Doctor Whooves: Into The Fob Watchby ColtKit ProductionsChaptersEpisode 1, Part 1: The Fob Watch (REVISED, September 2022)Episode 1, Part 2: Like ClockworkEpisode 1, Part 3: Auntie LunaEpisode 1, Part 4: The Doctor's GiftEpisode 1, Part 5: On gods & LecturesEpisode 2, Part 1: The GalaEpisode 2, Part 2: Ditzy DooEpisode 1, Part 1: The Fob Watch (REVISED, September 2022)Author's Note REVISED: September 2022. Cut out a lot of Lore from this chapter. As not only is it irrelevant, it is no longer accurate. Episode 1, Part 1: The Fob Watch (REVISED, September 2022) The Doctor's head was spinning. Looking around, he found the usual sights... fire and death. That seemed to be the most likely outcome to his travels. He was newly regenerated. A skill Time Lords had to cheat death. Struggling to his feet, he walked through the battlefield. Unable to ignore the smell of charred flesh. His mind was a bit scrambled. As it always was after regenerating... but he knew, being surrounded by death was typical for him. His past faces were used to it. They hardly thought about it... which could only sicken this new face of his. He was much more sensitive this time, and that was never a good thing, not for one in his line of work. There were still many enemies about, all of them backing away from him... in fear of him. Let them cower in their holes. The previous him would have killed them all with out a thought. They had their chance to surrender, and chose not to take it. Their lives were now forfeit... However, this face found a scrap of rare mercy... and decided to let them go. Stepping into a blue shrine, the double doors of the small box closed behind him. Before the box faded out of existence. • Waking up with a new face can be confusing, not to mention the experience of regenerating, is essentially bursting into golden flames, which change the body at a cellular level. Even the Time Lord's brain changed. As a result they remember everything, about all their lives, but with fresh eyes... and this new pony face saw it as one big mistake. • • Year 800 of Celestia's Rule. The Doctor looked up at the 'Princess', on her throne of gold and cushions. She had a deep aversion to Queens, thanks to her efforts against the Alicorn Dynasty, some thousand years ago. The Doctor found himself staring down the avatar of a living planet, Celestia, herself. Starswirl chose her name to relate to a planetary body. While also playing up the "Divine" nature of such an entity. Though this Avatar was much weaker then her real body, it was still very powerful. Celestia simply raised an amused eyebrow, at the true Celestial being before her. The Doctor looked at the false pony... although they were both pretending to be ponies, they recognized the other as strangers to this world. "You owe me a favor." The Doctor calmly informed the avatar. "I plan to live as a mortal, and so I need you to hide me, and possibly keep me in check." The Doctor pulled out a fob watch, "My mind, and my power, will be trapped in here. Never open it unless the situation is truly dire." Celestia gave a teasing smile, "And I should agree to this because?- You have many enemies Doctor. Just attempting to hide you could draw them here." The Doctor lowered the watch and glared, "You're a living planet. This pony shell of yours may have become weak, from spending too long away from your true body, but if you wanted, your sun could blast a fleet from the sky long before it reached the planet." That was a lie, Celestia couldn't handle a fleet like the one coming for him. However, it was unlikely they would think to look for him here. He prefered to let his Refugee planets develop naturally, without his interference... even if he did maintain divine rights, over the 42 Star Clusters he helped build. Planet Equus was, by far, the most peaceful planet he had ever known. Largely in part because of Celestia's rule. But also because, the naturally evolved species of Equine, were blessed by Harmony magics. By a goddess of Harmony, in truth. Given the Doctor's current face, looked like a pony, he could easily hide here. "Besides, you owe me. I saved you, and your sister, from certain death during the Time War! I'm calling that in." Celestia stiffened, her face becoming serious, "That's a rather large favor to cash in." She was only a child, during those times... and while the Doctor saved her and her sister, the rest of their family was lost. "I realize that." The Doctor looked so stern. Celestia knew she didn't actually have a choice. "What I'm asking for is equal payment." "How long do you plan to stay?" asked the living planet. "... Until I die," Celestia tried to contain her shock, "You... wish to die..." "I want to live one final life. A real life. I'm tired of living forever, of constantly making a mess of things... I want to take my place on the great wheel. See this life to it's proper end... "If I die, while in mortal form, with the godly power locked away in here... I will die permanently. Will even get reincarnated as something new eventually, with no memories of my previous life, just like the rest of you... "Just so long as you never open this watch, while I'm living. Once I pass, the power in the watch will fade, and I'll be truly mortal again... "... please... I need this." Celestia sighed. She never could resist a plea for help. "Very well Doctor... but I have one question... What, is a Watch?" Episode 1, Part 2: Like ClockworkSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Episode 1, Part 3: Auntie LunaClockwork, found a strange sight. He had snuck out of bed, armed with an invisibility cloak, and stalked his adoptive mother to a secret place. He was curious, often too his detriment, but mostly it led to the salvation of pony-kind... but this... he should not be here for this. He wanted to know what scandalous thing his new mother got up to. What the castle staff refused to talk about... just where she went every night. He had followed her out of the castle, through the Ever-Free Forest, and to the castle of the two sisters... and wish he hadn't... because here, Clockwork realized he wasn't on a grand adventure. His new mother, was crying. As she lowered her sun, her true body, she began to raise the moon, and sing... it was such a beautiful song. Full of sorrow and longing... that it forced the young Stallion to weep. • Fate has been cruel and order unkind, How can I have sent you away? The blame was my own, the punishment, yours. The harmony's silent today. But into the stillness I'll bring you a song, And I will your company keep. 'Till your tired eyes and my lullabies, Have carried you softly to sleep. Once did a pony who shone like the sun, Look out on her kingdom and sigh. She smiled and said, "Surely, there is no pony, so lovely and so well beloved as I." So great was her reign, so brilliant her glory, That long was the shadow she cast. Which fell dark upon the young sister she loved, And grew only darker as days and nights passed. Lullay moon princess, goodnight sister mine. Rest now in moonlight's embrace. Bear up my lullaby, winds of the earth. Through cloud, and through sky, and through space. Carry the peace and the coolness of night. And carry my sorrow in kind. Luna, you're loved so much more than you know. Forgive me for being so blind. Soon did that pony take notice, that others did not give her sister her due. And neither had she loved her as she deserved. She watched as her sister's unhappiness grew. But such is the way of the limelight. It sweetly takes hold of the mind of its host. And that foolish pony did nothing to stop, The destruction of one who had needed her most. Lullay moon princess, goodnight sister mine. Rest now, in moonlight's embrace. Bear up my lullaby, winds of the earth. Through cloud, and through sky, and through space. Carry the peace and the coolness of night. And carry my sorrow in kind. Luna, you're loved so much more than you know. May troubles be far from your mind. And forgive me for being so blind. The years now before us, Fearful and unknown, I never imagined, I'd face them on my own. May these thousand winters, Swiftly pass, I pray. I love you, I miss you, All these miles away. May all your dreams be sweet tonight. Safe upon your bed of moonlight. And know not of sadness, pain, or care. And when I dream, I'll fly away and meet you there. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep. • Celestia's ears twitched, hearing the sound of crying. It took her a moment to recognize the tears. Sighing, "Come on out Clockwork," She encouraged her young ward. But when the boy refused to move, she insisted, "I'm not mad." She promised. But still no movement. She followed the sound of weeping, and gently used her magic to feel for an enchanted item. Clockwork had been favoring those, once Celestia started his formal education on magical crafts. She had hoped they would offer distraction from his inventions. Giving him a more believable field of study. So he could create things ponies actually had previous knowledge of. However, it just made everything worse. As the colt began blending magic and science. Regardless, it was simple enough to find the cloak, now that she suspected one was there. Removing the cloth, she found her charge, with tears, streaming like a river down his face. The boy immediately started nuzzling her, sobbing for her... before swearing, "I'll help you get her back..." That's when Celestia fully understood the implications. Her deal with a true Celestial entity... Contained within this child... was the knowledge of a god. It was buried deep. Like the very memories of his godhood... but they were there. His inventions were proof of that. And Celestia was faced with Temptation. She could build a true utopia. Unite the races herself... No longer having to concern herself with prophecies and visions... She could have her sister back... centuries before she was supposed to... she need only ask... and the god would give it happily... because he loved her... That realization... shattered her. This child loved her, as any child loves their care giver. She was a shameful pony, just for thinking of abusing such a bond. "You mustn't clockie." Celestia began wiping the boy's tears away. "There are a great many prophecies in play. My sister shall return to me, you needn't concern yourself." "Prophecies?" Clockwork sniffled. Celestia sighed, feeling she had to give him an explanation. One wrapped in truth, well hiding her true motives. "All ponies have magic, and while the magicks of Earth Ponies is more subtle. It is just as powerful as the other tribes. Earth ponies can enhance their physical power, through their magicks. Can tend an orchard of trees, to bear fruit monthly, instead of every other year.... and are some of the most powerful seers known to exist. "An Alicorn isn't just a winged Unicorn. They hold magic of all three tribes. I have seen glimpses of the future. A champion will arise, and lead our world into a Glorious utopia. With her first true act." Celestia looked up at the moon. "Being restoring my sister to me... freeing her of the dark magics which cloud her mind. Even reforming our brother, in all but blood, Discord... I see so much, and while there is always the chance these things will not come to pass. I see so much good. For not just Equestria, but all of Equus." Then, after speaking the truth, Celestia blatantly lied, "Your interference risk that utopia. Some good done now, will lead to this champion never raising." She spoke truthfully. "My sister is safe, as she slumbers in her true body. The moon is her, as I am the Sun... it doesn't matter..." Clockwork jumped to a conclusion that could fix so many issues of him in her care... and once again leave him miserable. "Do my inventions threaten this future? Is that why you're so against them...?" Celestia longed to jump at the chance. It was the perfect way to keep both the boy, and her world, safe... but looking at the young colt... at how crushed he was by the very idea. "Just be mindful of what you bring into this world." Celestia set guidelines. "Avoid weapons, and things that will make too big a Splash, in pony culture. Like any more improvements to transportation. But we should be fine. We are still fine." Listing the things that would be the most obvious to see from space. Clockwork gave a hesitant nod. Author's Note The Lyrics were taken from the song, on YouTube, titled "Lullaby For a Princess" While the idea that it was related to a Prophecy, taken from "Harry Potter and the Prancing of Ponies" by "The Guy Who Writes". • FOUND HERE: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/485500/harry-potter-and-the-prancing-of-ponies It's a "HPMoR" inspired fic... and probably the best I have ever read. Episode 1, Part 4: The Doctor's Gift• Year 807 of Celestial Rule. It was Subpony Pride Day, with ponies of all kinds, celebrating in the streets. Dignitaries from most of the Subponies, at least the ones that counted themselves citizens of Equestria, were wandering Canterlot. This was hardly a new holiday. With the festival being an annual event for the past 300 years, but it was Clockwork's first time attending the formal dinner. The Festival was started, as Celestia's attempt to raise awareness of the various other pony tribes, and their cultures. While it is true, she, herself, once looked down on the subpony races, she had been attempting to make up for her willful ignorance, from her youth. Giving them each a voice on the Board of Governesses, as well as the Senate itself. • "Subponies" were magical mutants of one of the 3 pony tribes. Such as Changelings, Hippogriffs, Sea-ponies, Crystal ponies. And many other pony based races. Subponies had a third chromosome chain, containing all their magical mutations. Although Hybrids, of two pony subspecies, were often born as regular ponies. With their third chromosome chain being dormant, until a magical surge awoke one of the chains. Or, the pony gets their cutie mark. Which destroys all traces of the dormant third chain. Dormant third Chromosome chains, require very specific circumstances, to awaken their genes, different per species. Which could trigger a magical surge, similar to cutie mark magic. Which is why actually getting a cutie mark can overwhelm the magic. And why most subponies either don't have cutie marks, or all have similar cutie marks. Such as Zebra. However, the trigger is different per Subpony species. And may never happen at all... so many Subponies will force the transformation. • The celebration mostly included the Subponies running games, and telling stories, from their tribes. So more mundane ponies were learning, as they had fun with Subponies. At the end of the day, Celestia had a feast with the Various Subpony leaders. Where dozens of creatures all descended from ponies, ate and chatted around a table. Celestia had recognized, as a result of how well Clockwork was doing in his etiquette lessons, the colt could now start attending the formal dinners, and be presented to the world as a young Prince... but she was now regretting that decision. Clockwork was shamelessly flirting with the Hippogriff Dignitary's daughter. Who seemed to appreciate the advances, much to her mother's chagrin. • "You're highness," spoke a grey Pegasus. Subsequently, getting not only Celestia's attention, but Clockwork's... if only for the sheer force of his disrespectful tone. The older Stallion had a black mane, and blue eyes. His dark colors would make him easily mistakable for a Thestral. However, he had clear feathers on his long wings... Yet his face, and even his hourglass cutie mark, were near identical to Clockwork's. Celestia hadn't really considered what the classic Time Pony features, could mean for her ward... nor if the Doctor anticipated it. The grey Stallion, held up his muzzle, in a clear attempt to look down at the far taller Princess. "Why was the Republic of Gallopfrey, not immediately informed, the moment this child lost his parents? It is our responsibility to care for him. The treaties, you yourself signed, specifically state as much." Celestia frowned, it was subtle, others may have mistaken it for a neutral expression, but Clockwork knew his adoptive mother well enough. He could tell when she was frowning. "Clockwork is a descendant of one of my past consorts. As a result, I am under no obligation to turn him over to any Subpony tribe. There is a clause for that, in regards to all descendants of Alicorns." The treaties only included such, for Luna's sake. Given her younger sister had a habit of taking Thestrals as Consorts. But they were written in such a manner, that any Alicorn could lay claim to their Subpony Descendants. The Lord President, of Gallopfrey, scoffed. It was strange, seeing a Stallion in so high a position as "Lord President", but he seemed to hold himself with more aggression then most males. The Gray stallion, with an identical, if somewhat older, face to Clockwork, sneered. "I see now where your technological boom is coming from. You managed to find a loophole, forbidding the trading of Time Pony technologies. Using one of our colt's superior intellects, to manufacture such marvels for you." "Hey!" Clockwork glared, "Mom didn't even WANT me to get involved with that!" "Tsk!" The grey stallion held up his nose, "At the very least you could have taught him some manners. Regardless, I must insist, he be sent back to Gallopfrey. It is the best place for him to learn of his ancestry, and abilities." "No," Celestia smiled, a false smile. "I believe that would go against the trading treaties as well. As Clockwork would no doubt desire to bring back the technologies you forbid us access to." The Lord President... now looked very, VERY, angry. Clockwork decided to play the part of a helpless colt. With Crocodile tears, which threatened to turn real when he gave his manipulation some thought, Clockwork asked, "I already lost one mother, would you really force me from another?" The Lord President flinched back, as if just now realizing that's what he was insisting on. The other Subponies, at the table, looked at the Grey Stallion in disgust. "Lord President Discorded Whooves," The Kirin Matriarch got his attention. "I think we can agree, although it is a less then pleasing thought, that a child be kept from their heritage. You're own refusal to share your inventions is the cause. As a Prince of Equestria, young Clockwork will have obligations to the crown. It is best not to hold additional obligations to the Time Pony's isolationist ways. As they conflict with each other. The Zebra ambassador reasoned, "The boy could not be in better care, pampered here in the Royal Palace. Do you really intend to force the issue, just for him to wind up in an Orphanage within your Empire." The Lord President, Discorded Whooves, gave a sigh. "I would still insist on sending over a tutor, to teach him his racial magicks, at the very least? I can feel the well of time surging through him. He is extremely powerful. The colt could hurt himself, if not properly trained." Celestia nodded her head, "I humbly accept your offer." • "I'm a Time Pony?" Clockwork asked his adoptive mother, once they were in private. "Lord President Whooves seems to think so," Celestia informed. "I never gave it much thought. Time Ponies may be a more subtle branch of Subpony, but it is fairly obvious, if you know what you are looking for." "That guy looked almost exactly like me," Clockwork acknowledged, "But old." Celestia smiled, "Middle aged is not, old, Clockie." This could prove useful. If, Clockwork was, in fact, a Time Pony, the other races may write off many of his inventions. After all, Time Ponies were one of the oldest known races. Supposedly living across the seas, although Celestia knew, Gallopfrey actually existed on the other side of the Star Cluster. Like the Centaurs, and many other advanced races. The fact, some Time Ponies, preferred to live on Equus, under Celestia's rule. Well, it was the reason their Lord President was so involved, ensuring his ponies didn't give "Primitives" access to technologies they "weren't ready for." Celestia agreed to the terms. "Is that why my mom got kicked out of her noble house?" Clockwork hung his head, "Cuz she gave birth to a subpony..." Celestia sighed. Why did the Doctor choose to give himself such a tragic backstory. • Clockwork remembered nothing, of his life as a god, but what he did remember, was some imagined birth mother. Whom was only a teenager when she got pregnant. Although her high class family was willing to forgive that. She was an important noble of a high-class unicorn family. They expected so much of her, wanting her to continue their upper-class legacy and their sophisticated bloodline. She failed to meet their expectations, the second she met a certain lower class Earth pony. What started from a small fling led to her pregnancy. Her parents disowned her, when they saw, with their own eyes, that their grandchild was an Earth pony and not a unicorn. His mother was alone; no parents, no family, not even the lover she had met. The only bloodline left was now her son. She raised him the best she could, until Clockwork was 19, when an accident took her away. He was alone, no one to look after him. Seeing as ponies aren't legally adults until they turn 30, he couldn't exactly live on his own. Sadly he was too old for an orphanage, and didn't have money for an apprenticeship. He did something truly desperate. He knew Celestia had a habit of taking care of orphans, and according to his mother, he was actually related to her... So he got a private audience with the sun god. She was a benevolent matriarch and never considered herself to high and mighty to talk with the peasants. Anypony could get an audience with the princess. He went to her, told her who he was, and asked her for help... he didn't expect her to adopt him. She took him in and began spoiling the hell out of him. • That was what Clockwork remembered, and it appeared the god turned himself into a Subpony, and not a true Earth Pony. Celestia let her horn glow, and was almost relieved to find her ward was, in reality, a Time Pony. It must have been the easiest thing for the God to turn himself into. Like Thestrals, and Vulponies, Time Ponies had longevity... but unlike them, they had near immortality, able to heal from near any wound. They could still get injured, and even die, but like the Phoenix they would rise again. Unlike the Phoenix, it was possible for them to die permanently, if they are killed during "Regeneration", they die forever... that must be how the god planned to die. Even with most of his power locked away, he must not have been able to get rid of it all. So he was now a Time Pony. He would die one day... but it could very well be thousands of years from now... Celestia would be with him... for perhaps even millions of years... she wouldn't lose this child for a very long time... • "Never you mind, Clockie," She bent down and nuzzled her ward. "You are a Prince of Equestria, Subpony or not, as you should be. You should take pride in your heritage. As I take pride in your mere existence." She spoke nothing but the truth. Celestia... could afford to truly love this child. The Doctor had given her such a gift. Episode 1, Part 5: On gods & Lectures"I won't tell Discorded Whooves," was the first thing out of her mouth, as she entered the throne room. Minuette stood tall, though her expression was one of worry. "But I would like to know... how did it happen?" Celestia eyed the Time Pony Mare, getting an idea of what she suspected. Looking at her guards, she gently shooed them off... their role was more to keep her company, then truly guard her. So they were used to leaving the Princess side, when she wanted to talk privately with a guest. Once the guards were gone, Celestia turned to the blue mare, "I take it, you discovered something interesting?" Minuette gave a sigh. She had just finished her physical of the tot, she'd been asked to mentor... and found... "The tot's Chakra Signature, is a perfect match for The Doctor... yet he is mortal. I would accuse you of shackling a god, like you did Discord. If you weren't between bearers of Harmony, at the moment." True, there had been other bearers of Harmony, since the royal sisters, but this generation had yet to find anyone worthy. The jewels, inevitably, stopped working after a while. As whatever Harmony was looking for, in the bearers of the elements, failed to make itself known. It had even happened to Celestia and her sister. They maintained the gift of Harmony, but the jewels no longer recognized any of them as worthy. The Sun Princess had visions of the fillies that would one day do so... but it be centuries more before they were even born. Celestia sighed, before telling the Time Pony Mare of her last encounter with the Doctor... of the Stallions request. Minuette looked horrified, "You allowed the Doctor to give himself a death sentence!!!" "The Doctor is millions of billions of years old," Celestia reminded. "He's old enough to have seen the universe itself die, and restart, do you really intend to make him live to see that again?" Minuette groaned, "So... this is how the Doctor intends to escape the fates... I will honor his wishes... and the universe will be lesser for it." "Minuette," Celestia worried. "I mean what I said," Minuette insisted. "I will honor the Doctor's wishes... doesn't mean I have to like it." • Minuette walked back to the Colt, seeing her god stand before her... with all that made him a god, locked away... it was hard to see. But the boy acted like any other child his age. Even if he was a bit more flirty then most Time Pony apprentices. A very unwanted display, from her new apprentice. "You will stop that immediately," Minuette spoke sternly. Getting Clockwork to flinch, and look down. Looking every bit the rejected stallion. Minuette decided to soften the blow. "With no exaggeration. I'm roughly 10 thousand years your Senior. You're barely out of training pants, to me. Besides, I am your mentor, any relationship, outside a teacher/Student to Parental one, is highly inappropriate." The Doctor, with the mind of a colt, pouted. "I'm 26, practically an adult!" "Not yet," Minuette insisted. "And just cuz your allowed to have sex, doesn't mean you should flirt with everything that moves." Clockwork blushed, running his hoof in a circle on the Floor. Not used to getting scolded, not after so long. Celestia didn't scold, she didn't speak sternly... she kinda just stared, and the young Stallion felt sufficiently chastised. Although Minuette did have a point. He really shouldn't be flirting with his Mentor... even if he did have a fantasy about the strict professor, educating him about sex. • Minuette began the start of her first lecture. As Little Clockwork sat at a desk, eagerly listening... wanting to know more about his ponies. It was refreshing. Most students she taught... were more eager about learning how to use their powers, then the history behind them. Then again, they weren't as old as this colt... nor as ignorant. Young Clockwork was at apprenticing Age. In fact, he should have started his apprenticeship a year ago. Just finished with college, and focusing on learning the practical side of his trade. Lord President Whooves had chosen Minuette to be the Colt's Mentor... which was usually something the parents decided, but Discorded was a pushy Stallion... While Celestia was a well known pushover. So long as request weren't harmful to others, either directly or indirectly, she tended to grant them all. After all, she had been the bearer of Kindness. Along with Laughter, and Friendship. The powerful magical artifacts, permanently grafting her with powers she still held, to this day. • The colt mostly needed a crash course, in how to control their Tribal magicks. Minuette could not understand, why Celestia neglected the colt's education. He completely skipped over all Racial magic training, which is what all of secondary school was comprised of. "Time Lords are the Celestial gods over Time and Space," Minuette began. "But like most species of Celestial, they were once mortal. In the universe before our own, Time Lords were the keepers of knowledge and wisdom. "They were the first species to evolve, and the first to achieve 'Regeneration energy'. Which is a field of magic, used to restructure the body, after death. We use it a bit differently. "Due to our regeneration energy, blending with Pony Harmony magicks, and our direct ancestry with the Doctor, himself, we can wield it more like magic. Using it to bend time and space, in numerous ways, well also seeing into time, and healing ourselves, or others. "However, our bodies don't change, like the Time Lords do, when we heal. And while our Regeneration Energy will replenish itself, over the course of an hour, depleting it can kill us, permanently. "It is our life force, directly connected to our magick. Much like a Changeling's love reserves." The colt eeped, "Changelings are REAL!!!" Minuette sighed, "That's a different lesson, let's focus on Regeneration Energy." she tapped the Colt's text book. The Colt gave a hesitant nod, and listened to the lecture about how their magic worked, for near an hour. He learned that Time Ponies could only survive death, if they have enough regeneration energy to sustain them. Which meant, in a fight, they had to be careful how much of their racial magicks they used. For this reason, Time Ponies weren't suited for combat. They were more scholars and inventors, with their magicks over time and space, actually helping them in that. Like Unicorns, they could levitate things. With their regeneration energy normally replenishing itself, as quickly as it was used, for that particular power... unless they tried lifting more then they could physically carry. Their psychic powers, such as mind reading and seeing the future, was only a minor drain. Unless they met resistance, or wanted to see in greater detail. Teleporting took a good amount of energy, but not as much as healing wounds. While being restored from fatal injuries, took the most... and could be destructive to what was around them. Unlike other races, while magical exhaustion merely caused them to pass out... it would likely kill Time Ponies. In fact, when Tirek invaded Equestria, over 800 years ago... many of the time ponies, whose magic he consumed, died quite violent deaths. Time Ponies had to be particularly worried, about magic absorption. Clockwork was already hooked, when they moved into practical work. Episode 2, Part 1: The Gala• Year 807, of the Celestial Age. "I hate the gala," Blue Blood muttered to himself. The 18 year old had been attending these ridiculous parties since he was in secondary school. His parents always expected him to cater to the mares that approached him. Though thankfully, this year, he was able to convince his parents to let Fancy Pants' bodyguard watch them both. Although it wasn't because of how the young Prince felt for his... friend... No his parents only caved, because of the mare's other charge. Prince Clockwork, was flirting merrily with any creature that stopped by to greet them... things like species, or even gender, hardly seemed to matter to him. Minuette sighed, looking away from her conversation with Lady Fleur de Lis, Fancy Pants' bodyguard / babysitter. "Honestly Clockwork," Minuette chastised her apprentice. "I know it's difficult, but please TRY to contain yourself." Then she groaned, as the prince check between his own legs. As if to prove he was... "Contained". As de Lis snickered, Minuette explained to her. "The first hundred years, of adulthood, are difficult for Time Ponies. We experience what we call a 'heat'. Where we are compelled to... procreate. It last a full century, but then we become uninterested in the act, for about a millennia. We can't even reproduce during that time. Then undergo another heat, that usually only last for a few months. With the pattern continuing from there." Clockwork looked at her, "So there is a reason I'm so horny all the time?" de Lis blushed, but gave a playful shake of her head. She was a lot more laid back, then Blue Blood's normal escorts. While Lady Minuette sighed. "Yes Clockwork, however, there is no call for you to be so vulgar. So unless you Wish to attend this party with switch marks across your flanks, you will kindly tone it down." The prince blushed at the idea, and the party continued with minimal flirting. • Blue Blood watched in fascination, as Clockwork took to the Dance floor, with a truly stunning Griffin. All griffins are a mix of a bird and a large cat. With this Griffin looking like a Hummingbird, with a lion back end. Blue Blood realized he recognized the Griffin. It was George, eldest son to one of the Griffin Lords. With the most shocking thing about that, being the Griffin was MALE. Yet few among the pony nobility, gave them a passing glance. de Lis seemed a tad uneasy, believing Princess Celestia would blame her for the scandal, but Minuette explained, "Time Pony males can get pregnant." Blue Blood's head snapped in her direction, as did Fancy's own. Minuette just shrugged, "And our children are nearly always pure blooded Time Ponies. With rare chance of a hybrid. "As a result, Time Ponies are usually pan sexual. Not really caring about their partner's gender or species, so long as it is Sapient. "With Celestia's efforts to educate her ponies, about Subponies, most of the nobility is aware of this. And likely understands a Griffin and Time Pony union, usually will result in pure Pony foals. "It might cause a bit of gossip, but it's not truly scandalous." Minuette looked over at Blue Blood, "I'm surprised you don't already know this." Blue Blood blushed. "I just started college, this year. My 'Species of Equus' professor, hasn't gotten to Time Ponies yet. I do know Griffins are similar in biology, with males able to get pregnant, but it's frowned on to couple with them. As the child is almost always a subspecies of Hippogriff." de Lis sighed, "You need to get out more. Most ponies don't give a buck about hybrids. It's just the nobility that's inbred. Tartarus, the working class doesn't even have a problem with gay Stallions... if anything, they like them a bit too much. Stallion on Stallion relationships is a big turn on for the peasants. Even though the mares know they can't get involved." Blue Blood gaped, not knowing what life was like, outside the nobility... that almost made him wish he was born a peasant. Fancy finally spoke up, "Your parents were probably hoping you could convince Prince Clockwork, to form a herd with us." Blue Blood blushed. He quickly looked around, making sure no pony was in earshot of them. Then nuzzled his colt friend. Realizing what Bluey's parents ACTUALLY wanted, was likely replacing Fancy with a stallion that could give them grand foals. "That will never happen. I don't want to share you with anyone." Fancy smiled, resisting the urge to kiss his colt friend. That would create quite the scandal. To the nobles, Gay Stallions were thought of as selfish deviants. Where Lesbian mares were seen as a matter of course. There were far fewer Stallions then mares, so mares usually joined herds, and shared a single Stallion between them... Not all Stallions went for it. But enough did that their species was preserved... But Gay Stallions were looked down on. Celestia had long since passed laws, allowing them to marry, and to protect them from acts of violence... but the nobility didn't hold back, while voicing how selfish gay Stallions were. As they couldn't have foals of their own... yet "Refused" to give mares babies. As if all Stallions were good for, was getting mares pregnant. ... and yet, here was a Stallion, out and about in public, dancing with another boy... Blue Blood never, in all his life, truly cared about what Celestia did to his ancestor... but on this night... seeing what he could have had... just because of a fluke of birth... Blue Blood could finally understand why Auntie was so regretful... because in that moment, just for a moment... Blue Blood found himself hating her.... Bat pony males, could become pregnant as well.. and if Celestia hadn't sealed the third chromosome chain, of Luna's first Thestral child... it be Blue Blood, dancing on the floor... with Fancy Pants. • Sometime later, Blue Blood found himself at the Buffet table... with the Time Pony colt. Fancy had wanted to say "hi" to some of his college friends, so his body guard escorted him to them. While Minuette stood off in the distance. Her advanced Time Pony senses, allowing her to give Blue Blood and Clockwork some privacy, without actually giving them any. Clockwork was still flirting away with George. Typically, talking with the Griffin, was one of the few things that made the Gala tolerable. Blue Blood would even go so far as to say, he had been looking forward to swapping stories, about their first year of college. But George was ignoring him. He hadn't even noticed him. "I can't tell you how relieved I am, I met you," George smiled at Clockwork. "The Gala is usually such a bore. And Pop always gives me this lecture, about not dancing with the Stallions. Something about wanting to avoid a scandal with the ponies." Clockwork tilted his head, "Scandal. From what?" The Griffin shrugged, "I guess you wouldn't know, but male on male... encounters, are frowned on by pony nobility. It can be hard for Griffins, as we are mostly male, with only one in 3 griffs even being female. "We aren't as bad as you ponies, with our gender ratios. And with how male griffs can get pregnant. Well gay relationships just never became taboo. In fact, most Griffs ARE gay, or at least bi. "But when father saw you, he gave the okay to dance." Clockwork's ears flatten, "So you only asked me to dance, cuz your father told you to?" As the Griffin began to fluster, Blue Blood scoffed. "Of course he did! You think he would risk creating a scandal, at the biggest social event of the year. You're a Time Pony, there is no scandal. His father is probably just hoping that George will knock you up, so he can marry into the royal family." George gaped, "That's not true!!!" Clockwork's eyes teared up. He'd been having such a good time, but the griff was just under orders to get close to the "Time Pony". Quickly fleeing from the ball room, George tried to stop him. Only to receive a buck. Thank goodness, Time Ponies didn't have an Earth pony's super strength. As Clockwork ran off, George glared at the white unicorn. He'd known this jerk since they were children, both being dragged to this boring party from a young age... he had thought they were friends. "What the Tartarus, Bluey!?" George snapped. "You know full well, the scandal of an unplanned birth, wouldn't be tolerated by the Griffin Lords! Why would you tell him such lies!?" Blue Blood just calmly sipped his drink. An indifferent expression on his face... despite the guilt that ate at him. "I was merely exaggerating. I did not expect him to take my words at face value. His social skills could use some work." George growled at the unicorn. "You can't deny though," Blue Blood decided to defuse the situation, with cold hard facts. "Your father likely pointed you at Celestia's Ward, for a less then honorable reason." thinking of his own parents. George growled deeper, as he realized his father likely did just that. But it's not like he discussed the matter with George. The young griff didn't even realize the Time Pony was a Prince. Not until Clockwork told him who his adoptive mother was, when they were sharing stories about their families. George stood tall, "At worst, my father hoped we'd hit it off. Which you know what? WE DID! I like him, you ass! There isn't any plot to get closer to the Princess! And you know that full well! You just wish it was you and that boy toy of yours!" George snapped, before running off to find Clockwork. Blue Blood flinched... all ponies knew about him and Fancy Pants... but it wasn't something one talked about in polite society... Blue Blood sighed, realizing he should have just kept his mouth shut... Because George was right. He was exactly right. Blue Blood was just feeling petty... since he couldn't dance with his... with his Fancy... Looking around, Blue Blood realized he was alone in a crowd... as he always was. Episode 2, Part 2: Ditzy Doo• Later that Night. "Hi." Clockwork looked up and saw gray fur with a blond mane, dressed in a simple light blue dress, looking at him with a shy smile on her face. He quickly wiped the tears from his face, hoping that she hadn't seen them. Speaking of seeing, her eyes were looking in multiple directions, moving about randomly like a lizards. He found it... exotic... he loved new and different things. Even though it was likely nothing more than a birth defect. He saw such beauty, in those eyes. She looked at the bench Clockwork was sitting on and, understanding the subtle gesture, Clockwork quickly moved a bit to make room. The mare silently sat down. Calmly looking out at the garden. Clockwork did not know what to make of this; a mare sitting next to him at her own request. The only thing he could do was to copy what the mare was doing. Which was looking at the garden, silently. After approximately 32 seconds, Clockwork was good with time after all, the mare decided that somepony had to do something about the silence, and it looked like it was up to her. "Nice garden." In Clockwork's opinion, it was alright. Or, in a more honest opinion, it looked like any dang garden he'd ever seen. "Uh, I guess it seems...lovely?" She coughed a bit as she shot him an apologetic giggle. "Sorry, the silence was getting to me." After his discomfort melted into sympathy, Clockwork let out a small smile. "It's alright. I may have ended up being the pony to break it. Probably would have mentioned something random, like custard or muffins." "Ooooh, I love muffins!" The mare cooed as she clapped her hooves. "Well, glad to have something in common then," Clockwork responded with a chuckle. After all, he had a sweet tooth for honey bran muffins. "My name is... Clockwork." deliberately leaving out his princely title. Clockwork extended a hoof for a quick hoof bump. The mare completed the gesture. "Mine's Ditzy Do." "So what brings you to the gala? A date?" Clockwork's question was initially met with a blush, before an answer was given. "Oh no, nothing like that. Honestly, is my first time here." "Mine to." Clockwork commented, "Mother insisted, since I'm an apprentice now, I should be mature enough to handle the Gala." Ditzy sighed, "That's rough." "Do you mind if I ask what you do for a living?" Clockwork tried to keep the conversation going, using his etiquette training. Ditzy shrugged. "I'm a mail mare in Ponyville." "Ah, Ponyville. I've heard so many things about it." "Like?" Clockwork crossed all four of his legs, as he began mimicking the nobles' opinions. "How it's a boring place, with nothing to do. No potential there. Nothing but backwater farm ponies, tipping cows." Ditzy looked like she was about to be offended, so Clockwork explained. "Of course, this is what I heard the nobles say, and I take their opinions with a grain of salt. "The Nobility is always underestimating the power of small towns. I come from pretty humble beginnings myself. And... it can be hard when the nobility forget that." "Is that why your out here?" Ditzy asked. "All by yourself... Where is your chaperone?" after all, it was just proper for "Stallions of breeding" to have a mare watching them. Usually a bodyguard, to make sure other mares didn't take advantage of the poor guy. Clockwork managed to smile, "I was able to ditch them. I have nothing against heir Fancy Pants, nor his own bodyguard, but it can be so restrictive, being followed around everywhere." Clockwork half expected the mare to give him the typical speech. About how Clockwork should be grateful and mindful of the mares in his life. It was just so stuffy, and mares had no sympathy for stallions that liked to wander on their own. "That does sound hard," Ditzy sighed. "I get that Stallions are important and all. I mean there are so few of you. But I never got why so many mares are obsessed with sheltering you. I'd probably want to slink off to." Clockwork just stared at her, mouth slightly open. Not expecting that at all. Ditzy sighed again. "It's even worse with nobility. I guess I heard too much from the mares, who always squeal about going to these kinds of parties. But Everypony here is sooooo stuck up!" Ditzy started to chuckle, as Clockwork cracked a grin at her. "You're probably the only pony here who isn't like that. And yet you dress the part. I, sure as Tartarus, couldn't afford a getup like that," Clockwork looked down at his suit, and rolled his eyes. "I hate this thing." he muttered, "It will take hours to brush the matts out of my fur." "Tell me about it," Ditzy muttered, as she looked at her dress. "The girls, at the Ponyville Spa said, that this is the latest fashion. But I'd rather wear my mail carrier digs. This thing is sooooo uncomfortable." "Looks like we have a lot more in common, Ditzy," Clockwork flashed a charming grin. Before jumping from the bench. "Tell you what. Let's spend the last hours of the gala together. Just you and me." "Oh, I dunno." Ditzy giggled, showing she actually liked the idea. She twirled her hair a bit, before Clockwork gently took her hoof. "Nonsense, love!" Clockwork shouted as he pulled her from the bench, causing the mare to giggle more. "The night is still young and we must take advantage! How about we sneak into the kitchens. The staff is always eager to hide me from my Chaperones." Ditzy allowed a toothy smile. "Lead the way, Clockwork!" She responded. Following as the stallion ran through the garden. • Unfortunately, before they stepped hoof out of the Garden. Celestia found them. Ditzy eeped, at having the Princess of the Sun stand before her... wearing such a stern expression on her face. "Clockwork," the Alicorn scolded. "You know better then to hide from your Chaperone. And after miss Fleur de Lis was kind enough to offer to escort you." As Ditzy tried to figure out how this was such a grievous act, that the Princess would get involved, Clockwork rolled his eyes. "Please, The Fancy clan was just using this as a chance to suck up to you. Setting me up on a playdate as if I was a foal." He pouted. Celestia gave another sigh, her eyes momentarily landing on Ditzy. Then went back to Clockwork, "So long as you stay by Lady Doo, I suppose it won't be a problem." Clockwork blinked, "You know Ditzy?" Celestia eyed the mare, who obviously didn't want the Princess to say more. Unfortunately, She was not one to let a friendship start based on deception. Even if it was a lie by omission. "Remember how I told you, the Elements have recently chosen new Bearers." Celestia informed, and watched as Clockwork's eyes quickly widened. He was a smart colt, after all. "Lady Doo is the newest bearer of Kindness." Then turned to Ditzy, "I hope you don't mind looking after my son?" "YOU'RE SON!!!" Ditzy eeped. But recovered quickly. "Y-yes your majesty. I'll look after him." Celestia nodded. "The truest path to friendship, is honesty. I would like you two to remember that." Both apprentice aged ponies gave a blush, though answered, "Yes Ma'am," almost immediately. After all, with how old Celestia was, all were foals to her. Celestia then turned, and waved them to follow. "So much for the kitchens," Clockwork muttered. Ditzy sighed back, then whispered. "How hard do you think it be to ditch the Princess?" Clockwork smiled, liking this mare more and more, "Neigh impossible, but I appreciate the thought."
Episode 1, Part 1: The Fob Watch (REVISED, September 2022)Author's Note REVISED: September 2022. Cut out a lot of Lore from this chapter. As not only is it irrelevant, it is no longer accurate. Episode 1, Part 1: The Fob Watch (REVISED, September 2022) The Doctor's head was spinning. Looking around, he found the usual sights... fire and death. That seemed to be the most likely outcome to his travels. He was newly regenerated. A skill Time Lords had to cheat death. Struggling to his feet, he walked through the battlefield. Unable to ignore the smell of charred flesh. His mind was a bit scrambled. As it always was after regenerating... but he knew, being surrounded by death was typical for him. His past faces were used to it. They hardly thought about it... which could only sicken this new face of his. He was much more sensitive this time, and that was never a good thing, not for one in his line of work. There were still many enemies about, all of them backing away from him... in fear of him. Let them cower in their holes. The previous him would have killed them all with out a thought. They had their chance to surrender, and chose not to take it. Their lives were now forfeit... However, this face found a scrap of rare mercy... and decided to let them go. Stepping into a blue shrine, the double doors of the small box closed behind him. Before the box faded out of existence. • Waking up with a new face can be confusing, not to mention the experience of regenerating, is essentially bursting into golden flames, which change the body at a cellular level. Even the Time Lord's brain changed. As a result they remember everything, about all their lives, but with fresh eyes... and this new pony face saw it as one big mistake. • • Year 800 of Celestia's Rule. The Doctor looked up at the 'Princess', on her throne of gold and cushions. She had a deep aversion to Queens, thanks to her efforts against the Alicorn Dynasty, some thousand years ago. The Doctor found himself staring down the avatar of a living planet, Celestia, herself. Starswirl chose her name to relate to a planetary body. While also playing up the "Divine" nature of such an entity. Though this Avatar was much weaker then her real body, it was still very powerful. Celestia simply raised an amused eyebrow, at the true Celestial being before her. The Doctor looked at the false pony... although they were both pretending to be ponies, they recognized the other as strangers to this world. "You owe me a favor." The Doctor calmly informed the avatar. "I plan to live as a mortal, and so I need you to hide me, and possibly keep me in check." The Doctor pulled out a fob watch, "My mind, and my power, will be trapped in here. Never open it unless the situation is truly dire." Celestia gave a teasing smile, "And I should agree to this because?- You have many enemies Doctor. Just attempting to hide you could draw them here." The Doctor lowered the watch and glared, "You're a living planet. This pony shell of yours may have become weak, from spending too long away from your true body, but if you wanted, your sun could blast a fleet from the sky long before it reached the planet." That was a lie, Celestia couldn't handle a fleet like the one coming for him. However, it was unlikely they would think to look for him here. He prefered to let his Refugee planets develop naturally, without his interference... even if he did maintain divine rights, over the 42 Star Clusters he helped build. Planet Equus was, by far, the most peaceful planet he had ever known. Largely in part because of Celestia's rule. But also because, the naturally evolved species of Equine, were blessed by Harmony magics. By a goddess of Harmony, in truth. Given the Doctor's current face, looked like a pony, he could easily hide here. "Besides, you owe me. I saved you, and your sister, from certain death during the Time War! I'm calling that in." Celestia stiffened, her face becoming serious, "That's a rather large favor to cash in." She was only a child, during those times... and while the Doctor saved her and her sister, the rest of their family was lost. "I realize that." The Doctor looked so stern. Celestia knew she didn't actually have a choice. "What I'm asking for is equal payment." "How long do you plan to stay?" asked the living planet. "... Until I die," Celestia tried to contain her shock, "You... wish to die..." "I want to live one final life. A real life. I'm tired of living forever, of constantly making a mess of things... I want to take my place on the great wheel. See this life to it's proper end... "If I die, while in mortal form, with the godly power locked away in here... I will die permanently. Will even get reincarnated as something new eventually, with no memories of my previous life, just like the rest of you... "Just so long as you never open this watch, while I'm living. Once I pass, the power in the watch will fade, and I'll be truly mortal again... "... please... I need this." Celestia sighed. She never could resist a plea for help. "Very well Doctor... but I have one question... What, is a Watch?"
Episode 1, Part 2: Like ClockworkSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Episode 1, Part 3: Auntie LunaClockwork, found a strange sight. He had snuck out of bed, armed with an invisibility cloak, and stalked his adoptive mother to a secret place. He was curious, often too his detriment, but mostly it led to the salvation of pony-kind... but this... he should not be here for this. He wanted to know what scandalous thing his new mother got up to. What the castle staff refused to talk about... just where she went every night. He had followed her out of the castle, through the Ever-Free Forest, and to the castle of the two sisters... and wish he hadn't... because here, Clockwork realized he wasn't on a grand adventure. His new mother, was crying. As she lowered her sun, her true body, she began to raise the moon, and sing... it was such a beautiful song. Full of sorrow and longing... that it forced the young Stallion to weep. • Fate has been cruel and order unkind, How can I have sent you away? The blame was my own, the punishment, yours. The harmony's silent today. But into the stillness I'll bring you a song, And I will your company keep. 'Till your tired eyes and my lullabies, Have carried you softly to sleep. Once did a pony who shone like the sun, Look out on her kingdom and sigh. She smiled and said, "Surely, there is no pony, so lovely and so well beloved as I." So great was her reign, so brilliant her glory, That long was the shadow she cast. Which fell dark upon the young sister she loved, And grew only darker as days and nights passed. Lullay moon princess, goodnight sister mine. Rest now in moonlight's embrace. Bear up my lullaby, winds of the earth. Through cloud, and through sky, and through space. Carry the peace and the coolness of night. And carry my sorrow in kind. Luna, you're loved so much more than you know. Forgive me for being so blind. Soon did that pony take notice, that others did not give her sister her due. And neither had she loved her as she deserved. She watched as her sister's unhappiness grew. But such is the way of the limelight. It sweetly takes hold of the mind of its host. And that foolish pony did nothing to stop, The destruction of one who had needed her most. Lullay moon princess, goodnight sister mine. Rest now, in moonlight's embrace. Bear up my lullaby, winds of the earth. Through cloud, and through sky, and through space. Carry the peace and the coolness of night. And carry my sorrow in kind. Luna, you're loved so much more than you know. May troubles be far from your mind. And forgive me for being so blind. The years now before us, Fearful and unknown, I never imagined, I'd face them on my own. May these thousand winters, Swiftly pass, I pray. I love you, I miss you, All these miles away. May all your dreams be sweet tonight. Safe upon your bed of moonlight. And know not of sadness, pain, or care. And when I dream, I'll fly away and meet you there. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep. • Celestia's ears twitched, hearing the sound of crying. It took her a moment to recognize the tears. Sighing, "Come on out Clockwork," She encouraged her young ward. But when the boy refused to move, she insisted, "I'm not mad." She promised. But still no movement. She followed the sound of weeping, and gently used her magic to feel for an enchanted item. Clockwork had been favoring those, once Celestia started his formal education on magical crafts. She had hoped they would offer distraction from his inventions. Giving him a more believable field of study. So he could create things ponies actually had previous knowledge of. However, it just made everything worse. As the colt began blending magic and science. Regardless, it was simple enough to find the cloak, now that she suspected one was there. Removing the cloth, she found her charge, with tears, streaming like a river down his face. The boy immediately started nuzzling her, sobbing for her... before swearing, "I'll help you get her back..." That's when Celestia fully understood the implications. Her deal with a true Celestial entity... Contained within this child... was the knowledge of a god. It was buried deep. Like the very memories of his godhood... but they were there. His inventions were proof of that. And Celestia was faced with Temptation. She could build a true utopia. Unite the races herself... No longer having to concern herself with prophecies and visions... She could have her sister back... centuries before she was supposed to... she need only ask... and the god would give it happily... because he loved her... That realization... shattered her. This child loved her, as any child loves their care giver. She was a shameful pony, just for thinking of abusing such a bond. "You mustn't clockie." Celestia began wiping the boy's tears away. "There are a great many prophecies in play. My sister shall return to me, you needn't concern yourself." "Prophecies?" Clockwork sniffled. Celestia sighed, feeling she had to give him an explanation. One wrapped in truth, well hiding her true motives. "All ponies have magic, and while the magicks of Earth Ponies is more subtle. It is just as powerful as the other tribes. Earth ponies can enhance their physical power, through their magicks. Can tend an orchard of trees, to bear fruit monthly, instead of every other year.... and are some of the most powerful seers known to exist. "An Alicorn isn't just a winged Unicorn. They hold magic of all three tribes. I have seen glimpses of the future. A champion will arise, and lead our world into a Glorious utopia. With her first true act." Celestia looked up at the moon. "Being restoring my sister to me... freeing her of the dark magics which cloud her mind. Even reforming our brother, in all but blood, Discord... I see so much, and while there is always the chance these things will not come to pass. I see so much good. For not just Equestria, but all of Equus." Then, after speaking the truth, Celestia blatantly lied, "Your interference risk that utopia. Some good done now, will lead to this champion never raising." She spoke truthfully. "My sister is safe, as she slumbers in her true body. The moon is her, as I am the Sun... it doesn't matter..." Clockwork jumped to a conclusion that could fix so many issues of him in her care... and once again leave him miserable. "Do my inventions threaten this future? Is that why you're so against them...?" Celestia longed to jump at the chance. It was the perfect way to keep both the boy, and her world, safe... but looking at the young colt... at how crushed he was by the very idea. "Just be mindful of what you bring into this world." Celestia set guidelines. "Avoid weapons, and things that will make too big a Splash, in pony culture. Like any more improvements to transportation. But we should be fine. We are still fine." Listing the things that would be the most obvious to see from space. Clockwork gave a hesitant nod. Author's Note The Lyrics were taken from the song, on YouTube, titled "Lullaby For a Princess" While the idea that it was related to a Prophecy, taken from "Harry Potter and the Prancing of Ponies" by "The Guy Who Writes". • FOUND HERE: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/485500/harry-potter-and-the-prancing-of-ponies It's a "HPMoR" inspired fic... and probably the best I have ever read.
Episode 1, Part 4: The Doctor's Gift• Year 807 of Celestial Rule. It was Subpony Pride Day, with ponies of all kinds, celebrating in the streets. Dignitaries from most of the Subponies, at least the ones that counted themselves citizens of Equestria, were wandering Canterlot. This was hardly a new holiday. With the festival being an annual event for the past 300 years, but it was Clockwork's first time attending the formal dinner. The Festival was started, as Celestia's attempt to raise awareness of the various other pony tribes, and their cultures. While it is true, she, herself, once looked down on the subpony races, she had been attempting to make up for her willful ignorance, from her youth. Giving them each a voice on the Board of Governesses, as well as the Senate itself. • "Subponies" were magical mutants of one of the 3 pony tribes. Such as Changelings, Hippogriffs, Sea-ponies, Crystal ponies. And many other pony based races. Subponies had a third chromosome chain, containing all their magical mutations. Although Hybrids, of two pony subspecies, were often born as regular ponies. With their third chromosome chain being dormant, until a magical surge awoke one of the chains. Or, the pony gets their cutie mark. Which destroys all traces of the dormant third chain. Dormant third Chromosome chains, require very specific circumstances, to awaken their genes, different per species. Which could trigger a magical surge, similar to cutie mark magic. Which is why actually getting a cutie mark can overwhelm the magic. And why most subponies either don't have cutie marks, or all have similar cutie marks. Such as Zebra. However, the trigger is different per Subpony species. And may never happen at all... so many Subponies will force the transformation. • The celebration mostly included the Subponies running games, and telling stories, from their tribes. So more mundane ponies were learning, as they had fun with Subponies. At the end of the day, Celestia had a feast with the Various Subpony leaders. Where dozens of creatures all descended from ponies, ate and chatted around a table. Celestia had recognized, as a result of how well Clockwork was doing in his etiquette lessons, the colt could now start attending the formal dinners, and be presented to the world as a young Prince... but she was now regretting that decision. Clockwork was shamelessly flirting with the Hippogriff Dignitary's daughter. Who seemed to appreciate the advances, much to her mother's chagrin. • "You're highness," spoke a grey Pegasus. Subsequently, getting not only Celestia's attention, but Clockwork's... if only for the sheer force of his disrespectful tone. The older Stallion had a black mane, and blue eyes. His dark colors would make him easily mistakable for a Thestral. However, he had clear feathers on his long wings... Yet his face, and even his hourglass cutie mark, were near identical to Clockwork's. Celestia hadn't really considered what the classic Time Pony features, could mean for her ward... nor if the Doctor anticipated it. The grey Stallion, held up his muzzle, in a clear attempt to look down at the far taller Princess. "Why was the Republic of Gallopfrey, not immediately informed, the moment this child lost his parents? It is our responsibility to care for him. The treaties, you yourself signed, specifically state as much." Celestia frowned, it was subtle, others may have mistaken it for a neutral expression, but Clockwork knew his adoptive mother well enough. He could tell when she was frowning. "Clockwork is a descendant of one of my past consorts. As a result, I am under no obligation to turn him over to any Subpony tribe. There is a clause for that, in regards to all descendants of Alicorns." The treaties only included such, for Luna's sake. Given her younger sister had a habit of taking Thestrals as Consorts. But they were written in such a manner, that any Alicorn could lay claim to their Subpony Descendants. The Lord President, of Gallopfrey, scoffed. It was strange, seeing a Stallion in so high a position as "Lord President", but he seemed to hold himself with more aggression then most males. The Gray stallion, with an identical, if somewhat older, face to Clockwork, sneered. "I see now where your technological boom is coming from. You managed to find a loophole, forbidding the trading of Time Pony technologies. Using one of our colt's superior intellects, to manufacture such marvels for you." "Hey!" Clockwork glared, "Mom didn't even WANT me to get involved with that!" "Tsk!" The grey stallion held up his nose, "At the very least you could have taught him some manners. Regardless, I must insist, he be sent back to Gallopfrey. It is the best place for him to learn of his ancestry, and abilities." "No," Celestia smiled, a false smile. "I believe that would go against the trading treaties as well. As Clockwork would no doubt desire to bring back the technologies you forbid us access to." The Lord President... now looked very, VERY, angry. Clockwork decided to play the part of a helpless colt. With Crocodile tears, which threatened to turn real when he gave his manipulation some thought, Clockwork asked, "I already lost one mother, would you really force me from another?" The Lord President flinched back, as if just now realizing that's what he was insisting on. The other Subponies, at the table, looked at the Grey Stallion in disgust. "Lord President Discorded Whooves," The Kirin Matriarch got his attention. "I think we can agree, although it is a less then pleasing thought, that a child be kept from their heritage. You're own refusal to share your inventions is the cause. As a Prince of Equestria, young Clockwork will have obligations to the crown. It is best not to hold additional obligations to the Time Pony's isolationist ways. As they conflict with each other. The Zebra ambassador reasoned, "The boy could not be in better care, pampered here in the Royal Palace. Do you really intend to force the issue, just for him to wind up in an Orphanage within your Empire." The Lord President, Discorded Whooves, gave a sigh. "I would still insist on sending over a tutor, to teach him his racial magicks, at the very least? I can feel the well of time surging through him. He is extremely powerful. The colt could hurt himself, if not properly trained." Celestia nodded her head, "I humbly accept your offer." • "I'm a Time Pony?" Clockwork asked his adoptive mother, once they were in private. "Lord President Whooves seems to think so," Celestia informed. "I never gave it much thought. Time Ponies may be a more subtle branch of Subpony, but it is fairly obvious, if you know what you are looking for." "That guy looked almost exactly like me," Clockwork acknowledged, "But old." Celestia smiled, "Middle aged is not, old, Clockie." This could prove useful. If, Clockwork was, in fact, a Time Pony, the other races may write off many of his inventions. After all, Time Ponies were one of the oldest known races. Supposedly living across the seas, although Celestia knew, Gallopfrey actually existed on the other side of the Star Cluster. Like the Centaurs, and many other advanced races. The fact, some Time Ponies, preferred to live on Equus, under Celestia's rule. Well, it was the reason their Lord President was so involved, ensuring his ponies didn't give "Primitives" access to technologies they "weren't ready for." Celestia agreed to the terms. "Is that why my mom got kicked out of her noble house?" Clockwork hung his head, "Cuz she gave birth to a subpony..." Celestia sighed. Why did the Doctor choose to give himself such a tragic backstory. • Clockwork remembered nothing, of his life as a god, but what he did remember, was some imagined birth mother. Whom was only a teenager when she got pregnant. Although her high class family was willing to forgive that. She was an important noble of a high-class unicorn family. They expected so much of her, wanting her to continue their upper-class legacy and their sophisticated bloodline. She failed to meet their expectations, the second she met a certain lower class Earth pony. What started from a small fling led to her pregnancy. Her parents disowned her, when they saw, with their own eyes, that their grandchild was an Earth pony and not a unicorn. His mother was alone; no parents, no family, not even the lover she had met. The only bloodline left was now her son. She raised him the best she could, until Clockwork was 19, when an accident took her away. He was alone, no one to look after him. Seeing as ponies aren't legally adults until they turn 30, he couldn't exactly live on his own. Sadly he was too old for an orphanage, and didn't have money for an apprenticeship. He did something truly desperate. He knew Celestia had a habit of taking care of orphans, and according to his mother, he was actually related to her... So he got a private audience with the sun god. She was a benevolent matriarch and never considered herself to high and mighty to talk with the peasants. Anypony could get an audience with the princess. He went to her, told her who he was, and asked her for help... he didn't expect her to adopt him. She took him in and began spoiling the hell out of him. • That was what Clockwork remembered, and it appeared the god turned himself into a Subpony, and not a true Earth Pony. Celestia let her horn glow, and was almost relieved to find her ward was, in reality, a Time Pony. It must have been the easiest thing for the God to turn himself into. Like Thestrals, and Vulponies, Time Ponies had longevity... but unlike them, they had near immortality, able to heal from near any wound. They could still get injured, and even die, but like the Phoenix they would rise again. Unlike the Phoenix, it was possible for them to die permanently, if they are killed during "Regeneration", they die forever... that must be how the god planned to die. Even with most of his power locked away, he must not have been able to get rid of it all. So he was now a Time Pony. He would die one day... but it could very well be thousands of years from now... Celestia would be with him... for perhaps even millions of years... she wouldn't lose this child for a very long time... • "Never you mind, Clockie," She bent down and nuzzled her ward. "You are a Prince of Equestria, Subpony or not, as you should be. You should take pride in your heritage. As I take pride in your mere existence." She spoke nothing but the truth. Celestia... could afford to truly love this child. The Doctor had given her such a gift.
Episode 1, Part 5: On gods & Lectures"I won't tell Discorded Whooves," was the first thing out of her mouth, as she entered the throne room. Minuette stood tall, though her expression was one of worry. "But I would like to know... how did it happen?" Celestia eyed the Time Pony Mare, getting an idea of what she suspected. Looking at her guards, she gently shooed them off... their role was more to keep her company, then truly guard her. So they were used to leaving the Princess side, when she wanted to talk privately with a guest. Once the guards were gone, Celestia turned to the blue mare, "I take it, you discovered something interesting?" Minuette gave a sigh. She had just finished her physical of the tot, she'd been asked to mentor... and found... "The tot's Chakra Signature, is a perfect match for The Doctor... yet he is mortal. I would accuse you of shackling a god, like you did Discord. If you weren't between bearers of Harmony, at the moment." True, there had been other bearers of Harmony, since the royal sisters, but this generation had yet to find anyone worthy. The jewels, inevitably, stopped working after a while. As whatever Harmony was looking for, in the bearers of the elements, failed to make itself known. It had even happened to Celestia and her sister. They maintained the gift of Harmony, but the jewels no longer recognized any of them as worthy. The Sun Princess had visions of the fillies that would one day do so... but it be centuries more before they were even born. Celestia sighed, before telling the Time Pony Mare of her last encounter with the Doctor... of the Stallions request. Minuette looked horrified, "You allowed the Doctor to give himself a death sentence!!!" "The Doctor is millions of billions of years old," Celestia reminded. "He's old enough to have seen the universe itself die, and restart, do you really intend to make him live to see that again?" Minuette groaned, "So... this is how the Doctor intends to escape the fates... I will honor his wishes... and the universe will be lesser for it." "Minuette," Celestia worried. "I mean what I said," Minuette insisted. "I will honor the Doctor's wishes... doesn't mean I have to like it." • Minuette walked back to the Colt, seeing her god stand before her... with all that made him a god, locked away... it was hard to see. But the boy acted like any other child his age. Even if he was a bit more flirty then most Time Pony apprentices. A very unwanted display, from her new apprentice. "You will stop that immediately," Minuette spoke sternly. Getting Clockwork to flinch, and look down. Looking every bit the rejected stallion. Minuette decided to soften the blow. "With no exaggeration. I'm roughly 10 thousand years your Senior. You're barely out of training pants, to me. Besides, I am your mentor, any relationship, outside a teacher/Student to Parental one, is highly inappropriate." The Doctor, with the mind of a colt, pouted. "I'm 26, practically an adult!" "Not yet," Minuette insisted. "And just cuz your allowed to have sex, doesn't mean you should flirt with everything that moves." Clockwork blushed, running his hoof in a circle on the Floor. Not used to getting scolded, not after so long. Celestia didn't scold, she didn't speak sternly... she kinda just stared, and the young Stallion felt sufficiently chastised. Although Minuette did have a point. He really shouldn't be flirting with his Mentor... even if he did have a fantasy about the strict professor, educating him about sex. • Minuette began the start of her first lecture. As Little Clockwork sat at a desk, eagerly listening... wanting to know more about his ponies. It was refreshing. Most students she taught... were more eager about learning how to use their powers, then the history behind them. Then again, they weren't as old as this colt... nor as ignorant. Young Clockwork was at apprenticing Age. In fact, he should have started his apprenticeship a year ago. Just finished with college, and focusing on learning the practical side of his trade. Lord President Whooves had chosen Minuette to be the Colt's Mentor... which was usually something the parents decided, but Discorded was a pushy Stallion... While Celestia was a well known pushover. So long as request weren't harmful to others, either directly or indirectly, she tended to grant them all. After all, she had been the bearer of Kindness. Along with Laughter, and Friendship. The powerful magical artifacts, permanently grafting her with powers she still held, to this day. • The colt mostly needed a crash course, in how to control their Tribal magicks. Minuette could not understand, why Celestia neglected the colt's education. He completely skipped over all Racial magic training, which is what all of secondary school was comprised of. "Time Lords are the Celestial gods over Time and Space," Minuette began. "But like most species of Celestial, they were once mortal. In the universe before our own, Time Lords were the keepers of knowledge and wisdom. "They were the first species to evolve, and the first to achieve 'Regeneration energy'. Which is a field of magic, used to restructure the body, after death. We use it a bit differently. "Due to our regeneration energy, blending with Pony Harmony magicks, and our direct ancestry with the Doctor, himself, we can wield it more like magic. Using it to bend time and space, in numerous ways, well also seeing into time, and healing ourselves, or others. "However, our bodies don't change, like the Time Lords do, when we heal. And while our Regeneration Energy will replenish itself, over the course of an hour, depleting it can kill us, permanently. "It is our life force, directly connected to our magick. Much like a Changeling's love reserves." The colt eeped, "Changelings are REAL!!!" Minuette sighed, "That's a different lesson, let's focus on Regeneration Energy." she tapped the Colt's text book. The Colt gave a hesitant nod, and listened to the lecture about how their magic worked, for near an hour. He learned that Time Ponies could only survive death, if they have enough regeneration energy to sustain them. Which meant, in a fight, they had to be careful how much of their racial magicks they used. For this reason, Time Ponies weren't suited for combat. They were more scholars and inventors, with their magicks over time and space, actually helping them in that. Like Unicorns, they could levitate things. With their regeneration energy normally replenishing itself, as quickly as it was used, for that particular power... unless they tried lifting more then they could physically carry. Their psychic powers, such as mind reading and seeing the future, was only a minor drain. Unless they met resistance, or wanted to see in greater detail. Teleporting took a good amount of energy, but not as much as healing wounds. While being restored from fatal injuries, took the most... and could be destructive to what was around them. Unlike other races, while magical exhaustion merely caused them to pass out... it would likely kill Time Ponies. In fact, when Tirek invaded Equestria, over 800 years ago... many of the time ponies, whose magic he consumed, died quite violent deaths. Time Ponies had to be particularly worried, about magic absorption. Clockwork was already hooked, when they moved into practical work.
Episode 2, Part 1: The Gala• Year 807, of the Celestial Age. "I hate the gala," Blue Blood muttered to himself. The 18 year old had been attending these ridiculous parties since he was in secondary school. His parents always expected him to cater to the mares that approached him. Though thankfully, this year, he was able to convince his parents to let Fancy Pants' bodyguard watch them both. Although it wasn't because of how the young Prince felt for his... friend... No his parents only caved, because of the mare's other charge. Prince Clockwork, was flirting merrily with any creature that stopped by to greet them... things like species, or even gender, hardly seemed to matter to him. Minuette sighed, looking away from her conversation with Lady Fleur de Lis, Fancy Pants' bodyguard / babysitter. "Honestly Clockwork," Minuette chastised her apprentice. "I know it's difficult, but please TRY to contain yourself." Then she groaned, as the prince check between his own legs. As if to prove he was... "Contained". As de Lis snickered, Minuette explained to her. "The first hundred years, of adulthood, are difficult for Time Ponies. We experience what we call a 'heat'. Where we are compelled to... procreate. It last a full century, but then we become uninterested in the act, for about a millennia. We can't even reproduce during that time. Then undergo another heat, that usually only last for a few months. With the pattern continuing from there." Clockwork looked at her, "So there is a reason I'm so horny all the time?" de Lis blushed, but gave a playful shake of her head. She was a lot more laid back, then Blue Blood's normal escorts. While Lady Minuette sighed. "Yes Clockwork, however, there is no call for you to be so vulgar. So unless you Wish to attend this party with switch marks across your flanks, you will kindly tone it down." The prince blushed at the idea, and the party continued with minimal flirting. • Blue Blood watched in fascination, as Clockwork took to the Dance floor, with a truly stunning Griffin. All griffins are a mix of a bird and a large cat. With this Griffin looking like a Hummingbird, with a lion back end. Blue Blood realized he recognized the Griffin. It was George, eldest son to one of the Griffin Lords. With the most shocking thing about that, being the Griffin was MALE. Yet few among the pony nobility, gave them a passing glance. de Lis seemed a tad uneasy, believing Princess Celestia would blame her for the scandal, but Minuette explained, "Time Pony males can get pregnant." Blue Blood's head snapped in her direction, as did Fancy's own. Minuette just shrugged, "And our children are nearly always pure blooded Time Ponies. With rare chance of a hybrid. "As a result, Time Ponies are usually pan sexual. Not really caring about their partner's gender or species, so long as it is Sapient. "With Celestia's efforts to educate her ponies, about Subponies, most of the nobility is aware of this. And likely understands a Griffin and Time Pony union, usually will result in pure Pony foals. "It might cause a bit of gossip, but it's not truly scandalous." Minuette looked over at Blue Blood, "I'm surprised you don't already know this." Blue Blood blushed. "I just started college, this year. My 'Species of Equus' professor, hasn't gotten to Time Ponies yet. I do know Griffins are similar in biology, with males able to get pregnant, but it's frowned on to couple with them. As the child is almost always a subspecies of Hippogriff." de Lis sighed, "You need to get out more. Most ponies don't give a buck about hybrids. It's just the nobility that's inbred. Tartarus, the working class doesn't even have a problem with gay Stallions... if anything, they like them a bit too much. Stallion on Stallion relationships is a big turn on for the peasants. Even though the mares know they can't get involved." Blue Blood gaped, not knowing what life was like, outside the nobility... that almost made him wish he was born a peasant. Fancy finally spoke up, "Your parents were probably hoping you could convince Prince Clockwork, to form a herd with us." Blue Blood blushed. He quickly looked around, making sure no pony was in earshot of them. Then nuzzled his colt friend. Realizing what Bluey's parents ACTUALLY wanted, was likely replacing Fancy with a stallion that could give them grand foals. "That will never happen. I don't want to share you with anyone." Fancy smiled, resisting the urge to kiss his colt friend. That would create quite the scandal. To the nobles, Gay Stallions were thought of as selfish deviants. Where Lesbian mares were seen as a matter of course. There were far fewer Stallions then mares, so mares usually joined herds, and shared a single Stallion between them... Not all Stallions went for it. But enough did that their species was preserved... But Gay Stallions were looked down on. Celestia had long since passed laws, allowing them to marry, and to protect them from acts of violence... but the nobility didn't hold back, while voicing how selfish gay Stallions were. As they couldn't have foals of their own... yet "Refused" to give mares babies. As if all Stallions were good for, was getting mares pregnant. ... and yet, here was a Stallion, out and about in public, dancing with another boy... Blue Blood never, in all his life, truly cared about what Celestia did to his ancestor... but on this night... seeing what he could have had... just because of a fluke of birth... Blue Blood could finally understand why Auntie was so regretful... because in that moment, just for a moment... Blue Blood found himself hating her.... Bat pony males, could become pregnant as well.. and if Celestia hadn't sealed the third chromosome chain, of Luna's first Thestral child... it be Blue Blood, dancing on the floor... with Fancy Pants. • Sometime later, Blue Blood found himself at the Buffet table... with the Time Pony colt. Fancy had wanted to say "hi" to some of his college friends, so his body guard escorted him to them. While Minuette stood off in the distance. Her advanced Time Pony senses, allowing her to give Blue Blood and Clockwork some privacy, without actually giving them any. Clockwork was still flirting away with George. Typically, talking with the Griffin, was one of the few things that made the Gala tolerable. Blue Blood would even go so far as to say, he had been looking forward to swapping stories, about their first year of college. But George was ignoring him. He hadn't even noticed him. "I can't tell you how relieved I am, I met you," George smiled at Clockwork. "The Gala is usually such a bore. And Pop always gives me this lecture, about not dancing with the Stallions. Something about wanting to avoid a scandal with the ponies." Clockwork tilted his head, "Scandal. From what?" The Griffin shrugged, "I guess you wouldn't know, but male on male... encounters, are frowned on by pony nobility. It can be hard for Griffins, as we are mostly male, with only one in 3 griffs even being female. "We aren't as bad as you ponies, with our gender ratios. And with how male griffs can get pregnant. Well gay relationships just never became taboo. In fact, most Griffs ARE gay, or at least bi. "But when father saw you, he gave the okay to dance." Clockwork's ears flatten, "So you only asked me to dance, cuz your father told you to?" As the Griffin began to fluster, Blue Blood scoffed. "Of course he did! You think he would risk creating a scandal, at the biggest social event of the year. You're a Time Pony, there is no scandal. His father is probably just hoping that George will knock you up, so he can marry into the royal family." George gaped, "That's not true!!!" Clockwork's eyes teared up. He'd been having such a good time, but the griff was just under orders to get close to the "Time Pony". Quickly fleeing from the ball room, George tried to stop him. Only to receive a buck. Thank goodness, Time Ponies didn't have an Earth pony's super strength. As Clockwork ran off, George glared at the white unicorn. He'd known this jerk since they were children, both being dragged to this boring party from a young age... he had thought they were friends. "What the Tartarus, Bluey!?" George snapped. "You know full well, the scandal of an unplanned birth, wouldn't be tolerated by the Griffin Lords! Why would you tell him such lies!?" Blue Blood just calmly sipped his drink. An indifferent expression on his face... despite the guilt that ate at him. "I was merely exaggerating. I did not expect him to take my words at face value. His social skills could use some work." George growled at the unicorn. "You can't deny though," Blue Blood decided to defuse the situation, with cold hard facts. "Your father likely pointed you at Celestia's Ward, for a less then honorable reason." thinking of his own parents. George growled deeper, as he realized his father likely did just that. But it's not like he discussed the matter with George. The young griff didn't even realize the Time Pony was a Prince. Not until Clockwork told him who his adoptive mother was, when they were sharing stories about their families. George stood tall, "At worst, my father hoped we'd hit it off. Which you know what? WE DID! I like him, you ass! There isn't any plot to get closer to the Princess! And you know that full well! You just wish it was you and that boy toy of yours!" George snapped, before running off to find Clockwork. Blue Blood flinched... all ponies knew about him and Fancy Pants... but it wasn't something one talked about in polite society... Blue Blood sighed, realizing he should have just kept his mouth shut... Because George was right. He was exactly right. Blue Blood was just feeling petty... since he couldn't dance with his... with his Fancy... Looking around, Blue Blood realized he was alone in a crowd... as he always was.
Episode 2, Part 2: Ditzy Doo• Later that Night. "Hi." Clockwork looked up and saw gray fur with a blond mane, dressed in a simple light blue dress, looking at him with a shy smile on her face. He quickly wiped the tears from his face, hoping that she hadn't seen them. Speaking of seeing, her eyes were looking in multiple directions, moving about randomly like a lizards. He found it... exotic... he loved new and different things. Even though it was likely nothing more than a birth defect. He saw such beauty, in those eyes. She looked at the bench Clockwork was sitting on and, understanding the subtle gesture, Clockwork quickly moved a bit to make room. The mare silently sat down. Calmly looking out at the garden. Clockwork did not know what to make of this; a mare sitting next to him at her own request. The only thing he could do was to copy what the mare was doing. Which was looking at the garden, silently. After approximately 32 seconds, Clockwork was good with time after all, the mare decided that somepony had to do something about the silence, and it looked like it was up to her. "Nice garden." In Clockwork's opinion, it was alright. Or, in a more honest opinion, it looked like any dang garden he'd ever seen. "Uh, I guess it seems...lovely?" She coughed a bit as she shot him an apologetic giggle. "Sorry, the silence was getting to me." After his discomfort melted into sympathy, Clockwork let out a small smile. "It's alright. I may have ended up being the pony to break it. Probably would have mentioned something random, like custard or muffins." "Ooooh, I love muffins!" The mare cooed as she clapped her hooves. "Well, glad to have something in common then," Clockwork responded with a chuckle. After all, he had a sweet tooth for honey bran muffins. "My name is... Clockwork." deliberately leaving out his princely title. Clockwork extended a hoof for a quick hoof bump. The mare completed the gesture. "Mine's Ditzy Do." "So what brings you to the gala? A date?" Clockwork's question was initially met with a blush, before an answer was given. "Oh no, nothing like that. Honestly, is my first time here." "Mine to." Clockwork commented, "Mother insisted, since I'm an apprentice now, I should be mature enough to handle the Gala." Ditzy sighed, "That's rough." "Do you mind if I ask what you do for a living?" Clockwork tried to keep the conversation going, using his etiquette training. Ditzy shrugged. "I'm a mail mare in Ponyville." "Ah, Ponyville. I've heard so many things about it." "Like?" Clockwork crossed all four of his legs, as he began mimicking the nobles' opinions. "How it's a boring place, with nothing to do. No potential there. Nothing but backwater farm ponies, tipping cows." Ditzy looked like she was about to be offended, so Clockwork explained. "Of course, this is what I heard the nobles say, and I take their opinions with a grain of salt. "The Nobility is always underestimating the power of small towns. I come from pretty humble beginnings myself. And... it can be hard when the nobility forget that." "Is that why your out here?" Ditzy asked. "All by yourself... Where is your chaperone?" after all, it was just proper for "Stallions of breeding" to have a mare watching them. Usually a bodyguard, to make sure other mares didn't take advantage of the poor guy. Clockwork managed to smile, "I was able to ditch them. I have nothing against heir Fancy Pants, nor his own bodyguard, but it can be so restrictive, being followed around everywhere." Clockwork half expected the mare to give him the typical speech. About how Clockwork should be grateful and mindful of the mares in his life. It was just so stuffy, and mares had no sympathy for stallions that liked to wander on their own. "That does sound hard," Ditzy sighed. "I get that Stallions are important and all. I mean there are so few of you. But I never got why so many mares are obsessed with sheltering you. I'd probably want to slink off to." Clockwork just stared at her, mouth slightly open. Not expecting that at all. Ditzy sighed again. "It's even worse with nobility. I guess I heard too much from the mares, who always squeal about going to these kinds of parties. But Everypony here is sooooo stuck up!" Ditzy started to chuckle, as Clockwork cracked a grin at her. "You're probably the only pony here who isn't like that. And yet you dress the part. I, sure as Tartarus, couldn't afford a getup like that," Clockwork looked down at his suit, and rolled his eyes. "I hate this thing." he muttered, "It will take hours to brush the matts out of my fur." "Tell me about it," Ditzy muttered, as she looked at her dress. "The girls, at the Ponyville Spa said, that this is the latest fashion. But I'd rather wear my mail carrier digs. This thing is sooooo uncomfortable." "Looks like we have a lot more in common, Ditzy," Clockwork flashed a charming grin. Before jumping from the bench. "Tell you what. Let's spend the last hours of the gala together. Just you and me." "Oh, I dunno." Ditzy giggled, showing she actually liked the idea. She twirled her hair a bit, before Clockwork gently took her hoof. "Nonsense, love!" Clockwork shouted as he pulled her from the bench, causing the mare to giggle more. "The night is still young and we must take advantage! How about we sneak into the kitchens. The staff is always eager to hide me from my Chaperones." Ditzy allowed a toothy smile. "Lead the way, Clockwork!" She responded. Following as the stallion ran through the garden. • Unfortunately, before they stepped hoof out of the Garden. Celestia found them. Ditzy eeped, at having the Princess of the Sun stand before her... wearing such a stern expression on her face. "Clockwork," the Alicorn scolded. "You know better then to hide from your Chaperone. And after miss Fleur de Lis was kind enough to offer to escort you." As Ditzy tried to figure out how this was such a grievous act, that the Princess would get involved, Clockwork rolled his eyes. "Please, The Fancy clan was just using this as a chance to suck up to you. Setting me up on a playdate as if I was a foal." He pouted. Celestia gave another sigh, her eyes momentarily landing on Ditzy. Then went back to Clockwork, "So long as you stay by Lady Doo, I suppose it won't be a problem." Clockwork blinked, "You know Ditzy?" Celestia eyed the mare, who obviously didn't want the Princess to say more. Unfortunately, She was not one to let a friendship start based on deception. Even if it was a lie by omission. "Remember how I told you, the Elements have recently chosen new Bearers." Celestia informed, and watched as Clockwork's eyes quickly widened. He was a smart colt, after all. "Lady Doo is the newest bearer of Kindness." Then turned to Ditzy, "I hope you don't mind looking after my son?" "YOU'RE SON!!!" Ditzy eeped. But recovered quickly. "Y-yes your majesty. I'll look after him." Celestia nodded. "The truest path to friendship, is honesty. I would like you two to remember that." Both apprentice aged ponies gave a blush, though answered, "Yes Ma'am," almost immediately. After all, with how old Celestia was, all were foals to her. Celestia then turned, and waved them to follow. "So much for the kitchens," Clockwork muttered. Ditzy sighed back, then whispered. "How hard do you think it be to ditch the Princess?" Clockwork smiled, liking this mare more and more, "Neigh impossible, but I appreciate the thought."
