AN: Now we get into Tara's first dangerous situation. WARNING! There is some mention of rape in this chapter. Nothing explicit, just some implications. I do NOT in any way condone such a vile crime. I am simply writing about something that was (and unfortunately still is) practiced by some of the worst kind of criminals.
Disclaimer: Still don't own DW or HP. No chance I ever will, either.
The Doctor was worried. Rose and Tara have been gone exactly twenty-three minutes and fifteen seconds. They promised to be back in ten. He turned to Jack, concern etched into his features. "Jack, have you seen the girls? Maybe they got lost in the crowd."
Jack frowned. "No, I haven't. I think it's time to look for them." He looked around for a spot to hide from prying eyes. Spotting a nook behind some curtains, he pointed it out. The Doctor followed him over, knowing what Jack had planned. The ex time agent pulled his Vortex Manipulator from his pocket. "I'll use this to scan for their bio-signatures. Hopefully, they're just somewhere in the house."
While Jack did his scan, the anxious Time Lord did the same with his sonic screwdriver. The Doctor growled when his scan back with negative results. He turned to Jack, fear in his eyes. "Getting anything? Please tell me you've got something!"
Jack sighed and looked up at his friend. "I've picked up their signatures, but they're weak. They aren't in the house or on the property. They appear to be about two and a half kilometers south of here. Any way you can give this thing a boost? I need to expand the search area."
The Doctor took a calming breath before aiming his sonic at the battered Vortex Manipulator. If he didn't calm down at least a little, he could end up blowing the thing to pieces. After several very tense moments, the Manipulator beeped.
Jack let out a relieved sigh. "They aren't far. We should be able to get there quickly. Do you think Charles would let us borrow a couple of horses?"
They both jumped when the curtain opened, revealing their host. "Of course you may borrow some horses. I apologize for listening in, but I noticed that your young ladies had not returned. I was looking for you to suggest organizing a search party. Several constables are in attendance, and all of them would be willing to help. Shall I have them meet you at the stables?"
The Doctor blinked at the Don in surprise. "We would very much appreciate the help. But, um, could you please not mention the whole alien technology thing? If it comes up, just say that you overheard someone saying where the girls have been taken."
Charles nodded and quickly set off to gather a search party. Jack and The Doctor took off towards the exit. They only had to wait a couple of minutes before a large group of men joined them. Within a few minutes, all the horses were saddled and prepped to go. Many of the men then began to load various firearms. The Doctor made a face of disgust as he watched a young man no older than twenty load a pistol.
Jack sighed as he accepted a revolver from one of the constables. He had hoped to never need a gun again after Torchwood. He had come to despise the weapons nearly as much as The Doctor. The thought of the girls in danger, however, steeled his resolve. He glanced at the angry Time Lord and nodded down at his gun.
The Doctor glared at Jack as he watched him handle the weapon. Unbidden, an image of a terrified Rose filled his mind. His eyes flashed, and his jaw set. Soon his hand held the cold metal of a small revolver. He was The Doctor, The Oncoming Storm, and he WOULD get his friends back if it was the last thing he did. Without a word, he jumped on his horse and led the charge across the darkened pastures.
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Rose couldn't see. She hated not being able to see. She also had a foul tasting cloth stuffed in her mouth. She spit the offending rag out before feeling around the darkened space she was in. This was very difficult, though, with her hands and feet bound tightly. Judging by the cramped feel of the prison, she guessed she was in some sort of closet. It smelled like mouldy bread and rotten food, so it must be some sort of pantry or larder. She wrinkled her nose against the smell and struggled to sit up. Okay, Rose, think! How would The Doctor get out of this? With that gob of his, he'd probably talk his captors to death, that's what. She allowed herself a small smile at the thought.
She took a few steadying breaths and began to feel around for something to cut her bonds. Lightly feeling along the floor and walls, she discovered a nail that stuck out a couple of centimeters. It was just the head, so she couldn't use it to cut anything, but hopefully she could use it to loosen the ropes around her wrists. After several minutes of quiet struggling, her hands were free. She quickly loosened the ropes around her ankles and loosely arranged the one her wrists to appear intact. She did this just in times, as she could hear someone approach her makeshift cell.
The door opened, revealing a paunchy older man. He smiled evilly, showing crooked and blackened teeth. "Oh, good! The pretty little doll is awake. Oh, yer a lovely lass ain't ya? Too bad the boss said ain't nobody to touch ya but 'im. But…" he paused and leered at her, "he didn't say nothin' 'bout yer bonny little friend. Reckon the boys downstairs is havin' lot o' fun with 'er. Maybe I'll join 'em. Or maybe the boss'll let me watch as he 'aves 'is fun with ya." He ran one of his filthy fingers down her cheek and cackled horribly.
Rose could take no more. She spit at the vile man before raising her voice, hoping someone would hear and come help. "You pig! The Doctor is coming, and you'll be sorry! When he finds us, and he will, you better pray neither of us are hurt. Because if we are, well then God have mercy on ya, cause Jack and The Doctor sure as Hell won't!" Having said her bit, she continued to glare at the monster before her.
The horrid man merely laughed as he turned and walked away. The door swung shut behind him, leaving Rose in darkness once more. She silently prayed to every deity she could think of that help would arrive soon. Not for her sake, but for her friend's.
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Tara came to her senses slowly. She groaned groggily and tried to move into a comfortable position. This was, however, impossible. She seemed to be chained to a cold stone wall. She opened her eyes and looked around, trying to gauge her surroundings. It was fairly dark in her corner of what appeared to be a large, dank cellar. She could just make out the tattered remains of her beautiful ball gown on the floor in front of her. That, at least, explained why she was so damned cold. She had on nothing but a flimsy chemise and petticoat.
Two men were on the far side of the room, arguing loudly. Tara strained to listen, hoping to catch some useful information. "Why the bleedin' 'ell do you get first go?" whined the short one.
The bald man poked the other in the chest. "Because, eedjit, I'm the one what convinced the boss to let us 'ave 'er. That's why I get 'er first. You can 'ave 'er when I'm finished."
Tara's brain locked up. Oh my God, those pigs plan on… RAPING me! I have to get out of here! She prayed to that could pull off wandless magic in her half-drugged state. Silently, she willed the manacles to unlock. After what felt like hours, she heard the loud click that meant freedom.
Unfortunately, Baldy also heard. He was in front of her so fast, she thought he apparated. His mouth twisted into a cruel smile. "Well lookie 'ere! Looks like our little guest has managed to get free! Too bad it won't do ya no good, darlin'." He got right in her face and whispered, "I'm a lot stronger than them rusty ol' chains. I think it's time I taught ya yer rightful place 'round here."
He threw her on the hard ground like a ragdoll. Too stunned to move, the poor girl was unable to prevent his attack. When he ripped off the little clothing she had remaining, she screamed. She screamed until she thought her lungs would burst. In an effort to silence her, the monster hit her repeatedly in the side of her head. The last image she saw before slipping into unconsciousness, was that of a blurry figure ripping her attacker away. Then everything faded to black.
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The Doctor, Jack, and the rescue party flew across the fields to location of where the girls were being held. A large, dilapidated house loomed into view after cresting the last hill. They could see lights flickering in a few of the windows. Jack pulled back on the reins, and raised his lantern, signaling for the group to stop.
Sergeant Jameson came up beside the Captain. "Sir, why are we stopping? The target is in our sights!"
Jack pushed down his anxiety and anger. "If we ride up, yelling and guns blazing, they might kill Rose and Tara. I think me, The Doctor, you, and one other should go ahead and try to sneak in. Everyone else should stay out of sight nearby until they are needed. We don't want an unnecessary casualties."
The Sergeant nodded in understanding before turning to assembled men. "Right. You lot heard Sir Harkness. Broderick, you come with us, the rest of you follow at a distance and then hide where possible. From here, we should proceed on foot to keep noise to a minimum. We'll tie the horses to the trees here, so two men will need to stay behind as guards." Broderick, a muscular young constable, came forward to join his commanding officer. Two of the younger men volunteered to stay with the horses.
The Doctor nodded at the men with him. He hadn't said one word since leaving the estate. He had no words to describe the fear and anger he was feeling. He knew he wouldn't be able to speak properly until Rose was in his arms and Tara was in Jack's. He was so afraid that his newest friend would leave them. Her first trip was supposed to just be a fun little jaunt to the past so she could get used to this universe. But of course, the universe was not kind. She just had to get kidnapped first time out. He prayed to every god that he didn't even believe in that both girls would be OK.
Jack glanced at his friend worriedly. He hadn't spoken in nearly an hour, but his eyes were black with anger. There was no telling what the fiercely angry Time Lord would do to the people responsible for taking the girls. He took a calming breath and set his face in an emotionless mask as the group came upon the house. He motioned for Jameson and Broderick to go upstairs, while he and The Doctor searched the main floor and cellar.
Jameson nodded and made his way up to the door as quietly as possible. He opened the door slowly and thanked the Saints it was quiet. He peered inside and found the entryway abandoned. These scum obviously didn't think they would be found. The four crept in and split according to Jack's instructions.
The Doctor and Jack made quick work of the front rooms. They soon found a trail in the dust leading toward the kitchen. Jack led the way into the small kitchen, his ears on alert for any tiny sound. A light scuffling noise grabbed his attention. It seemed to coming from the door to his right. He tapped The Doctor on the shoulder and motioned to the door.
The Doctor nodded and moved to open it, but before he could, it opened from the other side. Standing in the doorway of a tiny pantry, was Rose! Other than a little dirty and ruffled, she appeared unharmed. Her eyes widened at the sight of her Time Lord. She made to rush into his arms, but he shook his head and put a finger to his lips.
"Where's Tara?" he whispered as loud as he dared.
Rose pointed downward. "The cellar," she whispered back.
A loud scream suddenly rent the air, causing them to jump. The screaming continued as they searched frantically for the stairs leading down. Just as suddenly as they started, the screams stopped. Panic flooded through them.
A terrible anger filled Jack. "TARA!" He ripped open the last door and found the stairs. Before Rose or The Doctor could say anything, he rushed down to the cellar, his companions following close behind.
The scene they came upon was horrific. A man was hovering above their unconscious friend, his hands in the process of undoing his pants. Another man was sitting at shabby table, drinking whiskey and watching his friend jealously. Tara lay on the ground, an unmoving mass of bruises. Both men jumped when the trio came bursting in. They lunged for weapons, but were too drunk to so with accuracy. Before The Doctor could even take a step in their direction, Jack had tackled the would-be rapist and Rose had a pistol in her hand.
The fuming blonde marched up to the man Jack had pinned against the wall. She kicked him viciously in the groin. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill the both of ya!" she yelled. "Did you really think we wouldn't be found?"
The Doctor finished securing the other man before turning to Rose and placing his hand over the one she held the gun in. He pushed her arm down gently and took the weapon from her. Tucking her into his shoulder, he turned his gaze to Jack.
The terribly angry man looked up at his friends and then at the naked and injured girl on the floor. He sighed and released his hold on the still groaning criminal. "You are so very lucky that I've decided not to kill you," he spat. "I'll give that pleasure to police. I'm sure they'll enjoy putting a rope around your slimy neck." He stood and met the gaze of Jameson, who had come down after handily subduing the men upstairs. The Sergeant nodded and quickly restrained the man on the floor. Broderick grabbed the other man, and they both headed up the stairs and out of sight.
Jack let out a breath of relief and turned to where The Doctor and Rose were currently covering Tara with the ragged remains of her clothes. "How is she, Doc?" he asked worriedly. "That scum didn't…?" He couldn't even finish the question and shuddered.
The Doctor looked up at his friend. "I don't think he got the chance. I think her screaming caused enough delay that nothing like that happened. She's very badly injured, though. I won't know the full extent of the damage until we're back on the TARDIS. You look after the girls. I'm going to thank our friends and tell Charles that we're leaving. I've already summoned the TARDIS. She should be arriving now." Just as he finished, the Time ship materialized in the corner.
Rose ran to the ship, relieved. Before she could even get her key out, the doors opened wide. An anti-grav stretcher was waiting in the entrance. Rose silently guided it to where Jack was cradling their injured companion. She looked up and nodded at her Doctor, who then turned and went up the stairs. She turned back to Jack and helped him carefully place Tara on the stretcher. The two of them quickly go her into the TARDIS and shut the doors.
The TARDIS hummed sadly and dimmed her lights a bit, obviously concerned for the injured girl. She instantly brought the infirmary forward and opened the door. Rose caught this and patted the wall lovingly.
Soon, both girls were settled in adjacent beds. Rose, in typical fashion, was soon grumbling that she was fine and would rather take a nice, long, hot bath. Jack silenced her with a pointed look and settled into a chair. Then, for the first time in weeks, allowed himself to cry.
AN: I know that this touched on a sensitive topic, but I felt it was needed. Not just for character development, but because I believe it is something that many authors feel is taboo. We can write about alien monsters and horrible wars all day, but I felt that my story needed at least a few human criminals. I said it at the beginning of the chapter, but I want to say it again. In no way do I condone what has happened to my characters. There is a special place in Hell for people who prey on others in such a monstrous way.
