The End of Chrysalis' Reign: Book One

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten

Prologue

“For years now, the Brotherhood has fought to reclaim what was once ours. Decades ago, the Changelings took over Equestria. And nopony ever thought of facing Chrysalis on their own. They were all too afraid. Chrysalis had managed to kill Celestia and Luna, our beloved rulers, in the final days of the war. Since then, Equestria has been a realm of darkness.

Many ponies had taken to trying to kill the sentries that were posted in each town, but all failed. They only ended up killing each other. There have been small uprisings, but every one of them failed. And with the Saviors of Equestria; Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash, gone, everypony had lost hope.

But not us. We have been around since the Time of Chaos. We were always in the background, traveling by shadow. Nopony ever saw us, and we are to keep it that way. But, word has spread about that the Brotherhood has returned for one last contract. It is the most difficult contract we have ever had, but we have been planning this assassination since Chrysalis took over.

We are all that Equestria has left. And we will fight until our last drop of blood is shed. We are the Brotherhood, and we swear to protect Equestria at all costs. It wasn’t the Saviors of Equestria that stopped Nightmare Moon, it was us. We stopped Discord though nopony knew. We let the Saviors take all the credit. But now that they are gone, we must let the world know our name!

Join me fellow Brothers and Sisters, in the assassination of Chrysalis! We will not take it anymore! Say it with me! NO MORE!”

As the younger members cheered those two words, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. I began to feel woozy. These pains would come and go, but this one was unlike all the others. The elders of the Brotherhood, those incapable of combat, noticed that my time had finally come. The eldest stood and shouted, “Brothers and Sisters! I ask that you leave the Mane Hall at once! Head back to your dorms immediately! One of you will receive a message tonight! Do not tell anypony else! Goodnight my Brothers and Sisters. Remember what our mission is! Now, be gone!”

And with that, everypony left. Once the Hall was cleared, I was gingerly moved into my bed. I was gasping for breath, my vision blurring quickly. I had been poisoned a few winters ago, and it was a slow worker. The poison had fallen under the radar, but it sure had done its work. It had gotten into my blood stream and made its way into my heart. And now, it was finishing what it had started. I sucked in my last breath and....

We had seen it coming all along. Ever since he had been poisoned. We just didn’t expect it to end this quickly. We figured that he would’ve lived to see the end of Chrysalis’ reign. And now that he was gone, we, the Elders, were to pick a new leader. This leader would go through an initiation in the morning, while the rest slept.

If he/she did pass, then they were to be the new leader. If they failed, then death was already among them. We sent Snowdrop to go and find the pony that would lead us. She was rather good at that. She could tell whether one was worthy or not by their aura. Though we all trained to do it, only she could. She was an impressive mare.

Chapter One

So the Elders sent me to go and find a new leader for the Brotherhood. They say I have a talent, though I don’t see it. Then again, I can’t see anything. But they agree that I am by far the best when it comes to finding the “correct” leaders. I guess that I don’t mind, though I do have the tendency to bump into everything in my path. I just wish I wasn’t blind.

So, I walked the deserted halls, stopping in front of every room, only to deny the pony that lay there, eagerly awaiting a message. Door after door, hall after hall. I couldn’t find the pony that would become our new leader. I froze in the middle of the hallway, and meditated for a moment. Then, without knowing it, I began walking. Had I passed a room without noticing?

I continued walking down the hall, not sure where I was heading. Then, I just... stopped. I turned my head to and fro. I wasn’t sure where I was, but I knew that I still in the Sanctuary. Then, the outlines flowed into my mind. I began to pick up the aura of everypony in the vicinity. If the “one” was in the Sanctuary, their aura would appear green instead of red.

I figured that my newfound ability to see the aura of ponies was my “special” talent that the rest of the Elders talked about. I scanned the entire area, but to no avail. Then, I looked down at the floor. I caught a slight hint of green, and looked at myself. It was me?! I was the only pony here with a green aura.

I started to shake in fear, and just like that, my aura faded to a red. Then, the “sight” shifted. I was viewing outside of the Sanctuary now, and could see every pony that was within a ten mile radius. That’s when I saw it. The green hue. It looked like this pony was walking out on the road, which wasn’t safe, especially in this blizzard.

And just like that, the sight faded and I was back to being blind. I grabbed at a coat, only managing to knock over the coat stand.

“Oh come on Snowdrop! Why must you be so clumsy?” I facehoofed myself and got down to the floor, feeling around for my coat. Finally, I grabbed it and carefully shrugged it on. I sighed, shook my head a few times, hoping to get that sight back, but it didn’t show up.

“Well Snow, looks like you are on your own now. Have to go and find that pony in this blizzard. And it doesn’t help that you are blind. Ugh.” I stepped outside and was automatically knocked off my hooves. I landed in a fresh pillow of snow and sat there with my head buried. I sighed heavily and shoved myself out of the snow. I started to walk in the direction of the pony that I had seen.

I was stopped repeatedly, because I kept walking into trees and falling into snow. I finally stopped completely and started to meditate.

“Maybe if I can do the same thing that I did back in the Sanctuary...” After a few moments of hard concentration, I was allowed my “sight”. I scanned the area for the mysterious pony, and caught the faint hint of green in the distance. I would’ve said that they were about three to five miles away, but my judgment on distance was horrible. I began to trot, which was nearly impossible in the thick snow.

“Come on Snowdrop. You can’t just lose this pony. She is the future of the Brotherhood!” I continued to trot, picking up the pace to more of a gallop. I was actually hopping in the snow more than galloping, but it was the same difference to me.

“Goodness me! This pony is fast! I can’t rest though. Not until I have them back at the Sanctuary!” Then, the pony stopped and turned my way. They just stood there, as if they were waiting for me. I sighed in relief and slowed my pace slightly. When I finally reached the pony, I had already lost my vision. I stood there panting, and could feel them staring at me. Once I had caught my breath, I said, “Hello. My name is Snowdrop. I am in need of your assistance. Would you please come with me?”

Silence, then a response, “Why hello there Snowdrop! My name is Derpy Hooves! I would love to go with you, but I don’t know where we are going.. would you mind showing me?” I sighed heavily. Was the pony that would lead the Brotherhood in the largest assassination really Derpy Hooves? Oh dear. What would the Elders say?

“Sure thing. If I can remember which way it is.” I could sense that she was confused, so I explained, “Derpy... Um I mean Ms. Hooves, I am blind, therefore I cannot see.” I heard her laugh ever so slightly and then she said, “Just call me Derpy please. Do you want a muffin?” A muffin? Who was this mare? Well, we both had disabilities, but really? A muffin at a time like this?

“Uh, thank you, but no thank you. Maybe later. Give me a moment.”

“Well okay. Whatever you say!” I concentrated, hoping that I would be allowed to see my trail. Lo and behold! I could see exactly where I had come from! I motioned Derpy to follow me and stuck to the path I had made. I looked back to see Derpy’s aura. It allowed me to see what she was doing, which was catching snowflakes on her tongue. She was a rather adorable mare.

I kept walking, and she followed. She seemed fascinated by all of the snow everywhere. I would have to stop frequently, in order for her to catch up. She would jump into every pile of snow we passed. I would’ve done the same, except I had an objective. I cleared my throat and called back, “Derpy! If you do mind, I am in a rush to get inside! It is really cold out here and my hooves are freezing!”

“Oops. Sorry Snowdrop.” I told her that it was okay and we kept walking. Only a few more paces. I stopped and told Derpy to go down the path. It should lead her to a door. She did as I instructed and called out, “Okay Snowdrop! I’m there!” I nodded to myself and walked to where she was. I opened the door and said, “Inside, quickly.” She bolted inside without question and ran straight towards the Mane Hall.

I followed at a distance and when we entered, closed the doors so that nopony would see us. I took a deep breath and said, “Okay Derpy. Welcome to the Sanctuary.” She paused and said in a questioning voice, “Sanctuary?” I nodded and said, “You are to be our new leader. I was sent to find one, and you happened to be the one pony with the sacred green aura.”

“But I thought you were blind.”

“I am, but I have a gift. Unlike anypony else, I can see the aura of others if I concentrate. Now, you must go through an initiation in order to join the Brotherhood.”

“Brotherhood? What are there no girls here?” I facehoofed myself again and said, “There are. It’s just that ‘Brotherhood’ sounds more formal.”

“Oh. Well that makes sense.” I nodded and said, “ I don’t know what the initiation will be, so we shall wait here until the rest of the Elder Council arrive.”

Chapter Two

We sat there for a while, when the Elder Council finally arrived.

“Snowdrop, did you find him?”

“Well , um, yes, but I have something to say--” Derpy barged into the conversation with, “Hi! My name is Derpy Hooves! Snowdrop found me on the side of the road.. well, I was walking, but she still found me. Anyways, I followed her here and... and.. um...”

“And you told her that she was to be our new leader Snowdrop? Why?”

“Well, you see, she had the aura of green. It was fate.” I could tell the Elder Council was disappointed.

“Well, we are going to have to put you through the initiation Ms. Hooves.” Again she laughed.

“Call me Derpy please. And okay!” I wasn’t too sure what they were going to do to Derpy, but it probably wasn’t going to be good.

I didn’t quite understand why these ponies wanted me to be their leader. I was horrible at leading things! But I didn’t really care. They seemed like nice ponies from the start. So I followed what Snowdrop called the Elder Council into a dark room. There were no lights, and it was rather scary.

“Um.. where exactly am I?” The was no response, so I figured that they had left me in the room by myself. Then, lights illuminated the room. It was fascinating, all those lights. I stared in awe at the room around me. It was an exact replica of a street in Canterlot! Except, cardboard cutouts of Changelings surrounded the streets.

“Ahem! Okay, Derpy. What you see before you is a representation of what a normal street in Canterlot would look like. You must avoid being noticed by the Changelings, so travel by shadow or rooftop. And go!” A magical bubble thing surrounded the Changeling cutouts, making them come to life!

I dove for the nearest cover. I wouldn’t have called it a great place to hide, but I jumped into a pile of hay. I sat there, peeking out briefly to see whether I had been noticed or not. So far, it didn’t seem like it. I cautiously snuck out of the hay and ducked behind a wagon. Nopony was pulling it, so I just sat there. I peeked around the side of the wagon to see the street filled with ponies, no Changelings.

My face lit up at the sight, and I was about to go join them when I stopped myself.

“Think Derpy. They are Changelings, and they can take any form that they want. But, would they know if you were a Changeling too? Probably not, but may as well test it.” I moved into the crowd, blending in almost immediately. I didn’t know where I was supposed to be going, but it was just an ordinary replica of a street.

Then, all of the Changelings went back to being cardboard cutouts, and there I stood, alone.

“Congratulations! You passed the first of many trials! You handled that one with such stealth and precision... Bravo!” I smiled ever so slightly then frowned.

“Wait... first of many?”

“Oh yes! This was just a warm-up test. The real fun starts... NOW!” There was maniacal laughter from somewhere and the room blackened out. I was in for quite the adventure.

Chapter Three

I sat there in the dark for a moment or two. It was silent for the most part. I couldn’t stop thinking about how there was going to be more tests ahead of me. I didn’t know what this “Brotherhood” was planning on using me for. Then again, the Doctor did say something before I left the TARDIS.

“Oh and Derpy.”

“Yes Doctor?”

“Do be careful out there. I have heard things about the area that you are about to enter. It is said to be controlled by some kind of Brotherhood. Although Equestria is ruled by Chrysalis now, this area is... well it’s just not safe out there. Keep safe, okay?”

“Okay. I’ll try.” I stepped out of the TARDIS into the brisk cold air.

“It’s rather cold... I may as well go get my coat from inside.” I turned to reenter the TARDIS, but it wasn’t there anymore. Had the Doctor put a cloaking device on it? I wasn’t too sure, so I started walking in the other direction. It was rather difficult walk, with the beautiful snow covering the ground, so I took to flying for a bit.

I didn’t dare go too high. The Doctor said to be careful, and I wasn’t about to be caught because of my foolish ways. I continued flying, and after a while, the snow started to pick up it’s speed. I was blown to and fro, this way and that.

“Okay then. Looks like I’m walking from here on out.” So I walked the rest of the way. I passed many trees, most of them beautifully decorated in snow. I had a sense that I was being followed, so I started to trot. Again, that was rather hard to do, but I did put some distance between me and whatever or whoever was stalking me.

Why hadn’t the Doctor come outside with me? Was it because he didn’t like the cold? I began to imagine him sitting in the TARDIS, drinking some nice refreshing coco. It frustrated me that he just let me go out into the snow alone. Didn’t he know that I had a horrible sense of direction?

“Doctor,” I began to think aloud, “sometimes you’re an idiot. But, that doesn’t matter because I love you just the same as I always have.” I knew that the Doctor and I would never develop anything further than a good friendship, but.. it’s nice to dream about the impossible. I smiled at the thought of him ever asking me to date him.

“Oh Derpy. Don’t be silly! The Doctor would never... or would he? No. I don’t think so. Why would he? I mean...” I sighed heavily and shook the thoughts away.

“I need to be open minded about where I am. Okay, so I know I’m in Equestria, but where exactly?” I stopped and looked at my surroundings.

“I know I’m somewhere where it is snowing. But, where could that be? Is it winter throughout all of Equestria or just here?” I looked in the direction from where I came.

“I want to go back, but I don’t know which way the TARDIS is... oh dear Derpy. What have you gotten yourself into?” As I finished off that sentence, I saw a figure approaching me. I froze where I was, afraid that it was a Changeling or something. But, as the figure approached, I sensed something... different about it.

And so she waited. She waited for our further instruction. What she didn’t know, however; was that this was a test. Could she last in the darkness forever? We knew that she feared darkness, and we were going to make her break! But she didn’t seem to be bothered by the darkness at all.

“Okay... Astrid!”

“Yes?”

“Do we still have access to our... machine?”

“I believe we do. Why?”

“We are going to enter this mare’s mindscape. Adjust her. She needs reconditioning...”

“But sir, it isn’t safe!”

“I don’t care whether it is safe or not! I need to figure out why she hasn’t made an effort to escape or plead for the lights to come back on!”

“Did you ever think... that she is remembering what the light looks like? We’ve been in a world of darkness for many winters now. She may have gotten used to it at this point.”

“I highly doubt that Astrid. She just stands there, defying us. She’s good. Too good to be exact. Engage in ‘Battle of Darkness’, now.”

“Yes sir. Engage in ‘Battle of Darkness‘!”

“Good... everything is going as planned.”

“I wonder what is taking them so long. I’ve been here for about ten minutes now.” I shook my head multiple times.

“Calm yourself Derpy. If the Doctor was here, he would more than likely comfort you. But he isn’t, so you have to deal with it.” I stood there for a few more moments, when a light came on at the end of the room. There stood another pony, dressed in a funny looking get-up. I blinked a few times, then the light was gone.

“Okay Ms. Hooves. We are initiating a combat simulation. You must fight this spy in the darkness. Now remember, this is just a simulation. You can’t be hurt. Good luck.” When the voice died down, I felt cold metal cut through my skin.

“Ouch! My gosh.. where was I cut?” I felt the warm blood flowing out of my side, and I knew that the cut was near my midsection. I stood there in the darkness, weaponless. I needed to find a weapon of some sort. And fast. I closed my good eye and let the other go crazy.

“Okay righty, do your thing.” I was able to see at least 75% in the dark, and noticed the pony charging at me. I dodged to the left, just missing the blade. I spun around just as quickly as it did and braced myself. I charged headfirst into its chest, and heard the metallic clang of metal on the floor. I opened my right eye and saw the sword.

I grabbed it and jumped back a few feet.

“So far so good Derps.”

The pony charged again, and I stuck the sword straight out. The pony was immediately killed. It ran straight into the blade, and went to the beginning of the hilt. It was sad really. I threw the sword to the floor and felt a pool of something warm form around my hooves.

“Well well well Derpy. It looks like you actually murdered somepony! How does that make you feel?” I stood there, gaping at the floor. The lights came on and I had seen what I had done.

“I didn’t mean to... I’m so sorry..”

Chapter Four

TARDIS hours ago. Oh dear Doctor. You let her go into the world alone. You are a total idiot! I just hope she comes back soon.” - Doctor Whooves

I had been crying for a few hours. I can’t believe I actually murdered somepony! How could I have done that to the poor colt? I felt horrible, so I was given time to take a break from the tests. The Elder Council swore that I wasn’t allowed to take breaks, but Snowdrop said otherwise.

Thankfully, she had come in to save me from the horrors that I was facing. I was still upset that it wasn’t the Doctor, but at least somepony was there to comfort me. She was there as soon as I broke down into tears.

I began to cry, realizing what I had done. The maniacal laughter returned, and I knew that it was coming from within the room that the Elder Council observed me from. There was a pounding at the door, and when it opened, Snowdrop rushed to my side.

“Derpy are you al--” she looked at the pool of blood and the dead body near it.

“You monsters! She isn’t even three-fourths of the way through her initiation and you have her kill somepony already?! How could you?” The laughter died down and a masculine voice came from above.

“Oh please Snowdrop. She’s weak. We know it, and so do you. Stop pitying her and leave her be. By the time that we’re done with her, she won’t even know what emotions are.” Snowdrop’s jaw dropped slightly and she started to yell at the ponies above us. I couldn’t make out exactly what she was saying, because there were many voices talking at once.

Finally, Snowdrop said that I was to have a break until I felt ready to return. And when I did, she’d be in charge of the initiation process. The others began to protest at this statement, when Snowdrop finally said, “I am the temporary leader until Derpy is fully initiated! You all know that! So don’t go questioning my authority!”

There were murmurs of disappointment and disapproval. Then, they all agreed that I was to be given a break until ready and that Snowdrop would be in charge of the initiation.

“I never did thank you back there.” She looked at me puzzled then said, “Oh it’s nothing really. I just decided to check up on you, when I heard your sorrowful cries. It turned something inside of me, making me feel like you needed somepony to be there for you.” I smiled a little and put my head down on the ground.

“You’re really kind Snowdrop. Thank you.” She smiled and said, “No problem. I ensure you that when you are ready, the initiation process will be easier. Especially with me in charge.” I nodded and began to doze off. I was extremely tired from the beginning part of the initiation. Snowdrop noticed this and gave me a blanket to keep me warm.

As I finally nodded off, I remembered what Equestria was like before all of this happened. Before Chrysalis took over. Before Celestia and Luna died.

Chapter Five

I wasn’t in my own body at all. I was dreaming through the eyes of another mare. I couldn’t explain it at all. It happened like this though...

“Okay girls. So we have been in hiding for quite a long time now. Ever since Chrysalis took over, we had no choice but to come to the Frozen North. Pinkie! Please pay attention! Now, the Changelings are everywhere, and we have faced them before. But with the Elements of Harmony gone, we are almost useless.”

Wait... Pinkie? Were these the Saviors of Equestria? They weren’t dead after all!

“Dash, do you have any idea how we can infiltrate Canterlot?”

“No Twilight. Not a single plan, idea, or clue. It is heavily guarded, with it being Chrysalis’ kingdom and all.”

“Right, I forgot. And even if we were to go there, we would automatically become the ponies of interest. We are all assumed dead, and we must keep it that way. So, Rarity, do you have any ideas for disguises?”

“Well Twilight, you do realize that I have nothing to work with right? All I see is snow, snow, mountain, and snow. I doubt that I could make any disguises from that. Until I have some real supplies, I cannot be of any assistance.”

“Ugh. Dash, what is your fastest speed?”

“Well, I did clock in at mach 10 once.”

“Brilliant. I need you to get to Ponyville as quickly as you can and bring Rarity her things. We can’t be seen though, so stay--”

“Yeah yeah. I know. ‘Stay hidden’. That’s what you always tell us. I’ll be back as sure as the Wonderbolt flies.”

And with that, Dash was off.

Oh! I knew Dash once! Yeah, I guess I made her mad or something, which was totally my fault. Clumsy me..

“Okay, Pinkie, what do you have as far as infantry?”

“Well, I do have my party cannon! And you have your horn. Applejack has her strength. I don’t know what Rarity has. Fluttershy can command animals to do what she wants, and Dashie has her amazing speed! So I’m not too sure what else we need.. So far, everything seems alright with our ‘infantry’.”

“That’s it?! That’s all we have?!”

“Yes indeedy!”

“Oh dear. We are doomed.”

“Um... Twilight? Sorry to interrupt, but may I say something?”

“Yes Fluttershy. Feel free to speak when you want.”

“Well um.. I just wanted to say that.. that if we.. try our best then we can.. we can at least feel like we accomplished something, right?”

“Yes, but I just have the slightest feeling that we won’t make it out of the Frozen North without dying from hypothermia or something like that.”

“D-d-death? Oh dear... that.. that’s a horrible thought.. I think that we can pull through though.. I mean, yes we did lose Spike when he fell through a hole in the ice, but other than that, I say we can do this..”

“You’re right Fluttershy. We can do this. And you know as much as everypony else here that I don’t like talking about the death of Spike.”

“I know you don’t... I’m terribly sorry..”

“It’s okay Fluttershy. We all miss him.”

“Well I for one do not. He was always goggling at my flank, which was severely disturbing.”

“We all know that he did that Rarity. He would even do it at night while you slept.”

“Eww.. creep alert.”

“Basically. I wonder what things are like back in Ponyville. It’s probably in ruins, and instead of homes, those left live in tents.”

They do. It’s sad. So many tents, yet it is so sad. I had never seen a place like it before. Never was there a place as sad as Ponyville.

“Well I’m sure MY house is still standing Twilight. Why would they destroy something as beautiful as my home?”

“Rarity, these are Changelings we are talking about. They don’t care about beauty. They don’t care about anypony, but Chrysalis gave them orders to not kill anypony unless they were a threat to her. Which the majority of the Equestrian population is.”

“Ugh. I hate your technicality Twilight. But, that’s what makes you who you are.”

“Wait, where is Applejack?”

“Oh! She said that she was going to go and ‘pay her respects to Spike’. I told her that it wasn’t a good idea, but did she listen? Nope! Who knows what could have happened to her! Maybe she fell into the ice, and is already dead! *GASP* That’s it! That’s what happened to her! She left about an hour or two ago, but who can tell the time in this darkness? Not me, that’s for sure! Anyways, where was I? Oh yes! Applejack is more than likely--”

“Pinkie! Slow down! You are scaring Fluttershy.”

“Whoops! Hee hee! Sorry.”

“Alright, we need to go and check on Applejack. Hopefully, she’s there. If not, then we know what happened to her.”

“Okey dokey lokey!”

I awoke here. So, the ‘Saviors of Equestria’ were still alive? Interesting. But, they had lost somepony named Spike and may have lost Applejack. There didn’t seem to be much hope for them. They were somewhere called the ‘Frozen North’. Must be north of the White Tail Woods, which is where I assumed I was.

I looked around the room. Snowdrop was nowhere to be found.

“I wonder where she could’ve wandered off to...” I stood up, stretching out my legs and wings. I took a seat on the floor and sneezed. It was really dusty in Snowdrop’s room. I went over to what I figured was supposed to be her window and looked outside. The snow had died down, and was now falling gently.

“She must’ve gone outside. I don’t know, but I know that she isn’t here.” I walked out of the room and began going to where I figured the exit was. When I stepped outside, I was greeted by the playful snow I had come to adore. I couldn’t help but start attempting to catch snowflakes on my tongue.

Hours must’ve gone by. I wasn’t sure how long I had been catching snowflakes, but I knew that it had been quite some time. I lay down in the snow and started to make what I called a ‘Derp angel’. It was beautiful really, though it didn’t resemble me at all. I frowned and shouted enthusiastically, “I’ll make a Snowpony!”

So I went to work. When it was finished, it turned out to look like the Doctor. I blushed slightly and said, “Oh Derpy. You miss him so much. I wonder how he is holding up.”

Back in the TARDIS...

“Oh dear! She has been gone for an entire day now! I’m really scared George!” I looked at my bonsai tree that I had once been infatuated with. It stared at me blankly.

“Don’t look at me like that! There is nothing going on between her and I! It’s just... I worry about her being alone.” I could tell that he was on to me. I looked away nervously.

“It’s true! There is nothing going on between us!! Trust me George!” I looked at the tree, pleading for him to believe me.

“Wait! Why am I talking to a tree? Is it because I’m lonely without Derpy here? Must be.. But, I was never bothered by her being gone.. so why am I feeling this way now? Then again there was that one time that I walked in on her wearing socks... Oops! Too much information there!” I shoved the tree into a closet and locked the door. I had to find Derpy!

“I’m sure he’s fine! I mean he does have that tree that I catch him talking to every now and then.. He’s weird sometimes.. Especially around me.. but why? Eh, it doesn’t matter. I need to find Snowdrop though.” I realized that I had been resting my head on the Snowpony’s shoulder. I jumped back, blushing so much.

“My gosh Derpy! How embarrassing! Just imagine what somepony would say if they saw you! Oh, but I can’t help myself. It just looks so adorable!” I blushed again and turned away from the Snow Doctor. I looked around again, hoping to catch a glimpse of Snowdrop, but she was still nowhere to be found.

“Where is that blind mare?”

“Let me go! I demand it!” I continued to shout at them until they finally threw a muffler around my muzzle. I started to squirm in the chair that they had bound me in.

“Calm yourself Snowdrop! We are only transporting you to the Galloping Gorge, where we will abandon you. You couldn’t find your way out even if you weren’t blind!” They started to laugh maniacally which made me burn with hatred.

“Sleep tight..” They shoved a pill into my mouth and I was out like a light. I didn’t know where I was going at all. No sense of direction, nothing. But, I needed to get back to the Sanctuary! Who knew what they were going to do to Derpy!

Chapter Six

I awoke from my slumber just as my body was thrown through the air. I slammed into a rock and yelled out in pain.

“Good luck finding your out of here Snowdrop. We won’t miss you.” They removed my binds and the muffler. I yelled towards them, “I will find my way back! You haven’t seen the last of me!” I heard them start to laugh and then heard the wagon pull away. My body was numb, and my wings had been bound to my sides.

I stretched them out and started to flap them. It wasn’t a good idea since I was blind and I wouldn’t know where I was going, so I tucked them back in. I stood where I was, straining my ears, hoping to hear those traitors. I caught the faint sounds of their laughter. They must’ve been exiting the gorge or something.

I stepped into the dark ravine and took a deep breath. I spread my wings, and took flight. I had to avoid detection in the best way possible, and flying was it. I decided to depend on my amazing hearing ability to help guide me. I was probably going to kill them for their unfaithfulness to the Brotherhood. Maybe they were the ones who poisoned our previous leader! If so, then they were to die.

I sat there, in the TARDIS, knowing that George was probably watching me. I was a nervous wreck. The TARDIS was a complete mess, and my mane was wild. I was pacing to and fro, mumbling to myself. Why was I this worried about Derpy? I gasped..

“Am I actually beginning to have feelings for her?! Oh dear Doctor.. I knew it was a bad idea to keep her for this long. Why did you have to walk in on her at awkward times? Why did you always ask her to help you in an awkward situation? Like when you needed help bathing.. ugh. And now look at you. You are developing feelings for this.. kind, helpful, caring, understanding, and adorably funny mare.” I paused.

“Oh no!! I’m describing the things that I like about her too?! Why Doctor?! Why?!” I went into my room and lay my head down..

“You are a sad Galifreyan, Doctor. A really sad looking Galifreyan. You hate yourself and you know it. You hate your past self. Why did you destroy Galifrey? *GASP* What would River say if she found out about your newfound feelings for Derpy? Wait.. she’s dead. River’s dead, and you know it as well as all your past selves. I’m so forgetful.. and such an idiot. I mean, I put a stick of butter and a muffin in Derpy’s soup when she was sick. I also put Chicken stock and butter in her first bowl. Idiot! You must stop criticizing yourself man! It’s unhealthy. I need to actually go and search for Derpy.. I just hope she’s okay.”

I was not okay! I had stayed out in the cold for too long and I ended up catching a cold! I was sneezing uncontrollably and icicles began to form under my nose from loose mucus. It was gross. I wished that the Doctor was there to give me a blanket and a bowl of his buttery, soupy love. But he wasn‘t there.

Then I thought. He could usually find out where somepony was if they sent him a distress signal right? I began to cry out for help, hoping that he would get it on his... psychic paper? That sounded about right. I waited for a while, hoping for the magical wheezing of the TARDIS as it landed. But it never came.. So I lowered my head and began to sob silently. I wasn’t about to let icicles form under my eyes too.

“Oh Doctor. I only wish you were here. You know just how to make me feel better. Though you can be an idiot.” I sat there, thinking about whether or not I should go inside.

“It’s probably best to stay out here, in case he shows up.” And so I waited.

Back in the TARDIS...

“What are you going to do Doctor? She could be anywhere in Equestria!” I started to shove things, knocking over tables and chairs in my wake. I neglected to look at my psychic paper when I received a message. I just threw that too. Though, the message may have been from Derpy. I jumped and began to search the floor, still a mess, for the paper.

“Aha! I found a fish finger! Oh! And some custard!” I took a lunch break, pretty peaceful. At least my cafeteria wasn’t destroyed. Until I remembered what I was looking for. Then it was total chaos. I knocked over bowl after bowl of custard and threw food everywhere. I didn’t know where the paper could’ve fallen, so I wrecked most of the TARDIS. I finally found it in the hub.. right where I had thrown it.

I checked the paper, which read:

Doctor,

I am in need of your assistance. Well I’m actually sick again so... yeah.. please hurry!

Derpy Hooves

“Aha! I knew the message was from her! In your face.. urm.. leafy branches, George!” I looked at the closet and saw it open. I thought I had locked it! George sat ten feet away from me. He just looked at me. No movement came from him. I was paranoid. I must’ve opened the closet and put him there without even knowing it.

I turned around to go and put Derpy’s location into the TARDIS, in hopes of finding her. I looked back to where George last was. He wasn’t there anymore. The closet was closed, and locked just as it had been before. I had imagined George escaping after all. I chuckled lightly and let the TARDIS do her thing.

“I’m coming Derpy!” I ran into the kitchen and grabbed some stuff to make soup. I didn’t put the Chicken stock in it, and left out the butter, just as Derpy had instructed me to do before.

“But everything tastes better with butter!” So I added a stick or two into the soup. I went and grabbed a nice, warm, cozy blanket for her to bundle up in. I followed her recipe that she gave me for making muffins. I may have added three more sticks of butter than necessary.

“Looks about right.” I stuffed the batter, neglecting to put it into a muffin sheet, in the oven. I started up the TARDIS and went to where Derpy supposedly was. But, I ended up a hundred years in the past.

“Wrong time.. Darn it!” The TARDIS needed to cool down before another journey through space.. about three hours of waiting ahead of me, so.. wait. I couldn’t wait that long! I mean, I promised Amy I’d be back in five minutes and returned 15 years into the future!

“Sorry old girl. I’m going to make you move whether you want to or not.” I hopped back in and started her up. Hopefully, I reached the right time. I had been gone for about thirty seconds, so I assumed it must’ve been a short time.

Chapter Seven

I had waited for what I assumed was a day. Finally, I heard the magical whirring of the TARDIS as she landed. My face lit up at the sound and as it came into view, I knew that he was here to take me away!

I sat up quickly, hoping to see the Doctor step out. He did, and he looked rather.. wild. His eyes were bloodshot and his mane was all over the place. When his eyes fell upon me, he beamed so much that I thought his teeth would pop out.

“Derpy! I’m so glad I found you! You do not know what it was like being alone in the TARDIS when all I could think about was--” He paused and started to blush quite a bit. I cocked my head and looked into his eyes. There was something different about him. Like he was feeling.. different about me. But that was impossible.

“I was so worried about you! I’m terribly sorry about letting you leave on your own. And I am also sorry for turning the cloaking device on without knowing it. Please forgive me!” I looked at him and started to laugh slightly.

“What? Is there something wrong?” I nodded and, laughing hysterically, said, “You’re a mess Doctor! I mean, look at you!” He looked himself over and lay his ears back.

“Heh heh.. yeah. Just wait until you see the inside of the TARDIS.” I shook my head and walked towards him. I could tell he was nervous about something, because his face was getting red. I walked by him, brushing my tail against his flank. It was best to test out my theory. He locked up and heard him squeak slightly. I laughed under my breath. So he liked me after all.. just as I expected when he stepped out of the TARDIS, so happy to see me.

I paused. He was right. The TARDIS was a horrid mess! Papers were scattered across the floor, along with a few leaves, so I assumed that he was talking to the plant again. I looked back at him. He was still frozen in place. I smiled and kept walking. I smelt something cooking. It smelt like... muffins! My ears perked up and I ran to the kitchen.

Sure enough, there were muffins in the oven. But, there wasn’t a muffin sheet, just a bowl. I went back to the door, and the Doctor just stood there.

“Um Doctor?” He shook his head, as if coming out of a trance.

“Y-yes Derpy?” Still nervous about something.

“Why is there a bowl full of muffin mix in the oven instead of a muffin sheet?” He smiled nervously and ran his hoof through his messy mane.

“Well, you see.. it’s a funny story really. Um, I was in a rush to get to you and I was rather excited that you were okay, and I forgot to put the batter into the pan. Whoops.” I shook my head.

“Silly Doctor.” I walked off, avoiding the trash, towards my room. Hopefully, it was clean. Turns out that it was. A bowl of soup lay on my bed along with the cozy blanket he had given me when I was first sick. I tasted the soup, and automatically spit it out.

“He put butter in it again! After I told him not to! Oh Doctor.” I looked at the doorway and there he stood.

“Sorry about the buttery soup. I thought butter made everything taste better. Um.. do you mind if I come in?” I blushed slightly when he asked the question and nodded slowly. He smiled nervously and said, “Thanks. I’m going to have to clean up the TARDIS later, but I figured I could at least catch up with you.” He took a seat on the floor and I climbed into my bed, carefully wrapping myself in the blanket. I looked into his eyes, which were just screaming, “Tell her you fool! She’s on to you! May as well tell her now instead of later!”

He avoided my gaze and looked at the floor. I sighed and closed my eyes. What I needed was a new bowl of soup and some rest. I heard him walk over to the bed and drink the rest of the unfinished soup.

“I’ll go get you another bowl of butter-free soup. I’ll be back.”

“Okay.” And I began to nod off to sleep. Hopefully, I would catch up on what was happening in the Frozen North.

“So it turns out that Applejack did die. She fell into the ice. Just like you said Pinkie. Now, we are down to five. Without the sixth, we are.. well, useless.”

“I’m sorry Twilight.. I.. I think that we can pull through though.. I mean, what about that one “mare? I think her name was... Derpy or something.. Oh I don’t remember.. I’m sorry..”

They were talking about me!

“Wait, you may be on to something Fluttershy! Though, I don’t know how exactly Derpy can help us..”

Well duh Twilight. Chrysalis doesn’t care about me. I’m not a threat to anypony! I can infiltrate Canterlot without them even knowing it!

“Wait, I think I’m getting something. It’s like.. like I’m telepathically connected to somepony. I’m picking up on their brain waves.”

Oh dear! She’s on to me! Come on Derpy! You need to wake up!

I awoke abruptly from the dream. I was sweating quite a bit. I looked around the room. It turned out that the Doctor had placed a bowl of soup on my night stand, and fell asleep on the floor, waiting for me to wake up. I smiled and climbed carefully out of the bed. I got down next to him and nuzzled his ear.

“You’re so sweet Doctor. And caring.” I grabbed the bowl of soup and began to drink the broth. It was butter-free, just like he said. There was also the big bowl of muffin on the night stand too. I took it and sat down next to the Doctor.

“How am I supposed to eat this? I’m confused..” I eyeballed the bowl, trying to find a way to eat the giant muffin. I shook the Doctor awake.

“Who, what, when, where, why?!” He looked at me and sighed in relief.

“Oh.. it’s just you. Nothing to worry about Whooves. Everything is fine. Anyway, how can I help you Derpy?” I pointed to the bowl and asked, “How am I supposed to eat that?” He laughed nervously and said, “I don’t know really. Let me go get some forks. Maybe we can share it. Seems like quite a bit.” I nodded and crawled back into bed.

I closed my eyes, making sure not to fall asleep. Maybe I could link up with Twilight again? It was worth a shot.

“I lost them. It’s like they knew that I noticed they were there or something. Hmm. I wonder.. Wait! They’re back!”

So I am.. good observation Twilight.

Why thank you.. now, who are you?

I am the pony that flaps in the night! I am the pony who--

Cut to the chase please. I don’t have much time.

Okay.. sheesh. Cranky much? Anyways, I believe we’ve met before. Before all this.

Um.. no, I can’t recall that we have.

Oh my goodness. I’m Derpy.. Derpy Hooves. Ring a bell? Or many bells?

Oh, you. How is it that you are linked to me?

I don’t know.. I thought you would.

No.. not really. I just noticed a few moments ago. Then I lost connection to you. What happened?

I woke up. Well I forced myself to because I knew you were on to me.

Oh.. Well um Fluttershy said--

I know what she said. She said: “I’m sorry Twilight.. I.. I think that we can pull through though.. I mean, what about that one mare? I think her name was... Derpy or something.. Oh I don’t remember.. I’m sorry..”

What? How do you know that?

I can hear your conversations. I see through your eyes and listen through your ears when I’m asleep. I don’t know why, but I can.

Creepy. I mean, not you, you’re not creepy. But the fact that you can see and hear through me is.. well, unheard of.

I highly doubt that. I guess the only reason why I can do this is because I’m somehow connected with you. I mean, couldn’t you do that with Celestia?

No, not at all. This is something that nopony has ever heard of before. Two ponies being telepathically connected. It isn’t normal.

You said earlier that you didn’t have much time. What did you mean by that?

I don’t know how long this whole ‘telepathy’ thing can go on in a period of time, and Rarity, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash are getting rather impatient with me. They think I’m asleep. And Fluttershy doesn’t understand my ‘smart-talk’ often. So she wants an explanation about what this whole ‘telepathy’ is about.

Oh.. well I have to go. The Doctor is coming back.

Wait, ‘Doctor’?

No time to explain. Maybe later.

But Derpy! I nee--

I had to cut the transmission. The Doctor was returning, and I didn’t want him to wait until I was ready. He entered the room and saw me still bundled up in the blanket.

“Ah good, you’re still awake. Sorry I took so long, I was tidying up the place. So, ready to eat this.. giant muffin?” I laughed and nodded.

“Of course I’m ready Doctor. I am always ready to eat a muffin!”

“Right, I forgot.” We sat down and began to eat. He let me have the first bite, which he always did whenever we ate muffins. He was having issues with picking up his fork, which didn’t surprise me. He still wasn’t used to using hooves and four legs instead of two arms and two legs. So, I helped him out. It was the first time that I had ever fed the Doctor, because he usually eats with no forks or spoons.

The only things I’ve ever seen him eat were what he called “fish fingers and custard”, “fish and chips”, and the occasional carrot. And a lot of buttered English muffins. This muffin in particular tasted really buttery, but I guessed that was okay. He always apologized for being rather useless, not being able to use his hooves and whatnot. I told him that one day, he’d learn. One day he would.

“You know Derpy, I was thinking. I know that we’ve had our little um.. mishaps before, like when I had became infatuated with that bonsai tree. But, I just have.. I have this feeling. A feeling that I can’t explain. I mean, I noticed this feeling when I was freaking out about you being gone for such a long period of time. You know that I’m a timelord, and I know that you are a mare.”

Was he really doing what I thought he was going to do? I knew that I had said that I didn’t want to make him any lonelier than he had been before he met me, but.. I had to say something. I didn’t want to hurt him though. So I let him finish.

“But I just feel like.. like we can be something more than friends. So, I just want to say..” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, as if trying to concentrate. My heart was racing with excitement.

“Derpy, would you do me the honor.. would you do me the honor of being my.. my.... my... m-m-marefriend?” I sat there for a few seconds in complete and total shock. The Doctor asked me! And I never thought that he would! Oh dear, what was I supposed to do? Break both of his hearts and have things be awkward between us, or say yes and see where everything went from there?

I looked at him and gulped. The decision was a tough one, and I would probably need time to think.

“Doctor, I’m truly flattered. I really am. But.. I don’t know.”

I had been following the wagon for a day.. or at least what I thought was a day. Finally, they made camp on the other side of the White Tail Woods.

“Well Snowdrop, this is the time. These traitors will die here. Even if they didn’t poison our former leader, they still held me captive against my will. They will pay for what they have done.” I stayed within the trees until I was sure that they were all asleep. Then, just for this one time during the entire trip, I activated my vision. I picked out how many there were in the group, and which ones to go for first.

They had stripped me of my weapons, so I needed to find a dagger or something sharp. I bumped into an icicle that, when I felt it, seemed quite sharp.

“This will have to do until I get my hooves on a real weapon.” I broke it off from the tree it was hanging from, and crept towards my first victim. I got close to his ear, making sure that the icicle was in line with the back of his throat, and whispered, “Sleep tight.” I shoved the icicle as hard as possible. It penetrated his neck with ease, and came straight out of the other side.

He was killed almost instantly. He sat there for a moment, then his eyes opened. He tried to cry out for help, but choked on his blood before he could. It was a perfect kill. I had timed it perfectly, such precision. Such stealth! I hadn’t killed somepony since the beginning of the war. It felt good.

I removed his dagger from his outfit.

“You won’t be needing this anymore, now will you?” Total silence. Just the way I liked it. I moved from one pony to another, killing them just as quickly as the great Rainbow Dash once flew, and as quietly as the snow when it fell. The only pony that was left was the head of the Elder Council. I felt bad about killing Astrid though. Her and I had become good friends over the years. But all friendships died in the end, right? I paused, thinking about that last thought.

“Friendships don’t die in the end.. What are you thinking Snowdrop? You and Astrid just.. drifted apart.” I went over to her body and carefully lay her in the snow.

“May your soul forever rest in peace. I am sorry that it had to come to this, but it just did.” I covered her body in snow, since the ground was too hard to properly bury her. I got up and walked towards the wagon.

“The Elder Council will fall..”

The Doctor and I had ended up finishing the muffin bowl. We were quiet for the most part, since none of us knew what to say to the other. I figured that we would find something to talk about the next day.

I got up from the floor, and walked around inside the TARDIS for a few hours. He had cleaned it after all. And it looked a lot better than when I first reentered earlier that day. I stopped in front of his room, wondering whether or not I should go in there. Finally, I decided that it was best not to. He wasn’t in there anyways.

He had fallen asleep on the floor of my room, and I decided to lay next to him. I ended up sleeping, but was awoken suddenly. This was why I walked around the TARDIS. I returned to my room and settled myself down on the floor next to the Doctor. He looked really peaceful when he slept.

Before falling asleep again, I nuzzled his ear and lightly kissed his forehead.

When I woke up in the morning, he wasn’t in my room. I figured he must’ve gone into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, but the only things he knew how to make were muffins, soup, and.. well that’s it. Muffins and soup. So I went out into the kitchen, and there he was, making some muffins,

“Oh good! You’re awake! Um, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m making muffins for breakfast. They are a breakfast food. Did you know that? Of course you do. You know everything there is to know about muffins. I’m so ridiculous.” He chuckled lightly.

I sat down at the table and said, “I don’t mind. I love muffins. And you know that more than anypony else.” He nodded.

“Oh! And I also made you some soup to help you with your cold. I didn’t put any butter in it, trust me.” I laughed and said, “I trust you. Let’s just hope it’s true.” He placed my favorite muffins in front of me and a bowl of soup. I gladly ate it all, and went into the bathroom to go clean up for the day.

Little did I know, this was going to be the longest day of my life.

Chapter Eight

There came a knocking on the TARDIS door. Derpy had gone to the bathroom to wash up and whatnot.

“I wonder who that could be..” I walked over to the door and opened it. There stood a mare. She was covered in cuts and blood. I blinked repeatedly, hoping that this was just some kind of trick that my eyes were playing on me. They weren’t.. this was really happening.

“Excuse me, but is there a Derpy Hooves here? I need to speak with her.”

“Uh.. there is. She isn’t here at the moment though. Well she is, but she’s busy. I can pass a message if you’d like.”

“No! I must speak to her.. what I have to say is important. The fate of Equestria lies in her hooves.” I looked at the cuts, noticing that they were extremely deep.

“Come on in. I can help you with your.. injuries.”

“No. It’s fine. They are but mere flesh wounds.”

“But you’re bleeding out!”

“I don’t care! I’m going to die anyways! It’s only a matter of time..” I nodded solemnly and said, “I’ll go get her.”

I had just finished washing up when the Doctor knocked on the door.

“Um, Derpy? There is a mare at the door. Says she needs to speak with you. She’s hurt badly and is bleeding out rapidly.”

“I’ll be right out!” I ran out of the bathroom and to the door. The mare that the Doctor spoke of was.. Snowdrop.

“My gosh! What happened?”

“No time to explain Derpy.. I need to speak to you. Listen carefully to what I am about to say.”

“Okay..” And so she spoke.

“The fate of Equestria lies in your hooves. You are the only pony who isn’t of interest to Chrysalis. She and the other Changelings can care less if you enter Canterlot. Go in as if you were a mail-mare. Deliver a message to Chrysalis. The Changelings should let you pass. Go alone. Do not bring anypony else.” She cringed.

“Once the message is delivered, leave. Fly around Canterlot until you are at the window behind her throne. Sneak up behind her and.. kill her. If she notices you, she will try to kill you. Do be careful. I believe in you Derpy.” And with that, she lay down in the snow.

“Cover my body in snow. It is not a proper burial, but it’ll have to do. I’m sorry that I couldn’t train you.. forgive me.” She closed her eyes. She lay there for a few minutes, shuddering with each breath. Finally, she took one last shaky breath. And died.. My eyes got all watery and I began to cry.

“I’m sorry Derpy. I don’t know how long you’ve known her, but she must’ve been nice.”

“She was Doctor. She took care of me in the Sanctuary.. She was my mentor.” I went over to her body and pulled it towards a fresh pile of snow. I started to bury her, just as she had asked me to do. I went back into the TARDIS and entered my room. I climbed into bed and closed my eyes. I needed to contact Twilight.

Twilight?

Yes Derpy?

I’ve been told that I alone must kill Chrysalis..

That’s not a good idea.. it’s not safe to go in alone.

I know, but what else can I do?

Find me. Go to the Frozen North. You should be able to find me easily. Just concentrate on my location. Our telepathic connection should allow you to find me.

Go to the Frozen North? But I don’t know where that is..

Where are you currently?

I believe the White Tail Woods.

Hmm.. do you have a map of Equestria?

Of course. I was the mail-mare before all of this.

Okay, good. Look over the map. It’s rather difficult to see the mountains marking the beginning of the Frozen North with all this snow. The map will be of good use.

I’ll look around my room for the map. I’ll contact you when I find it.

God’s speed Derpy. Good luck.

Thanks.

I cut the transmission there. I opened my eyes and began to search my room.

“I know I have a map around here somewhere..” I looked everywhere, but the map was nowhere to be found.

“Where could it be?” Then I remembered. It was in Cloudsdale. Of all places. Along with my mail bag and personal belongings. I ran into the hub. The Doctor wasn’t there. Must be in his room. I checked there. Sure enough, he was in his room, just staring at the ceiling.

“Um, Doctor?”

“Yes Derpy?”

“Is everything alright?”

“Of course. Why do you ask?”

“You’re staring at your ceiling.”

“ I tend to do it when I’m thinking about Galifrey.. I miss it.”

“I know you do.. it was your home.” He looked into my eyes. I could’ve sworn that the entire night sky was frozen in his gaze.

“Do you know how many lives I’ve saved Derpy? How many worlds that are still out there because of me?”

“No Doctor. I can only begin to imagine how many.”

“All of Time and Space. Every star, every planet, every organism, every galaxy. Everything that ever happened or ever will happen. And it all still exists because of me. It’s a wonderful feeling, knowing that everything in the universe is grateful because you saved them. But, saving lives can never fill the void in my hearts. I have to make tough decisions at times. Sometimes, I save an entire planet, but kill off an entire civilization because of my choices. I can’t save everyone. And that’s the biggest sacrifice that a timelord must make. Save a world but kill a civilization, or let the world die. And it’s really difficult. And now, this magnificent world needs my help. Ponies will die in the meantime. I want you to know that not everyone can be saved. Not even me. I’ve saved so many lives. And I fear that I won’t be able to save you when you need me the most. I also fear that I can’t save myself. Who knows. Maybe after Chrysalis is finally gone, my purpose here in Equestria will be complete. The TARDIS brought me here for a reason. That reason was to save this world from the dangers that would control it in the future. Chrysalis is that danger. This may be the last time that I will ever see you. This is our last adventure. And I will never be able to return. The laws of Time and Space will never allow it. I can’t return to a parallel universe or other dimension once I leave. I’ve tried so many times, only to fail.”

“If.. if you leave Doctor, I’m coming with you.”

“It wouldn’t be safe for you on Earth. You would have so much to learn. You’d have to relearn everything that you already know. You’d have to learn English and leave behind the Equish. You’re life would never be the same. You would become a normal human. I would have to teach you everything there is to know about being human just like you’ve taught me about being an equine creature. It’s been fun. We’ve had good times. And this.. well, this is our last memory. Once I leave, I will still remember Equestria and everything that I ever did here, but over time, I will forget. I will have companions that will come and go. And my memories of you and Equestria will begin to fade. I would soon forget all about this beautiful world. I’m sorry. My Derpy Hooves.. I am doing this for your own safety. I don’t want you to be hurt. Earth is different than Equestria. There are people who will hurt you both mentally and physically. There will be people dying everyday. People are cruel. They are not like ponies. Many suffer from depression, and end up killing themselves. Many people fight on the sides of streets or in alleyways. People go to war all the time. There is always somebody who starts the war. People die in these wars. A lot of people. Some people are good though. They are rare to find, but they exist. I do this because you mean too much for me to bring you along. There always comes a day when I have to leave my companions.. I never see them again. I’m sorry Ms. Hooves. This is just the way that things must be. This is the curse of the timelord. You can never stay with a person for too long. You must leave them in the end, no matter how much it hurts you. And it hurts me so much every time I leave them. You will always have a spot in both my hearts. I want you to live a good rest of your life when I leave. I will always miss you. Always think of you. Always wish that I could live in Equestria forever. You are such a wonderful mare. You were the first pony I met upon arriving here in Equestria. And you will be the last pony that I see when I leave.”

He got up from the floor with tears in his eyes. He walked up to me and smiled weakly.

“You’re special Derpy. Don’t let anypony tell you otherwise. You’re brilliant, talented, caring, understanding, and you can always make a pony feel loved. One day, you will be loved by many. Who knows when, but when somepony sees you, they will say, ‘Look! It’s Derpy Hooves! She saved us all from Chrysalis’ reign!’ And they will cheer for you. There will be statues honoring you throughout Equestria. They may even make you Princess of Equestria. Who knows. Celestia and Luna will never return, and Equestria needs a strong, brave leader. You are that leader Derpy.”

He kissed my forehead lightly and walked out of the room. I was in hysteria. I knew that the day would come when he would have to leave, but I just didn’t expect it to be so soon. He was my Doctor. And it would break my heart to see him go. But, I knew that he was needed on Earth and throughout the rest of the universe. He came here to save Equestria. And nopony would ever remember him, except for me.

I turned and went after him. I wasn’t going to let him leave me just yet.

“Doctor! Wait!” He turned and looked at me. The depths of space were still locked in his eyes. I ran up to him and embraced him. I could tell that his hearts had skipped a beat. He sat there, awkwardly. Finally, he accepted my embrace and hugged me tightly. I buried my face in his chest, sobbing heavily.

“Don’t leave me. Not yet at least.” He sat there silently, taking everything in. Finally, he sighed heavily and said, “If it means that much to you, then I’ll take you back with me. How’s that sound?”

“Perfect.” I tried to stop crying, but I just couldn’t. I finally let go of him and said, “I’ll be in my room.. if you need me.” He nodded and I walked away. I would’ve told him to take me to Cloudsdale so I can get the map, but he seemed a little distant at the moment. So, I planned on going in alone.

Chapter Nine

I walked out of my room, fully prepared to fly to Cloudsdale. The Doctor noticed me attempting to sneak out and asked, “Where are you going?”

“Oh.. uh.. nowhere.. absolutely nowhere..” He looked at me with that look of his that meant he knew something was up. I finally broke.

“Okay! I’m going to Cloudsdale alone! I need to get a map of Equestria along with my mail bag and other stuff. I was going to tell you earlier, but you were distant, and in a trance or something, and I didn’t want to bother you. So, I decided to fly to Cloudsdale alone.” He shook his head.

“I’d be glad to take you Derpy. You’re lucky I caught you in an attempt to sneak out. You may have died out there.. or even worse.”

“No Doctor. I can do this. Besides, you can only walk upon the clouds if you’re a pegasus, which you are not. Let me do this. I have faith in myself that I can.” He opened his mouth as if to say something to make me stay, but he just said, “Okay. I trust you. Be safe and return soon.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

I had only flown for half an hour or so when the snow began to rapidly pick up its speed.

“Oh come on! I just want to get to Cloudsdale!” I had no clue about where in Equestria I was, because everything looked the same. Snow, tree, snow, random pony walking along the road.. wait! Random pony?! I stopped flying and began to fall towards the ground.

I was 300 feet, 200 feet, 150 feet, 75 feet, 50 feet, 10 feet, 5 feet, and..

WHUMP!! I had fallen into a fresh layer of snow. I poked my head out from the hole and looked about. The random pony stood there. I couldn’t make out their features, because it was so dark. But I could tell they were startled.

“Hi! My name is Derpy Hooves! I’d give you a muffin if I had one, but I don’t. Sorry. Anyways, what’s you’re name?” They just stood there, and I could swear I heard a snowflake touch the ground. Finally, they gulped.

“You said that you’re name was Derpy Hooves?”

“Uh.. yeah!”

“Brilliant. This is good. Really good. Come with me. No time to explain.”

“But..”

“I said come with me!”

“Okay okay.. sheesh. No need to yell.” So, with some difficulty, I pulled myself out of the hole and followed the mysterious pony. I tried to make small talk, but they just ignored me. This pony was quite tall though. They didn’t seem normal. Not at all.

Back in the TARDIS...

“You did it again Doctor! You let her go out alone! You don’t know what could happen to her! Why didn’t you just take her to Cloudsdale? What a genius you are.. a bloody genius.”

I followed the mysterious mare. I had assumed that she was a mare by the tone of her voice when she spoke to me. She still wouldn’t reveal herself however. I assumed I was in deep thought because the mare yelled my name finally.

“Derpy Hooves!” I jumped at the extreme volume of the voice.

“Uh.. yes?”

“Pay attention. Because of you, we missed our turn. We must go back. Come now.”

“Okay.” I followed her in complete silence. I wasn’t going to talk to her. She wasn’t the nicest mare in the world. We walked towards an opening in some trees.

“Follow me. Now.” We continued down the path until we came upon a waterfall. It had frozen over since the winter began. She looked at me sternly and said, “Go behind the falls. There you will find a cave. Enter, but do stay hidden. There are peering eyes that hope to find this secret camp.”

I did as she told me to do. The cave was lit by a warm, glowing fire.

“Sit down, please.” I looked at the floor around me. It was pretty dusty, but I sat anyways. The walls were covered in paintings, up to this moment. It was like this mare had planned out the entire course of time beginning from when Chrysalis took over.

The mare had walked over towards the fire and seated herself facing me. She sighed heavily and said, “I guess that it is about time that you learned why I brought you here. This will take quite some time to explain, but you’re going to have to deal with it. Ready?”

“Uh.. I guess so.”

“Good. Then we shall start. You said that your name was Derpy Hooves. This, now that I can see you more clearly, is true. You do not know who I am, and I want to keep it that way. There was a prophecy about you. I was told it many years ago when I was but a filly. It went something like this:

‘There will be a mare with a cock-eyed stare. She will appear when Equestria needs her the most. Look for a blue box, and give it a few knocks. You may be surprised at what you find inside. Take her to The Cave, but do not reveal yourself until the time is right. I do not expect you to remember this prophecy in the future sister, but try and remember. Don’t forget that our lives are in serious danger. Find her, and make her believe your story. Good luck. She is the answer to our prayers. She will end Chrysalis’ reign.’

And this prophecy so far has been true. You do exist, though I didn’t find you in a blue box. Tell me, what is the blue box to you?” I sat there for a moment and said, “It isn’t just a box. It is full of magic and wonderful things. One of my closest friends, the Doctor, lives in it. It’s really big, though it seems small on the outside. The box has been my home since Chrysalis took control.”

The mare nodded slowly and said, “I was told not to reveal myself, but I think that the time is right. I’ve been in hiding for far too long. My sister has been missing for years. It’s just been me.” She removed her cloak to reveal none other than the Princess of the Night herself. I gaped at her with amazement.

“I thought you were dead!”

“That’s what everypony thought. But, they were wrong. I’ve been alive all this time, just weakened. I haven’t shown myself at all, because it is too dangerous. I can tell you of my story if you want. It will take a while like I said. So do pay attention.”

And so, she began.

Chapter Ten

“Now, as you may already know, my sister and I were presumed ‘dead’ many winter ago. Ah, but Chrysalis forgot one thing. We could never die by her beam. She wasn’t as powerful as us. She merely made us pass out from the usage of energy. She had our bodies cast into some hollow graves and began to bury us. We lay there unconscious for some time, until finally I woke up.

I heard a scraping noise from above us. I was breathing frantically, because of the lack of oxygen. I thought I was a goner, when I heard the noise get closer and closer. I began to kick my hooves upon the earth, hoping that it would signal whoever was digging. There was a pause, the a small voice. I knew right away that it was my sisters most valued student Twilight Sparkle.

How she found us was beyond me. She called out towards me and responded with, ‘Twilight Sparkle, so it is you. However did you find us?’

‘No time to explain Luna. Where’s Celestia?’

‘Right next to me. She seems to still be unconscious. Hurry, for it is getting quite hard to breath.’ I heard the sound of Twilight’s hooves pounding the earth begin to quicken. She was quite the mare, and I could see why Celestia favored her so much. She began to mumble something under her breath, about how she wished that Spike were there. Said that he could dig faster than anypony in Equestria.

Finally, a hole opened up in front of me. It was a rather small hole, but that was just enough for me to shove my horn through. I began tearing up the dirt, in hopes of escaping. Twilight had hopped into the pit with me and began to drag Celestia’s body out. I was left alone in the pit.

‘You have wings Luna. Use them.’ I shook my head and growled in frustration.

‘This is no way to treat a princess Twilight Sparkle. But fine. We will do it your way.’ I spread my wings, realizing that the hole was too narrow for me to truly open them. I looked at her with pleading eyes. She sighed and said, ‘Fine Luna.’ I was surrounded by a beautiful bubble and lifted out of the hole. I brushed the dirt from my coat when Twilight stopped me.

‘Luna, there I no time for grooming. Come with me. I know a place where you and Celestia can hide.’ I stopped grooming myself abruptly and looked at Twilight.

‘What am I supposed to do with her?’ I motioned towards Celestia. Twilight looked from me to her thn back.

‘Carry her on your back of course.’ I stared at her in amazement. I shook my head furiously, as if telling her that I would not carry Celestia on my back. If that was going to be anypony’s job, then it was most definitely Twilight’s. She looked into my eyes sternly and I threw my hooves up.

‘Okay okay.’ Reluctantly, I picked Celestia up from the ground and threw her upon my back. Twilight nodded in approval and began walking. I followed, slowly. My sister was quite heavy. Then again, she had always been taller and heavier than me.”

Luna got up from the floor and asked, “Would you like something to eat? You look famished.” I stared at her for a second, trying to figure out what I wanted. Finally, I responded.

“Yes please. What exactly do you have?” She looked at the floor and frowned.

“Not much really. Celestia took the majority of our rations before leaving. But I haven’t seen her since. I’ve managed to scavenge food here and there, but with the Changelings patrolling about, it has been difficult to find food without the danger of being spotted. However, I can make something if you want.” I nodded and said, “Can you make muffins?” She hook her head slowly.

“I cannot make theses.. muffins you speak of. But, I’m sure I have the necessary ingredients for you to make some if you would like. Let me check.” She left the room and there I sat. In front of the dying fire. The fire was like this world. Dying.. slowly, but surely. We were all dying. All of us a fire. And nopony there to feed us. Without the light of Celestia’s glory, nopony would live for much longer.

And I was the final hope of Equestria. If I failed, then who knew what would happen to us. I needed all the help I could get. And Luna was going to be a big, and I mean BIG help to me. I just needed Celestia and the remaining five of Equestria’s previous saviors. I figured it was about time to get in contact with Twilight again, but I didn’t know if the connection would be successful this far out. It wouldn’t hurt to try, but I wasn’t about to let Luna’s back-story go unfinished.

She came back and said, “I come with grave news. We do not have the required ingredients to make muffins, but on the Brightside, I do have carrots that you can eat.” I smiled slightly and told her that everything was okay. I had eaten quite the breakfast. She looked at me with a stare that said: Are you sure?

“Yes, Princess. I’m sure that everything is okay.” She nodded and sat back down, beginning to nibble on a carrot.

“You know, Derpy, you don’t have to call me ‘Princess’ or anything formal like that anymore. I don’t deserve that title. Just call me Luna please.”

“Well okay. If you say so. Anyways, please continue with your story.”

“Not now Derpy. The fire is dying, and it is late. We must sleep. I will continue in the morning.” She blew out the fire and lay down. I sat there for a few moments then asked, “How come you don’t raise the moon anymore? I for one loved the night sky.”

“Derpy, if I rose the moon every day, Chrysalis would know that I still lived. So, I must leave it be. Nopony needs the night these days.”

“But what about those that wish upon the stars?”

“Why would they wish upon the stars Derpy?”

“Because. They need hope. And nopony knows that their hope is just within reach. They don’t think that it’ll ever come. They need something to wish upon, just like in the old days.” I could hear her chuckle slightly.

“These days are the ones that Equestria will never forget. Scars will always scatter this once beautiful land. It is just the way that things should be. Ponies will be able to wish upon the stars once everything is returned to normal. We can’t control everything. Now, good night.”

“Night Luna.” I shut my eyes, which seemed really heavy at the moment. The atmosphere had changed that night. It was like Equestria was reaching a new dawn. And that dawn would appear any day now.

Twilight?

Hmm?

You will not believe who I just met!

Let me guess, Luna?

Yes! Wait.. Wow you’re good.

Yep. I saved her from a grave. Chrysalis had buried her alive it seemed.

Yes yes, she told me that.

Surprising. How did you find her?

I crashed.

Wow. The odds of that every happening. Very slim.

I know right?

Yes.. Have you given any thought towards helping me with the elimination of Chrysalis?

No. I have not. And I don’t think that I want to just yet. It’s too risky at the moment.

You’re strong Derpy. And very indecisive. Oh well. You will come around soon enough. I bid thee good night.

Since when did Twilight begin talking all formally? I guess that it was none of my business. I needed my rest anyways. It had been a long, tiresome day. It was full of surprises. Some were not as good as the others though. But, there was no changing the past. I remembered what Snowdrop had told me before she died.

“It’s beautiful, the snow. I created every last flake that you see falling. They have copied my work and turned it into something beautiful. I’m happy Derpy. I never did get to live to see Equestria back to normal, but I’m going to die happily. Please, save this world. And don’t you ever forget me. I must go, and so should you. Farewell.” She inhaled once, and coughed up blood. She smiled at me and finally died.

I would never forgive myself for helping her when she got those cuts. But, everypony’s life ends. Sometimes tragically. But, we all became part of the earth in the end.