It's Bigger on the Inside

It’s Bigger on the Inside

Chapter 5: Home in Time for Lunch

“Wondering what?” Twilight questioned after The Doctor trailed off into thought. Twilight thought to herself as The Doctor brewed up a response. This crazy colt fell out of the sky and just saved Ponyville, possibly Equestria. I’ve done it twice, it’s not an easy job, but this colt makes it look so.

Finally he just spit it out. “How would you and your friends like to accompany me around the universe?”

Twilight was completely taken aback by the brown colt’s sudden proposal. Accompany him? Around the universe? This was the academic opportunity of a lifetime. She couldn’t leave her friends behind, but he already solved that. All seven of them? Travelling the universe? Could everyone really take away time from their busy schedules to travel?

“Now you’re probably thinking: ‘Where in Equestria would I find the time to travel the universe?’” The Doctor smirked. “I’ve got that covered; you see the TARDIS is also a time machine. You could explore the entire universe and be back in time for lunch.” The Doctor grinned wider, knowing he had just about sold the scholarly mare on the offer.

“I’d love too but I’m not sure about the others…” Twilight trailed off into thought as they walked. “What do you say we ask them in the morning?”

“Fine by me.” The Doctor answered as the two of them entered the tree-brary and drifted off into the realm of dreams.

********

Sun peeked into the window of Twilight’s bedroom, waking her up slightly earlier than usual. She smelled what she guessed to be a generous breakfast cooked by The Doctor. The thought of the eccentric Time Lord brought his proposal back into her forethoughts. Today was the day. Everything had been moving so fast recently. It was crazy, but it presented a whole new world of opportunities. Twilight climbed down the stairs while rubbing sleep out of her eyes. She plopped herself at the breakfast table and The Doctor presented a plate with a hay omelet and toast with apple jam. The Doctor expertly slid ketchup across the table towards Twilight. He apparently had gotten used to his hooves. Twilight squirted a small amount of ketchup on her omelet and took a small bite. It was delicious.

“Where did you learn to cook?” Twilight asked after swallowing the most amazing mouthful of omelet she’d ever ingested.

“Paris, in the 18th century.”

“Well tell whoever taught you that I said thank you.”

“Why not tell him yourself?”

Twilight looked up with a forkful of food in her mouth. “Hmm?”

“Last night, my proposal. Come with me, we can go to 18th century Paris and thank Monsieur Antoine Carême yourself.”

“Like I said, we’ll go ask everypony else today.” Twilight got up from her seat and placed her plate in the sink. The Doctor finished up a few seconds afterwards. Twilight went upstairs and brushed her mane, and prepared to go see her friends.

********

Around mid-day everypony had showed up at Twilight’s library. All of them wondering what was going on. Twilight quieted them down. As soon as silence fell Rainbow Dash broke it with her questions.

“Why did you call us all here Twilight? Does the princess need us again?”

Twilight’s eyes widened. She had completely forgotten about informing the princess. She made a mental note to send her a letter.

“No, that’s not the reason.” Twilight answered. “I called the five of you here to extend an offer. The Doctor, as I’m sure you all know, is not from Equestria.” Twilight paused and collected herself for what she was about to say next. “Last night he made me an offer, which I am allowed to extend to all of you.” Everyone’s expressions were rigid as the tension increased. “The question is: Would all of you like to travel the universe with The Doctor and I?”

Questions immediately arose as most ponies weren’t familiar with the multiverse prospect. “Universe? What are you talking about Twi?” Applejack asked frantically.

“Well to put it simply let’s just say that we’re going to be traveling to different worlds, worlds completely different than ours.”

“And those things last night? Are those a common occurrence?” Dash added.

“Yes. But The Doctor guarantees our safety.”

“You’ve only just met him!” Rarity exclaimed.

“I trust him, he saved Ponyville last night.”

“Well what about all the work we have to do? How would we even find the time?” Fluttershy asked meekly.

This time The Doctor answered. “My ship is also time machine, I could have you all back here five minutes ago.”

Knowing how hard an offer this was to refuse Twilight silently hoped they would all agree.

Everyone’s expressions changed as they thought. After a few minutes Applejack stepped forward and spoke up.

“Well shoot, with that how can I refuse? I’ve been needing a vacation.”

“I’d love a good adventure.” Rainbow Dash added, stepping forward as well.

“I’d love to study fashion in different worlds.” Rarity stepped forward too.

“And I could throw parties in all kinds of places!” Pinkie pie exclaimed hopping forward to join the all the other ponies.

“Well… If everypony else is going…” Fluttershy said with her trademark meekness as she took small steps to join the group.

“Well that settles it. You’re all going.” The Doctor said. “Pack your bags by six o’ clock.”

********

Twilight made her way around her room, packing various books and things. She took with her a notepad and a quill. She would obviously be taking notes on these various new worlds. After packing all her things she walked downstairs to find Spike.

“Spike, take a letter.”

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am writing to inform you I will be traveling with the other Elements of Harmony and a new friend I have made. This is not a normal trip however. This new pony is not from Equestria and he plans to take us throughout the universe. However, rest assured he can have us back in no time at all. Literally, his inter-dimensional vessel is also a time machine. Please send a carriage to take Spike back to Canterlot. He can’t come, I don’t want to put him in harm’s way, he’s still young.

I know this all sounds absurd, but I hope that you understand my quest for knowledge. I will return frequently to report my findings. I await your swift response.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Spike rolled up the letter and sent it on its way. He looked to Twilight with longing in his eyes. “I really can’t come Twilight? I promise I’ll stay out of the way.”

“That’s not the problem Spike, I can’t risk you getting hurt. You’re still just a kid.”

Spike sighed. After spending pretty much his entire life with Twilight he knew when she wouldn’t change her mind. Spike helped Twilight pack up her things. A few minutes later, whilst carrying a stack of books, the small dragon hiccupped. The books fell all over the floor and the sound of a belch filled the room, followed by the tell-tale sign of a fireline delivery: green fire. A scroll appeared and fell at Twilight’s hooves. She levitated the scroll and unraveled it, bringing it closer to read.

My faithful student,

I am excited to hear of your quest for knowledge; however I am uncertain of this pony you are traveling with. As you approach departure I would like to spend a bit of time with you discussing what’s out there in the vast expanses of the universe. I have done my fair share of traveling, well beyond Equestria. I want to warn you and your friends of the dangers.

If you are still convinced to leave after you spend some time in Canterlot, by all means, go. If you choose to go I await your return visits. Being a Princess I didn’t get to travel nearly as much as you will be able to. Please inform everypony of my invitation and leave as soon as possible.

Your loving mentor,

Princess Celestia

P.S. Luna wanted me to let you know it’s not such a smart idea to let strange stallions who fell from the sky into your home. Stop reading so many romance novels.

“How did she know I fell from the sky?” The Doctor asked, reading over Twilight shoulder. Twilight stepped back, startled. The Doctor changed subjects and continued speaking “Only two days and I’m meeting the supreme ruler of Equestria. I’m on a roll.”

“When did you-”

“So bit of a detour then? I’ve got to meet your mentor, who also happens to be the Princess; before I can take you six off though the universe?”

“That’s the plan.” Twilight said, deciding to just ignore The Doctor’s sudden materialization behind her while reading. The clock ticked away, only an hour and a half until departure time.

“Alright then, we leave at six!”