A/N: A shorter chapter than previous ones but quite a bit of emotion in this one. Please review!
The Doctor's Journey: Chapter 4
The trio laughed merrily as their carpet mounts glided swiftly through the air. Their bare and glowing feet hovered above the tapestries, never quite touching them, and yet they managed to stay aloft, unconcerned by the whipping breeze as Seeker floated serenely on its own carpet nearby. As they reached the tall outer wall the carpets zipped over the top before flying down its exterior face at a steep angle. In front of them sat a miles long trench filled with broken buildings and archways sticking out of the softly-colored sand. Chirping at each other the Doctor's and Rose's carpets suddenly dipped downwards, sliding into the sand just under the surface as Seeker's carpet chose to fly off with the others, dropping the traveler onto the sand. Landing with practiced ease, Seeker began to surf quickly down the trench's incline, keeping pace with the Doctor and Rose.
"We're sand surfing!" Rose cried out excitedly as her hair whipped about. "This is awesome!"
"Have to say I've never been sand-surfing with bare feet before!" The Doctor replied loudly over the wind with a grin. "Quite amazing considering our feet aren't getting torn to pieces or burned by the sand! Another carpet trick I suspect!"
~Follow me!~ Seeker chirped loudly as the traveler leaned forward, shooting ahead of the Doctor and Rose before flitting through one of the archways.
Rose laughed. "It's like slalom!" She cried. "Race you to the end! Come on Frederick!"
Chirping happily the carpet increased its speed, making her second through the gateway.
"Oy! Get back here you lot!" The Doctor shouted good-naturedly as he passed through the same gate a few seconds later. "Come on Sir Wilgums, let's show them what you've got!"
Coming to a second archway with a raised ramp Seeker shot off of it, spinning gracefully in the air before spreading out its cloak and landing with ease, its momentum carrying it forward at a brisk pace. Rose went through the same gate next with a whoop, her arms raised in the air as the carpet flew in a long arc before burying itself just under the sand again, pulling her along. The Doctor let out a surprised yelp as he and his carpet flew into the air from the ramp before slamming into the sand, rattling the Time Lord slightly. A large rock formation soon came into view, splitting the trench in two with all of them angling towards the left, sliding through three more gates in quick succession.
Rose looked back at the Doctor and grinned. "You'll have to do better than that Space Man!" She called out.
"Oy! Watch it Earth Girl!" He shouted with a laugh.
Coming to a raised and columned rectangular walkway in the middle of the trench, the carpets immediately changed course, slipping between the columns. At the end of the walkway sat a glowing orb. Seeker immediately plowed into it, making the orb explode into motes of light with the Doctor and Rose coming up behind it a second later as they flew off the edge and into the air once more. The motes spun around all of them and the Doctor could sense delight coming from the soul as it inscribed another glyph onto their feet as they landed. Ahead of them was a raised bridge that crossed the trench with a massive stylized supporting block in the center. Zipping to the left again, the trio flew through another ramped archway before the trench's sides closed in on them, terminating in a tall tower at the base of which was the mouth of a corridor. Sliding into it they flew past the walls, down the long, stark tunnel until they came to a sand fall covering the exit. Bursting through the sand Seeker cried out in surprise as its feet met empty air. Spreading its cloak it quickly began to glide down into the courtyard below. Rose burst through the sandy curtain a moment later, crying out in shock and surprise as the carpet quickly flew towards the ground. The Doctor shot through the sand immediately afterwards, spitting out some of it and rustling his hair. Gasping at the sudden increase in height he wobbled slightly before reining in his instincts, calling out to Rose.
"Just hold still! The carpet will get you down!"
"I know!" She shouted a bit breathlessly. "Just scared me there for a second!"
The pair flew down to the ground, the carpets allowing them to disembark before flying off towards the others. Looking around, they could see the courtyard was enclosed by a tall circular ridge into which were built various towers. On the far side of the area stood a sturdy crenellated wall with a large archway in the center about 25 feet off the ground. In the center of the courtyard sat a large flat slab of stone into which was set a large grill and four circular stubby columns, one at each corner with a section cut out of each one near the top. Around the edges of the courtyard were more of the segmented structures, each with their own tapestry.
Seeker walked over to them, chirping happily. ~I cannot [remember/recall] when I have had such [fun/merriment/enjoyment]!~
Rose grinned as she smoothed back her hair. "We need to do that again!" She exclaimed breathlessly.
"Once we find a way out of here anyway." The Doctor remarked, looking up at the archway. "The carpets seem to be waiting for us at the top of the wall."
~There are [more/several] of the [machines/structures] here. Perhaps they [hold/contain] more [cloth/ribbon/scarf] that can [aid/assist] us.~ Seeker suggested.
Seeker walked quickly over to one of the machines and called to it as the Doctor began to wander about the courtyard, looking at the tall buildings. Meanwhile Rose walked over to the center of the courtyard to gaze into the chamber beneath the grill.
"Lots more cloth pieces down here!" She called out. "Looks like a whole swarm of them!"
"Makes you wonder what kind of soul likes to sit about inside a dark hole." The Doctor mused idly to himself as he walked over to the left side of the ruin. "Hello, what have we here?" The Doctor asked quietly, seeing a small school of cloths floating about a nearby rock.
Seeker quickly flew between the various machines, singing to the imbedded tapestries. Out of each of the machines emerged a single carpet that began to fly about. After freeing the fourth one, the cloaked traveler flew over to where the Doctor stood, gazing at the cloths as they swirled around him carelessly, their glyphs glowing brightly.
~There [seems/appears] to be something of [importance/interest] here.~ Seeker suggested.
The Doctor nodded. "My thoughts exactly. Would you mind?" He asked, resting a hand on Seeker's shoulder.
Nodding, the traveler sang to the cloths making them swirl about before depositing them on a small room built into the side of the cliff about 20 feet above them. On the wall sat another blank mural. Moving to it, Seeker activated the glyph markers, uncovering the wall space. Upon it showed a large number of buildings with figures in white standing amongst them.
"So, this place was a busy metropolis at the time." The Doctor mused. "This might have been one of the cultural centers or capitals back in the day."
~It is [conceivable/possible].~ Seeker admitted.
"Oy! Come look at this!" Rose shouted from down below.
Taking hold of Seeker, they glided down to the courtyard where Rose stood. The grill had opened and near the stone wall floated a flock of cloths.
"You know those carpets you let out?" Rose asked. "Well each of them went inside one of those columns and all of a sudden the grill just started opening. Lucky thing I didn't fall in. And then all the cloths just flew out and starting wandering around over there." She said, pointing to them.
"Little buggers are just trying to be helpful I suppose." The Doctor commented as they walked over to them. "It would be kind of hard to get to that archway any other way. Let's give it a shot."
The pair of them took hold of Seeker as it sent out a harmonic burst like the sound of an orchestral string section playing a pure note. The cloths lit up and swirled around them, lifting them high into the air, allowing them to land gracefully on the platform beneath the archway. The carpets chirped in response, circling them playfully. Beyond the wall was another long and wide corridor of sand hedged in by high ridges with a tall broken bridge spanning it. The carpets nudged their legs insistently, making them look down.
"Care for another race?" The Doctor asked with an impish smile.
"You bet!" Rose agreed while Seeker bobbed its head.
"Right then, Allons-y!" The Doctor cried, leaping off the edge.
"Doctor!" Rose cried in surprise as one of the carpets quickly swirled around the Doctor's feet, making him float before landing quickly in the sand and speeding off down the valley.
"Prat!" She growled. "Let's get him carpet!" She said fiercely as she leaped.
Her own carpet quickly stabilized her before flowing into the sand, making her slide quickly after him.
Seeker stared at the pair of them incredulously for a moment before leaping off the edge as well, extending its cloak. Gliding on the air currents, it quickly caught up with them as they reached the bridge where several archways sat, one after the other. Whizzing through them they quickly slid through several more gates in quick succession before coming upon a hilly area. In the center of the canyon sat a tall tower with a broken, pillared ridge spanning the two sides. Sliding to the right of the large building they passed a natural rock span before sliding through a series of gates, Rose and the Doctor laughing while Seeker chirped happily. More elaborate arches came into view, some of them the remains of small, buried buildings while a massive ridge of stone split the canyon in two as a large pointed rock jutted out from the sand ahead of them, creating a natural ramp. Sliding up it, the trio let out cries and hollers as they flew in a long arc. Landing with a splash of sand they shot through several more gates. Another tall bridge, easily 50 feet high and broken in the center slid past them before the canyon's ridges began to narrow once again. Ahead of them sat what appeared to be a massive natural cave entrance.
"I wonder what's in there!" Rose called out.
"Only one way to find out!" The Doctor replied loudly with a grin.
Urging the carpets on, the three of them sped into the cave mouth. As they came around a long corner the cave emerged into a wide corridor hundreds of yards long, the end of it lost in the distance. The right side was open to the setting sun via a long series of columns, making the sand under their feet glow and sparkle, the dull sand seemingly transformed into a river of liquid orange and gold.
Rose gasped in amazement as she gazed at the beautiful colors before glancing beyond the corridor. In the distance the massive split-peaked mountain sat with the sun shining behind it, the remains of a massive city nearby. Finally the carpets slowed as they came to a large open space between the pillars. Below it sat a steep pathway of sand that led down into the city. The group took a moment to drink in the sight before them. A vast collection of multi-tiered artistic buildings built into the very rock itself sat in a massive series of tiers, each one lower than the previous one. Columns and archways abounded with massive domed roofs and slantways structures while causeways ran between each of the buildings, connecting them all in a vast tiered circle miles wide. The immense expanse and the grand style of the city could have come from a tale of old Arabia as the sun shone over it all, covering the buildings in glittering warm orange and gold light as the mountain stood in the distance, undeniable in its supremacy.
~Never have I [seen/observed/known] such [beautiful/glorious/amazing] things!~ Seeker exclaimed with a quiet, reverent chirp as the carpets flew about them.
"A picture like this could hang in any art gallery in the galaxy and it would draw people from all over." The Doctor agreed quietly as he took it all in.
"I don't think I've seen a more beautiful place." Rose said wistfully. "Earth looks dilapidated and junky compared to this."
"Not exactly a fair comparison." The Doctor remarked quietly. "I've seen places on Earth just as beautiful. You just have to know where to look."
~If this place [earth/dirt/ground] is as [beautiful/lovely/amazing] as you state, I would [wish/enjoy] visiting it.~ Seeker stated.
The Doctor smiled at the thought before patting each of them on the back. "Come on, the carpets are getting restless and I want to see what's in this city."
Rose grinned, looking at the drop. "It's a long way down. Race you to the bottom?"
The Doctor smiled with a gesture. "Ladies first."
Inclining her head briefly in amused respect, Rose let out a wild yell as the carpet slid down the steep path at terrific speed with Seeker and the Doctor following after her. Sand falls and high sturdy walls surrounded them as various and creatively-styled buildings constantly swept into view as they twisted and turned. Above them, a high bridge with what appeared to be a pair of large stone creatures sat in silent contemplation as they passed. Ahead of them, the path narrowed before coming to an almost vertical drop into the heart of the city. With a scream Rose barreled down the ridge, nearly in free fall as buildings connected by thick overhead causeways swept past her. A hundred feet flew by and then another hundred until the drop ended in a massive circular chasm with an outcropping of flat rock before her, creating a primitive ramp. The girl shot across the expanse, her companions seconds behind her as carpets flew past. Time seemed to slow down as she looked around wildly, adrenaline racing through her body. Around her sat the massive city in all of its former glory like a huge amphitheater with her in the center ring, the mountain looming in the background, the air filled with golden light and dusty sand that sparkled like the light of the souls they had met while below her yawned a massive pit of darkness in stark contrast to the beauty around her. Suddenly reality asserted itself and she felt herself falling as the carpet below her slipped from her feet, racing away. Spinning her arms wildly, her heart in her throat, Rose barely had time to take in a breath to scream when she felt rich warm cloth surround her.
~Do not be [afraid/frightened/anxious].~ Seeker chirped gently in her ear as the glyphs on her hands and feet began to glow with light. ~I have you now. I will not [allow/permit] you to [fall/perish].~
Looking down, she found herself wrapped in Seeker's cloak like a pair of wings enfolding her, the traveler's red bodysuit pressing gently against her back and its cowl brushing against her ear. Looking to her left, Seeker's bright glowing eyes stared into hers as they descended into the darkness before landing gently on the sand below. Rose gazed at the figure, her emotions fluctuating wildly as her heart pounded from the fear and excitement she had felt.
"You saved my life." Rose murmured, emotion filling her voice as she spoke. "Thank you Seeker!" She whispered, wrapping her arms around the traveler and hugging it tightly.
~I can [sense/feel/understand] your [intent/emotions/feelings].~ Seeker chirped quietly in amazement. ~[Normally/usually] your [voice/soul/commune] has some [energy/life/intent] but this is [greater/more] [potent/powerful/rich].~
Seeker let out a potent song in response and for the first time Rose could truly feel the emotions within it. A powerful wave of acceptance and tenderness, filled with compassion and care washed over her.
"I wish I could sing like you can!" Rose whispered, her voice nearly choked with emotion.
~In this [instant/moment] you are.~ Seeker chirped softly. ~I [know/understand/comprehend] you [purely/perfectly]. Your [voice/commune/song] is [filled/overflowing] with [connection/desire/gladness/relief/fear]. I have never [felt/known] such [emotions/intent/feelings] could [exist/be] until now.~
Rose pulled back slightly, gazing into Seeker's eyes. "I could feel your song too." She murmured in quiet amazement. "It was…just as amazing for me. We…humans can't normally…" She took in a deep breath to try and master herself.
~Do not [close/shut/seal] your [glyph/soul/identity].~ Seeker chirped intently. ~[Release/free] it. Show me [RED-FLOWER/TIME-PREDATOR]'s [Glyph/soul/identity].~
Blinking, Rose slowly let her mental barriers and self-discipline fall away. Giving in to the moment, she began to let out a quiet keening sound as tears filled her eyes. Uncaring of where she was or what might have been expected of her, she released all of her pent up emotions in a great cry of sound. She poured into it all the fear, excitement, anger, and joy she had kept inside, not daring to let them show in the face of the Doctor's manic personality and almost frantic life. Tears streamed down her face as she once again let her mind recall all the dark and terrible moments where she had feared for her life and sanity only to have the Doctor snatch her away from death's jaws at the last moment. The joy and excitement of the stars and worlds she had seen as well as all of time and space were encapsulated in that primal and overwhelming cry as she recalled her transformation into the entity she knew as Bad Wolf. Her breath nearly hitched as she remembered the absolute power and knowledge, greater than even that of the Remnant that had flowed through her body as she commanded the powers of time itself until the Doctor's kiss had pulled it from her. Slowly she sat down on the sand, letting the wordless cry fade. Emotionally exhausted she let the tears fall as Seeker stood there in silent rapture for a long moment before coming to her and wrapping its cloak about her.
"It's so hard sometimes." She whispered in a tormented voice. "It's like seeing the universe as a god and at the same time we're so close to being killed or worse. I can't stop… I don't want to…but sometimes…and I know he loves me and he would do anything to save me but…"
~I [UNDERSTAND].~ Seeker chirped gently. ~You cannot [live/exist/survive] on the [edge/precipice] of [life/existence] and [death/destruction] [always/constantly].~
"Sometimes I wish I'd never met him." She admitted wretchedly. "That none of it had happened. But then I would never have seen…everything." She whimpered. "I wouldn't have met you."
~And that is why you [stay/remain].~ Seeker replied softly.
Rose nodded, wiping her eyes. "He's such a good man; saved so many people. But he's had to make terrible choices no one should have to make. When I first met him he was…sharper. More dangerous. Like…he smiled a lot but I could tell there was coldness under that smile, like it was a mask. But now…"
~Now he is [warmed/melted] by your [connection/care/love].~ Seeker murmured.
Rose nodded as she wrapped her arms around Seeker's middle, hugging the traveler tightly again as Seeker let out a long gentle note, holding her in its cloak. The sounds of flutes and violins playing in perfect harmony filled her ears as the gentle, calm emotions contained in them stilled her turbulent thoughts and feelings. Finally she looked up at the expressionless mask, stroking it gently with her fingertips.
"You're a wonderful person Seeker. Don't ever believe otherwise." She told it in a soft, intent voice.
Seeker bowed its head in thanks. ~You make my [Glyph/soul/identity] sing with [gladness/joy/happiness] when you [emote/say/commune] so.~
"Rose!" The Doctor called from high above, his carpet slowly floating downwards. "Seeker! How do things look down there?"
Collecting herself and wiping her face, Rose quickly stood, stepping out of Seeker's cloaked embrace as the figure also stood up. "It's quite dark but not too bad! Where've you been?"
"Carpet suddenly took off on me!" The Doctor said, half way down the hole. "Ruddy thing took me all over the rooftops, saw some really neat architecture! I should have a bunch of archeologists visit this place, they'd have the time of their lives! What about you?"
Rose smiled, shaking her head in amusement. "My carpet decided to ditch me right over the hole; luckily Seeker was able to catch me."
The Doctor quickly floated down and disembarked from his carpet, walking over to her quickly and looking her up and down. "You alright?" He asked in concern. "Your eyes are red."
Rose nodded, her gaze a bit clouded. "Yeah, I just got a little freaked out from almost falling to my death." She laughed half-heartedly. "You'd think I'd be used to it now, considering."
The Doctor gazed at her gently, staring into her eyes for a long moment. "We can always go home for a while if you need a break Rose." He assured her. "Even I get homesick sometimes and your Mum makes a cracking good cup of tea." He smiled affectionately.
"I know it's just…good to hear sometimes." She said, her smile widening a bit. "Shall we?" She asked, glancing around.
The Doctor nodded. "Why don't you have a look around while Seeker and I check out the statue?" He suggested, pointing to the highlighted figure in the distance. "I promise we won't start the show without you."
Rose nodded with a smile before walking towards some of the partially buried arched ruins. The Doctor began to walk at a leisurely pace towards the statue with Seeker walking beside him.
"She opened up to you, didn't she?" The Doctor asked quietly, his face neutral as he stared straight ahead. "You saw her soul."
~[RED-FLOWER/TIME-PREDATOR] is [filled/replete/full] of [gentleness/tenderness/compassion].~ Seeker agreed with a soft chirp. ~When [RED-FLOWER/TIME-PREDATOR] [laughed/cried/released] her [glyph/soul/identity] I [felt/touched/knew] her [glyph/soul/identity] [completely/truly/fully] for a short [time/duration]. It was [wonderful/beautiful/magnificent] and yet [sad/tragic/anguished]. [RED-FLOWER/TIME-PREDATOR] has [known/understood] the power of [eternity/omnipotence/ALL] and the [touch/reach/closeness] of [death/destruction/oblivion].~
"Rose is certainly someone special." The Doctor stated, his voice becoming husky with emotion. "There's no one like her in the entire universe."
[Your [voice/soul/commune] [tells/informs] me you [care/love/adore] her.~ Seeker said with a quiet chirp.
The Doctor nodded. "I do."
Seeker let out a powerful burst of sound, unintelligible even with the screwdriver acting as a translator but the Doctor could sense the great swell of chaotic emotion that filled it, from powerful adoration to sad acceptance.
The Doctor looked over at Seeker, his eyes sympathetic. "You're becoming attached to her."
~Her [Glyph/soul/identity] is unlike any I have [encountered/observed/known].~ Seeker told him.
The Doctor sighed quietly, his gaze a trifle sad. "Have you ever met any other Rythulians Seeker?"
~I have never [experienced/known] [companionship/friendship/love] until now.~ Seeker admitted with a sad chirp.
The Doctor put his arms around Seeker's shoulders and hugged the cloaked figure briefly in camaraderie.
"I don't know what's going to happen when all this is done." The Doctor stated quietly. "You're welcome to come with us if you want, after you've finished your journey to the mountain. Rose's heart is big and I know she cares about you, I saw what transpired when I looked into her eyes, but she may not be willing to return all of the same feelings you feel for her. She opened up to you for a moment when she was high on adrenaline and shaken with fear but she won't always be willing to let herself go like that, especially considering the kind of messes we get into on a regular basis. Can you accept that, can you accept that she won't love you in that way, and still care about her as you do now?"
Seeker remained silent for several moments before letting out a series of quiet chirps. ~I [know/understand/realize] her [love/adoration/care] for you and the [CONNECTION] you share. [All/everything] [RED-FLOWER/TIME-PREDATOR] is, was [entwined/interwoven] in her [soul/commune/song] to me. I would not attempt to [break/interfere/subvert] your [CONNECTION] to her.~
The Doctor nodded with a calm smile. "Then I think we can find a place for you in the TARDIS if you want."
Seeker inclined its head as they approached the circle of markers surrounding the statue, the figure itself lit in cool white light from a hole in the ceiling above.
"I think I found something over here!" Rose called to them a moment later.
Turning to their left they could barely make her out in the dim light of the massive underground room. The Doctor and Seeker walked briskly over to the arched wall with a solid piece of flat wall connected to it. Noting the signature pair of markers the Doctor gestured with a hand and Seeker sang its soul song, making the wall reveal its information. The mural depicted a city split by a large canyon, the bridge connecting the two broken in the center. On either side of the bridge stood rows of figures in white, their backs to the figures on the opposite side of the bridge. Above them two pieces of broken cloth flew.
"So, things did start to go downhill." The Doctor murmured, sliding a hand along the mural's surface. "Something happened, something major and irreconcilable that caused a split between the people of this city. Maybe even the race as a whole. The connection they shared via the cloth was broken." He mused.
Looking over at the statue, he focused intently on it. "And I'm pretty sure whoever we talk with via the statue will know what."
Waving them onwards they quickly moved to the area within the markers with Seeker belting out a note to activate them. As soon as the circle appeared they sat down.
FLASH
Within the white void stood the white-cloaked figure of one of the Remnant. Unlike the others that stood tall and facing them, this one stood with their back to them, its head bowed and seemingly lesser in stature. Looking at each other in confusion the trio slowly made their way to the side of the figure.
You have come. It stated, its voice lacking the powerful presence of the others, making it seem almost mortal in comparison. The Others told me you would.
~You stand as one defeated and broken.~ Seeker stated quietly.
"What happened here?" The Doctor asked quietly.
Rose said nothing but slowly walked over to the figure and hesitantly rested a hand against the white cloak. The figure's head turned to look at Rose and though the white and gold face mask showed no emotion she could feel the anguish and sadness radiating from it.
"I'm so sorry." She whispered to the figure. "You're in so much pain…Is there nothing we can do?"
Even with the power of volition through the time streams your companion possesses…even if you could summon the power of the Time Wolf as you once did…we do not deserve such mercy.
"Everyone deserves mercy." Rose murmured gently, gazing up at the figure.
The figure turned back to stare off into the distance. This pain…this anguish…it is a far more merciful punishment than we deserve for what we did to ourselves…to our world. We lived in Paradise but transformed it into Hell through our own foolishness and pride. Look upon our works and see the price of folly!
Vision shifted and they beheld the large series of buildings on top of the mountain they had seen in the last vision. As the mural moved to the right, down the mountain, the lights in the buildings began to flicker and die as the abundant cloth that filled the sky began to vanish. Soon the lights failed entirely as the last of the cloth disappeared as well. The scene moved to two figures in white, connected by a red cloth that suddenly turned their backs on each other, the connection cloth snapping abruptly before vanishing. As more of the mural was revealed the massive city became dark with clouds and thunder as massive serpentine machines with a single glowing eye at the head moved about the sky above it, firing beams of blue energy at each other. On the ground, clear battle lines were drawn with rows of figures in white standing against each other while fire and death thundered in the background.
Finally the vision ended, leaving the three of them despondent and unwilling to speak as the light from the circle died, leaving them in the silent darkness.