Hello! Um, I know it's been way too long since I uploaded but here it is the final chapter. If you guys want an epilogue just let me know and I'll get cracking. But I also want to thank all of you who have reviewed and/or followed my story. You support helped me to get this far. I hope you've enjoyed this series.
The TARDIS shook violently as it travelled through time and space. As a result The Doctor was having a very rough ride inside. In fact it was so bumpy The Doctor, at one point, feared the time machine would shake itself apart. The generator started whining and sparks were flying from everywhere as wires all over the TARDIS snapped.
Of course this was most likely due to the increase of The Doctor's traveling. This was the fourth time, in only one week, that he was back in the vortex. Even before The Doctor became a pony he knew the TARDIS had a couple days rest, mostly because of an extended adventure. But now he was in the blue box just about every other day.
"Please don't break apart on me now." The Doctor begged as he held on for dear life on the control panel.
Then abruptly he was thrown back and had a hard landing on the floor.
"Oomph!" The Doctor grunted.
The whining from the generator slowly died down and the sparks ceased to emit from some snapped electrical wires. The rumbling soon became non existent and the TARDIS was calm once more. The Doctor got up groggily while rubbing his head.
"Whew, that was… rough. But I've been in worse before." The Doctor muttered sore.
He went over to the control panel and ran a system scan. He waited a few moments as the screen began spewing out lines of data reports. After a while he heard a distinct beep emit form the computer and he checked the results.
"Alright, let's see. Hull integrity 47%, CPU 72%, generator 84%, blah blah blah." The Doctor listed as he went through the information.
"Well! It looks like every thing's okay." The Doctor said surprised, then a small electrical expolsion happened.
"For the most part." The Doctor added.
After making sure the TARDIS was stable and putting on the handbrake The Doctor made his way toward the door. He stopped right before it and took a deep breath.
Alright. New world, new time. Blend in, don't do anything out of place, and above all fond her. The Doctor thought determined.
He stepped outside and brought his hoof up to his eyes, daylight. It surprised him a a little since for the past three times he managed to land during the night. He looked around and saw a few doors with garbage cans near them.
An alley, how convenient. The TARDIS will be safe here until I return. The Doctor noted.
He walked down the alley wondering where he landed this time. He stopped suddenly at the exit to avoid getting run over by a seemingly endless stream of ponies bustling about. He poked his head out of the alley way and looked for an opening. He saw a small gap coming his way, then he counted to three in his head and stepped out and joined the moving crowd.
The Doctor's ears were filled with the noise of ponies talking about all sorts of subjects, from business meetings to arranging dinner parties. At first it was rather bothersome to the time traveller but soon he adjusted to the volume they were using.
He started looking at the ponies individually to note their style of clothing. On one timezone he landed in every pony was wearing formal clothes; tux, suit and tie, you name it. So when The Doctor was going around with only a tie he was treated… differently, to say the least.
Hm, casual, formal, preppy, modest. Alright, a little diverse but a classy style set. The Doctor observed. He relaxed a little knowing that he would blend in fine in terms of clothes.
He walked around for a little bit to get acquainted with the architecture and see what type of businesses were around. After some time he determined he was in a pony version of the roaring thirties from human history. Upon further inspection he discovered he was in Manehatten.
Hm, the most metropolitan city in the east. The Doctor thought.
His hooves started getting sore so he decided to take a break at the first cafe he saw. He entered and immediately a small bell tied to the door rang. A sapphire coated pony with a white mane looked up from a transaction that was in process.
"It'll just be one moment sir!" She called out and went back to the customer.
The Doctor nodded his head and looked around for a seat. The cafe was a modest size, not to big not to small. There were some other ponies seated, some in pairs and others just by themselves. The Doctor found an empty seat next to the window and sat down. The table had a napkin holder, salt and pepper shaker, and a paper sized menu. He picked it up.
"Hm, let's see what they have." The Doctor muttered to himself and began browsing.
"Carrot soup, hay fries, sandwiches. Which one should I chose?" He pondered.
Right then the mare from the register trotted up to him.
"Hello and welcome to Sweet Delight Cafe. My name is Sweet Treat, what can I get you?" Sweet asked politely.
"Hm, I'm having some trouble deciding actually. Do you have any recommendations?" The Doctor replied stuck.
"Oh, well the carrot soup is a favorite with the patrons. Or there is the daily special, Toss-Up Salad and a blueberry muffin." She suggested.
When she said muffin The Doctor twitched. Immediately a picture of Ditzy came to his mind, her warm smile and soft golden mane. He looked down and tears were starting to well up in his eyes.
"Um, sir? Is everything okay?" Sweet Treat inquired concerned.
The Doctor fought back his tears took a deep breath and looked up smiling.
"Oh no, everything is fine. I'll have the special please." He assured falsely.
"Okay." Sweet said a little confused and she walked away toward the kitchen.
Come on get a hold of yourself! You can't go breaking down in public. The Doctor yelled at himself.
You'll find her okay? You'll find her. He assured himself, but he still had some doubts.
To distract himself he looked around the cafe. There a few pictures on the wall, some were paintings and others were photographs. The paintings seemed to be themed on the Manehatten streets, of course each had their own variation. A few had dark colors giving a depression feeling, while others were painted brightly reflecting a busy vibe. The photographs were of the business itself. One was in black and white hinting that it was taken when the cafe first opened up. After some more looking he spotted a picture of Sweet Treat being handed a deed from, he assumed was, her mother.
"Fascinating, this place has quite some history." The Doctor noted interested.
"Thanks, its been running for thirty years now." Sweet Treat said abruptly giving The Doctor a surprise.
"Oh! You got me. Wow, thirty years? I'm impressed." He replied truthfully.
"Well, it wasn't easy. Especially when the dark decline hit. But we survived. Anyhow here's your food. Hope you enjoy." She replied and left to attend to other customers.
The Doctor picked up a fork and stabbed at his salad. He skewered a few lettuce leaves, a cherry tomato, and a black olive and took a bite. The crunchy and watery taste of the lettuce mixed well with the sweetness of the tomato and the dull salt of the black olive.
"Mm, tasty." He admitted to himself.
His venture around Manehatten had made him famished. Consequently, The Doctor finished his salad rather quickly. He took a deep breath of satisfaction after taking his last bite. With his stomach full and his hooves rested he had a completely clear head to think about how to find Ditzy.
"Alright, where would I start looking first?" He questioned himself.
He sat there in deep concentration wondering where to begin. But no ideas whatsoever came to mind, he looked up and saw his muffin still on its plate untouched. He grabbed it and was about to take a bite out of it when he looked out the window.
Passing right by him was a mare with a gray coat and yellow mane, but what made her stand out to The Doctor was her golden wall eyes. His eyes went wide with shock as he watched her walk away. He shook his head and quickly took out five bits and laid them on the table and galloped for the door.
"Bits are on the table!" The Doctor shouted as he rushed out the cafe.
Sweet Treat called out something but he couldn't hear it.
He chased after Ditzy, pushing past ponies who were walking toward him. He suddenly felt like rowboat trying to chase another while the sea was battling against him. As he was catching up he began to wonder. Would she recognize him? Better yet, would she remember anything at all? What if her memory was erased and she only knows this world? Like when he changed his DNA to hide from the Family of Blood. Of course, if that was the case then she would also have a hazy idea of her past life. All she need was something like the fob watch.
Thats where I come in. The Doctor figured.
But first he had to find out what Ditzy's condition was. So, wading through the crowd he passed ahead Ditzy from the side and stopped. As she approached The Doctor began walking to the left until he collided with Ditzy. They both fell to the ground.
"Oof! Oh, I'm terribly sorry ma'am. Are you alright?" The Doctor asked and helped Ditzy up.
"Oh, it's ok. I'm the one who should be sorry I didn't even see you there." Ditzy responded a little frantic.
She's still as sweet as ever. The Doctor thought affectionately.
Ditzy dusted herself off and began saying.
"Again I'm sorry I bumped into you like that. I'll just be-" She stopped dead as she looked at The Doctor.
T-Those eyes, he looks just like that stallion from my dreams… But it can't be. Ditzy wondered in disbelief.
She stood there, staring at him, uncertain if it was coincidence that he looked so similar. The Doctor noticed her gaze and assumed Ditzy recognized him somehow, but not fully otherwise she would've said something. So he decided to keep playing innocent.
"Um, ma'am are you okay?" He asked shaking Ditzy out of her trance.
"Y-Yeah, I'm okay. It's just-" She started as she stared at The Doctor.
"It's just what?" Doctor Whooves pressed.
"Never mind." Ditzy dismissed, "What's your name? If I may ask."
"I'm The Doctor." He replied, he wondered if this would jog her memory at all.
"Doctor Who?" Ditzy asked a little confused.
"Just… The Doctor." He sighed in disappointment.
"Um, okay." She replied.
Ditzy didn't know what to do. She wanted to keep walking but she had this nagging feeling about him that she couldn't point out. It was like she's been waiting for him for a long time. After a brief minute of thinking Ditzy made her decision.
"I was going to go get a cup of coffee… would you like to join me?" She offered.
The Doctor swiped the opportunity.
"I'd love to." He replied.
So, the two walked down Mane Street trying not to get separated by the dozens of ponies that pushed past them. The Doctor was planning how to awaken Ditzy's memories while the mare was wondering who this mysterious stallion was. After a brisk walk they arrived at their destination, a small cafe called Paradise Island.
The Doctor held opened the door for Ditzy.
"Mares first." He said gentle colt like.
"Why thank you." Ditzy replied with a smile.
After closing the door behind him they made their way to the front counter. The Doctor was deciding what he should have when he remembered his muffin. He mentally slapped himself as he realized that probably why Sweet Treat called out to him.
"Is everything okay Doctor?" Ditzy asked after noticing his pained expression.
"Yes, every things fine. I just remembered I forgot something is all." He answered.
"We can go back for it if you want." Ditzy offered thinking it was something important.
"No, no it's fine." The Doctor insisted.
"So, have you been here before?" He asked wanting to change the subject.
"Plenty of times. Shoot, I've come here so much they even know my name and I know theirs." Ditzy explained.
At that moment a sky blue mare with a bright pink mane came out.
"Oh, hey there Ditzy. How are you today?" She asked.
"Not bad Tiramisu. How are you?" Ditzy replied.
"Ah well you know. Busy here, busy there." Tiramisu dismissed, she turned her head and saw The Doctor.
"Who's your colt friend?" She teased with a smile.
"He's not my colt friend!" Ditzy blushed, "I just met him and we decided to get some coffee together is all." She added cooly.
"Aw, you're no fun." Tiramisu pouted, "Anyhow, what'll you have?" She inquired.
"The regular please." Ditzy answered.
"I'll have the iced latte please." The Doctor ordered.
"Right and anything to eat?" Tiramisu questioned further.
"I think we'll be fine." Ditzy responded and with that the maretress went into the kitchen and got to work on the orders.
Ditzy brought The Doctor to the table she usually sits at. They took their seats and stayed quiet, each unsure of what to say. Ditzy was still a little shy around stallions so she had found it a little more difficult. Detecting this The Doctor decided to start first.
"So, ? Do you live here in Manehatten? Or do you commute from somewhere near-by?" He inquired curious.
"Oh, I have an apartment here in the city not to far from where I work." Ditzy replied.
"Ah, I see. And where do you work? If you don't mind my asking." He persisted.
"Uh, down at Manehatten Real Estate." She answered non chalantly.
"Manehatten Real Estate?" The Doctor repeated.
He remembered passing by a huge skyscraper that had those words near the bottom floor. Funny thing though, he noticed only stallions streaming in and out of that building.
"I know what you're thinking. 'But I thought only stallions worked at that place.' And you're right, but after public demand they held auditions for one mare to enter. So, I made my audition, they hired me, and here I am." Ditzy explained.
The Doctor was speechless, even when transported to another timeline Ditzy retained her strong spirit.
"You haven't changed one bit have you?" The Doctor thought out loud.
"I-I'm sorry?" Ditzy asked a little shocked.
"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just… you remind me of someone that was very close to me." The Doctor choked, his eyes were starting to glaze over with tears.
"Are you alright?" Ditzy asked softly.
"Oh, I'm fine. Just a little emotional is all." The Doctor replied stoically.
"Could you tell me more about this special pony?" Ditzy questioned.
"Oh where to start." The Doctor wondered, "Well, first of all she was incredibly kind. She would help anyone in need and expect nothing in return. And she always strived to make people smile. Even in the most dire of situations she always helped me to see the bright side of things. Oh, the list just goes on and on."
Ditzy listened with rapt attention. The way The Doctor spoke about this mare was so romantic and she could tell he was speaking straight from his heart. Who ever this mare was meant the world to The Doctor.
"So, what happened to her? If you don't mind me asking." Ditzy asked further.
The Doctor gave out a long sigh.
"She was taken from me a year ago. I've been looking for her for her ever since then." The Doctor answered as he turned his head away.
Ditzy felt truly sorry for The Doctor. She lifted a hoof in comfort and touched his shoulder. The Doctor looked at Ditzy and smiled warmly.
Suddenly, Ditzy felt a small shock inside her body. Her vision whited out and she felt like she was falling. She landed with a thud as she found herself on a sandy beach on what seemed to be a beautiful sunny day. At first she was incredibly confused.
"Huh? How did I get here?" She asked herself, "More importantly, Where am I?"
After looking around she spotted a house in the distance. She walked towards it, listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves gently crashing onto the shoreline. As she got closer and closer to the house she felt a strange peace and happiness resonate within her. As if she finally found her lost home after a long journey.
She now stood in front of the rather small house, observing its wooden walls and leafy rooftop. As she opened the door she felt a soft breeze wash over her, but it didn't come from behind her where the ocean was. It came from inside the house.
"Hello? Is anyone home?" Ditzy called out as she stepped inside.
At first there was no response, but from down a hallway she heard what sounded like a bed creaking. She began walking toward the sound and soon heard a voice as she approached the room.
"Ditzy? Is that you?" A familiar and friendly voice asked happily.
"Who are you? And how do you know my name?" Ditzy replied.
She found the room the voice was coming from and looked inside. There sitting on a bed, plain as day, was the same stallion she had been seeing in her dreams. But this time she could see his face clearly and he looked just like… The Doctor.
Right then every memory of every experience and every adventure she had with him came rushing back to her. She fell to the ground as her head throbbed with pain, she started groaning in pain as it was too much to take in all at once.
"Ah! Please! Someone help me!" She shouted in pain.
She then felt a hoof land gently on her shoulder, it was The Doctor. He smiled down upon her and then pulled her into a hug.
"It's alright Ditzy. Don't fight it, just let it flow." He soothed as he held her tightly.
Ditzy closed her eyes and then, little by little, she calmed down. She let her memories flow through her mind like a creek running through the ground. Now instead of pain and confusion she felt only peace and happiness. Then without thinking she lifted her head and kissed The Doctor.
As she opened her eyes she saw she was no longer on an island. But instead back at the cafe in Manehatten, locking lips with a chestnut stallion. Whose eyes were wide in shock. After a few minutes they finally broke. The Doctor was staring at Ditzy, mouth agape, and at a loss for words.
"Hey." Ditzy said.
"Hey." The Doctor replied still frazzled.
Ditzy looked around and, for the first time, noticed the crowd that surrounded them and the fact that she was on the floor. With the help of The Doctor she stood back up but was still a little dizzy.
"What happened? Why was I on the floor?" She inquired.
"Well, after you touched me you passed out onto the floor. You were out for ten minutes." The Doctor explained worriedly, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a little woozy." She answered and with that the crowd began dispersing seeing there was no need for worry.
"Are you sure? Maybe we should go to the hospital, just to be safe." The Doctor insisted.
"It's okay, I'm fine really. It's not like that I got attacked by a tiger or anything." Ditzy said jokingly.
"What did you say?" The Doctor asked as his ears perked up.
"You remember right? When I got attacked by that tiger back on the island." Ditzy reminded with a smile.
"Ditzy? Y-You remember?" The Doctor questioned with disbelief.
"As much as I remember how much I love you. Thanks for not giving up." Ditzy answered happily.
"I couldn't give up, you were- are- my lifeline." The Doctor said with barely contained joy. He wanted to tackle Ditzy and bear hug right then and there. But he knew better as it would've caused quite a stir.
"And you are mine, every night I dreamed about you and the adventures we had together. Whenever I was having a rough day I loved going to bed because I always knew I would see you again." Ditzy agreed faithfully.
"Shall we head home my love?" The Doctor inquired with a smile.
"Actually, is it alright if we stay a little longer? I'm still a little shell shocked from all of this and it gives the opportunity for us to relax… Maybe have dinner, walk around, see the city lights." Ditzy suggested.
The Doctor stood silent for a moment chewing over the thought. Although he was eager to return home he too was rather shaken at the sudden happening of events. He decided it would do him some good to just walk around and relax for a little bit. After all he has been searching tirelessly for the past year, he deserved a break.
"You know what? That sounds like a great idea. Lets go." The Doctor replied finally.
"Alright, well how about we stop by my apartment? We got some time before dinner." Ditzy inquired.
"Sounds good." The Doctor agreed.
So, after getting their beverages and paying they left the cafe and started for Ditzy's apartment. As they were strolling down Trot Avenue The Doctor began to wonder what Ditzy's place was like. He never got to see her cottage in Ponyville so he didn't really know her tastes.
After a few lefts and rights down various streets they arrived at the complex where Ditzy lived. It had regular red brick walls with four windows per row. It looked very ordinary and rather out of place compared to the complex designs of the city center.
They went inside and going up a flight of stairs they stopped in front of a door with the number fifteen in brass. Ditzy lifted the doormat and produced a key and after unlocking the door they entered the apartment.
As The Doctor looked around he saw a coffee table situated in front of a sofa. There a few book shelves nearby and in the center of the room was a ceiling fan. The Doctor assumed this was the living room. A little bit before the sofa, however, was a hallway that led to the kitchen and bedroom.
"So! What do you think?" Ditzy asked curiously.
"Very simple, but cozy at the same time." The Doctor observed with interest.
"Thanks, I was never really here often. But I did have the occasional day off all I wanted to do was lie town with a good book." Ditzy recalled tiredly.
"Hey Doctor, is it all right if we take a nap? The longer I'm up the more I feel like passing out." She said faintly.
"Well, we can't have that now can we?" The Doctor said chivalrously and without warning swooped Ditzy off her hooves making her squeak in surprise.
He carried her on his back to the bedroom and softly set her down on the gentle sheets of the bed. As he walked around and lied down himself he breathed a sigh of relief, he hadn't realized it but he was exhausted himself. Ditzy leaned heavily on the nightstand beside her as she set the clock to ring in a couple hours.
The Doctor snuggled into Ditzy's back and cuddled her. Words couldn't express the feeling of joy that welled up in him. Here he was finally back at her side and hers at his.
"I'm glad you're here with me Doctor. Without you nothing felt right, it felt like a bad dream. I was really only happy when I saw you when I slept." Ditzy said as she yawned.
"Me too, without you I didn't feel anything at all. To me my existence was pointless if I couldn't spend it with you. Friend, assistant, lover. You're the world to me Ditzy." The Doctor replied softly.
"Looks like we're meant to be together, no matter what fate throws at us we can never be torn apart." Ditzy observed with a chuckle and she closed her eyes.
"Looks that way." The Doctor replied with a smile and he closed his eyes as well.
As they fell asleep together, both felt all was right in the universe because at long last they had each other. Ditzy was right no matter what was or would be thrown at them nothing could or ever keep them apart.