Chapters Challenging an Illusion
Twilight Sparkle stood outside a run down old barn building wondering if she had the right address. She opened her saddle bag and looked at the paper with the address written on it, double checking the street and the number on the building. The information she had matched as she stared at the poorly maintained building. Trotting around the building she found only one door, which matched the run down look of the rest of the building. Thinking to herself that something is not right, there was no logical reason a pony would live here. Yet here she was standing in front of a building that look like it should be scheduled to be torn down. Looking behind her at the little red wagon that held the reason why she was in the area the first place, a broken down coo coo clock. Remembering how and why she came here with an image of the mysterious pony who was suppose to be found inside.
Twilight's day started out like any other, nose deep in her latest book. The book was the newest one of a book series known as The Traveler's Adventures. The series was about a stallion who journeyed through time and space often going to different worlds helping everypony he met. The stallion was simply know as the Doctor by the friends he made during his travels. She enjoyed the series ever since she was a filly reading about the Doctor's adventures. Twilight found it fascinating how he seemed to be a normal Earth pony, however by using his mind was able to solve impossible tasks. She also enjoyed how the author painted worlds beyond their own using vivid descriptions, as if the places were real. To her the author of these stories was a visionary creating societies that functioned with magic and science working together in harmony. The second book held her favorite story of a future Equestria which used magic and science for the benefit of all ponies. It also spoke of twin ruling sisters as she remembers the embarrassment that followed.
"Princess Celestia," cried out a young filly.
"Yes Twilight," eager to help out her student.
"Do you have a special somepony?" asking with young curiosity.
"No I don't, why do you ask?" blushing at her student's question.
"This book," magically lifting the book to show the Princess. "It tells of the future and it says that we will have twin rulers, which means your going to have two daughters in the future," proud of her deduction.
"My dearest student," trying to give a calm explanation to the young filly without blushing. "That is a book of fiction it is not based on facts," looking at her now saddened student. "Why did you want to know if I had a special somepony?" changing the subject.
"Well Mom and Dad told me only ponies with special someponies could have foals," a young Twilight explained to her teacher. "This book made me hope you did have a special somepony. That would mean you could have foals and I could help you and be the best foalsitter in the world like Candace was for me," spoke an excited Twilight to a very embarrassed Princess Celestia.
It took a long time for Twilight to live down that mistake after she realized what an awkward position she put her teacher in. After that mistake she made sure to research her source that it was fact and not fiction. While a noble pursuit it did tend to lead her into trouble, which she would soon find out.
As she read her story she got to the part were the Doctor and his companion, a Unicorn, had gotten into a bit trouble and were locked away in a dungeon cell. The lock had been enchanted so the Unicorn could not use magic to break them out and the Doctor's device, known as a sonic screwdriver, had a magic base so it was unusable as well. Of course it did little to deter him instead he used it on a mirror in the cell cracking it and took a piece from it. The Doctor proceed hold the piece in his hoof and stick it out of the cell and angle it so the Unicorn could see the inside the lock. Then he told the Unicorn to fire a magical blast at the mirror and their magic would reflect inside the lock where he believed it was not magically protected. This lead into an argument between the two the Unicorn saying his hoof will be blasted off and him saying it would be fine. The Unicorn finally relented and shot the mirror and it worked and they both were free.
Twilight was bothered by this scene she agreed with the Unicorn and she is sure that the Doctor's hoof would of been blasted off. She looked up from her book as she thought about this spotting a mirror not to far away. No time like the present to put her theory to the test she thought. Floating the mirror to a place where nothing was behind it she readied her magic figuring she have to replace a mirror. She fired off the blast she was caught unprepared when it bounced back right in her direction. Scrambling she got out of the way hitting some unknown object sending it crashing to the ground.
A little shaky from the experience and disheartened that she was proven wrong again by the author of the series. Whoever this pony was he has indeed done his study of magic. Though nopony knows who the author is he has signed all of his work with a pen name of the Doctor, the main character of his series. There was a rumor that the first story in the series, The Traveler: Journey Through Time and Space, had the author's real name. However the series only became popular after the second book and the first book was re-released with the pen name. Twilight searched to find an original copy, but never did apparently they were all bought up. Nopony knows what happened to all the originals, but they are considered to be one of rarest books of her time.
Twilight assessed the damage of whatever fell to the ground due to her magical blast, it was her coo coo clock. She was disappointed in herself she used that clock all the time to keep her schedule in check. Now it was broken and she was not sure if Ponyville had any places that sold or repaired clocks. Since she was unsure of her destination she decided to bring her clock with her with the hopes of it getting repaired or replaced. Loading the clock onto Spike's wagon she set off to the market area with Spike gone helping Rarity with something she would have manage on her own.
The hustle and bustle of the market greeted the Purple Unicorn when she arrive to her destination. In the market they sold everything from food to household wares she was certain that she would find somepony who knew about clocks here. She searched and viewed each stall for a hint of a clock maker, but so far she was unlucky so she decided to ask somepony.
"Hello Twilight," greeted the friendly mare merchant. "How may I help you today?" spoke the mare ready to help a friend and customer.
"Hello Varnish," responding back to the kind mare. "I know you deal mostly in furniture, but I was wondering if you might have a clock among your wares?" hoping the mare had one in stock.
"Sorry Twilight," apologized the brown and red mare. "Not many ponies have a demand for clocks. I could special order one for you from Canterlot if you want," trying her best to aid Twilight.
"No thanks, I was hoping to get it replaced or fixed today," glad that she has another option if her venture fails. "You wouldn't happen to know anypony who might sell or fix clocks?" hoping the sales mare can help her.
"I don't know anypony that sells," she tells a saddened Twilight. "However, there might be one who can repair," wanting to help her customer sale or no sale.
"Really where can I find this pony?" excited she might get her clock fixed.
"Not sure, but the Mayor might," replied the helpful Earth pony. "The pony works for her has been given the title of Timekeeper of Ponyville. I dare say if anypony knows about clocks it would be the Timekeeper," giving a title instead of a name.
"Thank you very much Varnish," Twilight said gratefully. Leaving the helpful sales mare to her stall in the hopes of finding the Mayor. Heading to Ponyville Town Hall to look for the Mayor Twilight couldn't help but think about this strange pony titled the Timekeeper. She has never heard of anypony with that title while she lived in Ponyville. She was curious who this pony might be, they were important enough to be given a title after all. This pony must be in charge of the daily events in Ponyville such as when the market opens and closes. Twilight only has to keep her own schedule this pony keeps the entire schedule of Ponyville. Whoever this pony is he or she must be the most organized pony in Ponyville. To meet somepony with her love of scheduling was exciting to Twilight if only she knew of the pony sooner she would of sought them out long ago.
She was even more excited then ever to meet this new pony when Ponyville Town Hall came into view she hoped that they were at the Town Hall so she could talk to them. If it were not for the wagon she dragged behind her she might of forgotten about the need to repair her busted clock. Nearing the Town Hall she noticed the Mayor outside with a smile on her face Twilight went to speak to the Mayor.
"Hello Mayor Mare," chirped the excited Twilight.
"Hello Twilight," greeted the Mayor. "How can I help you on such a fine day," smiling back at the purple Unicorn.
"I am looking for somepony and I was told that they might work for you," explaining to the Mayor why she was looking to speak with her.
"I am more than happy to help," always willing to help one of the Ponyville residence. "What is the pony name?" ready to help Twilight.
"Well I wasn't given a name of the pony," she sheepishly admitted. "I was given a title though, I believe it was the Timekeeper. Do you know of a pony under that title?" curious what the Mayor knew of this unknown pony.
"Yes I know of him," spoke the Mayor with some distaste. Twilight hardly noticed the Mayor attitude she focused solely on one word, him . The pony she was searching for was a stallion, one who made schedules. She could hear her heart thumping in her chest. She has yet to meet anypony who shares her interests, especially a stallion. She had to know where to find him.
"I am looking for him, where can I find him?" trying her best to hide her enthusiasm. "I have a clock in need of repair and I was told he might be able to help," giving the truth for her search, but far more interested in meeting this unknown stallion.
"I am not sure Twilight," spoke the Mayor reluctantly. "I don't know much about him myself. You might be better off finding somepony else that can help you," trying to dissuade Twilight.
"Why is that Mayor?" finding the Mayor behavior odd. "Is he unable to fix clocks?" coming up with the only reason why not to look for this stallion.
"No he can do that, I think. He maintains the main clock in the Town Hall after all," answering uncertainly to Twilight's question. "He is a bit odd he tends to be a recluse living alone on the far side of town. I am not sure he will welcome a pony where he stays," again trying to warn Twilight away. Twilight on the other hoof sensed a mystery something that she needed to investigate. This Timekeeper was a recluse and so was she until Pinkie Pie and the others shoved the ideals of friendship down her throat. She has never been happier for that experience, perhaps that is all this stallion needed somepony to be his friend and she was the one who could be that friend.
"Can you give me his address," Twilight ignoring the Mayor's warnings. "I would like to find this pony. I do really need his help," giving the Mayor her best help me plea eyes she could.
"Fine," relented the Mayor. "He lives in an old district of town. Where some old barns still stand," writing down the stallion's address on a piece of paper and giving it to Twilight. "I don't know how well he receive you. I hardly see him myself. I get all the schedules by mail and when comes to maintain the clock he is in and out so quickly that few ponies see him," trying one last time to stop Twilight from going to him.
"I will be alright Mayor," memorizing the address and putting into her saddle bag. "I can be quite persistent when I want to be," bidding the Mayor farewell who did not return the smile as Twilight left.
Twilight made her way to the old district of Ponyville as she trotted she accumulated everything she knew about the mysterious stallion. She knew he lived alone apart from all the other ponies in town. She also knew that the Mayor seemed wary about him. Adding that she knew he was a stallion was not much for her to go on. She didn't even know what this pony looked like. Was he a Pegasus, Unicorn, or Earth pony? Pegasus seemed unlikely since he lived on the ground, but Fluttershy did as well he could easily have a broken wing and have been grounded. Unicorn seemed a bit more possible magic would help with gears and the other fine detailed parts of the clock. The thought of her mysterious stallion being a Unicorn delighted Twilight that would make two things they have in common. However the Earth pony was possible as well, though harder to work with clocks it would not be impossible. She had drawn herself into a circle not able to eliminate any of the possibilities. How did the Doctor put it again, "Everything is possible even the impossible." It was something like that.
The thought of Doctor got Twilight to thinking about his description as described in the series. A light brown Earth pony with a dark brown mane that wears a blue striped vest. An extraordinary pony that from the outside looked ordinary. Take away the vest and he would appear to look like any other pony one would come across. In his description he had one more thing that made him identifiable, his cutie mark it was of an Hourglass. Thinking on it the pony she was looking for had the title of Timekeeper so he might have a time piece for a cutie mark. How strange would it be if the pony she met was an Earth pony that was light brown with a dark brown mane and had an Hourglass cutie mark? She would be meeting the Doctor she smiled to herself. It was nice to dream, however the Doctor was a character of fiction and would never be real.
The memories resurface as she stares at the run down barn in the old district of town. It is possible that the Mayor gave her the wrong address to steer her away from meeting the Timekeeper. Twilight knew that was unlikely, it was more likely this elusive stallion gave the Mayor the wrong address. Would a pony really live in this boarded up old barn? She checked it only had one entrance every other path was blocked with boards. Well she came all this was she might as well knock and find out if anypony lived here. The moment her hoof touched the door it creaked open slightly ajar. She carefully pushed the door open and went inside.
The inside was even worse than the outside the walls were dusty and the room was bare and worse of all the bookshelf was empty. The only thing in the room was a make shift desk or table, something covered with a tarp, with a bell sitting on top. Twilight stared at the bell, was she suppose to ring it for help? As she neared the bell ready to ring it when something relating to an explosion went off shaking the room. Out of a room in back came a cloud of dust and smoke followed by a coughing stallion.
"Well that was unexpected," coughed the dirt covered stallion. "Perhaps I should of double checked it before I turned it on, but then I wouldn't of gotten such an interesting result," the stallion spoke in a Trottingham accent not noticing the confounded purple Unicorn in the room. "How to fix it?," talking to himself. "I could hit it really hard or turn it off and search for the problem and fix it and try again," taking only a moment. "Right hitting it hard it is," dashing into the smoky room to repair the issue.
Twilight was flabbergasted at what she just witnessed, that stallion was out of his mind. Her vision of a well organized slightly reserved pony shattered. That pony was nothing like she envisioned he didn't even solve problems logically, his solution to a problem was to hit it really hard. The only thing she managed to get from that encounter was that her mysterious stallion was an Earth pony. He was covered in far to much dust and soot to determine anything else. As she thought about escaping this madness there was a loud clang followed by another explosion. More smoke billowing out the room as the stallion once again emerges. Goggles covering his eyes black with soot wearing a long jacket that covered the rest of his body.
"Well hitting really hard did not work," speaking to himself once more his goggles covering any chance of seeing the other pony in the room. "Nothing to do but wait till the smoke dies down and try again," removing his goggles and noticing the Unicorn mare for the first time. "Ah hello," greeting the mare. "Might I say seeing another pony in my shh... I mean home is very unexpected. Not that you not welcome, but as you can see I was not expecting guests. To what do I owe this unexpected invasion?" giving the stunned mare a friendly grin as he joked.
Twilight found herself awestruck trapped in the stallion's blue-eyed gaze. She felt as if those eyes could piece her very soul and read everything about her without a word between them. The stallion was so nice to her despite her invading his home. What right did she have to judge him? She can think of more then one time where she was so engrossed in research that anypony else would of considered her crazy. She could salvage this encounter and get off on the proper hoof with this stallion.
"I am so sorry for invading your home like this," apologizing for her interrupting him. "Are you the Timekeeper?" not knowing him by any other name.
"Timekeeper, is that what I am being called?" mulling over the title she gave him. "I like it," giving it his approval. "Timekeeper at your service," giving her a polite bow as Twilight smiled at his antics.
"Well it was the only thing I knew you as," she admits with a blush. "Could you tell me your real name?" wanting to call the stallion by his name and not a title.
"Really you want my name," he says with a pout. "And just when I was liking the title Timekeeper. You sure I just can't keep the title?" earning a pleading look from Twilight. "Fine," relenting to the mare. "I am the D... no wait, what do I call myself now?" muddling over his own name. Twilight finds herself again questioning the mind of this stallion, how does a pony forget his own name? "I remember now," interrupting her thought. "I call myself Clockwork," introducing himself to the mare in a strange way.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Clockwork," giving a formal greeting to the stallion. "I am ...," Clockwork interrupting her by speaking out.
"Wait, I want to guess," to caught up in the moment notice Twilight's displeasure at being stopped. However she gives the stallion permission to play his game. His demeanor changes as his eyes seemed to be analyzing her very being. "Gender: Mare, Color: Purple, Species: Unicorn," checking off her features like a specimen on display. "Cutie mark: Large reddish six point star surrounded by five smaller white stars, Appearance: Attractive," this earned a blush from Twilight. She realizes now trapped under the gaze of this stallion that she had given him permission to check her out. It was wrong and she should put a stop to it, however the way he was going down her like a list sent shutters through her.
"Oh I know who you are," he says joyously changing his demeanor back. Twilight on the other hoof knew she was famous, it was a small town after all. It wasn't surprising he figure out who she was, now all she had to do was wait until she was praised for defeating some evil or being the Princesses student. "Your the town Librarian," shocking her with her town title.
"Well yes I am," not sure how to respond to his statement. "My name is Twilight Sparkle," officially introducing herself to the odd stallion.
"Really," sounding disappointed. "Can I call you the Librarian?" wanting to call her a title, but earned a shake of no to the request. "Pity, I liked the title made you sound like an adventurer who went around the world finding mystical artifacts and safe guarding them from evil," showing her his imaginative side. Twilight wanted to retort his statement, however she found it surprisingly accurate to her life. She did go on adventures and did protect magical items. The Elements of Harmony, the Crystal Heart, and of recent the Alicorn Necklace it made Twilight wonder if the stallion knew more than he let on.
"You may call me Twilight if you wish," offering her hoof in friendship.
"No, no that is far to informal I shall call you Miss Sparkle," motioning to return the shake, but stopping. "Oh I am still covered in dirt," realizing he was covered head to hoof in soot. Twilight herself had gotten use to the grime covered stallion that she too overlooked that he was dirty. "Well I suppose I should clean up. You don't mind do you?" Looking like he didn't want to leave.
"I don't mind this is your home after all," flattered about him considering her feelings. "Take all the time you need," curious about the stallions true colors.
"With a guest, I won't take anytime at all," he boasted. "Don't go anywhere," he said with a wink. As he left the room Twilight could of sworn she saw sadness and loneliness in his eye. But it was there and gone so quickly she may have only imagined it.
By herself once more she collected her finding on this strange stallion. He went by the name of Clockwork, although from the way he made it sound that may not be his real name. He was very talkative and easily excitable, however the way he looked her over showed he had an analytical mind. He seemed to be both brilliant and insane, he was a contradiction. Every time Twilight thinks she understands him he throws off and has her reevaluating her thoughts. As much as she hated to admit it she has discovered nothing about this stallion. At least he seemed to be friendlier than the Mayor made him out to be.
"Sorry for the wait," he shouted out from the other room. "Looking for a new lab coat and will be with you soon," telling her what he was up to. Twilight herself wonder how could he be done so quickly. Hardly anytime had passed and she never ever heard a shower go on. He most likely cleaned off his face and hooves not wanting to keep her waiting. While flattering she would of gladly waited the extra time for him to get properly cleaned.
"How is the library?" he questions her from the other room. "I haven't been there in ages. I use to run it for a short while," that information she did not know and she was eager to hear more. "It was fun for a while had all the books I could read," he was an avid reader just like her. "However, once I read all of them it became rather dull," his statement annoying Twilight. He read all the books that gave him merit in her eyes. She herself can easily read ten to twelve books in a single sitting, perhaps he can as well. However the other thing he said might as well been a curse, he called being at the library dull. Such a statement was unforgivable and she would give him a piece of her mind when he came into the room.
"That's better," he walked in with lab coat on. "What do you think Miss Sparkle?" wanting to know what she thought of his appearance. Twilight was shocked into silence at she was seeing. He was completely clean. Not a speck of dirt on him or a drop of water to show he had bathed. It was impossible nopony could get that clean so quickly. "Is something wrong Miss Sparkle? Do I have dirt on my face?" his words making her focus on his face. She could feel her heart stop he was light brown. Her eyes inching upward where she saw the dark brown mane. Her heart hammering in her chest her eyes went swiftly to where is cutie mark would be. However was covered by the lab coat was he hiding it form her. Part of her wanted to know, was it an hourglass was this pony... no that is impossible. It was just coincidence that this stallion happened to look like appear to look like a character from a book. However the Doctor did have that saying.
"There is no such thing as coincidence," spoke Clockwork breaking her of her shock.
"What did you just say?" wanting him to repeat his words.
"What did I say?" returning her question with one of his own. "I was saying so many things it is hard to keep track. Did I say something important?" forgetting his own words.
"You quoted a saying from a book character," still clearing her head from that daze she was in.
"Really which one?" his eyes full of curiosity. "When you zoned out on me I started quoting many books, which on worked?"
"It doesn't matter," wanting to change subjects. He probably wouldn't be to happy being compared to a book character anyway. "I came here because I am need of your help," getting to the reason why she was there, not chasing silly fantasies.
"You came here looking for my help?" his voice changing sounding sad. "I can't remember the last time a pony came looking for my help," his lonely blue eyes trapping her in his gaze. Twilight could see his silent screams for help in those eyes. A pony looking for help a purpose as if everything of who he was had been ripped away from him. He was lost in need of a friend. The pony she had been talking to was just a front, a mask the real one has hidden himself away from the world. Twilight cannot leave anypony in this state it was up to her to set him free.
"I hope it is something dangerous," changing his face once again. "It has been a long time since I done something dangerous," Clockwork excited for adventure. "When do we leave?" ready to get out and take on anything.
"Actually we don't need to leave," her words bring the excited stallion down. "I brought what I needed help with me here," rolling the wagon forward with the coo coo clock inside.
"Please tell me that you want me to do something more than repair it," starring at the busted clock whining like a foal.
"Are you telling me you can't fix it," Twilight challenged the stallion.
"Of course I can fix it," taking her bait. "I will do more than fix it, I will improve it. When I am done with it you be the envy of everypony who ever had a clock that coo cooed," boasting his talents to Twilight determination in his eyes. She could see the spark in his eyes as if coming back to life for the first time in a long time.
"Thank you," giving her thanks. "You only need to fix it, you don't have to improve it," as Twilight had in the back of her mind to push this stallion just a little more and see what he does. "I would like it by the end of of the day. It is impossible for you to have it fix and improved by the end of the day," seeing if she could ignite the spark.
"Oh no, you did not just say that to me," the spark in his eyes now an inferno. "You will find out very shortly nothing is impossible for me Miss Sparkle," she could feel his will take up the entire room. Standing there under his gaze she felt as if she was in the presence of somepony great. He was full of pride and confidence, that a single Earth pony could contain such a potential was inspiring. She couldn't help, but think that she could compare it to the Doctor when somepony was counting on him. As described in the series, he only showed his true self when challenge. This stallion seemed to share that trait. Yet she couldn't help but wonder was the lonely pony from before still there or has he been over taken.
"I bet you doubt my skills," breaking her thoughts once more forcing her to look into the blue fire of his eyes. She wanted to say she didn't, though part of her did she could not see how he could achieve his task. His eyes held her into silence he would have to make up his own mind. "How about a wager to prove myself?" the brown pony challenged the purple Unicorn.
Normally Twilight was against all bets and wagers, mostly because every time she made one she made it through logic and each time logic failed her. Looking at this pony she would say he could not do it, the task was impossible. However, this very same pony seemed to of completely cleaned himself, in a few minutes, without water. He fixes and repairs clocks for a living, at least she thinks he does. She should ignore the challenge and not take the bet, that was what logic was telling her. However, this stallion was a mystery he kept her second guessing herself and had made her experience each emotion at least once. He has infuriated her, embarrassed her, confused her, and made her feel a myriad of other emotions she has never felt before. In short the stallion fascinates her and she wanted to know more about him. Therefore Twilight is going to do the one thing she never thought she would ever do, throw logic out the window.
"What are the terms for the wager?" accepting the stallions challenge.
"You accept," Clockwork remarks in surprise and joy. "Alright by the end of today I will have your clock fixed and improved," laying out the terms of the bet.
"To the point that I am in awe," adding in her own conditions to the deal. Twilight knew what she was doing was wrong, however take this risk was exhilarating for her.
"Very well," accepting her conditions. "However, no faking that you not impressed just to win," making sure he was not cheated.
"I would never do that," she retorts. "You have my word," she promises the stallion.
"Pinkie Pie Promise," he says playfully as she sighs. "Make sure not to hit your eye," as Twilight went through the motions stopping before hitting her eye. How did he know she would of hit herself? How did he know about the Pinkie Pie Promise? Again this stallion adds to her questions to which she has no answer.
"What are we wagering for?" slightly afraid of what thoughts this stallion may have.
"Oh right, I forgot about that," he says with a sheepish grin. "Let me think... I got it if I win you will be my Companion," he said with a playful grin. The word Companion got Twilight thinking of the Traveler's series. Companion was the word used for ponies who traveled with the Doctor. Twilight's heart beat with excitement, was this stallion the same? Did he enjoy the prospect of adventure and more importantly helping everypony he could, like the Doctor?
"Perhaps that is the wrong word," bringing her hopes crashing down. " Is assistant a better word?" showing his real intentions. "A pony to help me around the place, a pony to talk to it gets very lonely by oneself," looking away as if lost in thought. Twilight felt embarrassed, why must she constantly compare this stallion to a fictional character? It was not fair to him for her to judge him based off his looks, which happen to match with that of a book character. Twilight could easily salvage this if she heard him right he was looking for a friend. Wasn't that what she originally planned and in the process break the lonely pony out from beneath his mask. She had to keep her self from skipping for joy. If she hadn't promised she might of faked being impressed so he would win.
"Alright," Twilight accepting to be his assistant should he win. "What do I get should I win?" it would have to be something remarkable for her to want the deal to go in her favor. "You could be my assistant?" offering up a bet that would be a win win either way.
"And make the Dragon jealous I think not," showing he knows about Spike. "What would you like?" asking himself. "How about a book? You are a Librarian after all," reminding her of her job. While it was true she had a weakness for book, Twilight doubted the stallion could name off a book that she would want more than making a new friend. "What book do I have that you would find of interest?" again talking to himself, however judging from his empty book shelf he didn't have any. "How about Magic: A Scientific Dissertation, no you probably read that a dozen time," his statement ringing very true to her ears. "Crystals: The Untapped Source or Science: The Key to Equestria's Future," having read and studied each one Twilight was familiar with the titles.
"No, no that won't do," speaking in frustration. "It needs to be something great, something that I would hold of high value otherwise I won't do my best," imposing his own challenge on himself. "I got it," having an epiphany. "I bet your a book collector. You have to have the first edition of every book, which you never read and keep safely so they can never be ruined," seeming to know Twilight's habits. How this stallion seemed to know her so well despite just meeting her was scary, perhaps she was right when she thought his eyes could read her. "I have a book in my collection that I promised myself I would never part with. Should I lose this bet I will give it to you," speaking with absolute seriousness.
"If you promised to not to part with it then why give it to me at all?" seeing if she could change his mind. Even though she was curious what the book was that he held at such high value.
"That is a very good question Miss Sparkle," giving her praise which made her blush. "My reasons are simple one if I offer it up it will get me to work that much harder to impress you," earning another blush from Twilight. "The second reason is I can think no better pony than you to have it," Twilight could feeling her face turn red.
"What is the book?" not able to stop her curiosity.
"A book I am sure you searched high and low for," there were not many she had only one came to her mind. "A book so rare that some ponies don't even think it exists," there is no way he had the book, she could feel her heart beat in excitement at the prospect. "I can see it in your eyes you figured it out, what a clever mare you are," she would of blushed if she was not so excited. "Well your right," showing her the book sealed away in a translucent plastic. Before her was the book she searched for since she was a foal. A first edition The Traveler: Journey Through Time and Space, Twilight squealed like a filly. Unfortunately the tricky stallion had covered up the author's name so she could not read it.
"Where did you get it?" wanting to know everything about how he obtained the book. "How did you get it? What is the author's name?" firing excited questions at the stallion.
"You will know should you win our bet," Clockwork reminding her of the conditions for her to receive the book. "Oh I should add it is also signed by the author," it took everything in Twilight not to take book away.
"This book is rare and highly valued," trying to understand Clockwork's mind. "Why would you give it away?" curious of his reasoning.
"Thought I told you I could think of no pony better than you to have it," earning him a stern, not falling for your charm this time look. "I am thinking about leaving Ponyville," he admits as Twilight feels her heart drop.
"Why are you leaving?" not really sure why, but didn't want him to leave. "Did I do something wrong?" thinking she was to blame.
"You done nothing wrong Miss Sparkle," he assures her. "I been recently thinking about leaving," admitting his future plans to her.
"But why give me the book," feeling like she was losing a friend, even though she know so little about him.
"It reminds me of my past," his blue eyes dark with unseen pain. "I wanted to leave it behind, but I couldn't not until I knew somepony would take care of it for me," revealing it was more than a mere book to him. Twilight was shocked this stallion was willing to leave his past in her hooves to care for, how much did he trust her?
"Is there no way to convince you to stay?" wanting to him not to leave.
"That is up to me," giving her a playful grin. "All I have to do is the impossible," the fire once more in his eyes.
"Very well I accept," wanting this stallion to succeed and do the impossible for reasons she was not fully sure of.
"Remember no faking either way," stopping her plan to fake to keep him around. How this stallion seemed to understand her mind work made Twilight wonder many things. How long has he been in Ponyville? Who is he really? He seems to hide so much, what is he afraid of?
"I promised not to, I am a mare of my word," going through the motions of another Pinkie Pie Promise to prove her intentions. Twilight was stopped mid promise when his hooves grab hers and held them.
"I have no doubt that you are Miss Sparkle," his blue eyes trapping her as she felt her cheeks burn. At that moment he probably could of asked her anything and she would of done it.
"Well it has been a pleasure meeting you Miss Sparkle," shaking her hoof rapidly breaking the magic of the moment. "However, I have work to do should I want to win our bet," taking the damage clock from her. "I will be seeing you tonight, how about after six sound good. Don't be late," giving her a cheeky grin leaving the room and a flustered Unicorn mare behind.
Twilight mind was a befuddled mess she couldn't grasp what had just happened. Nopony ever held that much influence over her as that stallion had. He didn't even need to try. Was she that lonely and in need of a special somepony? He could of taken advantage of her, yet he didn't he let her go.
He was very different from anypony she met before. She couldn't help herself she wanted to know more. This Clockwork would not give her the answers she wanted. Her time was limited, but she felt the clues were there she only had to find them. There was only one place and pony to go to if she wanted to find out about another pony. Twilight was off to Sugar Cube Corner she had a mystery to solve.
Author's Note
I know many are asking, where is Ditzy? Worry not I am going to give her a chapter of her own. I feel the two will not meet until later on until then each will most likely have there own chapter. The next chapter will be posted with this one.
Uncovering an Illusion
Twilight headed to Sugar Cube Corner as fast as she could racing through Ponyville. Her heart beat was erratic and her mind in jumbles, all she could think about was getting more information on that stallion. The problem was she did not understand why, it made no sense. She had only just met him and yet he consumed her every thought. She knew next to nothing about him and still made that strange bet with him. Part of her mind ,the rational part, was telling her to stop think about what she doing instead of racing through Ponyville like a disaster was going to happen. The other part , the obsessive leave no mystery unsolved part, was telling her must find out more and keeping her running. There was also third part in control of Twilight which dwarfed the power of the other two, however Twilight had least understanding of. This part thumped in her chest and her throat, her heart. Out of everything it screamed the loudest to find out more driving her towards Sugar Cube Corner.
Twilight was a pony of logic and trying to figure things out is what she excels at. So naturally she would want to figure out what it was about this stallion that interested her so much? It could be because he matches the description of a character of a book. His soft light brown coat, his dark brown bushy mane and tail, and his soul searching blue eyes. All those characteristics matched the pony in the Traveler's series the Doctor. However, that did not explain why she wanted to touch that mane, run her hoof over his coat, or get lost in those blue eyes. Perhaps it is because of the book he had offered in their wager that got her attention. The book was rare perhaps the rarest maybe the only copy in Equestria, yet he had it and it was signed. One does not get a book like that by chance, he must be somepony important or knows the author personally. Twilight has always dreamed of meeting the author of the series, perhaps she saw this pony as a way to find out who that was. However, that does not explain why she felt sadness when he expressed the possibility of leaving. Or why she rather lose the bet than win it, part of her wanting to be his assistant aiding him in everything he does.
She wishes she had the time to calmly asses the situation, however Sugar Cube Corner is in view so it will have to wait. Twilight knows always can always organize her thoughts later... wait did she just decide to procrastinate, no, shaking her head she merely following the most logical order of discovery. She needs to find out more before coming to a conclusion, at least that is what she tells herself. The very idea that anypony would throw her off so much that she would put anything off is ridiculous. She can't wonder about that now, she needs to find Pinkie Pie.
Twilight enters the cafe looking around spotting Mrs. Cake behind the counter. "Hello Mrs. Cake," politely waving to her.
"Hello Twilight," greeting her back. "Are you here for something to eat?" always eager to make a bit.
"Not at the moment," ignoring her growling stomach at the thought of food. "I was wondering if Pinkie Pie is here?" looking around and not seeing the happy pony around.
"I am sorry Twilight," she says apologetically. "Pinkie just left a short while ago."
"Do you know where?" not really wanting to search for her.
"No sorry," giving her a weak smile. "She just left so suddenly, though she have her normal excited look in her eye. Perhaps there is a new pony in town, she does have a way about knowing about them before seeing them," making sense of the excited pony's actions.
"Don't I know it," Twilight recalling her adventures trying to figure the pink pony out.
"You could always wait for her here," inviting her to stay. "She bound to be back sooner or later."
"Thanks Mrs. Cake, however I can't," declining the offer. "I am sure I can find her," exiting the shop. Grabbing a scone on the way out unable to resist.
It was unfortunate that Pinkie was not there, chewing on her scone. The question is what now? Judging by the Sun she had maybe 3 to 4 hours before it went down. She really did not want to return to Clockwork's home without something on him. She hated being unprepared and wanted to learn something about the reclusive stallion. She could always try and find the Mayor, however judging from her last encounter the Mayor may know less than her. She had no choice she had to find Pinkie Pie, finishing her scone she sets out.
Twilight did not get very far the moment she made a step she heard shaking in the bushes. Swiftly turning around she peered at the plants as they sit silent. "Hello is anypony there?" looking weird talking to a shrub. "You better not be trying to scare me Rainbow Dash," looking at the offending plant and finding no pony.
"Hey Twilight!" came an excited voice behind her causing her to jump. "What are you doing in a plant? Are you playing a game," came the giggling voice.
Twilight turned around knowing full well who was behind her, "Pinkie Pie don't sneak up on me like that. And no I am not playing a game I think somepony was sneaking up on me."
"They weren't doing a very good job," looking at the bush. "Everypony knows if you want to sneak up on somepony you can't be heard. It is a rule for sneaking," acting out moving stealthy in font of Twilight.
"As disturbing as that is, what are you doing out here?" changing the subject.
"I was looking for somepony," she laughs as it was obvious.
"Who?" recalling her conversation with Mrs. Cake.
"Silly Twilight I don't know yet I need to find them first," peering around and swiftly moving to see if she could spot anypony.
"If you don't know who your looking for how do you know when you found them?" trying her hardest to understand Pinkie's logic.
"Because they are looking for me," giving Twilight a goofy smile.
"Wait... somepony is looking for you," forgetting that she was that pony. "And you are looking for them, but don't know who that is," tracing Pinkie's actions.
"Yeappers," bouncing up and down around her friend.
"Wouldn't it make more sense to be at a place where they can find you," reasoning with the pink pony. "How can they find you if they don't know where you are?"
"Oh my gosh, your right Twilight," holding Twilight face and giving her a hug. "That is the best idea ever. So much better than mine searching through bushes and wandering all over town."
"Wait a minute Pinkie," realizing something. "That means the pony in the bushes was you," figuring out who the hidden pony was.
"Oh yeah," recalling where she been. "My Pinkie Pie sense was telling me the pony looking for me was nearby."
"That pony was nearby Pinkie," remembering why she was there. "I am the pony that was looking for you," sighing knowing she will never understand Pinkie Pie.
"That means I found you," bouncing around with enthusiasm. "I had wondered why my Pinkie sense was going off while I was around you, now I know. What can I do for you Twilight?" eager to help.
"Well... umm," at a loss for words. Twilight was unsure what to do. Sure when she first set out to find Pinkie it was a with a sense of purpose. Now that she found the pink pony she was at a loss. Telling one of her friends that she met a stallion might give them the wrong idea. Her best choice was to ease into it. "I met somepony new today," making it as vague as possible.
"Oh my gosh, you met somepony new before me, where are they?" looking around for the new pony.
"They didn't come with me," sighing at her friend's antics. "They were new to me, but not to you, at least I don't think so," questioning if Pinkie knew this pony or not. "You know everypony in Ponyville, right?"
"That's right," agreeing with her statement. "I know everypony there is to know. I could tell you all of them if you like," preparing to recite a very long list of ponies.
"No, no that is alright Pinkie," stopping her before it started. "I only want to know about one pony, everything you can tell okay."
"Sure Twilight," happy to help a friend. "Who is this pony?"
"I don't really know," she admitted. "I just met him today, but I know nothing about him and for some reason that frustrates me," seeing Pinkie is about to speak, but stops her. "Please let me finish. I made a bet with him. I don't know why, but I did. I want to know if I made the right choice or not. I need to know more about him to come to a conclusion. That why I came to you because you know everypony in town and I was hoping you could tell me the type of pony he is," revealing her doubts to Pinkie.
"I didn't know it was so serious Twilight," giving Twilight a rare glimpse at her serious side. "I can see it matters a lot to you," seeing something in Twilight she has yet to acknowledge. "I promise to help you in anyway I can. Who is this pony you want to know about?"
"Thanks Pinkie," glad to have a friend help her. "His name is Clockwork, what can you tell me of him?"
Living on the edge of the Everfree Forest with the possibility of being attacked by monsters Ponyville is familiar with being scared. Since it became home of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony the potential of attack has risen. Not just by monsters, but of other things as well. Princess bent on plunging the world into darkness, a mixed up creature spreading chaos, and a stampede of bunnies to name a few. However, nothing has instilled the fear into hearts of these peaceful ponies more than what Pinkie Pie says next. A three letter word with one syllable, "Who?"
Twilight feels as if Equestria around her has stopped. The birds stopped tweeting, the bugs stopped buzzing, and it felt as if everypony had stopped. Waiting on pins and needles for something terrible to come. Twilight was fraught with worry, what was she to do? Had she somehow released some unspeakable terror upon the world, again. She needed to fix it or else risking the universe collapsing upon itself. "You might know him better by his title Timekeeper of Ponyville," praying that this worked.
"Oh I know him," Pinkie replies excitedly. The world breaths a sigh of relief, crises adverted the world relaxes and life goes back to normal.
"Oh good," feeling as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. "Can you tell me his name?" wanting to know if the information she was given was accurate.
"Silly Twilight," Pinkie giggles. "You just told me his name, Clockwork," showing Pinkie might not know as much as Twilight had hoped.
"I don't think that is his real name," she admits. "When you first met him what name did he give you?" afraid she may of hit a dead end in her quest.
"I remember meeting him," giving Twilight hope. "He introduced himself as the Librarian, the Lord of Time, and the Schedule Maker," giving Twilight a list of title, but no name.
"Wait did you say the Lord of Time?" picking up on the odd title.
"Yeap he is in charge of the Ponyville clock tower," giving a reason for the title. Twilight on the other hoof found it odd he would give himself such an odd title. The only other pony that would give himself that title would be the Doctor.
"When did you first meet him?" wanting more information. "Has he always lived in Ponyville?" rattling off the first two questions of a list of many.
"I think it was two, no three years ago," unsure when she met him. "He had wandered into town and I gasped and sped off to plan a party," her usual antics when she meets somepony new. "When I got to Sugar Cube Corner I opened the door and was blasted with confetti, it was fun. When it cleared I saw the strange pony and he said, Surprise Pinkie," revealing somepony out surprised her. "I found out from the Cakes that he been out of town for a while often coming and going, but knows everything that goes on in Ponyville. He had known about me apparently every time I planned a party the Cakes sent in paper work, who knew."
Twilight smiled and shook her head just like Pinkie Pie not to know there was more to planning parties then creating the most fun ever. At least the Cakes were responsible for her actions and got approval before somepony got in trouble. However, she was not here to find out the structure of party planning. "Aside from that first meeting did you have any other encounters with him, what was he like?" ever curious about the stallion.
"Not many," recalling her past encounters. "But when I did he was lots of fun he made could turn a day into an adventure," giving the stallion praise. Twilight excited to learn more waited for her friend to reveal any examples. "There was this one time where he took over the market," remembering antics of the past. "He changed everything it was fun some approved, some didn't they went along with the change just for something different. He had a late night market opening, I think he called it Marketing by the Stars. By offering special deals it got ponies to come and buy late into the night. There was a request afterwards to do it again, but the Mayor decided against it," Twilight smiled glad to hear some ponies enjoyed his ideas.
Something clicked about Pinkie's tale she recalled reading about a special market that never closed. It sounded familiar, but she couldn't jump to conclusions yet, she needed to know more. "His next idea was for ponies to switch what they were selling, open there minds to knew experiences. He also would take a random pony who was willing and give them a chance at selling something," again what Pinkie said was familiar. It came from the Traveler's Series it was about a time when the Doctor came to planet and encountered the Eternal Market. It was a market that never closed and had hundreds of ponies selling just about everything. The market itself was pretty much a city the ponies living in their stalls sleeping in shifts to keep open, because they had no choice. They were prisoners of the market trapping them in its magic forcing them to sell whatever was in front of them, often changing it the next morning, to earn their freedom. Pinkie Pie's tale of Clockwork was sounding more and more like something that came from the Doctor's adventures.
"His last idea didn't go over so well," Twilight frowned wondering what he did wrong. "He changed where the markets was held. One day it would be in a park, the next spread through the town close to where ponies lived, and the next out near the farms. I thought it was fun," giving her opinion on the matter. "Having to find it one to being outside my door the next. Unfortunately the other ponies did not like it and complained he looked so sad. He was just trying to bring some fun to their lives," Twilight sadden at the town reaction to something they agreed to. "He disappeared for a few days after than and came back like nothing ever happened," Twilight wondering where he went. The thought of him overcoming his problem on his own sounded sad, did he have anypony?
Twilight couldn't help, but think how much Pinkie's story matched what she read. The last part where the market moved from place to place was what the Eternal Market did as well. It was magical traveling from location to location sometimes to different planets. It was when it moved it trapped unsuspecting ponies in their new prison. Forcing them to sell whatever was conjured in front of them. There was promise of escape if they did, however it would often place thing in front of them nopony would ever buy to make sure they never escaped. The Doctor managed to free the ponies by shutting down the source of the magic. However, it seems this stallion attempt to recreate this tale did not have such a happy ending for him.
"Did he do that sort of thing often," curious if Clockwork tried recreating Doctor's tale more than once.
"Sure did," she replied enthusiastically. Pinkie Pie then recited instances where Clockwork did something that seemed to be inspired by the Traveler's Series. There was a day where foals were given charge and anypony they asked had to meet their requests. Twilight remember reading the tale about the society run by foals. Another was when the Doctor had to cure ponies of a disease, which caused them to be trapped doing the same actions and using the same words. Clockwork played out by having ponies repeat everything they did and if anypony touched them then they would catch it next. Pinkie Pie gave Twilight many examples on how he tried to make the day a little different. However, despite his best intentions something would go wrong and ponies would blame him.
Twilight was annoyed by this. Here was this pony trying to bring a new experience to others and they blame him if something went wrong. Where was the fairness in that? How could he predict something going wrong? There was no way he could foresee the foals growing power hungry or ponies hurting themselves doing the same action. He only wanted them to have fun bring a smile to their day. Instead he earns their ire and he is forced to deal with it on his own. As disappointed as she is in the citizens of Ponyville, Twilight finds the part where he is all alone in this the most disheartening. For all of Clockworks experiments had the same ending, he was alone. Twilight wished nothing more than that she could of been there for him she wouldn't of abandoned him, which leaves her with a question.
"Pinkie where were you?" finding it odd the the friendly pony would leave anypony sad alone.
"I don't remember Twilight," her lack of recalling as a surprise to her as it was Twilight. "I remember see him sad, I remember following him to cheer him up, then I hit a blank. The next thing I recall was being a Sugar Cube Corner. Now that I think of it each time I tried to cheer him, poof nothing then Sugar Cube Corner," revealing that this happened more than once. "When that happened I remember being confused and fairly sure I should be somewhere else, but couldn't remember where. I would try and remember. I would even ask Mrs. Cake if I was going anywhere, but she never knew. Then when I saw him again I would remember and ask if he was alright. He would smile act as if he was never sad in the first place and tell me his next great idea."
Twilight absorbed this new information. It was not like Pinkie to forget anything, so for that to occur was strange indeed. There was something in this picture she was not seeing. She had dozens of theories, but nothing to back them. She only needed to ask the right question to narrow it down.
"Pinkie Pie could you describe the Timekeeper Clockwork to me?" knowing that should be something engraved in Pinkie's mind.
"Of course," she replies excitedly. "He is a Unicorn ... wait no a Pegasus... no that not right either... an Earth Pony?" sounding more like a question than a certainty. "Gosh Twilight it so weird if I saw him I am sure I could point him out. It is like when I try to see him in my head the picture is fuzzy. I am sorry I can't be more of a help," disappointed she can't help her friend.
"It is alright Pinkie Pie it isn't your fault," consoling her friend. Twilight knew something was amiss when Pinkie had blips in memory, however this went further than that. Magic was involved, she was almost certain of it. The spell used on Pinkie and perhaps everypony was known a Perception. It allowed the user to make others forget details about themselves, such as what they looked like or their name and only recall things if they are seen again. However the pony she saw was an Earth Pony there was no way he had access to magic that advanced. Even if he carried a charm or amulet that contained the spell to effect the entire town would be impossible. Also it begged another question, why was she unaffected? Twilight could recall everything about Clockwork, except for his cutie mark.
"Pinkie can you tell me of anypony that has contact with him more than once?" needing to confirm her on thoughts.
"Sure lots of ponies, the Mayor, the Cakes, and I think Rarity has as well," naming ponies off.
"Rarity?" trying to squash the surfacing green eyed monster. "Why would he go see her?" feeling hostile towards her good friend.
"I am not sure, were they dating?" not noticing her friend on the verge of combustion. "No that wasn't it," crises adverted. "I remember he went to her for lab coats."
"Lab coats?" recalling he did wear one, however it did not sound like something Rarity would provide.
"She didn't make them, but she has contacts," revealing something about Rarity Twilight did not know. "Oh, I just remember Rarity also made him a suit," Twilight could feel the green eyed monster's return.
"A suit?" that meant Rarity might of put her hooves on him. Stood close to, him spoke to him, laughed with him, all the while measuring every inch of him. That green eyed monster was no longer, it had changed into a rampaging dragon twice the size of Canterlot. It was currently stopping on the Carousel Boutique and setting a blaze in Twilight's mind.
"Yeap, in fact she made two," the place where the Carousel once stood is now a crater. "Only ever got to see him in one though, I thought he looked good and so did some of mares in Ponyville as well," Pinkie Pie unknowingly dooming mental Ponyville as Twilight's dragon turned it's attention towards the ill fated town. "It is so strange the more I think about it the more I remember, he was wearing a red tie."
"Did you say a red tie?" ending the dragon's rampage to her curiosity. "Did this suit have blue strips?" only one suit pictured in her mind.
"How did you know?" bouncing around. "Are you reading my mind? What am I thinking now?"
"No I am not Pinkie, it was just a guess," knowing it was far from it. "Pinkie you been a great help to me, but I have to go," looking at the sun. Best guess she lost a hour not much longer before it went down.
"Where are you going to go?" curious where her friend was headed next. Twilight thought for a moment, unfortunately there was only one place she could think of going, a place she had mentally demolished.
"Carousel Boutique," speaking it's name made her feel the need to brush her teeth. "I need to go talk to Rarity," disliking the idea. However, Rarity may be the only pony that would have the information she wanted.
"Better hurry, I think she closes shop soon," giving Twilight a friendly warning. "Good luck with everything," bidding her friend goodbye with a smile.
"Thank you Pinkie," watching her friend bounce away. Then turning to head to the Boutique.
Twilight's mind was a buzz with the new information she learned. Focusing it on to keep her occupied, instead of thinking of Rarity and the stallion of her interest being friendly. Or else awaken the slumbering green eyed dragon to destroy once more.
The information she gained was shocking, overviewing it in her head. For whatever reason he enjoyed bring stories from the adventures of the Doctor to life. At least that is what it seemed. It could be by chance that they run parallel with the tales, however that was unlikely. He did carry the first book after all, so clearly he was a fan. Perhaps he liked them so much he wanted to try it in real life. Twilight was no stranger to experimenting with things she read in a book, in fact it was doing such that allowed her to meet Clockwork in the first place. He seemed to like the same, however he was more social than her and involved the town. From Pinkie Pie she gathered everything started out great, however went sour from there. Twilight could only imagine how he felt after everypony seemed to blame him for any problems that occurred. She had to admire his dedication though, even after failure he would try again. However, how much could one take before he gives up? Then Twilight had a terrible thought, what if that is why he his considering leaving? He has given up. Twilight couldn't accept it, she would get him to see there is at least one pony who appreciates him. Even if every other pony forgets him she would not.
The thought of being forgotten brought her to other piece of information. It seemed he had access to magic or something magical, which seemed impossible. However, as the Doctor would say, "Never eliminate the impossible, you might miss out on something." All signs seemed to point to magic, a spell in fact, Perception. Perception was a powerful spell that even the most magically inclined Unicorns had trouble using, also access to the spell was almost impossible. Twilight herself only ever studied the spell once, studying it under the watchful eye of Princess Celestia. As far as she knew the Princess had the only copy in her personal library. The spell itself seems simple the caster is cloaked in an aurora of magic, which when in contact with another pony they will forget details about the caster. It is rumored that if anypony saw someone using that spell, but never came in contact with them then they will have forgotten them ever being there. The problem with the spell is that it is draining, a pony has to keep feeding magic into it to keep it working. The other flaw with the spell was the more a pony thought about their encounter with the caster the more they remembered. Twilight picked up on this sign as she spoke to Pinkie Pie, who kept on remembering more details as they talked. The spell was never meant to be used on the same ponies over and over again, for each time they would recall more until it no longer worked. Which is why she headed towards Carousel Boutique, as much as she rather not.
Standing in front of the building she had come to loath made Twilight feel a torrent of things. Things she rather not think about or risk awaking her green eyed dragon. Inside would be Rarity, the mare responsible for the beasts creation. Twilight could feel the beast stir as she thought how Rarity had the most contact with Clockwork. Designing his clothes and taking his measurements, out of all the ponies in Ponyville the only one who has gotten a view of his cutie mark. The green reptilian eye opened as she imagined Rarity checking his cutie mark with her appraising eye. Twilight calmed herself down putting the beast back to sleep, she had no time to think of such things. She came here on a mission, one she intends to complete. Twilight will judge from Rarity's reaction if their relationship is more than client and customer, if it is then she shall release the beast.
Knocking on the front door, putting on her best fake smile, Twilight let herself in, "Be right with you," came the mare voice from the back. Twilight knew it belonged to Rarity, however Rarity's sweet sound voice now grated on her every nerve in a way it never had before. "How may I help you..." pausing noticing her friend. "Twilight, dear I didn't know it was you. What do I owe the pleasure?" greeting her good friend. Twilight on the other hoof upon seeing the lovely white mare had to keep herself from attacking Rarity.
"Oh hi Rarity," taking a few breaths to calm herself. "I came here looking for information," maintaining a business type demeanor.
"Oh sounds serious," taking notice of Twilight's tone. "I am not sure how much help I will be, but I will try," willing to aid a friend.
"It is about a stallion..." never getting to finish her sentence. In a blink of an eye Rarity went from one side of the room to invading Twilight's personal space.
"Did you just say stallion!?" Rarity's nose in contact with Twilight's. Surprised into silence Twilight could only nod her head. "This.. is ... the... most wonderful thing," pulling a table out of no where and magically setting it with tea and treats. "You must tell me everything. Honestly you have your nose stuck in books so much I was wondering if you were ever going to notice stallions," sipping her tea while waiting for Twilight to spill.
"Wait...what?" confused and her cheeks going red from Rarity's comment.
"There is no need to be shy dear," mistaking Twilight's reaction. "I can tell just by looking at you, your positively smitten. So naturally you came here for my advice," brushing her hoof through her mane. "I will be more than happy to give you some advice, but first you tell me how you met and all that," giving conditions for her advice.
"I just met him today," trying to fight the growing blush. Rarity's assumption bringing forth a typhoon of emotions, ones she was trying to keep in check. The very idea she would "be smitten," as Rarity put it was preposterous. Twilight just met him today after all.
"Love at first sight," countering Twilight's internal argument. "That is adorable Twilight, I could make you a dress for your first date," planning Twilight next move for her.
"A date?" she squeaked. She never thought past finding out who he was. What if Rarity is right? What if some form of relationship comes of her actions? Could she handle it? Would she be a good marefriend? Shaking her head, why is she thinking that far ahead? Such a notion may never happen, ignoring the faint pain the thought brought.
"Of course dear," playing out Twilight's relationship for her. "You must tell me, did you approach him or did he approach you? Who am I kidding, you would only notice a stallion if he was a character from a book," not knowing how close to the truth she was. ""Which stallion was it? I want to know who finally had the courage to try for our dear Twilight's heart."
"Which stallion?" her mind almost blowing a fuse. The very idea that even one stallion showed interest in her made her blush. The fact that there was more than one, lets just say her coat got very close to turning red.
"Oops," realizing her mistake. "I guess I should of kept that detail to myself. Oh well, can't be help. But I still must know, tell me the stallion that approached you," whining ever so slightly to get her information.
"Actually I approached him," trying not to be smug. "I just met him today, so there no way I would have a crush on him," wanting to gain control of the conversation.
"Your head over hooves for this stallion," ignoring Twilight's statement. "Your in denial Twilight, the sooner you realize it the better."
"I am not in denial," countering back. "I just met him today and know next to nothing about him. It doesn't make any logical sense to have any feeling for Clockwork," even as the words left her mouth it made her feel hollow inside. Twilight could feel her own heart ache as her emotions and brain went to war.
"Clockwork so that's the stallion's name," catching Twilight's slip. "With matters of the heart making sense is useless, but I can see I am making you uncomfortable," noticing her friend's distress. "However, I don't know a stallion named Clockwork so I don't know why you came to me."
"Actually you do," calming her emotions and focusing on why she was here. "I spoke to Pinkie Pie earlier and she said he was a customer of yours," recognizing the signs of same forgetfulness of Pinkie.
"While I don't doubt our friend Pinkie," preparing to give Twilight bad news. "I don't get many stallion customers, those I do get are here to get something for their wife or marefriend. I have made a few suits, but again it to impress or woo a mare.," trying to break the news gently to Twilight that her stallion is most likely taken. "Though, I can't recall anypony named Clockwork, do you know what he does for a living?"
The very idea that the stallion she wanted to know about had a mare, hurt her in ways she couldn't understand. Twilight could feel the green eye of the dragon open, ready to smash whatever brought her pain. Whether it was the stallion or a mare she wasn't sure yet. The only thing bringing her solace was Rarity did not know the name. She expected it, but it was still a relief. Now to see if Rarity's memory worked like Pinkie's, which seemed to activate when his title was mentioned, "He is the Timekeeper of Ponyville."
"Oh him," Twilight could feel Rarity's distaste at recalling. Her demeanor changing from happy to sour, much like the Mayor's had. "I remember him now, I can't believe I forgot. He came to me asking about Lab Coats, can you believe it? I am a designer and he came to me about Lab Coats," Twilight could feel the displeasure radiating off her.
"That is him," fighting back the smile forming. Rarity's displeasure meant she didn't try and date him thinking him uncouth or something like that. Granted Twilight should feel a little miffed at her friend for putting him down, but she was too busy being happy.
"Twilight while I am happy you are noticing stallions," breaking Twilight's jubilation. "I have some bad news about the stallion your interested in and it is more than just on fashion sense," to make sure Twilight knows it is serious.
"Does he have a marefriend?" going to the worst thing she can think of.
"Not that I am aware of," placating Twilight fears. "What I mean is ... oh dear how do I put this eloquently? He doesn't live in this world," warning her friend.
"I already heard from Pinkie Pie what he has done," thinking Rarity's argument would entail his failures. "I hardly believe involving the town in some activities makes him not of this world."
"Pinkie told you of his debacles," seeing swaying Twilight might be harder than she thought. "You weren't there Twilight, if you had experienced it first hoof than you might think differently. But I know there is no convincing you once you have something in your head. Now that I think of it I have spoken to him on several occasions, that why your here isn't it," realizing why Twilight is there.
"Yes it is," admitting her reasons. "However, if your just going to insult him I may be better off learning nothing," she could feel her fur stand in anger.
"Twilight I would never besmirch another pony," defending her reputation. "However you come to me to help you make a decision about somepony, am I right?" Earning a nod from Twilight. "Then don't you owe it to yourself to hear from both sides before deciding," weaving her web to ensnare Twilight.
"I suppose you are right," caught by Rarity's web. "However, if you insult him to much then I reserve the right to leave," unraveling the web.
"Fair enough," accepting the terms. "I recall when I first met him, was it about a year ago, I am not sure. He radiated confidence knowing why he was here. I don't mind telling you I had hoped he was here to woo me," the green eye of dragon opened. "I don't quite remember how he looked, how odd, he must of been fetching if I was attracted to him," Twilight uncertain if she should see that as an insult or compliment. "Then he asked me for Lab Coats," her voice turning sour. "Naturally I knew where he could get some and help him, but still I was inspired I had to make something."
"Pinkie Pie told me about the suit," keeping the wreathing dragon at bay.
"Suit? Ah, yes the suit," as if recalling it from the blue. "It was a nice brown color. Now that I think of it, it went well with his coat."
"Pinkie recalled it being blue," taking the description that she gave her friend.
"How I could forget the second coat?" her eyes wide in realization. "That was a work of genius and to think he designed it, made me overlook the whole Lab Coat incident," the dragon at the back of Twilight mind begging to be released on the unsuspecting mare. "I recall he looked dashing in it, almost asked him out," the dragon roared for blood.
"Why didn't you?" squirming while she asked the question.
"Two reasons," bitterness in her voice. "The first he never looked at me not once," Twilight wanted to say he looked at her, but kept quiet. "His eyes were darting around asking questions about my shop some practical, others not. He never let me near him either, he told me his measurements I never got to," sounding disappointed. Upon hearing this the dragon rage calmed down, seems Rarity didn't get a much as Twilight thought. "He was always talking too, much like Pinkie, it was like he was trying to distract me. It was from that I found out he was in charge of the Clock Tower and he was the idea maker from, as you say, town involvements," so not to sound too insulting. "While I was not happy with the outcome of his ideas it did not completely deter the idea of dating him, although it did sway my decision."
"What was the second reason?" finding Rarity's first reason to come from a bruised ego. Twilight had to keep herself from squealing in joy, she did meet his eyes. She still remembers when his eyes locked with hers and could feel her heart beating in her chest and ears. Twilight could feel the same just from the memory, envisioning herself and him all alone.
"The next reason is a bit hard to put into words," breaking Twilight from her daydream. It sounding like Rarity may insult him, she stood poised ready to defend if needed. "Given our agreement the best way to go about it is to tell you about the conversation that made me realize how "peculiar" he was," using gentle words so not to insight Twilight's ire.
"The conversation started about gems of all things," to Twilight a stallion interested in gems sounded like Rarity's dream come true. "Naturally I more than happy to discuss my passion with him," the dragon stirred once more. "He asked several questions such as, where I found them, how I found them, and their types. Then he asked if he could look at one, at the time I was thinking he was an appraiser, how wrong I was," her voice turning bitter. "He took one look at it and called it a worthless shiny rock," crying as if the words hurt her physically.
"Rarity calm down," not wanting to see the mare cry. "Not all ponies hold the same value to gems that you do," reasoning with her. Twilight herself was one of those ponies who held little value to gems, but she would never tell Rarity that. Perhaps it was a bit cold of Clockwork to say that to Rarity, he may need to learn about tact.
"It gets worse," replacing her tears for frustration. "He told me why they were worthless, prattling on about resinating and magical capacity." Unlike Rarity those words were not insulting to Twilight, to her it was a clue. There were only a hoof full of ponies in the world that even knew how to look for magical properties of crystals and it appeared he was one. All the ponies that she knew of in that field of expertise were Unicorns and held high positions, she has only met one or two. To find an Earth pony with the same expertise was unheard of, yet here apparently was one. Twilight was more than eager to hear the rest of what Rarity had to say.
"Then he started to lecture me," sounding insulted. "He told me where I could find gems of real value. Do you want to know where he told me to go?" asking a question she plans on answering. "The Everfree Forest," naming off the place where ponies fear to tread. "He started to ramble about how difficult it is to find them often taking two to three days. Twilight no pony goes into the Everfree for that long and survives, yet there he was talking as if it was a day in the park."
"We have been in the Everfree as well," recalling her own adventures inside.
"Yes, but never alone and never a long time," throwing back her own argument.
"He could explored it before, knows it like Zecora does," using their Zebra friend to show the forest is not as dangerous as they believe.
"He wears Lab Coats Twilight," trying to get her stubborn friend to see the whole picture. "Wandering dangerous places does not seem to fit his job description. Don't even think about saying it is not in your or mine either," stopping Twilight comeback statement. "He is the Timekeeper of Ponyville Twilight, he not some adventurer or hero. He just some regular Brown Earth pony," sounding frustrated. "I am trying to get you to understand Twilight and your not listening. I tried to be gentle, but that not working. Do you want to know the full truth? This Clockwork fellow is crazy he is a danger to himself and those around him. He runs around pretending and living in his own fantasy word. We as good-natured ponies humor him, but mark my words it is only a matter of time till somepony gets really hurt," panting from her outburst.
"You really surprise me Rarity," disappointed in her friend. "I would of thought after the time we spent together you would give ponies another chance," scowling at Rarity.
"I have tried Twilight," ashamed of herself. "More times than I can count, I have tried. But I cannot trust him Twilight, very few ponies in Ponyville do."
"Why?" wanting to know the root of the mistrust.
"I don't know," scared of her own answer. "Whenever I think of him, I feel distrust, as if he was somepony who did something wrong. But even taking his debacles in account I can think of nothing he has done wrong. I don't understand it Twilight is there something wrong with me?" tearing up.
"Nothing is wrong Rarity," trying to calm her friend. In reality her mind was whirling, could this be the work of the Perception spell? Is was made forbidden, but most ponies thought it was due to its difficulty. What if prolonged exposure did things to other ponies, like made them distrust. "How did you feel when you saw Clockwork?" not wanting to ask the question, but it was needed.
"That he was a friendly outgoing pony," recalling her encounter. "But that doesn't match what I think," rubbing her hooves in circles over her temples. "My feelings don't match my thoughts, I am starting to wonder if he even said what I believe he did or if I ever spoke to him at all."
"Focus Rarity," sensing she was losing her train of thought. "You said Clockwork was a Brown Earth pony, can you recall anything else."
"I did say that didn't I," recalling her own words. "Yes a brown pony with even a darker brown mane, never got to see his eyes those," pouting again. Twilight afraid she didn't see what she had hoped to find out. "I did see his cutiemark," Twilight held her breath wanting to know what it was. "Or did I? I thought I did, was it an eight? Oh dear I am having trouble recalling."
"It is alright Rarity," knowing she should of not gotten her hopes up. "I need to get going, I plan on seeing Clockwork later on today," telling her plans to Rarity.
"Twilight I am happy you found somepony," Twilight blushing at what Rarity believed. "I know you don't want to hear this, but be careful. There is something off about that stallion, the fact I feel two different ways towards him is proof of that. I don't want to see you hurt, but for you I will be willing to give him another chance," giving her friend a smile.
"Thank you Rarity," smiling back recalling why Rarity was her friend. Letting go of that pettiness she had before. "He just a lonely stallion looking for a friend," confident in herself waving goodbye as she leaves the shop.
Looking up Twilight sees the sun still in the sky. She doesn't have much longer to get the information she needs, but where should she go. From her conversation with Rarity he apparently has studied the magical properties of crystals. There were a few books on it ... of course a book. Clockwork himself mentioned a book to her that would fit his field of study Crystals: The Untapped Source. It was the perfect book Twilight had to stop herself from trotting in joy.
A thought occurred to her, Clockwork gave her that title and two others. What if he gave her those titles on purpose to lead her, give her a path to follow. But, why? What was his reason? Where would it lead? Would it get her what she wanted to know or lead her somewhere different? Twilight did not know, but she would find out. Whatever his reasons he gave her those titles for a purpose. At least it gave her a destination, off to the library.
Author's Note
Another chapter done, building up a mystery around Clockwork. Hope you all like it. Ditzy's chapter will be soon to follow.
Following an Illusion
Twilight Sparkle was puffing and wheezing, mostly do to the fact she was galloping with a mix of teleporting to reach her destination faster. In short she reached the Library in record time, pausing to catch her breath. Her mind was a whirlwind of questions with only partial answers. Some questions she was desperately trying to answer and others kept on surfacing no matter how much she tried to push them back.
When Twilight began her quest for answers about the mysterious stallion, Clockwork as he calls himself, she had no idea what she was getting into. She originally believed that she would question a few ponies and her curiosity would be satisfied and she could move on, she never been more wrong. Instead Twilight found a stallion stooped in mystery with no real answers. She had theories of course, but they were merely conjecture at this point with no sound evidence. Even going through the information she had it made little sense. This stallion had access to magic, if the constant forgetting of ponies was indeed magical based. As for why the stallion would choose to be forgotten Twilight had no clue. He seemed to understand the magical properties of crystal, however the ability to do so was only theory based. Though it may explain to magical access, however to this day nopony has been able to do it without wasting more energy than obtaining. The fact he may be able to was mind boggling, he should be the most celebrated stallion in history and not locked away in some rundown building. Then again perhaps he prefers to stay out of the public eye, it would explain the recluse lifestyle.
Twilight couldn't help, but see the way his shut in lifestyle mirrors her own. When she was a filly her only friends were her teachers, her brother, and her foalsitter. Out of all of them Princess was the only one she really ever talked to, the rest of the time she spent studying. When she was young she believed what she had was enough, how wrong she was. It took five mares to show her error of her ways. Now it seems this stallion is in the same trap that she was, believing that he is better off on his own. However, unlike her he arrived at that decision though interaction with other ponies. If what Pinkie Pie and Rarity revealed was true he tried various times to make friends only to be rejected. Twilight couldn't understand, how can a town that been so nice to her could be so mean to somepony else? Twilight recalls the look in eyes when she asked for his help, he looked relieved to know somepony needed him. He was such a kind and friendly stallion and yet there were ponies that disliked him, such as Rarity and the Mayor. How sad he must be, but that is why she wants to help him. Twilight wants to show him their is at least one pony who likes him.
At the thought of liking him Twilight couldn't help but blush. Rarity assumption still fresh in her mind, Rarity believed she had a crush on Clockwork. What did Rarity call it? "Love at first sight," such a notion was silly. How could anypony fall in love through one meeting knowing nothing about the other? Twilight compared it to reading a book, "You can't judge a book by it's cover," so the saying goes. She believes the same can be applied to ponies, after all she remembers Rarity's tales of Blueblood. Twilight would never compare the charming Clockwork to Blueblood, but there are other things to be considered. Things like what if he is not looking for a marefriend or isn't into mares or believes work is more important than relationships.
Twilight shakes her head, why is she thinking like that? She only want to be his friend and no matter how much it may hurt she will be happy to be just his friend. Unless he doesn't want to be her friend, that brings her down a dark path which she doesn't want to trot. No she saw it in his eyes, the desire is there Twilight just needs to bring it out.
"There you are Twilight," came an annoyed voice breaking her from her thoughts. "Where have you been? You left the Library a mess you know," Twilight looked around. She was in the Library, she doesn't even remember opening the door. How lost in thought was she? "You should be glad I am such an understanding dragon," as the owner of the voice came into view, a short dragon with purple scales and green spikes.
"Spike," acknowledging her assistant. "Shouldn't you be at Rarity's?" forgetting that she was there recently.
"I was," giving a sigh. "However I got into her Gem chest and she caught me snacking," admitting to eating some of Rarity's Gems. "She forgave me, but thought it best that leave until she hid the chest better," clearly disappointed in his own behavior.
"Well it looks like you learned your lesson, so I won't scold you," letting him off the hook. "Besides I left you with a mess to clean up," noticing the broom in his claws. "Looks like we could both learn some responsibility."
"It is nothing I am not use to," shrugging it off. "You left much bigger messes for me to clean up before. Looks like you got most of it anyway, what happened?" curious of the disarray.
"Well I kind of trashed my clock," blushing as she admitted it. "I was so focused on it that I didn't notice the mess I caused," realizing she knocked over a few things in her scramble.
"Well I guess that is understandable," knowing Twilight's ways. "So where is the clock now?" looking for it behind her, but not seeing it.
"It is with somepony for repairs," Twilight's eyes widen as she realizes something. "That's right Spike I have no time," rushing around the room. "I need to find some books," going through books at high speed pulling them off the shelves.
"Come on Twilight I just cleaned," letting out a whine and then a sigh. Knowing there is no way he will reach Twilight while she is in this stage. "What books do you need to find?" hoping his help would minimize the mess.
"You will help me Spike, thank you," giving the dragon a hug. "The books are Magic: A Scientific Dissertation, Crystals: The Untapped Source, and Science: The Key to Equestria's Future," having memorized the titles.
"Sure Twilight," aiding her in her search. "Why do you need those book haven't you read them over half a dozen times?"
"I met sompony and these books came up in conversation," not wanting to reveal her true reason for searching.
"Finally met somepony to share your love with," climbing the ladder as he search the shelves.
"What?!" violently yanking out a group of books. "No, we just met I hardly know them," quick to defend herself.
"Sheesh Twilight calm down," not understanding her reaction. "I just meant you found somepony to talk to books about. What did you think I was talking about?"
"Nothing," blushing at her assumption. "I found one of the books," quickly changing the subject. "I am going to study it. Should you find the others please bring them to me," finding a spot on the floor to study.
"Sure, sure," he waved getting back to work not wanting to look at the mess being made.
Twilight looked over the book she had it was Magic: A Scientific Dissertation. Spike was right about one thing she had read this book and the others quite a few times, what did she hope to find? She practically memorized the books having read them cover to cover when she was younger. Could this book and the others really hold the information on the stallion she met, it seemed unlikely. However, it was the only lead she had she couldn't give up.
These books were also stooped in a bit of a mystery as well. The three books came under three different authors that nopony heard about, but came with the recommendation of well known Unicorns if the fields. Giving them a chance the readers found them enthralling, especially Twilight, and they quickly became popular. However, that all changed when each of the Unicorns claimed they never heard of the books. The uproar that followed shook the book community, in the short time the books had been out they changed the landscape for readers everywhere. The reveal that they were not in fact actually credited books almost threw them out and into obscurity. It was only by a few that either didn't care or found them intelligently intriguing, Twilight being the latter, that managed to save them. However due to the scandal they were no longer printed, what was released was either kept in collections or in Libraries. They became a sort of popular because they were no longer mainstream among the younger ponies in the three fields. That and the theories and descriptions in the books were sound for those who tried to disprove them could never find any faults.
Magic: A Scientific Dissertation was one such book, and Twilight's favorite out of the three. It was a book describing the magical energies surrounding the world and ponies. It went into detail explaining the natural energies of magic and how it flowed through the world. Telling how it flowed in almost a wave with high and low points of magic. That places with high magic teamed with life and growth, while those with low would be limited to both. It even hypothesized if an area had no magic would be completely devoid of life where nothing could grow. The book also included detailed descriptions on pony interactions with magic and using it. Breaking down the use to two types conscious and unconscious. The book depicted Unicorn magic as conscious, magic that takes concentration and thought to use. Naturally being a Unicorn Twilight found this part the most interesting, she herself tested a few of the theories, but was unable to disprove them. The book included Pegasus as well, making them a mix of the two. Conscious when they made weather or moved clouds, unconscious when they flew or walked on clouds. The book went through all the pony tribes and made sure to include Earth ponies, claiming that their use of magic was purely unconscious. Earth ponies use of magic was mostly internal making them a sturdier breed than the other two. It talked about how the Earth pony interacted with the ground bring small pulses of magic to the surface which allowed the better growth of crops.
Twilight looked through the book, however she could find no hints in it on the stallion. Why did he title this book specifically? What was she missing? Perhaps she missed something, maybe there was another copy hidden in the Library. He did run the Library at one point perhaps he hid a copy, however that seemed unlikely. She was very thorough when she arrived in the Library making sure to make an inventory of all the books and copies, those books were of her own collection. There was also the fact he offered those books to her so it is most likely he took the books with him when he left.
Twilight huffed, how dare he take the Library's copies he better have a good reason. She will make sure to ask him when she sees him again and berate him for it, however that does little to solve her issue now. She may have to go and see him with nothing to show for her research. Now that she thinks of it is seems kind of silly looking through this book to find information on somepony she met. What did she hope to find, his name in the book. Not like the book described an Earth pony that could use magic...wait. Twilight hurriedly flipped to the final page on it was a note or more to the point a conjecture from the author, it spoke of just that idea, an Earth pony using magic. The note said: "I hope you enjoyed my book, for being such an intrepid reader I leave you with a thought. Speculate if you will an Earth pony who could bring his or her unconscious magic into conscious, if they could than they would be able to use magic like a Unicorn." The message spoke about what Twilight was dealing with, in fact if she thinks about it all the books have messages.
Noticing Spike coming with two books in his claws she quickly snatches up the two of them, giving her thanks, she starts reading. The next book is Crystals: The Untapped Source. Twilight knew this book by heart as well. It had created quite a following for it with many ponies trying to take on the challenge it gave. The challenge was in the back a note to the readers from the author. It said: "To the interested I present a challenge. Amaze me and do the impossible gain access to the magic crystals hold." Of course this proved difficult for all those tried. Finding crystals that held magic proved an almost impossible task in itself, the ones having been found mostly due to luck. The book did tell how to find the crystals, explaining that they reverberated when exposed to noise. However the book never said what noise, wanting ponies to discover it for themselves. Then there was gaining access to the energy they held, so far any pony that tried so far has spent more energy than they gained. The book warned of this as well, stating that the magic in a crystal was in a stable state and bringing it out of that state would require a large amount of energy.
Twilight recalls her conversation with Rarity about Clockwork's knowledge of Crystals. Could he have solved the author's challenge? From her conversation it seemed like it, having an ability to find them. Could he have also figured out how to use them? If he has access to magic, if it is like she believes than it is a possible yes. Twilight can feel herself getting excited. Perhaps it does not help her on his identity, but these books are giving her an insight on him. From what she has gathered she can speculate that he saw the notes from the authors of these books and saw them as personal challenges to overcome. So far it appears he is two for two, able to use magic despite being an Earth pony and able to use the magical energy in crystals.
Excited she goes to the next book, Science: The Key to Equestria's Future. Twilight knew the book well enough it talked about Science and Innovations all leading for a better future. The greatest innovation it spoke of was the collaboration of science and magic. The book proclaimed that ponies believed that the two were separate when in fact the two should be brought together, to meld them as one. The book called this melding Technomagic, one part pony engineering and one part magic. Proclaiming that one day the Equestria would build machines using Techomagic. Naturally out of the three books this one was considered more speculative than actual, but nothing wrong with thinking big. This book had a message at the end as well it said: "Ready yourself for the future. Dare yourself to be an innovator and make it great." It was a simple message, but powerful for anypony who want to make a bright future.
If Twilight was right then following her logic it is most likely that Clockwork took on this challenge as well. Judging by what she was discovering this theory is most likely true. Twilight could feel herself getting gitty, this stallion is truly special. He can find crystals and use their power to create magic of his own, the real question is how? Looking at the book she realizes she is staring at her answer, Technomagic! Twilight figured it out he must of built a machine that somehow allows him to generate magic using crystals. It all added up, except why hide it? Also why lead her down this path? Could she be seeing her answer because that is what she wants the see?
Twilight thought on it, was she wrong? After all she is putting all these impossible things together and forming a picture. What if she is just putting all this on him because she wants to believe he can do the impossible? Ponies have tried to do these things and failed, why would he be different? Ever since meeting him she been believing impossible things, why? Was it because of how he looked appearing as the Doctor been described? Twilight didn't want to compare a real pony to a fictional character, yet it seemed the two were linked. Clockwork even tried to bring the book to life on more than one occasion. Was there a link between the Doctor and the three books?
Twilight remembered that there was, she quickly pulled from the shelves the second book of the travelers series The Traveler: The Shining Future. It was this book that described Equestria's future. It spoke of all the three things that each book was about, crystals, earth pony magic, and Technomagic. Well it didn't name it out right, but it was the combination of technology and magic being used together. The interesting fact was this book came out long before the other three, which means the authors must of been influenced by this book. It was truly a discovery, but something nagged at the back of Twilight's mind. Why would three separate authors be so influenced that they would write books and study the subjects? In fact everything was strange about the authors they were complete unknowns, nopony could find anypony with the authors names. They all released their books around the same time first it was Crystals followed by Science and Magic. They all had some message in their book and now it seemed they were all influenced by the same book.
The similarities matched up to well to be a coincidence. Twilight knew she was missing something all she had to do was figure it out, she could feel she was close. Since they all shared the influence then perhaps the answer laid within on of the books in The Traveler's Series, but which one? Clockwork's clues lead her this far, did he give her a clue for this one as well? Then she remembered he may have the last book he offered her, the one she would gain should she win the bet, The Traveler: A Journey Through Time and Space.
Twilight quickly went back to the bookshelf and pulled a copy of the book from the shelf. She flipped through it quickly going to the back of the book hoping to find a message. She felt disheartened when she did not find one, why did she think she would? She has read the book a dozen times she would of recalled if it had a message at the end. Perhaps the message was hidden, she had read many magic books that hid a spell or message to gauge the reader's abilities. Casting the spell to reveal hidden messages she was disappointed when none came up. She had come so far was this where her quest would end, no, shaking her head she would not give up.
Twilight tried the spell a second time and was surprised when only a single word lit up, T.A.R.D.I.S. It didn't make any sense why would that word light up, it was written a dozen times or more in the book. Scanning through the book no other times did the word TARDIS light up. It was the name of the Doctor's ship and he often spoke of it as a living thing, but why would the word light up only at the end of the book? Actually it the word was part of a line spoken by the Doctor when his companion asked him where he was going next and why he traveled.
"I do not know where I am going next, perhaps to a planet made of Crystal," he chuckled. "As for why I travel," looking to the stars. "The science of discovery always draws my curiosity, a desire to learn more. I want to see the magic the universe holds with my very eyes," grinning to nopony as he appears to stare beyond the sky. "You can come with me on my adventures. The T.A.R.D.I.S. is easy to find if you know where to look. I will leave the door open for you, all you have to do is come inside." entering his rectangular box shaped ship of blue. Leaving the doors open wide, as promised, inviting anypony to come on an adventure.
Twilight enjoyed the end of the book, when she was younger she imagined it was her being invited to join the Doctor in his travels. Many ponies believed that the author chose to write the last part of the book for that purpose, to give a message to the reader.
A message... Twilight couldn't believe it that is what she was seeking, the author hid it within the book. Twilight smiled at her cleverness, there was a message there the entire time and she found it. Now all she has to do if figure out what that message is. Looking back at the glowing word the message must be related to the word T.A.R.D.I.S. The message said the T.A.R.D.I.S. could be found if you know where to look. But what did that mean? The way the word was written was strange through the book it had been written as a single word, but here at the end it was separated, there must be some meaning to it.
Twilight went through her facts, four books and four messages and four different authors, the only thing they seem to have in common was the Doctor. Did the books hold the answers? If they did then she knew where to look, but they didn't contain her word. That is a silly notion anyway in order to even possibly contain the word they would of needed to be written by the same pony. Realization hit Twilight like inspiration hits Rarity or like Rainbow Dash kicking a cloud to make lighting, what if they were written by the same pony? Did she just stumble onto the greatest book discovery in her life? She could barely contain her excitement to think all this time the author of the Traveler had written these books and managed to hide it. Even Twilight herself never considered the notion until now that the books all had the same author. Of course she is aware of the possibility that she is wrong, but deep down she knew she was on the right path. All she needed to do was find the T.A.R.D.I.S. then she will know that she was right.
Twilight has four books she is certain that the words of the Doctor will lead her on her path and the messages in the other books contain what she seeks. According to what the Doctor says the first book she needs is Crystals, followed by Science and then Magic. Twilight can't believe her eyes taking the first word of each sentence; To, Amaze, Ready, Dare, I, Speculate; it spells out T.A.R.D.I.S. she had found it.
Twilight gasped at the implications, the author of her favorite series and three books were one in the same. The proof was right in front of her, the need to write about her discovery overwhelming. A desire to share with everypony what she found, it may reawaken interest in the books and the series. The fact she found it was amazing and she owed it to the guidance of Clockwork.
The thought of Clockwork and this revelation made her think of him a different light. This entire time he knew this secret, for how long she is not sure, and he decided to share it with her. Why did he? What made him trust her? Did he want her to tell other ponies or keep it between them? The thought of keeping a secret between the two of them made her cheeks burn. He was clearly an intelligent pony able to solve a riddle nopony knew of, how did he?
Twiight gasped, the book of course. He had the original copy of the The Traveler: A Journey Through Time and Space with the authors true name in it, the author must of guided him. It also made her prize much more valuable, not only would she have the name of the Traveler's Series but also the author of the other three books. Information she could share with the pony community, however it came at a price. If Twilight gains the book she loses the stallion, that was the last thing she wanted. Twilight was at a crossroads, what is more important knowledge or friendship?
Even when he is not here he causing her frustration. Twilight can feel herself split wanting both, now that she has the knowledge she want to know more her curiosity driving her to learn everything she can. However was the price to high, she would lose somepony in the process. A stallion that has brought chaos to her mind and a myriad of feelings she never experienced before, yet the thought of it going away hurts in ways she doesn't understand. Twilight wishes she could ask Princess Celestia for help, but stopped herself before calling on Spike. She had just looked outside, the sun was due to set, she had to go and meet him soon.
Armed with knowledge she felt ready, accept for the fact she felt something was amiss. It only took a quick look in a mirror to realize what that was, she looked terrible. Her mane was disheveled from the running, her coat was covered in sweat, and she was covered in dust. Now she was no Rarity, but she knew she could never show up at his place like this. He cleaned off for her it is only right that she does the same, it would be rude otherwise.
Hopping into the shower her mind flowed with thoughts as water flowed over her body. How would she approach her discovery when she saw him next? Did he even want her to tell him of it? Never has she felt such conflicting emotions. Part of her wants to ask him out right how he knew, she believed he knew the author. However there is another part that doesn't feel she would not need to tell or ask anything, as if he already would know when she saw him next. Twilight knew that it seemed impossible for him to know her thoughts, however he gave her the clues probably expecting her to solve his puzzle. That brought her back to a question she asked herself when she first met Clockwork, how well did he know her?
Twilight admits she made an impression on Ponyville since moving here, with the whole saving the day thing and the occasional trouble she has caused. She has made friends with various ponies, not as many a Pinkie Pie, but enough that they know her name. But only her close friends understand her habits, so how would he? Was he able to gain that knowledge from their brief meeting? Under his piercing blue eyed gaze she felt exposed, more than she did while taking a shower. She felt like his eyes could read anything they wanted about her, she had felt powerless and yet felt empowered at the same time. Like the time she faced Nightmare Moon, despite having been overcome and close to defeat the thought of her friends gave her new strength to win. That is how she felt under his gaze except he was the source of both, he made her feel powerless and empowered. It didn't make any sense, why did he make her feel that way? He causes her mind to go topsy turvy frustrating her to no end, yet she is excited to go see him again. What did that mean?
Twilight shook her head she was losing to much time standing in the shower. Quickly getting out she dried herself off with a towel, levitating her brush combing her mane. Out of the corner of her eye she spots something, it was a make up kit and some perfume Rarity gave her a while ago. Normally she never would of given it a second thought, the lack of use evident due to it still being sealed. For some reason she felt it seemed unfair to Rarity not to use her gift. Besides it was getting dark nopony would notice and she could tell Rarity she had used it.
Twilight's mind made up she sets the brush aside and opens the make up kit. Applying a light foundation first, a shudder going down her spine not wanting to retake Rarity's lesson for make up. Twilight knew she didn't want to go to heavy a light touch here and there was enough. Using an eyelash curler for her eyes, but stopping at lipstick feeling that was to far. Finishing her work she looked over herself she could hardly believe her own eyes, she looked good. Twilight was amazed how much a little make up changed her appearance, she felt she could be mistaken for a Canterlot noble. Admiring her work the perfume caught her attention, should she put that on as well? Rarity believed the scent would suit her and if she kept it light it wouldn't be over bearing. Making her choice Twilight gives herself too small spritzes under her neck on her chest. The scent of Lavender reached her nose, Rarity was right it was a nice scent.
Looking over herself in the mirror Twilight recalls that she would not be the only seeing this, she had a stallion to meet. Twilight realized it was far to late to try and clean this off, why did she suddenly decide to put it on in the first place? She knew she would meet him soon, did she do this herself or for him? Would he like it? Shaking her head, where did that thought come from? She had no time to worry the sun had almost set she needs to leave or else be late for her dat.. appointment.
"Spike," calling out to the dragon. "I need to go the pony I left the clock with promised to have it done by the end of the day."
"Alright Twilight," noticing the books laying around. "Do I have..." noticing Twilight appearance and is struck dumb into silence.
"Oh sorry about the mess," using her magic to put the two Traveler books away. "I will clean up the rest when I get home," leaving as quickly as possible so Spike can't comment on her looks.
Rushing out of the Library Twilight slammed the door behind her. She did not want to explain her spur of the moment need for make up to Spike. Looking behind her to make sure he did not come out she left out a breath of relief, hopefully no pony else would see her like this. If Rarity saw her like this she would never leave her alone. Telling her how right she was and make comments like, "Bitten by the love bug," and other embarrassing things like that. If Rainbow Dash saw her it would be even worse, Twilight would have to listen to her laugh for about a week and then the mocking would begin. Twilight loved her friends, but sometimes they can be a hoof full.
Checking the sun Twilight sped herself up to a fast trot, she didn't want to run for fear of getting sweaty. It would not look to good if she went to all this work getting clean to mess it up in a mad dash. Though she did not have access to a clock learning under Princess Celestia had its advantages. During her lessons Twilight learned how the read the motions of the sun and could easily surmise the time of day from it. Judging from its position, looking close to setting, it was around six. She should easily make it to her destination in time, she wouldn't want to be late. Though maybe she did, it would give him more time to work on her clock. Normally Twilight wouldn't even consider being late to anything, but for some reason this time was different. After all it wasn't like they had an absolute time agreement it was more of an around time. On the other hoof if she was early perhaps he wouldn't be finished yet and she could watch him work. She would be more than happy to give him a small time extension on their bet if she could watch.
The thought of watching him sweat while working brought excitement to Twilight. Watching him as he concentrated on fixing her clock, his hooves delicacy moving over the gears, using his instruments to insure things were tight and set, and his eyes observing every detail of his craft.
Twilight's fantasy came to an end when she barely dodged a post that seemingly came from no where. What was wrong with her, she has never done that before, unless she was walking and reading. Why was the thought of watching the stallion work making her breath short close to panting? The better question was why she wanted to change his focus from the clock to her? Could Rarity's assumption been correct?
Twilight shook her head, no, no it wasn't right. It couldn't be right, could it? Twilight was at war with herself, logic versus emotion. She knew nothing about him, relationships don't work like that. Two ponies need to go out several dates to see if they are compatible. From there they can analyze their findings and decide to be a couple. There are other data points to be considered such as attraction, but that it has to go deeper than just appearance. Only when all the data has been assembled and analyzed can a pony decide if they in love. Love does not happen sporadically or like in those books she indulged Rarity by reading. So why did it cause her discomfort to think this way?
Twilight shook her head, she was losing time thinking like this. Having these questions on her mind would get her no where. She wanted to be a little bit early not late, picking up the pace to reach her destination faster. After all her answers weren't going to fall from the sky. That part was true for Twilight, her answer wouldn't come from the sky, instead it would come from a collision. A collision with a grey Pegasus with a blond mane, one that went by the name of Ditzy Doo.
"Oh I am so sorry," Twilight quick to apologize. "I was in such a rush that I wasn't paying attention," groaning as she noticed the dirt on her once clean coat.
"It is alright," replied the Grey mare as she brushed herself off. "I wasn't paying attention either. I was lost in thought, I am the one who should of been paying attention," acting like she was the one at fault.
Twilight got a better look at the mare and realized it was the mailmare Ditzy Doo. Twilight has met the and spoken to the energetic mare on more than one occasion, mostly book deliveries. She was on friendly terms with the Pegasus who seemed more than happy to make a friend. Today she seemed to be lost in thought for some reason. Noticing that she was staring at her.
"What wrong?" noticing Ditzy's shock. "Is something on my face," worried about how she looked due to the crash using a spell to clean herself of the dirt.
"No its not that," speaking calmly to soothe Twilight's nerves. "It just you look so nice. Are you going out on a date?" surprising her with an innocent question.
"What, no of course not," trying to think of an excuse. "It just Rarity has been persistent about me wearing make up and all, so I decided to give it a try. You know purely experimental," sighing at her inability to lie.
"Right," clearly not convinced. "Hey wait... is the library still open?" changing the subject quickly.
"Yes," caught off guard by the question, but glad to change it. "I left Spike in charge. It will be open for another hour or so, why do you ask?" curious why Ditzy needed to know.
"Do you have a map of Ponyville?" Twilight could see the Pegasus grow excited.
"Several," answering Ditzy's odd question. "But why..." getting caught in a hug by the Grey Pegasus mare.
"Oh thank you Twilight," releasing her from her hug. "That helps me out a lot," moving towards the Library.
"Your welcome?" questioning Ditzy's behavior. Turning to leave the pony to her own devices.
"Oh and Twilight," catching the mare's attention. "You look great, your going to floor him when he sees you," she could hear her giggle.
Twilight was caught completely off guard by that comment. Trying to think of anything to throw off the Pegasus. Was she really that obvious? She was out near the end of the day wearing make up and perfume, how much more obvious can one get? Now she herself is realizing how obvious she was, finally admitting to herself that she was in deep. She had lost the argument before it even began, best to admit defeat. "Thanks Ditzy," thanking her for several reasons, but mostly for freeing her from the burden she had on her mind. Taking notice of the sun rushing off leaving the kind mare behind.
Twilight had an extra bounce to her step as she raced towards her destination. She felt lighter than she did when she started her adventure. This entire time she been asking herself why she was so interested in Clockwork. Why she wanted to know so much about him, why she wanted to empress him, and why she just wanted to be around him. She had skirted the issue more than once with Rarity and with herself, but often changed the subject not wanting to dive to far. Hard to believe it took a mare that she barely knew to give her the answer, she had fallen for him. It felt freeing to admit that to herself it defied logic, however she didn't care. Twilight never thought she would ever see the day where she didn't care about logic, it felt good. Naturally she had her doubts, she was no fool, she knew he may have a wife or simply be not interested. She would ready herself for the possible heart break. However for now she would bask in the freedom she felt at admitting she had fallen for somepony.
So many thoughts and feeling flowed through Twilight as she headed for the stallions home, would he be ready? Given her new feelings she was split between him being done and not being done. If he was not done then she could watch him work, though she blushed at the thought that she may watch him more than his work. On the other hoof if he was done than she can lose the bet and be his assistant and watch him work whenever she wanted. Perhaps she could start that night, that wouldn't be to forward would it? She could feel her face turn red she had no clue how relationships worked, taking a mental note to look up books on the subject.
Of course Twilight knew she was going to far forward, after all it depended on the bet they made. Problem is, given her feelings, she didn't know if she would make sure he won the bet on purpose. However she made a promise and she didn't want to go back on it, plus it may be insult to him to lie for his benefit. But she didn't want to lose him, she knew what she was feeling now and she wanted to give it a chance. He said himself if he lost the bet he would leave, could she convince him to stay? She could refuse the book, part of Twilight couldn't believe she thought that, however that may not stop him from leaving. Revealing her feelings was out of the question, she herself was coming to terms with them. To tell him anything may cause a gap between them, Twilight didn't want to damage something before it had a chance. She hoped that she would think of something before she arrived.
Coming to a stop Twilight realized something, she had no clue where she was. She was so lost in a daze that she even forgotten she was running, how did she not hit anything? Twilight wanted to berate herself, she would be lucky to make on time now. Nothing more to do than look around and hope she not at the other side of town. One quick look around and she realized where she was and one thought entered her mind, it was impossible. She was standing in front of Clockwork's shop. There was no way it was possible, yet here she was. She didn't remember taking turns or even even entering the area, there was no way she was that lost in thought? She arrived safe, she should of hit something. There was no denying her own eyes, it was the same worn down building with a door barely on it hinges. Twilight reached out a hoof just to be sure, touching the door it creaked just like before.
Twilight had no idea how, but she was at her destination. Standing at the door now she felt as if Celestia was on the other side and she didn't study hard enough, she felt nervous. She knew she shouldn't she had solved his puzzle, however learned little about him. Questions still flowed though her head and for the first time she wondered if she wanted to know the answers. It was an unusual feeling not wanting to know. She didn't feel worry or anxiety she felt almost content with the idea. How could one stallion cause such a shift in her? Wanting to know everything about him and yet content with the idea of learning nothing. Perhaps that is what love is, wanting everything but content with nothing so long as you with sompony.
Twilight still wan't sure if she was in love, but she acknowledged that she felt something for him. How this feeling came from a brief encounter with him she is not certain, but she won't deny it is there. He was a mystery and it was that mystery that made her follow the path he gave her. What she discovered was an even deeper mystery one that opened her eyes to things she never knew before. But what did she learn about him? That he was intelligent, insightful, caring, and to some can come out as rude, however he was lonely too. Perhaps she learned more about him then she originally thought.
As Twilight moved to enter the building she could feel her nerves settle down and worries melt away. She had accepted the fact that she had no idea what to expect once she entered though that door, he could be a magic using earth pony after all. Twilight also excepted that they may never move beyond friends. Leaving her doubts behind she made for the door, would entering change everything or nothing she did not know. As the Doctor would sometimes say, "nothing ventured nothing gained," ready for anything she went in to see what future held for her.
Author's Note
Done another chapter. Were any of you able to solve the puzzle before Twilight? If so good job.
On another note I been thinking a rewrite of this story without Ditzy. My reasoning, it is hard for me for write her part in the story. My mind doesn't know what to do with her. I would like the opinion of the readers, keep or go. Let me know.
*Update I have decided to remove Ditzy, sadly I was at a loss on what to do with her. However I am keeping her in this chapter so not to cut her out completely, also it was her that gave Twilight her revelation. I will update soon I have been a bad author not updating as much as I could.
House of Illusion
Twilight entered though the run down door with both excitement and trepidation, the Pinkie Pie word for it was "Nervcited." Twilight never believed in such a word until now, after all she was feeling it. She was going to re-meet a stallion who has done nothing but consumed her thoughts for most of the day. Her revelation that she was smitten with him only added to the feeling. Her heart beating hard and fast as it thumping in her chest, it was so loud it drowned all other noise to her ears. Swallowing her "Nervcitedness" she enter the dilapidated barn once more, it remained unchanged. The same empty book shelves stood as bare as ever, still a crime in her eyes. The lone makeshift table covered in a white sheet was still there too, the bell sitting on top of it. If anything the room looked worse than before, but that was impossible. Could it be she was being judgmental?
Twilight berated herself what was she thinking judging his home like this, she hardly knew him but knowing she liked him changed her outlook already. Her mind was already searching out flaws and reasons as why he would be a poor match for her. No, she would not treat him like this he didn't deserve it he has done nothing wrong. What was she expecting, a clean room and a candle light dinner. Feeling the heat on her cheeks at the the thought, shaking her head. It is not like he meant for her to fall for him, did he? Twilight's doubt entering her mind worming its way in eating away at her confidence, what if he had planned it? No, that is impossible, arguing with herself, a pony cannot alter one feelings. Is it so far fetched, the other part argued, after all it seems he can alter ponies memories who is to say he can't do feelings as well? It was a convincing argument she gave herself, she shook her head. No she would have to trust him, believe that he wouldn't do that. Twilight did not have enough facts to know why he altered ponies memories, but she had to believe it was not out of malice. It felt strange to put that much trust in a pony who was not one of her friends, perhaps it was another sign to her liking him.
Twilight had other issues to deal with anyway, her current one was a silver object that made a ding noise when pressed. The evil silver mechanism taunted her holding her fate in its shiny clutches. Asking the same question over and over, "do you dare ring me?" Never had such a menace held such a power over her from Discord to Sombra, none made her feel so powerless. Would the Elements of Harmony even work on such a monstrosity? Could she defeat something the wrapped the very coils of her fate around it? It seems so easy, ring the silver mechanism and see the stallion that has been consuming her thoughts. However it was not that easy, there were so many other factors she must consider. What if he is working on something important, possibly her clock, and by making the beast sound it shrill call she disturbs that work? Would it cause him to lose focus destroying his work, or clock, making him dislike her? No object should such a devastating ability, however that was not it's only ability. The silver device held as much good as it did evil. It also held the power to bring the same stallion to her happy to see her glad to see she was punctual and did not forget about him. The meeting could bring them together giving a seed to a relationship that they could nurture together till it bloomed into something wonderful. However nothing would happen unless she rang it, which led her to her current situation. Do or do not? Twilight could always hope that he would come out on his own and never have to touch its shiny metal skin. However she ran the risk of him never coming to greet her or asking why he never alerted him of her presence should he come.
Twilight swallowed hard as she prayed she made the right decision and struck the foul silver beast and waited to hear it's shrill cries. She tensed up after striking it and heard nothing, the silver menace was silent. Twilight hit it again with more vigor, no contraption would foil her meeting. As if mocking her the device remained silent shrugging off her attacks as if they were nothing. This truly was a corrupt beast without compassion, but she refused to let up as she struck it again and again to force it to sing the song of it's defeat. The beast held it's ground not letting her hear its cries as she grew tried and annoyed she would show this menace who the boss was, charging up her magic.
"Please don't destroy my bell," the device pleads for mercy she will not let it sway her. "Even if it would be entertaining to watch, I'd rather not have to go through the trouble of replacing it," it mimics the voice of the one she longs to see what an underhand creature this is.
"Eyes of fire and body vibrating with magic horn a glow, I am glad I am not on the receiving end of your ire Miss Sparkle. They say nothing brings out passion and beauty out of a mare like anger and I have to say I am inclined to agree."
"What!?" breaking from her rage to see the very stallion she came to meet clad in that infernal lab coat. Trying her very best to wish herself invisible hiding her face and blush in shame at him seeing her like that.
"Nothing to be ashamed about we all lost ourselves to frustration every once in a while," looking grim for a moment as if holding back his own demons. "No harm done," resuming his normal cheer.
Trying to hide herself behind her mane pulling off a Fluttershy imitation. "Ah, hi," uncertain what to say. "How much did you see?" not wanting to know, but had to ask.
"I wandered in as you were giving the bell a good thrashing," Twilight winced she had made a terrible impression she was sure of it. "I was content with observing seeing who would win the epic battle you or the bell, but had to step in when you resorted to magic. Where was the fairness in that the poor thing would never stood a chance."
"You're not mad?" glad that he was not, but wondering about his sanity.
"Granted there may be ringing in my ears for a while, but no," letting her know all is forgiven.
"But it made no noise," the silent bell sat innocently despite her accusations.
"To you that is true, however to me I can hear it quite well," making her wonder how he can hear the bell and she could not. "How I hear it is my own little secret," as if reading her mind.
"I didn't disturb you, did I?" her heart hammering in her chest praying that she didn't.
"Are you kidding I enjoy being disturbed," speaking as if he had more than one meaning. "Any interruption is a good one to me, things can get quite dull with no pony other than me around."
"Then... I... am pleased to provide you with... your interruption?" uncertain if she was responding correctly.
"And what an interruption it was," letting out a laugh. "I was wondering how our second meeting would go and I am quite pleased with the results."
"But... I was angry," words falling from Twilight's tongue. Blushing when she realized he said he been thinking think about her and was pleased with her.
"What a wondrous sight it was," earning a blush from her. "You can learn more about a pony in the heat of anger than you ever can any other time," speaking as if quoting a book. "Seeing your fire and passion I have to be inclined to agree, it was a beautiful sight."
Twilight almost choked on her own gasp, did he just call her beautiful? Did she hear him right? Her heart hammering in her chest and her mouth gone dry, come to think of didn't he call her attractive during their first meeting? Her mind was in such a jumble she had forgotten, but his words brought back the memory with a vengeance. The memory and the fact he said it for a second time made her body burn, nopony has ever called her beautiful before. There was her parents and her friends sure, the Rarity word for it was "Divine," but he was the first stallion to say it. Twilight was sure her body color had been replaced from purple to red from the compliment he gave her it was almost to much to handle. If he found her beautiful at her most "uncouth" time then how would he view her beyond that?
"Are you alright Miss Sparkle?" his voice tickling her ears in her enamored state. "Your awfully hot, do you have a cold?" his hoof breaking her personal space touching her forehead.
"What, yes," the shock of his touch breaking her of her self induced spell. "I mean no, I don't have a cold," why does she let him put her in such a state?
"Good, good don't want you in bad health," pulling his hoof away. "Last thing we need is you collapsing and me being forced to carry you."
"Right..." reluctant to agree, part of her wanting his hooves on her.
"Well no sense putting it off, let us get to the reason why you are here," reminding her about what lead them to meeting in the first place.
"Oh right... you mean the clock," not wanting to bring up that subject. "I don't want you to feel rushed," part of her fearing the clock may not be done. "I sure there is still some time left before the actual ending of our deal."
"Actually the time of our deal ended about three minutes ago," causing Twilight's heart to drop.
"I am sorry it is all my fault," realizing she had taken up his time. "You can have that time back, I don't mind waiting an extra few minutes," why did she touch that bell, silently berating herself. Taking up his time meant the clock might not be finished, it not being finished meant she would not be in awe of the crafthoofship of his work, and if that happens she wins the bet and loses him. That was the last thing she wanted, between her new found feelings and the mystery he lead her on, she would never allow him to lose.
"I clearly interfered with the completion of our contest," treating the bet like an official event. "Therefore you have the right to void our deal and declare yourself the winner," almost dancing at her cleverness there is no way he could lose now.
"Is that what you want Miss Sparkle?" the seriousness of his voice confusing her. "Do you have so little faith in my work that you think I need a crutch in order to win?" Twilight realizing in horror that she had somehow insulted him.
"No that is not it," trying to recover the situation.
"Than would you care to explain why you have so little faith in me?" Twilight could feel the sweat poor off her body, was the room getting hotter? "Did our bet mean so little you that your willing to just throw it away because you think I have no chance at winning?" The fury of those blue eyes staring down right at her not letting her free as if a mountain was crushing her. Staring into those typhoon blue eyes was like staring into an oncoming storm that would devastate all in it path, an uncontrolled fury no Pegasus could hope to tame. However, in the dark depths Twilight could see the pain hiding behind the fury. She felt so bad she wanted him to win so much, but she never took his own feeling into account. His need, his desire to prove himself to those around him and she was selfishly taking it away. She needed to make amends before she lost the stallion completely.
"I do have faith in you," keeping her eyes locked with his. Knowing if she looked away and did not face this storm head on she would lose him to his twister of turmoil. Throwing her feeling and emotions into the storm hoping something would breach making to the suffering stallion at it's center. "I panicked," admitting her own turmoil. "I didn't mean to offend you, I felt responsible for disturbing you and taking you away from your work. I never meant insult your work, I now understand how much it means to you," his liquid fire blue eyes cooling, but still held his passion. "I also agree with your previous statement, it is a wondrous sight," giving him a shy smile.
"Right," he pulled away quickly, did she see a blush? "All forgiven Miss Sparkle, sorry about that I should of realized that you meant no harm. Deal back on?"
"It doesn't matter I should of taken more consideration of you and your work," accepting his apology with one of her own. "Yes our deal is back on," replying mirthfully.
"Good, don't want to get caught in the trap of each of apologizing to one another," brushing the incident off. "I welcome you once again to my humble home, now for the clock," looking around as if expecting to find it. Twilight watching as he seemed to search every inch of the rather empty room in his attempt to find it, "Miss Sparkle did you see if I had brought the clock with me," checking under white cloth for the forth time.
"No I did not," wondering what he gained from searching the same place several times, not like it would magically appear. Thinking on it, did she know a spell that would bring the clock to her? Shaking her head, if she knew it location maybe, however without that she could do little.
"Ah I remember where it is," shooting up from his searching surprising Twilight. "I left in in my workshop," looking at the lone doorway the exited the room.
"I can wait here," part of her wanting to follow him.
"After you came all this way, that would be rude," thinking of a solution. "I got it, I invite you into my home Miss Sparkle," giving a playful bow.
Twilight could feel that "Nervcitedness" rise in her once more her heart pounding in her chest. He just invited her into him home allowing her to see beyond this deary room. What would she see? Would her thoughts be confirmed, would she discover that he was an Earth pony that had access to magic? Twilight wanted to believe that she was right and going into his home would prove that hypothesis. If not that than perhaps she could bring up the discovery that he lead her to about the Doctor and the three books, there were so many things that they could talk about. He seemed to be an intelligent stallion, perhaps she could make him forget about leaving if he found a pony that shared his interests.
There was the other part of Twilight, "Smitten Twilight," the part that made her realize that she was just invited into a stallion's home. Him and her alone, the very idea made her burn. She knew very well that she had an infatuation with the stallion, however to be invited into his home. The myriad of emotions that went through Twilight ranged from butterflies to hydra. "Smitten Twilight," was telling her to pounce at this chance let him lead her around, distract him if necessary. Use those phrases and words Rarity likes the throw around, such as "playing coy and flirt," when talking about meeting stallions. The longer they were together the better chance she had of catching his interest.
"Sensible Twilight," on the other hoof knew better, she had no idea how to play coy or flirt, she had to look up their meanings the first time she heard them. She would most likely trip over her own tongue trying to flirt and has no clue at playing coy. If anything the stallion would most likely laugh at her attempts, which Smitten counters by reminding Sensible that some stallion like mares that can make them laugh.
Twilight shook her head, this inner argument was getting her no where. She needed to make a decision, one that may effect her future relation... She needed to stop worrying about the what if and make a choice.
"Lead the way," trying not to think about if it was the right or wrong choice to make.
"Right this way Miss Sparkle," heading towards the doorway. "Careful and stick close don't want you getting lost," a twinkle in his eye as he enters through the doorway.
Twilight is not given much time to think on his warning swiftly following him in keeping him in view. Glancing at the hall she has enter she realized he must of been joking. The walls were white and bare and the hall was straight there was no way she could get lost. She could see no other doors in the area the chances of her getting lost were nil, however what if she was wrong. He has proven more than once that he can do strange things, come to think of it he used this same hall to get clean and get a spare lab coat. Yet she seen no room for cleaning or a rack of lab coats, where did he get them? Her eyes looking forward, how far was this hallway? Granted she couldn't see much past him, only his tail swaying back and forth and his well toned back legs and slowly traveling up... quickly looking away realizing she what doing with a blush.
Her diversion to think of anything else allowed her to notice a table not to far away from her, how she had not noticed it before was a mystery. It was normal old wooden table that was painted the same color as the wall, perhaps why it didn't catch her notice the first time. On top of it was something strange though it was a specimen display. Twilight has seen many of them at museums often holding some sort of rock or small creature with a description below. However this one held no such thing, it was empty. Why it was here she was uncertain, she had been wanting to talk to Clockwork about something and this would be perfect. Looking up she saw the hall was lacking of one stallion, she was alone.
Twilight could feel her heart beat faster in panic, where did he go? Taking deep breaths to calm herself, worrying would do her no good, she needed to act logically. First look for doors that he could of gone in, none, she could feel the calm slipping away. Second look down hall for any turns he could of taken, none, her heart rate spiking once more. Third look back the way you came. Twilight could feel the fear rising in her, but she knew that they took no turns and she had not went to far so she should see the exit. So why did she feel the fear that it would not be there if she looked, taking a deep breath as she readied to turn her head.
"Buzzt," came a noise breaking her of calmness and straight into panic as she searched for the source. "Buzzzt," came the noise once more closer this time as if it was right next to her. Looking at the table once more, however this time something new was on it and it was very much alive. Twilight backed away staring at this new creature analyzing it in both fear and curiosity. "Buzzzzt," its compound eyes on her apparently doing the same. Was it some sort of bug, it did appear beetle like except its shell was red in color not the usual black or brown. "Buzzt," it was definitely the source of the sound, but that did not get her any closer to what is was.
Sniffing the air she could smell a sweet almost calming scent, was this creature releasing it? Looking at it's size it looked about the size of a June Bug, however it red shell was the oddest thing it almost looked like it was a heart. "Buzzzzt," flapping it's wings as more calming scent entered the air as Twilight relaxed outside her own will. Looks like she was wrong it wasn't afraid of her it was sizing her up, it was going to attack. Twilight felt herself getting sleepy, though in reality wanted to run. She knew next to nothing on this creature, it could be poisonous. Looks like she will find out after it attack, seeing it looking ready to pounce.
"Got you," as a glass jar swiftly enclosed the beetle like creature. "Thought you could get away from me did you?" The creature replying with an angry buzz. "Don't give that tone with me," berating the bug. "It is your own fault for going after my guest, how are you Miss Sparkle?" turning his attention towards her.
Twilight on the other hoof hardly registered any of this, her mind in a daze from the creature's pheromones. What she did register was she was just saved by the most handsome stallion in all existence. Like a Knight in white armor coming to her aid rescuing her from that vile monster before it could attack. Her heart was a flutter as she stared at her savior in awe, was he always this handsome? Every feature of his seemed more defined than before and she took in the sight without her usual shyness, was she always this forward? Her Knight had conquered the beast and was asking for her state of health, she must answer in kind.
"I am most well Sir Knight, you have my deepest gratitude" her voice and eyes full of swoon.
"Sir Knight?" looking back at the insect. "How much did you hit the poor mare with?" the bug replying with a buzz. "How many hooves am I holding up?" turning his attention back to her.
"You want my hoof, how forward Sir Knight," giving out a flirtatious giggle. "If you want a gift of my affection all you have to do is ask. I shall give you my highest gift, a kiss," moving forward her lips puckered.
"She puckering her lips what am I suppose to do?" asking the bug in panic. Its replied with a deep buzz, "Yeah I figured that would be your answer," letting out a sigh. "I don't think you would to happy with me if I took advantage of you in your situation Miss Sparkle," looking down at her puckered lips. "Though I could be wrong... no it is better this way. Sorry Miss Sparkle, but this is for your own good." a flash of a blue light and a high pitch noise and Twilight fell unconscious.
When Twilight awoke she noticed many things, first she was almost eye level to the floor. This lead her to the second thing, she was lying on a thin mattress. Which lead her to her third none of what she was seeing looked anything in her Library. Where was she? Looking around it looks like somepony wrapped her in a blanket, like they couldn't decide to put her on top or under so they split the two and folded it over her.
Trying to get her bearing she looked around more, she could make out the legs of a table. From where she was she could not see on top of it, however many things looked like they were hanging off. She could make out springs and metal wire and what looked to be dripping oil, this place was a mess. Were they working on something or just plan messy, noticing a red wagon not to far away. What was that doing here she was sure she left it with... She was in his home! She was in his bed! As panic started to seize her, what happened?
Twilight went through her jumbled memory, recalling she was attacked by the strange insect. Which brought her to her next question, how did she end up here? The only answer she could come up with made her blush, he must of carried her here. Looking around again at the messy room she realized that this must be the Workshop that he spoke about. Leaving her questioning the mattress and blankets she was now in, did he bring them here to give her a place to rest? She could feel her cheeks burn at the thought and how sweet it was for him to do such a thing, she took a whiff expecting them to smell clean, instead they smelled like him. That whiff proved that he did not provide these sheets, instead that he rested here on more than one occasion his scent embedded in the sheets.
Discovery through scent, it was a different type of learning for Twilight. Mostly it was used on flowers, this was a first to be used to learn about a pony. Most of the time she would need to talk to them or study them to learn anything and it would be fairly rude to go up and sniff somepony. However here she was able to use a sense she hardily get to use in the learning process. She had learned much just from the one sniff, such as he gets immersed in his work just like her. She could easily imagine him working on something to the point of exhaustion, much like she has in the past and use this mat to rest. Twilight could feel her heart pick up speed at her discovery that they had something else in common. The idea was practical too making her think she should invest in a mat as well, that way Spike would never have to remind her to go to bed again. What else could she learn about this mysterious stallion, this room could full hidden discoveries.
Reluctantly Twilight left the mattress, knowing laying there would not allow her to learn more. Analyzing the room to determine the best place to start. Part of her felt guilty about planning on going through this room without his knowledge, however her curiosity would not be sated. Not wanting to upset him Twilight opted to stay out of any drawers or snooping to far, however anything in eye sight was fair game. From her position the closet thing was the work bench trotting up to it to get a better look.
The work bench held a mess of parts, sprockets, spring, and gears along with a mess of other things. Twilight could not make sense of it, clearly something was being worked on. However the object was not there, perhaps it had been finished and brought to another room. The bench was a mess, but it lacked something crucial the the building process, tools. Twilight could not make out a single hammer or screwdriver, again possible they could be else where. Determining what he was working on in this disaster of wires and oil would be next to impossible, it seemed this table was meant for deconstruction than construction.
Twilight looked around some more knowing she needed to reevaluate her thinking. This room held discoveries she knew it, she just needed find them. The question was, where to look? Her eyes only revealed chaos objects littering the room without sense as if pushed to the side once done with. The only thing Twilight feels like she is discovering is how careless he is. Did he create nothing and only take it apart, Twilight could feel herself getting depressed. Had she built up this illusion to strongly? She believed him to be an intelligent and creative mind, perhaps her future with him was much like the objects on the floor. To be picked apart and then tossed to the side.
Twilight shook her head, she needed to stop thinking those things. To judge without proof was cruel, but where would she find the thing to free her of her doubts. She wished she had her books, though doubtful they may of held a clue. It is unlikely they would of made sense of this disaster of a room. It was her on mind the believed their to be the a connection between the books and the stallion. It seemed rather silly to think that a pony could be trying to mix science and magic. The books only told of theories, not facts. It was through only intuition that she was even able to discover the connections the books had, following the small trail left by a stallion she only met.
Twilight was stuck no matter how she evaluated the situation she could not gleam any information from the status of the room. Either he was a very messy unorganized stallion or he is very good at hiding his real talents. It was a theory she had yet to consider, what if all this was here to throw her off? If he did not want to be discovered then the best course of action be to hide everything. It made sense he had no reason to trust her, so why leave anything for her? If he wanted her to learn anything he would of left a small trail, like he did with the books. The question was did he leave her a trail? Twilight went over what information she had, used bedding, no tools, no projects, and wires everywhere. Twilight thought on it, did any of this help her piece together her puzzle? It seemed unlikely, but Twilight was not the type to give up until the puzzle was solved. However to do this she would have to break her own rule, she would need to touch something.
Twilight looked around, nearby there was a large gear on the floor. It seemed out of place, laying on the floor sticking out a trip hazard waiting to happen. If nothing else she lend the stallion a hoof and move that out of the way. Standing over it she wondered why it was there, did he drop it and forget it was there? Thinking would do little to aid the situation she used he magic to lift it up and found it would not budge. Frustrated and curious she gave it another tug and it would still not move. Giving the gear a closer look she found it was screwed to the floor. Twilight started wondering how many cards this stallion was short, what reason would he have for attaching a gear to the floor? Giving it a touch she found the gear to be warm, but that was impossible unless it was in service. Twilight recalled her thought on that he was very good at hiding things, but how was this gear attached to that theory? Looking closer she could see wires leading to and from gear some heading towards the bench others under random objects, could this run something? Observing in greater detail she could make out many more gears hidden throughout the room.
Going back to the benched she stepped on a puddle of oil, the firm surface of the oil surprised her. She should of stepped in not on, her hoof was clean. Stepping again she found the surface rubbery, it was fake. Twilight adding new data to her memory as she found it the oil was fake and the wires were not, what did that mean? Twilight needed to know more looking at the bench with new insight, prodding a spring on the bench finding it was soldered down. Having an inkling Twilight gaze lower at the feet of the bench to discover her thought was right, the legs were bolted to the floor.
Twilight could feel herself getting giddy, she was sure she was close to figuring out the room. The last time she had this much fun trying to understand a room she was a foal. Recalling her time when she went to a fun house for the first time.
"Daddy, what is this room?" looking up seeing furniture on the ceiling and not the floor.
"This is the upside down room," marveling at the room as well.
"What magic do they use to keep it up there?" always wanting to learn a new spell.
"I do not believe they use magic to do this," he tells a disappointed Twilight. "Instead they nail or bolt them down to make sure they stay."
"I think it is silly," laughing at the sight.
"I think the next room is much more fun," laughed another foal as they ran into the next room. Twilight curious followed and watched as the young brown colt played in the room. Each time he pressed something or did something, something else would happen.
"What is this room?" she spoke in awe.
"This is the room of secrets," the colt laughed jumping on a cushion and bounced back as if were a trampoline. "I was told it has a hundred secrets, one day I will find them all," opening a drawer as confetti exploded everywhere.
"Can I help?" excited to find new things. The colt nodding in response.
Twilight smiled at the memory, they played in the room most of the day and never could find all the secrets. Strange how this room brought up that memory finding the similarities.
Of course how could she of missed it, the fake items and the working gears. It all tied together, this room was an illusion. This workshop was much like that room of secrets, it looked like a normal room until you dared to investigate further. Once Twilight decide to leave her comfort zone the truth of this room opened up, it was not real.
Was it another test made by the stallion? Did he do this on purpose to see if she would discover it on her own or leave everything be? This left her to ponder another question, why did he make the workshop like this? And given the state of the halls his entire home may be like this room, hiding unknown secrets. What was he hiding? Twilight's mind burned with questions that she could not answer. This stallion had built his home to have secrets and, but why? Did he really have something to hide, if she goes back on her previous notion that he has intergrated science and magic than yes. However if not then perhaps this is all in good fun and he likes having secret rooms and switches that only he knows about.
Twilight smiles at this notion given what she has found out thus far about this mysterious stallion, he seems to be a lover of fun and silly things so the idea of building a home that suited those tastes did not seem so far fetched. After all she lived in a library, Rainbow Dash lived in a cloud home, Rarity lived in her boutique, in fact all her friends lived in places that suited their tastes. Looking through those eyes having a home that was filled with fun secrets did not seem so suspicious after all. The big question what sort of fun things were waiting to be discovered, there was only one way to find out.
Twilight looked about the room wondering what she should test out, surely he would not mind if she moved one little thing to satisfy her curiosity. Her eyes darting around taking in the lay of the room deciding which object should moved following the wires lining the walls. Her eyes stopping on the gear in the room, deducing that it was the main control point room. Every seemed to lead to it as the central function for revealing this rooms true purpose, now all she had to do was turn it. Twilight once again found herself at a quandary to turn or not to, it was like facing off against the accursed bell once more. But she resolved herself to do this already one simple spin and she could learn more about the stallion.
Gripping the gear in her magic as beads of sweat through anticipation came off her brow. Soon she would see what he was really like hidden beneath the facade shown to everypony else. Starting to turn it as she wondered if she could learn about him, would she find details on his connection to the books or the Doctor whose looks he happen to share or something else entirely new she had to know. Turning the gear more with the thoughts of discovery. However stopping when she heard muffled voice, panicking it was him! Having no other choice diving back to the mat and covering herself in the blanket in fear of being discovered, like a foal with hoof in the cookie jar. The sound of sliding as hoofsteps entering the room, as she hopes he does not notice her attempt at spying. Her breath heavy as she wonders what will happen next.
Author's Note
Took a long time to update, but with a little more free time hopefully I can do more.