He wasn't sure what had made him think of it but for some reason the Doctor was trying to remember a certain mating ritual. Or, as he would put it later, marriage. How did it go? That's right, make your mind go blank, he hummed. No, wait, that was some kind of Earth meditation. Yes make your mind go blank. That was right, but no humming. But what was next? Was there something to do with pictures? He couldn't quite remember. Oh, the chanting! There was the chanting. What next? Ah, that was the pictures. He saw pictures... He didn't think he had thought of them, or the chanting, which meant he could have... There was an image of a solar system, followed by a planet, and a girl. A young girl, a child. School age. He didn't recognise her.

"Doctor, what are you doing?"

He sat up straight and gave Rose one of his signature smiles. "I think I may have done something terrible."

"If its so terrible then why are you grinning like a Cheshire cat?"

"Because it might be wonderful." He ran to the TARDIS console and put it into flight.

"Where are we going?"

The Doctor remembered that Rose couldn't, shouldn't, be in on this. Not yet. The TARDIS landed and he stepped through the blue double doors.

"Rose, stay here, this is personal."

Rose would have argued but personal was personal and the Doctor was, well, the Doctor so personal could mean anything.

"Call me if you get in trouble, yeah?"

"Nothing bad could possibly happen." Yet.

"You said you'd done something terrible."

"I said I could have and I also said it could be wonderful."

"What is 'it'?"

"That's personal." He walked off, shutting the door behind him. He was in a school. This was definitely the right place. Earth, England, Birmingham. She was here, he was sure of it. He found the Deputy Head Teacher, or rather the Teacher walked into him. He immediately produced his psychic paper.

"Oh, please come into my office."

The Doctor looked at his psychic paper and followed the Deputy into his office. It said he was a detective. Interesting choice, it fitted well for the situation.

"Mr Hansel." The man introduced himself, putting a hand out. The Doctor took it. "What can I do for you?"

The Doctor thought for a moment and a name floated into his mind.

"I need to see Alicia Bennett. If possible I would like to talk to her alone."

"Of course, I'll go and get her. You can use my office to talk in. Is it something we need to know about?"

"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to discuss the situation with anyone else."

The Deputy bit his lip. "Yes, I'll be back in a moment."

A few minutes later he came back with a small child, around six years old. He couldn't help himself, he grinned. He couldn't tell a six-year-old what had happened, but he could introduce himself.

"Hello, I'm the Doctor."

"But, I'm not ill."

"I know." What could he say to such a young child about what happened? She was too young, she wouldn't understand any of it. So, he just said this.

"I'm here to see you because you're a very special person."

"I'm special?"

He knelt down so that he could look at her properly. He wanted to touch her, but he got the feeling he shouldn't, not yet, not when she was so little, so fragile.

"Oh you're very special, more special than the sun."

The confused look she gave him was cute.

"Why am I special?"

He hesitated. He couldn't tell her yet. He reached for her and stopped himself.

"Just know that you are special and that I'll be around. Look out for me."

This was enough. He stood back up and stepped around the young girl to open the door. Mr Hansel was waiting outside.

"We're done, don't worry Mr Hansel, she'll be fine. I'll find my own way out." He took one more look at Alicia and started off towards the TARDIS.

"Sir, the exit is that way."

"No it isn't."

When he returned to the TARDIS he sank into one of the old chairs in the console room and ran a hand through his hair. He was still smiling. He hadn't noticed Rose leaning on the console.

"So, this personal business. Is it over with?"

To hide the jump she gave him he leapt towards the console and started her up.

"No, we're just getting started." His voice was quiet, almost a whisper.

Rose watched him run around the console with her arms crossed. This wasn't an adventure and she didn't like being left out of whatever was going on.

"Where are we going?"

Finished, the Doctor stepped back from the console. This was about to get serious.

"Omaria, it literally translates to mercy. The indigenous species are a telepathic race called the Amoran. They're a peaceful people. They like peace so much that they abolished the laws to do with marriage and evolved based on a combination of mental and physical rituals the who pair up are so well matched the couldn't possibly want to part. Well, that's the theory anyway. Really, they could have just got rid of the rules and left it at that.

"And we are going to Omaria why?" asked Rose.

"I need to talk to someone." He said gravely. Rose immediately knew she was staying behind again.

"I'll just stick around here."

Now Rose was acting weird but he could deal with her later. Right now he was breathing a sigh of relief.

"Thanks Rose. I wish I could tell you what happened but I can't. It wouldn't be right. I'll be back as soon as I can."

So once again he stepped outside, this time onto a dusty road, and shut the door. He ran down streets lined with dome buildings with hexagon-shaped glass panels as their walls until he found where he was looking for. It was the largest dome with red and orange glass panes. It seemed to be a building of high standing. He knocked on the oval door which was opened by a hominid covered in blue scales which gleamed like the sun on the sea when the sunlight caught them.

"Is it possible to talk to a man called Clman." The Doctor asked in a hurry."

The hominid shut the door which was soon opened by another of the scaly hominids.

"Hello Doctor, you are troubled by... Oh dear, you had better come in." The man, Clman, led the way into a room furnished with red sofa's. "Would you like a drink Doctor? It would be a good idea after the day you've had. No? I would still suggest some Mandala tea, it is very useful in these situations. It would also be a good idea to talk to your friend. She seems very upset."

"She undertands."

"Actually, she is very frustrated with you for not telling her anything and doesn't know why you're suddenly hiding things from her."

"Well I can't tell her, it wouldn't be fair to Alicia."

"Ah, so you've met her then."

"Who?"

"Your Guandan. Clearly the urges are not much different in you than in our own species."

"My Guandan? Oh, that would be Alicia." He muttered even though he knew the Amoran was reading his mind.

"You catch on quickly Doctor"

"What are the urges?" He asked with dread.

"You found Alicia" Hinted Clman.

"Because I thought she should know."

"Or was it because you wanted to see her, the one person you will be spending the rest of your, or rather her, life with?"

"The rest of my life?" The Doctor tried to stay calm because from now on he had no idea what he was doing.

"I think you'll find Doctor, that it will be difficult for you to keep away from her in the future. It would be a good idea to do the Ritual of Allegiance as soon as possible."

"You can read my mind, Clman. Don't wait for me to ask the question." He didn't mean to be rude but he was panicking. Maybe some Mandala tea would be a good idea.

"I'll have some brought in. The Ritual of Allegiance confirms you each accepting the others presence into your lives. It is the beginning of a lasting relationship."

Relationship, lasting relationship! The tea arrived and the Doctor immediately poured himself a cup.

"It is a short and simple ceremony. When could we do this?"

Relationship. He really didn't want to accept that, not with Rose around. He should never have tried to remember or even asked about the mating system here, but the history books had only told him so much.

"Well, not yet. I told her I would see her around and she's to young to remember what she did if she does it now. I'll find a better time and come back."

"Remember Doctor, you only have so much time."

On the walk back to the TARDIS the Doctor had planned to talk to Rose. He sifted through what he could tell her. There wasn't much.

"Finally, you're back. I thought you'd got into trouble again." He grinned as best he could after the conversation and what he was about to have.

"I'm always in trouble." Then he took a deep breath. "Rose I need to talk to you." He held his breath and tried to work out how to explain this. He put his hands on her shoulders and breathed out. You remember I was telling you how the Amorans abolished the marriage laws?" He looked into her eyes and she nodded. "And before when I said I might have done something terrible?" Rose nodded again.

"I don't understand."

"When the Amorans got rid of marriage they replaced it with a Ritual. Earlier, when you asked me what I was doing, I was remembering that ritual. I didn't realise I was actually doing it."

"So, you did a ritual and now you have a..." She didn't have the strength to say the word.

"It's worse than that. Rose, things are going to happen and I have no idea what I'm doing." He tried his best not to look scared. "I didn't mean to do it. It was an accident. A very big accident that no one ever needs to know about. You got that?" He let go of her shoulders and she looked away.

"So, what now? I mean, the Amorans must have told you something?"

"So I find her again, when she's older. There's something the Amorans have to do with us. Another ritual." He neglected to tell her that they would be making some otherwise unnecessary stops on the way, but he had to keep his promise to Alicia.

"Okay? So, what do I do, just sit around here?"

"I have an idea where she might be. I thought we could go get some tea while we're out."

"I can come with you?"

"If you're willing to stake out in a coffee shop."

"Yes, good. So, tea?" It wasn't sinking in very easily but Rose thought she was getting jealous.

The Doctor walked up to the console and set the coordinates just around the corner from where he thought Alicia lived. There was a coffee shop two streets away, with a bit of luck Alicia would walk by and notice them. At the moment Alicia should still be six years old so even if she could tell he was nearby it wouldn't be up to her where she went shopping. After two days of drinking tea Alicia finally walked past holding a woman's hand. Rose noticed the difference in the Doctor when he saw her.

"Who is she Doctor? Which one is she?"

The Doctor didn't turn back until Alicia was out of sight. "Can't you guess?"

"There were a lot of people, you could have been looking at anyone." Rose replied.

"Well, she's gone now."The Doctor picked up his coat and they left.

"Why are we doing this. Why can't you just go up and talk to her?" The Doctor paused and stood still. "Because she's six." His voice was quiet, hesitant. He started walking again in a rush to get off that point. "Which is why I need to find her when she's older."

The shock Rose felt when she realised she was jealous of a six-year old was overpowering. She was nearly left behind. When she reached the TARDIS she sat down and let thoughts reel through her mind. The Doctor, and a kid. Which also meant the Doctor had created a link with someone at least 894 years younger than himself. What about her! Why wasn't it her? true she knew nothing about how the Amoran ritual worked and she had the feeling that the Doctor didn't either. Still, she was out done by a six-year old. She didn't know whether to feel sorry for the child or not. After all she was only twenty, but she wasn't married to him, however much she might want to be and this girl, this little kid had no idea! She'd barely met the man. She knew nothing about him but she was suddenly a rival in an unknown battle. Never mind the fact that she'd won already. At least that was what Rose thought. Well, she wasn't going to go down that easily. Then she began to think logically.

"You are in a lot of trouble." She managed to say, not realising that the Doctor had gone and come back at least once already. "You're right, no one can ever find out about this." UNIT would have a field day if they found out.

"Okay, I think she should be seven by now. Only one way to find out!" He once again left the TARDIS with Rose still inside it. It was obvious that he already knew how old Alicia was but he hoped Rose was to distracted to notice. He had no idea what she was thinking about, but again, that could wait until later.
This time he walked out into a park. He didn't see Alicia straight away and then he found her high in the ropes of a climbing frame. Just like the last two times she was looking at him, except this time she didn't look away. She hadn't looked at him this long since the first time they met. He wondered what she was thinking. It was a lot longer for her and he couldn't help thinking how often she thought of him.
Soon he would have to stop doing this. He didn't really know where the idea came from but as soon as they did the Ritual of Allegiance he planned to stop just seeing her and get to protecting her in the only way he knew how. By having adventures and getting rid of dangerous aliens, like the ones who try to enslave humankind. With any luck she wouldn't notice what was going on and would have a normal childhood. Protecting Earth is what he did anyway, he'd said that to the Sykorax some three Christmas's ago? Or was it last Christmas? Then Torchwood had blown them up. He didn't think he would ever get over Torchwood. That name meant trouble. They went against everything he stood for. Perhaps he should protect her from them as well. Why was Christmas always a nightmare? At least she didn't live in London. He groaned as he opened the TARDIS door.

"What happened?"

"I was thinking about Torchwood."

"Oh."

"I think I know the perfect place." He muttered. On his various small visits to Alicia the Doctor had found out small things about her routine, like she went to her grandparents every weekend and that they had a house kept back from the road surrounded by fields.

"The perfect place for what?"

"For that other Ritual I mentioned."

"I'm sorry?"

"The Amorans need to do a second Ritual. I found somewhere where I can get to Alicia easily and the Ritual can take place away from prying eyes."

"So, she's called Alicia."

"Yes." The TARDIS landed and the Doctor left again. He landed in front of the same red and orange dome as the last time he had been on Omaria. If he was right he had been five minutes. He walked up to the door but it was opened before he could knock. It was Clman.

"I sensed your presence. We are ready." The man gestured to four other Amorans who were holding various sized rocks and wearing red robes. Clman however turned to pick up a potted tree. "We will be needing it for the Ritual." Answered Clman to the silent question. "I can explain the Ritual now or later?"

"Perhaps it would be better to explain in front of Alicia as well."

"If that is what you want." The Amoran bowed telling the Doctor to lead the way. The Doctor opened the TARDIS doors and each of them walked in.

"Rose this is Clman and..." Realising he didn't know any of the others he trailed off there.

"We are the Order of the Mathe." Each member bowed. None of the Amorans put down what they were holding. Expecting short and bumpy trip after reading both the Doctor's and Rose's minds concerning the Doctor's driving they thought it would be better to hold the artefacts. The Doctor and Rose walked to one side of the room.

"What are they going to do?"

"I don't know" Was the Doctors completely honest answer.

"So you have no idea why they have a tree?"

"Well, I'm guessing it's sacred." Rose rolled her eyes. What would be the point of it if it wasn't?

"Doctor, if you please?" called out one of the Amorans.

The Doctor walked over to the console and set the coordinates for Shobdon, 2008. Specifically, a field. Once the whirring and the shaking stopped and the normally proud looking Amorans got themselves back together they exited the TARDIS. All except Rose, who the Amorans had told wasn't allowed to witness such a personal ceremony. That meant the scanner had to be turned off as well. This just made her jealousy of Alicia worse. The Amorans went to a clear spot in the middle of the field. The Doctor went to find a now eight year old Alicia. It was a long walk but he found her near a river. There was a boy there to, who the Doctor recognised as Alicia's brother. Time seemed to have slowed down to allow Alicia to leave unnoticed. Her brother wasn't moving but she was turning looking at the spectacle. Eventually she noticed the Doctor, standing not far away. He signalled for her to come with him. He didn't know what to say so he didn't say anything and, even though he really wanted to hold her hand he managed not to. She was still to fragile. Of what he had no idea but she was to fragile for what would happen if he touched her. Touching meant something would happen, something huge and he got the idea that it would be very painful. Not touching her, no, what would happen afterwards.
When he had left, the Amorans had only started setting the rocks down. Now they were in a large circle. Also, there was an old tree where they were standing, but he was sure it wasn't there before. Could it have been that tiny plant they brought with them? When Alicia saw them, she hid behind the Doctor. He turned around and knelt in front of her, just like he did two years ago.

"It's okay, don't be afraid of them. They won't hurt you." He whispered the words to her quietly. "I'm not going anywhere."

Alicia nodded, he got up and they walked over to the Amorans. Then Clman began to explain what was going to happen.

"All you two have to do is stand in the circle facing each other and when I ask you to repeat what I say, then you repeat after me. Most of the Ritual is us doing things, but don't worry about that, just make sure you don't look away from each other. You may be distracted by some sounds, but whatever you do, do not look away."

The two of them entered the circle and faced each other. It was difficult for Alicia, but she still looked into the Doctors eyes. The Doctor looked down and saw that she was smiling. It was a lovely smile, trusting. Especially since she was surrounded by unknown creatures. The Amorans started chanting and the first of five larger stones began to glow. As the chanting increased the glow began to spread to several smaller stones surrounding it. Then an explosion happened. It was small but everyone jumped. Still the Doctor and Alicia didn't look away. After the explosion the song changed and the second large stone began to glow. once again the chanting increased and the glow spread until a small explosion was produced. The song changed again and a third rock began to glow. This time before the glow could spread outwards Clman interrupted, but the Order kept chanting.

"Doctor, repeat after me. To the states I pledge allegiance to my beloved."

The Doctor had forgotten this bit and it was harder to remember the words because the connection between himself and Alicia was easily getting stronger.

"What?"

"To the states I pledge allegiance to my beloved!" Clman had to shout above the chanting.

"To the states I pledge allegiance to my beloved." The Doctor shouted back.

"Alicia, say to the states I pledge allegiance to my beloved."

By now the glow had spread to the surrounding rocks and she had to say it before the glow exploded.

"I pledge allegiance to my beloved." Her voice could just be heard.

"That'll do."

Then the third explosion erupted. Both the Doctor and Alicia felt something change in them, something almost unnoticed. Alicia's hand started reaching towards the Doctor. The song changed twice more and twice more explosions happened, each louder than the one before. Even when the Amorans stopped chanting Alicia and the Doctor didn't stop looking at each other. Eventually they were forced apart until the Doctor was able to take Alicia back to the river. Now it was even more difficult not to touch her. "To fragile, to fragile." was all that was stopping him, even though he had no idea what he was trying to protect her from.