The Littlest Timelord: Cracks in Time

Chapter 28

Vincent set up his easel and canvas in front of the church window.

"And you'll be sure to tell me if you see any, you know, monsters?" the Doctor asked him.

"Yes. While I may be mad, I'm not stupid."

"No. Quite. And, to be honest, I'm not sure about mad either. It seems to me depression is a very complex..."

Vincent quietly shushed him. "I'm working".

"Well, yes. Paint. Do painting!" He stepped back from Vincent and knelt down next to Elise. "Look what I brought you?" The Doctor pulled out a sketchbook and a pack of colored pencils.

Elise smiled and took them from him, sitting down next to Vincent.

"My little Ellie, learning at the foot of the master!" the Doctor commented. Maybe after this, he'd take her visit some other artists. She would be great one day. He knew because he'd seen it.

After many hours of listening to the Doctor talk and complain, night fell. He was now lying on the ground. "Is this how time normally passes? Really slowly. In the right order." The Doctor jumped to his feet. "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's an unpunctual alien attack."

"Are you okay?" Amy asked him, "You seem a bit, if I didn't know you better, I'd say nervous."

"Yes, there's something not right and I can't quite put my finger on it."

"There. He's at the window", Vincent told them.

"Where?" the Doctor asked.

"There, on the right."

"As I thought. Come on. I'm going in."

"Well I'm coming too."

"No! You're Vincent Van Gogh. No."

"But you're not armed."

"I am."

"What with?"

The Doctor picked up the case for his gadget. "Overconfidence, this, and a small screwdriver. I'm absolutely sorted. Just have to find the right crosactic setting and stun him with it. Sonic never fails. Anyway, Amy, Elise, only one thought, one simple instruction. Don't follow me under any circumstances."

Amy nodded. "I won't."

The Doctor entered the church.

"Will you follow him?" Vincent asked her.

"Of course."

Vincent looked down at Elise who nodded. He looked back at Amy. "I love you."

Amy just smirked. After a few minutes, Amy began to worry. "Has he moved?"

"No. Just shifted to the next window. But, wait! He's turning now."

There was a sound of breaking glass.

Elise started running for the church.

"Elise!" Amy yelled, running after her.

Vincent grabbed his art supplies. "Amy!"

Amy and Elise found him in the sanctuary.

"Doctor!"

"Argh! I thought I told you...Never mind. We'll talk about it later. Quick, in here."

They got into a confessional booth, Elise clinging to Amy's legs.