Follow the Light

The group had trudged along in silence for awhile, the only noises being the sounds of footsteps on the path. Eventually, Gethin had given the all-clear, and talking was allowed. Sadie didn't know how the Doctor had managed to keep himself quiet for so long, since he was usually babbling incessantly, but he'd done it. Ever since Gethin had declared it safe for conversation, he'd been collecting information from the other members of the group. He was near the back now, Sadie guessed, talking to whoever it was that was back there. Sadie was walking by herself, focusing on keeping herself from stumbling. At least if she was concentrating, she wasn't thinking about what was out in the darkness. She was so focused on her footsteps, she didn't realize she had picked up speed, and had reached the front of the group, until she walked right into the back of Gethin.

"Sorry! I'm sorry!" she exclaimed. "I didn't mean to, I swear!" Gethin said nothing, but she heard Princess Ilona giggle slightly.

"It's alright, Sadie. It's not exactly like you can see where you're going."

"Yeah," Sadie agreed. "I assume it's you that's leading us, rght?"

"Right," The Princess replied.

"So, how are you seeing which way to go?"

"Night vision."

"Well that's handy!"

"Most definitely." The Princess slowed her pace so she was walking alongside Sadie. "I was hoping to talk to you more when we stopped for a rest, but I suppose now is just as good. I know you and the Doctor aren't of my world, so I'm curious as to what world you're from."

"The Doctor and I aren't even from the same world. I'm a human, from Earth. Do you know it?"

"Earth? Which one?"

"What do you mean, which one? There's only one Earth that I know of," Sadie answered, slightly puzzled. The Princess made a slight 'hmm' sound.

"You came further than I thought then," she said. "You're from one of the original Earth planets. Completely clueless about the other civilizations in the universe. There are books written about it all. I've read a few of them."

"Wow. That's…well, it's a little weird," Sadie admitted, chuckling a little. "What was Mortuum like, before the invasions?"

"It was absolutely beautiful. Huge leafy trees that offered just the right amount of shade, lush green fields, bright flowers, the weather was always perfect…it was a paradise. The suns were always shining, except for when it was time to sleep, and then they would dim. The first King of this planet arranged those suns. They were designed so that the Royal lights would be masked at all times. Then, when we were invaded, my father cloaked the world in darkness." The Princess sighed sadly. The two walked in silence for a few minutes, then Sadie spoke.

"Princess, you weren't able to tell us before what was being bred on Mortuum. I'd really like to know what it is we're on the run from, at least, if you don't mind…"

"Of course," The Princess replied. "They're called Lokeens. You have them on Earth, only a different variety."

"What? Lokeens are on Earth? No way."

"Yes. Have you ever been sitting alone, at night, and suddenly you get the feeling that someone, or something, is watching you?"

"Yeah, I have." Sadie swallowed hard. She'd had that feeling more than once.

"That's how you know that a Lokeen is there. You can't see them, you can't hear them, you can only feel them. They're attracted to light."

"Of course!" Sadie exclaimed. "I always got that feeling when I stayed up late to watch television, or mess around on my computer! The room was always dark, but the light from the screens must have attracted them. But why didn't they ever attack, or anything?"

"I told you, it's a different variety on Earth. Earth is used to breed pet Lokeens. Mortuum was designated as a soldier-breeding planet. Which is why it's so dangerous."

"So what are you going to do? Can you stop the Lokeens?" Sadie asked.

"I'm not sure if they can be stopped," Princess Ilona replied. "But we're going to try."

Notes: So, I'm not impressed at all with the Doctor Who finale. What a let down. Anywho, I hope you're enjoying this story! Review and let me know what you think! :)

Oh! I found a pattern today for a crocheted Doctor Who doll. I'm so psyched to make one!! Yeah, I'm a dweeb, haha!