Axe found himself awake thanks to Scraps. She meowed and nudged him.
"Allright fine, I'll feed you." She lightly pawed at his face. Axe picked her up and scratched behind her ears. He left his room and headed for the kitchen. Lady didn't seem to be there. Shoving it to the back of his mind, Axe placed Scraps on the kitchen and hunted for her food. She meowed impatiently. "Cool it Scraps. May I remind you that you are getting fed before me?" She blinked, Axe smiling. He pulled a box of dry from a high cupboard and found a bowl, filling it and placing it on the table. He was about to get milk from the fridge when he heard a bang from the console room. He poked his head out and walk down the stairs, frowning.
The front doors had been kicked open by a wild looking figure with blood and mud stained clothing. Axe was torn between laughing and gasping. Lady brushed the lose strands of hair out of her face and straightened her clothing. Her dark green coat had a tear in the shoulder and her boots covered in mud. Dirt streaked across her cheek and hands patterned with blood.
"I would ask where's the war but apparently you found it. What on earth?" he stepped down towards her. Lady beamed. "You look like Poland after Hitler's invasion." She laughed and addressed the cane basket she had on the nook of her arm.
"This little beauty. Straight from the nests of Nufflers, the giant exotic birds of Cantalope. Related to emus don't you know."
"You're kidding. But why did you need it? And how come your covered in, well I'm not going to guess who's blood." He said, hands on hips.
Lady opened up the basket and pulled out a large egg, the size of her head. It glowed faintly and was decorated in flecks of rainbow.
"Wow."
"I know right? Makes an omelette or cake like you wouldn't believe. The Nufflers lay them everyday, what was one missing going to do? Anyway, thought it might be a nice treat."
"How come you didn't take me as well?" He frowned, walking with her back to the kitchen.
"Not a big fan of outsiders, especially humans. Figured it would be safer." he seemed insulted.
"Safer? As if anything we've done has been safe. I'm capable you know."
"Oh, I know." she smiled, taking off her coat and gloves. Scraps purred while she was scratched. "But you were sleeping."
"Still."
"Seemed a shame to wake you. A peaceful little angel." Axe stared her down. Lady shrugged. He took the egg from her and examined it.
"Never seem anything like it." He titled his head. "If we took it to those markets, how much?" Lady chewed her lip and calculated.
"Hmm, hundred thousand pounds?" Axe's eyes went wide and he whistled.
"Damn, well I'll be." He threw it up and caught it, much to Lady's concern.
"Please don't. I'll make you get another. Alone." He smiled and tossed it to her, who nearly dropped it. "Smart arse." She walked over to the stove top, turned on the largest one and fished around for a large frying egg. "Sit down and get ready for the omelette for a life time."
He nodded and sat, watching. "Cannot wait." He was quiet for a few minutes, Lady chopping parsley and herbs, blue and white striped apron tied around her slim waist. "Lady?" She 'hmm'ed. "What happened to Chris? I mean the real one while that other guy was with me?" She shrugged.
"Maybe at the basement? Waiting for you?"
"How would he know? The fake Chris I mean."
"The shifter can read memories, remember." She brought a knife down hard on a onion. "So, it knew where Chris was that day, even if you cannot immediately remember."
He nodded, impressed. "Wow. Also, why do Shifter's do that? The whole twin thing." Lady shrugged.
"Don't know, and trust me, I'd be the first to know. Just another mystery of the universe." she walked over to the fridge to pull out milk. "There's millions of them, new ones everyday." Lady scraped the chopped items in a bowl with the giant egg and milk. She had cracked a tiny hole in the top, where it all drained out easily. She cleaned it out and let it dry. "Keeping it." Lady gestured to the egg. "Beautiful shell." Axe agreed. There was something nagging at the back of his mind, but he couldn't place it.
"Can the shell do anything?" He asked, Lady turning around mixing everything in a pale blue bowl.
"I think when you ground it it helps strengthen things, like in concrete. But 100x stronger. Also, it makes the most beautiful shhirhatha." Axe remembered.
"That Raj guy? He's from Cantalope?" Lady nodded.
"Oh yeah. The Nufflers and them have quite the bond. They take the unfertilized eggs so they don't rot and the Nufflers in return laid them." Axe was intrigued.
"And Raj and his race eat them to help make shhirhatha. Wow. And who says you don't learn something new everyday?" Lady laughed and stopped mixing. She dipped her finger in the bowl and tasted it.
"Perfect."
"Lady?" She nodded. "What is Raj's race called?"
"Oh, they are the Lopians."
"Do the Lopians use the egg shells?" Lady nodded.
"Most structurally sound planet in the universe." She turned and poured the bowl's contents into the pan, dropping the dirty bowl in the sink. She picked up a spatula and watched the pan. When it was ready, she flipped it. Axe stood up to get plates and glasses of juice. He sat back down and Lady placed half of the giant omelette on his plate. She placed the other on hers. "Dig in Axe." He happily applied and put a forkful in his mouth. He chewed, closed his eyes then smiled.
"Eat your heart out Jamie Oliver. Unbelievable! We have to get another!" Lady laughed.
"Slow down cowboy. You haven't even finished the first one."
"I never want to!" he smiled, mouth full of egg. Lady took a bite of hers and sighed.
"Perfect."
"But can we? Seriously? Just for one egg. I'd even love to see where Raj lives." Lady raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really? Why is that?" Axe's ears suddenly went slightly red.
"No- no reason other than to explore another culture!" He sculled his juice stubbornly while Lady watched him, smiling. "I didn't mean, like his house, although it would be interesting, but meant like a city or town oh never mind." Lady shrugged.
"Hey, I don't judge. I know a intergalactic gay Victorian couple. Very nice, even nicer fashion sense." Axe was surprised.
"Wow. Where did you meet them?"
Lady waved her hand. "Hanging out in Victorian London when an alien disaster happened. They are detectives too. Quite capable."
"It'd be cool to meet them." Axe's gaze wandered off. "An intergalactic gay Victorian couple. Who knew?" She nodded.
"With a Silurian as well." Axe was confused.
"Who are they?"
"Humanoid reptile from before your time. Lived here, hibernated and sometimes get woken up. Hate humans with a passion. So I always found it surprising, but sometimes don't. Love is a powerful thing." She ate more omelette, Axe agreeing.
"True." When the food was gone Axe raced upstairs to change, Lady washing dishes. She whistled a tune, then started singing.
"In the deep forests, of the land we call home, sleeps a small child, she's cold and alone
She cries and shivers, but no one can hear, for the Lords of old have gone deaf in fear."
Axe has finished getting ready and was about to address her, but stopped when he caught her song, so he waited and listened.
"Wisdom whispers in the quietest of sounds, while fools roar in pride that shakes mighty grounds
Be wise old Time Lords, and listen to the child, for she knows truths and secrets that hide behind her sad smile."
She hummed the tune while wiping a dish. Axe was still there, the song in his head. He made himself known.
"That's a really nice song." Lady jumped and dropped the plate, just catching it before it smashed on the floor. She exhaled and glanced at Axe's eager face. "Where's it from?" She placed hair behind her ear.
"It's an old song from Gallifrey, a prophecy actually." Axe was intrigued.
"Really? What about?" Lady put the plate away and leaned against the bench, arms crossed.
"A long time ago, first generation, I was the apprentice of the Seer, an old woman who could predict the future that the Lords couldn't. I had a talent and was placed under her care. She wrote in riddles, I wrote in song. This particular one was one of my first and wasn't paid attention to. This was before I became Duchess. Anyway, the song was about the Lords and how they were becoming vengeful and greedy, ignoring humility and wisdom. Due to their pride, they paid a price. They lost a battle greatly which resulted in quite a devastation." Axe was holding on to every word. "In the past I suppose. Sometimes I like to sing them, old ones of course. I lost the ability since the Time War."
"When your planet burned." Axe added quietly. Lady nodded, but noticed his clothes.
"Boots are good, jeans, shirt, yep. But I'd get some gloves and maybe a jumper? Their nests are high, which is why the Lopes have slim limbs and sharp claws." Axe nodded. Lady tied up her hair and headed to her room.
She didn't change much as what she wore was still acceptable. Lady untied her hair and fixed it in a briad that followed down her back. She went into her bathroom and scrubbed any blood left on her face and clothes. Axe knocked on the door, Lady allowing him in.
"Is this fine?" She nodded while rubbing the cloth on her cheek.
"Perfect. The winds can get chilly."
They headed down to the console while Lady changed settings. "Aren't we on the planet right now?" Lady nodded.
"Yes, but I can't take two in one day. I'm only jumping a week." The TARDIS creaked and titled, but then quietened. Axe was holding his stomach.
"Even though it might still taste good, I'm not throwing up that omelette " Lady laughed while wrinkling her nose. By the door was her climbing gear; gloves, a grapple hook, spikes for her shoes and a backpack. "Are we climbing mountains?" He asked as Lady pulled on gloves.
"At first, but the nests are on flat ground." Axe huffed.
"And we are not landing the TARDIS at the top because?" Lady smiled.
"That is what I did last time." She pointed to her clothes. "Nufflers are cranky and smart birds."
"Why were you covered in blood again?" Lady winked.
"Just wait and see." He curled his lip.
"No so enthusiastic now." She laughed and opened the door. Axe walked out first, Lady closing the door behind her. Axe rubbed his eyes and adjusted to the bright light.
"Woah." The sky was a brilliant lilac, with seven faint moons accompanied by a dim sun. Lady stretched while Axe turned around to see every inch of the world. Forests spread out for miles, pale green trees and soft blue flowers. Streams of purple water flow through the woods, turning into creeks and eventually lakes. Lady walked in front of him and point up. Axe gasped. The mountains shined, covered in rock that glittered in the sun. Tiny flecks of natural glass and gem were embedded in the cliffs, creating a rainbow effect. The odd cluster of trees gathered in small areas along the cliff's face and high at the top were the nests of the Nufflers.
Axe was amazed. "I've never seen anything like it!" He cried, smiling and laughing. "It's like a dream." He closed his eyes, swaying to a gentle breeze that cooled his face. He opened his mouth - the air tasted like mint. "Mint! How is that possible?"
Lady smiled. "The Cantapolan version of mint is called treyson, and it grows like a weed. The naturally, the air around here smells strongly of it." Axe grinned.
"I could stay here forever." Lady considered.
"It would be amazing. But come on, you want to see the nests?" She grabbed rope from her basket and began tying in knots while Axe slipped on gear around his waist that would support him. "The climb will only take half an hour."
"How?" Axe asked, looking at the peak which nearly made him fall backward.
Lady chewed her lip. "I don't know. The mountain is deceiving that's for sure." Once the gear was set up, Lady attached herself and Axe to the rope. She set it up so if one fell, the other would be able to remain on the mountain without falling, but the faller would still be attached to the main rope. Lady fitted her spikes to her shoes, Axe following suit. Gloves were on and they begun.
Axe had never climbed something like this ever. He was surprised how out of breath he become. Lady however, was cruising through. It's her two hearts, he remained himself. Lady was always ahead, but stopped if Axe needed to catch up. She was patient, often pointing out things in the distance to pass time.
"Hey, see that?" She asked, pointing ahead.
"Hang on." Axe muttered, pulling himself up and sitting on a small ledge next to Lady. He narrowed his eyes, following her finger. On the horizon, past the forest on a vast rocky plain were dark holes scattered in places. "What are they?"
"Houses. So to speak." She explained. A strong wind shot through them, Axe shivering and thankful for the jumper. "The Lopians resemble Earth lizards. Cold-blooded, they depend on the environment for body temperature. So, when cold, they sun bake on their houses. When hot they burrow. The rocky ground has been dug into sideways instead of completely down. It gives them a roof they can walk on and a home that can be underground and horizontal."
"How can they travel through space when they live in rock?" Axe asked, remembering Raj at the intergalactic markets.
"This is a village. Raj probably travels to the main cities."
"How big is the planet?"
Lady scratched her chin. "Twice the size of yours? Much older too." They continued climbing for ten minutes, Axe in disbelief when told they reached the top.
"We can't have."
"Believe it." Lady said from the top, smiling down. She leaned over and held out a hand from the platform, Axe grabbing it and pushing himself up. He collapsed and sighed, breathing heavily. "The ride down is much better." She added, stretching and plonking down next to Axe. She smiled and playfully nudged his shoulder. He smiled back. "Come on soldier."
The top of the mountain was indeed misleading. It was actually attached to an even larger one and it towered over them. In front of the pair was a small purple lake and large boulders and rocks, long trees growing between the cracks. Most of the rocks had been moved into rings, where the Nufflers nested. They were all sleep, Axe most grateful.
"Nocturnal." Lady whispered. Axe nodded. The Nufflers were tall and thin, with rainbow feathers and long black beaks. Black patches covered their eyes and small stubby wings sat on their body. Legs double the length of them were hidden as they slept. Starting at the top of their head, long golden feathers created a trail that ended at the base of their neck.
"So how to we get them?" Lady winked and reached into her backpack. A long wooden flute decorated in splashes of paint was put to Lady's lips. She closed her eyes and blew. Axe blinked and couldn't believe what his ears and eyes heard and saw. The tune was a bitter-sweet melody, flowing and slow. Slowly, one by one, the Nufflers stood, their height increasing double. Eyes closed, they opened their beaks and lifted their heads, almost looking at the sky. Soon, they echoed Lady's song and Axe was awe-struck. He didn't know where to look and what to listen too. He was laughing and on the verge of crying. Lady continued playing, looking at Axe and indicating toward the nest. He understood and crept towards the nearest one. He squeezed through the rocks and stood underneath the Nuffler, the skinny legs an arms-reach away. He slowly squatted, ready to take the beautiful egg that sat before him. Lady kept her eyes on Axe, and did not notice the setting sun. However, soon she realised the light had darkened and stopped playing and faced the horizon.
"Oh no." The Nufflers awoke from the trace, one by one at the recognition of the night. "Axe!" Lady cried. He retracted his hand from the egg and faced her.
"What?"
"The sun! It's gone!"
"So?"
"Nocturnal!" Axe was confused, but then realised. The Nuffler's cries had stopped. He blinked and swallowed, looking up into the deep golden eyes of the Nuffler who was leaning down at him. It blinked at him, then opened its mouth with an ear-splitting screech. Axe cried out and covered his ears.
"Get out!" Axe stumbled over the rocks but the Nuffler placed a three-toed foot on him, pinning him down. It leaned in again, Axe centimetres from its mouth. Then Axe sniffed. He had smelt the stench somewhere before. His thoughts suddenly turned to Lady when she arrived in the TARDIS covered in blood. It's mouth opened and Axe heard a faint click. His eyes instinctively closed as a spray of blood shot out of the Nuffler's mouth all over Axe. He coughed and gagged, watching in horror as the Nuffler prepared again for another. He closed his eyes but heard a yell from behind him. Lady jumped on the rocks and leapt off, hitting the Nuffler on the head with a branch. She grabbed Axe's arm and pulled him away from the nest. The Nuffler laid there out cold, but the others were screeching and advancing towards them. Lady and Axe slowly walked back towards the edge of the cliff, trying to keep space between them and the angry Nufflers.
"Reckon you could make the jump?" Lady asked as Axe looked behind them. He gave her a look, Lady shrugging. "Worth a shot."
"I cannot believe it's ending this way."
"By Nufflers?"
"Well it wasn't deadly fungus or stone statues or fish men. Guess I can't complain." The Nufflers were metres away. Axe exhaled and smiled at Lady, who smiled back. He grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly.
"Whoa! Back, back back!" Axe and Lady were confused at the voice, which was accompanied by a stranger version of Lady's song. A figure emerged from the rocks, tall and lanky, scaly and green. He swung a small instrument around his head which was attached to string. It emitted the noise and soon the Nufflers stopped and calmed down. Raj stood in front of them, still swinging and raising and hand, stepping forward and gently pushing them back. Soon the Nufflers were behind the first set of rock-nests and under Raj's control. "That's right, nice and calm. Good, good." he soothed them and looked over his shoulder. "River is back that way, catch it down the mountain. With you soon. Go!" They obeyed and raced past Raj and the Nufflers, making their way through the rocks and trees. A fairly wide river appeared, with a fast current. It looked neither shallow or deep and winded through the thick forest. Lady jumped in first, laughing and yelling as the swift current took her down fast. Axe swallowed and joined her, grateful that the blood was washing off.
Raj stepped away from the Nufflers and continued swinging his charm while heading for the river, jumping in and swimming towards the bottom, where Lady and Axe waited.
