Introductory Author's Note - Please Read before reading the chapter!

Hello! My name's Rori! Yup, I have a Pond name haha! Thank you for clicking onto this story! I've been planning it for almost two years now! Now I've finally gotten around to writing it!

So, to start with, just a heads up. This first chapter will seem like you're reading a poor imitation of a Jane Austen novel rather than a Doctor Who fanfic. Sorry about that. The Doctor appears at the very end briefly, and from Chapter two onwards it will be a proper Whofic!

However, for this first chapter I wanted to introduce you to my OC protagonist, Pippa, in order to give the reader a feel of who she is before meeting the Doctor, and the life that she lead before travelling with him.

The hero's journey is always a journey. This part of the story is known as the setup, and like the name suggests it sets up for the story ahead. There's lots of little hints in this chapter that will come into play later on.

This chapter is also a good one to get to know the key people in Pippa's life before she meets the Doctor, especially since we'll be revisiting this setting and these characters a few times in the story.

As for Pippa's character...I have a tumblr page for this story and I will post a description of Pippa and explain some of her actions on there shortly after posting this chapter. The link to that tumblr page is on my profile. The tumblr page will show you the face-claims for my OC characters, have manips of scenes from the chapters, sneak peaks, music to accompany the chapters (if you're into that thing - compositions only though) and at times pictures of Pippa's outfits (this is mostly for historical chapters).

WARNING! This IS a fic where the heroine jumps through time unexplainably, meeting the Doctor in the wrong order. However, I believe it has many different aspects to other fics of the same kind, and I don't believe my reasoning behind this occurrence has been done before. It involves Doctors 1-11 (including One before he left Gallifrey in the TARDIS and the War Doctor).

The story is mostly comprised of non-episode chapters, but involves a lot of cross-overs with other fandoms. This is because I thought that would be both interesting and easier for me as a writer, as I would not have to come up with a setting and characters for every single chapter.

Also, I have tried very hard to research the era that this chapter takes place in, however that doesn't mean there might not be mistakes. If you happen to be a Georgian Era History Buff, please don't hesitate to correct me where necessary. I more than welcome constructive criticism, however please think twice before reviewing with flames. Everyone has feelings and it's not nice to make people feel horrible.

I aim to update at least once a week!

Finally, I intend to do most Author's notes on the story's tumblr page, as I feel A/N's in the chapters can be a bit distracting.

Please, enjoy! Thank you for reading. I'm sorry for rambling! Please review if you feel so inclined! :)

I

An Unexpected Journey

Carnahan House

Hertfordshire, England, 1806

The sky was quickly growing dark and the winter air was merciless and chilly, but that did not deter a young woman from walking through the garden. This was her favourite place, a little piece of the world that was almost exclusively her own. Very few people had access to this haven, and even fewer visited it regularly. The Secret Garden they called it, for it was in fact a little garden tucked away on her family's estate, and only those with a key could enter.

In the woman's hand was an opened letter, already read. She was simply mulling over the letter's contents. It was from her cousin Mary who lived in London with her husband and read:

My dear cousin, Pippa,

Things in the ton are going well, Mr Seymour and I enjoy the life here and much prefer it to country living.

We are greatly anticipating your visit in two weeks for Christmastide, and I look forward to reuniting with you and my family.

I frequently have tea with my sister, Annabelle, who is also doing well.

As you will have already heard, she is pregnant with her second child. We all hope for a strong little boy.

As for your suitor, I understand your reservations and reluctance. However, this is one of the joys of blossoming into womanhood.

The prospect of marriage is indeed a frightening one, however it is our duty as women to accept our natural roles as good wives and eventually mothers.

The Colonel sounds like a fine man, and I am overcome with joy to also hear from Georgiana and Mama that he has shown a keen interest in you!

Do not be afraid, sweet cousin. This is just the first step in a new phase of your life.

I will write you again shortly, and as previously mentioned we are excited for your upcoming visit.

God bless,

Your Cousin,

Mary Seymour.

Pippa thought over her cousin's words. The two had grown up together, for when Pippa had been eleven her parents had died of Smallpox, leaving her to live with her mother's sister and her husband. Pippa's Aunt, the Lady Catherine Barlow and her husband Lord Charles Barlow had been very good to her, treating her like their own despite already having five children. Annabelle was the eldest at twenty-nine, and she lived in London with her husband Thomas Harrison. Next came Jane who was twenty-seven and now lived about forty-five minutes away with her husband Charles Ashcroft.

Then there was Brandon, fondly called Bran by his sisters and Pippa. Bran was the only boy of the five children, and he and Pippa had always been close friends, despite their considerable age gap. Bran was twenty-five, while Pippa was twenty-one. A five-year gap did not seem quite so big when they were adults as it had when they were children. After Bran came Mary who was closest in age to Pippa at twenty-two. She was different to all her sisters with her dark brown locks and serious attitude.

Unlike Mary, the other Barlow girls were graced with their father's golden locks and sunny personality. Mary and Bran were the only ones to take after their mother's darker hair, however all of the Barlow children inherited their father's light blue eyes. Bran though, most definitely took after his father's bright and carefree manner, for there seemed to be very little that he took seriously, or that could ever truly bother him.

Lastly came Georgiana, Pippa's closest friend and confidant. Georgiana was sixteen, and the two had been joined at the hip ever since Pippa first moved into her Uncle's house. They had no secrets, and spoke of everything together.

Pippa was content with her life exactly the way it was. There had always been a strong part of Pippa which longed for something more than the life society had chosen for her, however nowadays she tended to stamp down that desire with every fibre of her being. It would not do to dream of impossible things. Her comfort with things how they were was one of the reasons why Pippa was so displeased any time she was reminded of Colonel Northam's courtship of her.

"Pippa, I've been searching for you!" A voice called from a short distance away, pulling her from her thoughts. "It is nightfall, and you will get ill in this weather!"

Startled, she turned towards the direction of the voice, which belonged to a tall, muscular man.

"Sorry, dear cousin, did I alarm you?" The man asked in a teasing tone.

Pippa walked over to him, wrapping her coat over her body.

"What is it, Bran?" She asked her cousin, smiling up at him.

"Mother requests you come inside to have dinner and get ready for the ball."

Pippa sighed, joining her cousin and confidante at the gates to the garden.

"I find that as of late I am less enthused about dancing as I once was," she confessed, looping her arm into Bran's.

The two began the walk back to the house, and although Bran did not respond, Pippa continued.

"Colonel Northam takes the fun out of everything!" She whined childishly.

Bran laughed, patting the hand that rested on his arm comfortingly.

"The Colonel is a fine suitor, Pippa," he tried to reassure her. "You could not ask for better."

"Brandon, you are supposed to agree with me, not try and sway me!"

"What choice do I have? Honestly, what other man would be mad enough to desire you as his wife? I have it on the highest authority that you are quite a menace to live with."

His tone was teasing, yet that did not stop Pippa from shooting him a deathly glare.

As a child, Pippa had been wild and untameable. Her parents, and later her aunt and uncle had a difficult time teaching her proper etiquette. She was constantly talking of nonsensical things, and living in a daydream, talking of adventures and exploration. It had taken a long time, but as the years passed Pippa's guardians mostly succeeded in burying the rebellious side of her and turned her into a lady. However, there was a small part of Pippa that continued to rebel against certain things – Colonel Northam for example.

The Colonel had been courting her for close to a month now, as he had come to stay in the nearest village to visit an old family friend. From the moment he first met Pippa at a village dance, he had seemed to be drawn to her and her entire family enthusiastically approved of the match. Pippa on the other hand was not sure that she was able to simply settle for the first man to show an interest. She was uncertain of whether she was ready to be a wife. Pippa did not desire that life; she wanted to see and explore the world. Yet, she was a woman, and that was not her place in life. In her heart, Pippa knew her days as a single lady were numbered, for if the Colonel proposed, she would feel inclined to accept. Despite her inner voice protesting, she would conform to the standards of society.

Yet, this was only a small part of her dilemma, and an excuse really. Mostly, whenever she thought of him or was in his presence a great wave of nausea would overcome her, and this disturbed Pippa. It scared and confused her as to why this was the case; there was no possible explanation. The fact was, Colonel Northam was everything she could hope for in a husband, but something seemed to be holding her back from being approachable of his interest in her.

Pippa was pulled from her thoughts when she realised they had reached the house. She turned to Bran with a mischievous smile, pushing all thoughts of Colonel Northam to the back of her mind. She would enjoy her time as a single lady, and have fun at the ball just as she normally would.

"See you in a little bit," she told her cousin.

"There!" Bran said with a laugh. "There's the smile we all love! I do not like to see you in sad spirits, cousin."

Pippa responded by beaming brighter, before turning and walking into the house.

Her Uncle's estate, Carnahan House, was a beautiful place. It spanned several acres, and contained a forest, which was home to many creatures, including deer. There was a lake, which was a favourite spot for her Uncle Charles and Bran, as they would often spend hours fishing there. They also had many different varieties of flora and fauna growing in the garden, and a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Pippa loved it, and felt more at peace in Carnahan than anywhere else – even (despite feeling guilty) her parents' home.

Pippa climbed the stairs up to the second floor, heading for her bedroom. The house itself was beautiful, the structure formed with light, creamy coloured bricks, while the roof was a dark brown. The sides of the house stuck out further than the middle when looking at it from the front, and the doorway had columns, which always reminded her of ancient Greece or Rome. There was also a stable for the horses and carriage, as well as a small pen for their farm animals. Lastly, there was a henhouse, which supplied the family with countless eggs.

The interior was made up of mostly white and pastel colours, designed to always have a bright atmosphere. The furniture and ornaments were telling of an upper middle class family, and the layout of the home left it spacious and open. Entering her bedroom, Pippa quickly got dressed for dinner, before hurrying downstairs to join her family.

At a quarter past nine in the evening, Pippa, Brandon and Georgiana were lined up outside the house along with Pippa's Aunt Catherine and Uncle Charles, waiting for their carriage. They were all dressed in their finest, particularly the young ladies who donned their best muslin gowns, accessorised with long, silk gloves, fancy hair ornaments, a fan each and of course their most elegantly beautiful jewellery. Pippa wore her mothers pearl necklace as well as fine crystal flower pins and a fluffy white feather to decorate her hair, which was styled in the latest fashion.

The carriage rounded the corner, stopping in front of them, and the family piled in, eager for the night's festivities. Pippa's cousin Jane and her husband Mr Ashford, in their home Gintley Park, were hosting the ball. It took the group forty-five minutes to reach Gintley, and when they arrived Pippa noticed that many people had already arrived. The night was dark, yet Gintley was lit up, shining like a great sandstone beacon.

A footman assisted the ladies in exiting the carriage, and once everyone was out they began to make their way to the door. Upon entering into the main foyer, the girls were given their programme of dances – or more simply dance cards. After receiving these, Pippa quickly spotted Jane with her husband greeting the guests.

"Mr and Mrs Ashford! We are so humbled to have received an invitation to tonight's festivities." Aunt Catherine greeted once the hosts were free.

Ashford bowed politely, while Jane curtsied.

"We are delighted to have you here," Ashford told them all sincerely.

"It is lovely to see my family!" Jane said with a smile.

Jane's smile was always sweet and innocent, and she had not lost her air of purity even after marriage. Pippa had always been fond of Jane, for the older girl had constantly been a supportive friend and mentor to her.

"We hope you have a lovely evening," Jane continued. "If you could make your way into the ballroom."

The family all bowed or curtsied respectfully, and began to file away.

Jane had done very well by marrying Mr Ashford; he was a very wealthy man who also enjoyed spending the majority of his time in the countryside. This suited Jane well, as she was not all that fond of the idea of living permanently in the ton. They had two sons, William and Charles, who Pippa guessed would currently be in bed, watched over by their governess.

Gintley was significantly larger than Carnahan House, and on that evening the ballroom had been transformed. Several crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, the Ashfords finest curtains were draped over the windows, and several servers were rushing around attending to the guests. Not one of the guests had skimped for this occasion; every single one of them was dressed impeccably.

Georgiana and Pippa were quick to spot their friend Harriet Bell after entering the room, and made their way over to her, Aunt Catherine not too far away as she was of course their chaperone. Harriet was a lovely young lady with light blonde hair and grey eyes, and was dressed in a pale pink muslin gown.

"Good evening, Miss Bell," Georgiana greeted, curtsying.

Pippa did the same, saying a 'good evening' to her friend.

"Good evening, Lady Barlow, Miss Ingram," Harriet returned with a small smile.

The girls grouped together, forming a small circle to the side of the ballroom, talking animatedly about the evening and what it might bring.

"Miss Ashford certainly looks handsome this evening," Harriet commented, eyeing the girl in mention.

Elizabeth Ashford was Mr Ashford's younger sister, and she always looked beautiful. Like her brother, she had dark red hair and emerald green eyes. She was the picture of sophisticated grace and also had a very aloof yet humble manner.

"Many are speculating that Mr Dawson will propose to Miss Ashford soon!" Harriet exclaimed.

"Oh, how lovely!" Georgiana commented. "Do you not think they would make a fine match, Pippa?"

Pippa was not at all fond of gossiping, as she would not like others talking behind her own back. However, she did not wish to make a spectacle by refusing to comment either.

"Yes," she agreed. "Mr Dawson would be a fine match for Miss Ashford."

"Perhaps theirs will not be the only news of engagement?" Harriet suggested with a sly smile. "I am positively certain that your Colonel Northam shall propose soon."

Pippa became uncomfortable at the mention of the Colonel. It seemed she could not escape him! To make matters worse, of course every time she thought of him the nausea she was experiencing would intensify. She tried to calm down her nerves, but it was no use. Harriet, however, did not seem to notice.

"How exciting, Miss Ingram!" She practically sang. "You shall soon be married to a well respected Colonel! Does the very thought not make your heart sing with joy?"

"Err…" Pippa replied awkwardly, still feeling ill. "I'm sorry, please excuse me."

With that, she inappropriately dashed away from her two friends, seeking the nearest balcony so that she might calm down in the fresh air. Once she was outside she breathed a huge sigh of relief. The cool winter winds blew on her skin, making her feel soothed. Walking over to the stone barrier on the balcony, Pippa leant against it, peering up at the starry night sky.

Why was it that every time she thought of the Colonel recently, a great wave of nausea overcame her? Surely that could not only be her nerves at the prospect of marriage? No, no of course it was! To think otherwise would be ridiculous. Casting one last glance at the heavens, Pippa turned around to walk back inside only to find that the object of her thoughts had also come out to the balcony.

Colonel Northam was a handsome man. He was much taller than Pippa, for she stood at 5' 3", whilst he was 6' 2". He had brown hair that was always trimmed neatly, never allowed to be untamed, and he had piercing grey eyes. His physique was lean yet strong, and he had thin lips that were almost always curved into a smile. He bowed politely to Pippa as she curtsied, and the two quickly made their way inside, knowing it would not do to be alone together without a chaperone.

Pippa hoped that she could slip away with some excuse, however luck was not on her side that night for she almost instantly heard her Aunt Catherine call out to her upon their entrance to the ballroom.

"Oh, Colonel Northam, how lovely to see you!" Aunt Catherine said, curtsying and pretending that she had not noticed him previously. "My niece, Miss Ingram, looks lovely tonight, does she not?"

"Indeed," the Colonel replied, smiling and Pippa. "Miss Ingram looks very handsome."

"You are too kind, Colonel Northam," Pippa mumbled, earning her a sharp look from her aunt due to her rude manners. A lady must never mumble!

"I only speak of the truth," he said, still smiling at her. "And as the prettiest lady in the room, would you do me the honour of being your partner for the first set, if it has not already been taken?"

Pippa wanted to protest at being called 'the prettiest girl in the room', thinking that remark was rather ridiculous. However, she bit her tongue due to her aunt's hawklike gaze resting on her.

"My dance card is still free, Colonel Northam," she told him. "I would be honoured to dance the first set of the evening with you."

She passed her dancing card to Northam and he filled the first slot out before passing it back to her. Then, almost as though the entire universe was working against her, the music started for the first dance. The Colonel grinned happily, and Pippa could not help but ease her spiteful thoughts. He was a lovely man, who had never done anything to cause her discomfort towards him. It was all her, and she needed to overcome her negativity regarding him and like her cousin Mary had suggested, embrace the changes shifting around in her life.

"Shall we?" the Colonel asked, holding out his arm.

"Yes," she replied simply, placing her hand onto his.

"I hope you don't mind me stealing her away, Lady Barlow?" He said politely, addressing Aunt Catherine.

"Certainly not," Pippa's aunt replied with a content smile.

The two walked to the dancing floor, standing across from each other. The song was slow and almost haunting in it's melody, and the dance movements were very precise, weaving around through the area. The Colonel and Pippa were silent for a while to start with, and Pippa noticed that Bran was dancing with Harriet as they briefly swapped partners with them.

"Smile, dear cousin," Bran whispered as they briefly passed one another.

She did smile, and it was very genuine for Bran could always make her smile and laugh just by being in his presence. Her gaze then fell back onto Northam as their hands touched once more and they circled one another. Her smile softened as she took in the way he was looking at her. Life as the Colonel's wife could surely not be all that bad if he looked at her in that way every day. At that thought, she felt that unwelcome wave of nausea overcome her, yet Pippa pushed it down. No more excuses.

"Your cousin has a beautiful home," Northam commented politely.

"Thank you, Colonel," Pippa replied with a sincere smile. "Indeed she does."

The Colonel looked relieved at her response, for it was a vast improvement from her avoiding his gaze and mumbling a polite yet short response. They separated, moving back to their original positions from the start of the dance as the song ended. As the men bowed and the women curtsied Pippa observed that when she ignored that stubborn nausea, and embraced the Colonel's courtship as a welcome thing, she actually realised how lucky she was. Was her nausea now gone, and her stomach fluttering instead as he gazed over at her with such a tender look in his eye? Surely not! Yet, Pippa could not deny that as soon as she had stopped fighting against the things pulling her towards the Colonel, she had begun to feel several positive changes in her attitude regarding him.

The next song began and this one was far more upbeat and merry. Likewise, instead of the serious tone of the dancing during the previous song, the couples exuded a far more carefree and joyful atmosphere. There was jumping and clapping and twirling, and almost everyone was grinning. The Colonel and Pippa exchanged many shy yet happy smiles. Pippa had not felt so exultant in a long while, and she looked positively radiant.

Unbeknownst to the two, many of their acquaintances that were scattered around the ballroom were observing them, and commenting that the couple look absolutely enamoured with each other. The general consensus was that an announcement of engagement between the two would happen very soon. The couple were blissfully unaware of this gossip, and ended their dancing set with a curtsy and a bow whilst exchanging bashful smiles. Colonel Northam decided to finally sum up the courage to ask if he could reserve two more sets later on in the evening, and to his great delight Pippa agreed. He had never asked before, not wanting to push her into spending time with him if she was disinterested. However tonight she had given him plenty of reasons to believe that his feelings may be reciprocated, and that confidence was only extended when she accepted with a pretty blush and a smile to reserve him those two dances later on.

The evening continued to be a very joyous affair for Pippa as she gossiped and giggled with her friends and engaged in many more dances. She noticed that no matter how many other dance partners she had, none of the gentlemen could illicit the same bubbly feeling within her that Colonel Northam had. What was wrong with her? Merely hours ago she had been sulking because she would have to see him that night. Yet, now she was feeling absolutely giddy at the mere thought of him. It was funny what happened when one stopped resisting inevitable change.

When it came time to dance with Northam once more, Pippa felt everything she had felt the last time they had danced accelerate. She could not look at anyone but Colonel Northam; the intensity of her feelings both terrified and excited her. The dance began, and Northam was quick to engage in conversation. They talked of meaningless things, yet neither of them minded, simply enjoying being in one another's company again. When the second dance began though, their conversation turned more serious.

"Miss Ingram, I am to return to my home in Somerset tomorrow," he informed her.

"So suddenly, Colonel Northam?" She asked and was surprised at her disappointment and how evident it was in her voice.

"I am afraid so," he replied seeming to be equally saddened at the prospect of parting.

They were pulled apart for a few moments through the movements of the dance, and Pippa found herself very confused. If he was to return home, it was unlikely he would propose. Surely, if he knew he was to leave, he would have done so already.

"I hope nothing is the matter," she told him genuinely as they moved back to each other.

"I thank you for your concern, Miss Ingram. However, my father would simply like me to be back at home before the season. It will be my younger sisters debut into society."

Pippa, remembering her own debut, smiled at the memories.

"I am sure she will have a very memorable experience," she commented.

The Colonel only smiled at her. When the dance ended, the two went through all the polite procedures before he escorted her away from the dancing area. As he bowed to take his leave he took her hand in his, placing a gentle kiss on it, never breaking his eye contact with her. Pippa smiled timidly.

"I hope to see you in London during the season, Miss Ingram," he said.

"I would like that very much, Colonel Northam," she replied, and then that was that. That was the last time she spoke with him that night.

The rest of the evening seemed to move forward very quickly, and before Pippa knew it, it was already the very early hours of the morning. Glancing at a clock, she saw that it read a quarter to three, and sure enough the amount of guests present had dwindled greatly. Her own family was ready to leave, and said their goodbyes to Jane, Mr Ashford and Miss Ashford before making their way outside and into their carriage. The ride home was very quiet as they were all very tired, and Pippa and Georgiana rested their heads together, ready to fall asleep at any moment.

When they arrived home it was straight to bed for everyone. Georgiana's room was before Pippa's so she turned to wish her cousin a good night's sleep, but in a temporary burst of energy Georgiana excitedly pulled Pippa into her bedroom before quickly shutting the door. Pippa looked at her cousin with a flummoxed expression.

"Was I imagining things tonight, cousin?" Georgiana asked. "Or were you truly encouraging the Colonel's advances?"

Pippa smiled before pulling Georgiana over to her bed. The two girls hurriedly sat themselves down and Pippa spoke of her actions.

"I can not explain it, Georgie! I feel as though a heavy veil has been lifted from my eyes. It is as though some force was keeping me in a negative mindset and once I pushed against that, everything became clear!"

Georgiana smiled, encouraging her to continue.

"It seems ridiculous doesn't it? Yet, I can think of no other way to describe it!" Pippa confessed. "I find that I do not simply welcome the Colonel's advances, I now long for them!"

"What a strange occurrence indeed!" Georgiana mused. "But you now hope for the Colonel to propose, and will accept if he does?"

"I cannot believe I am saying this, but yes! I most certainly will!" Pippa exclaimed.

"I am so happy for you! The two of you will make a most wonderful match!" Georgiana was beaming.

"However, he is to return to his home in Somerset tomorrow, to spend time with his family over Christmas," Pippa revealed sadly.

"But he will be in London for the season?" Georgiana prompted.

"Yes, and he said he hopes to see me there, to which I replied that I would very much like to see him as well."

"I do believe he will propose during the season. More than likely shortly after your reunion, in fear that some other dashing gentleman will capture your interest."

"Do not tease me, Georgie! I do not believe any other man could catch my eye now!"

"Not even your handsome friend when you were a child?"

"Oh, please, do not mention that!"

"You once talked of him all the time!" Georgiana stated.

"An imaginary friend, no more…" Pippa mumbled, distracted now as the nauseas feeling she had been battling with all evening had finally conquered her.

"Pippa, are you not feeling well?" Georgiana asked, concerned.

"It has been a long evening," Pippa reassured her. "My body simply longs for rest."

"I will keep you awake no more then. Goodnight, cousin, sleep well. We shall have plenty of time to talk about Colonel Northam come morning."

Pippa wished Georgiana a good night's sleep in return before exiting her room. As she made her way down the hall to her own bedroom the nausea only seemed to increase, and her vision began to blur. She had never mentioned the strange affect Colonel Northam seemed to have on her to any of her family. This was because it terrified her, and voicing it out loud would only make it more real.

Yet she now felt absolutely petrified at what was happening to her; she was incredibly dizzy and the walls seemed to spin around her. Once she reached her room she was quick to fetch a glass of water from the pitcher that was always kept on her dresser. She opened the window to let the cool winter breeze in, and it soothed her somewhat. Pippa was careful to focus all her thoughts on anything but Colonel Northam.

She decided instead to think of her parents and the calming presence they had always had during her childhood. This helped somewhat, and Pippa was able to slowly remove her jewellery and hairpieces, allowing her long dark brown hair to cascade down into curly waves. Looking into her mirror she quickly removed her makeup by washing her face with a wet cloth.

Pippa had wide, round green eyes. They were a very pale green, resembling the way the ocean could sometimes appear green. Her nose was small, yet slightly pointy and her lips were full and pink. Her teeth were all well looked after – white and straight. Everything about her was dainty and petite and Georgiana often said Pippa reminded her of a swan. Pippa joked she was more likely to resemble a goose.

After removing her jewellery and makeup, Pippa undressed before slipping into her nightgown and robe. She was ready to hop into bed, for although the nausea had eased up slightly, it was still far worse than ever before. Perhaps a good night's rest would help to ease her illness, and she would wake up in the morning feeling revived? However, as she made her way over to her bed she kneeled over in pain.

Forget nausea, just then she had felt like something was ripping at every part of her. She cried out in immense agony, crumpling to the floor. Tears sprung in her eyes, and as she opened them to try and reach out and grasp something she noticed with horror that her body seemed to be glowing!

Glowing? How on earth could her body be glowing? It seemed to be emitting some kind of strange golden light. However, her time to observe this strange phenomenon was quickly cut short. The pain intensified, and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying with all her might to make it go away. However, in what seemed to be a split second, the pain abruptly vanished. Dumbfounded, Pippa cautiously opened her eyes only to gasp in shock.

Where on God's earth was she? Gone was her familiar bedroom, and in its place was something completely foreign. She seemed to be in a hallway of some kind, however it was fairly dim, lit only by odd vertical white lights. Those were certainly not lit by fire! What devilry was this? The materials used to build this place were not at all familiar to Pippa – certainly not sandstone, marble, brick or wood, but something shiny and metallic in colour.

She guessed it was made of some kind of metal, but not one that she recognised, and who would build a hallway out of such a thing? The architecture on the roof was particularly strange. Pippa felt herself begin to shake; the emotions of the day were leaving her absolutely exhausted. Her nerves could not handle much more. Just when she thought things could not possibly get worse, she heard voices from a short distance away. They appeared to be coming from around the corner of the hallway, and so Pippa began slowly backing away, so as not to alert the strangers of her presence.

"Definitely a human ship," a masculine voice said, sounding far too close for Pippa's comfort.

"I'm guessing early 76th century," he continued. "Somewhere in the solar system of Citrus Bliss!"

"Citrus Bliss?" A new, feminine voice asked sceptically. "Don't try and have me on, Doctor! I'm not gonna fall for it!"

"I'm serious!" The man, apparently a Doctor, replied indignantly. "The planet Octavia – the only inhabitable one in this solar system – is famous for it's citrus fruits! Honestly, you won't find better elsewhere."

The two rounded the corner, and Pippa saw the woman huff. She was a curvaceous woman with red hair that was awfully straight, and cut into an odd style. Even stranger were her clothes, as she was wearing trousers and a tunic! They fit her quite well, seemingly tailored for her. A small, tucked away part of Pippa found this impressively bold of the woman, yet the more prominent and proper side of her was stubborn with disapproval.

The man was tall and thin, and while he was donned in a seemingly appropriate outfit, he wore no cravat! Instead, around his neck was some other neck piece decorated in a strange pattern. He also had bizarre footwear, rather than the boots she was used to seeing men in. He was rather handsome though with his messy and wild brown hair, round brown eyes, and his protruding bottom lip.

The two were quick to notice her, and to her surprise the woman smiled with recognition. The man broke out into a grin, quickly jogging over to her, stopping so that they were standing merely inches apart.

"Pippa!" He exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace and spinning her around in the air.

What!?

"Sir, unhand me at once, you lecher!" She screeched.

Absolutely stunned, the man slowly lowered her to the ground and backed away from her, looking like a wounded puppy.

"Pippa…"

"How do you know my name?" She demanded. "This is entirely improper! We are without a suitable chaperone, for I am not acquainted with your companion. We have not even been introduced!"

"Pippa, it's me…"

"Please, sir, address me in the appropriate manner!"

This man seemed to understand a little, and with a heartbroken expression he spoke again.

"Miss Ingram…" he started hesitantly, and upon seeing Pippa's approval, continued. "Please tell me you know who I am."

"Forgive me, sir, but I do not,"

"It's us!" He protested, still in slight denial that she was unaware of whom they were.

"This is Donna Noble," he gestured to the red haired woman. "And…I'm the Doctor."

Pippa looked between them, absolutely stunned at how they could possibly know who she was. However the next thing she did was say the first thing that came to mind.

"Doctor? Doctor Who?"

Hello, Space Cowboy…