Angel after Midnight

*London, England - Late Afternoon*

*For the people of these busy, bustling streets, it was just another typical day in London. Gray clouds filled the sky, barely any sunlight could penetrate through. The honking of horns echo along these very roads, a long line of traffic with many cars. Among London's most notable locations, one structure stood above it all: "The Rose Gazette", one of the city’s many less-than-prestigious newspaper publishing companies. Two young men stand before this building, about to embark on an opportunity that can either build their dreams or crush them. One was a rather skinny fellow with short, scraggly brown hair, blue eyes, and dressed in a gray shirt with matching, yet dark vertical stripes, a black jacket, baggy blue jeans, a pair of brown loafers, and carried a portfolio under his right arm. This was Mike. Next to him was a man much taller than him. He had black hair, green eyes, a soul patch under his bottom hat, and dressed in a black trilby hat with a white ribbon, a purple dress shirt with a black waistcoat, a white tie, black pants, and a pair of black loafers. This was Mike's long-time friend, Dan*

Dan: I'm telling you, Mike, it won't work.

Mike: Are you saying my art style's not good enough?

Dan: Hardly, it's a very brilliant art style. All I'm saying is that these guys won't be very fond of your ideas.

Mike: *sarcastically* Gee, thanks for the encouragement, Dan. Makes me feel SO much better.

Dan: Look, nothing against you, Mike, but with all the crap that's happened to London these past few years, do you really want to risk publishing comic stories that will only remind everyone of those events. Sometimes, it's better for them not to remember.

Mike: What else can I write about? These stories are all I've ever known; it's practically my whole life.

Dan: I know, I know… But what if they reject your ideas? You're me best mate, I just don't want to see you disappointed. Besides, it's not as if this is as good of a publishing company anyway.

Mike: *sighs* I know that. But it's like my art teacher said, "Before you work your way to the top, always start at the bottom." The Rose Gazette is as rock bottom as you can get in this town.

Dan: Least that's something we agree on.

*The two men proceeded to walk towards the building, unaware of what fate awaited them through those doors. Unbeknownst to them, they passed a person reading a newspaper leaning on a wall of a building. Though it's face can't be seen, it peers over the newspaper slightly looking at the two men come in. A pair of suspicious looking eyes watch the men enter before lifting the newspaper over*

*Soon enough, Mike and Dan slowly walked towards the Rose Gazette. It was a large building made entirely out of bricks, some of them red and others yellow, and painted above the door were the words "Rose Gazette" complete with the rose logo between the two words*

Mike: *takes a deep breath and turns to Dan* Well, old friend… Wish me luck.

Dan: *chuckles* You'll need more than that to get through these guys. All the same, knock yourself out.

*With that said, Mike turned toward the doors and proceeded inside the building. Dan, on the other hand, remained where he stood and chose instead to wait for Mike. Whether his friend's work would be accepted or rejected, it didn't matter to him. Still, the feeling was all too familiar*

Dan: *sighs* He better behave himself.

*A few minutes passed, inside the Editor-in-Chief's office, the Chief himself was busy signing signatures along a stack of very important documents. Not a sound is heard inside this room, apart from the tick of the clock hanging on the wall behind him and the creaking of the door as it opened. Mike slowly entered the office, doing his best to hide his nerves. The Chief doesn't even peer from his work, but he did acknowledge that Mike was in his office*

Chief: You're late; sit down.

Mike: Oh, yes, thank you. *takes a seat on a chair in front of the chief's desk* So, uh, I brought my portfolio like you asked.

Chief: I know what I asked. You have two minutes to pitch… Starting now.

Mike: Right, right. *places the portfolio on the chief's desk* There you go.

*The Chief took hold of the portfolio, opening the envelope and reading the contents one at a time. Mike didn't know what to make of the Chief, he hardly showed any emotion. It was no more than a couple seconds and he was already concerned about him being here. The Chief slapped the folder shut, then pushed it aside*

Chief: I'll admit you have an impressive resume; recently graduated, I see.

Mike: Yes, sir.

Chief: Well… I'm afraid I can't accept these.

Mike: W-W-Why not? Do you not like my drawings?

Chief: I admit you're a creative artist, young man, the work you've shown says it all. And your resume also adds to you recent Bachelor's Degree in Art, which I approve. But then, so does every other artist who comes through these doors. Fact is: These are remarkable drawings; "too" remarkable, I might add. But, you're better off taking these drawings to someone else.

*Mike had no idea what to make of it, he didn't know how to respond to that. Seeing as how the young man sitting before him wasn't getting it, the Chief finally looks over his work and turns his attention toward him. He removes the square-rimmed glasses and places them onto a piece of paper. Mike had seen this before, the part he hoped to avoid*

Chief: Are you not aware of the recent attacks we've had in this town?

Mike: Uh…

Chief: *sighs* Of course, you wouldn't. Clearly, I see a young man, fresh out of the university, who understands nothing. For the past years, recent "incidents" have plagued this town and they all end the same: Severe casualties, consequential property damage, substantial loss of insurance… Never-ending suffering. And in all that time, when it was over, we all agreed that it "never" happened. And in doing so, we gave a new generation a sense of peace and prosperity. The last thing we want is to "remind" them of what happened… Something "you" did not take into account.

Mike: *sighs and takes his portfolio* I'm sorry I've wasted your time. *walks out the door*

Chief: *puts his glasses back on* The world just isn't ready to face the truth… Only when that comes, will you finally understand. *resumes his work*

*A minute later, Dan remained where he was by the time Mike walked out the building. Judging by the look on Mike's face, Dan knew it didn't end well. It's the same look from the many interviews they went to these past few days: Disappointment*

Mike: You were right, Dan.

Dan: *shakes his head and slaps Mike's shoulder* I keep telling you, Mike. It was never going to work. Clearly, six interviews just isn't enough to get through to you.

Mike: *sighs* Not now, Dan. I just want to go home and drown my sorrows with a six pack of coca cola.

Dan: *chuckles* You'll need something much stronger than soda to drown "your" sorrows. Come on, I'll make it my treat.

*At a local pub, Mike and Dan had been sitting at their usual spot and enjoying their fill. They spent the past few hours having one ale after another, the bartender reluctantly fulfilling their order, an order Dan willingly paid for. It was only their fourth serving to date and they still weren't satisfied. Still and all, they were already wasted by now*

Dan: *finishing his drink* So then, I made the pudgy chap eat the entire slab of rib roast. And I don't even need to tell ya what red meat does to the digestive system! *drunkenly laughs*

Mike: *chuckles* I don't get it…

Dan: *chuckles* Oh, Mikey, Mikey… *nudges Mike’s shoulder* Poor, stupid boy. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling better already.

Mike: Eh, I'm not as depressed as I was earlier… But still…

Dan: Look, Mike. There are plenty of job opportunities in London, not just one. You really should've accepted that job writing news articles of "today" instead of mopping in this dump everyday. *turns to the Bartender* No offense.

Mike: I don't know, Dan. Science fiction is my life, I can't just...give it up just like that. *snaps his fingers*

Dan: Mike, you've always been like a brother to me since grade school. Don't think I don't know you more than any of the usual passerbys in this place. It's not healthy to keep your mind on the past, that and near impossible dreams. Take me for instance, I always dreamed of being one of the Queen's royal guards. *laughs* That was never going to happen. So I tossed that foolish dream aside… And look at me now!

Mike: *sarcastically* Yeah, an inspiration to everyone.

Dan: *takes a swig from his mug and sighs* I'm aware of many things about you, Mike. I also know you miss your mother.

Mike: You just had to remind me, didn't you?

Dan: Because you know I'm right. There's more to it besides your love for science fiction… Is there?

Mike: *shakes his head* You always hit it where it hurts… But yes. I miss her terribly, it wasn't easy after she died. *takes a swig from his mug* Well, I'm ready to go home now.

Dan: Well, may as well find ourselves a cab then. No way any of us are driving.

Mike: Wait, hold on. Who's gonna pay the tab?

Dan: *chuckles* Relax, I said it's my treat. *takes out a couple of bills* Keep the change, Horace.

*By the time Dan and Mike left the pub, it was already nightfall. What felt like minutes earlier became hours, but then they couldn't really think properly at the moment. It was also starting to get rather chilly, the night air blanketing the streets with fog. Apart from them, there was hardly anyone else on the street at this time*

Dan: Now… Which way's your house again?

Mike: *strains to think* Uh… I… Guess a couple blocks in that direction. Or was it that way…? I can't think straight.

Dan: Bloody hell, must've had more than I thought. Well, come on then. I know a shortcut.

Mike: Augh! But your shortcuts suck!

Dan: Oh and I suppose I should be following you home? Hmm?

Mike: Ugh… Fine! But if you get us into trouble again, I'm gonna punch you in the face.

Dan: If I get us into trouble again, I'd rather punch myself. Now, come on. I'm freezing my bum off! *walks ahead*

*Unfortunately, Dan's idea of "shortcut" would involve a trip through Hampstead Cemetery. They only just got through the gate and already Mike regretted this shortcut. The foggy air certainly didn't help to make Mike comfortable, as they passed through the number of statues overlooking the traveling pair. It was as if Mike had this sense they were watching them. Among the statues, one that bore a resemblance to a Cherubim. He never saw that statue before, but seeing it gave him the creeps*

Mike: Hampstead Cemetery… This is your idea of a shortcut?

Dan: I figured if we cut through this dreary place, we wouldn't have to worry about crossing traffic.

Mike: I really hate you right now, Dan.

Dan: Ah, come off it. Where's your sense of adventure?

Mike: Back at the pub.

Dan: I'm just saying this could be an inspiration for a new story. You don't hear about events happening in Cemeteries, least none I heard of.

*Unbeknownst to the two, something or someone was watching from the shadows. This strange figure, whomever or whatever it was, kept close watch with it's gleaming eyes. The two men were so distracted by everything else about the cemetery, too deep in their little discussion, they didn't pay attention*

Mike: That's probably for a very good reason.

Dan: Exactly. All's I'm saying is you need to broaden your horizons a bit. Step out of your comfort zone once in a while. Take your mind off that sci-fi crap. Nothing a good horror scare can make for a couple bucks.

*Just then, a loud hissing sound could be heard from all around, quickly alerting the two friends*

Mike: What the bloody hell was that?

Dan: Hell if I know… Maybe we should get out of here, eh?

Mike: You're probably right. Maybe the groundskeeper doesn't take kindly to trespassers.

*Just then, a shadowy figure was seen walking towards the two men. In the dark, they couldn't see it clearly. The outline of the figure was unreadable at this hour, even in the moonlight*

Dan: Oh crap, that must be him.

Mike: Okay, let's just calm down. *clears his throat* Hello, sir! Don't mind us, we were just passing through. We kind of got turned around a ways back, and-

*The figure said nothing as it just stood there, staring at the two*

Mike: And… Like I said, we were just on our way. *to Dan* C'mon, this guy's giving me the creeps… Let's just go back and get a cab.

Dan: Hold on, Mike, maybe he can help us out. *to the figure* Oy, Do you have a phone we could use?

*Again, the figure said nothing. It breathed deeply, it's breath could be seen flowing along the night air*

Dan: Hey! What are you? Deaf?

Mike: Dan, shut up!

Dan: *to Mike* Maybe he don't speak English… Damn, that means he's foreign. *To the figure* Parlez vous francais? *no response* Sprechen sie deutsch? *no response, turns to Mike* Nothing!

Mike: Dan, why would a non-English speaking person be working in a cemetery in England?

Dan: Well, I'm thinking he's "deaf". *shakes his head* Let's just leave, this old fart's no use to us.

*Just then, the loud hissing sound could be heard again. This time, it sounded like it was coming from the mysterious figure*

Dan: Mike… Tell me I'm just drunk and this guy didn't just "hiss".

Mike: I wish I could, Dan…

*The figure then slowly approached the two, finally revealing itself as it came into the light*

Dan: Bloody hell…?

*The figure looming towards them was clearly no groundskeeper. It looked human, but the wardrobe it came with certainly was nothing like any of London's shops could give away. But possibly, one of the most fearsome features of the wardrobe was the reptilian like black metallic mask barely covering what appeared to be reptilian features on the head*

Mike: Um, Dan… I don’t think that’s the groundskeeper…

Dan: No… You think?

*Suddenly, the figure pulled out what appeared to be some sort of gun, but no weapon they had ever seen. The two men duck out of the way, just as the figure fired a beam of energy towards one of the tombstones disintegrating the figures right before their very eyes*

Mike: I think we should run now!

Dan: Don't think… JUST RUN!!!

*Dropping his portfolio, Mike, along with Dan, ran as if their lives depended on it. The strange reptilian creature blasted with a barrage of energy beams towards the two Englishmen, as it pursued them at lightning speed*

Dan: We'll have to split up! He can't get us both!

Mike: Right, good idea!

*The two separated going opposite direction, Dan running to the right and Mike to the left through the cemetery. The creature stopped at the exact position where their paths split, looking side-to-side as if unsure of which man to follow. It inhaled deeply into the night air, as if tracking for the closest scent. As if it made it's decision, with a shrilling hiss, it burst toward the left path, Mike unaware that he was being pursued*

Mike: *stops running and starts panting* Oh god, I hope I lost…whatever the hell that thing was. *looks under his arm* Oh crap, I dropped my portfolio back there!

*Suddenly, an energy beam fires past Mike. It didn’t touch him much, but the edge of the rays sliced off Mike's sleeve and left a slight singe along his arm. Shocked, Mike clutched his arm and turns to see the strange creature approached with the gun aimed towards him*

Mike: Oh dear god, I'm going to die!!

*Mike attempted to back away, but he trips over a loose rock on the ground. Landing on his rear, Mike desperately backs away pushing himself back as the creature gets closer and closer. It is all a matter of time before Mike finds himself cornered, his back against a tombstone and the creature not allowing him any space to go anywhere. Scared, Mike looked into the eyes of the creature. He could not read his emotions because of the mask but he must've felt it was satisfied to have him right where it wanted him*

Mike: HELP!!! DAN!!! DAN, ANYBODY, HELP!!!

*All of a sudden, a high-pitched sound whirred from behind Mike. A cry followed, causing Mike to face the creature again. Upon hearing the sound, it dropped the gun and clutched its head in pain roaring in agony. Before long, it fell to the ground curling into a fetal position. By then, the noise came to a halt and Mike could see that the creature was unconscious*

Mike: *looks around* Huh? *gets up and slowly approaches the unconscious creature* Wonder if it’s dead.

*As Mike peered down, examining the strange creature, a shadow loomed over him. Slowly, Mike raised his head expecting the worst only for his scared expression to turn into confusion. There before him, was the exact Cherubim statue from earlier standing behind the fallen creature. Mike gazed at the statue, wondering just how it got there. Then something strange happened, when Mike blinked and a second later, the statue had moved forward towards Mike*

Mike: WAH!!!

???: Don't blink.

*Mike turned in separate directions, but could not find the source of the sound. Just tombstones and other statues. But when he turned back to the Cherubim statue, it was now much closer to him. But as long as Mike had his eyes locked on it, the statue stayed where it was and it's hands covering it's face. Mike tried hard not to blink, slowly backing away and taking deep breaths*

???: Don't take your eyes off it either. If you keep staring at it, you're safe. You blink, or look away, you're done for.

Mike: *calls out* How the heck do you know this? Where the hell are you?

???: Just do as I say and you'll be safe. Do you understand?

Mike: *under his breath* Easy for you to say.

???: I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that.

Mike: Yes… I understand!

???: Splendid! Now, just slowly walk backwards, without breaking eye contact with the statue.

*This had to be the craziest thing Mike had to do in his life. Seeing as he had no other choice, however, Mike did what the voice told him to do and backed away as slowly as he could. Sweat poured down his brow and his eyelids twitched a bit, trying to make him blink, but he fought back and to his relief the statue couldn't even move an inch. Mike could only hope his savior, whomever it may be, knew what he was doing.

???: You're doing splendidly, just don't break eye contact or blink and you'll be home free.

Mike: Couldn't you just blow it up or something?

*The voice didn't answer, that didn't exactly comfort Mike in a sense. Still, he kept backing away and silently prayed to himself that he would get out of this somehow. He also thought back to Dan, hoping he got away as well and perhaps is probably went to get the police or Scotland yard or something. But if not, Mike couldn't even begin to think what these creatures might've done. All he could was keep backing away and live as long as possible*

Mike: Alright, now what?

???: There should be a door right behind you. Open it, without breaking eye contact, step through it, and then close it.

Mike: Door? There's no door in the-

*Mike held his arm back and to his shock, he did feel a door behind him. Mike didn’t turn around, less he wanted to risk that statue moving. Slowly, he pulled the door open and backed away inside. Only to feel a hand grasp his shoulder and pull him violently backwards as he saw the doors close in front of him. Soon, Mike found himself on the floor again in total darkness with faint lights inside*

Mike: Ugh… *sits up* What was that?

*Picking himself up, Mike turned around and looked in awe at what he saw. There, right before him and all around, he found himself inside the most technological advanced station before his very eyes. The walls around him were made of stainless steel, a slight touch and he could feel it's smoothness upon the layers. There before the center was the source of the lighting of this single room, lit by a radiant white light in the center above what appear to be a set of controls. It was just like the setting of a science fiction story*

Mike: *walks up to the console* Wow…

???: Beautiful, isn't she?

*Mike turned around to finally come face-to-face with the man who saved his bloody life.  There, smiling at the him was a human much like Mike, apart from the goatee and lighter skin color. As for his wardrobe, it was merely bits and pieces of clothing as if borrowed from different eras. A white buttoned shirt and matching tie, covered with a tan waistcoat and dark blue coat with gold buttons, 18th century material. A gray bowler hat and black spats, clearly of the 19th century. And brown pants, made from 20th century material. Clutched in his right hand was a cane of sorts, mostly black with a silver handle. Unbeknownst to Mike, the man standing before him was a legendary figure, The Doctor*

Doctor: Hello there. Welcome to the TARDIS.

Mike: TARDIS? *looks around the room, then back to the Doctor* What's going on? Who are you?

Doctor: All will be explained, my good fellow. But for now, why don't you have a seat? You've been through a lot tonight.

Mike: Yeah… Sure. *sees a chair by the controls and sits himself down* Can I at least know your name or something?

Doctor: Oh yes, of course. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm the Doctor.

Mike: Doctor? Doctor Who?

Doctor: No, no, no. Just “Doctor”. That’s my name, just… The Doctor.

Mike: *raises an eyebrow* O… Kay. So, um… What is this TARDIS thing we’re inside anyway?

Doctor: Ah, ah. First of all, it's not a "thing" nor is it an "it". It's a "she". And she's very sensitive. But, to save you from a long moment of ponder, she merely stands for Time and Relative Dimension in Space.

Mike: So… Is it-- She…a time machine or something?

Doctor: Not just "something", dear boy. But the best ship in the universe. And beyond that, as well.

Mike: *gets up from out of the chair* So that would make you…a time traveler.

Doctor: If that makes you comfortable, sure. Of course, I'd hardly expect a little more of a theory than that… Considering the limited number of science fiction data on your part.

Mike: *puts a hand to his forehead and starts pacing about* This can't be happening to me, I-I must be hallucinating or something. I'm dreaming! Yes, yes, that's it! I've had too many beers, passed out, and am now having an alcohol induced dream. That would account for that cherub statue and that Sleestak looking thing that tried to kill me…

Doctor: Silurian, actually.

Mike: *looks to the Doctor* Huh?

Doctor: The creature, the one that attacked you, it‘s called a Silurian, or if you want to be more scientific, Homo reptilia. Like “Sleestaks”, they are a race of reptile-like humanoids far older than Homo sapiens who live just under the earth’s crust. Some are quite peaceful, actually.

Mike: *sarcastically* Oh sure, and I suppose that 'peaceful' Silurian really just wanted a hug? *shows his burnt sleeve* Look what he did to my shirt!

Doctor: Well, it just so happens that attacked you was under the influence of that Cherubim out there. Luckily, I was able to break that influence using my sonic screwdriver to clear his mind a bit. Though, by the time he wakes up, he's going to have a mighty headache after that little scare.

Mike: Great, so basically he gets the worst migraine of a century and I get my arm slightly crisped. As if my day wasn't bad enough already.

Doctor: Oh, I almost forgot. *pulls out Mike's portfolio from behind his back* You dropped this out there.

Mike: My portfolio! *takes the folder and checks the contents* Oh, good. Their all in here! Well… I guess I really should thank you… Not the drawings, but saving my life and all.

Doctor: You're welcome. I also took the liberty of looking at the your drawings. They're very good, in my opinion.

Mike: Yeah, I guess… *sighs* Too bad that's all they're ever going to be: Simple drawings on a page.

Doctor: Somehow I doubt that.

Mike: Oh yeah? Well you should've been there when I showed these to the editor-in-chief of the Rose Gazette. He said-- *shakes his head* Ack!! What am I doing?! I was almost killed by a lizard man and now I'm on a flipping space ship talking to a guy who looks like he raided the local costume shop!

Doctor: I'll have you know that I happened to like these clothes! I just simply hate choosing, so… I figured, just wing it.

Mike: Ugh!! *sits back down on the chair, puts his face into his hands, and starts laughing*

Doctor: You look tense… Would you care for a spot of tea? Maybe a bit of bacon to go with it?

Mike: *slowly looks up at the Doctor* Bacon… With tea? Oh sure, why not just feed me custard and fish fingers while you're at it?

Doctor: *disgusted* Custard and fish fingers? Are you mad?!

Mike: Well put a vest on me and call me crazy! After everything that's happened, no way the police are going to believe me! Even Dan would think I'm a big… *eyes widen in realization* DAN! *pushes himself off the chair and makes for the door.

Doctor: Dan? Oh! You mean that dashing fellow with the hat you were with earlier!

Mike: And he's still out there with those pair of freaks! I’ve got to get out and help! *clutches the door handles*

Doctor: *holds Mike back by the shoulder* Now hold on there! You can't just rush out like a looney. Not while a Cherubim's still looking for you.

Mike: Oh… Right. But Dan's still out there!

Doctor: Listen to me, we are dealing with very dangerous creatures you couldn't possibly understand. But I've had my share of dealings with them, I know how to take them on. If we're going to ensure your friend's safety, you have to trust me.

Mike: *sighs* What other choice do I have? You did save my life after all.

Doctor: I know what I did. Now come on, we must proceed with caution. And remember, if we should run into any more Angels, a moment I'd prefer we'd avoid, do NOT blink.

Mike: Wait. Angels? As in plural? There’s more of them out there?

Doctor: Let's hope not. Now then… *opens the door and runs out* Tallyho!

*Running as quick as he could, Mike burst out from the TARDIS and ran at a quick pace to keep up with The Doctor. But of course, Mike had not realized just how fast The Doctor could run but still he ran knowing of the dangers they would eventually face head on*

*Meanwhile, Dan peered from behind one of the grave markers looking left to right from where he hid. The cemetery was clear, that reptilian creature was not after Dan. But then, that would mean it probably went after Mike, his best friend, and Dan could only hope his friend could get away. As soon as the coast was clear, Dan emerged from his hiding spot and cautiously proceeded through looking in every direction to ensure that no one would get the jump on him*

Dan: Me and my shortcuts…

*Suddenly, Dan heard a twig snap and swiftly turned around. But with the fog increasing, it proved too thick to see even the closest object in front of him. It was a chilly evening, Dan shuddered as he eyed around, trying to cross through. For Dan had this terrifying feeling that he was indeed not alone*

Dan: Mike… Mike, is that you?

*No response was heard, the only sound was Dan's own voice echoing and fading in the distance. But there was someone with Dan, he just couldn't see it. Whoever or whatever was out there, searching for Dan, the man knew for a fact that he was being watched. All the more reason for a once confident Englishman to feel slightly nervous*

Dan: *mutters under his breath* Bloody hell.

*Dan crept slowly through the cemetery, looking right and left, never taking his eyes off the path. Anything that wasn't covered by fog, Dan could only see tombstones and statues. Dan turned to one side for only a minute, when he noticed something strange and stopped. When he turned back to another side, one of the angel statues appeared closer to his sight. Then to his shock, Dan blinked and the statue moved closer, with it's hands over its face. Every time Dan blinked, it moved closer and closer. Dan, petrified with fear, realized that something was clearly off*

Dan: What the hell is goin on!?

*Suddenly, Dan couldn't help himself from blinking again and this time the Angel looks directly at him until Dan could see it's face: A once calm looking angel transformed to a more horrific, bestial demonic figure with a wide open mouth baring vampire teeth and clawed hands*

Dan: AAAHHH!!!

???: Dan!

*Dan, turns around to see Mike running towards Dan. He was relieved to see his friend safe and sound, until he noticed another fellow with him. Dan did not recognize the man running by Mike, but he seemed harmless enough. But then, Dan remembers the statue that was getting closer. But to his relief, the creature hadn't moved yet it retained it's demonic features*

Mike: Dan, listen! Don't blink or look away from that statue! Otherwise, you're dead!

Dan: *backs away, wide-eyed at the statue* You don't have to tell me twice!

Doctor: I think this should do the trick. *pulls out a hand mirror from his coat pocket and hands it to Dan* Now hold it up to the angel's face and keep it there.

*Dan was unsure of what to make with that suggestion. But taking the mirror, Dan holds it out in front of the Angel, the Angel remaining motionless. Whatever trick this was meant to do, least it was keeping the Angel in position*

Doctor: You can look away now, Daniel.

Dan: *turns around* Who the bloody hell are you?

Doctor: Why, I'm the Doctor. *tips his hat* Pleasure to meet you.

Dan: Yeah… Okay. *to Mike* Now can someone tell me what's going on?

Doctor: Gladly. But first, let's head back to the TARDIS before anything else decides to show up.

Dan: TARDIS?

Mike: But Doctor, what about the mirror?

Doctor: Right, well we can't have Dan holding it in front of the Angel all night, can we? *taps his chin as he thinks* Hmm… *slaps his forehead* Ah! Of course, why didn't I think of this before?

Dan: What? What is it?

Doctor: Hold still, please. *takes the mirror, still holding it out in front of the statue, then gently slides it through the hands so it continues to face it* There. That ought to do it. So long as it's reflection is in the mirror, it won't be able to swap it off.

Mike: So… It'll never move again?

Doctor: Probably not. So long as that mirror does not move away, it can remain this way endlessly. Let's not wait and prove your question wrong. Now come along, then. Tallyho!

*As soon as they were far from danger, Mike and Dan followed the Doctor back to the TARDIS. Of course, when they both actually see what the TARDIS looked like from the outside, they were completely taken aback by what they see before them. How such a ship could have so much technology and architecture, and yet it's all mashed into something as small as a Police Box. Dan didn't even get to see any of the technology Mike had mentioned on the way and he's still confused now*

Dan: Mike… Is this some kind of sick joke?

Mike: But… But this can‘t be right. This isn't what I pictured, at all! I mean… What's a Police Box doing all the way out in a cemetery?

Dan: All right, Doc, where's this "TARDIS" ship you were going to take us to?

Doctor: *shrugs* Believe it or not, lads… You're looking at her.

Mike: What? Oh, come on! Y-You can't be serious! I was just inside it not long ago. *reaches for the door handles* And I assure you, it was much bigger than some tiny phone boo--

*The Doctor counts from three to one with his fingers, then points on cue as Mike opens up the doors and bright lights shine from inside. As Mike steps inside, he sees everything that he had seen from the ship. He leans back and looks all around the Box, trying to figure out just how something so small in size could hold such a wide open space. Mike turns back to The Doctor, who just simply smiles and shakes his head*

Dan: *goes around Mike and peers through* It's… It's…a lot smaller on the outside.

Doctor: Hmm… So it is.

Mike: *enters with Dan, speaks to the Doctor* Doesn't it strike you as odd to disguise a ship as a Police Box in the middle of a cemetery, even for you?

Doctor: Well, normally, I would've disguised her as a tree or something, but during a previous adventure, her cloaking device was damaged, so now… She's stuck looking the way she is now.

Dan: *shrugs* Makes as much sense to me as an incubator on a snowboard… Now what's going on around here?

Doctor: Well, as I've mentioned before, I'm The Doctor, and this is my home, the TARDIS. And I would advise you to wipe your feet before coming in next time.

Mike: We were nearly killed by statues and lizards and you're worried about us tracking mud?

Doctor: As I always say, a clean TARDIS, is a happy TARDIS. And besides, it's just good manners.

Dan: Oye. Look, we appreciate all the help, Doc, but maybe you've overlooked the fact that we've just been attacked by a lizard man and killer statues! Normally, I'd find that to be very cool if they weren't trying to eat us!

Mike: Speaking of which… Is that Silurian thing still even out there?

Doctor: Yep, probably. I'm just hoping he's still feeling the side effects from that mind-numbing little trick… Course knowing Siliurians, they'd get very cranky after a blast like that.

Dan: Why did it want to kill us anyway?

Doctor: I can assure it didn't. That Silurian was forced against it's will, bent out of control by that Cherubim. A slave forced to follow specific commands. Though what it was doing out on the surface in the first place… Is still a mystery to me.

Mike: You mean… You don't "know" why it just came here?

Doctor: Not a clue.

Dan: Oh that's bloody brilliant! Here's a guy who's supposed to be an expert on extraterrestrial activity and he doesn't know why our planet is possibly under invasion by visitors from other worlds!

Doctor: Actually, Silurians are earth based. In fact, their species is even older than the dinosaurs. They'd never want to enslave mankind. They just merely want to observe how the planet was able to go on after a long period of hibernation. Now, as for their cousins, the Sea Devils… Well, that’s another story.

Dan: *pause* Sea Devils?

Doctor: Like I said, another story.

Mike: So, why are YOU here?

Doctor: I'll have you know Earth happens to be one of my favorite planets to visit. I always love to come to London around this time and year.

Mike: Visit? Wait, so, aside from being a time traveler…you're telling me that you're also…an alien?

Doctor: Well, yes, if you put it that way. However, to me, you and your friend are the aliens.

Dan: I'm sorry, but… I'm not buying it. I'm not buying any of this rubbish!

Doctor: Well I wasn't asking for a penny or a pound, now was I?

Dan: *slaps his forehead, slides it down his face* Mike, can you please give me a hand here?

Mike: Uh… What he means, Doctor, is that… Well, this whole this is… Quite unbelievable, actually.

Dan: Exactly! I mean, how can we be sure you are who you say you are, or that this is indeed an actual time machine?

Doctor: The Silurian and the Angels weren't proof enough for you?

Dan: All right, I admit that was unexpected. But you expect us to believe this isn't just like one of Mike's Sci-Fi fantasies coming to life?

Doctor: Could Michael have imagined anything like this? *holds his hand out, gesturing the entire TARDIS*

Mike: Well, granted I consider myself a decent artist, but there is no way I could ever come up with something like this. Still, something does bother me.

Dan: What's that?

Mike: I'm not sure why, but I have this sense of Deja Vu. Like… I've seen this happen before.

Dan: What?

Mike: *pause* I need my portfolio.

Doctor: *points* Right there on the console. Just don't touch any buttons or switches.

*Mike strolls on over and grabs the portfolio. He opens up the folder gently, and skims through all the pages most of which were sketches and drawings he had done not too long ago. There was one particular page he was looking for, which he happens to find near the end and pulls it out. He observes the drawing carefully, that's when he sees it and points at it*

Mike: There. *motions to Dan* There, right there! On this page!

Dan: *walks over* What is it?

Mike: *shows the picture* I didn't think it was possible, but it's just like my drawing. The reptilian features, the mask, the costume… The gun! This is more than just some coincidence. I drew the exact same creature we ran into! But I don't know how I could've. I never saw it before until now.

Doctor: Hmm… *takes the picture and inspects it* When did you draw this?

Mike: It's so odd… I don't remember all the details. But I'm pretty sure I was six years old when I drew this picture. Why I did it… I really don't know; it just came to me. It was like something I must've dreamt in my sleep or something.

Doctor: A dream… Or perhaps, a memory.

Mike: *looks to the doctor* Wha?

Doctor: I think it's time I took you all home now.

Mike: Wait! What did you mean that what I saw were memories? There's no way I could've remembered that.

Doctor: Yes, I did say they were memories. But who's to say they were "yours"?

*Mike and Dan looked at each, the confusion clearly shown on their expressions. While they were trying to figure it out, The Doctor scooted back to the controls and proceeded to set in some coordinates*

Doctor: So, I'm going to need an address, zip codes… Besides, being late and all, I really think you two should just go home and we can just call it a day. How about it?

Mike: Ooh, um… Okay, sure.

Dan: *eyeing the Doctor suspiciously* You're not hiding anything, are you, Doctor? Because I'd hate for us to just walk out knowing that your keeping bloody secrets from people.

Doctor: Ha! That's a laugh! I mean, it's been fun and all, rather exciting actually what with rampaging Silurians and demonic Cherubims and what-not. But, I do need to be somewhere that's "very" far away and I'm sure your families are wondering where you are by now. So, I think it's best I take you home and I'll check up on you here and there.

Mike: Sounds cool, I wouldn't mind seeing you again, Doctor. You're actually lucky to have time machines like this. I mean, what person wouldn't want one for their very own?

Doctor: Yes, what "person" wouldn't? *lightly chuckles before reaching the final lever* Well… Tally-ho. *pulls the lever*

*At first nothing seemed to happen. The two Englishmen stood together looking from one side to another waiting for something to happen. The Doctor just simply leaned back along the controls looking as calm as a cucumber. But after a few seconds or so, he claps his hands*

Doctor: We're here.

Mike: Really? Well… That was quick.

Dan: It didn't even feel like we even moved.

Doctor: Oh no? *pushes the door open* Then this must not be your house, isn't it?

*Skeptical, Mike and Dan peered out until their skepticism turned into a surprised expression. For out there, on the outskirts of London, a house stood in view before their very eyes. A brown house made from several stones-and-bricks, with a cobblestone driveway, with a single vehicle, overlooking a beautiful lawn, and exactly two stories*

Mike: Yes it is, actually.

Doctor: *looks out* Yep, just as I figured. And a perfectly splendid little cottage indeed.

Mike: Thanks.

Doctor: Well, come on then. Everybody out, step lively.

Dan: Well, Doctor. I'd say this was a rather…interesting day. Listen, it's been all and good fun. But we really should get going. *whispers to Mike* He's absolutely bonkers. *steps out of the TARDIS*

Mike: I don't know… I kinda like him, actually. *steps out of the TARDIS*

Doctor: *just realizes* I say. Mike is it, can I have a wee word for a sec?

Mike: Um, sure. What is it?

Doctor: I, uh, I was wondering if perhaps I may borrow some of your drawings for a bit. It's very vital that they come into my possession. Not for long, just some borrowing with every intention to bring them back.

Mike: Oh, uh… Alright. *takes out his portfolio and opens it up in front of the Doctor* Here you go.

Doctor: *takes some pictures* Excellent. *shakes Mike's hands* Thank you kindly sir, so glad to have met. Well… Goodbye. *closes the doors*

*Before Mike could even respond, the TARDIS disappeared before his very eyes, fading ever so slowly until it was completely out of sight. And then, everything was back to the way it was as if the TARDIS was never there at all*

Mike: *pause* Blimey…

*Meanwhile, inside the TARDIS, the Doctor was skimming through one picture at a time as if he was looking for something specific that no one else had seen*

Doctor: Not a bad lad, nope… *finds it* Ah ha! There ya are! *studies the picture* Ah, yes, yes, yes. This man was definitely on to something when he drew this beauty, even if it's not his memory. But, if this leads to where I think this may lead, then this must be bigger than I could've expected. Nothing personal, but I simply can't put another companion in absolute danger. Bigger than he'd ever expected it to be.