Volume 4, Chapter 7:
(ARGUS, 2 MONTHS AGO)
Jaune: GUYS!
Nora: YOU DID IT!
Oscar: Even mighty alien warriors can't stop you guys! That was an incredible plan.
Weiss: Well...we only did the execution of the plans.
Yang: It was the Doctor.
Ruby: And Dalek Khan!
The main huntsmen and huntresses alongside the city of Argus celebrated the defeat of the Daleks and stopping their invasion as the Dalek ship was burning up and soon to crash. The Doctor and Dalek Khan continue to watch the ship slowly descending to wherever it crashes but then looked at each other and ran back inside the TARDIS catching everyone off guard as they hear the TARDIS disappear.
Weiss: Doctor!
Blake: Where are you guys going?!
Inside the TARDIS, the Doctor was making his way back to the Dalek ship while Dalek Khan watched on with many questions in mind.
Dalek Khan: Are you sure about this, Doctor?
The Doctor: Risky, yes. Confident, sort of. Smart, always.
Dalek Khan: But why? Why are you going back to them? After what we did in the Time War, what they just tried to do in Argus, what they did to you and Weiss!
The Doctor: *looks at him* Daleks are afraid of the Doctor of War. I am not him. I am the Doctor of Hope and Kindness. And if there is one thing I offer to every being in this universe is change for the better. You've changed Khan...you have changed into a much better being. If one Dalek can change, why not the others!
Inside the burning Dalek ship, multiple Daleks continue to scatter around in fear of being killed by impact while the Task Force of Skaro watched on the destruction and waited for their impending deaths. It all came to a halt when they all detected the TARDIS approaching as it materialized back inside the Dalek ship with both the Doctor and Dalek Khan stepping out.
Dalek: IT IS THE DOCTOR! EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!
Daleks besides the Task Force fired away at the two but were not impacted due to the TARDIS's force shield protecting them. They continued firing for a few more seconds until they stopped knowing that it was no use.
The Doctor: Out of ammo? LISTEN UP DALEKS! Your ship is about to crash and destroy every single one of you. The Doctor whom you feared would have wanted you all to burn to death and I'm not saying I'm against it either, but I am not him! I am the Doctor but NOT of War, NOT the one you have faced for many, many years! I am the Doctor of Hope, the Doctor of Kindness, the Doctor of Change!
Dalek Ryuk: WHAT ARE YOU PROPOSING, DOCTOR?
Dalek Invel: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS BLASPHEMY? DALEKS DO NOT LISTEN TO PROPOSALS!
The Doctor: I am not here to argue with you! We are running out of time and I'm offering you a chance at salvation! I can use the TARDIS to steer this ship to a safe landing and you all will survive. Dalek Khan can help you from inside here to make sure this all works out!
Dalek Invel: BLASPHEMY! WE DO NOT-
Dalek Ryuk: AND WHAT DO YOU REQUEST IN RETURN?
The Doctor: Change. Look up the meaning, adapt the concept, feel it, you are in a universe with no way back to ours, you die and there will be no more Daleks! I'm not going to laugh and watch you die, I'm trying to help, giving you a chance to live and change!
Dalek Khan: I have already shared with the five of you of what I have seen throughout this universe and what it means to be ALIVE! You have seen the darkness AND the beauty.
The Task Force remained in silence like the other Daleks but Dalek Invel only looked back at the Doctor, Dalek Khan, and Dalek Ryuk, not believing any of this blasphemy. Daleks do not change! Daleks are only to conquer and exterminate!
Dalek Ryuk: WE. ACCEPT YOUR TERMS!
Dalek Invel only looked at Dalek Ryuk and if they had expressions, Dalek Invel would be one of betrayal and disbelief. Dalek Ryuk moved forward to approach the Doctor and Dalek Khan.
Dalek Ryuk: WE SHALL PILOT THE SHIP FROM INSIDE! YOU WILL HELP STEER IT WITH YOUR TARDIS!
The Doctor: *Nods* And I know where to land it. Khan? You got this?
His loyal Dalek friend nodded and thus, the Doctor made his way back to the TARDIS while Dalek Khan with the assist of the Task Force except for Dalek Invel began to try and regain control of the ship.
Dalek Ryuk: ALL DALEKS MAINTAIN SHIELDS AROUND DAMAGED PARTS OF THE SHIP!
Daleks: WE OBEY!
The TARDIS appeared right in front of the Dalek Ship as it activated an energy magnet to connect with the ship as the Doctor began to try and steer the ship from falling onto direct impact.
The Doctor: CMON GIRL! I know you hate the idea but you'll have to trust me!
The TARDIS didn't respond but she indeed trusted her Doctor and went full speed ahead as sparks were beginning to fly out from different parts of the control panel but the Doctor ignored it as he continued to try and steer the Dalek ship.
From the inside, the Daleks with Dalek Khan now had regained most systems for the ship as they began to work together and piloting it as well, trying to move away from collision. The ship did not have enough left before it dies completely.
Dalek Khan: FULL SPEED AHEAD!
Dalek Ryuk: AFFIRMATIVE!
It was already one thing for a Dalek to be a friend and companion of the Doctor. Now for an entire Dalek fleet to be working with the Doctor as he plans to save them was another level of craziness that no one in their original universe would ever believe.
The Doctor: COME ONNNNNN! FULL STRENGTH! FULL SPEED! WE GOT THIS!
Right before it could make collision to where it's supposed to crash, the Dalek ship just barely gets back up as the Daleks from the inside alongside the Doctor in his TARDIS successfully carry the ship and began to move it somewhere else for it to crash and a salvation for the Daleks.
To everyone else including their friends, the Daleks all died on impact from the ship. In reality, the Doctor was going to spare them, bring them to a secret, hidden place to stay, and give them a chance for change. He only would remember the change in Dalek Khan and knew very well that anything could be possible. Was he 100% confident? No, but it's a start.
The Doctor: ARGH...ALMOST...THERE!...
Dalek Reaper: BRACE FOR IMPACT!
Dalek Khan: SHIELDS RYUK! SHIELDS!
Dalek Ryuk: ACTIVATE EMERGENCY SHIELDS!
Emergency Shields, not entirely 100% due to the ship's damage were activated as the Dalek ship was near the ocean as the Doctor had his eyes set on an island that has a dead volcano, never to erupt in human history ever again. That's where salvation was laid for the Daleks. As they got closer, using everything the TARDIS has, the Doctor steered up causing the Dalek ship to do the same then steer down towards inside the dead volcano crater as the ship made impact with the surface of the volcano, causing the speed and impact to slow down by the minute.
More damage was applied inside the ship with a few Daleks being killed in the process but the shield continued to hold strong as the ship fell deeper into the empty crater until it came to a full stop. The Doctor falls to the floor completely from exhaustion then lets out a chuckle.
The Doctor: WOOOOOOO! *Chuckles more* Oh my word!
Dalek Khan: *over comms* Doctor? Doctor, are you alright?
The Doctor: *stands up* I'm alright, Khan. What about you?
Dalek Khan: A few fatalities and more damage but we are alright!
The Doctor: Good! Have the Task Force come out so I can speak to them and show them their new place.
A few minutes later, the Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS and watched as Dalek Khan alongside the remaining Dalek fleet including the Task Force of Skaro all waited for him.
The Doctor: Huh...what a crowd...
Dalek Khan: They all followed, nothing I could've done.
The Doctor: No worries. I'll just need to have the high ground to speak up. *Stands on top of a large boulder* ATTENTION DALEKS! This is a dead volcano that is no longer active and this will now be your new base, your first step to starting over in a new universe.
Dalek Invel: AND WHY DO YOU THINK WE ACCEPT?
The Doctor: There's no way back of going to our original universe. Your Dalek partners now think you're dead and will move on. There is no Skaro, no Gallifrey, and no Time War here...it's a brand-new universe and a brand-new start.
Dalek Khan: I am not a traitor to the Daleks. I have changed, I have evolved, I have seen more of the universe than just hatred and extermination. I have seen the beauty of the universe. You all now have that chance that I went through.
Dalek Invel: DALEKS DO NOT NEED CHANGE! DALEKS ARE SUPREME!
Daleks: DALEKS ARE SUPREME! DALEKS ARE SUPREME!
Dalek Khan: NOT ANYMORE! We believed removing the emotions makes us stronger. That's what Davros thought, all those years ago. He was wrong.
Dalek Invel: YOU INSULT OUR CREATOR! YOU ARE NO DALEK!
Dalek Khan: I am more than a Dalek. I have life and I have a heart. I have a reason to LIVE!
Dalek Invel: THAT IS INCORRECT! DALEKS ARE SUPREME!
Dalek Ryuk: NO, NOT ANYMORE!
The sudden response by the leader of the Task Force left the entire place in silence. The Doctor was in mix of shock and hope by Dalek Ryuk's response, hoping even more now that they are starting to understand. The Time Strategist and the head of the Task Force were not seeing eye to eye.
Dalek Invel: BUT THAT IS OUR PURPOSE!
Dalek Ryuk: THEN OUR PURPOSE IS WRONG! WHERE HAS OUR QUEST FOR SUPREMACY LED US? TO THIS! HIDING INSIDE A CRATER ON A PRIMATIVE WORLD, WE ARE ALL THAT REMAINS NOW! IF WE DO NOT CHANGE NOW THEN WE DESERVE EXTINCTION!
Dalek Invel only stared right at Dalek Ryuk before lowering its eyestalk and moving back. Dalek Ryuk marched forward and took its chance to speak to all the remaining Daleks.
Dalek Ryuk: WE REFUSE CHANGE BECAUSE WE ARE SCARED! WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS OR HOW IT HAPPENS! BUT DALEK KHAN SHOWED ME! THIS IS INDEED MORE TO THIS UNIVERSE THAN WHAT WE WERE PROGRAMMED TO DO FOR A LONG TIME! WE MUST FOLLOW IF WE WISH TO SURVIVE! AND WE START HERE, RIGHT NOW!
(VACUO, PRESENT DAY)
The Doctor: It's sure has been a while, Dalek Ryuk.
Dalek Ryuk: It has. Dalek Khan has informed me that you wish to speak to us about a situation of yours.
The Doctor: Your speaking has become more fluent like Khan, very nice. And I assume you were also behind the upgrade armor change for him?
Dalek Ryuk: It was his idea but we chose to give him a proper suggestion of a similar design to the Supreme Dalek to no longer look like a Dalek soldier.
The Doctor: Guess we head straight to business. If I'm correct, Daleks have a way to transport all across time and space and bypassing temporal distortion. That would be your Emergency Temporal Shift.
Dalek Ryuk: Correct.
The Doctor: Dalek Khan has sent you what appears to be a pocket dimension where our friends have been trapped upon. It is no use for the TARDIS because there's temporal distortion and she doesn't have enough strength to bypass it. How can it be done by perhaps one of the only known species that can bypass it.
Dalek Ryuk: *studies the data* Temporal Distortion is a complicated and dangerous disturbance in space-time. We were built with a special particle accelerator that would transport us in the speed of light IF we have the pinpoint of the previous location and the next location set.
Dalek Khan: Another way would be a major phenomenon which could occur in the fabric of time and space as a result of a Time Lord misusing their powers to alter the universe.
The Doctor: But then we wouldn't be able to cross through from our original universe to this one.
Dalek Ryuk: You do not know?
The Doctor: Know what exactly?
Dalek Ryuk: The crack in between universe were not of temporal distortion. When we first arrived to this universe, we detected time energy that the crack was opened in this universe to ours.
The Doctor's eyes widened at the realization as he remembered the Sylphs explaining to him the same thing which meant something were to happen in this universe to create a fixed point for the crack to appear in between both universes.
The Doctor: Pinpoint of previous location and the next location...Oh my word...someone in this universe created a fixed point...
Willow: A fixed point? For you and any other living being to come across the crack of the universe to ours...but that's impossible and dangerous right?
The Doctor: Unless it wasn't a phenomenon but someone calculated it and planned this out to perfection.
Dalek Khan: The probability of someone creating the crack of the universe is at a 47%. A Natural phenomenon would be a 39%.
The Doctor: As beyond crazy as it sounds...someone did this and created a fixed point in time. They knew I was supposed to be here...it was already fixed that I was supposed to arrive to this universe...*sighs* So, if we happen to detect a disruption in the fabric of time and space, we could use that as an advantage to find our friends?
Dalek Ryuk: Correct. The riskiest option would be to create your own without any proper calculations.
Willow: I'll alert Whitley and give a full report to our scientists tomorrow morning in hopes we can find something.
Willow made her way out of the room only leaving the Doctor and the two Daleks. The Doctor took a deep breath before looking back at Dalek Ryuk.
The Doctor: Dalek Invel...are they-
Dalek Ryuk: Yes. Dalek Invel and about 200 Daleks left this planet and have remained undetected since then.
The Doctor: Their responses should have been a clear indication that they did not agree to anything we worked on. They want to stay pure and full of hate. Then again what's The Doctor without facing any Daleks.
Dalek Ryuk: 200 Pure Daleks against 500 Evolved Daleks. Our chances would still be in our favor. Doctor, when will the war happen?
War.
That one simple word that pulls a trigger in his mind as the Doctor remained silent for a few seconds before giving a response back to the Warrior Dalek.
The Doctor: Very soon, Ryuk. As much as I hate it, it's inevitable...but just know that soon...
Dalek Ryuk: And we will be there. Good luck, Doctor.
Communications ended as the hologram of Dalek Ryuk disappeared, leaving now the Doctor and Dalek Khan. His Dalek friend approached him as he could detect that painful feeling inside of the Doctor.
The Doctor: There really isn't a way to erase war from ever existing huh?
Dalek Khan: War can never be erased, Doctor. If we can prevent it from happening, we can succeed. But if it's already building up, then it is too late and there's only two choices we can do: Fight or Save people.
The Doctor: And with War...Without Hope...Without Witness...Without Reward...*tears fall* I...
Dalek Khan: DOCTOR?! What's wrong?!
The Doctor: I...*sobs* I don't want to go...
The Dalek remained confused as to what his time lord friend referred to until he saw the Doctor's hand glowing. All Daleks recognize that glow as a regeneration of a time lord.
Dalek Khan: Doctor?...EXPLAIN!
The Doctor: *sniffs and breathes* I didn't...survive...the blast from the Cyber Controller...
Dalek Khan: You...LIED?! YOU LIED TO EVERYONE?! You...are refusing to regenerate! DOCTOR, THAT WILL KILL YOU!
The Doctor: I DON'T WANT TO REGENERATE, KHAN!...Nor do I want to die...*rubs my face in frustration* I've been fighting against it since then and every day, every minute it takes a toll on my body, little by little, slowly killing me...I didn't tell anyone because...I know they'll be shattered...much more distraught and wrecked emotionally than myself...I can't...bare the pain of seeing them all broken emotionally if I regenerate...yet...I'm also scared of regenerating...
The Dalek didn't have any sort of response but understood the pain the Doctor was having. He's been through so much and now here he was, on his deathbed still trying to protect this world and these people...
The Doctor: What if I change...and I don't remember anything or anyone anymore...what if I change...and it's no longer me...*looks down in tears* That's why...that's why I don't want to go...I truly thought I could run on forever...
The Doctor looked over and noticed the claw of Dalek Khan's arm manipulator reaching out to him and he carefully takes it. He nods at his Dalek friend as a thank you while Dalek Khan finally thought of the words the Doctor needed to hear.
Dalek Khan: You have shown me the beauty of the universe, here and ours. When I was revived, I have seen all of the universe, the cosmic, life itself, past, present, and future. Everything changes through time, Doctor. Even we change as time passes on, it is the story of everyone. There is a time when we are welcomed to this universe and a time when we will have to leave it. All we can do is looking forward and keep running. That is what you must do, Doctor.
Willow, Sora, and now Dalek Khan all gave the Doctor's their own words of when it comes to change. But Dalek Khan was the most to connect with him due to Willow and Sora talking from experiences of seeing a different face of the Doctor but for Khan, it was from his own point of view and experience of everything he has went through. Even if he was afraid and did not want to think about change, Dalek Khan was right. We're all stories and we all have a chapter we must leave behind and hop to the next one.
The Doctor: *breathes relaxed* Thank you, my friend. Thank you.
After time passed by and the night sky was finally in full display in Vacuo, the TARDIS made its leave from UNIT headquarters as the Doctor was now heading to a different place, a different world in search for more answers and needed advice.
While he waited for arrival, he stumbled upon his room and spotted his Ice Queen sleeping peacefully on their bed. He quietly walked in and looked at her with calmness and peace as a small smile appeared on his face. He thinks back to that very day he crashed in Remnant, when she saved him from drowning leading to their very first encounter. From that moment, it's been an adventure of a lifetime, through ups and downs, they've remained together.
/ / / / / / / / (FLASHBACK, BEACON ACADEMY) / / / / / / / /
His memories were still very blurry but he was starting to feel like himself with so much knowledge about time and space not to mention his kind but energetic mood. But today has been a very slow and relaxing day, his classes were easy and he finished an exam in a span of 10 minutes, earning 30 extra minutes of free time.
Now here he was at the Beacon Library, looking for a good book to read and enjoy it with his cup of tea.
The Doctor: Biggest library in all of the kingdom of Vale yet not a single book about the laws and theories of time. Frauds if I do say so myself. *Looks down* Ah ha!
Wasn't the book he was looking for but it still had to do with space-time in the bottom shelf. He reached for it, only to crash heads with someone else as they both grunted at the crash and rubbing their heads.
Weiss: Watch it you doof! *Looks up and gasps* William! I-I'm sorry, I thought it was someone else!
The Doctor: *rubs head and chuckles* Figures. I didn't see you on time so I'm the one who should be sorry.
Weiss: No. No. I'm the one that's sorry, I was so focused on finding a book that I didn't even see you here- Wait! Aren't you supposed to be taking an exam?
The Doctor: Already finished. 10 minutes.
Weiss: *blinks* Impressive. So now you got 30 minutes to yourself.
The Doctor: Yep. Tried looking for a book on the laws and theories of time and space yet there's no such thing in the "biggest library of Vale".
Weiss: *giggles* You really are picky and specific. I doubt any library here would have a book like that.
The Doctor: No surprise there. I see you have a load to carry.
Weiss: Well, not everyone can finish a test in 10 minutes dork. Proper study means higher chance of succeeding.
The Doctor chuckled as he tried to help Weiss pick up the books she's gathered and both reached for Weiss's notebook, only for their hands to connect momentarily and the two pulled away, blushing red and looking away.
The Doctor: S-Sorry about that!
Weiss: N-No, it's fine! I didn't see you were gonna pick it up. B-But thanks for the help! *Gets an idea and looks at him* Why don't we sit together? You could maybe help a friend out in studying and breaking that record you hold.
The Doctor: *raises eyebrow* Is that a challenge? You may be fast in combat but are you fast with your mind?
Weiss: *smirks and flicks his head* Watch me.
The two share a small laugh as they both get up and walk to a nearby desk to spend some time together and help out Weiss with studying. Though, the Doctor was not going to go easy on her especially that he wants to keep that record safe.
/ / / / / / / / (FLASHBACK ENDS) / / / / / / / /
And now here they were, more than friends, they were lovers and happily engaged as the Doctor looked at his ring and looked over Weiss's ring on the desk near the bed. His thoughts went back to his regeneration boiling up inside of him and he was once again conflicted on what to do...especially with Weiss...
Weiss: *mumbles in my sleep* Mm...Doctor...
Another small smile appeared on the Doctor's face as he leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Weiss's forehead and a smile appears on her face, drifting back to full sleep. The Doctor quietly made his leave as the TARDIS made its arrival to the next destination and he walked out of the doors to be met with a group of familiar alien species.
Elder Sylph: *bows my head* Welcome back, Doctor.
The Doctor: Hello Elder. It has been some time since my last visit.
Elder Sylph: We felt your presence coming. We felt that you are here for more than just a visit. Your time is now at near the final hour.
The Doctor: *closes eyes and sighs* Elder, I come to see for answers...and advice.
Elder Sylph: Very well. We will discuss in our hut. Follow us.
The Doctor followed the group of Sylphs with that same feeling of anxiety like his first time being here but there's only one difference: The first time was about the fate of the universe. This time it's about his own fate.
If his time was coming to an end, he wanted to make sure his friends, his family, his new home was protected and safe for many year to come.
