Disclaimer: I don't own Doctor Who, Torchwood or any thing associated with the brand. If I did, I wouldn't be writing this. I only own Luna and the plot

Keep the hope

Chapter 1

It was supposed to be a beautiful summer evening in Denver but the skies were black with heavy rain clouds. Large raindrops fell in quick succession, soaking everything they touched. The walkways were littered with puddles, the gutters were straining under the weight of the water and the roads were glistening under the lights of the cars. It was so dark that street lights and car lamps were essential. The cars themselves were driving slower than normal through possibility of skidding in the extra slippery asphalt roads. It wasn't a pleasant evening at all and not the conditions to be walking home alone.

But Tracy Abbott was doing just that. She had spent the day attending classes at the University of Denver. She was studying law and had finished for the summer. Now she was heading back to her apartment after a drink with her friends. She was heading back to her home in South Dakota in the morning, with her father picking her up. The rain had started suddenly not long after Tracy had stepped out of the bar. She wasn't exactly dressed for these wet conditions, just jeans, a vest top and a small denim jacket, and was felt cold quite quickly.

"Well, isn't this brilliant," She said sarcastically, "I knew I should've worn my coat."

It was a bit late to start moaning. She lifted her jacket over her head to make a hood and started walking.

Her pace was almost jogging but any faster and her feet would get wetter quicker. Her shoes were only ballet pumps so left the tops of her feet and ankles exposed to water. She soon came to a grocery store with a canopy reaching over the street. She stopped and stood underneath, catching her breath. Her top was stuck like tape to her and her red hair was dripping water on to her shoulders. She looked ahead and saw she was only a few feet from her apartment door. She gathered her breath then started trudging through the falling rain. It was then that she had a strange feeling she was being watched. She came to a halt and looked around her but she couldn't see anyone. Everyone in the neighbourhood was all hiding inside from the storm and the only people outside were all driving. Fearing that she was becoming paranoid, she set off again to the apartment.

Then she heard it. It was like heavy footsteps. There was a marching rhythm to them. It also sounded metallic. She looked around but found nothing. She sped up faster and found that the footsteps were keeping up with her. Whatever was making the noise, it was following her. She had to get home.

It was a relief when she got to her door. She placed her hand in her pocket and started rooting around for her key. The metallic footsteps were getting louder. The creatures were getting closer. Finally, Tracy pulled out her key, put it in the lock and opened the door. But as she stepped inside, the cold metal hand grabbed her shoulder. The door swung back and shut itself, leaving the apartment empty.

There was pleasant calmness within the TARDIS as the Doctor listened to Luna's conversation with her mother. The bright brunette sat on the chair with her mobile phone rested against her right ear. She was listening to what her mother had been up to since they last spoke to each other. Even though Luna enjoyed travelling with the Doctor, it was nice to talk to her mother. It reassured her that all was safe on Earth and her mother was well. Her mother knew that Luna was travelling the universe and encouraged her to savour every moment. All she asked was that they talked on the phone as often as Luna could. Although it meant he was ignored for a few minutes, the Doctor liked to see Luna staying grounded. It was all too easy for those travelling with him to get carried away, sometimes leading to devastating results. So he encouraged her to talk to her mother between adventures.

After a total of fifteen minutes, Luna finished her phone time.

"How is she then?" The Doctor asked, flicking a few buttons.

"She's great," Luna replied, "She's in Tenerife with some bingo mates."

The Doctor smiled but sensed that wanted to say more.

"I don't envy her though. She must sit at home some times and worry about me. I would if the roles were reversed."

This thought made Luna feel a bit sad. She loved travelling in the TARDIS, she enjoyed every adventure and adored the Doctor but she missed her mother. Seeing the concern in Luna's blue eyes brought the Doctor over. He put his arms around her shoulders and hugged her. She smiled softly as she let him hold her against him. She always felt safe and warm when he hugged her. When they finished the hug, Luna's smile was a little bigger, showing that she felt better.

"Do you want to see her?" The Doctor asked.

"Well, yes but she's not at home, is she?"

"I know, but we could go and meet her."

"What? Land your little blue box on a beach in Tenerife?"

"Why not?"

Luna saw the adventurous and almost childish look in his eyes. He really wanted to go. In fact Luna, too, wanted to see her mother. So it was unanimous, they were going to Tenerife.

The co-ordinates for the location were put in the TARDIS computer and Luna set to work helping the Doctor to fly the blue box. This was one thing that she loved to do. It always meant a new adventure was on its way. Also Luna was getting quick at using the controls. The Doctor had been teaching her to fly his faithful ship and she was determined to learn. The two friends dashed around the console, pulling levers, pressing buttons and twiddling machinery. A childish excitement built up as the Doctor started telling Luna a story about his last trip to a Spanish island. He was talking in his usual quick-paced fashion and Luna could see the boyish glint in his widened eyes. It always made her smile.

Suddenly, the TARDIS landed with a large jolt that sent both of them to the floor on their backs. For a few seconds there was silence. They turned and looked at each other. Then two toothy grins spread across their faces until the control room echoed to the sound of their laughter. The Doctor stood up and helped Luna up. He threw his coat on over his blue suit then led Luna out. They both took a step outside. Suddenly, they heard guns being discharged. Luna's heart started beating hard as she was faced with six soldiers aiming their guns at her and the Doctor. They were unlike any armed forces that she had come across, dressed in black uniforms with red berets. This definitely wasn't Tenerife.

Hope you like it so far. The next chapter will be up soon.