"Theta", his mother said calmly, glaring at Koschei. "Theta, I think it's time that we had a chat about what choices you're making".
"Koschei is my best friend, he will always be. And I want to be his friend. Even if the universe doesn't".
"Ha", she laughed, slightly sarcastically. "You think him weak?"
"No, I do not".
"Dear, I've told you a thousand times. Time Lords are never weak, we do not need people to stabilise us. We don't need friends. Is it pity, Theta?"
"What, no? I don't feel pity for him".
"Then why go this far? Your father would be ashamed".
"Because I always go this far! And my father will never be proud of me, no matter what I do".
"You want to make him proud?"
"Yes, of course. It's all I really want".
"Then find the Hybrid, no matter how long it takes you. Find the Hybrid".
"I will... One day. But how? I've only just got my Time Lord certification and, well, I have no TARDIS".
"They are underneath the Cloisters. Take this", she whispered, passing over a twisted, bronze key. "It'll get you through the defences. The guards will tell you the passcode if you tell them who you are".
"Oh, thank you", he replied, walking away.
"And Theta", she said, freezing him in his tracks. "Your father is not easily proud. Trust me, if I hear him say that he is, consider your friend as part of the family". Theta nodded, a huge smile appearing across his face.

-/

They all faced him, every councillor past and present stood there staring at him. He felt like a criminal, he was a criminal. Theta's mother came up to Rassilon and whispered something in his ear, not comprehensible to Koschei, and he laughed. An elongated laugh that was more the cackle of a witch than a humoured laugh.
"Oh, my sweet little urchin", he spoke. "You will face the Time Vortex and you will face it alone".
"But what about Theta? The laws state-"
"The laws mean nothing when there is nobody to accompany you".
"But... Theta?"
"He is gone, my child. I am afraid he could not take the lies any longer", Theta's mother said. "He has ran away... Without you".