Almost chapter ten and almost forty reviews-woot! Keep it up, guys! Thank you, thank you, thank you all so much! Well, here's the end of the Ancient Egypt for Alice and the Doctor. I'm iffy about it, but oh, well, it will have to do. I hope you all enjoy and if you do, tell me so, review! Thankies!
Disclaimer: I own a tiny TARDIS piggy bank, does that count?
Warning: 10th Doctor and an OC romance, silliness, crude humor, cursing, gore, violence, historical inaccuracies, mild sexual content, and drug and alcohol references.
Chapter Nine: Hope, Chaos, and a Party
"What's the plan?" I asked the male I ran alongside as we headed down the long, narrow hallway to the balcony. Hopefully, we weren't too late.
"Uh…"
"You don't have a plan?"
"I'm working on it!" he cried defensively, his trench coat billowing behind him.
"Well, hurry up! We don't exactly have all the time in the world!" I pointed out.
"I'm aware of that!" he retorted.
I opened my mouth to snap, but I was cut off when the Doctor held out a hand in front of me. That stopped me from running and he pressed his index to his lips. When I gave him a strange, bemused look, he pointed ahead.
We had reached a large curtain, which had the light of the setting sun seeping through. I heard voices. One belonging to a male and the other being female and belonging to Cleopatra. I exchanged looks with the Doctor and followed his lead when he pressed himself against one of the walls beside the curtain to peep through the tiny open space. I took the other side. I was not entirely sure what we were doing, but I hoped that the Doctor was quickly thinking of a plan while we watched the two people out on the balcony.
Not entirely to my surprise, Cleopatra was holding her own against Horace. He had a knife branded and had her pressed against the railing, but she was fighting back He was trying to stab her while trying to shove her over the side. They both looked tired, especially Horace—maybe he had used quite a bit of strength upon using Necromancy to raise the mummies and didn't have the same exact level of endurance as Ramla had.
"What do we do?" I mouthed to the Doctor across from me.
He looked pensive for a moment before mouthing back, "On the count of three, we jump out and knock him out, all right?"
I couldn't believe he hadn't thought of that sooner considering how simple of a plan it was—then again, why hadn't I?—but nodded, concurring with it. It seemed the safest, the easiest, and quickest. Not to mention, more of the Doctor's style; he didn't seem like he liked to fight as he didn't like hurting or killing anyone no matter what they did.
Thus, the Converse-wearing alien began to count; I prepared myself. Except when he was only on two we heard the chanting of words and it wasn't coming from Horace outside as the voice wasn't male. It was female and it was coming from behind us.
We whipped our heads around to see Sera approaching us. She had a dark and scary look in her eyes as she chanted, her voice low and dangerous.
"Sera, sweet pea? What are you doing here?" I asked, my brows furrowed.
Suddenly, I heard pain-filled groans and gurgles from behind the cloth flap. I looked through the small opening to see Horace on the ground withering in pure agony. Cleopatra was watching in horror and shock, rubbing her throat.
"She's killing him through a spell…" breathed the Doctor. My eyes widened at that statement. He snapped his head to Sera. "Sera! Stop! Don't kill him! Stop!"
"He killed Momma, Doctor. I'm getting revenge." Sera said. Her voice didn't sound like her, it didn't sound like the timid and sweet girl I knew.
"Sera! Stop! I'm telling you to stop! Killing him won't bring your mother back!" he cried.
I tried to help. "Sera, stop! Don't! Your mother wouldn't want you to be a killer!"
The Doctor and I stood in her way like a human barricade.
"He murdered her and he wants to murder my Queen, its only fair," she hissed. "Now, get out of my way before I force you to."
I had a feeling she would to if we didn't get through to her quicker. I really didn't want to punch out a young girl.
"One life doesn't cost another!" the Doctor pointed out frantically. Horace's screams grew louder and louder.
"I'm sorry, terribly sorry you lost your mother, Sera! I know exactly how you feel!" I said desperately.
The screams suddenly stopped and Sera focused her eyes on me—they were so dark and menacing that I shuddered. "You know how I feel?"
"Yes," I nodded. A small hint of relief washed over me as Sera was distracted. "I lost my mother when I was younger than you. I wanted to get back at the doctors who refused to help her, I wanted revenge, too, but I knew my mother wouldn't want that. She wouldn't want me to kill, she wouldn't have wanted me to be hateful. My mother wouldn't be able to rest in peace, ever, if I had followed through. That'll happen to your mother if you go through with this. I'm sorry your mother died and I know how you feel, but please, please don't kill him. Please, stop. You're a good girl, don't murder him."
Sera fell silent. She looked torn, her face contorting.
The Doctor stared at me for a moment before pleading with Sera, too, "Please, Sera, listen to Alice. Listen to me. Do not kill him, I beg of you. You don't want to bear the pain of being murderer for the rest of your life, do you? Don't disappoint your mother. Don't place that terrible burden on yourself."
"B-But-" Sera then broke down into hysterics, collapsing to her knees and burying her face in her hands. She cried and cried.
I knelt to her and pulled her into my arms, cradling her and murmuring soothing words.
It was over.
After that, everything happened so quickly, I could barely comprehend it as I was so emotionally and physically drained from that day's events.
Horace was arrested and was placed on trial, which resulted in him being sent back to Rome for his punishment—I had a good feeling he was going to wind up dead anyway, despite our good efforts, but I was glad Sera was not the reason. With Horace gone, the mummies had become motionless again and were taken back to their tombs—thankfully, no one else had been killed by them. Ramla was buried properly. Sera was given a position in the palace by Cleopatra, but after being treated properly—it seemed her illness wasn't entirely serious, but Ramla didn't have the money to really treat it—she declined the position and went back to her home to take up her mother's legacy.
Everything had calmed down, everything was set straight.
It was over.
Okay, well…not entirely.
Cleopatra had demanded that in commemoration of everyone's bravery and that she and her country were safe, there had to be a party. No one argued. Thus, a huge party was thrown the next night.
It was set up in a huge dining room in the palace. Crowds and crowds of people were invited. Loads upon loads of food were placed on numerous tables that were spread about the room. A band played lively and Egyptian music. People chatted, ate, danced and were merry. It was amazing and it felt great to cut loose after everything.
However, I couldn't ignore the strange feeling welling my chest. It wasn't a bad feeling nor was it a good feeling. I could not really depict it. All I knew was that it pertained to the Doctor.
Maybe it had something to do with out conversation the day earlier when we were in my bedroom. Or maybe it had to do with everything I hade learned about the man throughout my time in Ancient Egypt. I had learned that there was more to the Doctor than I first thought. I mean, I knew the man was a stranger to me and he gave an indescribable aura, but now such facts became even more predominant. But again, it had all been thanks to the Doctor. Who was the Doctor? What had he been doing before we met? What lied in his past? What secrets did he hold? Why were such ancient, beautiful and usually lively eyes so somber and lonely? Who was the man I was travelling with? As well, my thoughts dwelled on everything I had learned about myself on the trip.
Those were the thoughts that nagged at my brain as I leaned up against a pillar in the room nursing some kind of juice in a gold goblet and watching the people around me, particularly the Doctor. The happy-go-lucky alien was pigging out at one of the buffet tables while speaking animatedly with Mark Antony.
I couldn't help the small smile that graced my face as I watched him, my fingers absentmindedly playing with the ring on my necklace. For someone with eyes like his, he certainly did have the kind of smile that could vibrantly light up any room. Maybe even all of Egypt.
"Miss. Ali," a voice called to me, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I looked up to see Saites standing there. "Oh, hi, Saites. How's your head?" I said politely with a smile.
"Much better, thank you, Miss. Ali. Ahmes did a splendid job," he said, grinning widely.
Oh, Ahmes would probably faint if she had heard her crush compliment her.
"That's great," I nodded. I sipped my beverage. "Anyway, how can I help you, my dear man?" I asked pleasantly, slightly jokingly.
"Would you…" He motioned to the open floor where people were dancing jovially. "Like to dance?"
Immediately, I felt guilty looking at the great deal of hope in his eyes. Saites was a good guy and all, but I just wasn't into him and even if I was, it wouldn't work out since we were from two different eras.
Thinking quickly in order to spare his feelings, I claimed, "I'm sorry, I'm not really up for dancing. I'm not feeling very well."—it wasn't a complete lie. His face dropped and I inwardly frowned, hating the look, but I pressed on with a smile, "However, I do know someone who'd love to dance with you, Saites."
"Oh?" An eyebrow arched with genuine and innocent curiosity. "Who?"
"Ahmes."
"Ahmes? Really? You think she'd want to dance with me?"
Was he blushing? Oh, my God! He was! He actually looked hopeful and elated. I guess he liked Ahmes, too. I didn't whether to be relieved or offended.
I chose to be relieved since Ahmes liked him back and that made things easier on my conscious.
"Of course." I nodded, trying not to laugh. "Go. Ask her."
"You think I should?" he asked, his cheeks flushed and a bashful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"I know you should." I did laugh that time as I gently pushed him in Ahmes' direction; she was speaking with Nem and a few other handmaidens. "Now, go."
"Thank you, Miss. Ali," the long-haired male thanked me before making his way towards Ahmes and the other girls.
I intently watched, sipping my drink, as Saites approached Ahmes. She instantly blushed, but blushed harder and smiled brightly when he extended his hand sheepish to her. The handmaiden more than willingly placed her hand in his, nodding energetically. The guard beamed and he guided her to the dance floor. They looked so happy that, like a couple of teenagers dancing at prom or at their first school dance. Positively adorable.
"That was a very kind, Alice."
"Huh?"
I turned my head to see Cleopatra approaching me in her finest—party—clothing. She was smiling at me.
"Oh, hello, Your Highness." I greeted politely, bowing my head a little.
"Are enjoying the party?" she asked, standing beside me and sipping her own drink—I think it was wine.
"Yes," I nodded. "Thank you."
"It was the least I could do for everything you did," the royal told me kindly.
I blushed, tugging on my long hair embarrassed. "I-I didn't r-really do anything." I muttered softly.
Cleopatra beamed, it reaching her lovely tawny eyes. "There's no need to be modest, Alice. You helped quite a bit and I greatly appreciate it."
"If you say so," I shyly smiled. Despite being an actress, I didn't take being complimented well—I got all timid and embarrassed. "But honestly, th-the Doctor did most of the work."
She was giving me an amused expression, but said, "He is something, isn't he?"
I followed her eyes. She was looking in the Doctor's direction; he was still speaking and laughing with Cleopatra's husband. I couldn't help but smile as I watched him. "Yeah, he certainly is something. Definitely something."
"I'd be careful, though," Cleopatra stated. I glanced to her quizzically.
I blinked, taken aback slightly. "Be careful? Of who? The Doctor?" I asked.
"Yes, of him."
"Wha-What? Why?"
Her face became serious as she stared at me straight in the face. "The Doctor is a wonderful man, he truly is. I'm sure traveling with him is extraordinary, but he is like the God Seth."
My brows furrowed. "Seth? The God of storms and chaos? H-How is he like your God?"
"The Doctor, or should I've heard, is called the Oncoming Storm. No matter where he goes, chaos follows him. Even if he doesn't intend for that to happen, it still does. Chaos always has and always will follow that man. And eventually, it will start following you, too, Alice."
"Are you…telling me I should stop traveling with him?"
"No, no, not at all," The older, but slightly shorter female shook her head. "But even if I was, would you?"
I bit my bottom lip, falling silent for a moment.
I had already seen so much because of the Doctor in the short time I had known him, so much darkness and pain, so much chaos, but I had seen so much light and happiness too thanks to him as well. I didn't know what awaited me if I continued to travel with the time and space traveler, but isn't that why I wanted to do so from the start? The Doctor was a huge mystery to me as was his world. I was psychic and even though I wasn't a full psychic like my mother had been, I felt like most things weren't a mystery to me because of it. I wanted the unknown, new things to see and taste and hear and feel. I had always been a dreamer and I loved the supernatural, mysteries, and so on. The Doctor had so many secrets and was full of wonder, full of magic, along with everything that pertained to him. I was drawn to that, I craved that, I yearned for that. Besides, I had just caught a glimpse of the deep grief and strife that that man buried, I only just caught a glimpse of his loneliness, and I wanted to see it all and cure it, make the usual happiness, glow, and mischievousness he usually showed be permanent all the way through. So was the chaos that Cleopatra said followed him worth it? Was the pain and darkness that awaited me if I continued to be by his side worth it?
My light blue eyes traveled and landed upon the Doctor. He looked so happy; he was like the sun.
Almost instantaneously, my heart swelled and I felt a smile tug at the corners of my lips.
Yes, he's so worth it., I thought. I smiled softly at Cleopatra, who was watching me with her own smile. She already knew my answer; she could see it on my face. "No, I won't stop. Chaos may follow him wherever he goes and it may wind up following me, too, but he's worth it." I vocalized my thoughts to her anyway.
Her smile grew and gave a nod. "I figured as much. You two might wind up being very good for each other." I blushed at that, but said nothing—I wasn't entirely sure what she was insinuating. She just laughed. "Either way, Alice, this is a party! Don't just stand back here, drinking juice and being a wallflower! Socialize, dance, be merry!"
"B-But-" I started, but was cut off when Cleopatra grabbed my drink, placed it aside on a table, grabbed my shoulders and playfully shoved me in the Doctor's direction. "Go ask the Doctor to dance! He's been hogging my dearest all night!"
I looked at her oddly and shook my head at her antics, but complied nonetheless. I marched up to the Doctor, snatched his food out of his hands, which he pouted childishly at, and grabbed his hands to yank him out onto the dance floor.
The party ran late into the night, but ultimately it died down and at that, the Doctor announced that it was time to leave. Thus, we said our goodbyes to our new friends—some old in the Doctor's case—and headed back to the TARDIS.
The Doctor unlocked the blue police phone box's door and stepped inside. I followed him, closing the door behind me. He happily trudged up the ramp, throwing his trench coat over the railing, and towards the ship's console. Affectionately, he smoothed a hand over everything he passed, smiling until he noticed I was still standing by the door watching him.
He arched an eyebrow. "Something the matter?"
I flashed him a reassuring smile. "No," I said softly, shaking my blonde head.
His usual grin returned. "All right-"
"It's just…" I interjected.
His grin wavered. "It's just what?"
"I know little to nothing about you. You're a complete stranger to me." I said.
"Oh…" The brunet's smile completely faded as his face contorted unpleasantly.
I didn't like the face he was making, but I kept speaking, knowing I had to say what was on my mind, "I'll be honest, I tried to read your mind a couple times."
"Oh?" His brow rose inquisitively again.
"I'm sorry, but you're one of the first few people I haven't been able to read in a very long time. I'm not a full psychic, but generally, I can read a person I pretty well. Sometimes, I can even accidentally read their minds; catch glimpses of strangers' I pass even on the street. Or if I try really hard, I can do it intentionally. You, I can't get anything and it makes me curious, so, yes, I'm sorry, but I have tried to get into your head. However, your mind has been completely blocked from me since the Requinali. It's like there's a wall there to keep me out. You're very difficult to read; I can only just barely read your aura. To me, that's slightly unsettling." I admitted, perching myself up on one of the railings.
He frowned, rubbing the back of his neck. Was he nervous? "Right, yes, sorry, but uh…force of habit, I suppose…um…in London, my thoughts to you were in English, I let my mental barrier in my head down because of the circumstances, but…um, usually, if I didn't have a mental barrier up, which is quite dangerous in my case, you wouldn't be able to read my thoughts really. They're not in English." he explained, rambling and speaking quickly.
I cocked my head to the side curiously. "What language are they in?"
"Gallifreyan."
"Gallifreyan?"
"The language of my home planet Gallifrey."
"Oh," I nodded then, made a face. "But you said the TARDIS translates every language for me in English."
"Well, not every language. My native tongue is among one of those."
"See? It's stuff like that. I don't know anything about you."
He ran a hand through his thick hair. "I'm sorry," It seemed like that was the only thing he could say—one of those compulsions. "If you want, I can…take you home?" It sounded like those words pained him to say them, but he was trying really hard not to sound it.
Jumping off the railing, I shook my head smiling tenderly. "That's not what I meant, Doctor, not at all. There's no reason for you to apologize." I told him gently, making my way towards him steadily. "What I meant was that's all okay. I'm totally alright with not knowing. At first, it bothered me because I'm not used to it, now, I don't care. It's almost like a breath of fresh air to not know something or everything about a person from first meeting. I already learned a few things about you on this trip and I want to learn more. I want to learn more without my psychic abilities. I've learned things about myself, too, like to no longer be ashamed of my abilities and that's because of you. I want to learn more about you and about myself and about other planets, other worlds, other time periods, and I know if I keep traveling with you, I will. I want to continue traveling with you. I want know more about you and…" I drifted as I now stood in front of him. Blushing furiously since he was staring at me with his piercing gaze, I looked away shyly and tugged the ends of my straight hair. "H-Hopefully, you…you feel the same way."
A slow, warm grin appeared on his handsome face. "Oh, yes," he admitted, his voice so sincere and kind it warmed me from the inside out.
I didn't know why, but I was blushing and I didn't care. I was happy, very happy, that he felt the same way. "Good," I beamed.
"Molto bene!" he concurred in his own eccentric way, causing me to giggle. "Now, where to now, dear Alice?"
"The shower and a bed."
"…I beg your pardon?"
I laughed out loud, playfully punching his arm. "Get your mind out of the gutter, you perv! I meant, me! Alone!" I told him. "I'm wiped and feel awfully dirty. No offense to the Ancient Egyptians or anything, but their way of bathing kinda sucked; I need a modern hot shower for a real, thorough wash. And I need a bed, I'm ready to fall asleep right on the spot."
"Oh! Okay! Yes, of course!" he guffawed, smacking himself in the head. He was such a weird man.
"Right, Doc, so…if you could me point in the direction of a bathroom and a bedroom?" I said.
"Oh, right. I'm going to have to give a tour soon, aren't I?" he muttered, rubbing his jaw. "Anyway! Right through there is the bedrooms!" The alien pointed right behind us to a door in the center with a long hallway. "Choose whatever room doesn't have a nameplate; they all come with their own bathrooms."
"Awesome!" I said with a clap of the hands. "I'm off then. You get some sleep, too. Don't you stay up to late molesting the TARDIS, okay?"
"Oi!" he cried, giving me a glare.
Just chuckling, I leaned up and gave his cheek, with very slight stubble, a kiss. "Good night, Doctor."
He smiled softly. "Good night, Alice."
With that and another smile, I walked off.
Thanks for reading~! Please review!
