A Journey's End
Chapter 7
It was a bit of a trek back to Ponyville. Big Macintosh remained hitched to his cart while Old Smoky, First Class's wife, and the slumbering Dinky and Rainbow Dash rode with him. The red stallion maintained his trademark silence, while Twilight Sparkle and her friends talked as they went.
"The poor dear looks like she hasn't slept in days," Rarity said.
"Ya' heard what she said at the grave, Rarity," Applejack responded. "Probably was feelin' more guilty than fat jack rabbit in a carrot field."
"And just look at how bloodshot her eyes were," Fluttershy added. "I've seen that look many times when animal friends were sick and up for days."
"We gotta turn that frown upside down," Pinkie said inverted her head. "And getting Dashie to Sugarcube Corner will be a Pinkie-tastic way cure her mopey dopeys."
"And what of Dinky?" Rarity asked.
"Straight home and in bed," Spike said. "Twilight's sleep spells are on par with the Princess's." Pinkie's eyes began to water knowing Dinky wouldn't be joining them at the reception. Twilight got a guilty look in her face, but was truly thinking of the filly's best interests.
"I'm sorry, Pinkie," Twilight said. "But she's had enough today. You saw how she broke down in the cemetery." Pinkie looked at the filly gently snoring in the cart.
"Yea, I guess you're right, Twilight," she said. "Are you and Spike coming?"
"Twilight will, I'll be along a little later," Spike said. "I got a little work I have to do, so I'll watch Ditzy for a little bit."
"Spike, that's brilliant," Twilight beamed. "I'll go along to the reception and you can watch Dinky. I'll stay for a little bit and you can go and I'll watch Dinky."
"Aw, little Spikey-Wikey, so considerate this whole ordeal," Rarity said. "Someday, you are going to make a lady very happy." Spike blushed and silently begged Celestia that Rarity would be that lady. Everypony laughed at Spike's rosy cheeks before settling down. The group continued on in silence for another moment.
"I do have to say," Applejack began. "That was a beautiful ceremony, y'all."
"Eeyup," Big Mac agreed.
"Yes," Fluttershy agreed. "I'm sure Ditzy would be very happy to see how loved she was." Nopony argued with Fluttershy. Just as the sun began reached a late afternoon position in the sky, the group re-entered Ponyville. First Class helped his wife down from the cart. Fluttershy nudged Rainbow Dash, trying to wake her up. The cyan speedster stirred in her sleep but, remained out cold.
"I guess this is where we say goodbye," First Class said. Pinkie looked at them with a trembling lip.
"You're not coming to the party?" she squeaked.
"I'm sorry Pinkie," First Class began. "But we'll be leaving for Las Pegasus in a couple days. We have to pack up for the move, and I have to find two replacements for the post office. But I want to thank you all for what you did, Ditzy would really appreciate it." Bidding a final goodbye, First Class and his wife walked away from the group, knowing they would only meet one more time when they exchanged their final goodbyes. Old Smoky leapt down from the carriage too. He wanted to take his time getting to Sugarcube Corner. That left Twilight, Spike, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Big Mac to walk into town, while Rainbow and Dinky continued to sleep. Soon, the group found themselves drawing close to Sugarcube Corner. They all could see a significant part of the town was there and the celebration of Ditzy's life was in full swing. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Applejack went on ahead, but Rarity stayed by the cart.
"Big Macintosh, would you be a dear and take us to my boutique?" she asked kindly.
"Eeyup," the farm pony answered.
"You're not going to the party, Rarity?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Of coarse I am, Darling," she started. Looking at Rainbow Dash, the fashionista sighed. "I am simply going to offer Rainbow my bathroom to clean up. Poor dear needs my help to wash away some of her troubles."
"Always giving, huh Rarity," Spike said with admiration. The unicorn winked back at Spike, causing the baby dragon to blush. Big Mac pulled on the couple blocks to Carousel Boutique. When they got there, Rarity nudged Rainbow Dash, the speedster shifted in her sleep, but stayed out cold. "I think she's down for the count," Spike said lifting one of Rainbow's wings. When he let it go, it flopped right down. "How are we going to wake her up?"
"Will Dinky wake up?" Big Macintosh asked. Twilight Sparkle shook her head at the mighty Apple. Big Mac lifted one of his hind legs, and bucked it back. The cart jolted with a mighty thud and Rainbow Dash sprang into the air with a light scream. Dash hovered above the cart, eyes wide, panting and holding her chest.
"What they hay was that?" Rainbow squealed.
"Cock-A-Doodle-Doo," Big Macintosh joked. Rainbow Dash glared at the stallion as if to burn his soul with her gaze. After catching her breath, Rainbow landed on the ground.
"We are ever so sorry for waking you Rainbow Dash," Rarity began. "But considering we will be attending the soiree at Sugarcube Corner in Ditzy's honor, I thought you might do freshening up." Rainbow looked at her matted mane and fur, and nodded sheepishly to her friend. "A nice hot shower is just what you need, dear…and perhaps an exfoliation. A pony pedi might be in order, definitely a massage. Oh, and a relaxing steam bath and Jacuzzi session…"
"Let's…just start with the shower, Rarity," Dash interrupted. "I do look a little skuzzy." Rarity smiled and opened the door to her boutique and home.
"I wonder if Aloe and Lotus have any openings tomorrow?" Rarity questioned as she entered her shop. Twilight, Big Mac and Spike laughed at Rarity's love of luxuries. Twilight checked on Ditzy, and smiled to see she was still asleep.
"Holy guacamole, Twilight," Spike said. "Slept right through a Big Mac buck. That's one strong sleep spell, Twilight." Twilight nodded and Big Mac continued on. Soon they arrived at the library. Spike took Dinky from the cart and brought her into the library. Twilight gave Big Macintosh a quick kiss on the cheek to thank him for all he did today. With his cart in tow, the big red stallion made his way back to Sugarcube Corner to join the celebration. Twilight took this opportunity to have a seat on the ground and look up at the starts. For a moment, she swore she could see Ditzy's image flying through the sky. A voice from behind her, gave Twilight a start.
"Ditzy always loved the night sky," it said. Wide eyed from the unexpected visitor, Twilight whipped around and saw the Doctor standing behind her. "Sorry, give your heart a jump?"
"Yes, you did, Doctor," Twilight panted. "Don't you know better than to sneak up on ponies?" The chestnut pony looked at Twilight with derision.
"I've discovered that sneaking up on beings unannounced leads to most interesting of circumstances," he said. "Yes, yes had some amazing times doing that." Twilight was perplexed by this pony; he was an odd one to be around.
"May I pry?" she asked. The Doctor sat down next to Twilight and gestured for her to continue. "That was beautiful, what you said in the cemetery. Did you know Ditzy well?" The Doctor nodded and smiled as he thought back on Ditzy.
"We had some grand times," he said proudly. "Lots of fun, laughs, large amount of running, still can't believe how she beat the Daleks."
"She did what?" Twilight questioned.
"Nothing, nothing at all," the Doctor covered. "Suffice it to say, she was brilliant. Who da' pony? She da' pony…" Twilight looked at the Doctor curiously. He arched an eyebrow and shook his head. "No, no. Didn't sound right the first time I said it and it still doesn't." Twilight felt her head start to hurt in a way normally caused by Pinkie Pie.
"You are a strange pony, Doctor," Twilight said.
"Most likely why Ditzy and I were such good friends," he said. "Couple of oddballs just out having some fun… And now she's gone. I find myself alone all too often, but that's only because my companions move on with their lives. It's…it's…." Twilight watched as the chestnut pony shed a tear.
"Oh, Doctor," Twilight said embracing the time pony.
"Will you be coming to Sugarcube Corner for the party too?" she asked. The Doctor nodded at the purple unicorn. "And what'll you do after that?"
"Perhaps I'll be moving on," the Doctor said. "Lots to see, do, and stop."
"You won't be staying to keep an eye on Dinky?" Twilight protested. The Doctor shook his head.
"Dinky liked me, but she didn't see me as a father type figure," he said. "I was more of a friend to her. And trust me she's got a bright future ahead of her. I've seen it," he said to himself. The Doctor got up and trotted around to the back of Twilight's house. Twilight got up and followed after him. But when she reached the opposite side of the tree, the Doctor was gone.
"Doctor?" Twilight Sparkle called out. The unicorn looked in all directions for the stallion. "Oh, how does he do that…where is he?"
"I'm right here, Miss Sparkle," a voice said behind the unicorn. Twilight gasped as she turned again and he eyes went wide. The Doctor stood before her again, but appeared with clothing on. The Doctor wore his trademark red bowtie again, a brown jacket and a freshly pressed shirt.
"How did you do that?" Twilight asked befuddled. The Doctor just smiled at the pony. "You're not a unicorn; you should be able to teleport. And that doesn't explain how you put those clothes on. I can't sense anything but an odd energy from you; and yet you're almost magic yourself. How is that possible?"
"Would you like to stay here, ramble on, and think it over," the Doctor started. "Or shall we journey to Sugarcube Corner and celebrate all that Ditzy was?" Twilight rubbed her head with her hoof. Her headache was getting worse. But the purple unicorn ignored it and began her trek with the Doctor to the bakery. The Doctor walked with her, but stopped and turned back to the library. Just above the tallest branch, the Doctor saw a mass of sparkling mist. Arching his eyebrows, the chestnut pony thrust out his hoof and checked the watch on his foreleg. He looked back to the mist and winked. "Right on time, old girl…" The Doctor gave a loving wink to the mist.
"Doctor," Twilight called a little ahead of him.
"Coming, Sparkle," he said jogging up to his companion.
"Are you related to Pinkie Pie by any chance?" Twilight asked as they left.
Meanwhile, the sparkling mist began to move. Traveling down the tree, twisting and turning through the limbs, it came to rest at the front door and slithered under it. In the library, it found Spike in the main room going through some papers. It whipped through the air and behind the baby dragon. A golden energy radiated from the mist and Spike collapsed to the floor, snoring. The energy subsided and the mist floated to the stairs. Guided by an unknown force, the mist traveled to a door off to the side. Again, it snaked its way under the door and into Dinky's room.
Inside, the little filly slumbered, lovingly tucked into her bed. The mist began to glow its golden energy again, and Dinky's eyes fluttered from the light. The filly awoke from Twilight Sparkle's sleep spell and raised her head to look at this mysterious mist. Off came the covers and Dinky was drawn to the light. But instead of being afraid, Dinky was comforted by the site. Dinky watched as the sparkles in the mist realigned and formed the shape of a pony, with large wings. A body started to form in front of the filly, a grey body. The wings were a pure white and the mane and tail took on a blond color. A face formed with closed eyes and when they opened, Dinky saw two perfect gold eyes.
"M…Mommy…" Dinky gasped with eyes tearing up. The apparition smiled and walked up to the side of the bed.
"My sweet little muffin," Ditzy said. Dinky started to cry at her mother. "Shhhhh," Ditzy continued reaching her hoof out to her daughter. The see through appendage wiped the tear from Dinky's cheek. "Yes, it's me." Dinky reached her little hoof out and touched the phantom hoof. She was filled with warmth as the two appendages made contact.
"It is you, Mommy," Dinky said smiling genuinely for the first time in days. "But, your eyes, and your talking…"
"Where I am, Sweetie," Ditzy interrupted. "Everything works like it should." Dinky let another tear fall, unable to contain herself.
"Why did you leave me, Mommy?" she asked.
"I didn't want to, Dinky," Ditzy answered. "But it was beyond my control. And I was very sad about leaving you, Muffin. I cried when I realized what happened to me, and what it meant. But somepony came and said hello to me, and my sadness started to disappear." Another golden light from outside the window caught the attention of the mother and daughter. "Looks like he's here to see you too," Ditzy said. The window opened on its own and another phantom entered the room. This one was a light purple unicorn stallion with equally majestic white wings. His eyes met Dinky's and he smiled. That smile triggered long dormant memories in the filly, from when she was weeks old. And the face she recognized from the pictures her mother had.
"Daddy!" she said jubilantly.
"Look at you," Sweet Treat said taking in his daughter. Sweet Treat's phantom hooves cupped the cheeks of his pride and joy. "You've grown so much, Dinky. You have your mother's eyes, and by strong looking horn." Dinky smiled as she felt warmth radiating from her father.
"Did you really say hello to Mommy and make her happy?" she asked. Sweet Treat nodded his daughter.
"Yes, Sweetie. I was waiting for Mommy, knowing one day I'd see her again," he said. "And on that day, I knew she'd be sad and scared."
"And I would have waited for you too, Sweet Treat," Ditzy said.
"I'm so happy to see you, both of you," Dinky said. "I was so upset."
"We came because you needed us, Muffin," Ditzy said.
"Yes, baby," Sweet Treat agreed. "We couldn't let our only daughter be so sad." Ditzy walked around to the other side of the bed and gestured for Dinky to lie down. The filly complied with her mother and the two phantoms tucked their baby in. "Mommy and I love you very much, Dinky."
"Yes, Sweetie," Ditzy continued. "But we don't want you to be sad anymore. Daddy and I are together again, and we want you to be your sweet self again."
"Ok, Mommy," Dinky said. Sweet Treat used his magic to levitate the Luna plushie to his daughter. "Luna!" Dinky beamed as she took the toy.
"I am so proud of you. Stay as sweet as you are, Dinky. And behave for Miss Sparkle," Sweet Treat said giving his daughter a kiss.
"Yes, Daddy," she said.
"I've waited a long time to hear that," Sweet Treat said with joy. Ditzy bent down and nuzzled her daughter before giving her a kiss too. Ditzy and Dinky shed a tear together, knowing it would be a long time before they saw each other again. Ditzy and Sweet Treat walked over to the window and turned to their daughter. "Be a good girl, Dinky. And I promise, we'll wait for you too and be a family again one day." Dinky smiled at her father's promise.
"We love you, Muffin," Ditzy said as their forms began to shimmer. "And we'll always be watching over you." The two phantoms faded into two clouds of mist and fluttered in the air before flying out the window. Dinky's heart was full of joy as her eyes slowly closed and she drifted to sleep.
After a few hours at the party, Twilight made her way home. Her heart was still sad, but her spirit was high. She had heard many stories about Ditzy and enjoyed sharing her own. On her way back to the library, Twilight stopped at the fountain in the middle of town. The punch had run low at the party and for some reason, all Twilight ate were oatmeal muffins. Her mouth and throat were a little dry. Twilight bent down and took a drink. The water was cool and hit the spot. As Twilight lifted her head, something in the ripples caught her eye. The reflection in the water wasn't her own. Twilight thought she was hallucinating, but in the reflection she saw Ditzy.
"Thank you, Twilight," the image said. Twilight shook her head and looked back at the pool. Twilight's own reflection stared right back at her.
"What was that?" she asked. "Must have been my imagination." The unicorn was puzzled, but continued on to her home. She opened the door and walked in ready for a good book and her bed. "Spike, I'm home," she called. Twilight's eyes instantly fell on the dragon snoring on the floor. Twilight Sparkle giggled at her number one assistant. "Oh, Spike." Twilight levitated her friend in to the air and carried him up the stairs. Together they entered Twilight's room and she tucked Spike into his basket. Figuring it was a quick nap he was doing, Twilight left Spike's clothes on.
As she turned around, a book caught her eye on her bookshelf. She pulled out the book and was surprised to find one in her personal library that she hadn't read yet. "The Final Flight…how'd I miss this one?" Twilight set the book on her bed and went to check on Dinky. Twilight walked to Dinky's door and gently opened it. Twilight peered into the room and watched as Dinky cuddled with her Princess Luna plushie in her sleep. Twilight closed the door and returned to her room. The unicorn went into the bathroom and brushed her teeth and mane. As she left the bathroom, the light shined in Spike's face and woke him up. Noticing he was in bed, Spike panicked.
"Oh my gosh, Twilight what time is it?" he said.
"It's only half past nine, Spike," Twilight said levitating her book in front of her face. "The party is still going on, relax." Spike breathed a sigh of relief and removed his clothes and put a black band on his arm. Twilight pulled down her covers and leapt into bed.
"Did Rainbow Dash show up with Rarity?" Spike asked.
"Yes she did," Twilight said opening to the first page. "She looked much better after cleaning up, and talking about Ditzy Doo made her feel better too."
"Good," Spike said smiling. "I'm going to check on Dinky."
Spike turned to the door but was stopped by Twilight.
"No need to, Spike. I just did," she said. "She's tucked in with her Luna doll."
"Oh, you gave it to her?" Spike asked. Twilight looked at Spike and shook her head. "Ok, then she got up and grabbed it." Twilight set her book down and sat up on her bed.
"No, you gave it to her when you tucked her in, right?" Twilight asked. Spike shook his head and the two look at each other with curious looks. Normally, Twilight was a pony of science and logic. But this was confounding her just as Pinkie's Pinkie Sense.
"Maybe her magic grabbed it while she slept," Spike suggested.
"Yea, that must be it," Twilight agreed. "Don't be out too late Spike."
"I won't," Spike replied as he turned and walked to the door. "Goodnight, Twilight."
"Goodnight, Spike," Twilight said. The dragon left the room and Twilight looked at her book. She brought the book back into the air and she got under the covers. Before opening the book, Twilight thought about the doll, and her encounter at the fountain. "That's impossible…isn't it?" she said before opening her book and settling in for a good read.
A/N: Well, we are into the home stretch, only one more chapter left in this story. I want to thank everypony who read and enjoyed this story. I won't be gone long. I have another two pony stories in the works, I think I'll give HIE a shot. And the second one will involve Queen Chrysalis. That one will be a humanized story. And finally, those who are fans of my Deadliest Warrior Fusion Series, that is also in the works as well. After this story is complete, I'll get right to work on those. And as always, Read and Review. Your feedback helps me when I'm writing. /)*(\ To you All.