Time Waits For Nopony

by ThatBronyWithTheClipOns

Rating: teen
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Doctor Whooves, Romance, Comedy, Dinky Hooves, Adventure, Derpy Hooves, Pinkie Pie
Length: 11074

The story of an ordinary earth pony, given an extraordinary back story.

Time Turner is your average earth pony from Trottingham. He's lived in Ponyville for a while now, and for the most part keeps to himself fixing clocks and other time devices for the residents. But, one day, a jump to conclusions leads a certain hyperactive pink earth pony to think Time Turner is some sort of time traveling alien. Soon, everypony wants to hear of his crazy exploits through time and space. The once quiet time artisan is finding himself spinning fictional tales to the little fillies of the town. This gives him a newfound confidence to ask out a certain mail mare he never had the courage to talk to before. Will he succeed? This is more a side story in my TwiMacVerse, that could take place during the events of either stories.

Cover art from http://randomflashgames11.deviantart.com/

Published 2012-12-31 08:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-23 13:46:24 UTC

Chapter 1: An Ordinary Colt From Trottingham

Time Turner was your average looking earth pony from Trottingham. He had a grayish amber coat, a dark amber mane, and pale light grayish azure eyes. He was from a respectable family, a long line of ponies who worked with time devices. He himself, ran a clock store in the small town of Ponyville. But, in his family, Time Turner was an oddity in that he was the first earth pony in generations; all before had been unicorns. Both of his parents were unicorns, so their child being an earth pony was one in a million.

But despite this genetic oddity, Time Turner was just as good as any of his family members when it came to clocks and other time devices. In fact, he may have been better. He could open a clock mechanism and tell in what seemed like a split second what was wrong with it. When it came to hour glasses, he was even more proficient; able to know exactly how many grains of sand were needed for the right passage of time.

But, with this talent, came certain drawbacks; mainly a lack of social skills. Time Turner could tell you everything there was to know about a clock, sundial, or hour glass easily; but being able to interact with others was always a chore for him. Because of this problem, Time Turner though it would be logical to move to a place with a low population. A place where he wouldn’t have to interact with many ponies and make a modest living from selling and working on time devices. So he moved to Ponyville, thinking a town with that sort of name couldn’t possibly be anything too outrageous. He was very wrong…

One of the first ponies Time Turner ever encountered was an extraordinarily hyperactive pink earth pony, who’s actions seemed to defy any laws of…well anything! Try as she might though, the pink pony was unable to get any real information out of quiet clock maker. During his first few weeks in town, all she learned about him was his name. She rarely had this sort of trouble getting information out of somepony, before this the longest it ever took her was two days. But one day, a simple misunderstanding would turn Time Turner’s world upside down.

On a particularly average day, Time Turner was waiting on a delivery as he did on Wednesday, when the crazy pink filly showed up at his doorstep.

“Hey there, Time Turner,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Whatcha doing!?”

“Hello there, Miss Pie,” said Time Turner. “I’m just waiting on a delivery.”

“Oh yeah! It’s Wednesday,” exclaimed Pinkie. “Inventory day!”

“How did you know that,” asked Time Turner.

“Duh! I’ve seen packages come here every single Wednesday,” said Pinkie. “You don’t have to be some sorta super duper genius to figure that one out.”

“I suppose I can’t argue with that,” said Time Turner. “But yes, you are correct. Wednesday is when I receive new supplies for my various time mechanisms.”

“This is the most I’ve ever heard you say,” said Pinkie.

“I’ve never been one for socializing really,” said Time Turner.

“Why not? You seem like a nice enough colt,” said Pinkie.

“Just shy, I suppose,” said Time Turner.

“Oh! I know all about shyness,” said Pinkie. “Well, not me personally, as you can clearly see. But I have a friend named Fluttershy who’s extremely shy. Poor thing is even afraid of her own shadow! Not to mention, she’s a pegasus afraid of heights. What’s up with that?”

“Oh yes, I know Miss Fluttershy,” said Time Turner. “Some of her animals get a little rambunctious, and her clocks get damaged. She needs to be able to keep track of feeding time.”

“So true,” said Pinkie. “So can I wait with you for the package?”

“If you must,” sighed Time Turner.

After barely five minutes, Pinkie Pie had already gotten bored of waiting.

“I think I’m gonna go now,” said Pinkie. “Have a good one, Time Turner!”

“Oh, um, you too Miss Pie,” said Time Turner.

“Pinkie will do,” said Pinkie with a big green.

“Good day, Pinkie,” said Time Turner.

Pinkie Pie bounced off happily, leading Time Turner to give a large sigh of relief.

“I’m not used to that much conversing,” said Time Turner to himself.

Finally, his package was delivered to him by two stocky earth ponies; a large blue crate.

“Would you gentlecolts be so kind as to help me take this crate into my shop,” Time Turner asked the two work ponies.

“Nopony said nothin about takin a crate into a buildin,” said one of the two workers. “Just been told to drop it off in front of this here buildin.”

“Oh, right, well I suppose I can’t argue with that,” said Time Turner.

The two large colts walked off, laughing a bit as they did. Time Turner drooped his ears, thinking he wouldn’t be able to open the crate. But, then he noticed something odd about this crate; it appeared to have doors and a simple latch to it.

“A very odd design for a crate,” thought Time Turner. “Then again, I don’t see blue crates that often either.”

Time Turner unlatched the crate to discover a grandfather clock inside. It was one of those more modern grandfather clocks, even had some wheels for easy moving. He pulled the clock out of the crate, and it immediately grew a bit larger. He figured it must be one of those clocks that can compact itself.

Unbeknownst to Time Turner, Pinkie Pie was still hopping nearby as she noticed him moving the clock. However, she had missed the part where the clock grew a few more inches, and came to the only logical conclusion she could think of. This strange blue crate was much larger on the inside! This caused Pinkie to let out a huge gasp.

“This explains everything,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Time Turner doesn’t talk about himself much because he’s a time traveling alien!

Chapter 2: An Extraordinary Misunderstanding

The next day, Time Turner was just taking a normal stroll around town, when he noticed the locals were giving him odd looks. He didn’t get why, nothing about him seemed different. He had the same haircut he always had, he was wearing a tie today but that too wasn’t uncommon for him, and he was pretty sure he didn’t smell funny or anything. At this point he was used to the residents of Ponyville acting strange from time to time, so he didn’t make much of it. He made his way to the market place to pick up his usual supply of groceries, and even there the vendors were giving him odd looks.

“I’d like half a dozen apples please,” Time Turner said to Applejack, of Sweet Apple Acres.

Applejack stood there for a moment, just looking at Time Turner.

“Pardon me Miss Apple,” said Time Turner. “But, is there something on my face or something?”

“Uh, oh, um, no,” Applejack finally said. “Nothin on yer face or anything.”

“Then why the odd looks,” asked Time Turner. “In fact, why have all the ponies in town been giving me such odd looks?”

“Well, ah uh, ah don’t really know,” Applejack said with a nervous grin.

“You’re not a very good liar,” said Time Turner. “Can I please just purchase my apples?”

“Oh sure,” said Applejack nervously. “That’ll be six bits.”

Time Turner paid for his apples and moved on to another vendor. Then suddenly, he noticed Applejack’s younger sister, Apple Bloom, running towards him. She managed to stop herself to where she was only a few inches from him.

“Hi there, Mr. Time Turner,” said Apple Bloom with a large smile.

“Hello, Apple Bloom,” said Time Turner.

“How ya’ll doin today,” Apple Bloom asked.

“I’m doing quite alright,” said Time turner.

“Great,” exclaimed Apple Bloom.

She looked around for a moment, as if to make sure nopony was listening in, and leaned in a little closer.

“So is it true,” Apple Bloom whispered.

“Is what true,” Time Turner asked, whispering as well.

Apple Bloom leaned in a bit closer.

“That yer an alien,” asked Apple Bloom

“I’m sorry, what,” asked Time Turner with a very perplexed look on his face.

“Pinkie Pie says she saw you pullin somethin out of a blue crate that was way too big to actually fit in it,” said Apple Bloom. “She said it was some special machine that’s a lot bigger on the inside than on the outside. Says yer a time travelin alien!”

“What,” said a stunned Time Turner.

“So is it true,” asked Apple Bloom with a big smile.

“What,” asked Time Turner, apparently stuck in a bit of a loop of confusion.

“She said yer a doctor of some kind,” said Apple Bloom.

“I’m from Trottingham,” Time Turner said in more confusion.

“Well yeah,” said Apple Bloom. “That’s just yer cover, cuz yer hidin from yer various enemies!”

“I…I don’t have enemies,” said Time Turner. “I’m just a clock worker.”

“She said that was just a cover up to keep yerself safe,” said Apple Bloom with a smile.

“Um…I should go,” said Time Turner.

Time Turner ran as fast as he could to get back to his shop. Along the way he kept getting stopped by various Ponyville residents, mainly school fillies asking him about his time traveling adventures.

“I heard you faced a giant, red spider from the center of a planet,” exclaimed one resident.

“Is it true that you once stopped an entire invasion from an army of flying trash cans,” asked a school filly.

“What’s the name of your home planet,” asked another school filly.

Time Turner finally made it back to his store. At his front door was Pinkie Pie.

“Hey there, Dr. Turner,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie Pie…I…Dr. who,” he questioned. “Who is that?”

“You are, silly,” said Pinkie Pie. “I figured for being a time traveler, you must be a doctor of some sorts to be able to work with a time machine.”

“I’m not a time traveler, Pinkie,” said Time Turner. “I’m just a typical colt from Trottingham. Why would you think I’m a time traveling alien?”

“I saw that big clock you got out of your blue box,” said Pinkie with a big smile. “It was way too big to fit in there. So, it must be one of those things that’s bigger on the inside! Like a different dimensional thing or something!”

“It was one of those clocks that can compact itself is all,” said Time Turner.

“But, you never say anything about yourself,” said Pinkie.

“I’m not the most sociable of ponies,” said Time Turner.

“You work with clocks,” said Pinkie.

“Because I’m a clock maker,” said Time Turner. “Most of my family has worked with clocks, sundials, hour glasses, and other time devices for generations.”

“Oh, I see,” said Pinkie with a disappointed look on her face.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” said Time Turner.

“No, it’s ok,” said Pinkie. “I was just hoping for some excitement around here is all. I haven’t lived here super long, and there haven’t been a whole lot going on.”

“Ironic,” said Time Turner. “I actually moved here because I felt it would lead to less excitement.”

“Why would you want that,” asked Pinkie.

“Because of my shy nature,” said Time Turner. “I can tell you almost instantly how a clock or hour glass works. But, when it comes to social interaction, I’m not so great at it.”

“You’re talking to me now,” said Pinkie.

“Good point,” said Time Turner. “Everypony in town has been haranguing me with questions about traveling to other planets. I can’t believe so many would believe that.”

“I guess because they want some excitement too,” said Pinkie. “It was mostly kids asking you too, right?”

“Indeed it was,” said Time Turner with a slight chuckle. “I suppose this isn’t the adventurous place to live.”

“No siree,” said Pinkie Pie. “I moved here mainly to get away from family rock farm. My Granny Pie used to visit here a lot to help out the owners of Sugarcube Corner, Mr. and Mrs. Cake, with deliveries and stuff.”

“What happened to your grandmother,” asked Time Turner.

“She died a little over a year ago,” said Pinkie with a frown.

“Well, if she was able to influence you to move here, you must’ve been very close,” said Time Turner.

“She was almost like a second mother for me,” said Pinkie.

After a moment of silence, another school colt showed up in front of Time Turner’s store. He was a bit nervous, walking towards the clock maker.

“Can I help you, little one,” asked Time Turner.

“Well…I heard from some others at school,” began the school colt. “That you were a time traveling alien. A doctor of time or something….is that true?”

“Well…you see, I,” began Time Turner, before pausing for a moment.

During this moment, Time Turner noticed something in the colt’s eyes; a look of wonderment. Here was a young pony, wanting to hear something exciting and out of this world. He wasn’t really much for telling stories, but he couldn’t find it in his heart to disappoint the little fellow.

“It’s absolutely true,” he said with a proud smile.

“Really,” asked the school colt in awe.

“But, Time Turner,” began Pinkie Pie.

“Time turner is but an alias,” Time Turner interrupted. “I'm better known as Doctor Whooves.”

“Oh wow,” exclaimed the school colt. “Where are you from originally?”

“I come from the far off planet of…” Time Turner thought for a moment, before coming up with a name. “Gallopfrey. It’s where all of my pony kind come from. We’re known as Time Ponies.”

“Cool,” said the school colt. “Aw wait, I need to get home now for dinner. Can I come back tomorrow and hear more? And bring some friends?”

“You most certainly can,” said Time Turner.

“Thank you so much, Doctor Whooves,” said the school colt.

The school colt ran off in excitement. Pinkie Pie looked back at Time Turner in confusion.

“Why did you lie to him,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Oh, well, I wouldn’t call it a lie,” said Time Turner. “More a fun story.”

“But, why,” asked Pinkie.

“I saw how happy you looked when you thought I was some extraordinary extra terrestrial,” said Time Turner. “And then how disappointed you were by the truth. I just couldn’t see myself breaking the news to that little school pony. Once he gets older, he’ll of course know I was telling a bunch of phooey. But, for now, why not let him have a little fun with a good story.”

“I guess it won’t hurt anypony,” said Pinkie Pie. “How’d you come up with the name Doctor Whooves?”

“Just came to me,” said Time Turner. “You and the school colt called me a doctor of time. Doctor Time Turner doesn’t really sound all that interesting. Doctor Whooves, on the other hoof, has a more mysterious ring to it.”

“Guess now you gotta come up with some stories,” said Pinkie Pie.

“Shouldn’t be too hard,” said Time Turner with a confident smile. “Heard some interesting stories from some of the residents today. I just might use some of those on the little ones tomorrow.”

Chapter 3: The First Tale of Doctor Whooves

The next day, Time Turner closed shop early so he could tell some stories to the local school ponies. The school colt from yesterday had kept his promise of bringing some friends along; he apparently brought his entire class. Pinkie Pie, of course, was there too.

“I wasn’t expecting your entire class,” said a surprised Time Turner.

“Once everypony else heard I was gonna hear stories from Doctor Whooves, they said they had to come along,” said the school colt.

“I see,” said Time Turner.

“So, we heard you was from another planet,” said Apple Bloom.

“Oh yes, that is correct,” said Time Turner. “I was born on the planet of Gallopfrey.”

“What does it look like,” asked another school pony.

“It looked like, um,” Time Turner was having some trouble coming up with a description.

“It’s a yellow orange planet about 250 million miles away from here,” said Pinkie Pie. “With silver leafed trees, and a burnt orange tint during the night! There were deep fields of red grass and large mountain ranges with snow on top!”

“How do you know all that,” asked another school pony. “Are you an alien too?”

“No, I’m not a Time Pony,” said Pinkie Pie. “That’s what the residents of Gallopfrey are called, by the way. It’s just that I’m um…I’m his…”

“Companion,” chimed in Time Turner. “Pinkie Pie has been my companion on several of my adventures. Time traveling can be lonely, you know.”

“What do you travel in,” asked Apple Bloom.

“That blue crate over there,” said Time Turner.

“Kinda small for time travel,” said another school pony.

“It’s a lot bigger on the inside,” said Pinkie Pie.

“How,” asked another school pony.

“It’s a sort of extra dimensional kind of magic,” said Time Turner. “These were designed by Gallopfreyin unicorn scientists.”

“There were unicorns on your planet too,” said another school pony.

“But of course,” said Time Turner. “There were pegasai as well. Gallopfery was like this planet in a lot of ways, but with more technology.”

“Ya’ll keep referring to yer planet in the past,” noticed Apple Bloom. “Is it no longer around?”

Time Turner pause at that moment. He hadn’t noticed at first, but yes indeed he was talking as if his fictional home planet no longer existed. He had to keep things consistent though.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t,” said Time Turner with a sad look. “There was a war you see. A Time War between the Time Ponies and an evil race of aliens known as the Equideks!”

All the school ponies went into a simultaneous aw.

“They were the baddest of baddies,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “They kinda looked like those horse chess pieces, but were made of metal. And they had one arm that looked like a plunger, and the other looked like an egg beater.”

“That’s it,” said one school pony. “Doesn’t sound too scary.”

“Don’t let the description fool you, little one,” said Time Turner. “They may have looked a bit silly, but the Equideks were a ruthless race. They were the result of centuries of genetic engineering. They had all emotion stripped away from them, except for one…hate! They hated everything that wasn’t them! Thus they made it their mission to destroy everything that wasn’t them!”

The various school ponies then let out gasps.

“They had the shrillest of voices,” continued Time Turner. “And there arms were nothing to laugh at. The egg beater looking arm was a deadly laser. The plunger arm, could link up with various machines and when pressed against ones face could crush it! Mainly they would yell out ‘EXTERMINATE!’ and order other life forms to bow to their wills!”

“But Doctor Whooves was never afraid of them,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “He would do everything in his power to keep them from exterminating all life! Even at the cost of his own planet!”

“Sadly, she is correct,” said Time Turner. “The Equideks had tried one too many times to destroy all life, and the time Ponies were doing all they could to stop them. In the end, I had managed to create a sort of time flux to destroy the Equideks; but it came at a price. The flux accidentally took out not only the Time Ponies, but Gallopfrey itself.”

“But, if you use time travel, why not go back to save your planet,” asked a school pony.

“I wish I could,” said Time Turner with regret in his voice. “The flux went through all time, wiping Gallopfrey and the other Time Ponies from existence. They exist only in my memories.”

“At least you got rid of them nasty Equideks,” commented Apple Bloom.

“Oh, that wasn’t the end of them,” said a regretful Time Turner. “The time flux had dispersed the Equideks to various point in time. They were able to keep on coming back in various ways.”

“Oh dang,” said Apple Bloom.

“But those aren’t my only deadly enemies,” said Time Turner. “Not by a long shot. And not all of my adventures end sadly either. I may not have been able to save my own kind, but over time I’ve rescued several different beings, including ponies from the past on this very world!”

As if all at once, the school ponies all exclaimed “WOW!”

“Have you ever met Starswirl the Bearded,” asked a school pony.

“I have tea with him at least once a week,” said Time Turner. “With my trusty time machine, I can visit him at any point in his lifetime.”

“Ever see Princess Celestia as a little filly,” asked another.

“Yes I have,” said Time Turner. “She was a cute little thing. As a filly, her mane was actually one shade of pink.”

“Was she a blank flank back then,” asked Apple Bloom.

“Of course,” said Time Turner. “Even a princess starts out with a blank flank. Many Time Ponies have time related cutie marks, such as my hourglass here, but some were known to have different talents that didn’t involve time.”

Time Turner told stories for a little over two hours, before the school ponies had to head back to their homes. Time Turner told them he could tell them more stories next week at the same time.

“Aw, a whole week before anymore stories,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie with a frown.

“I still have a business to run, Pinkie,” said Time Turner. “Besides, a week gives me time to come up with more stories. And you can help me come up with them, if you like.”

“Well, I am your companion after all,” said Pinkie with a smile.

“I figured you‘d agree,” said Time Turner. “So, you write your ideas, I write my ideas, and we meet back later to work them together.”

“Okie dokie lokie,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “See you later Time Turner!”

Pinkie Pie hopped off back to her place, leaving Time Turner alone at his shop. He had a great sense of pride cheering all of those school ponies up. He then began to realize that Doctor Whooves being the only Time Pony wasn’t too far off from his own life. His family were so far away off in Trottingham, he didn’t have a lot of friends at the moment, except for Pinkie Pie now, and he hadn’t even been on a date since moving to Ponyville. He wasn’t sure how many mares would be interested in him, especially now that there were rumors he was a time traveling alien pony. Things were far from over in the interesting department.

Chapter 4: New Stories & New Friends

The very next week, twice as many smiling school ponies showed up in front of Time Turner’s shop waiting to hear a new Doctor Whooves tale. Thankfully, Time Turner had spent the week before coming up with various adventures for his time traveling alter ego. Time Turner was still inside his shop, with Pinkie Pie looking outside with him at all the little faces.

“This is quite a turnout,” said Time Turner.

“Looks like every grade is here,” commented Pinkie Pie.

“I’ve never been this popular before,” said Time Turner with a proud smile. “I should’ve claimed to be a time traveling alien years ago.”

“We better get out there,” said Pinkie Pie.

Time Turner and Pinkie Pie stepped outside the shop, to greet the huge crowd of school ponies. Looking about, Time Turner realized they would need location for storytelling.

“This seems like a rather inconvenient place to sit and tell stories,” commented Time Turner. “How would everypony like to go to the park?”

The school ponies cheered in excitement at this prospect.

“Then lets head out,” said Time Turner with great enthusiasm.

Time Turner and Pinkie Pie took the school ponies to the spot in the park usually used for concerts and other shows; it had the best space in all the park.

“Alright, so lets get started,” said Time Turner. “Is everypony already aware of my origins as a Time Pony from the planet Gallopfrey?”

All the little ponies nodded in unison. The clock maker figured the little ones from last week had already told their peers about his stories.

“Fantastic,” said Time Turner. “So, today I’ll tell you about the time I saved an entire planet from the Arachnoids!”

He could tell by the wide eyed silence that these little ponies were quite interested.

“If you couldn’t tell from the name,” continued Time Turner. “Arachnoids are race of giant spiders! Many are the size of our local library!”

There were several audible gasps.

“Bright red,” continued Time Turner. The blackest eyes you ever saw! Sharp teeth that could puncture metal! And several parts of their bodies are covered in spikes!”

“Strong webbing,” asked a curious little pony.

“One strand could hold a dozen Manticores,” exclaimed Time Turner. “And they had nasty tempers! But, they’ve never been on this planet; thanks to yours truly!”

“Was Pinkie Pie with you,” asked another pony.

“This was before I met Pinkie,” said Time Turner. “But I wasn’t alone at the time, no sir. You see, due to some sort of strange temporal anomaly, my time machine had locked onto this unsuspecting young mare who was in the midst of walking down the aisle for her wedding!”

“No way,” shouted one pony.

“Big way,” exclaimed Timer Turner. “Her name was Noble Flame. She was from a planet very similar to this one, except they had purple skies. She had a light yellow coat and a firey red mane. I was just sitting alone in my machine, minding my own business, when she just seemed to materialize! Out of nowhere, that is. Naturally, we were both shocked; she even accused me of kidnapping her from her own wedding! So I did my best to return her back to her chapel, but something was up with my time machine; so it became a lot more complicated than it needed to be.”

“Do you just call it a time machine,” asked a little pony. “You don’t have a special name for it?”

Time Turner was a taken aback by the question. It hadn’t occurred to him to name a time machine shaped like a blue crate.

“And why does it always look like a blue crate,” asked another little pony.

“That’s easy,” chimed in Pinkie Pie. “It has a special cloaking device that allows it to look like different things so it can blend in with surrounding objects. But the cloaking device broke, so now it’s stuck looking like a blue crate. Also, it’s name is The TARDIS! It stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space!”

The little ponies all smiled in wonderment.

“That’s right, Pinkie Pie,” said Time Turner. “The TARDIS was having trouble pinpointing the exact location of this chapel for some unknown reason. I would later discover that the Arachnoids had launched some sort of jamming device. Despite their size and frightful appearance, they were skilled with machines! Turns out they had set up a fake corporation to try and resurrect their once powerful race! They are a very old race, nearly as old as the Time Ponies. But, they’re race had become nearly extinct centuries ago. One of their queens had gone into a deep hibernation, when she eventually crash landed on Noble Flame’s home world! She was eventually discovered by an ordinary pony, who’s mind she took over for her nefarious needs. She had him build the fake company around her nest, and managed to gather more slaves to act as employees. Some were even working for her without even knowing it; Noble Flame being one of them. Her finace was just a pawn using Noble Flame for future food sources. It was a heartbreaking moment for Ms. Flame.”

“Then what happened,” asked another little pony.

“I gave the Arachnoid Queen a chance to leave the planet,” continued Time turner. “To thrive on a different world where she and her children could live in peace. She would haer non of it though; so I was left with no choice.”

Time Turner’s tone went a bit more serious at this point.

“I blew up a supporting wall of the building,” continued Time Turner. “It caused gallons of water to come pouring in! Combine that with the collapsing building and it was enough to take down the Arachnoid Queen and all of her newly hatched or about to be hatched children. It wasn’t an easy choice to make, mind you. But I couldn’t let the ponies and other innocent creatures be wiped out by some selfish monster and her spawn.”

“What happened to Noble Flame,” asked a pony.

“We went our separate ways for a while,” said Time Turner. “But, we eventually crossed paths again, shared some more adventures. Eventually, she grew tired of the time traveling and planet hopping and she managed to meet a good colt this time and settle down. She was a very good friend. But, I think that‘s for another day.”

There was a moment of silence, before some of the ponies started clapping.

“That was so wicked,” exclaimed one pony.

“You’re the coolest ever, Doctor Whooves,” exclaimed another.

Time Turner stood there, with a very proud smile on his face.

“I think it’s safe to say that we’ll meet here in the park when it’s free for stories,” said Time Turner.

All the little ponies began to run off back to their homes. But one little pony remained; a light purple unicorn, with a blonde mane and tail, and yellow eyes. Time Turner didn’t know why she hadn’t gone home yet, so he decided to talk to her.

“Why aren’t you going home, little filly,” asked Time Turner.

“Nopony’s home right now,” said the little unicorn with a little frown. “My mom is still delivering the mail. She’s expecting me to be at your clock store.”

“Oh, I see,” said Time Turner. “What’s your name?”

“Dinky, Dinky Doo,” said the little pony.

“Well, Dinky Doo,” said Time Turner. “You can come to my shop, and we can wait for your mother to come and get you. Would you be ok with that? I know you don’t know me that well, but…”

“I’ve learned plenty about you today,” said Dinky. “I’d hardly call you a stranger. Plus, I kinda know Pinkie  Pie.”

“Oh yeah,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “Her mother is the mail mare, Derpy Hooves.”

“Derpy,” questioned Time Turner. “Odd name.”

“Well it’s actually Ditzy Doo,” said Pinkie. “Derpy Hooves is a nickname. Or Derpy for short.”

“Interesting,” said Time Turner. “Well, Dinky, let’s head out.”

Walking back to the clock shop, Dinky decided to make some small talk.

“So, are you really a Time Pony,” asked Dinky.

“Why do you ask,” asked Time Turner.

“Just cuz grownups are known to lie,” said Dinky.

“Well, true,” said Time Turner. “If you found out I wasn’t an actual Time Pony, would you think less of me?”

“I guess not,” said Dinky. “I mean, you are telling some really fun stories. A lot of the younger ponies enjoy them a lot; and I like them too.”

“You’re a bright one,” said Time Turner.

“Thanks. So are you,” said Dinky with a smile. “I won’t let the littler kids know you’re just a regular earth pony. And I’m sure most kids my age know the truth too. Sides, everypony likes a good story. Surprised you don’t have a cutie mark for writing or something.”

“Well, that’s a more recently acquired talent,” said Time Turner. “My main specialty is time related mechanisms.”

“I suppose that can be neat too,” said Dinky.

“I always thought so,” said Time Turner. “I can tell the exact amount of sand needed for specific hour glasses. Hours, minutes, and seconds.”

That does sound pretty cool, actually,” said Dinky. “You should incorporate more of that into your stories.”

“You really think so,” asked Time Turner.

“Sure,” said Dinky. “You’re a ‘Time Pony’ after all. Makes sense that they’d be really good with time stuff.”

“I never thought about that,” said Time Turner.

After a moment, Time Turner decided to ask Dinky something.

“So, Dinky,” began Time Turner. “Do you not have a father?”

“No,” said Dinky. “But mom won’t tell me anything about him.”

Time Turner didn’t dig any further on this subject; the rest of the walk back to his shop was in silence.

“Ever wanted to see the inside of a clock shop,” asked Time Turner.

“Never thought about it,” said Dinky. “But, sure, you can show me.”

They walked into the shop, and to Time Turner’s surprise, Dinky was actually interested in what was there.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many clocks in one place,” said Dinky.

“Well it is how I make my living,” said Time Turner. “It’s a family tradition, really.”

“I don’t really see myself delivering mail,” said Dinky. “Not that my mom doesn’t work hard.”

“I understand what you mean,” said Time Turner. “It’s always good to have goals. It was pretty much a given I became a time artisan. Although, there was some speculation about that, since I’m an earth pony and both my parents were unicorns.”

“My mom’s a pegasus,” said Dinky.

“Well, either your father was a unicorn as well,” said Time Turner. “Or you’re a genetic anomaly like me.”

“I’m gonna guess the latter,” said Dinky.

Just then, Time Turner heard the bell to his door ring.

“Dinky,” said a female voice. “Are you here?”

“Hey mom, I‘m hanging out with Doctor Whooves,” said Dinky.

“Actually, it’s Time Turner,” he corrected.

Time Turner turned around to greet Dinky’s mother.

“Pleased to meet you, miss…” he began, before being stunned.

In front of him was a light sapphire bluish gray Pegasus, with a pale yellow mane, light goldish eyes, and bubbles for a cutie mark.

“Ditzy, Ditzy Doo,” she introduced herself. “Course most know me as Derpy.”

“Y-yes, I’m Time Turner,” he introduced himself nervously.

“You okay,” asked Derpy.

“I’m better than I’ve ever been,” he said without thinking.

“Well…thanks for looking after my kid,” said Derpy.

“N-not a problem,” said Time Turner. “I didn’t want her going back to an empty home.”

“Mail was running a bit long today,” said Derpy.

“I’d be happy to watch her when needed,” said Time Turner.

“He tells some really cool stories, mom,” said Dinky.

“Isn’t he the one claiming to fly around in a blue crate,” asked Derpy.

“That was a complete misunderstanding,” said Tim Turner. “I’m just telling some fun stories to the little ponies.”

“Pinkie Pie spread the rumors,” said Dinky.

“That does sound like her,” commented Derpy. “But sure, if Dinky likes you, then you must be ok. So, if you know I’m gonna be late you can come by here, sweetie.”

“Cool, thanks mom,” exclaimed Dinky. “See you later Doctor Whooves.”

“Time Turner will still do,” he exclaimed as they walked out.

Time Turner stood there for a moment, feeling very strange.

“What’s this strange feeling,” said Time Turner. “My heart is beating a mile a minute!”

“Sounds like somepony’s in love,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

Time Turner jumped back a little in shock.

“How long have you been there,” exclaimed Time Turner.

“Long enough to see somepony’s caught the love bug,” exclaimed Pinkie. “I saw how you were so nervous around Derpy! Love at first site!”

“Is that what that is,” asked Time Turner.

“You really haven’t done much in your life,” commented Pinkie. “Most ponies don’t show Derpy much interest, what with her bad eye and all.”

“She has a bad eye,” asked Time Turner.

“Um, duh,” said Pinkie. “Why do you think she’s called Derpy Hooves?”

“I must’ve not noticed,” said Time Turner. “She was just so…radiant!”

“Go for it then,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “You’ll have plenty of chances to talk to her. Especially since you’ll be looking after Dinky from time to time.”

“I suppose I will,” said Time Turner.

“Looks like Doctor Whooves has a new adventure,” exclaimed Pinkie with a huge smile. “And adventure in romance!”

Chapter 5: Confidence

For the next few weeks, Time Turner looked after Dinky whenever Derpy, her mother, was working overtime delivering the mail. The time artisan and the unicorn filly were becoming fast friends, and Dinky even helped him come up with some stories to tell her classmates.

“Why don’t you ever just go to a friends house when your mother is working overtime,” asked Time Turner.

“I don’t really have any friends,” said Dinky with a frown.

“I find that hard to believe,” said Time Turner. “You’re a very nice filly.”

“It’s because I get into fights,” said Dinky.

“Why on earth would you do that,” asked Time turner.

“Because of my mom,” said Dinky.

“I don’t understand,” said Time Turner.

“Most of the classmates make fun of the fact that my mom has a bad eye,” said Dinky.

“Oh, I see,” said Time Turner. “I forget she has that condition.”

“How can you not notice it,” asked Dinky. “I love my mom to death, but it is a very prominent feature.”

“I guess I’m not very observant,” said Time Turner.

“That‘s a lie and you know it,” said Dinky. “You’re probably one of the most observant ponies I’ve ever met. Given your job, I’m not surprised by that. You don’t notice because you really like my mom.”

“What gave you that idea,” said Time Turner, trying to control his blushing.

“Something like that isn’t gonna be hidden easily,” said Dinky. “Mom doesn’t get a lot of male attention due to her eye; of course being a single mother doesn’t help either. So she may not notice it, but I’m definitely gonna notice.”

“It’s that obvious, huh,” said Time Turner.

“Well, I can’t speak for anypony else,” said Dinky. “But for me, yeah, it’s very obvious. Why don’t you say something to her?”

“You’d be alright with that,” asked Time Turner.

“Of course I would,” said Dinky. “I want my mom to be happy; as happy as she makes me. And you’re a really nice colt, I know you’d never try to hurt her on purpose.”

“But I’m not very interesting,” said Time Turner.

“What are you talking about,” said Dinky. “You can look at a watch and immediately tell why it’s not working. You’re also really good with kids.”

“Most aren’t that impressed with time based talents,” said Time Turner. “And I could never lie to a grown mare about my time traveling exploits.”

“I doubt many grownups believe you’re really an alien,” said Dinky. “You just need to be yourself with my mom.”

“Well, I can’t ask her out with somepony else around,” said Time Turner.

“I guess that makes sense,” said Dinky. “Then talk to her if you see her in town. I’m not always with her, you know, and she doesn’t work every single day. Just keep an eye out for her walking around, and just close your shop for a little.”

“I don’t know if I could do that,” said Time Turner.

“For a guy who travels through time and space, you sure lack confidence,” said Dinky sarcastically.

“Doctor Whooves certainly is more daring than I,” said Time Turner.

“But you are Doctor Whooves,” said Dinky. “Of course, not in the sense that you travel through time; but you are the one who created him. You’re the one telling the stories as if you were him. You can bring that confidence to the real world.”

“I just don’t know,” said Time Turner.

Dinky felt bad for Time Turner’s lack of confidence in himself. She knew he liked her mom, and at the same time wanted her mother to have a special somepony. She knew he’d never seek her outside his shop, and he wouldn’t talk to her unless alone. That’s when she got an idea.

A few days later, while Time Turner was alone in his shop, Derpy walked in all of a sudden. This was a confusing moment for him, as during this time of day Dinky was clearly in school and Derpy herself should be on her mail route.

“Miss Doo,” Time Turner greeted her. “What brings you here?”

“You can just call  me Ditzy,” she said. “Or even Derpy. That’s what most call me.”

“Alright then, Derpy,” said Time Turner with a nervous smile. “What brings you to my shop today?”

“Dinky was playing around all crazy yesterday,” began Derpy. “And she accidentally totaled my alarm clock.”

“Oh my,” said Time Turner. “Is she alright?”

“Oh yeah, she’s fine,” said Derpy. “And lucky for me, I had the day off today, so that I can immediately replace it. It’s pretty important to have a clock when your job involves getting up early to deliver mail all over.”

“I would imagine,” said Time Turner.

Time Turner couldn’t help but suspect that Dinky planned this supposed accident with Derpy’s clock.

“So what would you recommend,” said Derpy. “I mean, I know it’s just a clock, but you’re the expert here so I figured you’d know something that most wouldn’t.”

“Well, I suppose there are various kinds of alarm clocks,” said Time Turner. “There are the kind you have to wind up, ones you can plug into an outlet, some that have both battery and plug in options in case your electricity goes out, and some that feature nature noises to help those that have trouble sleeping.”

“Well with my job I don’t really have trouble sleeping at night,” said Derpy. “You have one of clocks with battery and outlet options?”

“I most certainly do,” said Time Turner. “Most ponies choose those since you never know when they’ll be a power outage.”

They continued to talk, as Time Turner looked for that specific type of clock.

“That has happened to me in the past actually,” commented Derpy. “Back when I starting out as a mail mare. I guess somepony like you doesn’t have that sort of trouble, since time is your bread and butter.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” said Time Turner. “I’m still a pony after all; I still have my flaws. I’ve had plenty of instances where you could say time wasn’t on my side. Not really a time traveling alien after all.”

“Very true,” snickered Derpy. “Amazing how a simple misunderstanding could get others to think you’re some sort of crazy adventurer.”

“Indeed it is,” said Time Turner. “But it’s had it’s advantages. The little ponies seem to really enjoy my stories.”

“I know Dinky does,” said Derpy. “She’s always telling me stuff about them; you’ve got quite an imagination.”

“I’ve had some help from Pinkie Pie,” said Time Turner. “But these days she’s busy with her new friends. That new librarian really stirred things up around here.”

“You’re telling me,” said Derpy. “She befriended Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy; I know both of them for flight camp years back.”

“Small world,” said Time Turner. “Do you like this one?”

Time Turner showed Derpy one of his newest models.

“Looks like a solid product,” said Derpy. “I’ll take it.”

“Splendid,” said Time Turner.

As he was ringing Derpy up, Time Turner began to feel a bit more nervous; he could feel his heart beating faster and getting a bit red. Derpy looked at him with a bit of confusion.

“You ok there, Time Turner,” she asked.

“Well, yes, I am,” he said. “I just um…I just wanted to ask you something.”

“Ok, what is it,” asked Derpy.

“Well, um,” he fumbled. “I was wondering if you would like to go out sometime?”

There was a pause that, for Time Turner anyway, seemed to last forever.

“Do you think you’re funny,” exclaimed Derpy.

“I’m sorry, what,” asked Time Turner.

“It’s not very nice to mess with pony’s feelings like that,” she exclaimed.

“What,” he said again in confusion.

“I don’t need some colt cracking jokes at me like that,” exclaimed Derpy.

“But I’m not joking,” said Time Turner. “I would never joke about that sort of thing!”

“Why would somepony like you be asking somepony like me out,” asked Derpy.

“Somepony like me,” asked Time Turner. “What’s that supposed to me?”

“Oh come on,” said Derpy. “A good looking, well spoken colt like yourself. Why would you be interested in a mare with a dopey voice and a gimpy eye? I’m not delusional, you know, I’m aware of what I look and sound like.”

“I’m good looking,” said Time Turner, now quite confused.

“You thought otherwise,” asked Derpy.

“I never really gave my looks and consideration,” said Time Turner. “But, I find you to be quite lovely.”

“What,” said Derpy in confusion. “Do you need glasses or something?”

“Not at all,” said Time Turner, not picking up on Derpy‘s sarcasm. “I’ve been told I have well above average vision. Comes quite in handy when you’re in my line of work.”

“You…you think I’m pretty,” asked Derpy, who was now blushing.

“I don’t see how anypony couldn’t,” said Time Turner. “I guess that has distracted me from noticing your mild condition.”

“Mild,” said a confused Derpy. “My right eye goes off into a completely different direction from my other on it’s own. I’d say that’s a pretty significant condition.”

“I’m sorry,” said Time Turner. “I just never found physical defects to be that important. Not that I’m saying you’re defective! Far from it! I just mean that I like you just as you are. You have a full time job and are able to raise a little filly all on your own. I find that to be incredible.”

Derpy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Incredible? Her? All this from a colt who was from Trottingham, a place she‘d never been to, but had heard of how high class and lavish it was. Meanwhile ,she was just from some podunk town. But as he talked to her, she could tell he wasn’t putting her on; she’d encountered enough bad colts to know when one was being genuine.

“Well, thank you,” said Derpy.

“So, I know we don’t know each other that well,” said Time Turner. “At this point, the only thing we really have in common is that I watch after your daughter from time to time. But, I would love to get to know you better.”

“I haven’t been out on a date in a while,” said Derpy. “I don’t really know where I could get a foal sitter.”

“What about your friend, Fluttershy,” said Time Turner. “I heard she recently handled three hyper little fillies. I’m sure she’d have no trouble with one.”

“You got a point there,” said Derpy. “Ok then, are you free tonight?”

“Tonight,” asked Time Turner. “Rather quick.”

“Well, I have the next day off too,” said Derpy. “Like I said, this was good timing with my clock breaking. I could easily go find Fluttershy and ask her if she can watch Dinky.”

“Alright then,” said Time Turner.

“Did you have anything in mind,” asked Derpy.

“Not really,” said Time Turner. “How about, if you’re able to find a sitter, we just meet back here and figure it out from there?”

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” said Derpy. “I should get going then to make sure I can get a sitter. I’ll be sure to let you know if I’m free.”

“Wonderful,” said Time Turner.

“See you soon,” said Derpy, with a smile.

“Yes, see you soon,” said Time Turner, returning that smile.

Derpy ran off, leaving Time Turner alone in his shop.

“This is better than any time traveling adventure,” said Time Turner, now sporting a giant grin. “I must start getting ready now!”

Chapter 6: Another Time, Another Place

Long story short, Derpy was able to get Fluttershy to foalsit Dinky for her while she went out on a date with Time Turner. The mail mare arrived at Time Turner’s clock shop around 6pm; she had made her hair up a bit nicer than normally and was wearing a blue sun dress. Time Turner, meanwhile, had simple put on a nice green necktie; he attempted to slick his hair back nicer, but it always seemed to spike back up on its own.

“You look quite lovely,” said Time Turner.

“Thanks,” said Derpy, blushing. “You don’t look too bad yourself….So, got any particular plans?”

“I was thinking we’d have some dinner at the Blue Bridle,” said Time Turner, clearly nervous. “Then we could just have a walk and get to know each other. That sound alright to you?”

“Sounds good to me,” said Derpy, with a little smile.

The Blue Bridle was nicer than the average fast food joint, but not overly fancy. So thankfully, Time Turner and Derpy were dressed just right for the place. They were seated almost immediately, and while things started off a bit slow, Derpy finally broke the silence.

“So, tell me something about yourself,” said Derpy. “I’ve heard plenty of stories involving Doctor Whooves. But now I’d like to hear about Time Turner.”

“Well, there isn’t a lot to know, really,” said Time Turner. “I was born and raised in Trottingham. Born to a unicorn couple.”

“Then how did you end up being an earth pony,” asked Derpy.

“Genetic anomaly,” said Time Turner. “One of those one in a million incidents. Most of my family are involved in the watch business, so it seemed only natural that I’d follow that same path. I never really wanted to do anything else. Time made the most sense to me. That must sound so dull.”

“Not at all,” said Derpy. “You should always do what you love. And with your knowledge of clocks and such, I’m sure that’s helped you in telling stories to the school ponies.”

“True,” said Time Turner. “What about you? What made you want to become a mail carrier?”

“Necessity more than anything,” said Derpy. “I had to be able to support Dinky.”

“I see,” said Time Turner. “Would it be safe to assume that the father is a unicorn?”

“You would assume correctly,” said Derpy. “He was an on again off again kinda coltfriend who bailed once he found out I was pregnant. He was from one of those privileged families, just looking for a good time, and it didn’t help that I had my condition.”

“I’m so sorry,” said Time Turner.

Derpy could tell by his tone, that he meant it when he said he was sorry.

“It really sucked when it happened,” said Derpy. “But, I wouldn’t trade Dinky for the world. I bet she wishes she had a mother with normal eyes though. I know she has trouble with the other ponies in school.”

“She loves you very much,” said Time Turner. “She’s told me enough times.”

“Well that’s good to hear,” said Derpy, with a tiny smile. “Bet you’re wondering how this happened to me in the first place?”

“I wasn’t going to impose,” said Time Turner.

“No, it’s fine,” said Derpy. “It used to bug me; a lot. When I was a filly, a couple years younger than Dinky, I got a really bad fever that took away my hearing for a while. Hence, the speech impediment.”

“Oh,” said Time Turner in a perplexed tone.

“You didn’t notice,” asked Derpy, also perplexed. “That’s probably the second thing ponies notice about me.”

“I don’t know,” said Time Turner. “I just never really noticed.”

Derpy was amazed by this colt; she had never come across anypony like him.

“Well,” continued Derpy. “For close to two years, I had no proper hearing. And one day, I somehow got away from my mother, and got in an accident where a cart hit me.”

“Oh dear,” said Time Turner.

“I woke up a few days later in the hospital with a bandage over my right eye,” continued Derpy. “First thing I noticed was that I could hear my parents talking to the doctors. I think at the time I only knew it was them, because they were saying my name to the doctors and sounding so scared over my well being. Then, a few days after that, the bandages were removed and I got to see my eye. It wouldn’t stay in place, I could still see out of it, but it wouldn’t stay in place. In a way, it would’ve been better had my eye lost it’s vision. Because with my vision being the way it is now, I often have trouble focusing on the right object or direction.”

“Then what happened,” asked Time Turner.

“Despite their reluctance, they let me enroll in school,” continued Derpy. “Of course they had good reason to be concerned. It was during my first year of school, that I was given the nickname Derpy Hooves. Not all the school ponies were mean to me, but most of them were.”

“How did you cope,” said Time Turner.

“A couple years later,” continued Derpy. “I finally earned my cutie mark. But I wasn’t really sure what it meant. I mean, it was a cluster of bubbles. I only recall getting it because I was playing around with some actual bubbles with some other ponies in my class. I thought no longer being a blank flank would help…but it didn’t. Most of the ponies didn’t get what my cutie mark was. Most of them said it was because my head was full of bubbles, and nothing else.”

“Fillies and colts can be so cruel,” said Time Turner. “I got made fun of some because I was an earth pony in a unicorn family. Though, sounds like you had it worse…I didn’t mean offense.”

“No no, it’s fine,” said Derpy. “One day, during the winter, I was just walking home, not really thinking of anything in particular, when I met a strange earth pony, a few years younger than me so he was a blank flank. He had a curly mane, and a funny accent, and was wearing an overly long scarf that he often tripped over.”

As Derpy got to this part of the story, Time Turner seemed to gain a lot more interest.

“Some other ponies began making fun of his clumsiness,” Derpy continued. “So I went over and defended him, shooing them off.”

“Thank you kindly, ma’am,” said the young colt.

“No problem,” said young Derpy. “I hate dealing with bullies. Why were they picking on you?”

“My mum decided to perm my mane,” said the colt. “And this scarf here is so bloody long, that I’m having the hardest time walking properly. They also seem to thing my accent is funny.”

“Where are you from,” asked young Derpy.

“Trottingham,” said the young colt. “I’m here with my mum and dad visiting some relative.”

“Why aren’t you with your parents,” asked young Derpy.

“I sort of ran off on my own,” said the colt with goofy smile. “I wanted to be able to explore on my own. That’s when those bullies showed up and starting poking fun.”

“I get that all the time,” said young Derpy with a frown.

“Why do you get made fun of,” asked the young colt.

“It’s not obvious,” said young Derpy.

“No,” said the young colt.

“I have this funny eye,” said young Derpy.

“That’s it,” said the young colt. “That’s not really all that strange, really. I mean, you can see in two different directions right?”

“Yeah,” said young Derpy.

“Sounds cool to me,” said the young colt. “Course, I suppose you need to work on that so it doesn’t get too confusing of where to go. But, if you were to control it right, I bet you could tell if somepony was trying to sneak up on you or something.”

“Doesn’t help with my voice,” said young Derpy.

“I can’t really tell,” said the young colt. “I’m sure my voice sounds funny to you. At least you have a cutie mark.”

“I get made fun of that, too,” said young Derpy, frowning again.

“Why would anypony make fun of that,” said the young colt.

“Because they’re bubbles,” said young Derpy, showing the young colt her cutie mark.

“Oh, I like bubbles,” said the young colt with a big smile. “They make me feel really happy! That must be your special talent!”

“Making others feel happy,” asked young Derpy.

“Of course,” said the young colt.

“Because you have such a bubbly personality, how could somepony not feel happy when around you,” interrupted Time Turner.

“Yeah,” said Derpy. “That’s exactly what the little fella said. How did you know?”

“Because…I was that little fella,” said Time Turner with a stunned look.

“That can’t be,” said Derpy. “This colt had a curly mane.”

“When I was really little my mother gave me a perm,” said Time Turner. “And one of my grandparents gave me this overly long scarf. I mainly remember these from picture though, because I was quite young. And…I do recall once meeting a filly in the snow. I told my mother about it and she figured I was just making up a story. She didn’t think a pony would have bubbles for a cutie mark.”

“I don’t believe it,” said Derpy in amazement. “You and I have met in another time and place!”

“In a sense, yes,” said Time Turner, also amazed. “Sounds like something out of one my stories.”

“Is that why you’re so interested in me,” asked Derpy. “Because we met all those years ago?”

“I didn’t know that was you back then,” said Time Turner. “In fact, because my mother insisted that it was just an overactive imagination, I began to believe it as I got older. It must’ve been some sort of subconscious tick when I saw you again for the first time again. You didn’t recognize me because I didn’t have a curly mane, a long scarf, and I’m clearly no longer a blank flank.”

“Something must’ve struck though,” said Derpy. “You not noticing my eye did take me aback a bit; brought up that memory from so long ago.”

“Truly is a small world,” said Time Turner.

After their dinner, the two went for a walk.

“I have so much to thank you for,” said Derpy.

“What do you mean,” asked Time Turner.

“That conversation we had years ago changed my life,” said Derpy. “I learned to be proud of who I was no matter what. I even embraced my nickname, Derpy Hooves. So in time, the ponies in my class stopped making fun of me.”

“And here I thought I was just a boring colt from Trottingham,” said Time Turner.

“I think you’re the greatest colt I’ve ever met,” said Derpy, with a bright smile.

She then leaned in and kissed Time Turner. Naturally, he had a shocked look on his face, but it didn’t take long for him to start enjoying it. After pulling away, Time Turner had goofy, but cute, smile on his face.

“So, I take it you’ll want to go out again,” said Time Turner with a hint of sarcasm.

“Does the mayor dye her mane,” said Derpy with a sheepish grin.

Although, this remark confused the time artisan.

“Oh, I guess you weren’t aware of that rumor,” said Derpy with a  giggle. “Yes, I meant yes.”

“Fantastic,” said Time Turner with another goofy smile.

He leaned in to give her another kiss.

Chapter 7: Satellite of the Equideks

The next week, Time Turner had his usual story time with the school ponies about his adventures through time and space. This time around he decided to add a new character.

“Now I’m going to tell you about my adventures with a feisty young mare named Ditzy Doo,” began Time Turner.

“You mean Derpy Hooves,” asked one school pony. “How can she be useful? She can barely see?”

“I’ll have you know, that Miss Derpy is the greatest companion I’ve ever had,” said Time Turner.

“More so than Noble Flame,” asked another school pony.

“Noble Flame was a fine companion, and my dearest friend,” said Time Turner. “But Derpy was different because she and I were more than just friends.”

“You dated Derpy Hooves,” asked another pony in shock.

“She’s not just some mare friend,” said Time Turner. “She’s the love of my life.”

“But she’s funny looking,” exclaimed a pony.

“That’s the price she had to pay for saving the world,” said Time Turner with a frown.

“No way,” exclaimed a little pony.

“Big way,” exclaimed Time Turner. “Thanks to her, all of existence was saved from the threat of my greatest enemies, the Equideks!”

All the children gasped upon mention of the Equideks. At this point, Timer Turner had told enough stories to prove that the Equideks may have looked funny, but they were nothing to laugh at.

“You see, the Equideks had set up a special satellite space station,” he began. “That was being used to keep tens of thousands of ponies trapped in a fake paradise world! Using the energy from these pony slaves, the Equideks could power their special satellite to launch a horrible beam across the cosmos, that would destroy everything that wasn’t of Equidek origins!”

Time Turner paused for dramatic effect, taking pride in the looks on the children’s faces. They looks a little frightened sure, but it was also clear that they were totally engrossed in the story.

“I shall continue,” he said. “Derpy and I started setting up a way to override the satellite, so that we could save the slaves inside and wipe out the Equideks at the same time… But it wasn’t going to be nearly that easy! The methodical fiends had managed to set up an ambush on us! ’EXTERMINATE!,’ they yelled in their shrill, evil voice! I didn’t think there was any chance of both myself and Derpy making out alive…so I locked her back inside the TARDIS and had it take her back to her own time and planet. That’s here, of course.”

“B-b-but, how did she end up saving you and all the universe,” stuttered one little colt.

“Patience, little one,” said Time Turner. “I’m getting to that.”

Another pause for dramatic effect.

“Derpy wasn’t going to let me die, no sir,” said Time Turner. “So she attempted to get the TARDIS back to me. But of course, only I could make it go back; and I wasn’t there as you know. But that wasn’t going to stop our intrepid mail mare! But that control panel wouldn’t be removed easily, you know. So, she hooked a chain to the control panel of the TARDIS and the other end to the engine of the Friendship Express.”

“The train,” exclaimed a school filly.

“The very same,” exclaimed Time Turner with great theatrics. “The train took off at top speed, and the control panel came clean off! Derpy approached the panel to order it to go back to where I was…but something happened…something nopony expected! A grand light burst from the very heart of the TARDIS, and it engulfed Derpy! It went into her very being and showed her everything in existence all at once! It gave her a new power; power that she never knew! With her mind, she took control of the TARDIS and brought it back to where I was.”

Another pause for dramatic effect.

“Now, at this point I had no thoughts of being saved,” he continued. “I was fairly certain it was all over. Could you really blame me? I had sent my one means of escape away to save the mare I loved, so I was read to face the end. But I at least had comfort in knowing that the love my life was safe, and my greatest enemies would finally be destroyed!…But then, I heard a familiar noise…and behind me appeared the TARDIS. Even the Equideks were unsure of what was happening. ‘EXPLAIN YOURSELF, DOCTOR,’ they exclaimed in their shrill, evil voices! I, of course, was as confused as them. The doors to the great blue box finally opened, the inside engulfed in a majestic light. Out floated Derpy. And no, she wasn’t flapping her wings, she was just floating there. ‘I am the heart of the TARDIS!’ she spoke, ‘No innocence shall die today! But your evil will!‘ And then, she expelled a huge amount of energy, that sent a wave all over the galaxy! The Equideks were themselves, EXTERMINATED!”

All the children gasped in amazement.

“But, despite saving everything in existence,” he continued. “All wasn’t totally right…you see, a normal pony wasn’t meant to look into the heart of the TARDIS like Derpy did. If she didn’t expel the rest of her energy, she was going to die. I did the only thing I could do…I absorbed the energy myself by giving her a kiss. And then I managed to expel the energy back into the control panel of the TARDIS, repairing it and saving Derpy. But that too, came with a price. Her right eye, still had a bit of the cosmic energy in it. So, her eye was unable to fully recover from the dispersal. One plus to it though, she now saw time the way I saw time; in all it’s splendor! I had somepony else to share that gift with. So, needless to say, it was fortunate that I had fallen for the Ponyville mail mare.”

The silence in the area felt like it was lasting hours.

“That’s so amazing,” shouted a school colt.

“I had no idea Dinky’s mom was so cool,” exclaimed another.

“You have the best mom ever, Dinks,” said a school filly.

The school ponies all gathered around Dinky, asking her various questions about her mother. Derpy showed up unusually early today, to pick up her daughter. She was then ambushed by tons of school ponies.

“We heard you went traveling with Doctor Whooves,” exclaimed a school filly.

“Is it really true your right eye sees time on a cosmic level,” asked a school colt.

“You’re the coolest pony ever, Derpy Hooves,” exclaimed another filly.

Derpy looked in surprise in what was going on. She then looked up at her colt friend with a warm smile. The time artisan smiled back, and gave her a wink.