The Doctor walked through a nearby countryside. She had walked out of London, giving her boots a proper workout and being grateful for wearing socks. All her time traveling and yet she rarely wandered by foot. This was a moment when no history occurred, just a quiet afternoon in the countryside.
It might be the most perfect moment she'd known in a long time.
Sometimes life didn't need to be explored to be valued, a truth that she forgot occasionally. The moment faded quickly as a low hum called her. She flipped up the hood of her coat and wandered, focusing on the sound so that it was easier to follow. It also helped that the limited countryside made it less likely to be hit by a car while walking down the middle of a one-way road with her back to traffic.
Roads vanished, giving way to dirt and eventually a forest. Ancient walls and broken carriage wheels lined the path, a place where the world had moved on but history could be found. Her own past had been fully embraced, every victory with every tragedy seen through many eyes. The promise made to Susan long ago returned.
Who knows who's out there, but I'm going to meet them. For good or ill, I'll see it all.
A gentle roar filled her ears, and brought a spark to her eyes. Her promise was simple and its impact profound, but it demanded a proper vehicle. They were finally ready to meet.
Raising a hand, energy condensed and formed a small key in her palm, it twitched with glee knowing the one door it was built for was straight ahead. She pulled back her hood and showed her dear friend the new face that would be its companion. The Doctor wondered for a moment, perhaps the Tardis knew what she'd look like even before she did and that's why it never became confused.
Such a thought created a paradox the Doctor had no interest in causing her head to blow up over.
With a smile for all the journeys to come, the Doctor stepped forward. The rituals complete with old memories remembered and honored. Now it was time to make some more.
And with a turn of a key for the thirteenth time, the story continued.
