Chronicles Of A Timelord - Volume 1 - An Unequestrian Stallion

The discussion regarding ground rules was swift and without confrontation. It was agreed between The Doctor and Lyra that he would not be permitted to be lazy. He would help keep the house clean and other menial chores, sharing the work with Lyra fairly. He had no issue with this and was eager to see his new surroundings. The trip from the hospital to his new home was brief and without incident. The pair were now on the threshold of entering, Lyra opening the door of the thatch roofed house to reveal a reasonably furnished interior. The layout was in a 3x1 layout with a ground and first floor. The pair were about to enter the middle sector, an entrance hall with the stairs included. The left had a kitchen-diner, the right possessed a reception room. Upstairs, the landing split into two bedrooms, one on either side.

"Welcome to my home," Lyra said with pride. "Kitchen's on the left, living room on the right. Upstairs is where the bedrooms are. Mine is on the right, you can borrow Bon Bon's on the left. However, don't touch anything other than the bed, It's her room and I doubt she'd like it if you were to go snooping around."

The Doctor stepped inside and took a moment to glance into the two adjoining rooms. He nodded appreciatively and sniffed in thought before turning towards Lyra.

"Yes, well..." He began quietly. "If it's all the same to you, I think I might sleep in the living room. I'd rather not become an intruder in your roommate's bedroom, if it's all the same to you. After all, it's the private sanctuary of the occupant. I'm not one to deprive someone of their privacy."

Lyra nodded in understanding before gesturing towards the living room. The Doctor nodded back in gratitude before entering and taking a seat on a couch by the fireplace. He was quickly joined by the mint green mare, who sat next to him. Silence fell, as they quietly waited for the other to break the ice.

"You wouldn't happen to have any reading material kicking around, would you?" The Doctor enquired. "I doubt spending your time staring at the walls is fun for you or your roommate."

"Oh!" Lyra exclaimed in a mixture of embarrassment and surprise. "I'm sorry. Let me get something for you. Is there anything in particular you'd like?"

"Well, I think anything you have on the history of Equestria would be a good start." The Doctor suggested politely. "No time like the present to begin relearning everything!"

Lyra hummed in agreement before scanning over the books that were being stored on a bookshelf nearby. The titles she could see were hardly what her guest desired. The vast majority were fictional titles, most adventures and mythology, a couple of romances and a few instructional books on baking. Huffing a little with disappointment, Lyra ran her hoof along the collection of lined up books, her gaze following it as she read each title individually. Happily, she was able to spot a book that was perfect for him to read. Her horn glowed as she levitated the book from the shelf and let it float over to The Doctor.

"Ah, thank you." He began before reading the title. His brow furrowed and then an eyebrow raising inquisitively with a hint of suspicion.

"Predictions & Prophecies?" He repeated. "This is a book on mythology?"

"Yes, but some of it is true, I think." Lyra countered uneasily. The Doctor stared back at her blankly before shrugging and opening the slightly dusty tome. Lyra watched as the stallion silently let his eyes blaze across the page. Mere seconds passed before he then flicked the page over.

"I thought you said you wanted to read it?" She asked with a hint of annoyance. "How could you even read a page that quickly without skipping parts?"

The Doctor tore his gaze away from the book and tapped his chin in thought.

"I'm not too sure." He replied. "I guess I must have been a librarian or some other academic before I lost my memory."

Lyra looked away as she turned the suggestion over in her mind. After satisfying herself that the idea was reasonable, she looked up to see her guest turning the book to the side and letting the pages blur by like a flick book. She tilted her head and raised her eyebrow, clearly questioning his current actions. Once he'd flicked through the final pages, he closed the book and placed it on the arm of the couch.

"Interesting read." He remarked. "Not sure on the mixture of legend and fact though. For example, the entry regarding 'The Mare In The Moon'. It says a number of things I'd like to ask about."

Lyra's eyes widened. Her recollection of that section of the book was that it was near the middle. Therefore, her guest must have been able to read it.

"Um... Well..." She began in disbelief while sitting back down. "W-What do you want to know?"

"Firstly, it said that there were two sisters that ruled together, the eldest being the one that raises the sun, while the youngest raised the moon." He enquired. "I've already seen that unicorns are capable of levitation, but is it actually possible for someone to be able to move something as large as the sun or moon?"

"Yes!" She confirmed. "Princess Celestia raises the sun and moon all by herself."

"Fascinating." He murmured. "Okay, so they are capable of moving celestial bodies. Next, it states that this younger sister was trapped within the moon. Is that actually true?"

"I doubt it." Lyra countered with a giggle. "I mean, the moon itself has a pattern on it that looks like a mare, but it couldn't be true! You said yourself that it was a mixture of fact and fiction."

"Yes, I did. Still, it's always best to be sure."

Lyra nodded. She was about to speak when someone knocked on the door. The Doctor looked towards the entrance and began to stand up, but Lyra gestured for him to remain seated. She stood up herself and answered the door. Glancing over at the newcomer, The Doctor was able to notice a nurse passing Lyra a package before nodding farewell and leaving. Lyra shut the door and returned to the living room, where she presented the package to him.

"It was the hospital." She explained. "We forgot to take your possessions when we left. These are yours."

"Oh, thank you." The Doctor replied as he took the package and opened it. He examined the contents closely, noticing that it contained his shoes, a bow tie, frock coat, socks and plaid trousers. Unsure of the functions of any of the garments, The Doctor began to examine each article individually. Lyra watched as he picked up the shirt and held it out in front of him, she tilted her head as curiosity overwhelmed her too. Gingerly, the stallion lifted the shirt over his head and let it slip over him. He discovered that it was far too large as it covered him from head to flank, the problem being compounded when he pulled his head through the opening at the top.

"You look a bit silly." Lyra remarked as she stifled a giggle. The Doctor looked over at her and waved, the sleeves dwarfing his legs and the excess material flailing around comically. He cracked a grin as he removed the garment and tossed it back onto the pile.

"Yes, these clothes seem to be far too large for me." He remarked as another visitor knocked on the door. Lyra abandoned him to continue messing with his belongings, while she answered the door. On the door step was a mare blessed with a cream coat, dark blue and pink mane with three wrapped sweets as her cutie mark. Lyra's eyes widened with joy as she threw herself at the mare with a delighted squee.

"Bon Bon!" She squealed while wrapping the surprised mare in a crushing embrace. "You're back!"

"Nice to see you too!" Bon Bon hissed as the air was crushed from her lungs. "I didn't need to be there as long as I thought!"

Lyra nuzzled her cheek happily before releasing her, allowing the dazed mare to breathe again.

"It's great to see you again!" She replied. "Which reminds me. I have someone here who's... Um... Staying with us for a little bit."

Bon Bon's expression melted into a frown.

"What?"

"It's nothing permanent." Lyra soothed. "He's only here for a few days."

"Okay," Bon Bon answered with an unsure nod. "Who is he?"

Lyra opened her mouth to answer before falling silent, realising that neither she nor her guest knew. She cleared her throat and gestured towards the living room.

"Well, why don't you meet him yourself? He's in the living room."

"I'll do that." Bon Bon replied as she trotted into the house towards the living room. Upon seeing The Doctor her mouth fell open in surprise. Her presence was quickly noticed by The Doctor, who stood up to greet her.

"Hello there," He began cheerfully. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss....?"

"B-Bon Bon."

"Ah, hello, Bon Bon!" The Doctor chirped. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Your roommate, Lyra, was gracious enough to let me sleep on your couch for a little while. I hope you don't mind, she's laid out some fair rules and I shall endeavour to do my bit round the home."

Bon Bon merely burbled in response, her surprise and disbelief paralysing her. Lyra was quick to notice and approached Bon Bon to assist her.

"Bon Bon, are you alright?" She enquired with worry. The sudden attention snapped Bon Bon out of her stupor.

"Y-Yes! I'm quite alright." She murmured. "I was just a bit surprised. I didn't think you'd be so generous. I-Is he a friend of yours?"

"I don't believe so." The Doctor interrupted. "At least, I can't remember. I'm having a bit of trouble with my memory at the moment and Lyra was helping me get back on my feet."

"Feet?"

The Doctor narrowed his eyes at the question. He was unsure why he'd used such a term, since he had no feet. He had equine hooves, yet he'd instinctively referred to them as feet.

"I'm sorry." He said forlornly. "My mistake. I'm still trying to 'pull myself together' one might say."

Bon Bon nodded slightly before turning towards Lyra.

"I've booked us in for an appointment at Carousel Boutique." Bon Bon informed Lyra. "With the Summer Sun Celebration being tomorrow, I thought it would be wise that we finalise arrangements with Rarity."

"Oh, of course!" Lyra chirped with excitement. "I almost forgot with spending time with him. When is the appointment?"

"About five minutes time." Bon Bon stated while looking at a clock above the fireplace. "We should probably get going."

"Going?" The Doctor asked with interest. "Going out somewhere?"

"Yes, we're going to a local dress maker." Bon Bon replied. "Are you sure you want to come with us?"

"Well, I..." The Doctor began thoughtfully while approaching the duo. "I don't see what the harm would be if I did. Plus, I'd like to see the sights while I'm here."

"Alright then."

"That's not the only thing." He added. "Lyra mentioned a blue box that I was found next to. I'd be much obliged if she'd show me it, if it's along the way, that is."

Lyra nodded energetically in response to The Doctor's request, while Bon Bon's expression became graver still. However, she was quick to hide it with a soft smile towards Lyra as she helped the mint green mare put on her saddlebags. Once the trio were prepared, they began to trek through the streets of Ponyville. The air was cool, while the sun gave a hint of warmth which made the ambient temperature hit the perfect balance. The streets were awash with fellow equines of all ages, types and genders going about their business, whether it be regarding preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration or mere day to day chores.

Once they'd passed the town centre, they saw a blue circular building with traces of pink thrown in, which contrasted with the other buildings that composed the dwellings of Ponyville, in the distance. Lyra cleared her throat, causing Bon Bon and The Doctor to look at her.

"Your box." She stated quietly. "I saw it this way."

Lyra veered away towards an alley, where she was swiftly followed by the others. The sunshine was swiftly blocked by the buildings they had slipped between, casting everything in shadow. However, the appearance of the aforementioned blue box was impossible to miss. Tall, cuboid in shape with a slightly pitched roof, it was dark blue with a lamp on top of the structure, a notice upon the door and a strip across the top stated that it was a 'Police Public Call Box'. The Doctor approached the box timidly, his hoof reaching out to touch it.

"What is it?" Lyra asked, causing The Doctor to jump in surprise.

"I don't know." He replied quietly. "But I'm going to find out. You two can continue heading to your appointment or you'll be late."

Lyra opened her mouth to protest, but was cut off by Bon Bon grabbing her shoulder softly and pulling her away. After a brief moment of pouting at Bon Bon, Lyra glanced back at The Doctor before finally leaving him alone. The Doctor spent a few moments examining the exterior, his hoof gliding over the panels to feel their wooden texture. Once he'd satisfied his curiosity, he opened his mouth to retrieve the key he'd kept there and let it slide into the lock. Taking a deep breath, he turned the door and wandered inside.

He was greeted by a soft humming emanating from a grey room, the walls covered in roundels, while the centre possessed a hexagonal structure with a vast array of buttons, switches and levers arranged on each side. Tentatively, he stepped closer towards the console and touched it, his hoof feeling each component with his eyes closed. The Doctor twitched slightly as he felt the fog of amnesia begin to dissipate. He remembered this room. He remembered what it was for, what this box was for. His expression melted into a soft smile as his eyes fluttered open once more.

"This is my Tardis," He whispered to himself. "And I am The Doctor."