that's not a death machine." Said Jet "It's a robo cook. It has it's own internal oven and pantry."
"But why is it so big and dangerous?"
"They're intelligent enough to be multipurpose and have to be big so they tend to be used as bouncers or guards as well." Said Jet. "Anyway, I would run. That thing might not want to cook you too, but I wouldn't count on it."
"Dinky I think we should listen to the nice mare and…"
I was already galloping in the other direction as fast as I could. Shorter legs meant I could never really keep up with the Doctor so I'm sure he would catch up in a flash. I took one look behind me to see the mecha-griffin spread its wings clearing off the last of the rubble and let loose a roar. The Doctor finally started following me.
"Secondary target designate Doctor found. Further ingredients include…"
I pulled what was bothering me out of my hair. I had a radish stuck in there. The Doctor and I were sitting in an extremely large bowl mostly full of lettuce and other greens, but there were some flowers and various other salad fixings as well. There was thankfully no dressing.
"Well, I guess it's a good thing the Master only ordered us to be served a salad once captured, this isn't so bad." I said
"Except we can't leave the bowl as long as he's watching."
We turned to see the robot just standing there watching across the locked room. I had wondered if it was really even supposed to be guarding us, but it was now clear how may gashes there were in the metal thing's hide, full of sparking wires and burnt out who knows what. Clearly it was seriously damaged.
"So, I think since we're both stuck in this salad, you have some time to answer a few questions for me. Starting with how?"
"You mean how I'm a time lady?"
He nodded.
"Well mommy won't tell me everything yet but when two ponies love each other very much they can…"
The doctor shook his head. "No I mean…" Then he face hooved. "There are literally dozens of time lords running around, any one of them…" Then he blinked. "Wait, no, that shouldn’t work."
"Magical ponies. It smoothes out lots of genetic incompatibility issues. Also momma is special. She's time locked. She's never said but whatever the accident was probably has something to do with a Tardis. Maybe not yours but…"
"So how much of a time lady are you exactly?"
"Well, I have two hearts. I can regenerate, though only future me has so far and she always looks the same. I think there is more stuff too but I forget."
"And why didn’t' you tell me earlier?"
"Momma said not too. I told you that."
"Just because your mother…" Then he blinked. "Wait, you really aren't any older than you look, are you?"
"A little bit, but not much. I am much smarter than the average foal though."
"Yes, I suppose you would have to be, wouldn’t you?" He then snickered. "Is Time Filly and Time Colt really the proper set of terms?"
"Or Time Foal."
He nodded. I looked over to the mecha-griffin again. It was still just sitting there and watching. I really hope somepony comes and rescues us soon. Because I suddenly realized continuing this conversation was a really bad idea.
"So what are you hiding?" he asked
"Huh?"
"You're clearly hiding something. Something from me, and not anypony else. This has something to do with my future doesn't it?"
"Yes, but it's not about paradox or anything like that. Those are impossible here."
"What? How can a paradox be impossible."
"Give me a second. Moonfire said…"
I saw his eye twitch. "I know that name. It's an entirely different name but I know it and know without a doubt you're talking about…"
"Dream Volt is her husband, and you don't like either of them even if I don't know why. Though I think they aren't technically married here or something, but that doesn't seem to matter at all. They act married."
"So you're saying you think all that nonsense about alternate timelines and the like is accurate? Even though you said you've met your future self multiple times."
"Well sometimes I know she gets my own past wrong so it makes sense. That it's all just alternate futures and pasts and every moment of the present is open to all sorts of possibilities, including somepony suddenly showing up telling you about a seemingly destined future."
The Doctor blinked. "Wait, you know it works this way, don't you? You've seen it work this way. Seen things work according to that red haired mad mare's ramblings, because this universe is just that different. But what would that mean?"
"It means it doesn't matter too much what you do with time travel because you can't mess up the past. That even if you get knowledge from a future self that can't have any origin but being told by a future self that doesn't matter."
"That almost sounds specific."
I nodded. "Oh it is. Twilight Sparkle is my magic teacher and she recently went back in time. Only a week, but we talked about it because she knows I'm good with time magic."
"And she knew something only because of her future self."
"Where to find the time travel spells in the Canterlot archive. But because of the way our universe works that isn't a problem. See Twilight A probably actually looked them up, then went back in time as a test. However this freaked out Twilight B."
"Yes, and since A mentioned time spells she was worried something may happen, and thus went back in time to…" The Doctor blinked. "Hmm, actually I’m right out of options in terms of…"
"Warn herself not to panic. However by the time you get to F Twilight warning G it's a dire emergency and she can't even finish the message before her little spell fades."
"Oh, you mean it's just a brief displacement, then right back?"
I nodded. "Yes. Now G may think she warned her past self with the exact same words, and she may even be right. However she actually warned H because at the very least she can't appear in exactly the same time and place in the same universe as F, since F already did that. Maybe the only difference is F has appeared to herself, but…"
"That variation in and of itself creates H, and so on. I admit it's an elegant enough solution to paradox, no matter how much it complicates things in other ways, but it just doesn't sit right with me."
I sighed. "But it is the way it works here. Infinite possibility from each moment. Countless ways things can end, even if one of those possibilities is always someone from the past or future suddenly showing up."
"I'm still not sure I agree, though I'm thinking I might not have a choice, but I am without a doubt impressed. This is a very complicated idea to consider."
"I don't think so. Also Dream is right that it's easier to just not think to hard about it since as long as it's close enough it doesn't matter if stuff like that is just an illusion, it seems accurate enough. Just as long as you remember anything you know about can always be changed. They both think that's really important and I agree."
"Rulers of your own destiny. I've always believed that too really, just a matter of whether something should or should not be changed."
"But here you don't have to worry about that. Just how you feel about your own actions. You can go anywhere, anywhen, and not worry."
"That…"
Then he was quiet. I smiled. I forgot he told me how I first brought up this idea. That wasn't the only reason I had to smile either. I distracted him. Maybe not well, but he didn't ask. He would eventually, but we'd probably get rescued soon enough, and he wouldn’t ask who my father was. The plan might work this time with Rosey's advice this go around we'd get the result we wanted. I still didn't think it mattered that much, but momma really, really wanted this and I wouldn't let her down.
The Tardis vanished, momma inside it. I had been smiling trying to make sure momma didn't pay too much attention to me. She should have some very vague idea of seeing me before but this was hundreds of years before I was born so I couldn’t expect more than that. She had only seen the older me once or twice and that was even further in the past by at least a thousand years, maybe more. At least I think that was it, I got confused myself sometimes. After a few moments the Master came up beside me.
"Remind me why I'm doing you this considerable favor again?"
"I don't know either actually, but eventually I will. That's why you're doing it."
"Ah yes, now I remember. Yes, that is worth it, isn't it? Truthfully this is a small price to pay for one of my greatest successes."
I then followed him back to a jet black carriage. It had various gold accents and red curtains blocking the windows. Behind the curtains were video screens that showed an empty interior. The seats were also red velvet, just like the real ones outside the carriage. It was very fancy looking, but in the Canterlot style meaning it would never go out of fashion. Or at least no pony would ever admit Celestia's favorite style was out of fashion. He opened the door for me and I walked in. He really was a gentlepony even if most of the time when he opened a door for me it was a cell.
"So how is your foalish little plan coming along?"
"Well enough. That was the Doctor at his earliest point in this universe, which means the critical point should be coming up soon. Also it isn't my plan."
"Oh yes, my mistake. It's your dear father's. I don't know why I keep mistaking his terrible idea to help that cross eyed wife of his with something you might devise."
I said nothing. The inside was well lit but nothing but black and red. There were five copies of the Professor standing around the terminal. One the ginger version, three the more common brown like the Doctor, one unicorn, one pegasus, and one earth pony. The alicorn version was also there, standing tall with her mane flowing like sand. Finally there was the silvery robot that made clear the true nature of the fakes. He was going to make me say it, wasn't he?
"Momma said the only way it can work is if I don't even think about him that way. If he's just The Doctor, nothing else. No one else. That way I can't slip up. I can't accidentally call him anything else. I can't give him a clue."
"And you did it." He laughed. "Because somehow that wall eyed mare allowed you to be bred a true time lady worthy of the title. Oh you have a few niggling little things here and there like no alteration of your shape during regeneration, but that hardly matters, and the rest is so inconsequential it's laughable."
"Are you going to take me home or not?"
"Of course. I really don't care about your plan either way. In fact it might even help. One less meddler and all that. Frankly one of her is enough, even if he does seem to be a bit on the defective side."
I looked at one of the robots "They can't really be as good as real ponies, can they?"
"You'd be surprised. In fact despite what you may think they're far more organic than my prototype might suggest. Not quite the genuine article, but close enough for both business and pleasure if you get my drift."
"Ewwwwwww"
I quickly looked around for anything to get my mind off that. The Doctor said foals from his dimension don't know half as much about mating as here, and right now I wish I didn't. Why would he tell me that? He's so gross.
Star looked down at me. I was smiling really broadly. She waved a hoof in font of my face. I then started bouncing around her in a circle.
"We're almost done. We're almost done. Daddy is coming back, daddy is…"
I was caught in midair in Star's magic. "Now hold up. This whole plan of yours confuses the heck out of me but I could swear…"
"This is still the middle but we already went through most of the rest. I think it's going to work. I think I'm going to finally get back daddy, and not the Doctor. That he'll be the stallion that knows me and…"
"What?"
I face hooved. I face hooved so hard it actually hurt. I think I might have even chipped my horn a little. We did worse this time. There should have been at least one more trip before we screwed up but I let my guard down and we did worse. I was beginning to cry but momma scooped me out of Star's magical grip and hugged me tightly, never setting down on the floor. Star sighed.
"Okay, clearly you're not just going to forget this, so bam, big secret out of the way, yes Dinky is your daughter." Said Star
"Her name isn't really Dinky." Said Momma
"I tired so hard. I did it. I was so good but I was excited. I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry momma. I'm so sorry I failed."
"You tried your best my little muffin. There is nothing left but to go forward now. Besides we may not be exactly who you think we are."
"Huh?"
I was about to ask her to explain, but then momma set me down in front of the Doctor. He had wings. He didn't have wings until near when I was conceived. I wasn't sure exactly when he regenerated and I forgot how close, but it was close. I wonder how many other ponies have been in the next room when their parents made them. I don't think it can be that many. I smiled.
"Oh." I said
"Now wait a second, I still don't understand."
I took a slight bow. "My full name is Rosealine Clockwork Doo, but everypony calls me Dinky. I am your daughter."
"But how, we've never…"
Momma and I sighed at the same time. "Not yet." I added. "That was the whole point."
"What?"
"This plan." Said Star "The whole don't tell him anything nonsense."
"I, didn't want you to feel trapped." One of momma's eyes looked away "I wanted you to still be here for Dinky, but not feel obligated like you will be. So in the future you and me come up with this plan and Dinky works on implementing it."
"Why her?"
"Older me. She's very talented." Then I blinked. "Momma, is that bragging?"
"I'm not sure my little muffin, but it's okay even if it is."
The Doctor then turned to Star. "Does that mean…"
Star rolled her eyes. "Oh please. Dinky is amazing somehow but clearly that's mostly mom." Then she laughed. "Though I suppose my father is the one stallion I know worse than you."
"It's the Master." I said
The Doctor went wide eyed. "That's why you hate me? Because…"
"No." She glared at him. "I hate both of you for the same reason. You make mom cry. It matters that you're just too dim to realize it instead of simply not caring, but the result is the same."
"Star Sapphire Doo. You will not talk to him that way."
"Oh please, it's true and I wasn't even rude. You've heard me be rude. I know you think he's worth it but I don't care. I'm leaving. See you later mom, little sis."
Then she stormed out. Star explained what she meant and I understood, but she tires to live her life in a strait line as much as possible, so she's almost never been in the Tardis. She's almost never seen what momma is like around dad. She's never seen how much mom loves the Doctor. How much she always has. Mom's never said but I think it was the Doctor's fault she is stuck like she is, and something he did made her fall in love with him right then and there. Yes it's sad all the time she hasn't been able to spend with him, but throughout her long life she's treasured every second she has.
"I still don't understand. What is the point? Your future self…"
"We were trying to redirect destiny. Change what seems unchangeable. You learn before you love her enough to have me. Momma wanted you to not feel any pressure."
"But if you succeeded you might cease to exist."
"No. Technically you're not exactly my father, but as I already said, you're close enough it doesn't matter. The differences between universes are so minute that we could never find that particular reality, as it's nearly the same."
"I love you." Momma said "I want you to love me but you don't, not yet. I wanted there to not be an issue with…"
"I understand. I don't think you really understand who I am and what it means to…"
Momma was suddenly right in front of dad, looking strait into his eyes, both eyes staring strait ahead. He took a step back. Serious momma could be a little unnerving if you weren't used to it.
"You don't understand me, but I understand you. No one else understands you like I do Doctor. I have lived thousands upon thousands of years and keep meeting you over and over again. Often seeking you out, looking for big events in the hope we will meet, but also by accident. And so very often meeting myself."
"She also knows auntie really well, and she's just like you in a lot of ways."
"Auntie, you mean the Professor?" he blinked, looking away from momma. "I guess that makes enough sense doesn't it even if technically we aren't related by definition."
"I know you Doctor. We did what we did because I know you. Because now that you do know I know you will never leave, and…" Then momma looked away. "I still wonder. I always wonder and wanted not to."
"I…"
Then he just left. The time lords had power beyond comprehension and so much knowledge. The Doctor in any universe was the greatest among them. Yet he's always had so much trouble with expressing certain emotions. Especially allowing himself to care too deeply for anyone. We both knew this, but both began to cry when he left.
This was something we hadn't considered. We failed but had to keep up the charade whenever the old one showed up. Not because we could somehow succeed, but because it was simply easier than going though it again. But it wasn't all bad. He had wings and he knew me. He would remember all sorts of things even if he still didn't know I was his he was treating me like his daughter anyway. So it wasn't so bad, especially now.
"I really have to say, I'm just loving this flying thing. I have to admit my double was spot on about the wings."
"Of course Doctor." Said Momma
I knew it was coming soon. This was the third time I'd been to this particular young flyers competition, and Rarity was currently flying just a bit too high for her delicate wings. I know there was at least a forth copy of me here still a filly, and at least two copies of me as an adult. The Doctor and momma were in the sky above me. The Doctor kept doing little tricks like loop de loops or corkscrew spins. I hopped up and down on the cloud I was standing on. It seemed to get better every time.
"By the way, how are you doing that. The cloud walking."
"Oh, well both my parents are pegasai, so I get cloudwalking. Stuff bleeds over like that sometimes."
"Both parents?" he asked
"Well I mean not exactly obviously, but a timelord in the form of a pegasus seems to count, or maybe it's all mom, I dunno. Ooo, she just fell. Cool."
"Wait, what?" the doctor whipped his head around
"Relax doctor." Derpy giggled "You may not remember, but we've been here before."
The Wonderbolts failed like before, and then with a flash of color Rainbow saved them all and created a huge explosion of color. I was on the edge of the cloud looking over. I knew without looking momma had to be right behind me ready to make her own dive if I fell. I had jumped off Cloudsdale with my slow fall spell before, so it was really silly, but I knew she did it anyway.
"Oh wow, very impressive."
"Yes, the elements of harmony are very special ponies." Said momma
"Ah, so that's how she's so impressive."
"Actually this is when she barely has any of her power unlocked." Said momma "She even did it as a foal to get her cutie mark. They get far more impressive with time."
"You mean in the present?" he asked
"No, I mean further."
I looked up. The rainbow overhead was pretty too, and the celebration in the center of the arena was interesting the first time, but I looked down again. The Rainboom's main wave was gone, but part of it still lingered, a slowly expanding ring of a rainbow that wouldn’t dissipate for a while. It was amazing.
I was hanging on as tightly as I could. If momma knew we were doing this she'd probably be mad and me and the doctor. Momma could go really fast but that made it even harder for her not to hit things so she rarely did, even up in the air where there was nothing to hit. The Doctor though wasn't like that at all. Then there was a sudden flash on the cloud in front of us. There was a blonde haired mare with a purple coat wearing a pair of goggles. She used her magic to lift them and I saw as I expected my own eyes looking back at me. The Doctor floundered in the air a moment. She laughed
"Oh yea, I almost never talk to you huh?"
"You're…."
She nodded. "Oh yea, little Dinky all grown up. She tends to call me Rosey or Rosemary, but I can see why you might have problems with that."
"But how did you…"
"Teleport obviously. And clouds are still as solid as ever for me. You have no idea how many times I've saved myself by conjuring up a cloud or two."
"So why exactly are you here my you lovely future version of my daughter."
She smiled "Ooo, nice. It's also so hard to not let that sort of thing slip. I mean I did it for years somehow but I have no idea how."
"So, uh, why do you need to talk to me?" I asked
"Oh, the plan failed, so we came up with a new plan, and I even figured a way to get it to work. See there is this artifact called the eye of Chronos."
"Do you mean the eye of time?" asked the Doctor
She shook her head. "Oh not at all." Then she laughed "Well, maybe a little all. I mean Chronos is the alicorn of time, but mostly no. It's an artifact he left on Gallopfree. Now it's in pieces scattered across time and space, but that isn't too big a problem."
"How many pieces?" I asked
"Hmmm, an adventure or two can sort all this." Said The Doctor "That sounds like a deal. Almost too easy really."
"I forget how many. The point is mom already has most of them by now. She's really good at keeping stuff. She should have the clock face by now so you really only need a few pieces. Once you put it together they just lock into it and bam, you're golden."
"Golden, could you be a bit more specific?"
"Oh, well the idea, that she's already had by the way…" she pointed at me. "I have always been quite the genius." I blushed as she said that. "Is that all mom needs to do is see the truth, not really experience it. The eye can do a few things, but mostly it's used for viewing alternate possibilities."
"So we just, what…" The Doctor waved a hoof about randomly. "Ask it nicely and it shows a video?"
"I think it's more direct than that. It can show you all the ways things could go involving you three. It can show you the way things would have gone if you didn't know. It will prove what I always knew but mom had trouble believing."
"Even though she so wanted it to be true." I smiled, looking at the Doctor "That you really love her without question and always will."
"Now I am very fond of your mother and love you but…"
My sigh seemed to echo. "Fine." Said Rosey "We mean in your future and for every moment of your life beyond that. You get the idea."
"I'm not sure if…"
Rosey shook her head. "It doesn’t matter if you're sure or not yet. By the time you complete it you should be far enough along the line. If not it will still show you the truth and you'll still know even if you don't accept it right away."
There was a pause the Doctor lost in thought. Then with a flash we were on the ground right before the Doctor got distracted and stopped flapping. I hopped off right before he hit the ground. It looked like it hurt. He then pulled his face off the ground, looked to me, and smiled. Then he looked off into the distance again. Finally he stood up with a grin on his face and wings spread wide. I can guess what he's going to say next. Not the exact words, but the idea. There were a lot of bad jokes about wing pop, but it wasn't really just kissy face stuff. Momma loves muffins, but not that much. Well, maybe that one but thankfully I was never sure about that. Even without the wings the expression on his face was usually clear enough, but with them it was obvious.
"Then come on you two. What are we waiting for? We have a real full fledged quest to try to complete, and the Tardis is just waiting for us try. Not only that but a timestream that clearly doesn't give a buck about paradoxes."
"Ooo, this is when he's starting to get it." Rosey said
"Which means it has to be…"
I laughed at loud. There were lots of events to keep track of, but if this was the point in time for the Doctor I think it was then there were only one or two more rather brief visits were he was still the Doctor, and wasn't dad. Not only that but now we had another way to get mom what she wanted. I couldn't help but hop in a circle for a bit. Rosey joined in shortly, and after not much longer so did the Doctor.
He had opened his mouth to speak five times. There was unfortunately only one point in time that our relationship could be this awkward. I was still in a good mood after that last trip with the doctor and momma. It wasn't as safe as the Doctor promised, but we ended up bringing back four pieces. Clearly though this was right after he discovered the truth. It was a nice spot, a lonely hill will a nice big tree on it. The Tardis was just on the other side of the large tree.
"How about I start. Yes, I'm your daughter. Now keep going."
"You know where this conversation is going, don't you?"
I shook my head. "I only tell myself stuff I should know. All I know is this awkward conversation should have happened last week but as you know by now one side effect of this different system of time and space is a bit of drift."
"Yes, it's not really your exact future self, or just one possibility or…"
"So on. But…"
"So you're not just any little time filly, but mine? I don't understand Derpy…"
"Is my mother yes. Can you really not figure out how that could happen."
"You can?" he asked
I looked away. "Well, maybe not all the particulars, but yes, I get sex. At least in a health class sorta way. I thought I already told you this?"
He blinked "Maybe you did. Don't think I forgot so maybe it wasn't me exactly. Or further down the line."
"Maybe."
"I didn't just mean…" He took a deep breath. "Genetically speaking…"
"Pony genetics are kinda weird. For the most part other than the four tribes donkeys and zebras there should be no compatibility. The last two are limited as well. Except…"
"Oh yes, magic smoothes things out. I remember now."
"Plus you've at least heard of Chronos right?"
He nodded. "Oh yes, Rommana nearly bit my head off when I didn't recognize the name. The alicorn of time correct?"
"Yes. He's also Luna and Celstia's father."
He went wide eyed a moment. "So the not quite god of Gallopfree…"
"Has a direct connection to this world. There are a good number of ponies that aren't quite normal because one of their parents was a time lord or lady, and a few who like me even ended up full fledged time fillies or time colts."
"Wow. Now that is just…" He smiled
"Yea."
We sat in silence for a while. Then I had a sudden revelation which made me feel like a genius, followed shortly by feeling like a complete idiot. I am a filly, but a full fledged member of one of the smartest races in the entire universe, and my father the most amazing of them all, and that's not even taking momma into account. But I was still a filly and missed really obvious things sometimes. I smiled and turned to the doctor.
"This isn't stress about raising a family. You already know I turn out fine. Despite what you say you do far more than stumble though parent hood somehow."
"I do what now?"
"You know all that. It might be confusing and distressing, but you ran."
"I always run." He turned away
I teleported in front of him. "No you don't." I smiled. "There is so much running, but that's not what I meant, and it's not what you meant either is it?"
"Aren't you a bit young to teleport."
"Maybe. I'm a time lady who's practiced magic since I was very young. The point is you ran because you were afraid. Rosey and momma say it all the time but I just now got it."
"Got what?"
I smiled. "There is only one thing the Doctor truly fears. Loss. You fear it like nothing else. Not just your own loss, but everypony's. You want to make sure nopony…" I then shook my head. "No, no one at all has to suffer it. You want to make sure no one dies."
He just blinked, saying nothing, posture going stiff.
"But this isn't your world. This isn't a world where the odds are always stacked against you. And even when they are that doesn't mean you can't turn it all around anyway. You've done it before, and here it's not even as hard."
Now he was standing. "Now listen here young filly you don't know…"
"Yes I do." I closed my eyes. "I have seen the stallion you become. The stallion I'm proud to call my father, and you are already so close. But I don't need to tell you anything more to make you become him. You're going to keep trying anyway. Even when it seems hopeless, even if it is, you keep trying." I started to cry
"Dinky? You've left this world before, haven't you?"
I nodded. "I'm really not fond of those weird pink fleshy things, but at least the dresses were pretty." I opened my eyes and looked up. "There is always hope here. Magic is the power of life altering the physical universe."
"The power of life? The power of living things." The Doctor then smiled. "Oh, what an amazing way to put it. That's magic?"
I nodded. "And it can do amazing things. We won't leave. Momma is in a loop of time, Star and I are at least as unkillable as you, and she won't let any of us die."
"Loop of time? Do you mean a fixed point in time because now that I think of it Jet didn't seem to be one but…"
I shook my head. "That's impossible. I mean her physical form will loop back to exactly the moment of the incident, whatever it was. She's never said but…"
"Most likely it's my Tardis somehow. I remember. I understand."
I smiled. "The point is we won't leave. Star might not like you very much but she knows how much mom cares about and would do anything to save you."
He laughed. "In retrospect I can actually see the tenacity of my old friend in her. We are most certainly two of the most stubborn time lords in existence if nothing else."
"So we won't leave. You just have to stay. We can be a family we…"
He looked away. "I can't stay. I…"
I rolled my eyes. "I mean with us. Or at the very least with momma. You have a place to come home to, even if you don't yet understand why you deserve it."
He opened his mouth, then closed it. "I…" Then he suddenly smiled. "So little lady, how exactly did you get so smart?"
"Weren't you paying attention? I'm your daughter."
We both laughed. I knew there was something else he wanted to say, but I wasn't smart enough to guess. There are some things about him I never quite understood, and maybe never will. I then gave him a great big hug. He was a little uncomfortable, but then hugged me back.
Momma walked up to Discord, flew up to his claw, and pulled the pocketwatch out of his grip. I still wasn't clear whether such a thing should exist in this era, but it sure did even if it wasn't supposed to have been invented yet. I still couldn’t move and neither could the Doctor. Momma then flew up to Discord's face. He was staring at her, doing nothing but blinking. Then she lightly pressed a hoof on his nose. He pulled back and screamed.
"Apparently you haven't met me yet. My name is Ditzy Doo. I'm a walking time loop, which means my body will always reset to this state. This perfect unchanging shape."
"Unchanging?" Discord's eyes glowed briefly. "Ack, it's even worse than I thought. Still, I can't just let you get what you want."
He snapped his fingers and the watch exploded in a huge fireball. Momma looked fine once the smoke cleared, but parts of the watch were falling everywhere. I could move again, but wasn't sure what to do. Momma was looking around. Then she swooped down and picked two things up off the ground. She held them up in the light.
"Oh, so not just the one gear, but part of Gaia too. Celestia will be happy to have this."
"You mean that's what was powering it?" He stuck out his tongue. "In that case you've clearly done me a favor ridding me of that little trinket. Besides. I think I don't really need it anymore."
He snapped his fingers and suddenly the sun went down. Momma was next to dad and tossed the gears into his saddlebags. Then she flew full speed at Discord, and slammed into him with a resounding "Splang spluck." I'm pretty sure nothing should make a sound like that. Discord screamed, going so far as to fall to the ground entirely holding the side of his face.
"You hurt my muffin. You do not do that. If you ever try that again you will regret it."
Then momma flew away. She's so cool. I noticed the Doctor staring at her with a funny look on his face as she left. I wasn't quite clear on exactly what it meant, but I did know it's something only mommy and daddy ponies did. With some of the gross things the Master and Jet said maybe it was best I didn't entirely get it.
The universe was fading. One little bit at time if faded into the great white. And things were going so well too. Momma and the Tardis were gone, probably back home, but maybe somewhere and somewhen else, but right now it didn't matter. All that mattered was it was just the Doctor and me standing in a slowly shrinking grassy field. I wanted to be confident as he was. To stand tall and stare down the white void, daring the universe to end us. But I was shaking.
"Dinky. I will save us. I don't know how but I will."
"This…reminds me of a story."
"What?"
"The universe began in white, and I guess it ends in white too."
"Wait, is this a creation myth?"
I shook my head. "No. Luna and Celestia's momma told it to them, and it was passed down the whole line, but it really happened. It all started with Galaxy the great artist."
"As in her name was Galaxy?"
"Probably. Everypony knows her cutie mark is an inkwell, so some call her Eternal Well, but that's probably not her real name. Galaxy might not be either, but Luna and Celestia think that's the right one. She was a pretty alicorn with fur as white as the void around her, and red mane."
"Red, just red, nothing else? Why red?"
"I dunno, it's just red. She must have been born that way, or, whatever."
"So you have a creation myth that accepts your creator was somehow created herself?"
I nodded. "Yea. I mean everything has to be created somehow. She was already a pony so she probably came from some other universe where whoever created ponies lives. I dunno. That's not part of the story. She's just in the white void."
The doctor smiled, now standing in front of me, making it really easy to focus only on him. "Creation stories are always good fun, and this one starts our really interesting. So please, keep going. What happens next?"
"She begins to draw of course. She draws and draws and draws, and draws until finally the whole universe is full of her drawings. There are so many interesting things, but she isn't happy. She knows it needs more. So then she starts to paint."
"The entire universe?"
I shook my head. "Not at first. Just one drawing at a time, bringing them to life. Little creatures and plants first, then larger smarter ones until she gets to the first pony. A creature drawn in her image, but without wings or a horn."
"And let me guess he asks for a mate and…"
"He? Why would the first pony be a he? She is lonely though, so the great artist brings more ponies to life and they start to talk. She brings unicorns and pegasai and even sea ponies to life too so there's more variety. They are happy and so is she."
"Oh now this is just something really special, isn't it?"
"But all that work is a lot for one pony, even one as amazing as Galaxy. So she asks if anypony wants to help her finish making the universe. Of course everypony wants to help, but things don't go so well and everypony is trying to do everything all at once, and somepony spills all the ink."
"Let me guess, each tribe blames another for it, don't they?"
I sighed and nodded. "Pretty much, though the only versions that can be published now it's actually an alicorn that spills it, and that's why they have so much responsibility, to make up for the mistake of their ancestor."
"Though that's probably just Celestia making sure no one else has the blame."
I nodded. "Uh huh. I don't think it's really important. The point is the whole universe was black now, and a lot of drawings got covered up. The great artist could see them under the ink, but now only she could finish the job."
"Hmm, for a minute I thought she wasn't going to create all life there."
"Oh she didn't. See she just realized that every pony should have a specific job, and it should also be something they're good and happy with. That way no pony will ever make a mistake again."
"You do know that isn't right, correct?" he said
I laughed. "Yea. But it's still a nice thought, and it's how the story goes. The next part is where most of the specific lessons are and vary from version to version. There are ton of different jobs Galaxy came up with, and all sorts of problems they run into. Slowly though they create everything in the whole entire universe. From the tinniest noise, to the largest star system."
"I thought Luna did that?"
"No, that's just silly. She's just in charge of the night, she didn't make it. They make all the systems that make the universe work and put ponies in charge of them. The story doesn't say if they're all alicorns, but it implies that."
"So what was Galaxy doing?"
"Well coloring all the rest of her drawing and bringing more creatures and other things into the world. Like at first there weren't sweet things."
"Ah yes, that would be terrible, wouldn't it?"
I nodded quickly. "So awful. But she made everything, even the scary things for some reason, but all the great stuff too. But she was really tired so she left the other ponies in charge and retired. And that's how the universe was made."
The Doctor just stood there blinking for a good long while staring at the ground. I don't get it, that was clear enough, wasn't it.
"Wait, so your creation myth includes your god, sorry, goddess, retiring?"
I nodded. "Yea, I mean if you made a whole universe, wouldn’t you be tired too? It's not always that word, but the idea is the same, she went somewhere else for a rest and left her helper ponies in charge."
"Well, that's certainly new. I mean death, sure, but outright retirement? Odd. So Dinky, do you feel better?"
I nodded. "Uh huh."
"Don't worry, I'd say we have a whole three minutes to get out of this situation. That's plenty of time."
I laughed. "It really isn't, is it?"
"Nonsense. I've had less time and been in more hopeless situations. Still, don't have a bloody clue how but we have time right?"
I laughed again, crying a little again too. "Sure."
"Too bad you can't just teleport us out of here."
I fell over laughing. All the worry faded away. I knew what to do. I stood up remembering I needed to hurry and tried to regain my composure. The Doctor had looked concerned, but now he was smiling.
"Oh, you're just about to be brilliant, aren't you? I know that face. It's just like my about to brilliant face, but ten times cuter."
I laughed, and shook my head. "Oh no, it's an absolutely terrible idea, but I bet it's going to work. See Doctor you already know who my parents are, but I am a very special pony. I was not only born on the Tardis in flight, but when it's very heart was open. But most of all I'm a unicorn at my core. That's what I missed most when I was human ya know."
"Wait. Human, human, human. Why can I say that?" Then he blinked and looked around. "Of course, there's barely a universe left, so the rules are out the window."
"So out the window I can actually pull this off, and once I do nothing can stop me from doing it again. Because I am a very special muffin."
Then there was a bright flash and we were home. Ponyville looked normal. If we were really lucky it might even be the right year and not just close. I then turned and saw exactly what I expected on my flank. An hourglass cutie mark so like almost every other mark, except this one was blue instead of gold. Rosey would never tell me how I got it, but I was never too worried about it. On the other hoof now that it was actually here I felt I should reconsider my feelings on the subject.
"Whooooooohoooooo!"
"Did you just teleport us through time?"
I had thrown my hooves in the air in triumph and fallen to the ground. It reminded me of the theory that all ponies descended from alicorns and that's why we did things that only made sense if we had wings or magic. It completely ignored the traditional story, but lots of ponies did. The idea of that just made me laugh even harder. I got my cutie mark.
That was anticlimactic. There was a flash, momma and dad looked dazed for a bit, then they were suddenly kissing and crying at the same time. I grabbed the Eye of Chronos with my magic and quickly left. I still wasn't entirely clear why it was so awful watching your parents mate, but I still knew it was a really bad idea. Besides even if Star was wrong they should be left alone anyway. I walked down the back hallway that led to the workshop with a smile on my face.
The Eye of Chronos was a pretty thing. A black clock made out of what looked like some kind of stone, but with a wooden face. There was a flat image of a golden hourglass in the middle of the clock, just like dad's cutie mark. The numbers were just holes cut out of the clock face, but behind them were twelve different lightly glowing jewels. It was really pretty. There were also a bunch of gears inside, and when used all that seemed to vanish and there was just a weird hole in universe or something. I stopped admiring it only when I came to the main control chamber.
Star was off to one side a big wooden box next to her, assembling whatever was in it. She was almost finished. It nearly looked like a pony now. I hopped in place, nearly losing my grip on the priceless artifact I was carrying. Right now it was just a silver vaguely pony shaped lump, but it was clear what it would be. I then remembered the very specific instructions I had been given what to do with the eye now that mom and dad didn't need it anymore. So I first made sure I was turned away, opened the heart of the Tardis, and threw it inside. She made it very clear it was more important to get it in there fast as possible rather than worry about damaging either. I then quickly sealed everything back up and waited.
"You're sure that's what she said to do?"
I nodded. "It wasn't Rosey either, but Empress Cosmos. I'm pretty sure even though I made the promise several thousand years in the future she'll still know if I don't keep my promise, and come back and punish me somehow."
Star shook her head, then laughed. "Dinky, I know you're smarter than me but sometimes you really don't think. Of course she'd know if something bad happened. She'd remember something went wrong and right after you make the promise already know if you kept it."
"Uh, time doesn't work like that. Not here."
"Oh whatever, you know time isn't my talent or anything. Still, you did it so don't worry. Besides no matter how scary you tried to make her sound or how powerful, Twilight is still the same dorky librarian at heart I'm sure."
"I guess. Now she said that once I do that the Tardis should…"
I didn't get to say the word change. I was beginning to suspect I knew exactly what I would see. I was dead wrong. There was no cobbled together mess of steam and magic in a futile attempt to get home, it was sleek, and bright, and full of clocks and windows. They looked in on various locations in Equestria, and beyond, across the full width and breadth of time. The walls were mostly white, but everything else bronze, and silver and hints of blue here and there. The console looked the least different, but the controls were modified, far fewer buttons, and far more levers and switches. It wasn't just resized, but designed for ponies.
"Uh, isn't she not supposed to be able to do that when we're in here?"
"I think so." Then I turned to Star and smiled "Ooo, I almost forgot. Are you done yet?"
"Almost." She smiled. "It has been a while, hasn't it? The strange thing is I think this version of Bluebird is even better. You just need to hook her up."
"I do?"
"Well I can't do it. I mean I'm a jeweler, and can follow instructions, but this super weird time lord tech, that's all you. It looks sorta simple I just can't understand her directions, but I bet you will. Mainly because it says it's for you."
She then held up a small page colored slightly differently from the rest and my name was indeed at the top. I think Star understood fine, just realized the Tardis would never let her open the panel in question. I grabbed the modified crystal with my magic, and quickly opened a panel that was thankfully still in the base of the console in the same place, and swapped out the crystals. Then I passed the crystal I just got from the Tardis to Star and she began installing it in the puppet's back.
"You do know she won't know you this time right?"
"Well she might a little, but I know. It's okay, her I like. Spending more time with her doesn't seem like a chore."
"But Star he's what makes momma happy the most and…"
She sighed. "I know. I know you're so amazing you really fixed the unfixable. Everything will be great from now on. I get it. I'll adjust."
"Uh…"
"Now, lets see what Bluebird thinks of your redecorating."
She closed it and with a little spark from her horn the connection was made. The Doctor never understood how swapping the crystals made the connection in the first place, but it sure worked somehow. Then the chameleon circuit came online and instead of a pale imitation of a pony was the dark blue mare I'd come to know fairly well. She looked the same too, right down to the slightly wild bright silver hairdo. Star and I both hugged her.
"What is going on. This makes no sense. I'm still, but at the same time…"
We both released her. "I never thought you'd be confused." Said Star
"I guess Blinkie's second brain thing must be really weird though."
"That makes sense." Added Star
"Second brain? So this body you somehow connected to my systems really does have a separate processor?"
I nodded. "Yea, but it's not totally separate. Mostly it's just for motion and stuff, allowing you to multitask better."
"But honestly we don't know. We do know that it somehow makes you more of a pony than you already are. Blinkie's tech is weird."
Bluebird nodded. "Oh yes, the sister of the Pink one who against all common sense can enter me without using the door, even when in transit. And even when she has been left in present day Ponyville."
Star and I both nodded.
"This is a very strange universe. I never thought I would get a chance to speak."
"So Bluebird, what do you think of what my adorable little…" began Star
"Bluebird? That is in reference to me, correct?"
I nodded. "Uh huh. I mean I guess we sorta named this body by accident cause we already knew it but the Doctor did it the first time."
"Yea. He's not very creative. The professor isn't much better apparently. When she hooked her Tardis up to something like this body she called him Pink Box."
"That is not a very good name." Then she blinked. "I have an opinion on that? I mean I've had opinions before but why did I waste a clock cycle even thinking about something so utterly trivial?"
Star smiled. "As time goes on you'll find you might as well be a pony. Well other than the not leaving bit, but you've never seemed to care."
"She means this body requires the interior of the Tardis to function."
"The very idea of leaving myself seems, strange."
Then she held up a hoof, then put it down. She then looked up, then down, then took a few steps. She was stiff but otherwise it was a normal enough gait.
"On the other hoof traveling about inside myself does as well but apparently it's the position I'm in. The idea of a body even stranger."
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll get used to it. Now, since you have a convenient mouth again, how about you tell us what that thingamagig did."
"It integrated itself with my systems to both upgrade me instantly, and hide its presence. Magic is still well beyond my understanding, but not only was I able to detect it's presence due to the Doctor's modifications, but that ability is now greatly enhanced."
I then gave her lag a hug again. "You know, you don't just feel soft, but like a real pony. Blinkie really is amazing."
Bluebird smiled. "That feels nice." Then she blinked. "Wait."
"Oh, and you have emotions too." Said Star "Or at least simulated emotions."
"That's actually not as new as you think, but a great deal certainly is. This will take some getting used to."
I smiled. "But it's completely new and strange, so you love it right."
Then Bluebird laughed. I began to giggle. We were a family again. Everything would be perfect. Nothing could go wrong now.
There was a hole in the sky. Most ponies had run in every direction screaming and yelling. There were only two groups that didn't. The first was Twilight and her friends. They had teleported away. But they couldn't fix it. I could feel the wrongness of the hole even from here. We had run to the Tardis, but I had paused to look one more time. I then shook my head and went inside. The swirling lights on the other side were pretty but I shouldn't waste anymore time. I came in while dad was in the middle of some speech or something.
"…so what that all means, is that I do know how to fix it. The bad news is I can't think of how we could actually manage it."
"Doctor, what is the problem?" asked Bluebird
"I don't get it either." Said momma
"I bet you anything it's just him being dumb." Said Star "Dinky, what do you think?"
"I didn't hear all of it." I said
"I said it's a simple matter of getting the Tardis in position and fixing the tear, but frankly I don't think I can do it."
"Told you." Said Star
I giggled, them frowned. "Star, I thought you said you would be nicer."
"I am, can't you tell?"
Momma had one eye glaring at Star and the other off into space. If she was really mad both with be focused on Star. Bluebird then sighed.
"Doctor, you are not alone."
"Yes, yes, I have my…" He paused moment. "Family. It's so strange to say that again, but that doesn't…"
"This body allows me to multitask to the point I can operate one of my own consoles." Then she got a little smirk on her face. "Technically, this gets around one of my safeguards, but honestly not only do you override them all the time, but so do I."
"Wait, what do you mean?" said dad
"I'm not really a time lady." Said Star. "But I am still smart enough to work a console."
"And I'm not that smart but I had a lot of time to study and figured it out eventually." Said momma with a big smile. "Also the controls are really sturdy."
"You are that smart." Star and I echoed.
"I think you're selling yourself short too, but I'm unsure." Said Bluebird
"And with my magic I can move all the levers even if I do need a stool to see them all. I know we can manage one full station and about half of another."
The doctor just stared forward blankly a moment. "A full crew. That's what she meant isn't it? That she always has a full crew, and now so do I."
"Or at least close enough." Said Star
Dad then sighed. "For most things probably, but no it needs to be a real full crew. A full six ponies, and at least one more full blooded time lord."
"It's time lady." Said Colgate walking into he control room
"What? But how are you here and…"
"It's on my schedule. 2:45, peruse Tardis library for missing book."
"I let her in Doctor." Said Bluebird. "I assumed you wouldn't mind."
"Well no but…"
"3:17 find book and go to Tardis copy room and duplicate book in question."
"The Tardis has a mater duplicator?" asked the Doctor
"Of course Doctor." Said Bluebird
"You didn't know that?" I asked.
"Such a dork." Added Star
"You're so silly." Momma then laughed.
"And now it's 3:28, which means it's time to save the world. Come on now, lets get going. I don't want to late for my only appointment of the afternoon and Pinkie's parties are notoriously tricky to schedule for so we need to get going."
"What party?"
Colgate rolled her eyes. "Why her you saved all of time and space party. Of course the rest of the ponies might not even remember the huge rip in the sky, but…"
Dad sighed. "Yes, yes. She wouldn’t let that stop her." Then dad got a great big smirk on his face. "Then what are we waiting for. We have a tear to close, a party to go to, and after that who knows. This universe just seems to be one surprise after another. Isn't that just marvelous."
As we took up positions I couldn’t help everyone was smiling. I did it. I really did it. We were a family again, and everypony was happy.
I learned something very important. I'm not sure exactly when, but I know I know it now. Family can be complicated. You don't get to choose your family, and while you can walk away from them, they still are your family. Friends you choose, family you have, even if you don't like them. But I think good friends and a happy family work the same way. Even if you don't always get along, even if there are problems, in the end you're there for each other. Whether it's a kind word, a little help, or even a willingness to sacrifice yourself for their safety.
Family like friendship also might not make any sense to anypony else. Why does she tolerate him? What does that stallion have to offer her? And countless other questions, but from the inside it's obvious. From the inside a good family is full of love and happiness, and everything else doesn't matter.
Finally I learned that a pony can be terrified to make friends because they fear the loss that becoming too attached can bring. With family this can sting all the worse, but it's still worth it. Mom started by offering her hoof in friendship, and over time she slowly got him to let her in. Slowly dad got to know her, and of course the more he knew her, the more he loved her. So now he's left behind all that pain and found a family. Found happiness. I have my dad back, and mom doesn't doubt anymore.
So what I think is the power of friendship is what builds a good family. There are other important things that make it something more, but the idea is the same. The love is still there, if a little different. And that means everything.
Your loyal subject, Time Filly Rosemary "Dinky" Doo
P.S. If I got confused and you have no idea who I am or why I sent you this letter just keep it in storage. It will make sense eventually.
