Adventures in the TARDIS

Sitting near the mouth of the crystal cave they found themselves in to take a break for the rest of the day, Feather Wind, Daring Do, and Stern Wing watch as Derpy Hooves and Doctor Kelly Saddler both venture further in to explore the cave in their own way. Derpy is playful and Doctor Kelly is largely scientific in her approach.

“The air is getting thinner up here,” Stern Wing mentions to her adjacent companions while keeping a careful eye on those who split from the party and also warming her hooves over a pair of heated stones thanks to Feather Wind's magic. That helps in addition to Feather’s bubble of warmth around them. “Logically, I figured this would eventually happen, but this place has been so overwhelmingly magical and hospitable that I also figured I can't take anything around here for granted. It could always surprise me, and with a potentially hostile reality bender on the prowl, those surprises might not always be a good thing.”

“Well, in consideration with the thinner oxygen,” Daring says as her look transfers from Derpy and Doctor Kelly to just Stern Wing, “the majority of our party here are pegasi so we have an advantage on that front. As for Feather Wind here,” her eyes shift to look at him who also returns her gaze, “I get the feeling that he's far more acclimated to higher altitudes than the average unicorn.”

“Maybe even compared to pegasi,” Stern adds while regarding her small blue friend proudly. “As a living embodiment of the wind and sky, he's in his natural element up here.”

“Which leaves Doctor Kelly here as our sole concern,” Daring goes on as she looks back at the white lab coated mare. “Strictly speaking, she's not an average unicorn either. She's a Magi and there might be some key differences in her physiology accordingly. As a result, I can't say with confidence how she'll react to conditions like this.”

“Those conditions will probably continue to get worse the further we scale up,” Stern Wing warns. “Also, right now, the winds are starting to get heavier out there so normal flying is more and more off the table. Ironically that actually leaves Doctor Kelly's magic for levitation and force fields as the safest option for flying right now, but it seems slow. We'll have to keep that in mind as well.”

Daring looks at Feather with a lift of her right eyebrow as she asks him, “I'm curious, is there anything you can do about the thinning oxygen up here? The reason why I ask is because I don't normally have access to ponies with abilities like yours, so I can't reject the possibility that you might have a trick or two up your sleeve that can help.”

“Believe it or not, I've been contemplating that question as well for the past several days,” Feather Wind answers. “I, more than anypony here, am well aware of the conditions of the wind and sky. That awareness extends to knowing what conditions we will meet at this rate.” He flashes a look at Stern Wing along with a brief nod at her as he adds, “Like you, I wasn't totally certain what we'd find up here at first because this environment isn't like any other we've ever encountered.” He looks back at Daring. “Like Stern said, this place is unusually hospitable.

“That said, it is still a physical realm and it is guided by physical rules except not as strict. Being as highly charged as it is, there is some room for flexibility here but we're all well aware what kind of baseline we're working with here. As such, I have discovered that, indeed, the oxygen is thinning and we can expect that process to continue as we scale up. In a way that's a good thing too because you said the flower we seek tends to prefer high climates with thin oxygen.”

When Feather said that, Daring acknowledged that with a nod.

“So I've been giving this issue some thought like I said earlier,” Feather Wind continues, “and I did come up with one idea but I'm a little nervous to try it.”

“Which is?” Daring Do presses.

Feather Wind sighs before he says, “I could try to increase the nearby air pressure around us or even localize it entirely around each of our heads. If I do that, the smaller amount of oxygen particles might be squeezed closer to us.”

“But you'd have to maintain that concentration consistently I assume?” Daring Do figures. “Which means it might be a problem while you're asleep, not to mention the constant tax on your magic.” Daring shakes her head. “It's an interesting suggestion but I'm not sure if it's one we can reasonably maintain.”

“My influence over the wind and sky doesn't always take constant concentration,” Feather counters. “I just talk to it. That's the essence of my talent aside from lightening my body weight and I guess sharing some other traits with pegasi.” He shakes his head briefly. “Anyway, once I do make a request to the wind, it uses its own power to fulfill that request. The environment is using its own magic to fulfill my request. In fact, whenever I am in a deep trance and really connect with nature, there doesn't feel like there are any barriers between me and nature anymore. At that point I'm beyond mere talking. Instead I feel like I've become one with it. When that happens then influencing nature feels about as easy as moving any of my legs. It becomes second nature.

“Furthermore, when I get that connected, that means I am one with nature's magic as well. That does far more than merely recharge my magic. It rather feels like my drop of magic has merged with the ocean, so to speak. When that happens, it feels like I have truly bottomless amounts of mana, or at least the amount the local environment has.”

“Wow!” Daring exclaims with stunned wide eyes at Feather Wind. “That's truly an amazing talent.”

“I'm not normally like that by default,” Feather cautions. “Instead I'm more like what you see now. Thinking and talking coherently. When I get into a deep, deep trance, though, everything changes.

“I actually first noticed it during brief moments during Wonderbolt practice. When I let my mind relax enough and just sink into a trance, I am in the Zone. During that time, I feel fully connected to nature as if there is no separation. At that point I'm suddenly aware of all that nature is aware of. As for my body, it just moves in mindless instinct. I'm telling you now, I sometimes had to get that good with my talent to fly with the Wonderbolts because it required such precise control of my abilities that I was previously unaccustomed to.”

“I know that feeling of sinking into the Zone,” Stern Wing says with an enchanted voice. “That happened to me plenty of times when I played Puffball along with the rest of my teammates, and I'm not the only one to have that experience. Our coach taught us that that is common practice for any good players of any professional sport. To really get the most out of anything, we just have to channel some higher power.”

Daring nods in agreement then says, “I, too, had that experience from time to time. It got me out of a lot of trouble back in the day. During a moment of crisis when everypony else would normally panic, I sometimes get super calm instead and just sink into a trance. I get this feeling like nothing can hurt me. I just dance and weave around any danger like I'm playfully flirting with it. It's such an incredible high.”

Daring Do lifts a beige hoof and briefly closes her eyes as she says, “But let's get back to the issue at hoof.” She lowers her hoof and opens her eyes again with focus on Feather as she says to him, “So okay. We've established now that you do have a way to affect air pressure and it doesn't even always require great concentration or magic. Under the right circumstances your connection with nature could either rapidly recharge your magic or astronomically expand your maximum mana supply to be equal to the environment around you, so what's the problem? Why are you nervous to try?”

“The problem is I've tried this before and noticed complications with the attempt,” Feather explains to Daring then regards his large brown friend. “It was actually in Water World and more specifically in that underwater base which I forgot the name to. We were in the foreman's office. While there, I noticed one of his ponies breathing hard because he recently galloped quite the distance. In an attempt to assist him, I tried to squeeze oxygen closer to him but I think I only made him dizzy.” He returns his gaze to Daring. “So either my control over the air isn't precise enough, or there are medical side effects to the method I tried that I'm unaware of.”

“It could be where you make the attempt might also make a difference,” Stern Wing figures.

“The pony you attempted this experiment on might have had personal issues instead,” Daring counters. “Perhaps he has unusual respiratory issues. You did say you were in an underwater base. If he's been working down there for a while, that might develop some medical issues.”

“Possibly,” Feather acknowledges. “And I'll admit I didn't take all of that into account, but still . . . I could try this up here then become personally responsible for developing certain problems.”

“If you're good enough with your influence over the wind to fly with a bunch of Wonderbolt cadets, then you're probably good enough to use this solution safely as long as you go gentle with it,” Daring encourages. “It wouldn't take much pressure to make a significant difference.”

“You really think so?” Feather asks with rising cheer.

Daring Do nods as she says, “Just be careful how much pressure you apply around ponies. I heard tales of deep sea divers who came up from the depths too fast and there is a significant degree of pressure difference down there. Some ponies' blood literally boiled.”

Feather Wind balks at that information but he does not look entirely surprised about it. Daring had him figured correctly. Feather Wind is way more educated than the average pony, but this appears to be an issue that slipped his mind until Daring gave this reminder.

“Boiled their blood? Are you serious?” Stern Wing asks with an unconvinced blink. “Just what kind of temperature was the water that those ponies were swimming in?”

Daring shakes her head and looks at Stern as she says, “No. This had nothing to do with temperature. Instead, it had to do with the water pressure around them and how that affected the oxygen in their blood. There are other ways to cook things aside from using temperature alone. A drastic change in pressure is one of them.”

Feather Wind looks meek and terrified by the reminder of this possibility. Not noticing this, Stern Wing asks him, “Is any of this true that you know of?”

Still holding that same facial expression but it calms down slightly in order to address Stern Wing's question, Feather Wind informs, “It's true. Scholars have known that for a long time now. A drastic change in air pressure is another way to cook things, including food. But, when it does, the exact method it employs differs from fire-style cooking. Instead of charring something, it can really tenderize it.”

“Is he okay?” Daring asks in concern as she regards Feather Wind.

Finally noticing his pained expression, Stern Wing answers, “Well . . . no. Not at the moment. Feather Wind is still struggling to understand himself and his powers and he's often been afraid that it could have the ability to harm others in ways he did not initially expect. Since he has a really good heart, that prospect bothers him.”

When next Stern speaks, she does so directly to Feather Wind by saying, “Feather Wind,” she waits till she's gathered his attention before she resumes, to which she gathers his attention almost immediately. Stern Wing goes on, “You don't need to fear your powers because you can trust yourself to hoofle it responsibly. You once said so yourself. The reason why nature trusts you with these powers is because it knows your heart and you wouldn't abuse it on purpose. In fact, I see it another way. Instead of abusing this power, you can use it to prevent others from abusing it if they can do so somehow. You can act as an intelligent safeguard in favor of nature's natural intentions. If the air is poisoned or unnaturally toxic for some reason, for example, then take comfort in the knowledge that you have the power to clean it up.” Stern Wing grins as she adds, “And given what we just learned, it sounds like there are other ways to use this talent non-offensively. A strong increase in air pressure might help us to cook food without needing heat or light.”

Daring nods in agreement as she says, “That can come in hoofy too at times. Perhaps there is nothing else around to burn or you're hiding and don't want the light to attract too much attention, but you also want to cook this delicious food you have, so . . .” Daring trails off as she gives a shrug.

Feather Wind looks back and forth between the two mares as he contemplates what they said to him. Shortly later he grows a very innocent and grateful smile as he says to them, “Thanks, gals, for that reminder.”

Stern Wing drapes her right large wing across Feather Wind's back and even uses it to pull him closer to her side for a side hug as she expresses, “Anytime, pal.”

Seeing this, Daring Do grins at the two of them then says, “You know what I just realized? As strange as it sounds to have a unicorn with such an affinity for the air, it just dawned on me how much of a connection that you, Stern, have to the earth. You know, for a pegasus that is.” She shakes her head slightly. “It seems oddly fitting how much you two complement each other.”

At that comment, Stern Wing smiles in delight as she expresses, “You know, you're not the first to make that observation. I've had other ponies say such things to me even if they didn't know about Feather Wind or my personal association with him. Some of my other friends, family, teammates, and even opponents have made the remark that I strike them more as an earth pony rather than the pegasus aside from my ginormous wings, of which has to be this big and strong to lift my bulk let alone allow me to fly so amazingly well.

“That comparison goes beyond mere appearance too, though. I think my natural affinity actually is the earth. In fact, it's so strong that I don't even need to touch the earth to feel connected to it. Instead, it is within me.” She gestures to her large barrel-sized chest with her left fore hoof. “I am the earth. That's why I am so strong, sturdy, loyal, and possess unshakable moral integrity. When I make a promise, know that no force can stop me from fulfilling it to the best of my ability, which is quite a lot. I also like to keep my life simple and 'down to earth' whereas Feather likes to keep his head and body in the clouds.” Stern's smile sinks into a grin as she goes on to say, “I think you might be the same way. A natural earth element despite being a pegasus.”

“Really?” Daring asks with a surprised lift of her right eyebrow and has her ears perk up above her. “Because I always thought I was a natural fire-type personally, especially when I'm out on an adventure. Whatever I do, I do with a blazing passion. My friends may find light and warmth in that. My enemies may feel burned instead.” Daring Do tilts her head curiously at Stern Wing as she says, “But I am curious about your argument why you see me as an earth-type mare. Who knows? You might actually convince me.”

“Eh.” Stern Wing shrugs. “I suppose I can see you as a fire type too, so maybe the truth is you're more like lava. You're both earth and fire at the same time.

“Anyway, my argument in support of you being an earth-type is how much affinity you have for the land as you travel in it. You just seem to know where you are going even if it's the first time you are ever there. The tracks you find tell you a story as if the land is talking to you. Also, if you seek out food like nuts and berries, you seem to know where to look. Again, it's almost as if you have a natural and uncanny way to communicate with the earth.”

Daring lifts a hoof as she says, “To be fair, this land has been unusually accommodating. Don't get me wrong. I really do have extensive wilderness survival training, and I think you have made some valid personal points about me and my connection to the land as well, but judging that by the standards of this adventure alone might also give you a slightly skewed impression. It seems to me that all we have to do is merely desire to find berries and voilà. We suddenly find it even if it is a little illogical for us to find it.”

“I've noticed that too,” Feather agrees as he looks at Stern. “When I talk to the sky, normally I find it at best delighted that I can speak to it and therefore eager to serve me, or at worst indifferent and obeys me because it doesn't feel like it has anything else better to do. That is, unless, the environment is corrupted somehow. Only then do I tend to get a hostile reaction from nature.

“Out here, however, the elements feel almost aggressively determined to please us. Like it just leaps on even the tiniest and most remote whimsical thought to cross our minds and sees it as an opportune and moral imperative to serve us again. I've never seen the elements that strongly positive before.”

“Eh. I don't mind it,” Stern says with a shrug and a small smile. “After suffering through hurricane force storms on Water World or navigating tight, clock-work style walls that spew hostile steam on the Klaxian ship, I figure I'm due for a nice vacation. It's very pleasant for me to finally have the environment working for me for a change.”

“The vibes in Ponyville were pleasant as well,” Feather recalls. “But compared to here, it was more subdued. Relaxed. Chill. Pleasant. Out here, the vibes are so overwhelmingly positive that part of me actually finds it suspicious.”

“Tell me about it,” Daring agrees with a roll of her eyes before deciding to return to an older subject. “Anyway, so if we're in agreement that Feather is air element, Stern is earth and I might be a fire/earth combo, what about Derpy? Any thoughts on her?”

The three of them are silent for a moment which is broken by Feather Wind after the three of them get a chance to consider their answer.

“At first, Derpy seems to embody everything her outward impression would seem to suggest,” Feather Wind proposes. “On the surface, I'd say she's an air-type element, just like me, which is very fitting and perhaps even common for a pegasi. She's light, often carefree, and playful. She's often accused of being an airhead or some similar term and, while I do frown at the derogatory term, it kind of also fits but I mean it in a good way. I see somepony who expresses herself very authentically and I can't help but smile in deep approval of that.

“At the same time, though, I think there are deeper and more esoteric levels to Derpy that are hidden by what she seems to be on the surface. Other elements I would attribute to her are 'shining light' and 'melodic sound'. That's the essence of her soul and it can cause a positive lift to others too even if they are unaware of it.”

“Interesting answer,” Stern Wing remarks with an impressed tone as she rests her forelegs on the thighs of her hindlegs as she is sitting. “Then again, I've come to expect some deep and poetic answers from the likes of you. In that case, I have to ask what element you see the Doctor as?”

That question immediately seizes Daring's fascinated attention to Feather, equally eager for that answer, especially after reading some of his work in the past and getting to know him better now.

“The Doctor?” Feather repeats then muses. “Hmm. Well . . . similar to Derpy, I think there are multiple dynamic layers here. In his case, though, the surface might depend on his current regeneration cycle. We know him as the lovable, eccentric and ecliptic Doctor of the TARDIS. If I had to pick a typical element, I guess it would be earth.” He focuses on Stern as he adds, “But remember that time when he exploded with all kinds of golden light in the TARDIS? The time he went through something like a regeneration cycle?”

“I remember that very well,” Stern confirms in a spooked tone.

“Well, I remember it too and it taught me something important about him ever since that day. It was a feeling I got before that as well but that moment solidified it for me. The Doctor's true element is Time and Space. In other words, pure cosmic energy. If he was an Element of Harmony, I'd actually attribute him as the Element of Magic. That quality about him is so well hidden if you just look at him at the surface level, but I glimpsed beneath that when he exploded with golden light that was as brilliant as the quasar. Ever since then I became certain that this stallion is unlike anything I have ever seen in a natural world. The description of 'otherworldly' very much aptly fits him. He's the visitor across time and space that never really belongs in any one time and place. An eager traveler who can never settle down, maybe not even where he came from. The truth is he is no more 'earth' than he is any other element because it can change in the very next cycle which hints at a deeper truth.”

“Whoa!” exclaims Derpy which startles the others since they didn't know she approached them during that explanation. Derpy's eyes are wide with amazement despite looking otherwise unfocused because of her walleyes. “That is deep!” Derpy commends Feather.

“Well, anyway,” Stern says as she settles down after being startled by Derpy's unexpected and sudden arrival then returns her attention to Feather. “I hadn't thought of it that way before, but after you explained that, I see what you're saying. Because of his ever changing nature as a result of his natural capabilities, he's hard to quantify so pure cosmic energy feels like a more apt label for him, especially since he is a traveler from space who never settles in one place.”

“Hey! That rhymes!” Derpy cheers, then sings melodically, “A traveler from space who can't settle in one place. La-dee-dahhh!”

The others pause for a moment before breaking out into a mirthful giggle.