Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 60: The Next Doctor

[Phaos]

The Alchemist stands near the TARDIS doors, her expression soft but searching as she looks at Jenny, "Are you sure you want to go? You can stay here as long as you want."

Jenny crosses her arms, offering a small but determined smile, "Mum, I'm sure. We both agreed—three months. You're staying three months, and I'm staying three months. I have a colony to run."

The Doctor exhales, rocking on his heels, "Guess we're all running, then."

The Alchemist raises an eyebrow, "Is that a complaint?"

He smirks, "Just stating facts. Besides, the rest of the kids want us out of their hair already."

Jenny laughs, "True. Susan was complaining to me last night about how last time you were here, you practically stalked her."

Before the Doctor can protest, Nightingale and Titan step outside, looking far too amused for their own good.

"'Stalked' is putting it mildly, Jenny," Nightingale says, arms crossed, "Mum and Dad followed them absolutely everywhere they tried to go on their bonding meetings. I swear, it became a game for them."

Titan nods, "Knowing them, it was a game."

The Doctor scoffs, "Was not."

Titan smirks, "Was to."

The Alchemist sighs, shaking her head, "Enough. I'm putting a stop to this before you corner each other into admitting something silly."

Nightingale smirks but doesn't push it further; instead, she gestures toward the building, "Everyone's inside, you three. Time to say your 'See you laters.'"

Jenny exhales, glancing between her parents and siblings. The moment is heavier than she expected.

She straightens her shoulders and nods, "Alright. Let's do this."

[L.A.S.S. Foundation]

Jenny tightens the strap of her travel pack as she stands in the main hall of L.A.S.S. Foundation's headquarters. Her fingers absently brush over the sleek metal of the bracelet on her wrist—the same one her mother handed to her just days ago.

The golden glow of the floating lanterns bathes the room in warmth, but an undeniable weight lingers in the air. One by one, her family has gathered, their expressions varying from proud to reluctant to let her go.

Susan is the first to break the silence, stepping forward with a teasing smirk.

"Took you long enough," she pulls Jenny into a tight hug before stepping back, her hands lingering on Jenny's arms, "You sure about this?"

Jenny rolls her eyes but squeezes Susan's hands in reassurance, "You and Mum, honestly. I'll be fine."

Jessamy steps up next, slipping a small, wrapped package into Jenny's hands, "A little something for the trip. Don't open it until you're back on Messaline."

Jenny raises an eyebrow, "It's not a plant, is it?"

Jessamy grins, "No promises."

One by one, the others come forward—Titan clasping her forearm in a warrior's farewell before diving in for a bear hug, Loki giving an exaggerated bow before ruffling her hair, Brode and Niam offering warm words and quiet reassurances.

Semine presses a tiny vial into her palm, whispering, "For luck."

Jenny pockets it with a nod of gratitude before turning to Nightingale.

"See you soon, little sister," Nightingale smirks.

Jenny grins, "See you soon, big sister."

Pulling her into a tight hug, Nightingale sighs before stepping back with a nod and pulling away.