The Forgotton One

by Peri Winkle

Rating: everyone
Tags: Crossover, Romance, Science Fiction, Adventure
Length: 5557

Ginger has been left behind, but soon makes another aquaintance, perhaps something more.

Hi, it's me. Ginger. The Doctor left a while ago, then something with the TARDIS went bonkers, and he wasn't able to come back. I am not sure if he'll be able to find me, but I am sure I'll be okay…
It's not so lonely here…
I-I-I'll be fine.
In fact I-

Wait, who's there?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2016-12-13 21:47:10 UTC

Don't think.

I was trapped! He was coming, I couldn't let Silver Allure find me, not after what I saw happen to that other poor mare.

Perhaps he wouldn't look in the closet?

The door flew open, and he entered.

"I know you here," He said with his silver voice. "Come now, I won't hurt you. You have my word. Let's not play games."

Don't think, don't think.

"That won't do you any good dear, my friends and I can still hear you." He purred. "You should join us, we could use someone as clever and beautiful as yourself."

My mind went blank with terror.

"Come on dear, we haven't got all night."

What would the Doctor do?

His footsteps stopped. "There you are." He hissed. The closet door flew open and I was face to face with him.

And I won't lie, he was gorgeous!

His creamy coat was the color of butter, his eyes were vivid green, and his mane was deep gold, slicked back and combed to perfection. His smile was dazzling too.

But I trembled, that other mare...

"Shh, don't worry about that sweetheart. He smiled sweetly." He placed his hoof under my chin. "Soon you won't have to worry about anything."

I tried to slink deeper into the closet, but there was nowhere else to go. I looked into his vivid green eyes, he leaned in and...

I kicked him in the guts.

He shouted in pain and I was able to shove him aside and rush out. His friends were their, but I was too quick.

"Help!" I screamed, "Help me!"

I knew it was really unlikely, but I hoped so hard that Goldie was nearby. I was about to beg forgiveness from him. I really hadn't meant what I had said. I hope he knew that.

I could hear them coming!

"You can't run Ginger! We'll get you!"

"Goldie!" I screamed! "Help!"

They were close, and there weren't a lot of places to hide here, in this mansion. Perhaps...

No time to plan! I thought, then turned and started kicking the nearest window.

Thunk! Thunk! It wasn't breaking! I was starting to panic.

"Oh Ginger!" He called musically. " Where are you?"

Think! Think!

"Come on!" I muttered as I kicked harder. "Break!"

I could see their shadows at the end of the hall.

Just as they came into view, the bar holding back the windows shattered, and they flew open.

"Yes!" I shouted, then climbed onto the thick window still. I stick out my tongue at them and prepare to leap, when I notice how high I am.

"Oh boy."

But I had no other choice.

"One! Two! And- Ahhhh!

Somepony grabbed me, and yanked me back inside. I was spun around to face him again. His green eyes stared hungrily into mine as his friends held me back.

"You've got spirit Darling, I'll give you that." He said, and leaned in close. "We could use a pony like you."

All I could do was glare, tremble, and sweat as they took me to that deathly room of his. He gestured to a spot on the wall, and I was thrown against it. The creatures turned into mist, then formed chains that held me against the wall. I struggled, even though I knew their was no hope.

I watched him from the corner of my eyes. He went about, gathering vials and powders, and started mixing them together.

"It's been a long time, Miss Ginger, since I have met somepony like you."

I stopped for a moment to glared. He only chuckled with that silvery voice and smiled at me. "It's a compliment my dear. You are quite beautiful you know, and brave too. But there is a hint of mystery about you. You are also undeniably clever."

He turned to me, and walked up close, so close to my face. "I find that, well irresistible."

He leaned in closer. Too close, so I head-butted him in the face.

He yanked his head back and rubbed his skull. But that smile was still painted on his lips.

He turned back to his work. "You know, I was like you once. Spirited, brave, adventurous. But undoubtedly foolish at times."

"I used to think I was invincible. And quite handsome, like yourself, but my vanity proves to be my downfall. I was injured while trying to flirt with a princess. And was left for dead. Then, they found me, the shadows. They told me that they were my thoughts, but that they wanted to live. So I promised to help them. They gave me power, and strength. And I was able to charm that princess and her dad. And you know what I did then? I sucked the love and life from them like a leech. And I used their bodies to bring life to my friends. And soon we'll be unstoppable. But you know what happened to me? I became dead inside. In return for their magic, I had to give up mine. But I am glad I did. But it has been a lonely life, and you know what? You're different. I have a feeling that you may be the key. I have been rather bored of late, all these mares are the same. But not you. Like I said, I could use somepony as lovely, and clever as you."

"Never! And you won't win! I'll... I'll stop you!"

He chuckled. "And how will you do that dear? You have nothing. Your magic is unusable in my manor. And you are alone. You are mine to do with as I please, now, bottoms up!"

He placed the glass to my lips, and forced the contents down my throat. I tried to spit it out, but he covered my mouth.

" Shhh. Don't worry, it'll be over soon. All you need to do now, is relax. Relax Ginger. Listen to my voice, and relax." He purred as he stared into my eyes. I-I couldn't look away! He held me with those vivid, green eyes. His voice was drowning out all my other senses.

He uncovered my mouth and started stroking my hair.  "You must relax Ginger. Just let go. Just submit. That's all, just surrender to my voice, and you'll feel so much calmer, and so very, very sleepy..."

I-I couldn't move. I just stared at him. His voice was like a thick smoke that enveloped me, deeper, and deeper. I kept sinking with his silvery voice. My eyelids began to droop. I was so tired, so tired. I felt myself fall to the floor, no longer held by the chains.

"Just let go Ginger.  It won't hurt, in fact, it'll feel wonderful."

He was too close. I saw his eyes right in front of mine.

And what happened next I didn't expect. Or want.

He kissed me. That slime-ball was actually kissing me!Although I was week I could still feel it. Most people describe kisses as "magical" or "wonderful," but this? I hated this. With what little strength I had I turned my head away, and kicked that evil beast.

He pulled away, but still held me with his eyes. So you still have some will left, what a pity.

My eyes widened in terror. "What are you doing? GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" I screamed in my mind.

His gaze didn't leave mine.  Curious thing that potion, it's what grants me this power.

He stokes my mane, and I feel even weaker. What ever potion he made me drink was starting to take it's full effects.

"Sleep darling. Soon you won't worry ever again. Sleep. Just sink down, deeper and deeper. You are safe here. You don't have to fight anymore. Sleep."

He's voice, was all I could hear. It was all I could focus on. P-perhaps I should just sleep...

Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. He whispered in my mind. Sleep, and soon, you'll be mine.

I couldn't fight it anymore. I could feel myself slipping.

"I'm sorry." I thought. "I am so sorry Doctor, and I am so sorry Goldie. Please forgive me."

"GINGER!" I heard someone shout, but I couldn't, I couldn't move. I was so tired... I could hear shouts, and yells. But they were drifting, farther and farther away...

"Ginger. Wake up."

My eyes open to see Allure, everything was still foggy, I struggled to make sense of it all, he-he was, yelling? No, ordering, ordering his minions, to... to... to fight somepony? Who was there? Was, was it somepony I knew?

Suddenly the unknown pony burst into the room, throwing all of them back. He looks at me, and although it's still fuzzy. I recognize that fuzzy blob of color anywhere.

"G-Goldie..." I whisper, still feeling weak. I try to smile, but it still feels as if I'm frozen.

He doesn't speak, but takes one look at me, lifts me onto his back, and runs.

"Get them!" Allure shouted.

I could feel myself waking, I needed to wake up!

Just stay here Ginger, you shouldn't run. No matter how far you go, there will always be a piece of me, in the back of your mind, you will never forget me.

I held my hoofs up and covered my head, trying to block out his voice.

"Ginger, are you alright?" Goldie asked me.

"No..." I whispered. "But I am sure glad to see you."

He galloped towards an open window. Oh no, please don't tell me he's going to-

He leapt straight out that window, and for a few seconds we soared like birds. Then we crashed headlong into the courtyard tree. We fell to the earth, Goldie holding onto me tightly.

We landed in some shrubs, they hurt, but at least I could feel them again. Goldie pulled me out and I was able to stand. Almost.

He let me lean on him as we looked for a way out. And while we did, he questioned me.

I told him the whole thing, right up to the part where I am 98% sure he tried to hypnotize me.

"So, after you ran off, you saw the fellow leading a mare away, was curious, followed him, ended up here, saw him... Drain her life? Okaaaay... Then you were seen, ran off, were captured again, and ran again, escaped, then you were at the window? I knew I wasn't imagining things. I say you up there. Then you were captured, and brought to the room where I found you, correct?"

"Uh-huh."

"And then what happened?"

"Well, he brought me to the room where I saw him...kill...the other mare.  He chained me up, and made a potion, he told me his long, depressing, and boring backstory."

"And then?"

"H-he made me drink the potion. And... Oh it was awful. It made me so sleepy, and I couldn't think, and he kept talking, you know, like in those magic shows when they hypnotize them? Well, it was working, I was falling asleep. And, well, he- he... After a bit he- He um, well..."

He stopped walking and turned to me. "What happened?"

I looked down awkwardly. How could I tell him?

Don't tell him

SHUT UP!

"Ginger. What did he do?" He asks, looking into my eyes. His golden eyes look at me with kindness, and something more. And they are so much better then the hypnotic green ones.

I looked away. "Please... I don't want to think about it."

"Ginger." He say, placing his hoof on my shoulder gently."

"He- Well he-" I took a deep breath. "He kissed me."

Shock fills his eyes, as well as a spark of something... Darker.

"He did what?" He says, and I can tell he is mad.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want him to, he just... Did! And I kicked him, and he stopped. But I- I- I'm sorry."

I felt the wetness as tears slid down my cheeks. I didn't know why this was upsetting me so much. Maybe, just with what, what happened earlier. I mean, Goldie had tried to kiss me, I hadn't thought that earlier, but it was pretty clear now.

Goldie actually liked liked me. And though I was still pretty new to the idea, I think that maybe...

"Ahem, well. I guess no actual harm done." He said awkwardly. "Let's get out of here."

Oh Ginger, it's too late for that. Look behind you.

I did, and what I saw made me go pale. "G-G-Goldie?"

"Yes, what?" Then he saw.

"Oh that's just grand isn't it?"

Allure walked across the grass, all the minions at his side. They were watching us.

"They can hear what we think." I whispered. "Be careful."

As Allure got closer he jumped in front of me, shielding me from him. "Get back, you vile monster!"

"Oh dear, is this just because I stole a kiss from your marefriend?" He shook his head in mock disbelief. "How rude of you."

Was it just me, or did Goldie blush?

"He did Ginger."

Dang it.

I'll always be in your mind Ginger, even if you get out of this. There will always be a little piece of me in here, powered by your thoughts. You can't stop me, so join me, and perhaps I'll even spare your coltfriend's life.

Never!

As you wish. Prepare, he'll die long and slow.

I grab Goldie's hoof before thinking, and we sprint across the gardens.

"What are you doing!" Goldie yells as we tear through the brambles. Somepony really needed to weed this place.

"Making it up as I go along, it'll be as much a surprise to you as it is to him!"

"This had better work."

Thoughts, feeds off thoughts. If only there was a way to forget everything, even if it was just for a moment...

"Ginger, look out!"

"Huh- ahhhh!"

We fell down into a pit. Ouch. Goldie landed on top of me this time.

"Oof! Watch where you're landing!"

"Sorry!" He helped me up.

Around us their were tunnels. Dark tunnels.

"Don't think!" I said. We ran down the first one, and I could hear our pursuers climbing down into the hole.

"Ginger! We need a plan! We can't just keep running forever."

I stopped and sank onto the ground, exhausted. "What do we do?"

"Look! Maybe we can hide there! Or at least lock ourselves in, then we can rest at least."

We had stopped in front of a cellar. Goldie helped me in, and shut the door, and I tried to think without thinking.

Ever plan I thought up was accompanied by Allure's voice with a snide comment.

Oh I wouldn't do that, no, because then I would have my friends waiting over their, oh dear, that's not much better is it?

Shut up!!!

"Ginger, are you okay?"

Goldie was looking at me, and then I realized what I was doing.

I was curled up on the ground, clutching my head, and crying silent tears. I quickly wiped them off. "S-sorry. It's just... I can't get him out of my head!"

He looked away, "Oh, okay."

Is it just me, or did he look jealous.

"I don't know what he did, but he's talking inside my mind! Like a radio! He won't stop!"

A look of relief fluttered across his face, then he sat next to me. "I'm sorry, if I hadn't... Then none of this would have happened."

I place my hoof on his. "It's not your fault. I shouldn't have run off, and... I'm sorry for what I said. I was just... confused."

He didn't say anything. And we just sat there. In silence, together. Alone...

Bang! Bang!

Goldie leapt up and started holding the door shut against those things.

"I can't hold them Ginger! You need to think of something!" He yells over the pounding.

Allure's voice becomes a screeching howl. I grab my head, which is starting to pulse with pain. "I can't!"

He looks me in the eye, dead serious. "You always can Ginger. You always find a way. It's why I like you."

I blush. "Really?" The pain started to fade.

His cheeks are pink too. "Really."

I smiled, and for a moment, Allure's voice softens, and I don't notice it...

Hmm, they feed on thoughts.

I look at Goldie, and for a second I feel like a mad-pony. "I've got an idea, but it's totally insane!"

"I'm good with insane, I've been traveling with you for about a year now!"

"Well, this goes beyond all that insanity. But do you trust me?"

Time seems to go still for a moment, then he nodded.

"Well then, in the words of the Doctor... Geronimo!"

I pull Goldie away from the door, and I do one of the most random things I have ever done in my entire life!

I kissed him. On. The. Lips.

For a second he seemed to shocked to respond, then he was kissing me back. My mind went blank as I kissed him.

I didn't think, I felt. And, unlike Allure, this felt right. I KISSED Goldie, and thought it seems strange to say...

I liked it. I really liked it. I wrapped my hoofs around his neck and kissed him, and he was kissing me back!

In some deep dark corner of my mind I thought I could hear screaming, but I didn't care.

After what seemed like an eternity I pulled away, a grin was stuck on my face.

He looked oddly pleased, and very confused.

I looked around me, and there was strange black goop on the floor. As well as a pile of sawdust.

I let go of Goldie and poke it, it crumbles. "I think our friends are gone."

He scratched his head. "How in Equestria did that happen?"

I poke another lump. "This things connect to, and feed off thoughts. When we-ahem-kissed, it overload them. Since feelings are the most primitive form of thoughts, they just weren't strong enough to be able to withstand the overload of energy. You see, when we kissed, we weren't thinking, we felt... And that's why they are all dust now..."

I blush, knowing that I have just admitted to having feelings for him, but he doesn't seem to mind.

"You never cease to amaze me, Ginger." He smiles.

A few hours later we are sitting in a cafe in Canterlot, eating donuts, and laughing.

"Oh man, and what did the Doctor do then?"

"Oh, you know, what would you do if you ran into a seven foot slime monster the color of moldy cheese? Well, he just walked up to it,  tripped, falling into it, and getting covered with the gunk.of course, the creature turned out to be friendly, and it was all a huge misunderstanding."

He laughs, then looks at his watch. "Well, I have to be going now, I'll see you later Ginger."

I wave as he walks away, and enters his magic box. Soon it's fading from sight, and I gaze after him dreamily.

If you were to ask me if I liked him, you know what I would say?

No, not a chance, no way. He's not the type.

Did I love him?

Yes, yes I did.

The Grand Galloping Gala

I enter, and I am struck with awe. It's breathtaking, just like I remembered it. I look for Goldie, but he isn't there yet.

I hope he's not too mad at me, I mean... I meant what I said, we weren't really a couple. I didn't imagine he'd get so... Distant. Well, I'll find him later and apologize.

Meanwhile, I go to the one place I am always drawn to. The snack table. Few ponies knew that the really good food at parties was always found in the back.

I usually had trouble deciding what delicacies to eat but now... Only a few sounded really good. Maybe something with regenerating? Probably. I nibble a few before she catches my eye, and I almost start gagging!

It's her! Or rather me, er... It was Midnight. She looked like she was having so much fun! Dancing and laughing. Staying by Luna's side. Speaking of which... They were heading over here!

I quickly turned my back, and was about to strike up a conversation with the pony next to me, when I realized who he was.

Gold Dust. Ugh. That jerk! I was about to run away, but he noticed me and flashed that signature smile of his. "Hello little lady." He said as he took my hoof and planted a kiss on it. "I don't believe you've had the pleasure of making my acquaintance. My name is Gold Dust, but please," He winked "Call me Gold." The mares that never were to far behind sighed dreamily.

I was flustered, no way did I want this creepy jerk hitting on me! "Er... Yes, I know who you are, but I really have to-" I try to pull my hoof out of his grip.

He didn't let go.

"So what is the name of the lucky made who is about to dance with me?" I pulled out of his grip, and my temper flared, just a bit. I started to walk away, but he grabbed me again, and pulled me close. "What's your name darling, it would be rude to leave me without an answer." He smirked.

I pushed him away. "The name of the made who is not going to dance with you is Crimson Ruby, who will also be leaving your presence. Good night to you Mr. Dust."

He grabbed me and pulled me out to the dance floor, I couldn't go away without either making a scene, or getting hurt. I guess I would have to go along with it for now.

"When I ask mares to dance with me, it isn't asking. It's an order, and to defy it is to be punished." He squeezed me painfully. I try not to wince. We twirl around the dancefloor with ease, and grace.

And I hate it! I hate how perfect he thinks he is! I hate how evil he is underneath his perfection. It makes me sick!

As we dance he tries to break me, to learn about me, and to find out why I am immune to his charms.

"So, where are you from Ruby?"

"I've traveled a lot, so I guess I'm from a lot of places."

"How interesting. Did you ever meet a stallion as amazing as me? That would be quite a feat."

"It would be difficult to find someone like you. And I highly wouldn't like to."

"You have such a delightful sense of humor!"

"Thank you, yours is lacking."

As soon as the dance ending I hurried as quickly as I could to the edge of the crowd. I could see Golden's reddened face as he searched the crowd for me.

And I was petrified. I couldn't see Goldie anywhere! Where is he when I need him most?

I duck behind a column, and hide. When I peek out can see him coming this way! I'm doomed! I duck back, and I start shaking and sweating.

Please don't find me, please don't find me, please don't find me!

I hear somepony coming towards me, and I know I am dead.

I cover my head with my hooves and duck down.

I am totally dead!

I teen a gentle tap on my head. "May I have this dance Miss?" It's a new voice, not Golden, and not Goldie either. Who has come to my rescue. I look up as the stallion helps me to stand.

I look into the eyes of the stalion who has saved me from certain death. And I know them right away. But they don't know me.

I feel my cheeks go red. "I'd love to dance." I say.

"Splendid!" The Doctor replies.

And off we go, spinning, and twirling along the floor, there are many ponies around us, but they scarcely seem to be there. I look deep into his eyes, and yet he still looks at me as if I were a stranger. But still, he has saved me again. I can see Golden's face, and it could mean death! But we were spinning and twirling further and further away.

"Thank you so much!" I say as I let out a sigh of relief. "I think you may have saved my life!"

"Any time Miss..." He pauses, and thinks to himself. Does he remember me? Does he?

"What's your name?" He asks.

"Ruby." I reply with a slight hesitation, but also a small sigh of disappointment. "Crimson Ruby."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Ruby." He says as he dips me in sync with all the other couples.

"Likewise." I reply with a smile that doesn't reach my eyes. "What is your name?"

"Well, I am known as...  The Doctor."

"Really? Doctor of what?" I ask, pretending to be confused.

"Well, of all sorts of things really, but mainly time and space." He says with a wink.

"So you are a astrologer? Or a historian?" I ask, although I am starting to wonder. Is he trying to flirt with me? That would be... Awkward.

"Well, sort of, kind of a mix. You see, I travel through time, and space. I've got a time machine."

"Really?" I say with a sort of half smile. "You don't say? Tell me, this time machine of yours, did you invent it?"

"Well, not exactly..."

"So you stole it?"

He doesn't reply, and I laugh. And he laughs too. I've forgotten how much I missed him. I look over his shoulder, and I see Golden dancing with a mare, they appear to be chatting pleasantly. But I can tell he's watching me.

Seeing Golden makes me think of Goldie...

Then I am struck by a thought. What would the Doctor think of Goldie? I don't think they would get along to well... Goldie is, sweet. But he's got a darker side, I can sense it. He can be, rash, and dangerous sometimes. He reminds me so much of the Doctor.

I look back at the Doctor, and there is silence between us.

The music is soft, and slow. I find myself remembering another time, my first Gala, it had been when I was still Luna's student. I was young, and I danced. So many ponies asked me to dance, including...

My eyes light up for a moment. They had both danced with me, a blue stallion with a golden mane, and a grayish stallion with a top hat...

They had both danced with me.

"You seem familiar." He said. "I just can't place it... Have we met before?"

"You're the time traveler, you tell me!" I say with a laugh. We are getting closer to Golden, or he is getting closer to us.

Oh dear...

"Um, Doctor, that stallion from before, the one who I am trying to avoid, well, um..."

"Yes? What about that fellow?" I feel myself turn pale. "He's right behind you."

It's the Doctor's turn to go a little pale. He turns slowly and smiles awkwardly at the large, muscular stallion.

"Hello!" He smiled, still that same energetic stallion that I knew. Golden glared at him. I wave cheerfully. "Um, Hello Golden. Um, this is my, cousin! Old Timer!" I say off the top of my head.

"I am?" I kick his shins. "Oh yes, that's me. I'm Ruby's cousin, nice to meet you."

Golden doesn't speak, but he's very suspicious.

"Um, well. We haven't see each other in so long, we're just catching up, so um... Excuse us!" I grab the Doctor and we run.

Golden runs after us.

"Pardon me, excuse me! Coming through!" I call as we dash out into the garden.

The Doctor looked as if he were enjoying himself!

"Cut that grin out!" I yell. "We're running for our lives!"

"I know!" He shouted back. "Isn't it great! Doesn't it just fill you with excitement? I haven't felt this way in years!"

Me neither Doctor.

Soon we were out of the palace grounds, and in the darkened streets of Cannterlot.

We ducked behind a building. Not daring to speak.

Then I leaned over. "Is he gone?"

He whispered back. "I think so."

We were silent for a few moments, then I started to giggle. He looks at me oddly, opens his mouth and out comes a chuckle. Which makes me giggle even more.

Soon we're both lying on the ground, holding our sides, laughing, just laughing until we cry. Oh! It felt so good. We just laughed, and laughed, and laughed.

It felt like forever until we had finally stopped.

He stood, and helped me get to my feet, er... Hooves, right.

He smiled at me in that way that he used to, but it still wasn't quite the same.

I feel the laughter drain from me, and the pain, hurt, and loneliness take place once again.

"Miss Ruby? What's wrong?" He asks me, seemingly worried by my mood change.

"You remind me of my Grandfather." I say honestly.

He looked away, almost embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry. My condolences."

I give a small smile. "He's not dead, we just, lost touch."

He hugs me. "I'm sorry."

Hugs?

"Are you okay?" I ask when he lets go. "Yes, it's just... I also lost a friend of mine recently."

"I'm sorry."

"It's okay. It always works out in the end." He says with a grin. He looks around. "Ah well, I must be going. Perhaps we'll meet again Miss Ruby."

"I wouldn't be surprised Mr. I-stole-a-time-machine." I giggle.

Then I skip off. "Goodbye!" I call.

He gives an elegant bow, sweeping the hat off his head. "Farewell!"

I make my way back to the gala, feeling lighter as I walk through the dark streets.

"A good reunion, my faithful pupil?" A voice says behind me.

I freeze. "Princess Luna?" I ask as I turn around.

She smiles kindly. "Yes, it is we. We see that thou hast met thy Doctor again? Although, we suppose that thou hasn't truly found thy Doctor."

I feel my eyes tear up. "I know he's changed, but that doesn't matter to me, it just... He didn't realize it was me! So I guess it makes sense... Wait just a second." I say before looking at her accusingly. "How did you realize it was me?"

"Thou hast traveled through time for many years, we have encountered you many times. Although thou hast made us swear to never tell you, or thy Doctor. It is a promise we must keep."

I sigh. "I guess that makes sense. So... How am I doing? Midnight that is?"

Luna got sad. "She hast been struggling with her studies. Her friend Minuette supports her in all that she is trying to accomplish, but we fear she is on a dangerous road. We wish to be as good a teacher to Midnight, as Celestia was to Twilight, or as our teacher was to us, but we fear we are failing in our duty, for we see so little of Midnight, but that is the way Celestia was often wit Twilight..."

"Well, your not Celestia, and Midnight isn't Twilight. I'm sure she's scared, and lonely. Maybe, just maybe, she needs you to be there for her, as more then a teacher. She really looks up to you."

She looks at me hopefully. "Doth thou think so, Ginger?"

"I know so." I say.

She straightens. "Very well. We must go. Good luck to thee Ginger! But beware the lure of Gold!"

"Wait what?" But she's already gone.

I sigh. Then I start off back towards the Gala. It's been an eventful night.

As soon as I enter I can see Goldie, standing near the punch bowel, I am about to wave, and get over there, finally! I can apologize!

That's when he shows up. Golden Dust. Again.

Would this guy never leave me alone?

"Hello Ruby. I see your cousin's gone." He says as he steps in front of me.

"He had to leave early." I said, and try to go around him, but he blocks me.

"Well, perhaps you would like another dance?"

"No, thank you, I've spotted a friend of mine. Now excuse me but I must- Aagh!"

He grabs me, and squeezes me, painfully. "Quite Ruby. Now, I don't know what fantasy you've been living, but around here nopony refuses a dance with me." He squeezes tighter. "Perhaps you need to learn a lesson, would you join me for a stroll outside?"

"Let go of me you twisted- Aagh!" I start to say before he twists.

"I said, nopony refuses me. Now let's go." The he pulls me outside. I try to fight it, but he won't loosen his grip. He places a hoof around my neck. It looks affectionate, but I know it's to prevent me from running.

"Scream and I break your neck, or perhaps you'll faint for a while, just keep walking."

"Scumbag." I mutter.

Soon we are out in the garden, alone. I feel terrified. Me, and Golden. Alone.  I was so scared. Where's the Doctor when I really need him?

No, I was alone. Goldie didn't know where I was, and Golden was about to either kill me, torture me, or woo me. Knowing him, all three.

Somepony help me?