I Promise

By the Alternative Source

Author's Note: This is set after Journey's End. Donna has gone back home. The "Actual" Doctor is all alone now. This happens before the Christmas Special. That's all that I'm going to say.

Also:

" " = Speaking out loud.

' '= This is Rose thinking.

And any italics are = John or Rose's version of the Doctor that is guiding her.

READ ME!!! READ ME!!! Go to Yahoo and type in "The Mark of Rani"!!!! Will help you understand this chapter. Please. It's this episode that I switched up!!!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who.

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Previously on I Promise:

"Rose?" he whispered as if she wasn't real.

At the sound of her name on his lips she threw her arms around him and happily cried, "Jack!"

"What are you doing here?" he mumbled amongst her hair.

"It's a long story," she said as she squeezed him tight, "I've missed you."

"Me too. I've missed you tons. How long has it been? A year? Two maybe?" he said as he stood up. Offering her a hand he lifted her up.

Dusting herself off Rose felt the tug in her chest. The Doctor was near, "It's been longer than that Jack. Much longer."

He gave her a confused look and then his eyes flickered behind her. His hand went up to his holster as he prepared himself.

'To fight?' she wondered instantly.

"What's wrong?" Rose said as she turned around and was faced with one of the most horrible things in the galaxy. She sighed and shook her head in astonishment.

'These things only happen to me.'

Looking up at the people around her she could see the gleam in their eyes. They weren't ordinary. They had a gleam in their eyes like they were ready to pounce at any moment.

"Now what's this? A pretty one?" a man, who she assumed was the leader, spoke out as he took a step forwards.

Rose felt Jack pull her behind him in a protective manner. But it was of no use as she realized that they were surrounded. The leader grinned madly and the paint on his face made him look even more frightening, "No use fighting."

Rose turned around and stood with her back to Jack's. She wasn't going to back down. She wasn't going to be captured. But she couldn't help the disbelief that ran through as she watched the men and women that surrounded her.

"Clowns? You've got to be kidding me."

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Chapter 11: Seventh Regeneration

"Where are we Rose?" Jack whispered behind her. His eyes were intently on the clowns.

"I don't know but wherever we are it must be a carnival of some sort," Rose replied as she peeked a glance at her surroundings before looking back at the clowns. There were props scattered all over the floor and there were empty wooden stands behind that.

"The Greatest Show in the Galaxy!" all the clowns said in unison.

'Oh, lord. Creepy.'

"Now tell me pretty one," the chief clown said obviously speaking to Rose, "Who are you?"

Rose kept her mouth shut as she tried to formulate a plan in her mind. When she didn't answer the clown became angry and snarled, "Tell me who you are, now!"

Say you're the new act.

As if the Doctor within her was speaking through her the words slipped through her lips, "We're the new act."

"The next act?"

Rose became more confident and lowered her arms as a sign of surrender, "Yes. We are the representative members of the Torchwood Team. We spoke to the ticket holder at the front and she thought it would be alright if we made a grand entrance."

The clown was silent for a moment before speaking, "Obviously need work on the landing."

"Part of the act," Jack spoke behind her as he caught on. His stance relaxed and he found her hand. Tugging her forward Rose turned and smiled at the chief clown. He was the creepiest of them all. His skin was paper white. His eyebrows were painted on in an uneven manner and they were long and lopsided. His eyes had two or three black slashes on the bottom and top and his mouth was a twisted red smile that had been painted on. He was also wearing a silver animal printed jumper of some sort. On his head he had a white hat with silver streaks running through it. All of this came together to make his face seem even crueler.

And when he smiled at her and exposed his dirty yellow teeth she tried her hardest to not break character. He looked her up and down, "Futuristic act? Hmmmm. Haven't had something like that. Let's see what the crowd thinks of your performance."

He looked over to the stands and to her surprise a man, woman, and child were sitting in the stands eating popcorn. They each raised a panel with the number '9' on it as if they were being scored for an act and then went back to eating their popcorn.

The chief clown clapped his hands together, "Well come this way. If our audience likes you then we cannot deny them that."

"Of course," Rose said as the clowns dispersed and began to practice their acts as if nothing just happened. The chief clown's smile became even bigger as he beckoned them to follow him. She wanted to look up at Jack and ask him what he thought but she knew that she couldn't so she followed him. She had to go with this crazy clown if she wanted to live. She knew it.

The CC (chief clown) led them through a curtain and then another. Then he stopped outside a room's entrance and with a wave of his hand he gestured them in. With a smile thrown his way she stepped in the room after Jack. And to her surprise bars came down from the ceiling and caged them inside the room.

Jack turned around and hit the bars, "And what is this? Is this how you treat your acts?"

The CC smiled and leaned forward, "Oh, no. This is just for your protection you see. Have to keep you away from the more, how do you say it, dangerous animals. Will be back in a few to bring you anything you might need for your act. You have an audience to impress."

And with that last comment he sauntered off and went back to the arena.

"Well he's a happy one," Jack murmured as they looked around the room. Well not a room at least. It was just a cage with a giant orange tarp throw on it.

They were alone. In this cage at least. She could here noise coming from around her and she was sure that there had to be more than one cage around them. Taking a couple steps forward she saw that the cage had a little wooden table with two chairs and a couch in the corner. On top of the table there was a tea set and a couple pastries on a plate.

"At least they want to make sure we have a sip of afternoon tea?" Rose joked with a backwards glance at Jack.

Jack chuckled and stepped up next to her to examine the room, "So what do you think, escape?"

Rose smiled at him and looked back at the cage door where two clowns were standing by, "Not yet. We can't do anything with them two out there."

Jack glanced at them and saw that she was right, "Some tea then? We have to play that part."

Rose nodded and they sat down across from each other. After pouring a cup for each of them and grabbing a pastry they both sat there in silence. Neither knew what to say to each other. But Rose knew that they couldn't waste time. Time was of the essence.

"How did this happen Jack?"

Jack looked up with a mouthful of food and swallowed quickly, "I was leaving Earth for the last time using the Vortex Manipulator."

"Didn't the Doctor disengage that?"

Jack peered at her in surprise, "How did you know that?"

"John told me."

"John?"

"The human Doctor."

"Oh," Jack relaxed and continued to eat, "I was almost to my destination when I saw something in the vortex. It was deep in the vortex. It was a golden color. And being me I had to find out what it was. I moved one inch and I went tumbling right into you. How did you get here Rose?"

Rose swallowed and sipped her tea, "I've been traveling for a while. In the vortex I mean. Discovering some things." As she finished she looked away from Jack's inquisitive eyes. He knew that she was hiding something.

A hand reached across the table and took a hold of her hand, "Rose….where's John?"

She bit her lip and set her cup down, "He's gone."

"What do you mean?" he said as he leaned towards her.

Pulling all her strength together she looked up at him. His blue eyes were peering into hers and she knew that he wouldn't give up. He would want to know why she was alone. And why she was traveling through the vortex. But most importantly how?

'I need to talk about this. I need to tell someone I trust.'

"He died."

Jack sat there in shock. His eyes were wide and his grip tightened on her hand, "Of what?"

"Old age."

"But…that makes no…no sense. You still like so young."

Rose took a hold of his other hand and prepared to tell him what had been plaguing her for years, "Do you remember when you woke up after your death?"

"Yeah. I didn't know what happened. But the Doctor told me. You looked into the Tardis and it looked into you. Some dangerous stuff there Rose."

"I know…and I'm sorry for that. Never got a chance to apologize."

Jack rubbed a thumb over her hand, "Hey, it's no problem. Wouldn't be here now would I if you didn't bring me back. You'd be alone."

Rose nodded her head and knew that she would have to deal with the guilt that she felt for making Jack live forever, "I didn't know what I was doing. But I did it for the Doctor. Because even at a young age I loved him. And I would think that he loved me enough to take the power that was killing me away. But it stayed."

"Stayed? The Doctor took all that power out of you."

"Not all of it. The power merged with me and became one. At first I didn't notice anything wrong. Even when John came around we were fine. And then a couple years into our marriage we noticed that something was wrong. Something was different. I wasn't aging. I should have seen the signs but I didn't. Final straw came when I broke my leg one day. Right after it was adjusted and put into a cast I realized that it was healed. And then after tests and tests we realized what happened….."

"What happened Rose?"

"I couldn't age. I watched him. I watched him every day and saw him age for 70 years. Saw the first wrinkles. The first white hairs," Rose smiled as she remembered, "You should have seen him going mad when he started balding."

Jack gave a chuckle and nudged her to continue.

"And all the time he was planning. He was planning on a way to get me back to him."

"How?"

"After a couple years and plenty of arguments on the matter the Doctor came up with a plan to send me back," Rose pulled out the fob watch from her pocket and showed it to Jack, "It was just meant to send me back. The plan was that all his memories would go in here and then I would be sent to his other self. My other Doctor. But it didn't happen."

"Tricked you didn't he?" Jack said with a grin.

"He was always a tricky one. Always running around. Made it very difficult to catch him or keep an eye on him," Rose returned the grin and continued, "Instead of arriving on the Tardis or wherever the Doctor was I landed on Gallifrey."

"Gallifrey?"

"It's the Doctor's home planet."

"But wasn't that destroyed," his eyes widened and he scooted forward as he realized what happened, "He sent you to his past. Didn't he?"

'You were always so smart Jack.'

"Yeah. He sent me to his past. Every single one of his pasts, in fact. I have met all of his regenerations."

"Really? Anything interesting? Did he look really different?"

"Every second was interesting. And yeah, he looked pretty different every time. But every time he was my Doctor. Somewhere inside I could see it."

"How long did you stay with each one?"

Rose scratched her head and tried to think, "Hmmm, I think…I think a few hours each."

"A couple hours?!" Jack practically shouted.

"Yeah," Rose said with a tired nod.

"So he just died?"

Rose thought of his wrinkled and spotted face and she couldn't stop the tears from streaming down her face, "Yeah. But it's okay. He's here with me. I can feel him somewhere around here."

Jack stood up and rounded the table. Pulling her up he wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on top of her head, "No crying."

Rose nodded and stayed silent.

"And what regeneration would this be?"

"The seventh," she mumbled against his chest. Biting her lip she asked him, "Jack. What were you doing out there? You said you used the Vortex Manipulator but…you wouldn't have used it unless…"

Jack's arms stiffened and she pulled herself back. Looking up at him she could see that his face had turned to stone.

"Jack?"

"How much did the Doc…I mean John, tell you?" he asked tight lipped.

"He told me everything. He told me how you opened up your own Torchwood in Cardiff. Told me you were protecting the rift there. He told me you were doing well. Said that you had a loyal team with you. Maybe even a boyfriend," she finished with a smile that instantly disappeared as she saw the pain in his eyes, "Jack….what happened?"

He lowered his head, "I lost them. I couldn't protect them."

Rose grabbed his hand and led him to the couch. She sat facing him, "What happened Jack?"

He closed his eyes, "Two of my members were killed a little while back. Toshiko and Owen. Killed by someone close to me. Family."

Rose stayed silent as she watched him. Something terrible had happened. She could see it on his face. There were small bags under his eyes and there was sadness in them when he looked at her. He had changed.

"And then…everything was kind of harsh for a couple of months but we got through it. Me and my team. We were well off until my past came back to haunt me. And in the process those around me got hurt."

His eyes scrunched up slightly as if he were holding tears at bay. She scooted closer to him and glanced at the door. The clowns were still turned away from them. She knew that they had to find a way out soon but she needed to figure out what was wrong with Jack. She couldn't stand to see him like this.

"My grandson died. By my hands I sacrificed my daughter's kid to save the world. And I lost…him," he finished in a whisper as tears escaped down his cheeks. Rose reached forward and wiped them away. At her touch he leaned into her hand.

"What was his name?"

Jack turned his face in her hand and Rose knew that this was a side that she had never seen. When he didn't answer her she gently turned his head towards her and asked, "What was his name Jack?"

He opened his eyes and the hurt in them made her swallow. He wiped the tears off his face and whispered his name.

"Ianto."

Instantly she pulled him towards her and wrapped her arms around him. At first he didn't move. His shallow breathing and hot tears invaded her neck and she pulled him closer.

'Jack.'

Turning her head she rested it against his. They sat there silently for a few moments until she whispered, "You loved him?"

The anger grew in her as she thought of anyone hurting Jack. He was family. He was like a brother. Or even closer. And it hurt her a great deal to think that after such a long time being alone he had found something to only have it taken away from him so quickly. And it had broken him. He wasn't the same man.

"Yes," he said in a hollow voice as if he were not there, "Never loved that strong before."

Rose began to softly rock him back and forth as formulated a plan. She had a mission to take care of. She was sent here for a reason. And, she realized at that moment, so was Jack. He was sent to her so she could take care of him.

'And that's exactly what I plan on doing.'

Looking over at the door she knew that something was amuck with those robots. They were just standing there. Every once in a while they would turn and look at them but it was like they weren't even there.

Rose continued to rock Jack gently in her arms until his breathing relaxed and his tears stopped. Bringing an arm up she began to run her fingers through his hair just like she had done to the Doctor when he was upset.

And then she felt it. A pulse ran through her and the pressure in her chest fluttered before it disappeared.

Jack pulled back and fixed himself. He wiped the tears away and dried Rose's neck, "I'm sorry. I haven't talked about it. With no one."

Rose smiled, "Anytime Jack. You're family."

A smile spread across his face and she could tell the tension was gone. The talk had helped and she hoped that they could get to more pressing matters.

"He's here."

"The Doctor? How do you know?"

"I feel a pressure. Right here," she touched the center of his chest, "It's like whenever he's away I feel it and whenever he is near me it goes away."

"Nice trick."

She grinned, "Not when he's far away. That's why I didn't resist the clowns request earlier. I knew he was nearby and I knew that if we did anything wrong we would get killed by those creepy clowns."

Jack gave a chuckle and asked, "How did you know to say that we were the next act?"

Rose bit her lip, "Ummm, you know the fob watch, right, the Doctor is in there."

Jack gave her a confused look.

"It's like his memories are there and sometimes they come together to speak to me. To tell me things. To reassure me."

"Oh. So you have your own personal Doctor in your pocket?" he gave her a sly grin.

Rose stood up and smacked his arm lightly, "Out of the gutter."

Jack followed Rose as she walked over to the cage door. They could hear noises. As if someone was coming back.

'There has to be another cage nearby.'

"Stay here," she asked Jack knowing that he would block the door and signal her if anyone came.

Walking over to the side of the cage she reached through the bars and tugged on the tarp.

'There has to be a slit somewhere. They couldn't have just thrown this on here.'

She stood upright as she heard two pairs of footsteps approaching.

"Greetings," a man's voice spoke out, "Captain Cook. Mags."

What sounded like a cage door came down and the man continued, "You'll be pleased to hear that the greatest act in the galaxy has returned to the phone."

An older man's voice croaked out, "Jolly good show then."

"But Doctor I helped you escape," a young girls voice said in desperation.

Rose leap towards the side of the cage and ran her hands over the tarp. A smile grew on her face. She was right. He was there.

"I know Mags," the Doctor said in a reassuring voice, "And I haven't wasted the time you bought me. And I have returned with an idea. I suggest that this time we all three work together."

"Meaning?" the young girl asked in a curious voice.

"Well…Up to now all the people in the cage have been played off each other. Well some people are cleverer at preserving themselves."

"Luck of the draw boy," the old man said in a mocking tone.

'Clowns? Greatest show in the galaxy? The Doctor in a cage?' Rose began to throw the pieces together as she tried to find an opening.

"Not entirely," the Doctor drawled before cheering up again, "What I'm proposing is that we all three go into the ring. Three for one. One for three. That should throw a very big hammer into the works."

"I'm with you Doctor," the girl said in delight, "And so is he."

The old man became agitated, "Just a moment Mags…"

The young girl interrupted him and in a commanding voice said, "Aren't you Captain?"

Rose didn't hear his response as she grasped two pieces of the tarp. She had found it. Looking back at Jack she saw that he was still blocking the view. Turning back to the tarp she slowly moved one side over.

When she didn't spot anybody she moved the tarp over a little more and….saw him.

She bit her tongue and smiled. He was there. And as weird as always too. He was wearing something simpler compared to the other regenerations but she could tell it was him. He was wearing an off-white jacket with a red paisley scarf under his lapels that matched the handkerchief in his left pocket. He also had a suspiciously familiar fob watch chained to the left lapel of his jacket. Besides that he had a plain white shirt, a paisley tie, and sand coloured trousers with white and brown spectator shoes.

But what really did it for her was the hat, the pullover, and the umbrella. The hat was a white colonial styled Panama hat with a matching paisley hatband and an upturned brim. And the pullover and the umbrella. Well…they were definitely different. The pullover was adorned with red question marks and blue and green zigzag patterns. And the red umbrella had a red question mark shaped handle.

"Now this is different," she blurted out with a laugh.

Everyone in the Doctor's cage stopped and turned as they heard the voice. When the Doctor spotted her a smile exploded on his face and he practically shouted, "Rose."

"Hi, Doctor. Another adventure I suppose?"

He walked over to the side of the cage nearest to her, "Are you ready?"

Her grin grew as she realized that he was used to her by now. He didn't question how she got there. Or how she ended up in a cage next to him, "As usual. So what do we have?"

"Haven't figured it out yet?" he asked casually with the smile still plastered on his face.

"Almost got it," she began to count off everything she knew on her fingers, "Creepy clowns, greatest show in the galaxy, you in a cage...That's all I have."

"You are the smartest one. But you know that. What about this final clue?" he leaned closer to her, "Psychic circus on the planet Segonax?"

It should have all fit together but it didn't. There was something missing. Shaking her head she told him, "I don't remember. One more clue?"

The Doctor scratched his chin for a second before jumping up slightly in enthusiasm, "Mad old woman who gave me and Ace terrible food on the way here!"

That's when Rose jumped up in surprise, "I remember now!"

The Doctor and his current companion Ace responded to an invitation to the Psychic Circus on the planet Segonax. Despite Ace's pleas about the circus being creepy the Doctor eventually convinced her to come in. While they were in the empty office they were tricked to be the next act and while the Doctor was taken to the cage, Ace had run away.

Apparently when the circus had come to the planet seeking more power they were trapped there. Some sort of evil power had taken over the circus and made all of its workers into their slaves. And many of them feel to the hazards of the circus and were destroyed. Apparently if you didn't entertain enough you were killed. Eventually they had to replace the workers with robotic clowns built by the workers that were left. But one by one it became too much for the workers and they began to run away.

Eventually the Doctor and Ace had figured it out. The evil power had taken over the leader of the circus through a medallion that he had around his neck. And the only way to destroy the evil power was to complete the medallion and restore it to its previous state. Ace was probably searching for it right now.

She remembered John telling her that after this he never really liked clowns anymore.

"How did you know that clue would tip me off?"

The Doctor shrugged slightly, "I just had to think of the stuff that I wouldn't tell anyone ever and then I know instantly that somewhere along the way I would only tell you."

If Rose's smile could get any bigger it would. He had complimented her, "Wonderful."

"Indeed."

Their moment was broken as someone coughed behind each of them. Rose turned to see that it was Jack behind her and behind the Doctor the old man and young woman stood. The old man was basically the epitome of what you would visualize when the words "Jungle explorer" rung out. And the girl had wild black and green hair with a spotted leotard and a shredded skirt. The girl seemed to be curious about who Rose was while the man looked annoyed.

But what surprised her most was the staring contest going on between the Doctor and Jack. Jack had a curious look in his eyes while the Doctor looked….

'Jealous,' Rose recognized the look instantly.

"Doctor this is…"

Jack stopped her before she could say anything. Leaning closer to her he whispered, "Do you think that I should tell him my real name?"

"Superior hearing," the Doctor said as he pointed at his ear.

Jack stood up and looked the Doctor's way, "My name is Jack."

"Jack?"

"That's all you're going to get."

The Doctor looked at Jack with some suspicion before turning and pointing at the other people in the cell, "That man right there is Captain Cook and this young lady is Mags."

"Hello," Mags said with a wave, "And you are?"

She pointed at Rose and the Doctor jumped in.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Forgot to introduce the most important person of all. This is Rose."

Rose gave her a small wave. She liked this girl, "So ready to put on an act?"

"Certainly," he said with a smile, "How was the journey?"

"Smooth. As ever," Rose lied. She saw no harm in the Doctor knowing Jack's name but she didn't want to divulge how they had found each other. But the Doctor seemed to be way ahead of her.

"And how did you meet Jack?" he said with a slight tone.

'He's still jealous!'

Again the lie rolled off her tongue smoothly. She couldn't let the Doctor know about Jack. With her it was fine but she wasn't sure if the Doctor should be meeting anyone else from the future right now, "He came here to try out for the circus and got caught just like I did. I just appeared at the wrong time as usual."

"Sure," he said in a disbelieving tone. He knew that she was leaving something out, "You always do. The strange and the dangerous always run to you. Now any moment the ring master will be here to take us to the ring. The Chief Clown is probably off trying to capture Ace but he'll never get her. She's a smart girl like you."

"I'll meet her later hopefully. Heard a lot about her."

John had told her that Ace was as spunky as her. She had a streetwise tough exterior. And she was convinced that the Doctor needed her to watch his back. She also protected his with a fierce loyalty. Because of that the Doctor took an interest in Ace's education and made sure she saw as much of the universe as possible.

'Like he did with me.'

"Yes. She should be around. Now here's the plan. Instead of going out into the ring individually and risking the chance of being destroyed, why don't we do it all at once. You know, give the best of the best. But all together."

"But how are we going to convince them to let us go together," Rose asked as she glanced at Captain Cook. He was acting strange. Looking around as if waiting for something. She would have to watch him.

"Yeah. Because there's no way that you're going out there alone," Jack said from behind her.

Before Rose could tell him that she was a big girl and that she could take care of herself the Doctor stepped in. In a certain tone he said, "I think I can manage."

Jack looked back at Rose and smiled knowingly, "I bet."

'He's teasing him. He knows that the Doctor is getting slightly jealous and he's teasing him.'

Rose smacked his chest lightly before turning back to the Doctor, "So how are we going to do it."

The Doctor's eyes remained on Jack for a second before looking at Rose, "They won't be able to resist the opportunity of having the greatest act in the galaxy with all of us in there?"

Rose nodded as music began to play somewhere nearby. It was almost time.

"They should be here any second now Rose so close that up. I'll be with you in a few."

"Ok."

Pulling back from the tarp she made sure that it looked like it hadn't been meddled with.

"So that's our Doctor?" Jack said from behind her.

Turning around she poked him in the chest in an accusatory manner, "You were trying to make him jealous."

"Not trying," Jack said with a smile, "Succeeding is more like it. Did you see the look on his face? Same look that our Doctor would give me any time I got near you."

"Really?"

Jack nodded, "All the time. But don't worry. Just making sure that he's your Doctor."

"He is," Rose said with a chuckle, "But try not to make him jealous. He gets this odd look on his face."

"That's what makes it worthwhile," he joked as he avoiding her threatening hand.

They both turned to the cage door when they heard it being opened. The ringmaster was standing there with his big top hat and shiny clothes.

"The Doctor here thinks that you would be essential to his act, so let's go," he said in a jolly tone.

The ringmaster walked away and the Doctor appeared at her doorway. In an instance she was running towards him and wrapping her arms around him. He seemed to hesitate for a second before he wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on top of hers.

"It's good to see you Rose."

"Me too."

After a couple seconds he pulled back and peered down at her with a grin, "So, just follow my lead and everything will be perfectly fine."

She gave him a nervous smile, "I'll do my best."

Her best was the only thing that she could promise him. They were in a desperate situation that only the Doctor could figure out. Sure she knew what had happened during the adventure. And sure she knew that the Doctor would survive of course. But she didn't know how he had solved each adventure.

'He conveniently forgot to mention that. Sneaky.'

He took her by surprise when he slipped his hand into hers and tugged her towards the exit where music and cheers were coming from. She hid her face a little when Jack poked her side in a joking manner. He was obviously enjoying their relationship.

The cheers and music became louder as they walked towards the ring. The Doctor pulled her closer to his side seconds before a group of clowns jetted past them and entered the ring through a heavy curtain just yards away from them. Looking up at the Doctor she saw that he was ready. He was ready with whatever plan he had stored in that mind of his.

'Or he's just going to improvise. John told me that he often improvised his plans. He would succeed but with terrible consequences. I have to make sure none of that happens.'

As they stopped behind the heavy curtain Jack came to stand next to her, "They must have a full house. They only had those three people when we got here earlier. At least their giving us an audience before we die."

"We will not die," the Doctor said as he kept his eyes on the curtain.

"How do you know that? You haven't even told us about your plan."

The Doctor turned to Jack and glanced at him quickly before looking at Rose, "Do you trust me?"

"Always," she replied instantly.

The Doctor looked back up at Jack triumphantly, "As long as she believes that's all that matters. Proof enough?"

Jack shook his head and laughed, "I believe you. I believe you."

They all quieted down as they heard the ringmaster begin speaking, "Now welcome folks. To not one act but five. To the greatest show in the galaxy, the galaxy, the galaxy!"

The cheers became louder and the curtain opened up in front of them. The Doctor went first and pulled her after him. Jack, Mags, and Captain Cook followed after them.

As they entered the ring Rose was prepared for a big crowd. Hundreds of spectators with their popcorns nestled in their laps. Mums and Dads trying to calm down their children. And children bouncing in their seats in sheer excitement at coming to a circus. But there was none of that.

The stands were completely deserted except for that strange family she had seen earlier consisting of a Mum, Dad, and little girl.

'Then where are the cheers coming from?'

Before she could question the Doctor he pulled her around so she was facing the empty stands and began to smile and wave. When he turned to her he mouthed, 'Pretend.'

Her eyes widened in surprise, 'He is improvising. He's trying to buy Ace time.'

Fixing her face so it was in a smile she began waving at the empty stands. She had to give off the impression that they were ready for a great show. Beside her Jack was doing the same thing. Except after a while he began to juggle a couple of balls in one hand as he waved at the empty stands.

'Where did he learn that? I can't even juggle with two hands.'

She felt the Doctor lean into her and whisper in her ear, "Not impressive at all. He probably learned that trick from Notbe's Incredible Juggling Feats: Volume 1. I'm already on Volume 3."

Rose raised her eyebrow at him in question. He just shrugged and continued waving and smiling.

"Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. But before we start I would like to make one small request from stage management," an old voice spoke from behind them.

They all turned around and saw Captain Cook standing by the ringmaster. He had a wicked grin on his face as he gestured for the ringmaster to listen to his request.

'I knew he was up to something.'

"A special lighting," he said as he turned his eyes to Mags.

Mags immediately stepped forward and in a weak and desperate voice she said, "No." The courageous young girl from earlier was gone. As Captain Cook began to speak again the frightened look on her face became worse and she stepped towards the Doctor.

"Could you perhaps give us….that old devil moon effect?"

Mags began to pace back and forth next to the Doctor. She was panicking and Rose couldn't understand why.

The ringmaster nodded his head and one of the stage lights turned on. Its brilliant blue light hit the ring directly. And by their feet they could see a crescent moon appearing.

Immediately Mags jumped forward and began screaming in fright, "No, No!"

Everyone stood in shock as Mags dropped to the floor and continued screaming. After a couple seconds Rose couldn't take the screams and painful whimpers that were coming from her. But when she took a step forward she felt two hands stop her. Looking to her left she saw that it was Jack. And looking to her right she saw that the Doctor was holding her back.

"What are you doing? We have to help her!"

The Doctor shook his head as he glanced between her and Mags withering form on the ground, "Something's wrong. Stay back with me."

Rose turned back to Mags and saw that she was no longer on the ground. She was sitting on her knees rocking back and forth while holding her head. Her back was turned to them as she continued to groan in pain. Suddenly her groans disappeared and growls could be heard coming from her.

They all took a step back as Mags form stilled and she continued to growl quite loudly. The Doctor tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her closer to him.

"You really were extremely stupid this time Doctor," Captain Cook said proudly, "I told you she was an unusual specimen."

'Oh lord. What's happening to her?'

The growls were getting louder and louder with every second.

"The growling. The snarling. The reaction to the moon."

'It can't be. She can't be…'

"Surely you should have guessed."

Lacing her fingers with his she turned to him and saw that he was looking down at Mags in a mixture of confusion and concern. But she could see it in his eyes. He knew what was happening.

"Doctor?" Rose asked. He turned to her and gave her a small reassuring smile.

"I think I know…"

Mags growls increased as she turned towards them suddenly. And both Rose and the Doctor took a step back in caution. Mags was changing.

The smile was gone. In place of it was a snarling face. Growls erupted from her throat and saliva dripped down from her short sharp teeth. She got on all fours and began snarling at all three of them. As every second ticked by her snarls and growls became louder and her teeth became sharper.

All of a sudden she stood up and slashed at them. The Doctor pulled her back just in time to avoid the hit from the feral Mags. Grabbing her head she growled harshly as her teeth grew again. Her hair also began to look wilder and her skin had a slight green hue to it. Her nails began to grow long and sharp as she reached for them.

The Captain began to move the light around the ring and Mags began to move around erratically like an animal caught in a cage. Saliva slapped the ground harshly every time she turned her head sharply. Finally the light landed on them.

Mags turned towards them and began to walk towards them. Her hands were on her head and for a second she thought she saw sadness in her eyes. But it must have been her imagination because all of a sudden the sadness was replaced by rage.

She could feel the Doctor tap her hand as he thought of some way to get out of there. And she knew that Jack was looking for an exit. But she didn't think that they would figure anything out in time. Mags was getting closer and closer by the second just waiting for them to move so she could pounce.

"Captain!" the ringmaster shouted as he threw his whip over to Captain Cook. The Captain caught it quickly and began to whip Mags. She let out a human whimper with every whipping sound.

'She's scared. That cruel conniving man… We have to stop this.'

"Doctor stop this."

The Doctor was looking at Mags in confusion. His eyes were wide and his mouth was twisted. For the first time in her life she saw that the Doctor had no idea what to do.

'This is probably why he improvises.'

"Jack," she turned to her other side, "He's hurting her. This has to stop."

Jack looked at her hastily and then looked back at Mags, "I…we're surrounded Rose."

"You see, when this happens, she can't control herself," Captain Cook said as he looked down at Mags like she was an animal, "And like all of her kind, she destroys everything in her path."

He cracked his whip again and Mags turned to them.

Captain Cook laughed, "And I'm afraid old boy. It has to be you."

He whipped Mags again and she took a step towards them. Out of the corner of her eye she saw that the three spectators raise cards above their heads.

'Are those scorecards?'

She had no second to contemplate what was going on when Mags started stepping towards them slowly as if she was waiting for an order.

"This great performance," Captain Cook whipped Mags again and she let out a shriek, "After this great performance I will have the power of this circus. This great power!"

The Doctor stood rigid and shouted back, "You don't know what you're talking about. You don't know the power that has taken control of this circus. You don't understand."

"No, it is you that doesn't understand Doctor. Once you are out of the way I will make a deal with the powers that control this place! The powers that be! Whoever they be!"

"Captain Cook," the Doctor shouted as he avoided one of Mags slashes. He jumped up on the edge of the ring and pulled her up with him.

"What?!"

"You're not only a scoundrel. You're a meddling fool. You're also a crustic bore."

Captain Cook's eyed widened and he took a step back, "I'm afraid you've really done it now old boy." He cracked the whip again and shouted, "Mags! Get him!"

Mags immediately jumped towards them. Her eyes were set on the Doctor. A second before she was to reach the Doctor Rose kicked her in the face and sent her tumbling to the ground.

"Rose! She's…"

"Trying to kill us!" Rose shouted back as she watched Mags get up. She wiped the blood that was dripping from her mouth and jumped towards them again. Just when she was about to kick her again, Mags grabbed her foot and pulled her off the edge of the ring.

"Rose!" the Doctor jumped forward and grabbed her arms, trying to pull her back up. Mags snared and slashed at the Doctor. Jack pulled out his gun and was prepared to shoot her when the Doctor knocked it out of his hands.

"No! She's still in there."

They both turned and watched as Mags stood by Rose's body.

Rose looked up at the snarling Mags and lifted herself up slightly. She wasn't going to fight Mags. But if she attacked her she would hit her right back. But Mags wasn't moving. She was standing by Rose's feet and was looking down at her in anger.

"Mags! When you're like this…This isn't your nature. You have to fight it. This is not your path. Don't believe it is! You don't have to kill!" the Doctor shouted as he pulled Rose towards him slowly. Mags slashed at his hands and the Doctor stumbled back while letting go of her hands.

"Come on Mags!" Captain Cook said again as he whipped the ground.

Mags jumped slightly and crouched down lower to Rose. She bared her teeth threateningly. And just when she raised herself on her haunches and was about to jump….

"Stop!" Rose shouted in a commanding voice as the injustice of what was done to Mags finally got to her. The music came to a screeching halt. The clowns stopped moving. But most importantly Mags had stopped.

"You will stop this right now Mags. This isn't in your nature," Rose said as she sat up. Mags watched her move silently. Rose pointed at Mags in an accusing manner, "You will stop this right now!"

Rose sat there and held her breathe as she realized that her hand was dangerously close to the sharp teeth in front of her. But what surprised her most was when Mags closed her eyes and nuzzled Rose's outstretched hand.

She stood stark still as Mags turned her head and licked Rose's hand. Mags gave a whimper and her angry eyes relaxed.

'She thinks…she thinks I'm her family. That's the only explanation for what's happening.'

Rose took the chance and slowly began to stand up. Mags never complained because Rose kept her outstretched hand near Mags face. Turning to the Doctor with questioning eyes he mouthed to her 'hand,' and made a gesture of an open hand.

When she looked back at Mags she followed the Doctor's request and opened her hand. Instantly Mags let out a whimper and nuzzled Rose's hand.

"Bad Wolf," Mags mumbled softly.

Rose's eyes widened and she swallowed nervously. She didn't know that she could do this. She didn't know that it was literally some sort of wolf in her. She would have to ask the Doctor about it.

"Mags?" Rose spoke softly. Mags eyes turned to her and she saw that she was still in a primal state, "This isn't you. You don't have to kill."

"Mags, you trust me. You know that," Captain Cook said with authority.

Mags snarled and stepped away from Rose's hand. Slowly she turned towards Captain Cook.

"Don't you?" he took a step towards Mags and she in turn stepped towards him.

'No. Mags.'

"Once he and his little friends are out of the way…think of the proceeds. Come on. Mags? Are you done?" When he saw that she was still snarling at him he put his foot down, "I own you."

Mags growled angrily and blocked Rose from his path in an animalistic protective manner. Before Rose could grab a hold of Mags she jumped on him. Stepping back she was drawn into the Doctor's arms as Mags tore him to pieces.

"No Mags!" someone shouted. She wasn't sure if it was her or the Doctor.

Mags paid no attention as she tore through him with her teeth and claws. After a couple of seconds she gave a howl and backed away from Captain Cook.

"Got it!" Jack said as he unplugged the light that made her transform. Slowly Mags face began to relax and her teeth began to shorten. Her hair calmed down and her skin turned back to its natural color. Turning around she gave a soft whimper before she ran towards Rose and hugged her legs.

The Doctor pulled on Rose's sleeve and she looked over at him while trying to calm down Mags.

"We have to leave," he said in a whisper as he stepped towards the exit.

Rose nodded her head and pulled Mags to her feet, "Come on Mags, we have to escape."

Mags wiped her eyes and avoided Rose's gaze, "Ok."

She stepped away from Rose and began walking towards the exit. The Doctor, Rose, and Jack had to jog to keep up with her. For a second Rose thought that they would have a problem with the Chief Clown who was blocking the exit but a quick growl from Mags and a punch from Jack sent him flying to the ground.

They knew what would happen if they stopped right now. They would be captured by the evil clowns and their dark mysterious power. They would be caught because of their act. So they began to run.

The hallways that they were running through were made out of ghostly white curtains that billowed as soon as they passed by. Just when they were about to round another corner the Doctor doubled back and jumped through a hole in the curtain walls. Rose and the others followed instantly.

When she stood up and looked around she saw that they were in another hallway in the circus. It looked exactly like the other hallway except it was darker.

"Come on Rose," Jack yelled as he saw that she was falling behind. The Doctor ran up to her and grabbed her hand. Then he began running down the hall towards Jack.

The hallway became darker and darker as they ran. The Doctor began to slow as he saw that they were at a dead end. He looked around to see if there was another way around.

"Something dreadful is happening in that ring," the Doctor said as he spotted an opening on the bottom of one of the curtains. Yanking it slightly he ripped open the curtain. On the other side Rose could see sand being blown everywhere.

"At least I found a way out for you," the Doctor said as he ripped the curtain more.

"What do you mean? You're not coming with…"

The Doctor cut her off, "Things are getting out of control quicker than I expected. Nothing will satisfy this power that the circus has fallen under. My presence might help. But for that you need to leave. Find Ace."

"I'm coming back in there with you," Rose said as she realized that he was going to face the power of the circus by himself. Whatever power that may be.

Mags slipped through the opening and beckoned Jack to follow her. But he stood his ground and didn't move from next to Rose.

"No," the Doctor said harshly as he placed his hands on her shoulders, "You must run and get Ace."

"No but…"

"Look," he said as he stepped closer to her, "I don't know what evil this is and obviously you don't know either. But whatever it is its powerful enough to control all of these people here. So it can hurt you." He finished the last sentence with a whisper.

'He doesn't want me hurt. It's for my protection.'

"I'm not leaving you alone," she repeated stubbornly as she placed her hands on top of the ones on her shoulders.

"The only way that we can destroy whatever power has taken over this circus is by getting the amulet that Ace has in her possession. I need you to get it," he looked into her eyes, "Please."

She stood there silent before nodding. She couldn't deny him anything when he looked at her like that. At once a smile broke out on his face and he kissed her quickly.

"I'll see you later. I don't think it'll be hard considering you always find me. No matter what."

And then he was off running down the way that they had come. Watching him run away she couldn't get away from the feeling that she should be running after him. She should be with him……Because she had a feeling that something was wrong. She had a feeling that something would happen if she didn't go after him.

"Rose?"

She turned around to see Jack standing outside with a grin on his face, "I'm going to go with Mags here and make sure we can get whatever it is the Doctor wants. I'll see you when I get back, ok?"

Smiling she nodded and watched as he ran off with Mags. After they disappeared from sight she began walking back the way they came. She had to find the Doctor.

'Ok, Rose. We can do this. We just have to find the Doctor somewhere in this creepy circus and not get caught at the same time. That will be easy….sure…..since trouble never finds you.'

Quickly finding the hole in the curtain she made her way through the main hallways.

'He might have gone back to the ring.'

The halls were deserted as she made her way around. And surprisingly no one jumped out at her like it always did. Finally she saw the two cages a couple of yards away from her. When she got to them she peeked around the corner to see if anyone was there. There wasn't.

'He has to be here somewhere.'

As she made her way towards the ring she began to think about the Doctor. She liked this regeneration. She could tell that sometimes he would act like a buffoon. But she could also tell that he preferred to manipulate events from behind the scenes.

'Just like his second regeneration.'

"He was always ready to play the fool in order to trick his foes into understanding him, inevitable leading to their defeat at his hands," John had told her once.

But there was something different about him. He was darker and calmer. And with one look in his eyes she could see that he placed great burdens upon himself in the name of protecting the universe.

'Still abhors violence too.'

As she stepped up to the curtain she listened. It was deathly quiet. Pulling the curtain back she saw that there was no one there. She was about to turn around and look somewhere else when she noticed that the stands weren't empty. The mum, dad, and little girl were still sitting. Sitting there eating popcorn as if nothing was wrong.

'Something's awfully wrong with this picture.'

And as soon as she took a step forward she knew she was right. Because at that moment the world around her began to change and blur around her.

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Should I stop here????No!!! I would never. Let's continue with the goodness that is "The Greatest Show in the Galaxy"!

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The stands were no longer there. And the tightropes and props disappeared too. Sand appeared beneath her feet and stone walls replaced the curtains.

'What is this? A different dimension?'

As everything came back into focus she felt someone's eyes on her. Turning around she stood facing the Doctor. A very angry Doctor.

"Didn't I tell you to stay? Why are you here? You could get hurt. No wonder trouble…."

"Enough!" a voice boomed through, what she had now concluded was now, a coliseum of some sort.

Rose swiftly looked at the origin of the voice. There sitting in front of her were three stone statues. Well they looked like stone statues. They were wearing robes and some sort of mask that was smoothed down on both sides except in the middle.

'They're made of stone.'

And at that moment she realized what was going on here. The family that was sitting in the stands earlier. The family was always there just sitting while eating their bag of popcorn. That family was the cause of all this evil going on in the circus. And when she entered the ring she must have entered the reality where their true form was present.

The Doctor made to move in front of her but she grabbed his hand, "Gods of Ragnarok I presume?"

He gave her a big toothed smile, "Yes, yes they are."

He then turned to the three statues and his eyes narrowed, "It must be difficult for you to exist in two different time spaces. I would have the problem myself."

His nostrils flared and he took a step in front of her efforts to keep him by her side. He was frustrated. He had fought the Gods of Ragnarok before. And like the Daleks they kept coming back.

"How many people have you destroyed in this circus? Poor people. But that's what you like. You take individuality and imagination and wear it down to nothing. Just so you can be served. Just so you can be entertained."

"Enough!" one of the Gods said as it raised a hand in warning.

"You have said enough!" another God warned.

The Doctor let go of her hand and stood completely in front of her in fury, "Enough?! I've hardly started. I have fought the Gods of Ragnarok all through time!"

"You are in our true time space now Doctor and companion," one of the Gods spoke in warning. She wasn't sure which of the three was speaking because they didn't move at all.

"Don't tell me what you want. Let me guess," he put his hand to his chin in a mock attempt to look like he hadn't figured them out yet, "You want me to…"

"Entertain us!" the Gods spoke, "Entertain or die."

"This is getting way out of hand," Rose said softly. But she knew the Doctor had heard her when he glanced back at her briefly.

"So long as you entertain us you may live! When you no longer entertain us you will die!"

"Predictable as ever. Gods of Ragnarok. As I think it's been said before…no after…anyway. You ain't seen nothing yet."

Rose jumped as one of Gods raised a hand and a beam of energy bolted out of it. It hit the wall behind them with a resonating crack, "Don't play games with us Doctor. We're not concerned with you playing for time."

And he was doing just that by the look of slight surprise on his face. He was trying to buy some time until Ace came back with whatever artifact she had gone looking for.

"We want something bigger! We want something better! Something like what she did!" the Gods said as they pointed at her.

Rose kept silent and tried to think of something to say. She had to help him bid his time. The Doctor got to it first.

The Doctor waved Rose off, "Her? Cheap parlor tricks. I have what matters. I can show you."

What he said was exactly what she needed. Grabbing the Doctor's arm she spun him around. After giving him a quick wink she began.

"Cheap parlor tricks? I'm certain they are much better than whatever you can do."

The Doctor stuck his hands in his pockets and stepped closer, "I doubt it young lady. You might have what it takes to entertain children but that is it."

"You insufferable…"

"You might be pretty. Delicate features. Small hands. Great smile. But that doesn't make you of value when it comes to these acts."

Rose blushed slightly at his comments. She didn't know he would say something like that but she was sure that her 'fake anger' at him would be enough to cause anyone to believe that her cheeks were rosy because she was mad. "And what about you? You think that this get up that you have on, "she motioned to his clothes, "is going help you out? It doesn't matter. All that matters is talent. And that's what I have."

"What I have here is genuine cotton from the fields of-"

"Enough! Entertain or die!" the Gods quickly yelled and their argument ended.

Still facing each other Rose looked up at him, "What do we do now?"

"Improvise?"

"You know you can't always do that. Could get hurt one day."

His eyes darkened as he remembered his past, "Sometimes things have to be done to ensure the safety of the universe."

Rose shook her head as she glanced at the Gods, "Not always."

"Then what do you suggest we do. I need the artifact that Ace has and she's still not here."

And as if the Ace was listening or fate was on their side an amulet fell from somewhere up above and pooled by their feet.

"Did that just happen?"

"Yup. It's destiny," he replies as he picks it up.

'So this is the artifact.'

Without warning the Doctor swiftly turns and holds the amulet in front of him. A shot of energy bounces off of it and Rose ducks down as more shots are fired.

'They're trying to kill us.'

Gripping his jacket in her hands she watched in shock as the Gods of Ragnarok continued to shoot at them. A lot of the shots hit the walls around them but plenty were deflected by the amulet that the Doctor was holding.

'Whatever that thing is, it's helping.'

But not for long. As the Gods of Ragnarok kept on shooting at them she saw that the shots were pushing him back. His face was beginning to tire and she could tell that he was struggling to hold the amulet up. Without waiting she pulled herself around and placed her hands on the ones on the amulet.

The Doctor protested for a second until he felt the warmth of Rose wash over him. He watched in fascination as she closed her eyes and poured her power into the amulet. For a second the power of the amulet stung but she gasped as she felt the Doctor pour whatever power he had into the amulet with her.

As she opened her eyes she saw that it wasn't the Doctor inside of her. It was the one next to her. He had his eyes tightly shut and was grimacing slightly as he helped her. And truth be told it felt amazing and there were no words that could describe it. Tears sprang to her eyes as she felt him merge his powers with her.

Suddenly his eyes opened and he threw the amulet at the Gods. They didn't even have a moment to react as the amulet exploded behind them tearing them to pieces.

"Run!" he grabbed a hold of her hand and ran out of the coliseum as it began crumbling down. As soon as they exited the coliseum they saw that they were outside of the circus. But that didn't stop the Doctor. He continued to a safe distance until he stopped.

The circus began to collapse behind them immediately.

"Are you ok?" the Doctor asked as he examined her.

"Yeah. I'm okay," she caught her breathe and leaned against his shoulder, "What was that? That back there. The power?"

"I believe that we connected. Not just the usual way you and I always do. I think we merged there for a second. Only way that I could feel your power running through me."

Rose pulled back, "You could feel me."

He nodded, "Yeah. It was warm and fuzzy. Don't know why but it was."

She chuckled, "Warm and fuzzy?"

"Yes. Warm and fuzzy. What about you? What did it feel like?"

"I felt….complete."

The Doctor grinned down at her and touched her cheek, "Me too. Weird isn't it."

"Always is."

They stood there in silence just enjoying each other's company when the Doctor pointed at her pocket, "It's glowing."

Looking down she saw that he was right. She didn't even feel it.

"You know what it is don't you?"

"Of course," he stepped closer to her as he began speaking quickly, "Been doing research on you for a long time Rose. You knew I would eventually figure it all out. Even the things you hid from me. But seeing as we don't have much time let's quickly get some things out and straightened. First about what happened with Mags."

The power erupted within her and she felt the fob watch warm up, "I don't know. It's as if she felt something within me and just stopped. It's never happened before. I've never understood my powers completely anyway."

"Hmmmm don't understand it either. Might be because of her animal instincts. She felt something we couldn't. Your power possibly. But on to the next thing. I did some research about your ring and the only thing I could come up with is besides masking memories it helps to reveal them."

"That's it?" her skin began to glow.

The Doctor nodded, "It's a pretty hard thing to come around. Not much out there about it. But you'll know how to use it when the time comes. You're too smart not to figure it out."

Wisps of energy began to float over her skin and the Doctor touched one. It wrapped around his hand. "I think it likes you," Rose joked as she felt the vortex pull at her body slightly.

"How does it feel?" he asked quietly.

"How does what feel?"

"Seeing me every day as a different man. Seeing all the darkness. All the danger," his eyes were cast down.

Rose stepped towards him and tilted his head up, "Grand. Wonderful. Too many words to describe it. But you have to understand it's not all darkness. You have your smiles and your grinning face. And the way that you love to argue and get your point across."

"Only happens when you're around," the Doctor said and she could have sworn that his cheeks turned rosy.

"I know. Me too."

The vortex began to pull more at her when she heard shouts.

"Professor!" yelled a girl that she instantly knew was Ace. She had picked that up as a nick name for him.

"Rose!" Jack yelled. She hoped that he would reach her in time. If he turned on his Vortex Manipulator he would probably be able to hitch a ride with her. There were too many things left undone with Jack.

"Rose, you ready?"

Turning back to the Doctor she placed her hands on his cheeks and pulled him in to her for a soft kiss. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. Within seconds she began to lose the feel of him in her arms. The power glowed brighter and the warm over took her. She could feel his lips on her still and she savored it for as long as she could.

Rose. It's time love.

'I know.'

The journey is ending.

'Never.'

The light eventually became blindingly bright and she could not make out his form anymore. Before he completely disappeared she felt someone grab a hold of her hand and wrap an arm around her waist.

'Jack.'

She was thrown into the vortex immediately. Rose didn't know if it was her desperation to get to the Doctor or Jack's Vortex Manipulator but as quickly as they were thrown into the vortex they were kicked out. As soon as the vortex tightened around them she could feel the ground beneath her feet.

"What a ride," Jack said in a tense voice as he still held tightly to her.

Rose patted his hand and he released her. They both stood together as the energy returned back to the fob watch. As the seconds passed Rose felt something familiar. She could feel the Doctor. No doubt about that. But there was something else around. Something that she knew. Something that was tugging on her memories.

'Maybe it's someplace I've been.'

Finally the light disappeared and she saw that she was standing in front of a window. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the apocalyptic scene in front of her. Everything was glowing red and ash floated throughout the sky. The city was in shambles. The tall towers and homes were barely there anymore. And whatever was still standing was in flames and she could see the ships swoop down in the air. Blast after blast destroyed the buildings and Rose felt the fear grow.

"What the hell is going on Rose?" Jack asked in shock as he stared out the window with her. When she didn't respond he turned her towards him, "Rose, where are we?"

"We're on Gallifrey, the Doctor's home," she said in astonishment. Her eyes grew wide as she saw what room she was in, "This is where I was brought after I met the first regeneration. Oh my god."

Rose felt disoriented as she heard the blasts continue outside of the building. She knew where they were. She knew what was happening. She closed her eyes as a blast hit somewhere nearby.

"Rose what's going on?" Jack asked quickly in a desperate voice. Even though he had seen war before there was something disturbingly wrong about what was happened outside the window.

"It's the Time War," she said in a choked voice.

"The Time War?"

She remembered the pain about the Time War. She remembered every detail about this adventure of his. Every single one. Even how it ended. She remembered how it took all of John's willpower to tell her about how the Dalek ships would swoop down and destroy everything in their path. About how not even the women or children were spared.

Another blast hit nearby and Rose was brought back to reality. She couldn't break down now.

'We have to get out of here.'

"Jack we have to go," she said as she glanced at the horrid scene outside the window. Quickly she zipped up her jacket and made her way around the room.

"Where?" he asked as he followed her towards the door.

"To the Doctor. He's close," Rose opened the door, "I can feel…."

Rose stopped in fright. Everything that had destroyed the Doctor. Everything that had been taken away from him. Everything that had tore him apart…………..was the cause of what was standing right in front of her.

"EXTERMINATE!!!"

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Somewhere with the 10th Doctor

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She was sleeping now.

After the break down by the gazebo outside he had stayed with her for hours. Just stroking her hair and whispering sweet words to her. He was trying to keep her calm. Keep her sane. Keep from losing it and breaking down in sobs. So….she wouldn't see how much it was hurting him.

Laying her down on their bed he made sure she was comfortable before sitting on the edge. Looking down at the ground he held his head in his hands.

'It wasn't supposed to be like this. It was supposed to be me and you….forever.'

Leaning over he grabbed the photo that was on the night stand. Looking down at the two happy people in the picture he couldn't help the tears that sprung to his eyes. He hadn't cried in such a long time that it shocked him when a tear hit the photo. Wiping his face he looked down at the picture again.

They were so happy. Rose was smiling at the camera while he licked some frosting off her cheek. It was their wedding day. The day he thought would never happen. The day he only wanted to share with her. Rose. And then it had come crashing down on them.

A sob broke through him and he leaned forward and rested his head on his knees. Tears streamed down his cheeks as it hit him. He wouldn't have his forever with her. His one life.

His sobs must have woken her because he felt arms wrap around him.

'I can't let her see me like this.'

But she didn't question him or even speak. She just held him in her arms as he sobbed. He cried for her. He cried for him. But most importantly he cried for them.

After a couple minutes he felt her take the picture from him and place it on the nightstand. Gently she pulled him back and turned him so his body was half on top of hers and his face was in the crook of her neck. She draped a leg over his and pulled him closer as he wrapped his arms around her.

His sobs died down as she began to run her fingers through his hair.

And the entire time she said nothing. She just held him quietly. Lovingly. And before he fell asleep in her arms she whispered the words that showed him everything would be alright.

"I love you."

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He woke up shaking and had trouble calming down. Sitting up he held his head in his hands and tried to compose himself.

He barely slept. And when he did he would never dream. Except this time. And for some reason it felt familiar. Not like a dream should. Usually dreams would just fade away and you could barely remember them a couple seconds after waking up but the Doctor remembered. He remembered every detail vividly. But he couldn't put the pieces together. He couldn't understand what the dream was about.

Once he calmed down he went to the bathroom and splashed water on his face. Looking up at the mirror he grimaced at his appearance. He looked terrible. The dream had really done a job on him.

'That dream. It felt so…so…real. And….there was…'

His eyes widened in surprise as he remembered the woman in the dream. The one person he daydreamed about constantly. He swallowed nervously, "Rose."

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To be continued……..

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Author's Note: Oh lord!!! My favorite chapter yet. You guys have really upped my confidence and I want to say that I loved this episode and I tried my hardest to merge that episode with Rose.

I am also very excited about the Time War!!! Fewer restrictions with the Time War since they don't talk about it much. But the stuff I have seen and known has me all excited. And guess how long this is!!!!

31 PAGES OF DOCTOR WHO GOODNESS!!!! I am so happy. But you know what would make my day even better???? Reviews of course.

So please REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, SANTA!, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW, AND PLEASE REVIEW!!!!