Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria...
One day a filly by the name of Applebloom wandered into the Everfree, alongside Twilight Sparkle. The present element of magic. Setting about to deliver something nice to a friend. As they entered, the sky unseen seemed to briefly crack, an odd energy drifting over the forest. Before the sky sealed shut.
"Hey Zecora!" Twilight greeted, noticing the Zebra outside her home. "I brought the books you wanted."
"Kind ponies, I thank you for delivering what told." Zecora replied, being handed the books.
A strange sound, like rumbling thunder rolled through the forest. Twilight, and Applebloom looking around. Zecora however, squinted, staring out at the dark.
Twilight asked. "What was that?"
Zecora sighed. "You do not want to remain for what might unfold." She added. "Hurry back to Ponyville you two must." She turned and started into her home. "For the darkness this night, you cannot trust."
With that she went inside, leaving the other two visibly confused. Twilight seeming to be pondering something, turning and starting back. Applebloom meanwhile let out a little huff.
"What the hay did that mean?" The filly asked.
"Admittedly. I don't know." Twilight replied, before adding. "But, we should get going either case. Come on Applebloom."
The pair headed back through the winding forest. The strange essence drifting through the forest. Applebloom for a moment seeming to see two Twilights, slightly out of sync with one another. She rubbed her eyes, and the strangeness was done.
Twilight for her part blinked in surprise. "What the? How in Equestria did this tree fall?"
A large tree blocking the road out. The unicorn glancing it over, seeming to scan it with magic. Before sighing some.
Applebloom suggested. "Maybe it was that sound?" She offered. "Or...maybe...it was ghosts?"
"Don't be silly-" Twilight said, her horn aglow. "there are no such things as ghosts. Now, give me a minute, and I'll move this."
She strained with her magic, lifting the tree. Her eyes closed as she focused, bringing it up, and to the side of the road. Letting out a content sigh, before opening them, and staring blankly ahead, eye twitching.
"Uhm...Twilight, there's more of em." Applebloom noted.
"Oh come on!" Twilight declared in frustration.
The path ahead seemed to have a couple dozen trees collapsed. Twilight groaning as she stepped forward, and began to apply her magic again. Having a mild struggle with it. Her ward for the moment fidgeting, waiting rather impatient beside her. A strange feeling coming to her attention, like someone was watching her.
She turned, and noticed someone in the road behind them. A grey filly, older than she was, but probably not as old as Twilight was. She had a blond mane, and a spyglass cutie mark. The stranger gasped upon being noticed, and hurried off the path into the woods.
"Hey Twilight?" Applebloom said.
"Not now Applebloom." Twilight sighed. "Just...stay there okay. This'll take a minute."
Curiosity beckoned, however. And her steps moved closer. Giving a glance back at the unicorn, the filly couldn't help but seek answers for the stranger. She wasn't aware of anyone else living in the Everfree Forest. Knowing only of Zecora.
With a determined expression she raced after the strange girl, off the path, and into the dark. The space she entered, reverberating. The strange fog fading after.
Twilight let out a content sigh, having moved the tree. "See, I told you it'd...Applebloom?"
The red haired filly pushed her way through the underbrush. She found it was a little bit darker here than the space she'd come from. Finding herself in a clearing, she heard movement.
"Hello? Who are you?" Applebloom asked, stepping, finding her bow get caught in a tree branch. "H-hey..."
She tugged it loose, and continued towards where the sound was. Farther, and farther into the forest she went. Following every little disturbance, without any hesitation or pause. Venturing along with the fearlessness found among curious, reckless youth. Winding around corners, down long paths.
"Are you out there?" She called out, getting no response. "Where the hay did she go?" She muttered. "Zecora says it ain't safe out here!" She called out. "She's...real smart so..."
A sound suddenly caught her attention. The filly nearly passing by something, that once noticed, stood out terribly. It was a loud splashing sound, like water. Coming from a strange red box, laying against the trees, with lettering along the sides of it. Saying police call box, though she had no idea what that was.
"What the hey?" She asked, deviating, stepping nearer. "Hello?"
The side of it opened, appearing to be a door. A small flood of water pooring out, causing the filly to jump back. Looking bewildered, as a loud gasp followed from within the box. A hoof grasping at the...edge, of the box?
Following this, a strange pony, soaking wet, crawled out of the box. Applebloom could see water, and light from within the box. Tilting her head, watching it splash around. The mare, blue skinned with white and blue hair got up, and shook herself a bit. Splashing water around.
"Well that's one helluva way to stress test the new body!" The Mare declared in exasperation, while turning to the box. "Let's just let the gravity controls break the moment we're flying through a temporal tear in the fabric of reality. That'll be grand." She declared, in a huff, the box seeming to make a dong sound back. "What do you mean straighten you out? You're gonna havta handle that one yourself. Lest you forget, I don't have hands anymore." A chime sound rang out. "Oi...don't give me that sass. Which one of us was turned into a technicolored equine, then half drowned when somebody lost control of herself." The box made no sound. "Right...well, can I get a jacket while you-"
There was a sound, as something ejected from the box fast. Slamming into the strange mare, knocking her to the ground. The thing in question, revealed to be a jacket of some kind.
"U-uhm-" Applebloom asked. "are you okay?"
"Not now, I'm a pony and angry. Never been a pony and angry before-" The blue mare replied, her voice bearing a heavy accent. "oi...what was that for?" She asked, getting up, getting a chiming noise, as the door closed. "A-ah...was...well, maybe I was a bit harsh. I guess I was also partially to blame, scanning the signal and whatnot. Sorry."
"Are you talking to the box?" Applebloom stepped nearer, and looked it over.
"It's not a box it's-" The blue mare blinked, registering her presence. "Oh...hello?"
"Howdy." The yellow mare replied. "Who're ya talkin to miss?"
"Doesn't matter." The strange mare attempted to get the jacket on. "And are you t-aagh!"
The blue mare caught herself on the jacket, and promptly fell to the ground. Earning a little snicker from the filly, who stepped over to her, and offered a hoof. Earning a little snicker in response.
"Need help?" Applebloom asked.
"I'm being offered assistance from a..." The mare trailed, and took the hoof. "What are you exactly?" She inquired. "With suction cup hooves that magically grab things, and bright colors and...ohh...hohhh oh, I see it...you're the same species as whatever it is I am, aren't you?"
"Uhm...yup. We're...both earth ponies." Applebloom asked, helping her up. "Are ya alright...did ya hit your head?" She gasped, and said. "Oh, maybe I could get my cutie mark in first aid? I could ty and help-"
"Ahh, no. " The strange mare replied. "No, I don't need any assistance strange...smaller pony...ponies, really?" She sighed, managing to get the jacket on. "So, presuming we're of the same species as previously indicated, and you're of a smaller variety than me...that would suggest you're...a child?" She added. "I don't like to assume. It's rude."
"I am...yeah. You're...real weird." Applebloom noted, before asking. "What's with the box filled with water? Why're you out here?" The strange mare stepped back. "Are you that girls ma?" The mares ears dipped back. "What's your name, my name's Applebloom, and-"
"Okay, okay. Small child. Please stop." The blue mare laughed nervously, a little whirring noise coming from the box. "Oi!" She huffed. "No, it's not funny, do not encourage her." She paused. "To clarify your voice is feminine, thus my presumption. I don't like to assume. Pronounces, she?" The girl nodded. "Cheers. So am I apparently. Maybe I'll have you offer pointers."
"Were ya not always?" Applebloom inquired curiously.
"Just this morning I was a strapping fella with a nice hat, a year ago it was bad musical taste." The mare indicated. "One bad trip later, and suddenly I'm on my third...sixth?" She hummed. "I'll call it my third life. Point is, I am definitely female, and a technicolor pony." She hummed. "Surprisingly it's not the strangest thing to happen to me."
"If it helps, I think you're pretty." Applebloom suggested.
The mare blinked, nodding. "I don't require compliments about my appearance. I always look good." She said confidently. "However my new jacket-" She smirked."since you're an excellent judge of style. What'cha think?"
The jacket itself was a longcoat, white in color. It had buckles near the ends of the sleeves, with strands of fabric running through them, to tighten it if need be. The strange mare taking a moment to adjust the coat, nearly falling over in the process.
"Uhm...it's nice?" Applebloom replied. "Little bright though?"
"Yes, well I think it's quite fetching." The mare huffed some. "Right, yes...you had questions. I have some to. So, I answer a question, I ask you one, fair?"
"Alright." Applebloom replied.
"Fantastic-" The mare paused. "no...no not that word. Hate the sound. Ugh, tastes like vinegar...eh, whatever, I'll figure it out. Anywho-" She paced a little. "Applebloom, was it?"
"Yup." The filly replied. "And...you are?"
"I'm the Professor. No who, no what. Just the Professor." The Professor explained quickly. "Where...am I?"
"Well, yur in the Everfree Forest." Applebloom replied. "Didn't...cha know that?"
"No." The Professor replied. "That wasn't specific enough clearly. I meant, place, plane, land, country, location?"
"Oh uhm...yur in Equestria." Applebloom said.
"Equ-" The Professor twitched, and stifled a laugh. "equestria? Oh that's...that's just...incredible."
"What's with the box?" Applebloom asked, curiously glancing at it. "I've never seen a box with a pool in it. Is it magic?"
"Is magic a thing in this world?" The Professor inquired.
"Well sure. I mean. Unicorns have magic...and-" Applebloom began.
"Unicorns?" The Professor asked.
"Yeah. Like...we're both Earth Ponies. And some have horns...those're unicorns." Applebloom said, adding. "And the ones with wings are Pega...pegai..pegasusus."
The Professor stood idle for a moment, before adopting a smile. "You're entirely serious. That's...alright. I'm going to have to meet them, I suppose." She wagered, adding. "Do unicorns-" She paused. "er, never mind, I'll ask an adult. Probably not an appropriate question for a child."
"What's the question?" Applebloom asked.
"Ah, it's nothing, right, back on topic." The Professor cleared her throat. "Right, so. You asked about the Tardis. The box." The filly nodded. "Well, it's...not just a pool. It's actually a type of flying machine. Yes...that's suitably simplistic."
"With...water in it?" The filly asked. "How's a pool help a flying box?"
"I like to relax in a pool when I'm flying." The Professor shrugged. "Now...you asked me another question...was I someones mother, which lends me to ask...if this is a big spooky forest that feels peculiar to even stand in." She looked around. "What are you doing here, all alone?"
"W-well...I saw somepony out here." Applebloom explained. "She ran off that way."
"D-did you just say some-" The Professor snorted, stiffling a laugh, before producing something from the jacket. "Ah yes. Uhm... well I presume it's a touch uncommon to find people living out here?" She waved around a device, resembling a metal wand which buzzed, before scanning something on the side. "Correct?"
"A little...I only figured...Zecora lives out here." The filly then noted. "She said we should go home...that it was dangerous."
"And yet, here you are. Running head first into danger." The Professor said, waving the metal object at her for a moment, as it whirred, before checking it. "You should take her advice little one. Go back where it's safer. Ideally...far away from here."
"N-not until I know she's alright." Applebloom said plainly, feeling confused by the action.
The Professor looked over the metal device, and her curious look turned into something a bit more serious. Glancing Applebloom over, before adopting a small smile. The filly recognized the type of look. It was the type a grown up got when they were worried, but were about to pretend they weren't.
"Well then. I can't let you wander alone, can I?" The mare asked. "That'd be wildly irresponsible. So I'll come with you."
"Really?" Applebloom asked, adding. "I thought you'd try'ta make me go back?"
"I have a feeling you would disobey that request. And having you run off alone is... less than ideal Miss Bloom." The Professor then added. "Besides, I've gotta let the water drain out anyways, let some crash damage repair itself." Before motioning. "It's not easy to fly when the pool is in the lobby."
"Well... I guess it would be safer?" Applebloom half asked herself.
"Then lead, and I'll follow." The Professor offered.
The filly nodded and obliged, jogging off down the path. The mare sighing, before starting to jog along with her. Stumbling now and then, while wearing an expression of concentration.
As soon as they'd rounded the bend, the Tardis began to whir. Vanishing from sight, before reappearing in the same spot. Only this time upright, the door opening as a great deal of water poured out. An old brown hat, and a broken flute sliding out from the pooling water.
A faint whirring marked the air, The Professor glancing over the object, before putting it back in her jacket pocket. Stopping briefly by the wooded area off the path, she pushed her hoof forward. Humming, noticing that Applebloom was still walking. Not venturing in the slightest from some strangely laid out path.
"How often do you adventure out into places like this?" The Professor asked, getting no response. "Miss Bloom?"
"Huh?" Applebloom paused. "Oh sorry. I didn't hear ya."
The Professor asked. "I was just curious why you weren't just cutting through the trees." The filly glanced. "I see a path directly ahead. I wager once we come around the corner, we'll end up there. Could skip ahead a little."
"That's pretty clever." Applebloom suggested. "Maybe we could find her quicker too?"
"That's the idea." The Professor shrugged. "So c'mon and..." The filly started to walk down the path again. "Oi." She stepped over beside her. "Don't wanna cut ahead?"
"Cut ahead?" Applebloom asked, looking confused. "What do you mean?"
"Deviate from the path." The Professor replied with a raised brow.
"But...there's... only one way'ta go." Applebloom said.
"How do you know she didn't run off into the woods?" The Professor asked her, giving the filly pause.
"Cuz she-" Applebloom seemed to consider this. "well, I wouldn't. That'd be scary...wouldn't it?"
The Professor didn't respond to this. Instead keeping along with the fast walking pony. Who, only after a few moments, seemed to stick towards the center of the road. The pathing was odd, almost deliberate, in an undeliberate fashion.
The Professor followed along, noticing a light up ahead. The younger of the two proceeding along, without hesitation, before a hoof grasped her shoulder. And pulled her to the side some, causing her to look very confused.
"For...goodness sake. Just a moment." The Professor said, taking out the strange wand again.
"What's wrong?" Applebloom asked.
"Just checking something." She pulled up her coat some. "See, I have a tattoo on my rump. Never had one there before." She glanced to the side. "Well...one but-"
"You have a cutie mark?" Applebloom asked, before adding. "Oh, it's...an hourglass?" She then asked. "Your...special talent is...time?"
"The fact that my butt is aware of what I do, is a bit peculiar to me." The Professor admitted, with a little smirk. "But you don't seem surprised. I take it they're normal?"
"Well yeah. Most folks have em." The filly smiled some. "Me and my friends're try'n'ta get ours. We've tried all sorts of things." She added. "It's...most of my classmates do...actually."
"So it's a coming of age ritual, of sorts." The Professor nodded. "Right, well, is it uncommon for an... adult not to have them?" The filly nodded. "I see...then I need to elaborate something, briefly." She pointed. "Now, peer through the leaves there. Up ahead, see those fellows?"
Applebloom felt a mix of compulsions. One was to simply proceed. The impulse almost making her eyes feel...heavy. The other, however, was curiosity. And it compelled her to the Professors side, peering out through the leaves.
Beyond this space, there was a vast clearing full of light. Pouring down from above. However, her focus went towards the various homes, and houses the dotted hte place. They were cute looking, quaint, not unlike Ponyville in some ways.
Then, she noticed the ponies there. They were wandering about, sharing, setting up decorations. The filly gasping, as she noticed something far more noticeable, something she was shocked she hadn't noticed sooner. Nobody seemed to have a cutie mark, not one pony she could see. And they were all older than she was.
Applebloom commented. "They ain't...got cutie marks." She asked. "They're...blank?"
"That's right. None of them do. At least none that I could observe, and I have very excellent eyesight. Well...decent... better than it- nevermind." The Professor took the wand, and aimed it at her own cutie mark, causing it to make a few strange sounds. "So, just to be on the safe side-" The hourglass seemed to fade. "there. Ha. Yes. I knew that would work!"
"What'd you do?" Applebloom asked. "Y-you got rid of your cutie mark?"
The Professor was beaming, wearing a little look of pride. Repeating the process on the other side. Before straightening out her coat some. A smug expression on her face.
"Well you see, Miss Bloom-" The Professor began. "this whole world is peculiar. Everything has a sort of...energy frequency. Noticed it while we were walking." She explained. "Admittedly, it all sounds like music. Some obnoxious little ambiance tracks. Horrible...just horrible."
"Everythin sings?" Applebloom asked in surprise, picking a rock. "Does this?"
The mare squinted, and scanned it. "It does, actually. Sounds like chiptune." She glared at the rock. "Couldn't even stay on brand. Disappointing." Applebloom set it down. "Well, anywho. I used my sonic screwdriver to match the frequency from my uhm...cutie mark..." She smiled. "and altered the frequency to match the rest of my skin."
The filly listened, and seemed to think. "S-so you...made it...invisible?"
"Functionally yes. On both sides. Since it seems to come in pairs." The Professor muttered, before adding. "Now, Miss Bloom...just to be safe. Don't mention that I have one, alright?" She asked. "There's a chance, however narrow, their culture is unfamiliar with them. Which would make finding this girl you're seeking, difficult."
"Okay." Applebloom nodded. "I won't say nothin. Promise."
"Good girl. Now-" The Professor found that the filly had turned, and promptly proceeded into town. "just...continue on I guess?"
Applebloom wandered into the strange town in the middle of the Everfree Forest. Greeted by warm sunlight, pouring down. The sounds of people talking, and laughing. She looked around, a little surprised to find it there, this strangely tranquil place, before noticing the grey coated stallion, with black hair near the entrance.
He was looking things over on his clipboard. Making little checks and tallies. A smile on his face.
The entire area was set up, like it was a celebration of some kind. With tables and stools set up. Banners, stretched across the various posts, and fencing. She approached the stallion, drawing a glace towards her.
He let out a. "Ha ha. Well hi there little filly." His voice friendly, and calm. "And welcome to Sunny Town!"
"Uhm thanks but just...who are you anyways?" She asked, finding him a bit bouncy in terms of movement.
He went to say something before a shadow seemed to cast at her side. Applebloom glancing, taking note of the Professor. The mare dusting herself off.
She said. "I was just wondering the same thing, actually."
He spoke. "Well hello to you too. Wow, two visitors in one day?" He laughed a little. "I'm Greyhoof. At your service." He gave a little bow. "I'm the local celebration planner extraordinaire!" The Professor went to speak, but was cut off. "You're just in time, the party just started. Please, help yourself to food and drinks."
The Professor cleared her throat. "Well, thank you very much-" She noticed Applebloom start to walk. "oi, Applebloom."
The filly glanced back, before gasping. "O-oh right. I'm mighty sorry. I'm Applebloom."
Greyhoof smiled some. "Well, it sure is nice to meet you Applebloom. And you are?"
The Professor replied. "The D-er... The Professor."
"Professor?" He tilted his head. "What's that?"
"A type of educator." She noticed that he seemed about to ask something. "Where...are we, exactly?"
Greyhoof smiled more. "Well this here is Sunnytown. We call it that because ou-"
Applebloom asked. "Cuz it's all sunny?"
"Well, in a sense yes." He laughed a little. "I like to think it's cuz of our bright smiles."
The Professor noticed that Applebloom seemed to shift some, turning and starting to wander off. The mare sighed, as Greyhoof raised a brow, and seemed to notice. The duo watching as she started to walk around. .
"I swear, that child." The Professor sighed.
"Are you her...mother?" Greyhoof asked curiously.
"No. I'm her...guardian." The Professor quickly noted. "We got a touch lost, and stumbled into the woods. I've never been the best with direction, after all."
"Well no worries friend." He pat her on the shoulder, the feeling was icy cold. "You two can take a load off and relax. I think this is going to be the best celebration to date."
"Well that certainly sounds pleasant. Thank you." The Professor, then said. "I should go make sure she doesn't get into anything." She gave a nod. "Thank you for being welcoming."
"Of course. Have a sun-shiny day." Greyhoof said, pausing. "If I may-" She stopped her steps. "out of curiosity, are you a healer of some kind?"
"Not to my knowledge. Why?" The Professor asked. "Are you in need of one."
"No. I just...it's the darndest thing. I don't think I've met one, personally. We all take care of each other here, after all." He laughed a little. "I just...sorry, you just felt familiar, and somehow that's what came to mind."
"Honestly?" The Professor beckoned him close. "It's alright. I've had people who want to see me in those sexy healers outfits before." She smirked. "Answers no. But I won't judge your kink."
Greyhoof seemed to blush. "O-oh it wasn't like that."
"Uh huh. Have a good day Greyhoof." The Professor gave a nod, while starting off.
"Y-you too." He laughed looking embaressed.
As the Professor left, she saw him bury his head in his clipboard. Smirking to herself, while checking the sonic, sliding it into her jacket. It was easy to do a scan, when people were preoccupied.
"Knew I was still good looking." The Professor told herself. "Now...ahh, there you are." The filly had wandered over to a pony who was pale in complexion, with orange-red mane. "Mane...hair?"
It was functionally the same in her mind. She hoped it would be interchangeable in this peculiar universe. Growing near enough to overhear something being said.
The mare sighed. "He hasn't said a word to me all day."
With the completion of those words, Applebloom seemed to start wandering off. The Professor stepping near. Clearing her throat.
The Professor spoke. "Who hasn't?" This earned attention from both entities. "Having problems?"
The mare gasped. "Oh, I-I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to...voice that out loud."
"You sound a touch distressed." The Professor observed, adding. "Why do you think that is Applebloom?"
The smaller pony seemed to get a faint shine to her eyes. "Hmm, well, didja... get into a fight with somepony?" She heard the Professor make a sound, covering her mouth. "Or...somethin?"
The mare sighed. "No...I don't know. We're...well, today is meant to be a celebration. We're engaged, you see this is for our wedding...we're going to be getting married. But-" She frowned. "he hasn't...said a word to me all day. I'm not sure what I did wrong."
Applebloom asked. "Welll... who are you talkin bout?"
The mare motioned. "See that stallion over there?" She asked, pointing to a stallion in front of some building. "That's Roneo. My fiance."
The Professor suggested. "Well, why not go and ask him what's going on?"
"I-I couldn't." The mare said, adding. "If...if it's nothing. Well...maybe I'm just being anxious?"
Applebloom commented. "Well, ya ain't gonna know less ya ask?" She then pondered. "I could go and ask fer ya?"
"Oh, you sweet thing." The mare pondered some, glancing between them. "Well, would that be alright?" She asked. "I wouldn't want to impose."
The Professor glanced to Applebloom. "Well, what do you think, Applebloom?" She asked. "Should we?"
Applebloom responded with a smile. "Yeah. It's for her very special somepony'n her."
"Fair, if it's...d-did you...v-very special..." The Professor stifled a laugh, clearing her throat. "er, yes...naturally." She gave a nod. "We'll see if we can discover what's going on. Rest assured, it will be okay."
The mare said. "Oh thank you both. I'm so sorry to trouble you with it." The Professor gave a nod, and started on. "A-acually..."
"Hmm?" The Professor hummed, stopping, as Applebloom wandered off. "Yes?"
"You.. where are you from?" The mare inquired.
"Awfully personal question there miss-" The Professor began.
"I should have introduced myself. I'm Starlet." Starlet greeted. "I just..I've never seen you before."
"I'm a traveler, actually. I just... well, we happened to get lost." The Professor admitted. "Honestly... the whole experience has left me with a nasty headache."
"Really?" Starlet asked. "Is it...are you sick?"
"No." The Professor responded. "It's mostly keeping up with that one. Keeping her out of trouble." She asked. "Does that bother you?"
"N-no.. I'm sorry that must have sounded so very rude." Starlet apologized.
"Curiosity is good." The Professor said, considering. "Since you asked me one. May I ask you a few questions?"
Starlet appeared to consider this for a moment. "Alright. What're your questions?"
"First. Are you familiar with a 'cutie mark' at all?" The Professor asked.
Starlet appeared confused. "Cutie...what?"
"I'm not sure myself. I read about it, and was just curious." The Professor shrugged, smiling. "Never know what fun trivia some...a-a person knows, until you ask, right?"
"That's fair. I do like trivia games. They can be a lot of fun." Starlet smiled warmly.
"Marvelous...would you mind if I showed you something neat I...found in my travels?" The Professor asked.
"Huh, what?" Starlet inquired, as The Professor took out her sonic. "A...strange pen?"
"Ah, actually-" The Professor tapped it. "it's a gizmo I made to entertain her." She gestured. "It's a night light, originally."
She turned it on, prompting the little whir to became audible. Starlet jumping some, before tilting her head. Hesitantly tapping the top of it, and the glowing red light.
"Wow. That's amazing." Starlet noted. "What's the sound?"
"I'm afraid I've never figured out how to make it stop doing that." The Professor said, stopping it, before stowing it in her back pocket. "Perhaps one day."
"Well, it's incredible." Starlet told her. "I have no idea how you'd even manage that."
"Everyone has a little free time." The Professor then said. "Last question...do you know Applebloom?" She asked flatly, her smile fading, as Starlet looked concerned. "You were surprised to see me. But you didn't seem surprised to see her, when you were talking to her. Why?"
"I don't...know." Starlet replied, asking. "I mean...I didn't notice her...and, well, you just sort of snuck up on me." She laughed nervously. "I'm sorry, I'm not...I didn't mean to seem too familiar to your ward, or anything. I promise."
The Professor stared intensely for a moment, before smiling. "That's alright. Forgive my tone. She's my ward. I...well, tend to be a bit overprotective. Old paternal instincts." She laughed nervously, while offering a hoof. "I'm very sorry for being so rude."
Starlet managed a smile again. "That's alright. I...one day I think...it'd be nice to have a foal of my own." She glanced to the side. "I hope... I'm half as protective as you are."
"I'm sure you'll do fine. Admittedly, they're a hassle. And-" The Professor then registered something. "Oh...tsk. Speaking of. Sorry, I have to go make sure she hasn't wandered off."
"Oh shoot. I'm sorry. I went and rambled." Starlet apologized. "Thank you again."
"Farewell Starlet." The Professor gave a little wave, while jogging off.
The Professor growled a bit to herself, annoyed at having lost track of time, and the filly for a moment. She glanced around, spotting Applebloom heading farther into town. Seeming to be talking with someone for a moment, before proceeding on.
"Well...as long as I have another moment alone." She observed that nobody was looking.
The sonic was activated, moving it over to a nearby table, with food and drinks on it. Checking the side of the device, before quickly stowing it away again. Thankful most people seemed to be congregated in clusters.
Once more, Applebloom was talking to someone. The Professor heading over, before hearing a sound. A quickly drawn breath.
Her focus turning, noticing another mare, staring at her. The stranger had a similar appearance to Starlet. Save for a slightly greyer coat, with a deeper crimson mane. Further, she looked exhausted, and miserable, by comparison to the many smiling faces that were around town.
"Are you...the...who are you?" The strange mare asked.
"Pardon?" The Professor asked.
"You don't belong here." She said, adding. "You have to...have to...I hope you enjoy the party."
The Professor glanced at the glass of a nearby building. Noticing that she could see Greyhoof seeming to come around the corner. The crimson maned mare starting to walk away. Seeming to be working to avoid his attention. The celebration planner seemingly absorbed in his duties.
"Wait...you know what's going on?" The Professor whispered, not looking at her.
"The store house." The strange mare whispered back, traversing away.
"Right." The Professor nodded, turning her focus to Applebloom, who was heading towards her. "Enjoying your little adventure?"
Applebloom seemed to jump some. "O-oh... Professor. Look what I found." She held up a large red gem. "I think it's what Roneo was lookin fer."
"Is that right?" The Professor inquired. "He was seeking something?"
"Uh huh. See, he lost the gift he wanted ta give to Starlet." Applebloom explained, starting to walk back, with the Professor following along. "I went and was talkin to people, when I noticed somethin shiny. It was sittin in the dirt, near a garden."
"Good find Miss Bloom." The Professor replied, as they passed Greyhoof. "I'm proud of your efforts. Making progress while I dawdle along."
"I thought you were right beside me?" Applebloom asked. "Did'ja fall behind?"
"Only for a moment. I had a lovely chat with Starlet." The Professor replied, and then motioned. "Well, go on. See if it's what he's looking for."
This response gave the filly a bit of enthusiasm. She hurried over to go talk to Roneo, however, when she got near him, her expression seemed to flatter. Her movements stopping, her eyes losing a bit of luster, before being noticed by him.
Roneo gasped. "You found it!"
Applebloom tilted her head. "Huh, the gem?" She glanced it over. "Sure you can have it I guess."
The stallion was giddy. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
In his excitement he moved forward, out of the way of the door. Pushing past her with enough force that the girl stumbled, and nearly fall. Being caught by The Professor. Who put her back on her feet.
The Professor observed the groom hurrying over to his bride to be. They seemed to exchange a few excited sounds. However, her focus was squarely on Applebloom. The filly didn't seem to register being knocked aside, merely getting up, and starting towards the door. Wandering inside the building with no comment, or acknowledgement of what had transpired.
"So that's what it is." The Professor muttered.
Her expression turning dour, as she followed inside.
The store house was a rather large building, one that seemed at least partially larger on the inside. Though mostly from the clutter. Crates, smaller boxes, old furniture, all of it laying about. The windows permitting in, only a dull yellow color, rather than clear lighting.
"Well, that's just poorly optimized." The Professor muttered disapprovingly.
Applebloom was progressing along, moving with intent in her steps. Moving objects with a seeming foreknowledge of what and where. Heading along some winding path, towards... something.
The Professor turned her focus to a face in the opposite corner, peering over a box at her. A set of familiar gloomy eyes. With that, the blue mare stepped over, and pulled herself on top of the boxes.
"Suction cup hooves. Such a peculiar physiology. Next thing you know, It'll turn out I have pockets, or something." The Professor muttered, while starting to walk across them.
There were little divides in the path, that she had to hop across. Rather ineloquently, despite her attempts. Huffing some, straightening her jacket after the first.
"Why is it, in any universe, location, or time period, that the people with knowledge never just come out and say it?" The Professor complained, drawing nearer. "It's always gotta be 'meet me under the tower at midnight' or 'I have a confession, but not here' or 'Professor, I have to tell you something important' hmm?"
She stopped near the end of the boxes, finding the more depressed more looking up at her. The blue one leaning, observing her for a moment. Briefly checking the progress of Applebloom, which was to say, not a lot just yet.
"It doesn't take someone like me to observe the many things...wrong." She stepped onto a smeller box, and came near the end. "But before all of that. Before the cryptics, that only vaguely scratch the surface of what I need to know. I've only got one thing to say." She hopped down beside the mare. "Hello, person who seems uniquely aware. I'm the Professor. Why couldn't we talk out there?"
The grey mare, with crimson hair stared up at her. "I'm... Mitta." She then added. "And...because he could hear. And...because I had to...come in here."
"Vaguely cryptic. Wonder-no...nope. Did I already try that one? Just awful, like an untuned piano." The Professor paced a bit. "Ah, well Mitta, I need something more, something useful. Here, I'll demonstrate." She stopped in front of the mare. "Are you the only one who's noticed?"
"Yes. It's...my eternal punishment." Mitta laughed nervously.
"Why...what did you do wrong?" The Professor asked squinting.
"I didn't...do anything." Her eyes were full of regret. "That's exactly...what I did wrong." A whirring sound caught her attention. "What is that?"
"Sonic screwdriver." The Professor replied, scanning Mitta with it. "I'm performing a scan. Spotting the, eh, doesn't matter." She glanced to the side, finding Applebloom simply staring at Mitta, quietly standing. "Applebloom-" the filly didn't respond. "second useful question. She's not originally apart of this, is she?"
Mitta shook her head. "No." She seemed to shiver some. "I...I'm meant to...say something." She tried not to look. "It...it's hard. I...it feels like choking."
The Professors posture changed. "Quick questions then. This is a temporal prison."
"I-I don't-" Mitta began.
"A time loop. Time repeating, correct?" The Profession motioned.
"Yes. Y-yes..." Mitta started to turn her head, finding it grasped and focused. "sorry."
The Professor stared. "How does it end, this loop?"
"She races into the forest." Mitta replied. "I...they chase her. Pass by me. And then-"
"Have you tried to free her from the loop?" The Professor asked.
Mitta replied. "It...I can't. It's impossible." The Professor frowned. "I couldn't...it wouldn't matter. It just repeats."
The Professor said. "Every choice we make matters. Even if it's it's impossible to win." She added. "Especially when it's impossible to win."
Her body began to shake. "I-I...I have to-"
"Not yet." The Professor quickly asked. "Just hang on. One more question-" Mitta gave a pained nod, tears welling in her eyes. "have you ever seen me before?"
"No...no you're...new-" Mitta seemed to crumble. "I'm sorry...I can't...fight t-this...part."
"Mitta, no, just-" The Professor watched as her eyes seemed to dull over.
"It's not right. This is not right!" Mittas expression was agony. "The same thing... again and again and again!"
The sobbing was intense, The Professor releasing Mittas face. The mare seeming to collapse fully to the ground. The sight of her like that, appeared to disturb Applebloom, who stepped back. Bumping into The Professor, prompting her to look up. Eyes seeming to flicker out of the haze. Her expression full of worry.
Applebloom spoke. "Pr-professor...is...is she okay?"
The Professor responded. "She's having a rough day, I think."
"Why...does it... feel like-" The filly began, seeming to shake.
"Miss Bloom-" The Professor began, the girl looked up at her. "I am going to find you a way out of this."
"Out of...this?" The filly asked, adding. "Oh the building...that's okay already did." She scanned the Professors eyes, and added. "I...why do I...keep forgettin yer here?"
"Just lost in the adventure. But that's alright. I will get you out of this." The Professor restated, watching the light start to fade. "I promise you."
Applebloom glanced at Mitta. "Should...should we...ask somepony to check on her?"
"I don't think that's wise. For a variety of reasons." The Professor produced the sonic, and scanned them both. "I'll be coming with you...where too next?"
"I...how would I know?" Applebloom asked, before commenting. "Mah...head hurts."
"You're becoming aware of it. Or trying to be. But you aren't quite able to break through the effect." The Professor said. "That's...marvelous you can even try."
"I don't...understand." Applebloom admitted, her posture slightly changing. "I just...what were we... doin?"
The Professor put on a smile. "Right. Well, let's hurry along shall we. Get to solving whatever mystery is afloat." The girl smiled. "Lead the way?"
"Well okay." Applebloom replied, turning and starting out. "I'm real good at that. Hey...do'ya think...I'll get-"
Her words simply trailed off. Replaced with the sound of crying, and little hoof-steps, as the filly started to wander away. Wordlessly falling back into the pattern of motions. The Professor following along directly this time, not deviating. The sounds echoing as they went, being Mitta, who couldn't seem to stop crying. Whimpering out a few final words.
"Ruby...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Mittas words fading back into sobbing, eyes as dull as the rest.
Traversing the town felt different, Applebloom simply wandering through. Moving past the celebrating citizens, chatting and joking with one another. Seeming to barely noticed, or register the presence of The Professor, tagging along. Though, one or two gave glances to Applebloom.
Forward and through, until she came near the edge of town. A section of fencing open, revealing a forest path to something just beyond it. Past the balloons, and decorations, laid out for a wedding that would never come.
Once she had gone forward a little bit more, Applebloom noticed the grey girl staring at her from straight ahead. A sight observed by The Professor, who took stock that this being, unlike the others, also looked at her. Aware of her presence, before running off further away.
Applebloom let out an anxious breath, and hurried after the strange filly. Heading up and around, she came to witness a little shack, a building, alone and removed from the town. In a place where the birds weren't chirping, and all was terribly quiet. Her focus falling on a well beside it, that seemed to be missing a crank.
The unnerving nature of the place didn't deter movement, the filly heading, not to the house, but towards the well. The Professor looking around, scanning with her sonic. Turning back at a sound, like something clicking. Noticing that Applebloom had slotted a crank into the side. Uncertain of its origins.
The crank was pulled, and pushed. The sound of sloshing water, echoing along the interior of the well coming to attention. Rising, until the bucket finally reached the top. A glistening glint of metal visible within it. Illuminating despite the direct sunlight. The smaller pony reached in, and fished it out.
It was a key. Old, yet pristine. The filly heading to the door, slotting it in. The handle turned, it began to creak open. And for the first time, independent of intervention, she hesitated.
"Professor?" She asked. "Are...are you there?"
"I'm right here." The Professor replied, stepping to her side.
"I...don't...want to go inside." Applebloom admitted.
"Do you know what's in there?" The Professor asked, finding her shaking.
"N-no...I just...I feel...afraid." Applebloom said, asking. "It's...it'll be okay...right?" The Professor didn't answer. "Professor?"
The blue mare remained silent. The filly hesitantly stepping into the dark building. There were no notably light sources, save from what slipped through the doorway, and the light of a fireplace ahead. She noticed the windows were covered completely.
There was a table off to the left, the only other thing aside from the fireplace. A thing which seemed to have mere embers within. Left perpetually lit, bearing something within the remnant flame. The filly tilting her head as she approached.
"Where did she go?" Applebloom asked, stopping in front of it. "There's... nothin in here. Nothin but-" There was a set of bones in the fireplace, causing her to freeze. "no...no no no!"
She screamed while stepping back. "Applebloom-" She noticed the Professor, her eyes seeming clear. "we need to go."
"It's...I've seen this...before I-" Applebloom began voice trembling. "I can't-"
"Miss Bloom." The Professor said sternly. "We need to run. Now."
The filly nodded, and the Professor hurried outside. Applebloom racing after her. Giving a single glance back, briefly seeing the strange blond filly from before, sitting in front of the fireplace.
She heard the words. "I promised I'd find you a way out."
The door closing behind them, her focus falling on the path ahead. The light once marking it gone, as they breached back into the town from the forest path. All that was left now, was darkness.
The sky was left barren of stars, barren of anything, everything. Yet, there was a faint brightness to everything, only barely present. Enough to perceive the horror. The whole place was in tatters, a mix of wreck and ruin.
The buildings once happy, and quaint looking, were withered. The tables of food, left rotten. The drinks pungent. Now no more than thick, slimy substances, like liquid left alone for years. Molded over. All of this leaving the air reeking, stinking like a bog, nearly making the filly wretch.
Applebloom asked, as they went. "W-what's happening?"
"This is a temporal prison." The Professor indicated. "Generated using...a strange energy, I've been trying to understand all day. It's what's been causing time to loop." She indicated, weaving past debris. "The residents were kept unaware through a powerful perception filter. Strong enough to keep them on task. Repeating moments. Tricking their minds into thinking they're experiencing it for the first time." She looked around. "This is what the place really looks like. A withering husk, rotting forever."
"I-I don't under-" The filly came to a grinding halt. "t-that-"
Greyhoof was wandering nearer, coming from a point to the side. His form beginning to erode. His eyes gradually becoming red, as his skin darkened, almost seeming to slowly melt away. A mad twitch in his eyes.
"Then there's you." The Professor spoke, glaring. "You're the instigator, aren't you. What did you do, Greyhoof?"
"Me...no...we saved the town." He replied. "There was no other way." His voice distorted. "She was going to spoil the party."
The Professors promptly snagged Applebloom. "Don't stop, running."
Applebloom snapped from it. "R-right."
The two raced past, as Greyhoof watched them, slowly following along. His form breaking down further. The skin from around his face peeling back, withering. Leaving something like a smile there.
Coming around the bend, dozens of the ponies from the town were panicking. Watching as others decayed. Some seeming to turn their focus towards the two instead.
One of ponies of the town started near them. "You don't understand. The curse befell her this very night." The mare said, starting to wither as Greyhoof had done. "She had the mark!" The two passed by. "She had to go!"
Sprinting past a house, they came to a point where debris from a collapsed log blocking the way. Applebloom promptly began to push it. Trying to get it out of the way. The Professor moving to help, before hearing a pained groan. Turning to see another denizen approaching.
"Please..." He groaned, with darkening form. "stay with us."
"Stay...here?" The Professor chuckled. "No thanks, the rent's murder."
"We'll keep her safe-" The pony rotting into a monster added, looking at Applebloom who had stopped. "We will never let the same happen to you."
"Like you kept Ruby safe?" The Professor asked, noticing surprise in its expression
The Professor helped push the log out of the way. Motioning, Applebloom forward. The scared filly continuing in their attempt to escape this nightmare place. As they went, something began to blur towards them, one of the denizens, fully infected drawing near. It reached out, and snatched Appleblooms bow.
"Don't lea-" It began.
A light greeted it. An intensely loud sound, muffled. The sonic pushed into the melting denizens skin, the device whirring louder, as it screamed in agony. Releasing Applebloom, before fading to dust. The whirring stopping, as The Professor helped her up, stowing the device again. Her eyes bearing a calm fury, as crimson began to roost within them.
Applebloom noticed. "P-professor, your eyes."
"Hmm?" The Professor coughed some. "Well...that's unpleasant. We're running out of time. Go, now."
As they came to the entrance area, they noticed two familiar faces. Albeit in the same deteriorating state. That being Starlet and Roneo. The would be groom starting to run over, before being stopped by his bride. The decaying Starlet meeting the eyes of The Professor, holding him back.
Roneo called out. "Don't leave...all we want is friendship."
As this was said, Applebloom began to stop. Before being snatched up, and dragged back into movement. Snapping her from the strange funk, as the Professor kept her moving.
Their run however, was short lived. As they came to a stop, finding Mitta standing in front of the path out. Her gloomy eyes meeting the determined ones of The Professor. Both equally crimson. Though, Mitta, unlike the rest, wasn't completely decaying. Her body left mostly in-tact.
"Keep going Applebloom." The Professor ordered.
"B-but-" Applebloom began.
"Now." The Professor ordered in a hostile tone, staring at the filly with crimson eyes. "Before I lose my patience."
With a hesitant step, Applebloom obeyed. And ran past Mitta, who didn't bother trying to stop her. The mare who remembered just laughing, a pained laugh.
Mitta spoke, with a vocal echo. "Fools...even in death they don't understand." She added. "This is...what we deserve...right?"
"When we were leaving, you said Ruby." The Professor noted. "You knew her. Didn't you Mitta?"
"Ruby...she was...my best friend." Mitta trailed. "They said she was cursed. I-I knew better...I should have protected her. But-" She closed her eyes. "I made my choice."
"Then choose different now." The Professor demanded, getting a faint echo to her words. "What you did...you can't ever make up for it. But you don't have to let it happen again." She added. "Not to her."
"I-" Mitta glanced past her, and stepped aside. "just run. Run for your life."
The Professor said nothing else, and continued. Finding Applebloom nearby, watching as Mitta moved to block the path once more. Even as more of the decaying citizens were approaching.
Applebloom asked. "Is...is she gonna be okay?"
"I thought I- eh...no time to stand around." The Professor replied. "And, her 'being okay' depends on the choice she makes." The mare articulated, glaring back at Mitta. "Now, let's go."
The forest path was a reflection of the town. The trees withering, rotting, as it possessed by the same blight. The scent filling the air similar to that of the town, intensified by the way the branches groaned, snapping from their decrepit state.
The shapes sprinting after them in the dark, withering bodies, and broken forms. Moving faster from different angles. Some were little more than skeletons, held together by the grim energies of this place.
The Tardis came into view, as they reached the final stretch towards it. A surge of something knocking into The Professor from the side, causing her to roll, and slam. She growled, as she hit the ground, something diving at her. Giving a kick of her back legs, she knocked it away. Watching the nearly skeletal being stagger back, wearing a dead mans smile.
"Y-you cursed us!" Greyhoof howled in agony.
"You cursed yourselves!" The Professor replied, finding flakes from her ears breaking apart. "The moment you killed that girl, you sealed your fate."
"She was sick! She was cursed!" The distorted voice of Greyhoof howled from the monster. "She was...going to ruin the party. My party! Don't you understand?"
Applebloom let out a cry of fear, drawing the attention of The Professor. The filly stepping back rapidly, having stopped her advance. The path to the tardis being blocked by the most skeletal of the monsters. Rising, the mare hurried over beside her.
"What I understand...is that you murdered a child...in cold blood." The Professor hissed. "You burned her alive. Not because of some imagined sickness. No...because you were afraid it would hurt your vanity project."
The remains of what was once Greyhoof roared in a feral fashion. Diving out at her, before something else tackled into him. The two forms slamming to the ground, knocked aside. The other cursed seeming surprised, distracted.
"I should have stopped you." Mitta growled, at the rising skeletal pony. "Professor...I said to run for your lives, didn't I!?"
The Professor nodded, smirking. "That you did."
With the distraction, the Professor ran towards the one blocking the direct path to the Tardis. Taking out the sonic, she jammed it in the monsters eye-socket. Turning it on, causing the creature to roar, before bursting to dust. As it did, she snatched Appleblooms hoof, and pulled her past them towards the red box.
Applebloom gasped. "W-what about her?" She was ignored for a moment. "W-we're helping her... right?"
The Professor glanced, some of the skin around her lips peeling, fading. Giving a glance back at the mare, and then to the filly. The girl still showing no signs of deterioration. No signs of falling apart. Save for an expression of fear and concern. Prompting the Professor to groan a bit.
"Just go inside. I'll...sort this out." The Professor ordered. "Ugh, what is it with me and doomed villages?" She glanced. "Go!"
"O-okay." Applebloom hesitantly stepped inside the strange box.
The Professor meanwhile glanced around at the breaking bodies, many already turned towards her. Racing towards the Tardis. Most however, had gone to target Mitta who was being quickly overpowered. Slammed down by a couple of the 'citizens'.
"I observed it earlier. Everything in this universe has a frequency. Strange, harmonic, absolutely annoying. Singing awful ambient songs, but some however, have more unstable tunes, like someone smashed a keyboard, they're falling apart." She produced the sonic. "All scanned, and analyzed by me." The Professor then added, her voice echoing fully, a wild grin on what was left of face. "The former, fine. The latter... that just needs a tip to fall apart, and something to make it happen. Funny that, see I installed a speaker system in the Tardis after a particularly destructive party in the Medusa Cascade." Some lunged at her. "Wanna hear?"
She opened the phone-box section of her Tardis. Revealing it to be a panel of some kind, with various slots. Slotting in the Sonic, she let out a little laugh, turning it on. The top of the Tardis beginning to emanate a noise. It started low, quiet, but rapidly grew louder, and sharper. The various decayed entities beginning to scream, sprinting to get near, to stop it somehow.
The Professors expression retained a stable, bleak smile, as they began to crumble, one after another. The last being Greyhoof, screaming as he collapsed to dust. A hoof reaching out to grasp her as it happened.
The area free of all of them, except for Mitta. Yet, the sound didn't stop, as she began to scream in pain, starting to shake violently. The Professor staring, watching her for a moment, before glancing at the Tardis. The sound fading out.
"Sorry about that. Had to be sure nothing else was coming." The Professor spoke, with a semi-chipper tune. "Well...just gonna lay there, or are you coming too?"
Mitta got up, and glanced back. "I-I am...just a moment. I didn't think-" She got near, and stopped. "P-professor?"
"When your friend died, you earned the same fate as them. But, you made the right choice this time. So I'll give you another one." The Professor spoke in a serious tone. "Once the loop resets, everything in it, including them will reset back to normal. If you stay, you'll be caught in it, which is more than you deserve." Her words hostile, and sharp. "However, I believe in second chances, and you earned one."
"What will...it cost me?" Mitta asked quietly.
"Everything. Every waking moment of your life." The Professor replied, opening the door. "This is the only time; you're getting this offer."
The cursed mare seemed to consider this briefly, however briefly, and gave a nod. Venturing inside, as The Professor shut the doors behind them. A grey filly watching from the path, smiling, before fading away, into the dark.
The interior of the box was well above anything that Mitta had imagined. She had presumed it to be something, perhaps something mystical. Magical like the forest. And yet it was... so much more.
It was expansive, far more than its exterior would suggest. A massive room, made up of a central flat floor, spread through the circular room. It appeared to be hard wood tiles. Interwoven into one large pattern, like an hourglass. There were bookshelves and spaces dug into the sides of the walls. Filled with rows and rows of books, trinkets, and strange devices she'd never seen.
There were couches here as well. Long comfortable things, ornate and fine. Fitting the elegant aroma of the place, like a classy lounge from a detective thriller. The room possessing two other doors aside from the one she'd enter in through. She glanced up and saw what almost looked like glass on the ceiling. Save that everything was dark. She wondered if it was black wood, or something else.
"Well, that wasn't so bad. Spooky town caught in a time loop. Nothing I haven't faced before. Wellll, at least things like it." The Professor stepped forward, past her. "You two. Welcome to the Tardis. Who...oh, you redecorated?" A warble sound could be heard. "I do. It looks good on you, you lovely thing... by the way, sorry about earlier I-" There was a bell like noise. "right, time and place."
"It's-" Mitta stammered out. "bigger-"
"No. Not from you." The Professor said sternly, earning a glance, and a look of hurt from Mitta.
She stepped over to the large central structure. Some great machine, with a rounding console, filled with buttons, and levers, and cranks. The odd machine, making a steady and calming sound. Like mechanical breathing, in its own way.
Applebloom gasped. "Mitta, you're better!"
"Better-" Mitta took noticed. "my...body, what-"
Mitta found she was as she once was. Her body not breaking apart. She imaged, her eyes back to normal as well. Her attention fell on The Professor, who also seemed to have recovered from the affliction.
The Professor hummed. "Well, you didn't think I was doing nothing this whole time did you?" She asked, smirking. "You remember that device, this one-" She waved her sonic a bit. "sonic screwdriver. I was analyzing everything. Finding the unique frequencies. Tuning it, passing that information to the Tardis to establish a countermeasure." She smiled some. "When you entered, the infected parts of your body were burned away, replaced with new tissue."
"I'm...free?" Mitta asked, tearing up. "I...I'm not...thank you."
The Professor responded by asking. "When did she arrive?"
"Huh?" Applebloom asked. "Me?"
Mitta replied. "I think...maybe a week. It's hard to tell."
"Huh...to the town?" Applebloom asked. "Ah just got there today?"
Mitta frowned. "Oh...Applebloom. I'm so sorry. It-"
The Professor gave a quick wave. "Nuh-uh-uh-uh. No, stop. Doesn't matter." She began checking a variety of things, throwing some switches. "Applebloom, where do you live?"
"Sweet Apple Acres. It's nearby." Applebloom then asked. "Why?"
"Cuz I'm taking you home." The Professor said, adding. " Now, everyone please keep your hands and feet inside the Tardis at all times-"
"Everyone?" Applebloom asked, tilting her head. "You mean... everpony?"
"Everpo-" The Professor chuckled, but caught herself. "Right. Well both of you, please take a seat, and we'll be on our way shortly."
Applebloom hurried to a seat. "That's cuz it flies right?"
"Yes indeed. Time And Relative Dimension In Space." The Professor declared with friendly enthusiasm. "And we're on our way."
The box began to whir, a loud sound echoing through it. Mitta glanced around nervously, and stepped over and took a seat on the couch. No sooner had the sound begun though, before it stopped, with a loud noise after.
Mitta glanced around. "Did...something happen?"
"Certainly. We're here." The Professor stepped over to the door. "Come along Miss Bloom-" She then added. "you too Mitta."
"R-right." Mitta nodded.
The trinity stepped outside, and were greeted by an orchard of apple trees. And a fairly quaint looking farm nearby. The Professor stepping out first, taking a breath of fresh air, sighing contently.
"Sweet Apple Acres. Should be... the day you left. Give or take a day or two." She shrugged. "Time isn't an exact science."
Applebloom looked around, and noticed someone. "H-hey, that's mah sister!"
The filly ran off towards an orange pony who was walking quietly through the orchard. Wearing a rather anxious expression. Seeming unaware of their presence at this moment.
Mitta muttered. "I guess...this is Ponyville?" She hummed. "Applebloom mentioned it in one cycle."
"Pony...ville?" The Professor couldn't stifle the laugh, and did so openly. "By the stars...that's marvelous." She then added. "Oh you strange technicolor equines. Alright. Go on."
"What?" Mitta asked, glancing. "To...where?"
The Professor let out a long sigh. "I offered you a second chance. So here it is." She motioned. "Go keep her safe."
"Applebloom?" Mitta asked.
"Yes, unlike you, she could become someone utterly marvelous one day." The Professor commented. "You make sure she never, ever comes to harm." She said, while operating the sonic. "You can have a life in whatever little town this is, pretend you're a distant cousin, I don't care." Mitta noticed a cutie mark appear on her, an apple of some kind. "But from now, until the moment you breath your last breath, you will never...ever, let her come to harm." She added. "If you do. I'll drop you back in that prison. Understood?"
"I...I won't fail. I'll keep her safe." Mitta gave a nod, and replied. "What...what about the town?"
"I'm going to seal the entrance." The Professor said, while opening the door to the Tardis. "Make it impossible for someone to stumble into it again."
"You're very...different than he was." Mitta commented quietly, earning a glance. "Will...we ever see you again?"
The Professor didn't answer this, instead heading inside, closing the door behind her. The air filled with that peculiar sound once more, as the box seemed to blink in and out of existence. Fading away, until it was gone. Mitta observing this, before hearing voices.
"Over here, see!" Applebloom called out. "Mitta, Professor!"
Mitta laughed nervously. "Okay...Mitta...you can do this."
As the ponies met, and talked. And a Lady of Time whisked away. The sun was shining bright, across the farm that day. The sky alight, with a bluish hue, and a crack that faded away. Perhaps their paths would cross again, or this is where they'd stay.