The Destruction of Reality

by whynot707

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Discord, Derpy Hooves, Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Doctor Whooves, Princess Luna, Original Character
Length: 9561

Discord has destroyed reality as we know it, but can it be recovered?

The reality we know is gone, only to be replaced by chaos. Three ponies show up out of the time vortex into this new world, are they the ones who can restore order or is something else, something ancient at play here.

Published 2012-03-05 22:24:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-04-20 01:07:36 UTC

Prologue: Descent into Chaos

Prologue: Descent into Chaos

Reality, what we know and what we choose to believe. Some understand while others chose to ignore it and it laws. One though, seems to portray the complete opposite of what we define as reality, a being of insanity and chaos. If one were ever to overtake the other, the universe as we know it will begin to crumble and disappear.

Subdued, the two remain in balance, never faltering, never tipping the scale in the other’s favor. Though long ago the universe was threatened when the balance was broken and the rules of reality were no longer applied. Chaos ensued, time distorted, and insanity became all that was known in this world, save those who were immune to the effects. Reality called upon the few who still knew of his existence to help regain the balance. They questioned why he wanted to coexist with the being of chaos rather than ruling over him. He explained to them that it would be a world, very much like their own and the cycle would only repeat itself, never ending unless the two were to remain in balance.

Though saddened by his answer they understood and were ready to subdue the one of chaos. Reality split his power into 6 separate elements, honesty, laughter, generosity, kindness, loyalty, and finally magic, each when combined countered and repelled the being of chaos’ own power. Two were selected from the small group to use the power the elements held, one whose own power burned as bright as the sun, the other’s power shone as brightly as the moon. Reality satisfied sent the two and the elements to fight the chaos, he then withdrew from those left behind.
Incredibly weakened from splitting his power he fell to the ground, wishing he could once again see the universe balanced. A shimmer of gold surrounded him as he began to change his form. Those who followed him in were awestruck by the sight, never having seen anything as saddening or as beautiful tears came to their eyes. With the last of his strength reality said his farewells to each one, even to the two who he sent to fight. With one final breath the gold enveloped him and faded, only leaving behind a simple piece of fabric.
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Thunder exploded overhead, flashes streaked the sky providing the only light on this stormy night. An invisible figure slowly walked through the palace garden only leaving behind a trail of footprints that seemed to be made out of bubblegum that not only tracked along the ground but also along the hedges, statues, and even in midair. Any guards that were on watch were oblivious to the figure walking right past them, that was until they felt the cold chill as ice seemed to appear in their armor, alerting them instantly that they were not alone. The guards and a few others went to go search the surrounding area for the pony responsible for this prank, but unknown to them the one responsible was standing right next to them quite amused with himself.

The invisible figure continued onward into to the castle ignoring the door like it wasn’t even there to begin with. Walking down the dark dank halls he remembered the last time he was here, but then he had been traveling through the glass trying to torment the only threat to him believing he could overpower them and the elements, what a mistake that was. He had become too preoccupied in stopping them he lost sight of his real goal and paid the price for it. Trapped in stone for 6 months really gives someone time to plan for revenge, the only question was how was he going to get out? The answer came quicker than expected because a few days later as luck would have it, two young fillies had passed his statue having a heated argument about somepony named Trixie and who she liked better.

The figure was now heading down some stairs deeper into the castle passing a dungeon that had looked like it had been disused for over a millennium, he smiled thinking he would soon change that. Passing through the floor he reappeared at the entrance to the castle’s vault. Pulling a stethoscope out of thin air he proceeded to try and crack the combination. After many tries without avail he pulls out a key that conveniently matched the lock that appeared out of nowhere, opening the door with a loud screech because of the rusted hinges. The vault was filled to the brim with bits and gems, but they weren’t what he was after, he was after the prize in the middle.

Dropping the invisibility spell he was using he proceeded to the center and picked up the cloth. “Hello old friend, it’s a real shame to see you in this state, you were much more fun when you actually had a body. Ah well, we can still have fun, or at least I can, now how about I show you how much fun chaos can be.” As he was turning around a burst of smoke appeared the vaults entrance. Guards rushed in surrounding him, followed by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. “that’s far enough Discord, we have you surrounded and a magic barrier up preventing you from using your powers, you have nowhere to run.” Discord was so amused by Celestia’s threat that he started laughing confusing some of the guards. “Princess, as always you're one step behind, you're too late I already have the fabric and now I think it’s time to break the balance once and for all.” With one quick action he ripped the fabric in half, causing the room to shake. Discord started to laugh as the guards ran from the room terrified that the world was ending. Celestia and Luna simply stared at him, unmoving, praying that a miracle would happen.

And that’s when it all went to hell.

Chapter 1: The Crash

“Okay, take 2 steps to your left and use the hammer to hit the big red lever.”
“Alright two steps and then hit it with the hammer”
The Tardis began to shake violently tossing everyone around inside.
“Sorry I meant my other left, quick hit the bell.”
Derpy hit the bell and the Tardis stabilized. The Doctor quickly dusted himself off and went over to help Derpy up.
“Not as easy as it looks is it?”
“You make it seem simple” Derpy said getting up, a slight blush of shame on her face.
“Hey don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it eventually.” He said reassuring her, he then turned toward me. “How are you holding up?”
“Oh fine, still getting used to the ride. Not exactly smooth travel.” I said slumped in the corner still trying to regain my balance. Using the nearby railing I was able to pull myself up. “So where were we heading again?”
“The year 16,489, the biggest party in history is happening and I think it’s time we take a break from saving the universe.” The Doctor seemed uneasily cheerful as he said this, like he knew something bad was bound to happen and once again, we come in to save the universe at the last minute.
I suppose introductions are in order. My name is Burning Flare or at least it’s what people have taken to calling me. I meet up with The Doctor about a week ago in equestrian time, he and Derpy were in Fillydelphia trying to stop a small force of Daleks that were threatening the city for a piece of ancient alien technology buried underneath. I got caught up in it all and somehow we saved the day. The Doctor offered me a chance to come with him and explore time and space, I reluctantly took him up on the offer and here we are.
“Hey Flare, want to give it a shot?” the Doctor stepped aside offering me the controls.
“Sure.” I stepped up and studied the ridicules controls of the Tardis. The console was filled with switches, levers, buttons, and I swear even a hamster wheel, and that was just from where I was standing.
“Alright first things first, pick a random button.”
I pressed a flashing yellow button on the top right and the Tardis’ engines started up.
“Ok good, now take 3 steps to your right and flip two switches.”
“Alright”
“See that wrench there”
“Yeah”
“I want you to take it and hit that pipe over there.” He pointed to a small red pipe on the other side of the console.
I went over and hit the pipe, the sound reverberating throughout the Tardis. I turned and saw the Doctor flipping a few switches, probably putting in our destination. He looked like a concerned parent trying to teach a child how to do something and trying to fix a mistake they made. It didn’t bother me that he was doing that, but what did was how quiet Derpy had been the entire time.
“Hey, are you alright? You seem awfully quiet.”
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just… something seems off.”
“And what would that be?” The Doctor asked, overhearing our conversation.
“I don’t know, it just feels like something bad happened, but I don’t know what it is.”
“Strange… is that all?” The Doctor was no longer preoccupied with the controls and showed extreme interest in Derpy’s comment.
“I don’t know, it’s like something is screaming in the back of my head but I can’t hear what its saying.”
It seemed the Doctor could handle it so I wandered over to the controls. Something caught my attention, as I turned to see the small pull-down screen flashing red. Just as I was about to read it the whole Tardis started to shake extremely violently.
“Doctor whats happening?”
The doctor pulled himself over to the controls and looked at the screen.
“This can’t be happening.”
“What?” Derpy asked hanging on to the railing for dear life.
“The universe is collapsing and reforming.”
“What does that mean?” I shouted over the excruciating whine of the engines.
“It means we’re in trouble unless we land right now!”
The Doctor was flipping switches and pushing buttons faster than I had ever seen before and Derpy and I were hanging on for dear life.
With a very loud screech and thud I felt the Tardis land just before I blacked out.
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Waking up in the middle of a crashed spaceship isn’t as pleasant as it sounds. Even with the Tardis’ medical systems still running, everything hurt. The Doctor was already up and at the controls, trying to make sense of what just happened. Derpy was still on the floor unconscious, though she showed signs of waking up.
“Good, you two are alright. I was a little worried there for a sec., wasn’t sure if you would have been able to survive the impact.”
“Yeah, still hurts like hell though. What happened?” I said trying to pick myself up.
“The time stream we were traveling on started to disappear, I don’t know how or why but everything just fell apart.”
“But how is that Possible Doctor?” Derpy was fully conscious now and trying to understand the situation.
“I don’t know, nothing like this has ever happened before, I didn’t even know it was possible.”
“What was possible?”
“That the whole time stream could change like that, almost instantaneously.” The Doctor had a very grim expression on his face.
“So what now, where did we land anyway?” I was starting to wonder how bad this could be.
The doctor pulled down the small screen, the only thing it displayed was the location in small green type. Ponyville.
“I can’t seem to get outside visual, the damage must be worse than I thought.”
“It can’t be all bad, I mean we landed in the town where I live, and we can stay there for now.” Derpy said headed for the door.
“Don’t open that door; we don’t know what’s out there.” The Doctor shouted, slight terror in his voice.
“But it’s just Ponyville, Doctor this isn’t like you.”
“Look, I’m sorry but this could be very bad if the entire timeline was rewritten. I can’t get a visual so I don’t even know if Ponyvilles out there.”
I finally spoke up, “We’re not gunna get much done in here, might as well explore. Hey, maybe Ponyville is out there and we can find someplace to stay and eat while you repair the Tardis.”
“Alright fine, but I’m going with you.” The doctor’s sense of adventure finally kicked in. “But be careful, anything and everything could be out there. Well then allons’y.”
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Stepping out of the Tardis the scent of the familiar town filled my nose. I had only been here two times before but it had left a lasting impression. The locals had been especially helpful as we fought off Cyberponys in Sweet Apple Acres, saving the town and the ones they had kidnapped. Something seemed off though, maybe it was the fact that there were pink clouds in the sky or that the trees were melting in the purple sun.
“Well now, isn’t that interesting.” The Doctor and Derpy walked up beside me.
“Is this what you were worried about?”
“I’m afraid so, it seems the whole universe has changed and so have its rules.”
“Is everypony alright? I mean were they affected by that time stream thing too?” Derpy said with real concern in her voice.
“I don’t know, let’s head into town and access the damage.”
“Right”
We started to walk along the chalk covered roads trying to figure out just what the hell happened to the universe.

Chapter 2: A Town Made of Cardboard

“Doctor…”
“Yes Derpy?”
“Are you sure this is Ponyville?”
“I’m not sure myself.”

The town looked like it had come from the imagination of a small filly. Buildings were made of cardboard, roads multicolored and made of a chalk like dust, even the flora looked like it had been made from paper.
“It looks like someone took the whole town and made it into a school art project.” I said stating the obvious.
“Yeah, but what I want to know is where is everypony?” the Doctor said trotting off towards the town square.
“I don’t know, the whole town looks abandoned, even some of the buildings are starting to sag and fall apart.” I said noticing the state of some of the shops.

Passing building after building the town looked less like age had damaged it and more like something had attacked it. Some of the houses were burnt to ash, some looked as if it had been ripped by a giant claw, and some were even balled up and thrown to the ground like a piece of trash.
“Doctor, something happened to this town and whatever it was it was big.”
“Whatever it was it was looking for something. Look at the burn marks, they’re centered around the square.”

He was right, the square or whatever was left of it looked like it took the most damage from the attack.
“Hey, Doctor.” Derpy said weakly.
“Yes?”
“Do you think I can stop by my house? I want to see if anything is left.”
“Of course. Flare can you go with her, I want to take a look around here for a little longer.”
“Sure.”

We trotted along the burnt buildings with Derpy leading the way until we came upon a house that wasn’t as badly damaged as the rest.
“Is this it?”
“Yeah”
“Alright then, lets head in.”

Derpy had disappeared somewhere in the house so I took a look around. The interior wasn’t as bad as the outside but still built to match the towns theme. The small living room had a couch that was made of cardboard, oversized toothpicks, and even had cotton balls for cushions. There was even a small lamp in the corner that just seemed to be there for show. The other rooms were the same, just made to look at and have no real function.

Not seeing Derpy anywhere I decided to head upstairs. The second floor of the house seemed to be where the bedrooms were so I guessed Derpy went to get something out of her own bedroom. Passing the first room the thought hit me, the house was too big for just one mare to be living in it, could there have been others living here too? I looked and saw Derpy slumped on the floor in the room in front of me. It looked like the room had been made for a filly and Derpy just sat there, looking like she had just lost a piece of herself.
“Hey, are you alright?” I asked cautiously, not sure of how she would react.

She turned and just stared at me, still broken and unsure of what to make of me. After a few moments of just staring she burst into tears and hugged me. Not quite expecting this I stepped back a bit, but soon returned the hug trying to comfort her.
“Shh, calm down, tell me whats wrong.” I said already knowing the answer, but trying to get her to talk and calm down.
“My daughter, I don’t know where she is.” Derpy managed to say between tears and stutters.
“Hey, it’s alright. We’ll find her, don’t worry. Lets head back to the Doctor and start to look for her, ok.”
Derpy looked a little better after hearing this, her tears stopping.
“Ok.”
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The Doctor was having no luck with his search. There was no sign of anyone living in the town recently and even his sonic screwdriver wasn’t picking up any readings, which was odd because it was always able to pick up a small trace of anything, but now it didn’t seem to be working at all.
“Odd, it’s like something is keeping the sonic from working.” The Doctor muttered to himself.

He started to wander through the ash, closer to the center of the town. He had the odd feeling he was being watched.
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“Lord Discord, there appear to be three ponies inside the town of ponyville. How should we deal with them?”

Discord was pleased with this, he hadn’t heard that name since he had turned it into a work of art by his view just to destroy it moments later.
“I think it’s time you proved your worth to me my student of chaos, take care of them yourself using what I taught you.”
“Yes my lord.”

He watched his student walk out the door, quite pleased by the fact that he was going to be able to watch her deal with something on her own without his help. After ripping the fabric of Reality he had woken up here, in his “Palace of Chaos”, where he quickly settled into the power he had. His power felt limitless, with Reality out of the way, there was no longer a bar on how far his power could go. Testing out his power he decided to turn the moon into a giant wheel of cheese which instantly transformed before his eyes, even though he hadn’t turned day to night.
“Hey, you two, get back to work.”

The two alicorns who had been whispering while he was basking in his memories jumped and one had knocked over a vase.
“That’s the spirit. Now get to work.”

The two left his chamber quickly, leaving him alone. After he had tested his powers he had decided to get revenge on all who had stopped his plans in the past. He started with the destruction of ponyville and the enslavement of all its citizens. He then separated the Elements of Harmony and hid them throughout Equestria. Finally humiliating Celestia and Luna he made them his personal servants, taking away their powers and working them to the bone every day, sometimes even turning them into statues.

Discord having decided his student must be arriving in ponyville soon, turned his entire chamber into a movie theater complete with a self-serve snack bar. After having gotten a large soda and popcorn the film projector started up focusing in on what was left of ponyville.
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“Doctor it’s good to see you, were you able to find anything.”
“Unfortunately no, even the sonics not picking up anything. Is Derpy ok?”

Derpys cheeks were still wet from earlier and she still looked depressed.
“Her daughter is missing and we were hoping we could go looking for her.”
“I’m sorry, but we’ll find her.” The Doctor said reassuring her.
“Thank you Doctor.” Was all she could reply.
“Well, where do we start?” I ask, hoping The Doctor actually had an answer.
“We should probably head back to the Tardis, if I can get it up and running again we can track where Derpy’s daughter is and get there instantly.”
“Alright lead the way”

We start heading back when something grabs my attention.
“Doctor, is it just me or is the ash moving?”

The ash was moving and gathering into a large object right behind us. It started to take the shape of what looked like a very large diamond dog.
“Doctor…” Derpy sounded terrified.
“Flare, can you hold it off until we find whoevers controlling this beast.”

Just then the monster let out a deafening roar.
“Yeah, leave it to me.”

My horn started to glow as two large wings of fire sprouted from my back. I guess I forgot to mention I have my own spell that allows me to fly using fire.
“Bring it on!” I shouted as we both charged at each other.
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Watching from the window of a nearby house the purple unicorn was quite interested in her new opponent.
“Fire magic huh, this one’s going to be quite the challenge. Funny, he’s using the same type of magic that destroyed this town to protect his friends.”

A sudden shock went through her body, forcing her to the ground. Images started to flow through her head, fighting it they quickly disappeared.
“What was that?” She struggled to stand up.
“Ugh, my head feels clouded. Hold on, those three seem familiar but I don’t know why, must be my imagination. I should probably stop the other two before they get too far away.”

Her Horn glowed as three bears formed from the balled up cardboard that littered the street. They started to chase the other two.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..............

Charging through the monster there was little resistance. Turning around the upper chest of the monster had a large hole in it, but it appeared to be gathering back the ash it had lost and repairing itself until there was no noticeable difference. I charged again with the same result, but this time the creature attacked. Its claw smashed into my stomach knocking me into one of the buildings. Getting up I saw what looked like three bears heading towards the direction the Doctor looked and Derpy were headed.
“Sorry Doctor, Give me a few minutes and I’ll be right there, just don’t do something stupid.”

I charged the Monster again.

Chapter 3: A Flame Ignited

“Derpy, we need to split up.”
“What!?!”
Derpy and the Doctor were running as fast as their legs could carry them through the ruins of the destroyed town. The three beasts were quickly closing in on them bearing fangs of cardboard.
“I need you to find the one who is controlling them, they won’t be able to follow you if you fly.”
“But Doctor, I can’t just leave you to fend for yourself against them. They’ll kill you.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” The doctor said trying to reassure her.
Derpy couldn’t help but remember the first rule she learned while traveling with him, “The Doctor lies.” Still she had to trust him, he was one of the few who could help her find her daughter. The Doctors been in worse situations she thought trying to remember anything worse happening.
“Alright, but where do I go?”
“Head back to Flare, all the creatures originated from there, the caster must be nearby watching.”
“Got it.”
She took off and turned flying straight over the tree beasts. They stopped, considering who they should chase after, they started to turn. The Doctor had to think fast, he had to make sure he gave Derpy enough time to get back.
“Oui, you big useless pieces of… er… scrap, yes, scrap works, you useless pieces of scrap. I bet you couldn’t catch anything if it was wrapped up right in front of you.”
A low growl came from the three as they turned to face the Doctor.
“I dare you to prove me wrong.” The doctor said as he started to run in the opposite direction.
The Beasts were now filled with rage, taking over all of what little intelligence they had making them completely forget the other one who had flew overhead just a few moments ago.
Derpy turned her head to see the three beasts chasing the Doctor fade from view.
“Stay safe Doctor.” She muttered under her breath.
She increased her speed as she neared the town square.
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“Come on… how could you forget one of them had wings.” Discord shouted at the screen.
He was disappointed that his student had put too much attention into fighting just one of them and hadn’t taken account of the other’s strengths, such as the grey one who was flying back to stop her.
“You’re on your own here kid, I want to see how you handle this.” He sat back down before noticing he was out of popcorn and then went to go get more.
Watching from the back of the theater was a certain midnight blue alicorn who was trying to wrap her mind around the situation of just who these ponies were and if they could help. She couldn’t help feel like she was forgetting one of them.
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The battle scene was coming into view. The hot sooted air was rushing past her as Derpy flew at top speed looking for the magic caster. Flare was still charging at the monster that seemed bigger than before, she could tell he was getting tired.
“I’ve got to stop this now.” She thought to herself as she started to circle the area looking for whoever was casting this magic.
Passing piles of cardboard and ash she couldn’t find anything, she started to lose hope but soon came upon a small house with a perfect view of the battle going on just behind her. She could have sworn she saw the curtain shift just a little bit in the second floor window.
“I have you now” she thought to herself as she snuck into the back of the house.
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“Damn, this thing is annoying.” I managed to breathe out as I stopped to rest a moment, big mistake. The thing swung and hit me hard in the gut, sending me flying and leaving three deep gashes from the ash claws.
Blood gushed from my wounds as I lay in the ash pile I was knocked into. The ash seemed to bend around me, entangling me in bonds I was too weak to break. The monster loomed overhead preparing the final attack, ready to wipe me away from existence. Looking up at it I wasn’t scared, instead something primal was waking up inside. The blood that was slowly surrounding me stopped flowing and started to boil; setting aflame like it was alcohol.
“Not again, not now.” My entire body started to burn, pain was extinguished only to be replaced by flame. It was consuming me just as it had all those years ago, the endless fire that existed in me was taking over, hungering for destruction. My vision was fading to black as I slowly slipped into darkness. I only managed to whisper one word before I fell into the fire.
“Run.”
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“You have been a fun opponent, but now this must end.” She spoke to herself as she readied the claws of the ash monster to run him through. The monster raised its right arm and struck, pushing its claws through the lifeless body like it was a pin cushion.
“Now to focus on how to get rid of the other two, if they aren’t already dead.” She turned around to see a very angry grey mare with tears running down her cheeks.
“How… how could you, you just murdered him.” Derpy had witnessed the whole thing. With the loss of both her daughter and now the murder of her friend she was at the breaking point.
“Ah, perfect timing, I guess you volunteer to die next, that is unless the beasts get to your friend first.”
Spasms shook her body as she mentioned that word again, memories started to flow. She collapsed as another conciseness surfaced.
“Ugh, where am I? Wait, Derpy? What’s going on?”
Derpy had shifted from anger to confusion at her opponent’s apparent transformation. She wasn’t sure if this was a trick or not.
“Twilight, is that you?”
“What do you mean, who else could I be?”
“Never mind, what happened?”
“I don’t know, the last thing I remember is Discord attacking Ponyville and then everything after that is blank. Wait, I have to stop Discord, he’s free and…. Ugh.”
Twilight seemed to be fighting back something, but that something was winning. She turned towards Derpy with a murderous look in her eyes.
“Now that that little problem is delt with, I know just what to do with you. Before I kill you I’m going to take you prisoner and make you watch as I slowly torture that little filly you call a daughter until death wisps her away.” She laughed as she imagined the possibilities.
“Don’t you dare hurt her!” Derpy had finally snapped.
“Just try and stop me.” She laughed.
Derpy jumped to tackle her but was caught in midair by an invisible force.
“Oh, I’m sorry, did you forget I could do that? Well it doesn’t look like you can stop me after all.”
Derpy was struggling to move, she couldn’t allow her to hurt Dinky. Tears started to roll down her cheeks as she lost feeling in her legs.
“Giving up so soon, well that’s ok. Now we can deal with the last one running around then we can deal with you and your daughter.” She laughed even harder as a great flame appeared outside. “Wait, what the?”
Flare’s body had disappeared into a great flame that was now burning. It was growing turning from a bright orange to a deep blue as the heat increased. It ran up the monster’s arm that was still there and engulfed it. Seconds later the flames disappeared along with the ash only to reform at the base of where the monster was standing. Standing there was a great blue flame in the shape of an alicorn staring up right at them.
“How? I killed him.” Was all she could mutter out as she stared into the fire.
“I…I don’t know.” Derpy had never seen Flare like this, though she was relieved he was alive she wasn’t sure what to make of him.
Suddenly a flame shot up crashing through the window and set the room on fire. The distraction of the revived Flare and the now started fire was enough to break Twilights concentration and loosen the spell on Derpy. Derpy broke free and tackle twilight to the ground.
“Don’t you dare hurt my daughter!” she yelled as she stuck her across the face knocking her out.
As the anger cleared from her mind she realized she was in a cardboard house that was on fire. She turned toward the unconscious body of Twilight, she decided that she’s going to need information if she’s ever going to find Dinky in this new world and also the moment when the old Twilight surfaced still confused her. She picked her up on her back and flew out the now shattered window, towards the bright blue flame that was now Flare.
“Hey, thanks for the save there. I thought you were dead when that monster ran its claws through you, but I guess not. Anyway whats with the weird flames are they some sort of special power or something?” Derpy asked walking up to the flame. “Hey can you hear me? Can you talk when you’re like that?”
The mass of flames just turned and stared at her. Derpy was starting to feel uncomfortable with the blank stare and stepped back.
“Are…are you alright?” Derpy stuttered out.
The flame started walking towards her, fire spreading around it. Derpy could hear the faint voice of Flare as the flames were inches away.
“Run.”
Derpy took off, Twilight on her back, heading back to the Doctor. The mass of flames quickly took off after her, like a predator chasing its prey.
“Come on Doctor, where are you?”

Chapter 4: Exploring the Mind

“Fire, destruction, is that all I bring? The fire of my soul, it burns so bright and hot, yet it feels so cold and dark. Just who am I?”
Floating in the dark of his consciousness, Flare was losing himself again. Many times he had been here and many times he had drifted, hoping to figure out what his purpose was. All he had found the countless times he drifted was just darkness, everything around him a void that had long ago been emptied.
Who am I?
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“Doctor! Where are you?”
Derpy’s yells were getting frantic. This… thing that had been chasing her seemed to have stopped playing and was now closing in fast, not to mention the fact she was carrying the dead weight of the unconscious Twilight on her back.
“Doctor!”
The creature made of flame was now just a few feet away. She could feel the ends of her hair begin to singe.
“Doctor!”
It was just Inches away now, she felt like she was burning alive.
“Derpy, dive!”
She did as she was told as a steady stream of water rushed past her head and struck the creature in its own, momentarily distorting it.
“Doctor, who, where, how?” she was stumbling over her words as she spoke to the Doctor who once again showed up at the last minute to save everything.
“Well, to answer your first question, I am simply the Doctor, it’s what I do. The second I had just defeated those three things made of cardboard, it’s quite the trilling tale actually involving great dance moves and a fez, but we’ll save that for another time. Anyway, of course I saw the great ball of fire flying after the grey mare who was shouting my name, so here we are. And for the last one, I used this water pistol from said tale, but that not important now, what’s important is what to do with him.”
Derpy had been so caught up in the Doctors explanation she had forgotten about the flame creature that was now charging at them.
“I think it would be best if we run”
“agreed.”
The two had taken off, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake. The flame creature was confused, but thrilled that it had a new victim to chase.
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Discord was both appalled and impressed. Not only had his student of chaos been knocked out, this new pony had completely shown her up in causing chaos.
“Perhaps this one will make quite the formidable foe. I think it’s time I take this thing into my own claw… er paw… you know what I mean.”
The blue alicorn jumped when he turned, asking her and simply nodded her head.
“Good… now get back to work!” As he said this he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
As the theater grew quite the blue alicorn began to think to herself.
“Why does thou feel an empty feeling every time we look upon this stallion? It’s like something’s missing. We do remember the one who travels through time and the one with the odd eyes, but why does this one escape us so. Perhaps… perhaps he is from that time.”
“Luna, we need to get back to work.” The white alicorn stood next to her.
“Yes sister.”
“Luna, why are you crying?”
She reached up and felt her hoof to her face. Indeed there had been tears coming from her eyes.
“We don’t know.”
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“Any ideas?”
“Just one, keep running.”
The two were still running from the flame creature. They had managed to get out of the town and were now running towards the Tardis.
Derpy’s body was starting to give out because of the extra weight and the doctor took notice.
“Do you want me to take her?”
“Please.” With that she tossed the limp body of twilight onto the doctors back causing him to almost trip, but he regain his balance quickly and continued to run.
They finally reached the tardis, but the creature was closing in fast.
“Inside, quick.”
They both ran inside and slammed the door behind them. Derpy slumped to the floor by the door as the Doctor eased Twilight off of his back and onto the floor.
“Now then, time to get Flare back to normal.”
“How?” she managed to say, still out of breath.
“Easy, we just use the Tardis’ transmitter to send out a molecular pulse, slowing all surrounding molecules, turning the fires energy back into potential energy giving Flare back his physical form.”
“Uh… right.”
“Simple isn’t it.”
“Yeah… simple. Oh, and Doctor.”
“Yes?”
“Your fez is on fire.”
“It is? Ah so it is.” The Doctor threw the fez to the ground and quickly stamped out the small blaze.
“I liked that fez; the ambassador of Solatry gave me it as a present during the competition.” The Doctor looked truly sad as he said this.
“We can get you a new one when we get out of this, alright?”
“Thank you Derpy. Anyway back to business. Just pull this, flip that switch and…” a loud explosion sounded right outside the Tardis causing a slight tremor. “There we go.”
“Now Derpy, I need you to keep the molecules from speeding up and becoming flame again.”
“So how do I do that?”
“Use the sonic screwdriver. Hold the button and keep it pointed at him, it should be enough to keep the molecules from speeding up again for a short time.”
“Doctor, you’re making it sound like you’re not going to be there to help me.”
“Well… yes and no. I have to get into his mind and pull him out, because whatever’s been chasing us is still in control. So I’m going to be unconscious while I’m in there.”
“What happens if he changes back to flame?”
“Let’s not worry about that, alright.”
“Alright.” She was still worried not for herself, but for the Doctor. He had done some stupid, yet amazing things in the past, but nothing like this.
The Doctor set his sonic for the right setting and handed it to Derpy. He waved her over and they stood by the door.
“Are you ready?”
“Doctor, you seem to already know what to do. Has Flare done this before?”
“Let’s go. Alons-y!” With that the Doctor pushed open the door and ran out before he could answer her question.
The unconscious body of flare was slumped a few feet away from the entrance. The Doctor took his head between his hooves.
“Here we go.” He bashed his fore head against flares and fell unconscious.
Derpy held the screwdriver pointed at flare. She looked up as a few dark clouds rolled overhead and a few drops started to fall. She stuck out here tongue, thankful for the rain. As a drop hit it, her eyes widened as she realized what it was. It was raining chocolate milk.
“Doctor, please hurry.”
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Drifting through the endless darkness, many questions still filled my head. One weighed heaviest on my mind. Why do I have no memories since the time I woke up in that ditch 1 year ago?
Continuing to drift a warm breeze blew by. “What?” turning i saw what looked like a bright light in the shape of himself.
“Who are you?”
“I can’t say yet, the time has not come.”
“Then why are you here?”
“I bring a warning, don’t let the delusions take control of you, look past them and into the light.”
“What does that mean?”
“That is for you to find out.” The light started to fade from the creatures body. “Well, it looks like my time here is up, we shall meet again.” The light faded.
“Who was that?” Flare muttered under his breath.
“I don’t know, but that was interesting.”
“Yeah… wait… what?”
“Ah hello, sorry to intrude on you like this, couldn’t help watching that spectacle and I must say I have never seen anything quite like it.”
“Wait, why are you here or more importantly how are you here?”
“Basic mind merge, it allows me to see into others minds but if done correctly I can go deeper inside them. So here I am. Anyway I need you to wake-up, your kind of going on a rampage and lets just say it’s not pretty.”
“Oh, please tell me I didn’t hurt anyone.”
“No one was hurt, save an innocent fez, but we have to stop it before you do any real damage.”
“Right. So how do we get out, I normally fade into the darkness before I wake-up, but right now I’m far from fading.”
“Simple, just use the door.”
“What door?”
“You’re not seeing past the limitations. It’s your mind; just imagine the door and it should appear.”
“Alright, I’ll give it a shot.”
I closed my eyes and thought hard. I pictured a simple brown door with a bronze handle. When I opened his eyes it was there right in front of me.
“Doctor, does this mean I can control when the flames subside now?”
“Not quite, I think you have to gain more control over it before you can leave without help.”
“I guess it’s time to leave then.”
“Yeah, after you.”
Opening the door flooded the darkness with a bright light.
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“Ugh. I always hate waking up after this.” My body was still in pain from the damage I took earlier but was healed for the most part. Looking around I realized I was in a puddle of light brown liquid, it wasn’t dense enough to be mud and it smelled sweet. Standing up wasn’t easy, I stumbled over my legs a few times before I regained my balance. The Doctor was already up and looking around with a confused look on his face.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s Derpy, she’s not her and the Tardis was locked before I entered your mind.”
“Come on let’s look for here, she couldn’t have gone far.”
The Doctor ran off along the road to look for her while I checked the surrounding area. Staggering around I checked in trees and behind bushes. After turning up nothing the Doctor came back to help me check the area. Walking along a ditch the wet grass caused me to slip and fall in, landing on a soft mass of grey fur.
“Doctor I think I found her.”
Derpy was unconscious and bleeding from the head. By the looks of her position she had sliped and fell in here too. The Doctor came down in the ditch and helped me carry her to the Tardis.
“The medical systems should be able to help you both and you two should be fine in a few hours.”
Derpy started to stir as we entered the Tardis.
“Hey, can you hear me?”
“Doctor?” she managed to say groggily
“Yeah, Flare’s here too.”
“Derpy, do you remember what happened?”
“Rain, chocolate milk…”
“Wait don’t tell me it’s…”
“Hello my dear opponents, it seems you two finally woke up.” The Tardis shook as he spoke.
“Doctor, we’re in no shape to fight him right now.”
“You’re right, we need to get out of here quick.” The doctor ran to the console and began flipping switches.
“It’s no use hiding, come out and fight me like the stallion you are.” His words became more malicious as he spoke.
The Doctor tapped the button for the Tardis’ speaker system. “I think we’ll save that for another time, goodbye Discord. Allons-y.” with that the doctor pulled the switch and the Tardis took off, leaving a screaming Discord in its wake.
“Doctor, where are we headed?”
“Not far, I can’t seem to get the old girl back into the time stream so we go to the next best place.”
“Which is?”
“The moon of course, it will give us enough time to get answers out of her and time for you two to rest.”
At the mention of her I realized that we had an extra passenger who was just waking up.
“You know what, I’ve never performed an interrogation before, this should be fun.”
“Dear Celestia, what is he thinking?” was the only thing that came to mind as he spoke those words.

Chapter 5: Good Cop, Bad Cop, and The Doctor

“Uh… Doctor, why the squeaky toy?”
“Not a toy, it’s a super advanced sound catalyst that causes a high pitched whine using compressed air that causes intimidation and sometimes enjoyment in those around it.”
“So a squeaky toy.”
“Yes a squeaky toy.”
“But why though?”
“It’s part of my interrogation kit.” The Doctor had compiled an assortment of seemingly random items into a cardboard box with interrogation labeled on the side in black marker.
“You’re really going through with this interrogation thing, aren’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“But wouldn’t it be simpler to just use the Tardis to scan her mind or better yet just allow me to use a memory spell on her?”
“Oh come on. What’s the fun in that?” The Doctor was practically jumping up and down with excitement as he got the final items.
“Sometimes that guy frightens me.” I thought to myself as the Doctor dimed the lights leaving only a single spotlight focused on the stirring purple mass that was strapped to the chair by the console.
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Twilight’s thoughts were fuzzy, she couldn’t remember much of what had happened or put a lot of thought process into it. Opening her eye’s she quickly shut them again unable to adjust to the bright light before her. Instinctively trying to move her arm to block the light she found she couldn’t move it, that it had been strapped down with duct tape. Remembering her species she tried to use her magic to break free of the straps but nothing happened, like something was preventing her from using it.
“Magical displacement field, prevents you from tapping into your natural reserves. Can’t have you doing that before we’re through.”
Twilight opened her eyes again, but this time the room started to come into focus and a silhouetted figure came into her vision.
“Who are you? What’s going on?”
“Both of those don’t matter right now. What does matter however, is that you answer the questions I ask you.”
“I demand a lawyer!”
“Wait, what?”
“My rights state that I have the right to a lawyer to be present during questioning. So I want a lawyer!”
“Wait, does she get a lawyer?”
“Doctor…”
“Oh right, yeah you don’t get a lawyer.”
“Then you can’t make me answer any questions.” Twilight was confident that her approach would get these people nowhere fast.
“Oh, we can make you answer.” She could swear she saw the figure smile after he said this.
“What are you going to do?”
“I want you to meet my friend here. His name is Mister Monkey and he wants to play a little song for you.”
A small counter was placed in front of her and one of those cymbal monkeys young fillies play with was placed on it. She saw a hoof flip the switch on its back and the monkey started to play. The toy crashed the cymbals together over and over producing a small clapping sound.
“Is that really the best you got?” she asked, but received no reply. Whoever had been there earlier had left her and the cymbal monkey alone.
The minutes passed by and the monkey continued clapping, non-stop. The sound was starting to get on Twilight’s nerves; she could swear it was getting louder. Soon the minutes passing by felt like hours as the monkey continued, time slowed as she heard each individual crash leading her eye to twitch every time the cymbals connected.
“Make it stop!” she was beginning to have a mental break down.
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“Doctor, are you sure we should leave her alone like that?”
“Don’t worry about it the displacement field should prevent her from escaping. Besides we should really check up on Derpy.”
“Yeah, alright.”
Following the Doctor down the seemingly endless corridors of the Tardis I was still amazed how he could manage to find his way around here. We reached the sick bay and found her fully awake sitting up in the bed.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better thanks to you two.”
“Well that’s good.” The doctor breathed a sigh of relief.
“What happened while I was… you know.” I felt now was as good a time as any to find out what happened while I was rampaging. The doctor had filled me in on most of what happened, but I wanted to find out what happened after the doctor had entered my mind, and I’m sure he did too.
She explained what had happened when she fought Twilight and how she had changed personalities during it. After explain for the most part what the doctor had already told me she got to the part I wanted to hear.
“I was holding onto the sonic screwdriver like the Doctor had told me too when it had started raining. Only it was raining chocolate milk. I knew he was coming but I wasn’t sure what to do, so I just kept the sonic on and pointed at Flare. When he came through the clouds I think I froze, I don’t know, I couldn’t move. When I looked down my legs were literally frozen solid. And then there he was, in front of me, staring at me.”
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*2 hours earlier*
“Who are you?” Discord spoke to the trembling pony beneath him.
“Di…Ditzy Doo.” She found herself saying, unable to lie to him.
“Ah yes… now I remember. You’re the one with the odd eye problem that travels with that infernal Doctor. But what I don’t remember is this one with the flames.” His gaze moved to the unconscious bodies of the Doctor and Flare.
“Don’t you dare touch them!”
“Testy one, aren’t you. Well then I guess I’ll have my fun with you first.”
Derpy tried to run but the ice around her legs wasn’t giving any signs of breaking.
“How about I help you reach your goal.” With this Discord pulled a large hockey stick out from thin air and proceeded to slap shot here through the air and into a net made of intertwined plant life. The ice shattered as she hit the net leaving her in a heap on the ground.
“And he scores! Time for the victory dumping of the sports drink.”
A large cooler appeared over Derpy and poured a green sticky liquid that smelled like lime on her. Opening her eyes she realized her coat had been dyed a deep green.
“Green, one of the few colors I don’t hate, and oh how I hate them. Yellow, orange, white, pink, blue, and that blasted purple.” With each color his rage increased. “Coloring the world grey, now that’s what I love. But you… you manage to make the best out of everything even with your own disabilities. I’ve been watching you, no matter how many put you down you always brush it off like its nothing. And your daughter’s the same way.”
“What do you know about her?”
“Just that she’s young and still liable to corruption. Dinky wasn’t it? She’ll make a fine apprentice, after I break her first.”
“Don’t you dare!”
“And what are you going to do, your helpless without your precious doctor.” He started to laugh.
Derpy took off and charged at Discord but it was of no use. He quickly sidestepped her and grabbed her by the mane.
“Now then, I think that’s enough for one day.” He threw her to the ground making her hit her head and knocking her out instantly.
“Looks like the other two are waking up. It’s time for the next round.”
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After Derpy finished her story she rubbed her eyes trying to get rid of the tears that were still welling up. The Doctor was sitting by her side now trying to comfort her and I was at the foot of the bed still going over the information in my head.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help.”
“It’s alright, everything turned out ok in the end.”
“I guess you can say that, but he’ll be back.”
“Yeah next time we’ll be ready for him, right Doctor?”
“Yeah.”
“Doctor, I think it’s time to get back to that interrogation.”
“Of course. Now get some rest Derpy.”
“Alright Doctor.” She said as she sunk back into the bed.
“So, do you think she’s ready to answer our questions?”
“Don’t worry. I’m sure Mister Monkey did his job.”
“Still, why the monkey?”
“You’ll see.” The Doctor smiled again as he said this. That smile still creeps me out.
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“Make it stop… make it stop…” Twilight was mumbling under her breath, too weak to even try harder.
“Are you ready to answer our questions?” The silhouette had returned.
“Yes…”
“Good.” The figure switched off the monkey and silence fell over the room. “Now first question, why did you attack us?”
“I was ordered to, to prove my worth as a student.”
“And who ordered you to do this?”
“High-King Discord, my teacher.”
“That would explain why he got here so quickly. Why did he want to attack us besides the fact to prove your worth.”
“You were trespassing in an area strictly forbidden to anypony.”
“Ah, I see. Now I have a question for you, what is that cape you’re wearing made of. The scans on it show it’s made of neither organic nor nonorganic material.”
“I don’t know. He gave it to me the day I became his student and it increases my magical energy.”
“The thing is it’s sending out powerful energy signals and it’s got me very curious.”
“Well this isn’t leaving my side and even that accursed monkey can’t get me to part with it.”
“Fair enough, one last question though. Do you remember who I am?” With that the figure stepped out of the shadows.
“You… you’re…” A burning sensation began in Twilight’s skull as the memories flooded back. She began to spasm as each new memory presented itself.
“Doctor, what’s happening?”
“It seems Discord used a spell to wipe her memory and now everything’s returning.”
“Is that a good or bad thing?”
“Good… hopefully.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, let’s just say the last time I met this unicorn we didn’t really part on equal terms. Though there’s a chance it might not have happened yet.”
“Unfortunately in your case I’d say that’s very unlikely.”
Twilight’s mind raced as she remembered her friends, fighting Discord, and even her trips with the Doctor. Just as instantly as it had started it stopped.
“Twilight, are you okay?”
“Ugh.. Doctor? Why am I strapped to the control chair?”
“Good to see you back, oh and sorry about that, hold on.” The Doctor undid the straps binding her to the chair and gave her room to stand up.
“Thank you.” After that she slapped him.
“Ow, What was that for?”
“Last time I saw you, you left me on my porch unconscious and didn’t even come back to check on me. Don’t you know what that does to a mare?”
“Unbearably well.”
“What was that?”
“Oh nothing, nothing.”
I had to hold back laughter as I watched the events unfold before me. It seems the Doctor had quite the history with this mare and she obviously had an edge over him. After what seemed like minutes of this she finally turned her attention to me.
“Oh, um… hello, I’m Twilight Sparkle, pleasure to meet you.”
“Like wise. I’m Burning Flare.” I said shaking her hoof.
After that an awkward silence fell over the room. None of us knew what to do next. Discord had taken over Equestria and we now had his student, but had no clue on how we were going to stop him. Suddenly a loud gong sounded throughout the Tardis kind of like a door bell.
“Doctor, we’re on the moon, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Then who’s knocking?”
“I don’t know. He couldn’t have found us already. Who could possibly… wait. Oh this is good, this is very good.”
“Who is it Doctor?”
The Doctor opened the door and suddenly Twilight bowed down.
“Hello princess.”
“Hello Doctor.”