Universal Impact

Chapter 1

14th December 5158

Stormcage

My heart raced and my palms sweat as the TARDIS materialised outside of my cell. That brilliant, impossible man stepped out of the time machine and said, ''Hi, honey. I'm home.''

He soniced the door and the alarm immediately sounded. I walked out casually and he held his hand out towards the entrance and said, ''After you.''

The thought I had been lingering on before he arrived burned in my mind. How am I going to tell him that I am carrying his child? I entered and sat in a chair while he flew the TARDIS into the time vortex. Upon sitting, I immediately felt very deprived of energy.

He took notice and asked, ''Are you alright, River?''

''I'm fine, just a bit fatigued, that's all,'' I said. I paused for a few moments then asked, ''Are you past the night when you took me to the Medusa Cascade?''

''Yes, I am,'' he said with a smile.

''That was an incredible night, wasn't it? It was one of the best places you've taken me, I think.''

I carefully got up and walked over to him. I kissed him on the lips passionately.

''Your hands are sweating... You're deprived of energy. You're hiding something from me, River Song.''

I cackled flirtatiously and wrapped my arm around his neck. I whispered the news in his ear and he was silent, but a jubilant smile was on his face.

''We're going to be parents!,'' he exclaimed, running around the console.

He was about to type in his destination, but I stopped him. ''I know it's tempting, Sweetie, but I want it to be a surprise.''

He seemed a bit disappointed, but then said, ''Then it's off to the Ponds!''

Dinner at my parent's house was a normal occurrence for the Doctor and I, but it was a tad more nerve wracking, given recent events. They welcomed us with open arms, as always, but my Mother noticed my slightly abnormal condition.

''River, you seem tired. Are you okay?,'' she asked once we sat on the sofa across from my parents in their lounge.

''Yes, I'm fine, it's just...'' I gave the Doctor a look that said I was ready to announce the news. He gently squeezed my hand and I told them the news.

''About three weeks ago, the Doctor took me to the Medusa Cascade and... never mind that, what I'm trying to say is... I'm pregnant.''

''What?!'' they shouted in unison at my announcement.

''How are you pregnant? Didn't you two get married just a couple of months ago?,'' Mum asked.

''From your point of view, Amy. We got married a couple of years ago,'' the Doctor explained.

''I'm twenty four years old and I'm going to be a grandmother. That's exciting, but really weird.''

Dad was still shocked, but it took a minute or so to process what was happening.

''I'm... going to be a grandfather. A grandfather! We're too young to be grandparents. How...''

I thought he was used to that sort of thing by now, but apparently not. The Doctor slapped him on the back of the shoulder and said, ''Well then, Mr. Pond, this calls for a celebration!''

Two minutes later, they made a toast (my beverage was water, obviously) to good health and prosperity. An hour later, the Doctor and I left because I was feeling slightly dizzy and nauseated. However, the moment I entered the TARDIS, I felt fine.

''Are you sure you're okay? You look quite pale.''

''Yes... can I stay here, I mean, the guards probably wouldn't let me keep it and...''

''Of course,'' he said immediately.

''Just promise me that you won't let what happened to me happen to them. Promise me, please,'' I said desperately.

He came over to me and wrapped his arms around my midsection. ''I solemnly swear it. I will protect it until I draw my last breath. I won't let you down, River. I won't.''

His answer made me breathe a sigh of relief, making me confident that our child will be well protected and looked after. I was certain that they will have the best father in the universe.

I woke up in the middle of the night and rushed to the toilet. The nausea was, hopefully, at its peak. I sighed and clutched my stomach. Having heard the noise, I saw the Doctor in the doorway with a highly concerned look on his face.

''It's alright, Sweetie, just-argh- morning sickness.''

My stomach churned and he came to my side. He went over to the drawer, got a wet cloth and handed it to me. I cleaned myself up, but as soon as I did, I bent over the toilet and the horrible morning sickness resumed. He rubbed my back gently, in an attempt to comfort me.

''It's definitely worse than a human pregnancy,'' I said honestly.

''It still takes nine months to develop, but it might have two hearts, causing it to be more painful... I think I have something for the pain... I'll be right back.''

He ran off and a couple of minutes later, he came back with a vile of green liquid in his hand. It looked very revolting and putrid, but I had to take it if I wanted the pain to lessen.

''There you go. It will take an hour to take full effect and their are no side effects. It's the best medicine I have for pregnancy.''

I took it trying not to think of how gross it would taste. After taking it, he helped me up and I went back to our bedroom and dressed for the day. While in the process of doing so, I couldn't help but think that these next few months are going to be restless.

A/N: Sorry! It's been ages! If you are confused on anything in this chapter, PM me. Reviews make me happy! : )