Chapter 4: Mate for Life

And I wish that you could be the one I die with. -Daniel Bedingfield

How could he? Rose asked mournfully.

Because sometimes even he can be a downright fool, the Tardis replied, her melodious voice shaking with anger. Rose, that despicable woman will destroy him. She will destroy everything! Already he has changed history for her!

Rose felt a spurt of power sparking through her blood. What do I have to do?

The Tardis laughed softly. My strong human child. You never cease to amaze me. Her smile flashed through Rose's mind. Please don't ever change.

I'll try not to, Rose replied. Because she knew that loving the Doctor and expecting nothing more than what they'd had already changed her. And it would keep changing her until she learned to live with the pain.

Rose. The Tardis's voice echoed in her heart. What are you willing to do to save him again?

Whatever I must, Rose replied without hesitation. She felt the Tardis's pride warming her blood.

Even if it means losing him forever?

What do you mean? Rose asked in confusion.

The Tardis showed her her plan. Will you do it?

Yes. If it'll save him, I'll do whatever you ask.

Good.

xoxox

"Let Rose go," the Doctor said softly. Not quite a command, but not quite a plea either. He moved toward the Tardis after a reassuring glance at Reinette. The Tardis could practically feel the smugness radiating off the other woman and she glanced at Reinette with mild passiveness. I could turn you to dust with but a thought, she told the French woman and was pleased to see a sudden wild fear in her eyes.

The Tardis glance up. The Doctor was only two feet away. She deliberately stepped back. She felt only a tiny, passing guilt when she saw the bruised look in his chocolate eyes. "You will never hurt Rose again. I will not let you. I am her protector."

The Doctor froze. "What do you mean?" A note of panic rang in his voice.

"You forfeited the right to keep her the moment you left her. Now, it is my turn to keep her safe… from you," the Tardis replied with an intense stare. The Doctor could feel the power washing into the room from the Tardis. "She could have stayed with you forever, you know."

"What do you mean, 'forever'?"

She looked at him in sadness and disappointment. "Before you took most of the Vortex from her, I gave her a gift. I could not bear the thought of Rose leaving you. When I was in her mind, I was overwhelmed by how strongly she loved you. I have never encountered any human who loved you as much as I do. So I left a piece of myself to dwell in the core of her mind."

"That's why you were able to connect with her again!" the Doctor deducted. "So, those rare moment when I saw a tiny fleck of gold in her eyes, I wasn't just imagining things?" he laughed humorlessly, shooting her an accusing look. The Tardis shrugged it off. Telling him that had only been for his peace of mind.

"The gift I gave her was as close to immortality as any human will ever get."

"Immortality?" Reinette broke in. The greed in her eyes was so strong, even the Doctor looked away in disgust.

"She would have lived as long as you did," the Tardis said. "The one companion who could stay by your side for the rest of your life."

The Doctor stared at her slack jawed. "What?"

"I'm sorry, Doctor. Now I see how wrong I was for bestowing this gift. I almost destroyed her."

"What?" the Doctor repeated.

"Maybe I was wrong about her too." The Tardis indicated Reinette who suddenly brightened up again. "I think it would be best if Rose left."

"What?" the Doctor practically screamed.

"I take back my gift." There was a flash of bright light. "And because of my mistake and my love for this human child, I give her new life."