Fae-ted Royalty

By Michael Weyer

Doctor Who owned by the BBC.

Lost Girl owned by Showcase Entertainment.

Picking up from my "Hitting the Road" as Bo and Kenzi travel with the Doctor. All comments welcomed.

Night was falling as Kardon Magan finally came to his home. He let out a sigh, feeling every bit his sixty-four years. His dark black hair and mustache were graying now, his brown coat and pants on a frame that put on more weight than he once had. It was harder to go to council every day now but it was worth it. At least now he had something to come back to.

He opened up the door, taking a breath and smelling something warm inside. "Genese? I'm home!"

"Inside," his wife called out. He entered the kitchen, smiling as he saw her. She was young, in her twenties but smarter than she seemed. Her dark red hair framed a lovely face while she wore a simple white dress. "Just finishing up now."

Kardon removed his coat, sighing as he sat down. "I need this. Such a long day. That budget meeting was grueling and the Thordons continuing to make noise about succeeding…"

"Now, now, dear," his wife smiled as she turned to him with a large dish under a cloth. "Just eat up and you'll be forgetting all your troubles, I promise."

He smiled. Despite being married only a few months, he felt more alive around Genese than he could have guessed. It amazed him how she could fall in love with a man his age but it was quite happy so far. She sat with him as he undid the dish and admired the bowl of soup. He dipped a spoon in to sip it and smiled. "Perfect. As always."

"I'm glad. "Genese said, sitting across from him and watching as he continued to sip his soup down. "Tastes a bit more spicy," he intoned.

"Just trying out a new ingredient," she told him. "Like?"

"Not bad," he said, trying to hide how bitter it was. She'd done so much for him, he didn't need to point out any flaws in her cooking. "Just what I needed after today."

"A shame the Queen can't get them all in line," Genese said in that lovely melodic tone of hers. It always gave him a thrill and amazed him once more someone his age could woo such a woman. "But I'm sure you can help her with that."

Kardon smiled. "I'm rather low on the totem pole for that, my dear. Plus, I agree with what she's doing, those men need to be whipped back into shape for the good of us all." He coughed a bit, taking a sip of water.

"I disagree," his wife said. "I believe we need to let them go their own way. That's the only way that can lead to true order on this planet."

Kardon frowned, not used to her talking politics. "I trust in the Queen."

"And she trusts you," Genese smiled. "Which is something we can use."

He frowned deeply, ready to question her when he began coughing. He reached for his water only to gasp in agony as a shooting pain ripped up his arm. He clutched at his chest as it suddenly felt like a vise was gripping his heart. He tried to rise to his feet but his legs gave way as he fell to the floor. Kardon withered in place, gasping and reaching out to his wife.

The woman he had fallen in love with months before simply stood over him, smiling. "It won't last long," she told him in that same warm tone. "And don't worry, my love. Your work will continue."

A shadow fell over him and Kardon's eyes widened as a figure stepped up next to his wife, his smile as broad as hers. He couldn't accept it as he rolled on the ground, reaching out, his hands brushing past a nearby broom. It fell over, the tip hitting the door of the nearby pantry. It slid open slowly to allow a female form to collapse out onto the floor. Kardon's chokes grew as he found himself staring into the dead face of the woman standing just a few feet away from him.

The sight was the last he would have before blackness took him.

Time Tunnel Intro

Matt Smith

Anna Silk

Ksenia Solo

DOCTOR WHO

For the tenth time that day (at least, she thought it was a day), Bo wandered the hallways of the TARDIS with wonder. She had passed a full garden, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a closet bigger than most houses, not to mention slews of hallways, all in a craft the outside of a phone book. Even after all she'd seen since discovering her true identity as a succubus, it was amazing for her to be in this place and realize she was actually traveling to another planet.

She finally exited into the main control room of the TARDIS as the Doctor worked at the console. He was whistling a merry tune as he adjusted some wires on a console. "Ah, hello there," he called out. "You two settling in all right?"

"So far, thanks," Bo said. "How many rooms are in this thing, anyway?"

"You know, one of these days, I'm going to have to actually count them," the Doctor stated as he finished his work. He spun a knob and checked a readout on a scanner. "Ah, here we go. Just about ready to land." He threw a few switches as Kenzi entered the control room. The younger woman had streaks of red and purple in her hair that matched the bright red vest jacket she wore over a dark shirt and matching pants with high dark boots. "Doc, I may just move into that closet."

"Feel free, I rarely use it." The Doctor smiled as he adjusted his bow tie. "When one finds his style, you keep to it."

"Dude, you wear a bow tie."

"Bow ties are cool."

"How old are you?"

"1203."

"And you haven't figured out good fashion yet?"

"I'm wearing a bow tie."

Bo coughed to get their attention. "So are you actually going to show us someplace?"

The Doctor smiled as he threw a switch, the main rotor of the TARDIS slowing down with a loud grinding sound. The ship shuddered a bit before coming to a halt. The Doctor threw another switch before heading to the door. "Here we go, ladies! Gallatus Four! A lovely spot for swimming, boating and more, at least as long as it's not winter." He opened the doors to allow them to exit into what appeared to be a large stone courtyard. "Huh. A bit more…stony than I recall."

Bo and Kenzi followed him, both taken aback at the amazingly clear air of the slightly chilly afternoon. They walked along behind the Doctor as he led the way into a wider area where they could see various stalls about and people in what looked like medieval style clothing mingling.

"Uh oh," Kenzi said. "Did you take a wrong turn and take us to a Renaissance Fair?"

"Or the Renaissance?" Bo asked.

"No, not the right aroma for 15th century Europe," the Doctor said, taking a sniff. "But also not Gallatus, a bit too chilly for them. Drat, must have overshot the mark a bit." He shrugged. "Ah, well, here already, might as well enjoy the sights."

"Ah, just realized," Bo stated. "We don't know the language."

"Oh, not to worry," the Doctor brushed off. "The TARDIS automatically translates for you."

"Man, this gets better and better," Kenzi grinned. "I can finally understand a Bergman film so I can properly disdain it!"

"And I can finally understand telenovelas," Bo added.

"Nah, that makes them less fun."

They walked past some stalls, Bo admiring a necklace. "I'd advise being careful," the Doctor warned. "Never know what type of payment some places may ask for. Accept a necklace, you might be accepting a marriage proposal. Learned that one the hard way…"

"Ah, Doc?" Kenzi spoke up.

"Please, call me Doctor."

"Yes, please," Bo insisted. "Let's not forget how it went with the last person you referred to as 'Doc' all the time."

"Okay, Doctor," Kenzi intoned. "Just me or are we getting the evil eye here?" Bo realized her friend was right, the trio were getting glares from passerbys, several people muttering as they walked on. "Is it the outfits?" Kenzi asked. "Because if so, I'm denying responsibility, my fashion sense has never been questioned! Even Fashion Police gives me slides on it!"

"Just relax," the Doctor said as they continued to walk. "Don't give them any reason to be alarmed and we should be fine."

At that brilliant cue, a trio of men in armor blocked their path, all holding long and sharp spears. Another four appeared behind the group, Bo startled at their sudden appearance. "Halt!" the leader of the soldiers said. "Identify yourself!"

"Ah, identify, good, I can do that." The Doctor reached into his pocket to pull out a small notepad with what looked like a blank piece of paper on it. He waved it at the soldiers, who blinked before lowering spears. "Our apologies, my Lord," the leader said. "We did not expect an arrival of your kind."

"No harm done," the Doctor said as he slipped the pad back into his coat pocket.

"May we offer an escort to the Queen?"

"Escort? Oh, why, that's very nice of you, quite nice, yes, I believe we'll accept that, lead the way!" The Doctor was jovial as he followed the soldiers. Bo and Kenzi weren't as sure as they paced quickly to catch up to him. "What was that?" Bo asked. "You showed us the same thing back in Toronto."

"Psychic paper," the Doctor answered. "Makes your mind see what it wants to help you go along somewhere you're normally not allowed."

"I am so stealing that, you realize," Kenzi intoned.

"Is this smart?" Bo asked. "Just…going to see some Queen?"

"Well, I think in certain situations, starting at the top makes total sense," the Doctor told her. "Don't worry, I'll do all the talking, it'll go well."

He seemed not to notice the looks Kenzi and Bo shared as they were marched through the courtyard and up a flight of stone steps leading to the palace. It wasn't as large as the title might imply, only a few stories, no huge towers or such but still quite more lavish than the village surrounding it. They were led past open hallways filled with tapestries and a statue of a heavyset man with a long dark beard and bushy hair wielding a sword. The Doctor paused briefly as he studied it, his face showing a fight with recognition. A cough from the lead guard got his attention as he continued to walk, Bo and Kenzi still behind him.

They were brought before a pair of wooden doors that opened into a large room, sunlight pouring through windows set around it. Soldiers stood at various points along with a handful of people in various dark robes. A carpet cut through the middle of the room, leading to the platform at the end of it. Atop it was a throne offset by a pair of golden candelabras. On the throne sat a rather attractive-looking woman, seeming to be in her fifties but still seeming younger, her dark hair pulled in a bun with a silver crown nestled in it. Her face was lined with a few wrinkles but still quite good looking and the grey gown she wore showed off a body still in rather good shape. Her eyes were bright and looked interested as she saw the trio enter. "Who is this?" she called out and Kenzi and Bo had to start at how her voice, while calm and sounding cultured, carried an unmistakable American accent.

"The ambassadors from the Hinterlands, my Queen," the lead guard stated.

"Really?" the woman seemed doubtful. "That's interesting as I just heard they were delayed by rain and won't be here for another two days."

"Ah, Doc, maybe time to start the talking," Kenzi spoke up. She frowned at him. "Doc?"

The Doctor was looking at the Queen with a wide and goofy smile on his face, sheer joy filling his features. "Hello, Peri."

"Excuse me?" she frowned.

An elderly man in a black robe and cap glared at the Doctor. "You are addressing her Royal Majesty-"

"Perpugilliam Brown of Baltimore, Maryland," the Doctor stated, his smile still wide. "I always knew you'd land pretty well on your feet."

The woman frowned. "Who are you?"

The Doctor's smile softened. "The first time we met, I had blond hair, a cricket outfit and a stick of celery in my pocket. Then, I had curly hair, a sharper nose and a rather atrocious coat. The last time I saw you, I had a hat, a better face and an umbrella."

The woman stared at him in confusion for a moment. Then, her eyes widened and her face broke out into a matching giant grin. "Oh my God….Doctor?"

In a move that had the various courtiers gasping, she rose from her throne, scampered down the steps and leapt into his arms with a massive hug. She let out a long and loud laugh with the Doctor joining in as Bo and Kenzi just shared baffled glances with the people around them.

"I can't believe it!" Peri finally said, breaking away. "I mean, deep down, I always wondered if you'd come back but…" She rubbed at his face. "You've done that regeneration thing again."

"Three or four times since we last saw each other," the Doctor told her.

Peri shook her head. "I'm jealous. You look so young."

"So do you."

She snorted and brushed her hair. "Mostly dyed now and makeup covers a lot of wrinkles. I got old."

The Doctor's smile and voice were soft. "No, my dear. You may age but you shall never get old."

Peri raised her eyebrows. "Since when did you become so flattering?"

"I've always been flattering. You just knew me when I was having a rough patch." The Doctor suddenly seemed to remember the two women behind him. "Oh, sorry, this is Bo and that's her friend, Kenzi."

"Hi," Kenzi waved, then did a makeshift curtsey. "Um, your Majesty?"

"Ah, come on, if you're with the Doctor, then etiquette isn't a major thing," Peri smiled. She turned to a man next to her. "I think I'll want to continue this conversation in my waiting room."

The man seemed unsure but bowed nonetheless. "My Queen." Peri pulled her gown up a bit to lead the way to a side room. It was smaller, more intimate with various shelves of books and a makeup table with large mirror at the side. She sighed as she sat down, lifting a leg to slide off a heel and rub her foot. "God, I miss Nikes, I really do."

"You're from Earth?" Bo asked.

"Born and raised in Baltimore," Peri told her with a smile. "I was on a trip to an island in 1984 when I ran into the Doctor here. Next thing I know, I'm in a police box bigger on the inside than the outside and taken to another planet." She cocked her head. "Where are you two from?"

"Toronto," Bo answered. "2013," she felt like adding.

Peri's eyes widened. "Damn, that long? How are things on Earth? We ever get to World War III with the Soviets?"

"USSR went the way of the dodo in the '90's," Kenzi stated as he moved to a table containing some bottles, opening one to pour a liquid into a glass. "It's mostly the same, I guess, wars, crime, sucky sports teams all over. But damn, girl, you missed the Internet? I feel like I'm talking to someone ancient." She sipped the glass and her eyes widened. "Holy crap, this is good! I'm taking a bottle with me!"

Bo chuckled. "We're on another planet and all you can think of is the new ways to get drunk."

"I'm Russian, honey, it's our natural state."

The Doctor smiled at Peri. "So we're on Krontep."

"Guess you still haven't worked out how to steer the TARDIS," Peri giggled. "Yep, we are."

"And you're Queen still."

"Tried to quit but just couldn't make it work," she said. "It's not so bad, I'm providing good education, keeping the peace, it's rough some days but I can make it work."

The Doctor's smile faded. "I know our last meeting wasn't…pleasant."

Peri sighed as well. "I know. I said some things...I'm sorry for. I was angry when you just left me like that, never coming back and when I saw you again, with a new face…I just lost it."

"I wanted to come back," the Doctor insisted. "I did. It's just that I found myself on trial by the Time Lords, they wanted me to think you were dead. By the time that was sorted out, found myself regenerating again and you know how that affects me." Peri had to nod at that. "And then…something happened. It…changed me, more than you can guess." He brushed at his face. "Well, it's complicated to explain."

"Everything about you is," Peri said with a smile. "It's just amazing to see you again. I told my children so much about you."

"Children?"

"Three. And grandkids too." She smiled at his surprised look. "What can I say? Yrcanos was a great provider."

"Good to know," the Doctor said, his eyes flashing with melancholy. "I…I've lost a few friends recently. So, it's good to see one doing well."

Peri was rubbing his hand when the door knocked. "My Queen?" a voice called from the other side. "My apologies but Lord Lendger is here."

Peri rose up, brushing at her dress. "Sorry but duty calls." She adjusted her crown. "Look, stay, please. We still have a lot to talk about and I need more time for it."

"I can give you that," the Doctor said. "I wasted enough as it is. I can spare a bit more now."

Peri smiled as she opened the door to exit. As she left, Bo looked to the Doctor. "She used to travel with you?"

"A long time ago," the Doctor confirmed. "Now, she's a queen. Well, this version of her is." At the confused looks of his friends, he sighed. "Oh, there was a mess with her timeline by my people, basically created five differing versions of her, all existing together. At least, most are, one of them was dead last I heard, another living on Earth, another not remembering meeting me at all. It appears this version is the one I met the last time."

Bo shook her head. "I've known you for a day and I can already tell your autobiography needs cliff notes."

The Doctor smiled as he stood up and moved to the door. "Well, it's not a bad place to hang around for a bit. I'm sure Peri won't mind us checking things out, catch up on old times…" He opened the door. "And maybe…" His voice trailed off as he gazed into the throne room.

Bo and Kenzi followed his gaze to see Peri moving to the throne, talking to another man. He was elderly, appearing in his late sixties, with a dark beard, his robes fitting him well. His face was smiling but still seemed dark, his eyes bright and intelligent but even from a distance, Bo could detect a slight trace of malice in them.

"Oh, dearie me," the Doctor softly said.

"You know him?" Bo asked.

The Doctor nodded. "It would appear I have to tell Peri her advisor may not have his best interests in heart."

"Friend of yours?"

"His real name is Count Grendel. He once tried to take over a planet and kill me. Other than that, we weren't close."

Author Notes: Peri Brown was an American (although played by British actress Nicola Bryant) who traveled with the Fifth and Sixth Doctors. She appeared to be killed in the episode "Mindwarp" but that turned out to be a trick used by the Time Lords in their trail of the Sixth Doctor. It was revealed she was alive and married the rough-minded king Ycranos. While her tenure wasn't popular with fans due to a penchant for low-cut outfits, she had support. The idea that there are multiple versions of her was added in the audio drama "Peri and the Piscon Paradox" and the meeting the Doctor alludes to was in the short story "Reunion" where the Seventh Doctor sees Peri twenty years after their past meeting with her quite bitter to him on abandoning her all this time.

As for Count Grendel, some Who fans may recognize him right off while the full explanation will be in the next chapter. All comments welcomed.