//------------------------------// // Chapter Seventy // Story: A Journey Unthought Of // by Hustlin Tom //------------------------------// We began to make preparations for the trip to our destination; ‘The Tumulus of the Kings’, or ‘Spectre Howe’. The Doctor flew us back to the Invention Emporium, and we began to stock up on gear that we might need for the trip into the tombs. “I can’t take all of you,” the Doctor said, “It’s more than likely going to be extremely dangerous, and the more of us there are, the harder it’s going to be for me to find a way to keep us all safe. I’m leaving you all in the care of Ditzy Doo, since you can’t go back to your homes yet because of Bunsen Burner’s likely surveillance.” “I have to go with you,” I said, “That spirit said I was here for a purpose, and I need to find out what she meant.” “And I’m coming to,” Lyra stepped up to the Doctor, “Where he goes, I go.” I looked down to the unicorn at my side, and she looked up to me with those golden eyes of hers. “I don’t want you to go with me, Lyra. I don’t want to see you put in harm’s way again, especially since I’m running out of arms here,” I lifted up my left stub as I spoke. She looked at arm, and then back up to me. “No, I’m coming. Whether you like it or not, I’m going to be by your side. You’re my best friend, and I won’t let anything happen to you again.” “Alright then,” the Doctor sighed, “Lyra comes. But no one else! Three might be pushing it as it is.” “You won’t be getting an argument out of me!” Bon Bon called out, “I’ve had quite enough adventure for two lifetimes now! I don’t need any more unnecessary excitement.” Ditzy Doo came up to the Doctor, her yellow eyes filled with sadness. She cocked her head and sniffled a little, “This is it then, isn’t it Doctor?” The Doctor got down on one knee, and his eyes were filled with a muted sadness of their own, “Yes.” The grey Pegasus jumped up to the Doctor and clasped her front hooves into an embrace around the lonely nomad. “I won’t be seeing you again, but we can keep in touch. I’ve left something for you in the workshop. It’s in the top chest of the tool drawer.” Ditzy Doo drew back from the embrace, and though her eyes were still full of tears, her smile was as full as could be. “Goodbye Doctor.” “Goodbye Ditzy Doo,” a smile broke on the Doctor’s face, “My brilliant little muffin!” Ditzy Doo gave a little giggle. “Take good care of the others, alright?” “Okay,” and then she flew off back into the Emporium. “Right then!” he said as he rushed back to the doors of the Tardis and swung them wide while jogging back into its interior, “We’ve got places to go, people to meet, and we’ve only got about four and a half hours ‘til everything goes kaput!” Lyra and I were right behind him, and I worriedly commented, “I hope we can make it in time.” Lyra looked up at me, and my resolve strengthened, “No, we will make it in time.” “That’s the spirit, Adam!” The Doctor punched in the coordinates, and then he looked up at both of us. “Have either of you ever wanted to save the world?” Lyra balanced on her hind legs and waved her foreleg, “Woah, hold on! I’m just a regular old unicorn who likes to play the lyre!” “I’m just a regular old human.” I added behind her. The Doctor continued to look up at us, “Yeah? Extraordinary people may make history, but its ordinary people who change history. Now here’s a chance for a horse and her boy to change the world!” “Hey,” Lyra pointed her right hoof at the Doctor and narrowed her eyes, “Watch the language.” The Doctor threw the lever that brought the Tardis to life once more, and we went off to meet our destiny.