The five ran out of the front doors of the school, Mickey the worse from the running, "I am not going back in there. No way." He panted.
"Those were teachers!" Rose exclaimed.
"Thirteen big bat thingys." Kayla told the Doctor, who winced at the count.
Grabbing her hand, the two started to walk into the school when Mickey, who noticed their movement, whined out, "Come on- you've got to be kidding!" He protested.
The Time Lord rolled his eyes, "I need the TARDIS. I've got to analyze that oil from the kitchen." He reminded them.
Sarah Jane grinned, "I might be able to help you, there. I've got something to show you!" Grabbing the Doctor's arm, he tightened his grip on Kayla's hand, and pulled them to the parking lot.
Opening the boot of her car, the Doctor, Kayla, Rose, and Mickey all stared at…a green faded blanket. Curiosity growing, the Doctor pulled the blanket off to reveal K9!
"K9! Kayla Hark, Rose Tyler, Mickey Smith - allow me to introduce K9- well, K9 Mark III to be precise." The Doctor introduced.
While Mickey and Rose gave each other a, 'what the hell is that' look, Kayla was starting to grin widely, "Oh my god!" She cried out, "I can't believe I get to see it! K9, the K9! He was River's favorite!" Kayla squealed.
Rose rolled her eyes, "Why does he look so...disco?" She wondered.
Kayla and the Doctor made matching faces, "In the year five thousand this was cutting edge!" Kayla protested.
"What's happened to him?" The Doctor asked, noticing that despite his presence, K9 hadn't woken up.
Sarah Jane made a face, "Oh, one day, he just...nothing!" She explained.
"Well, didn't you try and get him repaired?" the Doctor asked.
Mickey shook his head at Rose, causing the blond to stare at him, pleased that someone understood how she felt, "Well, it's not like getting parts for a mini-metro! Beside, the technology inside him could rewrite human science. I couldn't show him to anyone!" Sarah Jane was protesting to the Doctor.
The Doctor ignored the protest and started to coo at K9, "Ooh, what's the nasty lady done to you? Eh?"
Mickey gaped at the Doctor as if he had lost his mind, which could be very true, Rose merely rolled her at the Doctor, trying her hardest to ignore the cooing noises that Kayla and the Doctor where making whilst they stroked the metal dog. Of course, she didn't miss the triumphant glanced from Sarah Jane, but that was what the brunet wanted.
Unknowingly to the group, they were being observed by the alien they had woken up, "Look, no offense but could you three just stop petting for a minute? Never mind the tin dog, we're busy!" Rose cried out.
Starting to grin, the Doctor closed the boot of the car. Seeing that they were about to leave, the creature flew past the moon, screeching loudly for all to hear.
Despite the late hour, the group had found a small, comfy chip shop that was still open. The Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Kayla all sat by the window, the Doctor and Sarah Jane telling stories that would occasionally be interrupted by the Time Lord pausing to explain something to the ever curious Kayla, who was putting more attention to K9, which was sitting on the table in front of her, than the stories.
Not wanting to be anywhere near Sarah Jane Smith or the suddenly disloyal Doctor and Kayla, Rose had taken seat at the counter. Being ever loyal, Mickey had joined her.
"You see, what's impressive is that it's been nearly an hour since we met her and I still haven't said 'I told you so.'" Mickey said proudly.
Rose wrenched her eyes from the three, who looked very, very happy, to roll her eyes at her "boyfriend." Sure, the Doctor wasn't hers, but it still hurt a lot to see how happy he was with Miss Sarah Jane Smith. Besides if she had to stand by while the Doctor dated and loved someone else, then at least she "liked" the person, though like was a bit stretching it.
Starting to glance back, she muttered, "I'm not listening to this." Mickey smirked.
"Although, I have prepared a little 'I was right' dance that I can show you later." He continued before snickering at what he had said.
The shopkeeper held out her hand to Rose, "Two quid, love." She requested. Fumbling with the coins, Rose gave her the money and then took the chips but just tucked them away.
Not giving up on his sudden comedic career, Mickey carried on, "All this time you've been giving it, 'he's different!' - when the truth is, he's just like any other bloke!" He cried out.
Rolling her eyes at him, Rose got up only to sit down a table closer to the Doctor, Sarah Jane, and Kayla, "You don't know what you're talking about." She protested, sounding as if she was unsure of what she was saying.
Mickey shrugged lightly, "Maybe not." He seemed to agree, "But if I were you...I'd go easy on the chips." Rose paused in her shoveling of chips, a light blush starting to rise to her cheeks.
The alien, whatever it was, was still watching the group.
Mr. Finch stood on top of a building on the other side of the rode from the Chip shop, "Come to me...come to me..."He called out.
Like a well-trained bird, the bat-like creature swooped towards him before gently landing on the building beside him. Together they watched the Doctor and Kayla through the window of the chip shop.
"I thought of you on Christmas Day. This Christmas just gone? Great big spaceship overhead - I thought, 'Oh, yeah. Bet he's up there.'" Sarah Jane said in her soft voice.
Kayla and the Doctor grinned, mostly at the memory of what happened after on that Christmas, "Right on top of it, yeah." The Doctor answered with a nod.
The next time that Sarah Jane spoke, it was a lot more cautiously than before, "And Rose?" She asked.
Kayla made a noise and paused in her work, "Definitely there too."
A loud pause of silence followed as Kayla fiddled with a wire and the Doctor helped her with it. Sarah Jane just watched them, still unsure of how to feel.
"Did I do something wrong?" She asked suddenly, causing the Doctor pause in his help, "Because you never came back for me. You just...dumped me." She continued, struggling for the words.
The Doctor glanced at Kayla, worried that she had reacted negativily to the…suggestive word choice that Sarah Jane had used, but the brunet was still working on K9. Having put off his answer for far too long, the Doctor sighed, "I told you. I was called back home and in those days humans weren't allowed." He explained.
Sarah Jane just stared at him, "I waited for you. I missed you." She protested.
The Doctor just brushed off her protest, trying to pretend that he hadn't felt the same exact way, "Oh, you didn't need me! You were getting on with your life."
Sarah Jane just shook her head, a small, sad smile on her lips, "You were my life." She corrected. Shocked, the Doctor just looked at her, "You know what the most difficult thing was? Coping with what happens next, and with what doesn't happen next. You took me to the furthest reaches of the galaxy, you showed me supernovas, intergalactic battles and then you just dropped me back on Earth. How could anything compare to that?"
The Doctor's brow furrowed, "All those things you saw - do you want me to apologize for that?" He asked, completely and utterly clueless.
"No," Sarah Jane quickly shook her head as she almost snapped out her answer, "but we get a taste of that splendor...and then we have to go back."
Kayla started to smile, stopping her work, "Look at you! You found the school, you're investigating. You don't need the Doctor, because you're living your life here." Sarah Jane started to smile.
Still smiling as she thought over what Kayla had said, the Doctor started to sonic K9 when Sarah Jane suddenly stated, "It wasn't Croydon - where you dropped me off, it wasn't Croydon!"
The Doctor blinked, "Where was it?" He asked.
Sarah Jane huffed, a hint of amusement in her eyes, "Aberdeen." She answered.
Obviously not knowing where that was, the Doctor nodded, "Right." He muttered, and then paused, "That's next to Croydon, isn't it?" He checked.
Sarah Jane laughed as if that was obvious, which it was, and then shook her head.
Literally saving the Doctor, K9 decided to spring to life, "Oh, hey! Now we're in business!" the Time Lord cheered as he grabbed Kayla's hand. Springing to his feet, he pulled Kayla up and gave her a quick peck.
"Master!" K9 said, or barked, in his very cute slightly high-pitched voice.
The Doctor nearly started to clap his hands together, so high was his joy, "He recognizes me!" He cheered to Kayla.
Despite being a robot, K9 seemed just as happy as the Doctor and, if Kayla was seeing correctly, wagging his metal tail, "Affirmative." He confirmed.
Not even sparing a glance at the blond, the Doctor held out his free hand, the other was currently wrapped around Kayla's waist, and ordered, "Rose, give us the oil."
Mr. Finch was, well, bored. John Smith, whatever he was, Kayla Harkness, his plucky fiance, Rose Tyler, the dinner lady, Sarah Jane Smith, a…reporter, and a random black guy where doing nothing in the chip shop. Rolling his eyes, he proceeded to start a small mental game with the giant game was stopped when the boring group suddenly did something! Tensing, since it seemed like they were all gathering around a table, Mr. Finch went into a crouch and the bat did the to its very good eyesight, the giant bat was able to see something that looked suspiciously like a metal dog on the table…yeah, Mr. Finch was just as confused.
Still not acknowledging her, which hurt Rose more than she cared to admit, the Doctor took off the lid of the jar and was just about to dip his finger carelessly inside when the blond stopped him, "I wouldn't touch it, though, that dinner lady got all scalged." She warned quickly.
"I'm no dinner lady. And I don't often say that." The Doctor just waved it off, like he did most probably dangerous things. Completely ignoring Rose's warning, he dipped his finger into the oil and smeared the liquid onto the sensor that K9 had put out.
"Come on clever boy, come on." Kayla whispered encouragingly, causing the Doctor to beam at her.
After a slight pause, K9 started to speak in his adorable voice, "Oil. Ex- ex- ex- extract ana- an- analyzing..." He stuttered out as he processed the oil.
Mickey let out a hoot of laughter, "Listen to it, man! That's a voice!" He chortled, a wide grin on his face.
Sarah Jane sent him a fierce glare, "Careful! That's my dog!" Ashamed, he actually did like Sarah Jane, Mickey stared down at the floor sheepishly, a muttered apology coming from his lips.
"Confirmation of analysis - substance is Krillitane Oil." At the words that K9 had…uttered, the Doctor and Kayla lost their happiness.
The Doctor felt his hearts skip a beat, "They're Krillitanes." He breathed out.
Kayla, however, stayed silent. It wasn't that she wasn't worried, with the Doctor's luck, he would get himself killed, but it was because of the pain in her chest. It felt like heartburn…but somehow, it was incredibly worse. It had been happening off and on ever since New New Earth, but she had dismissed it. It was probably nothing, just like the trouble sleeping, or the cravings for bananas…
Dismissing it once again, Kayla threw herself into the conversation just in time to hear the Doctor say, "An amalgam of the races they've conquered. But they take physical aspects as well. They cherry-pick the best bits from the people they destroy. That's why I didn't recognize them. The last time I saw Krillitanes, they looked just like us except they had really long necks." He was explaining to the completely lost Mickey, slightly lost Rose, and the equally slightly lost Sarah Jane.
Still feeling bad, Kayla raised an eyebrow, "Long necks?" She asked, but the Doctor just shook his head.
"It's the children. They're doing something to the children." The Time Lord said suddenly in horrible realization.
Being a Krillitane had its perks, amazing hearing and a mental bond just happened to be two of many. Mr. Finch and the Krillitane glanced at each other before the Krillitane let out a screech that could, and did make any bird jealous.
Perhaps it was just how connected the Doctor was to Kayla, because, despite her insisting that she was "fine," the Time Lord had forced her to stay at the chip shop with himself and Rose while Mickey and Sarah Jane put K9 back into her car.
While there was no doubt a conversation that the other two were having, Rose was more interested in the Doctor and Kayla, the latter who had obviously taken a turn for the worse. Her skin was paler, but that could have been the light, she was shivering despite the warm temperature, and looked exhausted.
"You okay?" the Doctor whispered, which was, of course, a completely pointless question.
Kayla gave a slight nod, rubbing her chest, "Fine." She muttered, but at the look that the Doctor gave her, she finally broke, "Chest pain," the Doctor looked worried, "tiredness, which is bringing a headache," the Time Lord seemed more troubled, "and freezing." The Doctor looked more upset than Rose had ever seen him looked before.
Wrapping his arms around her in an effort to keep her warm, the Doctor tried to console his literally hot girlfriend, "I can't get you back to the TARDIS but Sarah Jane will have stuff at her place."
From above, Mr. Finch's voice suddenly rang out, "Time Lord." He stated simply.
Shocked, the Doctor, Kayla, and Rose looked up at the roof. Running back, Sarah Jane and Mickey also stared up at the principal. While they all gaped up, they were nearly attacked by the Krillitane that had swooped down, and if not for their quick ducking…luckily it jut flew away.
"Was that a Krillitane?" Sarah Jane asked.
Rose rolled her eyes. Duh, it was, "But it didn't even touch her, it just flew off! What did it do that for?" Rose pointed out, to her, a much better question.
Kayla shivered in the bed that sat in the guest bedroom of Sarah Jane Smith's house. Despite the Doctor cuddling into her, and the heavy blankets, she was still cold. Somehow, even though she wasn't comfortable, she had fallen asleep, mostly due to the Doctor using the mental link they had somehow formed.
While she slept, the Doctor watched over her, too worried to sleep. He had to take care of her; he promised her father that he would. Of course, since he was awake, he could think about why they had a mental link.
It could have been a number of reasons, he had decided at 2 AM, yet the one his mind kept circling to was that they were romantically involved. On Gallifrey, Time Lords and their Ladies had stronger mental bonds when they were romantically together than regular ones; due to how much time they spent mentally together.
Another reason for their bond, the Doctor had realized, was that they had kissed. Time Lords and Ladies didn't just kiss because they were couples. There was little to no physical contact with couples, some old rule. Instead, they just talked with each other via mind. Couple with how much time they had spent together, it was no wonder that they had a mental connection.
Kayla let out a little sound, causing the Doctor to break away from his pondering to look down at her. She looked so innocent, and perfect, and…he loved her. Sure, he had loved all his companions, Sarah Jane was a prime example of that, but in all honesty, he had never let himself get too attached. Time Lords were like gods when compared to humans. They withered and died, but Time Lords lived on. He could never get too attached to any of his companions because they would leave him, one way or another.
As if she sensed his thoughts taking a darker turn, which did actually make sense, Kayla let out another noise. On reflex, he wrapped his arms around her tighter, wanting to reassure her.
What he knew he had to tell her was that since they kissed, they had started something big. On Gallifrey, when Time Lords and their Ladies found someone they loved with both hearts. Someone they just couldn't live without, then they got married and Bonded. But how could he tell her that they had started it? If he said it the wrong way, then all hell could break lose.
Despite not being tired he yawned. On an impulse, he snuggled into Kayla and closed his suddenly heavy eyes. His last thoughts before he went to sleep: Why was he so tired?
The next morning would find Sarah Jane, Rose, Mickey, a sick Kayla, and a pouting Doctor striding towards the school. Sometime after the Doctor had fallen asleep, Kayla's low grade fever broke, which made her insist on joining the others. The Doctor…hadn't liked that. Actually, that was an understatement. They had a quiet talking match, the Doctor not wanting to yell at her, much to the amusement of the others.
"Rose and Sarah, you go to the Maths room. We need to see that hardware inside." Kayla told them, her voice showing just how sick she was, which made the Doctor pout even more.
Despite this, he moved to take out his sonic, "Here, you might need this." After years of doing it, he handed it to Sarah Jane, unaware that Rose was holding her hand out.
Kayla rolled her eyes at the Doctor's goof, "Mickey - surveillance. I want you outside." At the order, Mickey made a face.
"Just stand outside?" He whined more than asked. For London, it was rather hot.
Sarah Jane looked like she was about to laugh, "Here, take these - you can keep K9 company." She threw him her car keys which he barely caught.
Starting to leave him behind, the Doctor called over his shoulder, "Don't forget to leave the window open a crack."
"But he's metal!" Mickey protested.
Kayla let out a sigh and took the Doctor's hand, "He didn't mean for you." She muttered to herself, causing the Doctor to let out a chuckle before he remembered that he was supposed to be cross with her.
Mr. Finch, wearing his shiny black shoes, walked down a crowded corridor. The hair on the back of his neck rose as he felt someone's eyes purposely on him. Taking his time, he glanced above him to see John Smith and a rather sick Kayla leaning on the stairway. Both were looking down at him and not making any attempt to hide it. Not knowing whether to be angry at them or smile at how stupid they were, he gave them a hard stare that most would run away from. Instead, they didn't. Now knowing they were completely stupid, Mr. Finch started up the stairs and so did John Smith and Kayla.
The only completely abandon room was the swimming pool, something that Kayla and the Doctor knew, so they led Mr. Finch there. Only when Kayla glanced behind her did they see that he was gone. Worried, they ran the rest away to the room where Mr. Finch waited for them on one side of the pool. Automatically, they went to the other.
"Who are you?" Kayla asked, still sounding sick.
Mr. Finch studied them for a second, "My name is Brother Lassa. And you?" he waved one of his hands towards the Doctor and Kayla.
The Doctor glanced over at Kayla, wondering if she was going to answer, but she gave no sign of speaking, "The Doctor." He finally answered, "And she's Kayla. Since when did Krillitanes have wings?"
Mr. Finch gave a small smile, "It's been our form for nearly ten generations, now. Our ancestors invaded Bessan. The people there had some rather lovely wings. They made a million widows in one day, just imagine."
The Doctor and Kayla chose not to imagine it, "So now you're human." Kayla stated, looking a tad bit paler.
Mr. Finch's eyebrows rose up, "A personal favorite, that's all." He dismissed.
"And the others?" the Doctor wondered.
Mr. Finch just smiled, "My brothers remain bat form. What you see is a simple morphic illusion. Scratch the surface and the true Krillitane lies beneath." Automatically the three began to walk towards the same side of the pool, "And what of the Time Lords? I always thought of you as such a pompous race. Ancient, dusty senators, so frightened of change and...chaos. And of course - they're all but extinct. Only you. The last."
Kayla glanced over at the Doctor to see his jaw twitching with barely concealed anger, "This plan of yours - what is it?" She asked quickly, giving the Time Lord time to calm down.
At the question, Mr. Finch seemed shocked, "You both don't know."
Kayla just rolled her eyes, "Why do you think I'm asking?"
The three were facing each other, rivals staring down at each other. The tension in the room was nearly unbearable, and it was rising. Mr. Finch didn't seemed too bothered though, "Well, show me how clever you are. Work it out." He commanded with a smirk.
The Doctor stare right back at Mr. Finch, "If I don't like it...then it will stop." He stated.
Mr. Finch tilted his head, studying the Doctor and the Doctor only, "Fascinating." He started, observing as the Doctor stood proud. Beside him, Kayla sneezed into her elbow. It really was fascinating, "Your people were peaceful to the point of indolence. You seem to be something new." The Doctor flinched, "And you, Miss Kayla Harkness. You are most definitely your father's daughter." Kayla let out a gasp as if she had been slapped, "Would you declare war on us, Doctor, Kayla?"
The Doctor squeezed Kayla's hand, his voice soft, "I'm so old, now. I used to have so much mercy." He stared straight at Mr. Finch, "You get one warning. That was it." Leaving it at that, the Doctor and Kayla and began to walk away.
"But we're not even enemies. Soon...you will embrace us." Mr. Finch promised, a smile growing as the Doctor and Kayla glanced back, "The next time we meet, you will both join with me. I promise you." This time, it was Mr. Finch who left the Doctor and Kayla, a knowing smile on his face.
Mickey winded the car window down. It had been harder than he rather admit. Wincing at himself, he folded his arms and pouted, "'Surveillance.' If you ask me, it's just another way of saying 'go sit at the back of the class with the safety scissors and glitter.'" He scoffed to himself. Sighing, he glanced over at K9. Though he was switched off, his little metal head poked through the gap between the front seats. He sighed, "That'd be me talking to a metal dog, then."
Kayla waited outside the teacher's lounge, sneezing into her elbow for what had to be the fiftieth time. It was hard to look very casual while tons of students looked at her curiously. Finally, the Doctor opened the door and came out, a cup of tea in his hands.
"Thanks." Kayla muttered as she took it from him.
Sarah Jane Smith crouched beneath one of the many computer desks as she tried to switch the sonic screwdriver on. Annoyed, she came out and banged the keyboard. Glancing down, she looked at the screwdriver, trying to figure out what she had done wrong. She had to get it right, or else Rose, who was sitting in a chair nearby with her legs crossed, would be unbearable.
"It's not working!" She cried out in frustration.
Rose dramatically rolled her eyes, a smirk plainly on her face, "Give it to me." She held her hand out, her request more of an order.
Though she obviously didn't want to, Sarah Jane held out her hand to Rose, allowing the blond to take the sonic screwdriver. With a roll of her eyes, she ducked underneath the desk, "Used to work first time in my day." Sarah Jane muttered.
Under the desk, Rose rolled her eyes, "Well, things were a lot simpler back then." She shot back as the screwdriver buzzed as she held it to the back of the computer.
"Rose, can I give you a bit of advice?" Sarah Jane said suddenly, making Rose once again roll her eyes.
Straightening up, Rose gave Sarah Jane a fierce glare, "I've got a feeling you're about to." She hissed.
Sarah Jane flinched just a bit, "I know how intense it is when you have feelings for the Doctor-" She started.
Rose let out something similar to a growl, "I do NOT," she hissed out loudly, "Have any feelings for the Doctor." She finished with a spat.
"Right." Sarah Jane drew out the word sarcastically, just causing Rose's jaw to twitch in anger, "Because from what I've seen, you're interested with starting something with him." Sarah Jane smirked when Rose flinched.
Rose's jaw looked like it was doing some sort of dance, "Really? 'Cause I think you're the one who wants to start something. With the big sad eyes and the robot dog? What else were you doing last night?" This time, it was Rose who smirked while Sarah Jane flinched at her words.
Sarah Jane watched as the smirk grew on Rose's face as she stuttered out her excuse, "I was just saying how hard it was adjusting to life back on Earth..."
Smirking broadly, Rose started to walk away a few paces, "The thing is...when you two met...they'd only just got rid of rationing. No wonder all that space stuff was a bit too much for ya." She pointed out harshly.
Sarah Jane, not thinking it over, took the bait and walked over to her, "I had no problem with space stuff. I saw things you wouldn't believe." She protested.
Rose just smirked some more and raised an eyebrow, "Try me." She suggested coldly, crossing her arms.
"Mummies." Sarah Jane spat.
"I've met ghosts." Rose countered.
"Robots. Lots of robots." Sarah Jane argued back.
"Slitheen. In Downing Street." Rose shot straight back to her.
"Daleks!" Sarah Jane cried out.
Rose just snorted, "Met the Emperor." She dismissed.
It was obvious that Sarah Jane was grasping for straws now, "Anti-Matter monsters." She stated.
"Gas masked zombies." Rose spat to her.
"Real living dinosaurs!" Sarah Jane protested weakly.
"Real living werewolf!" Rose countered with ease.
"The Loch Ness Monster!" Sarah Jane cried out.
The smirk that had been present for the whole time slid off Rose's face as her eyebrows furrowed together, "... Seriously?" She inquired.
Sarah Jane gave something of a nod as she put both hands over her mouth and shook her head. Rose started to smile and even laughed a bit, "Listen to us. It's like me and my mate Shireen. The only time we fell out was over a man, and...we're arguing over the Doctor, when we don't even have him." She pointed out.
A slight bit of darkness fell over the two. Looking down, Sarah Jane leaned against the desk, aware of Rose studying her, "With you, did he do that thing where he'd explain something at like, ninety-miles-per-hour, and you'd go, 'what?' and he'd look at you like you'd just dribbled on your shirt?" She asked softly.
Sarah Jane smiled widely at the memories, "All the time!" She answered as they both started to laugh, "Does he still stroke bits of the TARDIS?"
Rose nodded, "Yeah! Yeah! He does! I'm like, 'do you two wanna be alone?' And then Kayla hits him the shoulder." They started to laugh madly at the memories.
The Doctor and Kayla, hand in hand, wandered into the lab to see Sarah Jane and Rose laughing about something. Kayla started to smile, happy that her…friends, if that was the right word, were happy and being nice to each other. By the way they were acting around each other before, it was not stupid to think they were going to fight.
"How's it going?" The Doctor asked, but for some reason, the sight of the two just made Sarah Jane laugh harder. The Doctor tilted his head, "What? Listen, I need to find out what's programmed inside these." Of course, the two took no notice to the demanding Doctor. Instead, they continued to laugh hysterically and Rose pointed the sonic screwdriver at him, "What? Stop it!" the Doctor protested, completely and utterly confused.
Mr. Finch entered his office where the rest of the staff, who were actually his brothers, sat around the table, "Brothers, we must initiate the final phase. Get the children inside and seal the school. Our time has come, my brothers. Today we shall become Gods." He commanded.
Outside in the sunlight, the children were on the playground acting like normal kids. It was times like these that Kenny felt truly alone. As always, he sat on a bench and watched the other play football, laugh, and just generally have a good time.
Then, the loudspeaker that had, until then, never been used, crackled to life, "All pupils to class immediately. And would all members of staff congregate in the staff room."
At once, the children began to head inside without any hesitation, except for Kenny. Instead, he watched as his old friends hurried past him. Melissa paused for a moment as she was passing, no longer the sad girl from before, "Breaktime's finished early. Isn't that fantastic?!" She exclaimed before leaving. Only when everyone else was either inside or nearly did Kenny head towards the doors himself.
The children clambered to get inside the computer lab that the Doctor, Kayla, and Sarah Jane were in, but Rose shouted out them, "No, no - this classroom's out of bounds. You've all gotta go to the South Hall. Off you go, South Hall!" She ordered. Though she was an adult, only the fact that she hadn't moved made the kids head off. Finally, Rose shut the door.
Mr. Finch and his brothers entered the staffroom. Mr. Parsons was the only one who stood up, the most annoyed, "What is it now, Mr. Finch?" He asked in a mocking tone.
Despite this, Mr. Finch didn't even seem to be bothered, "Slight change in the timetable. We're having an early lunch." He answered coldly.
Mr. Wagner closed the door, which was a very good thing since soon the screams of the teachers and the shrieks of the Krillitanes had started.
The Doctor was ripping handfuls of wires from out of the computer. Next to him, Kayla looked and was bored as she held the sonic screwdriver in one hand while the other had her tea. When the Doctor held out a hand, wires now around his neck, Kayla rolled her eyes and handed him the screwdriver so that he could run it along the back of the computer.
Sarah Jane, biting her lip, sat down next to Kayla and gave her a worried look. The look grew when the Doctor grumbled out, "I can't shift it."
"It's deadlocked." Kayla muttered leaning in for a closer look. The Doctor just let out an annoyed sigh and nodded.
Despite not being anywhere near how smart his old friends were now, Kenny was smart enough to know that their eagerness was completely wrong. So it was not that bad when he was left outside because he had lagged behind so much.
After a wonderful meal, if a bit stringy, Mr. Finch went into his office and sat behind the desk, "Close the school." He ordered. With a few delicate taps on the keyboard, the screen flashed with, SECURITY OVERRIDE. Smirking to himself, Mr. Finch sat back in his chair.
Meanwhile, every single exit to the school slammed shut.
Mr. Wagner feverishly brought up the code onto the computer screens. Already wearing their headphones, it didn't take the students any time to snap forwards and start to type furiously as a green code scrolled down their screens.
Sarah Jane stared at the large screen in the front of the room, "You wanted the program - there it is." She told the Doctor and Kayla.
Confused, the two turned to face the screen, only to see a green code scrolling quickly down the screen, "It's just a code." Kayla stated, tilting her head.
Kenny ran down the corridors, looking into every room only to see all the children immersed in their computer screens, an odd green light bathing their faces. Terrified, he ran to the front of the doors, only to find that the doors were sealed shut. He rattled them, only to see a black man get out of a car, looking confused.
The Doctor, now impersonating a fish, had his mouth wide open in what Kayla could see was horror, "No...no, they can't be..." He gasped at whatever idea he had come up with.
Though he knew that the man couldn't hear him, Kenny mouthed the words to him, "They've taken them all!"
If anything, the man looked more confused than before, "What?" He seemed to have asked.
"They've taken all the children!" Kenny mouthed again.
All Mickey knew was that he had to get in the school. Running back to the car, he sat down and ripped the blanket off of K9 and pressed some random buttons, "Come on, I need some help!" He shouted. But apparently the metal dog had an attitude and didn't want to move.
Annoyed, he whacked the dog on the head, but since nothing happened he looked away helplessly, "System restarting. All primary drives functioning." K9 suddenly squeaked out, sounding a tad bit harsher than he had with the Doctor.
Mickey smiled widely, "You're working! Okay, no time to explain, we need to get inside the school. Do you have like, I dunno, a lock picking device?" he suggested.
"We are in a car." K9 stated simply.
Mickey let out a groan, "...Maybe a drill attachment?" He muttered.
"We are in a car." It repeated.
Mickey glared at the dog, wondering if it was worth making the Doctor angry by throwing it through the window, "Fat lot of good, you are." He grumbled to himself, not really meaning to speak out loud.
"We are in a car."
Then, it hit him, "Wait a second...we're in a car." Obviously the dog had picked up a lot from the Doctor, because it tilted his head at him as if to say, 'really?' But Mickey didn't care. Overjoyed that he had some sort of use, he ran back near to the doors, "Get back!" He shouted, but the boy just squinted.
The Doctor had literally dragged Rose into the room as he lectured the three on…whatever it was, and for once, Kayla was with Rose on the unknowing scale, "The Skasis Paradigm. They're trying to crack the Skasis Paradigm."
Kayla let out a little gasp, "But that's a myth." She protested.
"I'm a myth." He pointed out.
Sarah Jane glanced at the two, waiting for someone to explain what they were talking about, "The Skasis what?" She asked, seeing no explanation, no elaboration, about to happen.
Kayla waved her hand in a dismissive way at the two, "But it can't be real." She argued, "It's already been proven that it's fake."
The Doctor ran a hand through his hair, starting to pace, "Not here. The God-maker. Universal theory really." He started.
"The theory is," Kayla interrupted, "if it's cracked, it can give the person total control of the universe." Looking angry that she didn't understand it, she turned to the Doctor, "But it doesn't work. They should know that. Why don't they?"
The Doctor shrugged, "They don't believe it." He suggested weakly.
"But what about the children!" Rose interrupted, "Are they like, giant computers or something?"
The Doctor barely glanced over at her, "Yes." He stated simply, already starting to pace as his mind moved on from the question, "And their learning power is being accelerated by the oil! That oil from the kitchens, it works as a- as a...conducting agent. Makes the kids cleverer."
Kayla glanced over at Rose, who looked just as troubled as the brunet felt, "Rose, fifty-nine times thirty-five?" She questioned suddenly.
"Two thousand and sixty five." Rose stated without hesitation, "Oh my God..." She breathed out in horror.
Having been silent the whole time, Sarah Jane cut in, "But why use children? Can't they use adults?" She pointed out.
Kayla raised her eyebrow, "That's a good question…I actually don't know. Doctor?"
Needing no other prompting, the Doctor took off, "No, it's gotta be children. The God-maker needs imagination to crack it. They're not just using the children's brains to break the code...they're using their souls." The Doctor breathed the last part out in horror. If there was one thing he could not stand, it was children in danger.
Kayla gave a sudden shout of surprise, her pistol already out and pointed at Mr. Finch, "At ease." The Krillitane in disguise commanded. When she didn't move, Mr. Finch shot a look at the Doctor, "I suggest you tell Miss Harkness to throw her gun onto the floor. Otherwise, the consequences could be disastrous." Mr. Finch licked his lips, obviously liking those consequences.
Very slowly, the Doctor removed the gun from Kayla's grip and threw it onto the floor. Pleased, Mr. Finch gave the group a cold smile, "Think of it Doctor," he started, addressing the Time Lord only, "by what you just displayed, you are smart you must see that with the Paradigm solved, reality becomes clay in our hands. We can shape the universe and improve it."
"Oh yeah? The whole of creation with the face of Mr. Finch. Call me old fashioned, but I like things as they are." The Doctor retorted, giving Mr. Finch the hardest glare he could manage.
Mr. Finch rolled his eyes, "You act like such a radical, and yet all you want to do is preserve the old order. Think of the changes that could be made if this power was used for good."
Kayla barked out a laugh, "What, by someone like you?" She asked in a harsh, mocking tone.
Mr. Finch gave her a look, "No... someone like you." He smirked at Kayla as she blinked in shock, "The Paradigm gives us power, but you could give us wisdom. Become a God. At my side. Imagine what you could do – Find your father and fix him. You could have your daughter again. You, Lucy, and the Doctor together. Standing tall. You could have another child, one that would survive and be yours and the Doctor's."
Throughout Mr. Finch's whole speech, Kayla said nothing. And when he stopped, Kayla still didn't say anything, "Kayla." The Doctor said suddenly, "Don't listen to him." He tried.
Instantly, Mr. Finch turned to the Time Lord, "And what about you, Doctor? Think of the civilizations you could save. Perganon, Assinta...your own people, Doctor. Standing tall. The Time Lords...reborn." The Doctor too was stunned into silence as the man finally turned to Sarah Jane and Rose, "And you could be with him throughout eternity. Young... fresh... never wither, never age... never die. Their lives are so fleeting. So many goodbyes. How lonely you must be, Doctor. Join us."
"I could have Jack, and Lucy…" Kayla whispered softly.
"I could save everyone..." The Doctor added in, just as tempted as Kayla.
"Yes." Mr. Finch hissed.
"I could have a child…I could stop the war..." He whispered out.
"We could have a child." Kayla agreed.
While Mr. Finch smiled, Sarah Jane cut in desperately, "No. The universe has to move forward. Pain and loss - they define us as much as happiness or love." Mr. Finch closed his eyes, "Whether it's a world, or a relationship...everything has its time. And everything ends." Her voice trembling with emotions, Sarah Jane watched as the Doctor and Kayla seemed to listen to her words.
Letting out a shriek like an animal, Kayla slapped Mr. Finch roughly while the Doctor threw a chair and watched with satisfaction as it smashed the screen displaying the code, "Out!" He roared out the order, already grabbing Kayla's arm and drawing her back for the now bruised Mr. Finch.
Mickey, who had started his car, drove it straight through the luckily glass doors, "Come on!" He called, motioning to Kenny, who's mouth was gaping open in sock.
Mr. Finch stood on the stairs. Opening his mouth, he let out an unearthly scream which echoed throughout the school. After a few seconds, Mr. Wagner and two other disguised Krillitanes paused and then morphed into their true, bat forms.
By pure dumb luck Kenny and Mickey met up with the Doctor, Rose, Kayla, and Sarah Jane Smith at the bottom of the stairs, "What is going on?" Mickey asked.
As if to answer his question, the three Krillitanes that had responded to Mr. Finch's cry half fly, half claw their way down the corridor. Seeing this, Kayla and the others turned on their and ran in the opposite direction. Of course, behind them, the Krillitanes separated at the end of the corridor, but only one chased them.
Kayla, the Doctor, Rose, Sarah Jane, Kenny, and Mickey ran into the dinner hall and tried the doors on the other side, but they were locked. Before the Doctor could unlock it with his sonic screwdriver, Kayla used her sonic blaster to make the door disappear.
"In!" She ordered as behind them, the doors were flung open by the Krillitanes and Mr. Finch.
"Are they my teachers?" Kenny asked.
The Doctor made a face, "Yeah. Sorry."
If Mr. Finch was insulted by Kenny's comment, he gave no indication of it, "Leave the Doctor and Kayla alive. As for the others...you can feast." He ordered to his brothers.
Instantly, the Krillitanes swooped down on the group. Thinking quickly, the Doctor grabbed a chair and started to try and beat them off with it. Kayla started to use her gun, but her hands were suddenly shaking.
Like before, she was starting to feel…well bad. Her hands shaking, she knew she was starting to pale, and if she concentrated, she could hear her heart beating way too fast to be safe. What the hell was wrong with her?
Thankfully, K9 came to the rescue! Using his built in gun, he shot a Krillitane, sending it to the floor, dead. Mr. Finch roared in rage at the sight of his fallen brother.
"K9!" Sarah Jane called out with glee.
K9 looked up at her, "Suggest you engage running mode, Mistress Jane." He stated in his cute voice.
The Doctor grabbed Kayla's still shaking hand, a flash of concern going across his face at how warm she was, yet she was becoming paler by the minute, "Come on!" He shouted to the others in agreement with K9. Holding Kayla's hand, the Doctor got the others to run, leaving K9 behind, "K9, hold them back!" the Doctor called back to his dog.
K9 wagged his tail, "Affirmative, Master. Maximum defense mode!" Sort of grinning, the Doctor ushered Kayla and then all the others in.
"Come on!" He called to them. Finally, once they were in, he slammed the door and locked it with his sonic screw driver, leaving K9 behind.
K9 was still shooting the Krillitanes, "Power supply failing." He barked out, seeming to expect his master to come out and save him too.
Mr. Finch glared down at the metal dog that had killed one of his brothers, "Forget the shooty dog thing." He sighed out to his remaining brothers.
"Power supply failing." K9 repeated just before he reached the end of his power supply and switched off, very easy prey.
Somehow, the Doctor had gotten the group and Kayla into the physics lab where he was pacing, "It's the oil." He said suddenly, "Krillitane life forms can't handle the oil! That's it! They've changed the physiology so often, even their own oil is toxic to them." He swiveled around so that he was facing Rose, "How much was there in the kitchens?" He asked her quickly.
Rose paused for a second, "Barrels of it." She answered.
Only then did the Krillitanes started to pound on the doors, probably with their claws, which was right because said claws started to rip holes in the door like it was paper.
Running a hand through his spiked hair, the Doctor looked over at the door, "Okay, we need to get to the kitchens. Mickey—"
"What now, hold the coats?" He asked harshly with a roll of his eyes.
Kayla glared at him, "Unplug the students," The Doctor glanced over at her sharply at her weak her voice was, "and get them out of the building. Keep. Them. Safe." She finished with a growl.
The Doctor gave her a worried look, "Now then, bats, bats, bats, how do we fight bats?" He said, trying to sound upbeat.
Ignoring the Doctor, Kenny strode over to the fire alarm, and with one well-placed elbow, he set it off. Immediately, the Krillitanes winced and cried out with pain at the piercing sound. Beaming at the sound, the Doctor flung open the door, yet no Krillitanes attacked them due to their pain. Running quickly past, only a few of them noticed Mr. Finch gritting his teeth as he punched through the wall and drew out the wires for the alarm.
"Get after them." He ordered. Not looking past to see if the others were following him, he stalked down the staircase. After a few seconds, the three others followed.
Kayla and the rest ran down the corridor, when, luckily, K9 emerged from a doorway, "Master! Mistress Jane! Mistress Harkness!" His tail wagged with happiness about finding them.
"Come on, boy! Good boy." The Doctor called, waving the metal dog along.
Mickey ran into the computer lab, "Okay, listen everyone - we've gotta get out of here." But no one noticed him at all. Shocked, he looked at the children and saw, much to his horror, that they were all wearing headphones connected to the computer.
Heading over to the closest child, Mickey waved his hand in front of her face, but she was too immersed in the green code to notice it.
The Doctor dragging Kayla, Sarah Jane, Rose, K9, and Kenny all ran into the kitchens. Immediately, the Doctor, not letting go of Kayla's hand, headed over to the oil barrels and soniced it with his free hand.
"That's not going to work." Kayla warned just as the Doctor cried out in frustration, "They've been deadlock sealed."
Rolling her eyes with a quiet, "Duh." Kayla watched as the Doctor ran over to another barrel.
"Finch must've done that - I can't open them." He complained.
Kayla ran her hand over the barrel next to her, "I could open it…" She started.
The Doctor shook his head, "No. You're sick, who knows what that will do to you." He shot to her before she could finish.
Opening her mouth to protest, the Doctor gave her a very sharp look. It was only then that K9 trundled forwards, "The vats would not withstand a direct hit from my laser. But my batteries are failing." The metal dog reported.
The Doctor's face fell, "Right. Everyone out the back door. K9, stay with me." Obediently, Sarah Jane, Rose, and Kenny ran out the backdoor, but Kayla stayed. The Doctor glanced over at her, "I said everyone." He pointed out.
"Yes, but I'm not leaving you." The brunet promised. Giving him a weak smile, she grabbed his hand and held it as the Time Lord crouched in front of his K9.
Mickey thought he knew a lot about computers, and compared to most, he did. But when it came to something like this, he was all but lost. Suddenly, he was the tin dog again. He couldn't figure out what to do. How was he supposed to unplug the children?
As he stared at the code on the head computer, it took him a few more minutes of panicking to actually notice the room around him, which led him to the protective, plastic coverings over the wires that were on the flowers. Carefully, he followed the winding wires, only to see that the wires led into one plug…one plug for all the computers.
Nearly letting out a laugh, Mickey didn't even bother to think about the consequences. Instead, he lived. With one mighty pull, he ripped out the plug from the wall, sparks flying from it. At the same time the computers went dead.
"Everyone get out, now!" Blinking in a mixture of confusion and shock, the children listened to the only adult in the room and moved towards the door, "Come on, move! Let's go, let's go!" Mickey's call followed them.
The Krillitanes flew down the stairs. In a few blinks of an eye, the group morphed back into Mr. Finch, Wagner, the dinner ladies, and a few other teachers hurried down the remaining stairs.
Sneezing into her elbow, Kayla watched as the Doctor carefully moved the oil barrel into easy shooting distance of K9, but the metal dog just looked at it, "Capacity for only one shot, Master and Mistress Kayla. For maximum impact, I must be placed directly beside the vat." He explained.
Kayla and the Doctor rushed towards him, "But you'll be trapped!" Kayla cried out in protest. Kneeling down, she wrapped her arms around the metal dog.
K9 let his tail drop as he turned his head into Kayla's hug, "That is correct." He agreed with her.
"No!" She retorted, tightening her arms around the dog.
"No alternative possible, Mistress Kayla." K9 said.
The screeching of the Krillitanes echoed as they grew closer, causing Kayla to tighten her arms and the Doctor to look worriedly behind him. They were running out of time. Moving towards the brunet, he carefully grabbed her arms and used those to drag her up. Though she protested, and kicked just a bit, maybe cried too, she eventually collapsed into a crying heap in the Time Lord's arms.
"Goodbye, old friend." The Doctor told K9 softly, his voice full of pain.
Kayla let out a small, quiet sob, "You were, and always will be, my favorite companion." She promised.
K9 tail perked up just a bit at the promise, "Goodbye Master and Mistress Kayla."
The Doctor hugged Kayla to him tighter, "You good dog." He stated.
K9 nodded his head, "Affirmative." With a very cute waggle of his ears and tails, the Doctor gave his dog a small smile.
Kayla however, realizing what he was doing, starting to sob loudly and fight against the Doctor, "Doctor. Stop!" She nearly screamed, but the Doctor continued to carry her out the door. Keeping one hand on her arm, the Doctor locked the door with his sonic screwdriver.
Sarah Jane expected the Doctor to show up holding hands with Kayla, K9 at their heels. She didn't expect for the Doctor to be holding a struggling, sobbing Kayla with no metal dog at all, "Where's K9?" She asked urgently.
The one grief filled look Kayla gave her was all she needed, yet the sobbing, sick brunet still answered, "I'm sorry." Was all she said.
The Doctor moved his arms from around Kayla only to take her hand tightly, "We need to run." He warned, more of ordered, to his former companion.
Sarah Jane stared at Kayla and the Doctor, "What've you done?" she asked. After a few seconds of Sarah Jane just standing there, still holding Kayla's hand, the Doctor grabbed Sarah Jane with his other hand and got her to run, eventually letting it go.
Mr. Finch and his brothers entered the kitchen, "When you find them...eat their if you must, but bring me his brain, and for the girl...oh I don't care, just kill her." He ordered to his siblings.
Checking behind to make sure Sarah Jane was still following them, the Doctor dragged Kayla behind him, she still crying.
K9 raised his head as the Krillitanes looked down at him, "The little dog with a nasty bite." Mr. Finch mocked. Bending down, he whispered slightly, "Not so powerful now, are you?" He teased with a smirk.
K9 simply shoot his laser at one of the barrels of oil. Instantly, it exploded over the Krillitanes, who screamed in pain.
Due to his weakness, Mickey got caught up in the crowd of children who were running out of the school, "Come on, guys! Let's go, let's go!" He continued to repeat.
The Krillitanes, being effected by the oil, wailed and writhed in agony, "Burning!" a dinner lady screamed out.
"You bad dog." Mr. Finch called to K9.
K9 wagged his tail, "Affirmative." He agreed.
The school exploded, but thankfully, the children were assembled outside. Staring at the fires of what used to be their school, they did what any self-respecting child would do, they broke into cheers and applause. Caught up in the joy, Rory and Amy joined in, hugging each other tightly and grinning manically.
"Yes!" Kenny cried out.
Melissa turned to him, "Did you have something to do with it?" She wondered.
Kenny smirked, "Yeah, I did." He answered.
Melissa's mouth dropped open in surprise, "Oh my God." Cupping her hands around her lips, she yelled out to the others, "Kenny blew up the school! It was Kenny!" She reported.
The children started to cheer harder than ever, chanting Kenny's name and a few even patted him on the back.
Yet the Doctor, Kayla, and Sarah Jane stood separate. Kayla was drying her tears, her face blotched up with red as she snuggled into the Doctor's side, his arm around her. Beside the couple, was a distraught Sarah Jane.
"I'm sorry." The Doctor offered softly.
"I tried." Kayla added in.
Sarah Jane waved her hand, her voice was unusually quick as she spoke, "It's all right. He was just a... daft metal dog. Fine, really." And she broke into tears. Kayla moved away from the Doctor and hugged the former companion, her tears starting up as well. Letting out something akin to a groan, the Doctor hugged both of them.
The Doctor had found the TARDIS, it was perfectly fine, and had landed it in a pretty park. The day outside was beautiful, but it was all glamour. Despite following Kayla's idea for K9, the brunet was still very emotional over the loss over the metal dog, and the Time Lord couldn't blame her.
So the Doctor sat on the captain's chair next to a red faced Kayla, one arm was slung around her shoulders as they watched Rose and Mickey….flirt, though it was mostly Mickey who doing the romantic stuff.
Getting up suddenly, the Doctor headed to the doors and left the TARDIS, making sure to close the doors behind him. With a roll of her eyes, Kayla coughed deeply.
Only three more quick coughs were all the ex-Time Agent was able to produce before the Doctor opened the doors for Sarah Jane, who entered the TARDIS and looked at the interior.
"You've redecorated!" She cried to the Doctor.
The Doctor nodded, "Do you like it?" He wondered.
Sarah Jane looked around a bit more before she responded, "Oh, I, I do. Yeah. I preferred it as it was, but uh…yeah. It'll do!"
Behind her turned back, Rose struggled not to make a face, "I love it." She stated, perhaps a little sharper than she had intended.
"Hey, you - what's forty seven times three hundred and sixty nine?" Sarah Jane asked, a slightly forced smile on her face.
Rose shrugged, "No idea. It's gone now - the oil's faded."
"But you're still clever. More than a match for him. Especially since he's in love." Kayla and the Doctor blushed at Sarah Jane's implication.
Rose's smile became more fixed, "You and me both." She agreed, and Sarah Jane nodded.
The Doctor wrapped an arm around Kayla, "I'd offer for you to come with us," He started off, "But Kayla told me not to. Something about Mickey wanting to come and you needing to stop waiting for me." The Time Lord explained, somewhat awkwardly.
If Mickey had a tail, it would have been wagging. Instead, he settled for nodding enthusiastically, "Can I come?" He apparently had to ask, "'Cause I'm not the tin dog. And I wanna see what's out there." From behind him, Rose mouthed a clear, 'no,' to the Doctor and Kayla.
Sarah Jane, however, beamed, "Oh, go on, Doctor. Sarah Jane Smith - a Mickey Smith. You need a Smith on board!"
Kayla shrugged, "Why not." She stated simply.
Rose rolled her eyes while Mickey laughed in delight, but he stopped when he saw Rose's lack of enthusiasm, "Rose, is that okay?" He asked quickly.
"No, great. Why not?" The blond replied with obvious sarcasm.
An awkward silence fell upon the TARDIS until Sarah Jane cleared her throat, "Well, I'd better go." She stated.
It only took a few minutes of goodbyes for Kayla to be able to send out the remake of K9 to Sarah Jane, who beamed with happiness, who laughed, and maybe, just maybe, cried.
Watching onscreen, the Doctor and Kayla grinned, arm in arm, as Sarah Jane and K9 trundled home. Mickey and Rose god knows where.
Smiling, the Doctor turned off the screen and kissed Kayla deeply, "There's something we need to talk about." He told her once he had pulled back.
Oh good old Sarah Jane! I've missed her! She's much better than the stupid Flower and the Idiot. But oh deer, Thief is going to tell Other Thief about their bond…about everything. SHUT UP FLOWER AND IDIOT! I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE LIBRARY!
Ha, I love writing the TARDIS, she's so funny and wacky.
And oh my god, a review:
LilyMayRose: Thanks!