She felt weightless, like there was no worry in the world while she was floating amongst the stars. She looked around at the celestial objects, and on her slightest whim they moved. She amused herself for awhile, making shapes and figures. Some were complex and some were just silly. She felt warm while encased in the night. She was content, something she had not felt in some time. A voice spoke, seemingly from nowhere. It was soft, soothing, just above a whisper.
"I'm still here, little one.."
Suddenly the stars no longer reacted to her wishes. They unwound from her latest creation and returned to their rightful places, they did not stay this way for long, however. As the stars moved themselves into a new position the same voice spoke. It was still quiet, but there was a distinct edge to it this time, and she could feel the warmth she felt drain away as it said its next words.
"You'll never be rid of me.."
A new shape took up her entire field of vision, it was that of an equine head, and the two brightest stars in the sky had settled into the eye sockets. The face was all too familiar to her, and a feeling of dread settled itself in her stomach. The mouth on the snout spoke in sync with the voice she heard.
"You're so alone, little one.. Always skulking about ancient tomes and withered scrolls.
You say you want to learn, but really we both know why you avoid the others.
You're afraid. You don't want to slip up, like so long ago.
But, you will. And when you do, I will be there."
The equine's lips curled into a wicked grin as it finished speaking. Now its tone was condescending, as if speaking to a child. She could feel the darkness close in on her as fear paralyzed her entire body. Only when she could feel her binds did she begin to struggle.
"I will be there to take you as my own once more. You will always be mine.
I will return and you, as my pawn, will bring my dream to fruition.
I will return and your nightmare will be realized.
Eternal night will reign over Equestria."
She flailed her limbs about in an attempt to free herself, but it was no use. The darkness was too strong. She opened her mouth and tried to cry out, but no sound came. Her defiance weakened and tears born from helplessness soon streaked from her eyes. The equine face raised its head high and shrill laughter filled her ears. She gave one final burst of energy and strained her legs every which way possible. After just a second of this she felt a sharp pain in the back of head, and then went limp. Even as the darkness fully enveloped her she could still clearly hear the laughter echoing within her mind.
The first thing Princess Luna became aware of when she awoke was a dull throbbing of pain from the back of her head. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times to clear her vision. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but when she did she was glad to see she was in her personal study. She was on her back staring up at the ceiling that was some twenty feet above her. She slowly rolled onto her side and stood up, giving a small groan of pain as he headache's intensity increased with the effort.
Luna glanced around at the bookcases that lined the walls. While she would call it a study it was really more of a personal library. Shelves upon shelves of books and scrolls, ancient and modern, were neatly organized about the room. She was in the center of the circular room along with a dark wooden desk and a soft sofa. The sofa's lining was made of rich purple silk and the innards was some sort of comforting material that adjusted to fit her shape while retaining its own should she step off. The desk was facing the doorway that led out of the library. It was a finely crafted piece of furniture that was made of sturdy wood and otherwise unadorned except for a stylized image of the moon on the front of it. It was rather large, but Luna's telekinesis made up for what she couldn't reach with hooves.
The princess of the moon managed a surprised gasp at the state of her desk. Compared to the surrounding order on the shelves the desk was unnaturally messy. An ink bottle was tilted to its side and its contents had ruined a stack of parchment. A stack of books that was once piled in a corner of the desk was scattered near the desk on the floor. Somehow her quill had managed to find itself under the desk, along with a good deal of wrinkled parchment. Her very own black abacus was off to the side of the sofa and to her relief looked to still be working condition.
Luna set about cleaning her desk area, moving multiple objects at the same time with her magic. The work was easy, even with a throbbing migraine. First the ink mess was cleaned and disposed of, followed by placing the books back in a neat stack. Next she placed her quill and the parchment sheets in the center of the desk, the quill laying on top of the sheets. As her last act she carefully picked up the abacus and moved it in front of her to inspect it before she set it down. Just as the base of the ancient device was about to touch the desk the memory of the nightmare Luna had just had shot through her mind. She processed it all in an instant and her emotions flared, which caused her to simultaneously lose control of the spell and intensify the magical power she was putting into it. The unintentional result was her flinging the abacus across the room and it breaking on the wall near the doorway. Before realizing what she had done Luna had let forth a shudder, and then a long, drawn out sigh.
The moon goddess slowly walked around the desk and made her way over to the wreckage of the abacus, inspecting the remains. The frame had split in two and most of the wires had snapped. Black beads were all over the floor, some still rolling about. Luna shook her head and decided she would clean up later and that right now she needed some fresh air before she made things worse. The throbbing then reminded her she also needed something for her headache. She opened the door with her magic and immediately closed her eyes as bright sunlight invaded the dimly lit study. After the pain had subsided she slowly opened her eyes and stepped out of the study, closing the door behind her.
Luna's room was very similar to her sister's. There was a semi-circle of windows, four pillars, a bed in the middle of the room, a long carpet to the doorway. The difference was that where Celestia had warm colors Luna's room was all shades of cool blues or blacks. The carpet was a deep blue that matched the sheets on the bed. The marble floors and walls were a polished black. The main door was also the polar opposite of Cleestia's, the double doors had a simple but elegant crescent moon framed by stars. Aside from the color switch, Luna had no mural of Equestria's history, but she did have a side door that led out to a balcony where her personal telescope was set up. A very unique touch, however, was that the ceiling was enchanted to look like the night sky, and stars twinkled above her head even during the day.
I'm going to be late for breakfast, also.. Luna thought as she made her way to the door that led out to the rest of the castle.
As she left the room the two guards that were outside straightened and greeted, "Princess," in the same second.
Luna didn't want to show her distress so she put on a smile, "Good morning, Phalanx, Buckler." She said, bowing her head only slightly as a form of greeting.
Both of the guards dipped down on their forelegs at the gesture, bowing their heads low. "Good morning, Princess Luna." Came the reply, once more from both of them.
Luna kept the smile on her face and decided to leave the words at that before making her way down the hall. When she had left both guards straightened, returning to their duty, but not without some conversation.
"She actually knows our names?" The white earth pony named Buckler said to his fellow guardscolt.
"Of course she does, the princess treats everypony with respect and loves them all just as equally as her sister." Came the response from the white unicorn.
"She's stuck in the tower all the time, though. She's not nearly as.. social as her sister." Buckler remarked.
"The princess feels she has a lot to catch up with and a lot to make up for. She did miss one thousand years of Equestria. I believe she just wishes to be as fully prepared as possible. Now, let's find a new topic of discussion, we do the princess a disservice by speaking of her behind her back." Phalanx finished, giving a small nod to reinforce his statement.
"Ever the pinnacle of formality, Phalanx." Buckler chuckled before changing the topic.
~~~~~~~
Luna had made her way down the tower and into the castle proper, navigating the corridors by instinct. One of the first things she did when returning was familiarizing herself with the castle layout. She knew quite well where she was going, though it was still an odd experience. Nothing was the way she remembered it, though that was to be expected after the length of her absence. Finally she rounded the last corner and there, midway down the hall and on her left, was the door to the private dining room Luna and her sister shared. It was a quiet morning and as she approached the door she slowed a little at hearing a colt's voice, which she could swear was coming from within the dining room.
"- finally I'd met someone named Alonso! It was like Christmas! Well.. it was Christmas, actually. Anyways, allons-y Alonso! It was brilliant." Luna heard the voice say. She quietly stepped as close to the door as she dared and leaned in, listening. "These muffins are delicious, by the way. So is the fruit, even the apples, and I don't even like apples." There was a pause where the voice must have stopped to take a bite, Luna reasoned. "Oh, and if you felt a bit wibbly a few days ago, that's my fault. Time sort of happened all at once.. It was very timey wimey. Most people wouldn't notice a difference, but immortal beings normally aren't most people."
A part of Luna's mind picked up on the colt saying 'people' instead of 'ponies.' At the moment, however, her curiosity was overriding her attention to detail. She very quickly came to the conclusion that the only way to find out who this colt was, was to open the door and see for herself. Luna's horn lit up a dark purple and the door opened inward, allowing her a view of the room as a whole, including the table and the windows beyond it.
The table itself wasn't very large, length of about ten feet from end to end; it was only meant for about six people at max. Luna and Celestia sat at opposite ends with room along the sides for a small meeting, should there be need of one. There was a spread of fruit, baked goods, and tea set out on the table, half of which was gone. Celestia was at her usual seat and had seemingly finished with breakfast, only a tea cup was still levitating before her. Seated in the middle of the table, facing the doorway, was a brown colt with a half-full plate in front of him. The Doctor had a muffin clumsily wrapped in a hoof and was just about to take another bite of it before stopping at the door opening.
"Welcome, sister. We've been waiting for you. You look tired, Luna, did you rest well?" Celestia spoke up first.
Luna felt like all eyes were on her, which both pairs were. "Yes, I slept well enough," she lied before looking over to the Doctor. "You are?"
"Hello, I'm the Doctor. You're Luna, yes? Oh, my.. so old, but in such a young body. Sort of like me, then!" The colt said with cheer before taking a bite of the muffin.
Luna would've remarked that she was Princess Luna, but the last remark caught her off guard. Instead she settled for a raised brow directed at Celestia.
Celestia's only reply was a small grin before taking a sip of her tea. Luna gave a little huff at not being answered, but chose to sit down quietly. She started gathering a small amount of food before her with her magic. Two freshly baked rolls and a pear landed on the plate before her, as did a cup of hot tea. Before she took a bite, however, she looked over at the Doctor.
"I was unaware we princesses needed a doctor." Luna spoke before blowing on the tea and taking a sip. Instantly she could feel some of the pressure of her headache melt away with the warm liquid.
"No no, I'm the Doctor. It's what people call me, and what I call me, as it so happens." The colt said with a smile before another munch on his muffin.
After a second of silence and a deadpan expression from Luna, she turned to Celestia with a raised brow. "Who is he?"
This time Celestia answered, "A very old friend, sister. He's just as he says he is, the Doctor. If you wish to know more he will be able to enlighten you." She took another sip.
"I see I won't be getting a straight answer from you." Luna sighed, then looked to the colt, who was still enjoying his baked good. "Doctor, would you be so kind as to tell me why it is my sister seems to think so highly of you?"
The Doctor had stopped his muffin munching near the end of Luna's question, his attention turned to the guard that had just rushed in from the servant's entrance. The guardscolt gave a quick bow before rushing over to Celestia and offering a scroll. The scroll was taken in Celestia's telekinesis and the guardscolt left as quickly as he had entered. Celestia unrolled the parchment and began to read, and as her eyes scanned the page her face visibly darkened.
"Something tells me you're about to find out the answer to your question yourself, Luna.." The Doctor said sideways to the moon princess. He leaned forward, breakfast completely forgotten.
When Celestia finished with the letter she levitated it in between the Doctor and Luna for them to see. "I think this matter may require your expertise, Doctor. Read it."
The colt hunched himself over the scroll and scanned it quickly. Luna frowned, her own sister had asked this strange colt for help over herself. For the briefest second she could feel old emotions rising within in her before being swiftly repressed. Luna inwardly berated herself for such a mistake, she had changed, and was determined to not go back. She let her emotions go and decided to focus on the problem at hand by leaning in to read the scroll. She noted to her self that it really wasn't a scroll, but a typed letter in too-neatly printed font.
To Canterlot Palace Authorities,
This will be a short message. We have a problem on our hooves that we won't be able to address on our own. Equestria overall has a low crime rate, things like murder are few and far between anymore. However, recently the Fillydelphia Guard has been receiving an influx of reported disappearances. These missing ponies' reports come in about twice a week, but when guardscolts are sent to check up on the report the reporters seem to have no recollection of ever filing such a claim. While strange, our most pressing matter is a body we have recovered. There's no report attached as none of our medical examiners could make out what state the body is in or what caused such a thing. We can't link the disappearances with the body but I have a feeling that they are, the timing is too close. Send who you can, if you can; we need the help from outside sources, and you have the experts.
From the desk of,
Inspector Wit
Fillydelphia Guard Department
Both the Doctor's and Luna's brow seemed to furrow at the exact same time. Luna kept her eye on the parchment while the Doctor looked up at Celestia.
"Disappearances, bodies, inspectors.. Isn't your world a little bit too light-hearted to be having such things?" The Doctor asked with a raised brow.
Celestia gave a small sigh in response, "There are still some whose dark thoughts prevail. Even I cannot stop all evil, Doctor."
"I suppose I'm your expert?" The Doctor asked before rolling up the paper.
"If you have the time, Time Lord. I imagine you will know far more about this than I will." Celestia said, finishing off her tea after she spoke.
"Don't worry, I'm on my way there now. Fillydelphia, sounds exciting. Can't wait." The Doctor said, scroll in hoof as he made his way for the door.
"Hold it, Doctor." Luna spoke up. She turned her glance to Celestia, "You trust this colt with such an important task?"
"Yes, I do. I've trusted this colt with far more grave things. Few hooves of our own can be spared, either. The Summer Sun Celebration is only two days from now and is taking many ponies' full attention." Celestia sighed, but then a hint of a grin appeared on her face. She turned her gaze to the colt in the room, "Doctor, how would you feel about Luna assisting you in this matter?"
Luna was caught off guard by the statement, "But, I-"
"That would be fantastic!" The Doctor had a smile beaming across his snout. "I could use some company. Oh, and magic, in case things need to be moved. Or moons need to be raised, I doubt we'll need that more than other magic, but still, fantastic."
"Wait just a minute, Celestia. Why am I to go with this colt?" said a bewildered Luna.
"Because you are sure to know more about Fillydelphia than the Doctor does. You need to get out from that tower, as well." Celestia said as she poured herself a new cup of tea.
"You know full well I haven't been to Fillydelphia in over a thousand years. Why am I going with the Doctor?" Luna said, seemingly a little miffed.
"You need to to do this, Luna. Please, it will be good for you to be amongst your future subjects." was the soft reply.
Luna sighed, she was already beat but she gave one last attempt. "If I show myself it will only prove to be a distraction for the Doctor and his investigation."
"You will find something that will remedy that situation under the bed in my chambers." Celestia nodded to the Doctor, "You should be familiar with what they are."
After a few seconds of consideration Luna huffed. "Fine, I'll go. I'll find a messenger to get a chariot ready, Fillydelphia is a long way."
"Chariot?" The Doctor spoke up, "We'll be traveling by TARDIS. Come along, Luna!" The Doctor opened the door and made his way down the hall.
Luna gave Celestia one last curious look which was only met with a grin and a shrug. Luna sighed and followed after, closing the door behind her.
Celestia turned to look out the window at the rising sun and take another sip of her tea. She spoke in a quiet, wistful tone. "Good luck, Luna. You will need it, running with the Doctor."
~~~~~~~
The Doctor and Luna hurried their way along to Celestia's room. The guards outside bowed to Luna, and when they rose they turned their eyes to the Doctor, watching him carefully.
"Excuse us, gents, but we just need to get inside." The Doctor said cheerily. The guards both turned their attention to Luna.
One spoke, "Your Highness?"
"Please allow us to pass, guardscolts." Luna said, wondering if the Doctor would've been allowed such entry without her presence.
"As you wish." Both guards spoke at the same time.
The door lit up with Luna's magic and opened, prompting the Time Lord, Moon Princess duo to quickly make their way inside. Luna closed the door behind them and they both went to the bed. The Doctor knelt down on his legs and looked into the darkness beneath the mattress.
"Hmm, no.. no, not that.." The Doctor muttered, and just as Luna was about to shed some light on the situation, literally, a triumphant "Aha!" Came from the Doctor. He reached a hoof under and pulled out a small black case. Within, resting on soft silk, was a pair of glasses which caused a particular response from the Doctor.
"Oh, yes! Brainy specs, excellent. Was wondering where my spare pair went. Oh, and these.. yes, even better." The Doctor grabbed up the glasses and presented them before Luna, "You'll be wearing these, they will keep you as unnoticeable as the next pony."
"Are they enchanted for illusion?" Luna asked as she took the glasses and examined them in one hoof before placing them on.
"No, it's a perception filter. It runs off of the brain's natural instinct to take for granted what is obvious and directs that to a certain part of the anatomy, or the whole body. It can be used on objects, too." The Doctor sighed when he got a raised brow from Luna, "Yes, it's enchanted for illusion. It seems to be working, as well. You'll look like a regular unicorn unless we meet someone who's extra special."
"Extra special how?" Luna asked, clearly intrigued by these glasses.
"Mutated in some way, especially telepathic, ultra-sensitive, things of the sort. They'll be able to see past such a filter. Now, let's get going." The Doctor said before turning and opening the door to the TARDIS.
Luna watched the Doctor disappear into the blue box, head tilted. "How are we supposed to travel in that?" She waited a few seconds for a response. "Doctor?" A few more. "Doctor!" She rushed over to the box and pushed inwards.
She stumbled inside, clearly not expecting so much room within the box. She stared around in awe at the walls, the staircases, the large view-screen. Most of her attention was drawn to the rather large center console, however. A glass tube on an elevated platform that was surrounded by a control panel full of knobs and switches and buttons. A staircase led up from that and it reached further into the machine. In the corner of the room there was another staircase that led downwards. She had to give the entire sight at least three complete looks over, her mind in a state of shock she was seeing. As a result, her sharp tongue failed her, and only one word came from her mouth.
"What."
"Welcome to the TARDIS, Luna! What do you think?" The Doctor popped out from behind the glass tube, waiting the response.
"It's..." Was all Luna could manage for a few seconds, then her mind kicked into gear, trying to sum up an adequate explanation.
"Yes?" The Doctor said, excitement clear in his voice.
"It's.. oh! It's another dimension! That has to be it, am I right? Transcendentally dimensional?" Luna asked, in wonder.
The Doctor was far less enthusiastic. "Yes, you're right.. very boring, but right."
"This is only a theory, though. Having a separate dimension inside of an object is purely conjecture. Such dimensional engineering hasn't even been put into testing by the most accomplished scientific minds. Science itself hasn't advanced nearly far enough for such a thing, how do you..?" Luna asked, but then her memory jogged for the second time that morning. "Time Lord, Celestia called you a Time Lord. You're not even a pony, are you?"
"You're quick. Yes, this will be fun! Very clever, Luna. Something tells me we'll need that. Not that there's anything wrong with being very clever in general, but it should help us in Fillydelphia." The Doctor rambled as he raced around the control console, seemingly flipping switches and adjusting knobs at random. "Hah! Fillydelphia!"
Luna trotted up to the control console, watching the Doctor's movements as she followed him. He typed in something on a keypad, or tried. "Blimey, hooves.. rather large.." He looked about for a solution and found one. He pulled something out of a holder in the console, a metal cylinder with a light on the end of it. He held it in one hoof, pointing the lightbulb end at the keypad, before pressing in on a button. The lightbulb lit up a bright green and a noise emanated from the device that was akin to high-pitched mechanical buzzing. The keypad didn't move but symbols appeared on the screen and that satisfied the Doctor. He placed the object down in its holder and turned to Luna.
"Are you ready? The first time is always the wildest." The Doctor said, a grin on his face.
"Ready for what?" Luna asked, a little worried at the question.
"Just hang on tight." The Doctor said before placing his hoof on a lever and yelling, "Geronimo!" as he pushed the lever up. The entire world seemed to shake for Luna, and she fought back the urge to scream as the Doctor started laughing. Luna was scared, but it was a good fear. Ever since her return all she had done was sit up in the tower, every night, reading and writing and learning. This was her chance to actually do something, to get out and see the world she missed for a thousand years. Luna may not have known what this machine was, or who the Doctor was, but she was sure that this colt had seen sights that were beyond her imagination. That this machine had been to places she could only dream of. The thought of that made Luna scared, but it made her even more excited. The Doctor was right.
This was going to be fun.
