It's probably about time It was once again mentioned I do not own Doctor Who Or Adventure Time and only my OC's, plot and the "Novopangea universe" belong to me.
'Immortal Wounds'
Robin stumbled through the apartment and made his way to bed. He slumped into the bed, falling on his back and staying that way with his right hand clasped across the left side of his neck. The morning dawned and it would be another one of those days, same old routine, princely duties to attend to. Not that Robin really took part in princely duties, he did his best to avoid them. But he admired the way in which Anne handled her duties as Princess. Her unbiased judgement and selfless devotion to the kingdoms people and the causes she believed in. It had always been one of the qualities which impressed him most about her and he loved her so much for that. It was for this point he had tried not to wake his one love this early morning, even though he really should have. But Anne needed her sleep. Robin increased the pressure to his neck. He groaned slightly in pain and turned his head in search for something on the bedside table. It was dark, the day was young -very young, as in 4 in the morning young. And Robin struggled to make out what laid on the table. He sat up while keeping pressure on his neck. He patted around the table with his one free hand, trying to find what he was looking for. 'Maybe if I just turn on the lamp, hopefully I won't wake her...' Robin's hand reached for the lamp on the closest edge of the table - exactly where it always sat.
'CRASH'
'NO!' Robin's thoughts rang out when the bedside lamp crashed to the floor.
"Hmmm?" Anne stirred from her slumber. "Robin? You're back, how was your night?"
"O-kay... All good... Honey." Robin replied in a slur of words, dizziness taking hold and his fine motor skills becoming somewhat questionable. Anne switched on her own bedside lamp and immediately shot out of bed upon seeing her lover sprawled out on the floor in the space below his side of the bed, his right hand still clasped to his neck.
"Robin, what on earth! What happened?" Anne asked with great concern. She'd known he'd be out late this night but had not expected anything like this.
"Weevil hunting..." Robin slowly said. 'Should have guessed.' Shot through Anne's mind amidst her worry and concern. Anne knelt over Robin and inspected his state. Her attention was immediately drawn to his neck which was covered firmly by one hand. Blood covered his shirt and smeared down his left arm. Panic struck through her mind but her instincts guided her on. She peeled back his hand slightly and gasped upon the sight of the wound inflicted into his neck. Deep, jagged teeth marks. Those from a Weevil. Anne knew all too well how dangerous they could be. But what had Robin been out this night hunting weevils for? Anne grabbed a dermal regenerator off the bedside table and mended the wound to Robin's neck. Anne sighed with relief noticing Robin's heartbeats steady and his life signs become stable. She quickly reached for a glass of water from beside the bed.
"Now drink." Anne stated firmly handing him the glass. "You need to replenish all the fluids you've lost." Robin finished the glass without argument. "Robin, what happened?" Anne asked now the medical crisis had been averted.
Well indeed you probably would be wondering how exactly this happened but hold that thought a second. First of all it is necessary to understand how all this came to be.
It all began...
When the Lich was defeated and people returned to their homes some serious questions started to be asked. The source of much questioning came from of none other than Anne's very own advisors. Which wasn't so much of a surprise really, to Anne at least. Most of which had always been a force unto themselves. Luckily though, a few of them still loyally supported Anne. They wanted Robin paraded through the streets for everyone to meet. But still, Anne couldn't bring herself to tell them the truth. No matter how much it was demanded she explain who her new friend -the man who had helped to defeat the Lich, Robin was, she couldn't tell anyone. People treated her badly enough, they saw her differently because of her difference. And Robin, a man from another world, an 'alien' - there was no telling how they would treat him. Anne swore to do everything in her power to ensure Robin did not have to experience those things. And as Marceline warned her, if the vampires of her kingdom were to learn Robin was a Time Lord there would be no telling what they might do. And so, on one night Anne cleverly devised a cover story. She told her advisors first, she told them a fantastical tale of a wandering Prince; lost and far from his home kingdom which had long since fallen. The Prince had travelled far, he'd crossed the great divide, navigated through the wastelands of old and found himself in the Kingdom of Zion. He was well educated and came from a once rich and prosperous kingdom; a kingdom that still held onto many of the great secrets of the old world: science. And with her tale Robin was quickly welcomed as a new member of the Kingdom. The advisors recommended Robin attend the Royal court and some even suggested he be considered Anne's suitor. And so began several many happy and prosperous years. The kingdom reigned and flourished under the new time of peace. The kingdom entered a new age and as it would become known- ~The Twilight Years~.
Anne and Robin revelled in their new found love and became all the more for thanks to each other. Robin gave Anne a sense of security and new knowledge. Anne gave Robin a sense of responsibility, a feeling that he was needed, and appreciated. In those years, Robin had taught Anne a great deal, such as how to pilot a TARDIS. And so to had Anne taught Robin. However Robin began to remove himself from the court, he hated to be called a Prince or Lord. It had been one of the things he'd denounced so greatly about his old life on Gallifrey. His people's antiquarian need for status and power had sickened him. Though he trusted Anne's just use of her status, it was not something he wished for himself.
And so too did other problems arise. Robin had to be particular in how he involved himself. He could not interfere in all things. As much as he hated his people's old bureaucratic laws and jurisdictions, not interfering in important events in the timestream -especially fixed events- was a rule which had stood for good reason. And although it frustrated Anne that he refused to help at times, she could at least understand and respect his decision, usually.
Marceline had stayed much the same and still sat as Queen of the Vampire Kingdom. Ben had grown older, along with his wife and they had a son, Finn. Ben's friendship to Robin had grown and the two would often go on knightly expeditions together. Some would joke they had a 'bromance'. There was one issue which began to arise unfortunately. Robin, much like Anne and Marceline, didn't age as humans did and his not ageing was becoming noticeable. Especially when he spent a lot of time around people like Ben whom he could be compared to. Luckily as far as most people were concerned, Robin was a young prince and he was gifted with youth and good health.
Well enough of the previous five years, back to the story at hand...
With Anne's help Robin got into bed, once he was cleaned up of blood and dirt. He buried his head into the pillow, content that he was thoroughly and properly exhausted. Anne lay beside him, hoping to pursue the conversation. "Robin, I know these past few months have been a particular struggle for you... And I respect your position in that there are times you cannot intervene BUT I really hope you will make it to court tomorrow. The situation at hand could effect life as we know it on this entire world! Surely if anything warrants your attention then this would have to be it. Robin, even if you simply attend, it would put my mind at ease." Anne looked at him expectantly and waited for his reply. Robin couldn't deny her such a request. He knew the distress the whole situation was causing her.
"Anne, if that is what it means to you then of course I will be there." Robin warmly told her. He sat up to meet her gaze closely and placed a hand to her shoulder. "Anne, please don't worry..." He took each of her hands and placed them upon each of his hearts. They lay back into the bed, and Robin looked Anne straight in the eye confidently, both her hands still fixed on his chest. "...I have faith in you. I know it in both my hearts that you will see these people through. Just as you always have."
Anne's heart fluttered a beat upon hearing Robin's trusting words. She wrapped the duvet snugly around them both and kissed him goodnight. She felt warmed and relaxed in that moment, confident that she would indeed fulfil her duty as Princess.
The morning had come far too soon as far as Anne could be concerned. She sat in her place as Princess upon the throne. This was a meeting of immense importance, even if many people could not realize it. She had invited dignitaries from all the kingdoms, for this was a situation not quite any she had dealt with before. The situation called for delegation of all major parties across the land. The help of everyone would be required in some shape or form. Aside from the dignitaries, noblemen and community leaders attended, as well as Anne's advisors. Anne had always hated these occasions. And It reminded her all too well of why Robin disliked them. All the pomp and fanfare, ceremony and routine. It was nothing more than a showing off of rank and status, however the situation at hand required it and there was no other way to call so many of the people required. The moment had nearly come for Anne to address the court. Her stomach lurched, she had never had an issue with 'butterflies' before. But as said before this situation was like no other. Her eyes searched the room for Robin, Where could he be? She wondered. Her heart raced as she continued looking around the room. Noblemen, Lords, Barons, Princes, Princesses and Kings and Queens all stood in wait for Anne's word. But she couldn't spot him. 'Where is he?' Anne's mind asked worriedly. Then came her moment of relief, across the room she finally caught sight of him. He stood beside Marceline and Ben dressed ceremoniously. She'd always thought he looked quite dashing at such occasions. The attire suited him and he looked the part, though perhaps that was partly why he detested it so. He wore his family sword at his hip and a 17th century style royal blue jacket with a white frilly, v-necked shirt and black pants. She considered it thoughtful of him that he'd shown the foresight to wear something which matched the colour of her own dress which was also navy blue. Ben meanwhile wore his ceremonial Knights armour and Marceline wore a dark green and extravagant corset dress. It wasn't exactly traditional, though. In fact the words "punk-Victorian" (If those words have ever been used in combination before?) wouldn't be out of place when describing the way she wore this dress. The corset was a mix of dark green and black, the signature of the vampire sewn into various places. It billowed out from the hips in overlaying sheer ruffles which hid a black slip. To top it off, she wore an enormous black hat adorning white roses, of which previously gave her shade from the sun. As usual, she seemed to attract the attention of the room, many eyes took a moment to take in her unusual but very beautiful and yet 'cool' dress sense. Ben and Robin could only smirk in amusement as their eyes were drawn to Marceline.
"Shut up you two, Anne made me wear it." Marceline complained to them both.
Robin's gaze met Anne's from across the room. Despite his otherwise nonchalant expression, Anne could see his eyes were filled with confidence for her. It spurred a drive of confidence in her and so she seized upon the moment to make her announcement. Anne stood gracefully and took several slow steps down the steps and onto the isle, just so everyone could see she was about to speak. And it certainly worked in getting their attention. The moment was now and it was now or never...
"My fellow citizens of this wonderful land we call Novopangea. I stand before you today not as your Princess, but as a fellow being of this world. I am happy to say I am humbled by all of you rushing to be here in attendance today. I have important news, news of an event which could change the world as we know it. There is danger at out doorsteps my friends. Like nothing we have known before. In the Argolis nebula 8 000 light years from Earth lies a star. But not just any star, this star is so large and so massive it would stretch beyond the orbit of Saturn if it were in our own system. The star, 'VY Canis Majoris' as it was known to old Earth scientists is nearly a million times the size of our own sun, and 100 000 times as dense. This star is approaching the end of its life, and I calculate that when it reaches its final moments it will collapse in on itself to create the largest hypernova in recorded history. Even from 8000 light years we will not be safe, the gamma ray burst alone would strip away our planets ozone layer leaving our world exposed to cosmic winds and radiation. I estimate that without intervention we are looking at mass extinction of all life that cannot build sufficiently insulated underground shelters. Rather than flee underground, I pose to you another solution. If we pool our resources, combine the might of every kingdom of this land, then we could make a planetary forcefield powerful enough to protect us against this coming danger." Anne paused, she looked around the room and continued to pace slowly. The room was quiet, waiting her next word. "Well what say you all? Will you stand up for your people, for your land, this world? And not just for the people today, but every generation that will ever walk the Earth! Their lives lie in your hands. I leave it to you to decide... What say you all?" Anne finished. She breathed heavily, had her message been put across? What would they say?
Chatter started to sound around the room as the attendants spoke between themselves. Anne's stomach continued to lurch as she waited a response. Her heart raced as she caught the odd word said here and there across the room.
"How is that even possible?" Called one man from the crowd. "How are we supposed to help?" Said another and one asked "And how exactly is it you know you are right?"
Well obviously Anne had put much research into the topic, she'd studied the stars movements, calculated it's mass and cross referenced everything with the TARDIS databanks to be sure she was right and then of course she'd discussed it with Robin. But she couldn't exactly tell her people about her Time Lord of a boyfriend and his sentient time machine so she held her tongue. "I can assure you my calculations are correct, I have discussed them with Prince Robin who as you know is a man of science and I have also discussed the subject with some of the finest scientists in the land. All of which came to the same conclusions."
The people continued to chatter. Debates fired this way and that for no real reason other than to shift the responsibility. No one seemed to grasp the seriousness at hand. Anne looked to Robin who stood silently across the room. He once again caught her gaze and knew exactly what she was thinking, his expression only reminding her of his earlier statement: 'Sorry Anne, but I can't interfere.' Anne held together her composure. She couldn't show sign of panic in front of her audience, no matter how much they frustrated her. Talk became more and more off topic. Talk of everything from what to have for dinner to war to... Robin?
"Why is it your boyfriend looks so young?" Jested one person, "He looks just the same as the first day I saw him five years ago."
Anne shuddered, was this really happening? She knew the day would come when she would have to come up with some explanation but today? On top of all else? But Robin, what would happen if they found out? Anne immediately became very worried and all eyes turned to an answer from Anne or Robin.
"Alas my friends, you mustn't be eating your greens! Yep, that'd be it..." Robin joked. He gulped, realising the joke hadn't really worked and if anything it'd made things worse. 'Robin really? You're a Time Lord and that's your answer?' Anne's mind raced in panic. It was times like this when she wished her younger sister were around to wreak some sort of havoc, a distraction would be perfect right now. 'Oh Bonnibel! Of course!' Anne thought in excite.
Anne cleared her throat getting the attention of the room. "Forgive Robin's humour," Anne said turning a stern eye to Robin for a moment. "As you all know my sister does enjoy experimenting..." Heads shook in agreement around the room. "And as you know Bonnibel has aged rapidly to roughly 16 years old in recent years." Heads again shook in agreement. 'Are they really believing this?' Anne wondered. "I'm afraid that, just as her rapid ageing was caused by one of her reckless experiments, Robin's extended youth has also been caused by one such experiment." Anne explained bewildered to see that people believed her? They didn't believe her carefully calculated warning, one backed up by evidence, about an imminent hypernova. But they would believe a crazy lie she'd thrown together on the spot? Wow.
'Enough'' Anne shouted in her mind. She needed a moment to clear her mind, to get out from this insanity. Anne walked quickly straight out of the throne room and left the squabble behind her. Anne made it out into the corridor and threw open a window to let in the breeze. 'Oh sooo much better!' She rejoiced for the momentary peace.
"Anne!" Called a voice worriedly, "Are you okay?" Anne turned around, to meet the person...
"Robin!" Anne exclaimed. "Oh Robin, I'm sorry, I should have expected this would happen. I'm really sorry." Anne hung her head disappointedly.
"Hey, don't do that!" Robin remarked and raised her chin so he could meet her gaze. "Anne I'm here, I'm okay and I'm not going anywhere. But nice job by the way!" Robin grinned. "I would never have expected them to buy that tale but wow did you tell em'" Robin continued impressed by Anne's performance. Anne just smiled still in shock.
Anne put an arm around Robin and buried her head in his shoulder. She so desperately needed to escape from this world. It was moments like this that made it so so tempting. And what made it worse was the fact that now it was so easy for her to do so. Robin had shown her so many incredible worlds, worlds in permanent sunset with long never ending beaches. Kelvin Prime, the planet of harmony. There everything was in balance; the cities and the forests, all as one. Those peaceful forests, Anne remembered the days where she had fallen asleep on a picnic rug cuddled beside Robin without a worry in the world and just the birds to sing her to sleep. Oh she wished for those times again. Or Midnight, the diamond planet with its beautiful resorts and fine dining. ANYTHING but here!
Robin seemed to sense Anne pleas for escape. "Shhh.' He told her as he ran his delicate fingers through her long pink hair."Once we've got this sorted I'll take you anywhere, anywhere you want to go. Just pick a star, any star." Anne immediately brightened upon his words, her eyes shot open in excitement. It made Robin so happy to see her that way, to see her smile.
"Really?" Anne replied, her mood brightened by the prospect. She looked out the window and to the sky. It had indeed been a very long day. The sunny day had passed and now the stars were coming out. The excitement of choosing their next destination would always bring her such joy. She searched meticulously, eyeing for one she hadn't been to yet. Which one would take her fancy? "There! The third star at five o'clock from the moon. Do you see it?" Anne asked holding in her excitement.
"Mmm, yes I know it well. Lupin Fredorus; It's an uninhabited world. Just a primitive long range communications relay set there by the Exxilon Trade confederacy. Other than that it's just rolling mountains, wide open pastures, beautiful untouched tributaries and magnificent river deltas with tall lilies which reach high above the water." Robin breathed deeply, he had a huge grin... "You know you can even stand on them, they're that big!"
"You mean like... 'get out the rug, we're having a picnic' big?" Anne grinned back in delight.
"Precisely!" Robin replied back gleefully. However Anne's mood seemed to sink again.
"Oh but I can't just run off, I have to come up with a plan for this Hypernova, and no one will take me seriously..." Anne said gloomily.
"Ahh don't despair!" Robin cut in. "Marceline says you have the full support of her and the Vampire Kingdom AND the Pyrovillians also inform me they will support you in any way they can." Anne gasped in amazement at Robin's news. He nudged her shoulder playfully, "Oh I had a good old chat with them. After all the diplomatic work I've done for you with their kingdom it was too easy to talk them around. And after all they aren't from this planet originally so they're familiar with what a hypernova is so it wasn't hard at all to bring them around."
"Oh but Robin that's amazing!" Anne gasped in joy. "I didn't think I'd have anyone help after how that went in there. Thank you, thank you so much!" Anne exclaimed. She leapt into a hug and kissed Robin in her moment of relief. 'Well I guess we can bring the picnic blanket again' Anne laughed inwardly.
Just then, the two lovebirds heard what seemed to be a gentleman clearing his throat. They turned to the sound while still in each other's embrace. There, stood a well suited, average size man with a long flowing white mane and beard. He wore blue glasses to accent his white eyes and paling blue complexion, of which his brown suit framed well. He looked from Robin to Anne and back again, waiting.
"Oh. Hello, Sir Simon. I apologize, I hadn't realized we might not be the only ones wanting to take a breather with the stars this evening." Anne replied, blushing furiously. She released Robin quickly. Simon chuckled as he waved her embarrassment off "Never you mind that. You're granted to be your age once in a while aren't you?" Anne smiled at him "I suppose." Simon smiled back at her softly and nodded "Yes, and I am sorry to interrupt your being of age, but I have a matter to discuss with you... privately." The last word irked Robin a bit. "Whatever you need to say to the Princess, you can say to both of us" But Anne turned to him and shook her head "No Robin, it is fine. Simon Petrikov is the trusted guardian of Marceline, not to mention a brilliant and very well known scientist, that is why he was appointed to my royal court. If he needs to speak privately, it must be very important." She brought up her hand to cup his face gently "It's okay. Go and find out where Marceline and Ben went off to." She patted his cheek and smiled warmly. Her smile was what made him finally give in. He smiled back at her and turned towards the terrace door, where Simon was standing. He gave him a warning look and then walked off.
Anne turned to Simon "I apologize again, Sir Simon." Simon shook his head "He's being protective is all. I understand why, not everyone in this kingdom or land for that matter, treat you with the respect a princess as responsible as you deserves. He wants to show people that you do deserve that respect. He loves you, and wants you treated well…" Anne blushed. "But I didn't come to talk about him as your lover. Your news of the probable impending doom we face with VY Canis Majoris going into its hypernova stage didn't reach most of your audience. I'm afraid that it is possible that it didn't reach them because, and please excuse my language, you didn't dumb it down enough, and that is why you lost their attention so quickly."
Anne looked confused "Dumb it down? That was the explanation of what was to happen in its simplest terms. It's not like I threw the pages of complicated equations I had to go through at them and said 'Here, read and understand this.'"
Simon held up his hand "I know, I know but I was thinking that maybe a demonstration would be in order. I believe they could really understand it if you did that instead."
Anne tilted her head in consideration. "Explain, please."
Simon started "Well think of it like this... how many words would you say you used to explain what is going to happen?" Anne thought for a bit and then said "Maybe 200? What does that have to do..."
Simon held up his hand to interrupt her "I'm getting to that. Now, what is the saying about what a picture is worth?" Anne clasped her head in realization "A picture is worth a thousand words!" Simon nodded "Right. So imagine what a demonstration would be worth?"
"Simon, you're a genius!" Anne exclaimed. Simon shrugged "I wouldn't go as far to say that, but I know of some useful tips and methods to teach people."
Anne smiled "And modest. Wait I don't have the time to makeshift a demonstration right now, we're in the midst of a meeting!" Simon raised his index finger "Ah but I have the solution. I was hoping you would agree, so I made a contemplation list of some items that would work for the demonstration a couple days ago." Anne put her hands on her hips. "And you couldn't tell of this before the meeting?"
Simon chuckled at her "Yes, but then you would be missing out on what we call a learning moment. Who would I be to rob of you that? An intellectual thief is what I would be and that's just distasteful."
Anne scoffed and moved towards the door "Let's just go get this demonstration of yours." She moved to in between the terrace and the throne room before Simon stopped her. "Actually, I have one more thing to discuss with you." Anne turned back to him, waiting patiently for him to continue. "This is actually about Robin. It wasn't one of Bonnibel's experiments that are making him appear as he did when he first got here, is it?" Anne's eyes widened for a fraction of second and she took an inaudible sharp intake of air. She turned away from him again and replied "It's just as I said Sir Simon, Whatever could make you think I was not telling the truth?"
"Anne..." Simon breathed taking a contemplative moment. "You have been the best friend to my adoptive daughter Marceline since you were very, very young." Simon looked at her in what perhaps could best be described as a fatherly gaze "And as much as I hate to admit it I am very old. Given all that, I think it reasonable to say I have learned to read your quirks" Anne remained silent for some time and then said "I gave the explanation and that's all there is in the matter. I won't discuss it anymore." Simon sighed "Anne... I don't disapprove of Robin. I think he is an outstanding fellow. He's noble, respectful, extremely intelligent. He reminds me of someone I once knew, a little too much. And this person, tended to attract trouble... I just don't want you to get hurt, Anne."
"I appreciate your concern Simon, I really do. But I think I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself." Anne stood straight with confidence. Silence enveloped the two before Simon sighed again "Fine. Let's go get the demonstration I prepared."
Anne and Simon quickly made their way down the various palace corridors to pick up a few things for the practical demonstration from Simon's study. That part of the plan didn't take too long and in the process Anne had an idea. "Oh, sorry would you mind if we make a slight detour? I have something in mind that could assist in the demonstration, it just requires a stop by my lab." Anne explained in a rush as they hurried their way along.
"I don't see why not, we should have plenty of time. The court will most likely still be in a rabble and won't have noticed you gone yet." Simon chuckled warmly as they approached the laboratory. Anne's lab was built deep under the palace where she could freely experiment without too much distraction and so that anything couldn't interfere with the daily goings on of the kingdom above. It was almost secret in that sense, which was why Robin would park his TARDIS within the large laboratory complex of Anne's. Novopangea, as previously mentioned had little in the way of roads or any means of quick transportation for that matter. So Robin would often use his TARDIS to travel from place to place if it could be done so without anyone knowing.
They arrived at the large, bulky blast door which marked the entrance to Anne's lab. She input the command codes to open the door and they briefly waited as the door automatically heaved itself open, revealing the scientific wonders within. Simon looked on with amazement as they made their way inside. Their destination was the largest room in which most of Anne's experiments took place. The huge subterranean room was also a storage space for the many things Anne had acquired throughout her life. Ancient relics, machines and odd contraptions littered the room. Amongst the array of odd items stood a large blue box which itself was somewhat concealed within the cluttered storage space. Simon watched on intently and took a moment to familiarize himself with the things around the room. Many of the things he recognised, some he did not and others just felt familiar. The latter reaction was how he felt about the blue box. Anne quickly unlocked the door and stepped inside the box whilst Simon occupied himself elsewhere.
Inside the TARDIS Anne felt immediate warmth, it was like a friendly welcome home. The ship seemed to welcome her presence as it hummed and stirred deeply, in acknowledgement of her arrival. Anne inhaled the familiar scent of the room, it was comforting. She'd become so accustomed to the TARDIS over the recent few years. It had become like her second home, one she could empathise with, a home which understood her mood and always seemed to adjust its atmosphere in just the right way to brighten up her day. She felt sorry to have to hide the ship away like this and it meant so much to Robin, there were days when he'd just sit in here, doing nothing, happy just to be in the peace of his familiar friend, his TARDIS. She'd come to find Robin in here more often these days. And Anne worried for Robin, the transition to living a 'normal-ish' life had been hard for him. Anne strolled up to the console and searched for the data she required. Within moments it appeared, with little searching or fuss. As if it had been retrieved for her. 'Perfect' Anne exclaimed happily, 'Just what I needed'.
Anne stepped out of the TARDIS and was startled a bit to find Simon staring at it attentively. His face adorned a perplexed expression as if he were in a trance... Anne stepped away from the TARDIS toward him "Sir... Simon?" Hearing his name brought him out of his stupor. He replied "I'm sorry dear. There is something oddly familiar about this box of yours but I can't quite pinpoint where I might have seen it before..."
"Well just as you said before, Sir Simon, you are very old. And what I have learned from my study of the Earth's history, these boxes use to be everywhere a millennia ago. You might have even lived by one!" Simon shrugged "Maybe that's it. I can't remember much from my early years..." With that, they exited Anne's lab and made it back to the throne room. Upon their arrival, Anne made her way back down the isle, so everyone could see her again. Fortunately, Robin, Marceline and Ben had kept her guests in good spirits during her absence. This enabled her to be a little more at ease with this second announcement. "Ladies and Gentleman, we are coming to the end of the meeting, my advisor and I have prepared a demonstration. If you would all please head to the outer quarters of the palace, as this demonstration is better..." then she mumbled "and safer..." She projected her voice louder again "if viewed outside." With a small amount of discord, also due to her friends' assistance, mainly Marceline's ability to scare them out of their skins, all the guests were moved outside. Anne connected the holographic projector and her acquired data from the TARDIS quickly. Immediately a vast picture of the solar system appeared in front of the large crowd that was currently outside her palace. Many of them had gasped in fright and or amazement. Some tested if it were real, by passing a hand through the projection and sighed with relief when they knew it wasn't. A gentleman yelled from the crowd "Oi, what is this...witchcraft sciency hullabaloo?" That created a stir of murmurs all variants of the same question
Anne over the stir, answered "All your questions will be answered in a few moments! Just bear with me...'
The view quickly panned out from that of just the solar system and grew to include not just our system but the countless which surrounded it in its region of the Milky Way galaxy. Numerous orbs lit up the air around everyone, each light representing a star drifting on along in its 220 million year path around the galaxy. The projection then focused in on one, particularly large, deep red orb. This star of mention was labelled 'VY Canis Majoris'. The star seemed to lurch and shudder, it's mass seemed to stretch and grow outward as huge solar storms were ejected off its surface, each surging out and ravaging the planets of its own system. "This ladies and gentlemen is the star I have mentioned. It's a red hypergiant and it is in the last stages of its life. The view now shows only the star and its own system. If you think the sight at hand looks bad I would ask you to hold on a moment." Anne continued on in her explanation calmly which furthered the effect of the presentation as a whole. The large red star quaked further becoming more and more unstable. The people seemed to be held in suspense, all captivated and concerned by what would be presented next. Then, in one single instant it seemed the process had been reversed. The star no longer grew but it halted... and collapsed under its own weight. In that moment the projection became unbelievably bright. The view zoomed out once more to again encompass all the stars surrounding the region. A huge ring emanated in every direction from where the star had previously been. This ring quickly grew, encompassing all stars in the region, the view screen once again panned back and forth. Each view showing what was occurring on the smaller scale, not to the individual stars but what happened to the planets which orbited them. Their atmospheres were quickly washed away leaving the planets baron and lifeless. Then at last, the view set on Earth. A beautiful blue and green world suspended in the vastness of space. But for how much longer? The ring of light from the hypernova approached earth and its sun. As the event unfolded Anne explained what was unfolding; "Watch closely all of you, for if we do nothing this is what will happen to us." Anne continued to explain how the event would unfold..."The fiery light you can see may look scary... BUT I can assure you it is just the tip of the iceberg. From Earth we would see a bright flash and for many weeks or months it would appear we had a second sun in the sky. Night would become endless day and the planet would heat up. But as I said this would just be the beginning and it's the things we wouldn't see which would prove the most damaging. Ionizing radiation from the hypernova will disintegrate our ozone layer leaving us open to interstellar radiation and winds from solar storms. All life on Earth would quickly be irradiated by the deadly gamma rays ejected from the hypernova. Then, the oceans would evaporate and all life, if there were any left at all by this point, would quickly perish. Furthermore the baron wasteland left behind would be periodically bathed in gamma ray bursts from the black hole created from VY Canis Majoris's collapse." Anne paused leaving all to consider... "As you can see ladies and gentlemen the prospects for life on earth are impossible if we do nothing. Time is running out, the star, given its great distance away it is hard to say precisely but we can say that it has already collapsed and the effects of this are on their way. I calculate we have 3 months to ready ourselves."
The crowd was dead silent as the realization of the holographic projection really sank in. Horror was a common emotion worn on their faces, along with fear and plainly surprise. Anne looked upon them with secret satisfaction, this was exactly what she wanted! She went on to say "And for those of the more kinetic learning, my royal advisor, Sir Simon Petrikov, has prepared a practical demonstration for your viewing atonement. Sir Simon?"
Beside Simon stood a table covered in a white sheet. He quickly removed the sheet, revealing a setup of our region of the galaxy. In no way was it comparable to the holographic projection, but for a tangible project, it was pretty impressive. At the centre, sat a magnesium ball of which was surrounded by smaller makeshift balls made to look like other suns and their surrounding planets. Attached to the magnesium ball was a small fuse. Simon announced "Fellow adulators of Earth life, if I may, I will show you the result of the collapsing of VY Canis Majoris by tangible means." At that, Simon stepped a safe distance away from the setup and flipped the switch for the fuse on. Immediately, the ball exploded with force and heat, incinerating the whole setup. The heat from the reaction could even be felt by the crowd and that scared a few of them into running back into the palace.
"Alright, alright Princess. You have proven you're point that we need to work together to protect ourselves, but cooking us in the process of your little demonstration won't get anything done." one of her advisors replied crossly.
Anne smiled "I'm sorry, Sir Baron. I just wanted to drive the point home."
Baron scoffed "I would believe you if you weren't using a bulldozer to hammer a nail."
Baron announced the meeting to be adjourned and sent the guests away only minimally singed. In the end, it was very productive. Anne stood proud and couldn't help but smile as she watched them all leave. She had made an accomplishment. She finally got her fellow rulers to acknowledge her knowledge and agree with her. Robin had been quite content and relaxed throughout the entire event, his confidence in Anne never fading.
"Well, well, well..." Robin said as he sauntered up to a content Anne. " THAT was quite a show." Anne beamed up at him, her smile never fading. "I did it. I finally got them to listen to me, instead of just hear me."
"You were absolutely brilliant, Anne." Robin informed her with great enthusiasm. He lifted her up into a long hug which was his way of expressing how proud he was of her. Anne felt overjoyed by her accomplishments, for once she felt properly worthwhile in the eyes of her people.
"Thank you Robin, I'm so happy it all worked out!" Anne hugged him back, "And I have all of you to thank for it, I couldn't have done it without the support, thanks for coming along. I know it is uncomfortable for you."
Robin shrugged it off, "Oh it wasn't that bad at all." He remarked with a smirk. "Just a few disgruntled noblemen, the odd princess of two. Finally got to give them a proper wording too. I feel much better!"
"Robin! What did you do?" Anne asked sternly with raised eyebrows. Ben and Marceline came over and joined the two.
"Oh he's just messing with you Anne. Don't you worry, we kept him in line." Ben promptly informed Anne with a slap over Robin's shoulder. 'That's what they think happened' Robin smugly mumbled so that only Anne could make out what was said.
Simon made his presence known to the group, particularly to Marceline. "I can see that you all enjoyed our little demonstration there." Marceline smiled as she acknowledged him "Yeah, you and Anne were great Simon! That explosion was epic" He laughed contently at her smile and said "Oh Marcy..." Marceline instantly pouted "Simon... I'm not little any more, you don't..." Simon kissed her forehead and gave her a hug "You know you'll always be my little Marcy, stop growing up on me. You looked the same for about 50 years anyway..." Marceline blushed, a bit embarrassed but secretly extremely grateful for Simon being there. Ben snickered, earning a death glare from Marceline but Simon answered instead a toothy smile on his face. "And you Sir Ben, you may be a big knight now but I remember you when you were just a young lad!" Simon ruffled Ben's hair much like you would a small boy, Marceline started laughing as she watched Ben's cheeks run red and he started mumbling under his breath.
"Oh indeed, Anne and I both remember when Ben was a young boy!" Marceline added in as she squeezed Ben's cheek to his annoyance.
"Well if you will all excuse us both..." Robin chimed in, with his arm around Anne. "I'm afraid we'll have to be off to Lupin Fredorus." He smiled
"To where?" Simon asked confused. Robin immediately realized his slip up and all eyes in the group fell on him and Simon looked at him expectantly as if he understood more.
Robin grinned, placing a hand on Simon's shoulder... "Botany." He simply stated.
"What?" Simon replied still confused.
"Ahh Simon, I guess you weren't to know. Well I must inform you that I am a very keen botanist." Robin winked an eye to Anne. "And I am told by a reliable source that a very beautiful and rare flowering lily, the 'Lupin Fredorus', was spotted nearby and I simply must have it. It will be my gift to Anne, so as I said before... Would you excuse us both?" Robin asked with a raised eyebrow. Anne breathed a sigh of relief now seeing that Robin had pulled off a successful cover-up.
"Sure, I wouldn't want to keep you. Please enjoy yourselves but not too much!" Simon conveyed back to them both. At that Anne and Robin headed back to the palace (ready to leave in the TARDIS for the planet Lupin Fredorus) and Ben headed back too, leaving just Marceline and Simon. "What a peculiar man." Simon remarked in reference to Robin.
"That's one word for him." Marceline laughed in reply.
Shortly after Anne and Robin's departure in the TARDIS, an alert in Anne's lab sounded; "Planetary sensory grid activated, unknown space vessel approaching orbit."
Authors Note:
Well how are you enjoying the sequel? I hope you liked the introduction of Simon Petrikov into the story!
This chapter was a collaborative one with my good friend cartoonanimespazz15. So remember to give her credit too! I think we make a good team!
If you don't know what a Weevil is look them up, they are in the DW spinoff "Torchwood". Also most of the concepts I use are based on real theories and scientific research. So if you don't know what something like a 'Hypernova' is then again, you can Google it!
Thank you again cartoonanimespazz15 for being a terrific friend and beta and collaborative writing pal!
One last note, another friend, PozzyP, has just published an AT/DW crossover called "An adventure time in time and space: Molten Steel" loosely connected to this story. It is well written and well structured and a great story in my opinion. I'm sure many of you would enjoy reading it so why not head on over, it's in my favourites list!
Don't forget to review! Really please do! It energises me on if you do AND you may get a new chapter sooner if I'm motivated to do so! And as always feel free to PM me if you wish!