Jay found herself awaken in the Doctor arms. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. The tent seemed unfamiliar and she recalled nothing on how she got here. Frowning, she punched the Doctor in the arm.
"Oi, get up." He stirred and opened a sleepy eye.
"Oh, awake? Some people just say good morning, but you're not like most people are you?"
"Nope. Also, how did I get here?"
He sat up and stretched. "You fell asleep and rather than sleeping on the dirt I carried you here." She narrowed her eyes.
"A likely story." Jay believed him nevertheless. "What's the time?" The Doctor clicked his tongue.
"5am?" Jay widened her eyes.
"Yikes."
A voice outside the tent made them both jump. "Get up and pack. We are moving out soon. His majesty's orders." The voice was unrecognizable but they obeyed. Soon the tent was folded and Jay strapped on her armour. She found Marie and they both headed for Richard. He seemed full of energy and alert. However his eye seemed tired and their usual brightness was gone. Marie yawned.
"Good morning, Sire." Jay bowed, Marie rubbing her eyes. He nodded.
"I hope it is. Smell the air." He inhaled deeply. "Odd. It's going to be a interesting day." Jay forced a smile.
"Of course your majesty."
Richard rubbed his eyes and sighed. "I must quickly go and finish some things. Make sure everything's packed. We're leaving in half an hour."
"Armour and swords on?" Marie asked, Richard nodding, then leaving. "Okay." She inhaled and shivered slightly. "Today's the big day." Jay smiled.
"It is. You ready?"
She shook her head. "Never. But might as well anyway."
"Love the spirit." Jay laughed. "Come on, let's find the boys and help."
Axe had slept in, snoring loudly while the blanket had twisted itself around him. Jay searched every tent until she found him and popped inside. Grinning like a cat, she picked up a pitcher of water and tipped half of it on his face. Axe gave a yelp and freaked out.
"What- who's there!" He shouted, fists in a fighting stance.
"Rise and shine, sleepy head." Jay stood over him, laughing heartily. Axe realised and wiped his face with his sleeve, smiling.
"A simple tap on the shoulder would have been fine!" Jay shrugged and squatted next to him.
"You know by now I'm not one for that sort of thing." Axe ruffled his hair.
"I guess I should know by now. We have been together for-"
"A month?" Axe whistled.
"Wow, how time goes by." Jay smiled.
"Indeed. Anyway, we're heading out. Today is the big one. Time to win it!"
"Or lose it." Axe added quietly. Jay chewed her lip.
"Let's not think of it, okay?"
Axe nodded and forced a smile. Jay wrapped him in a hug. "There's my Axe."
"Doctor!" Marie called out, folding a blanket for a soldier. He picked up his head as he finished inspecting a patch of grass. He ran over.
"You called?" Marie nodded, handing over the blanket to the soldier who thanked her and left.
"You think you could help a bit?" He shook his head.
"I want no part of this. Jay shouldn't either. You know, that's what being a Time Lord was all about: observing." Marie grinned.
"Cut the crap Doctor. All you do is interfere, for better or for worse." The Doctor smiled as he realised Marie knew more than she let on.
"You're pretty sharp." She shrugged.
"Not just a gorgeous face, now fold these blankets!" Jay and Axe climbed out of the tent and helped Marie.
Soon, the camp was packed and the soldiers mounted. Jay swallowed her objections and fear and approached the tamest horse, Maiden. Jay disliked the idea of giving the dumbest and most obedient horse after a female. But she was in the Middle Ages, and her opinion didn't really count for a lot.
The Doctor, Axe and a few others stayed behind. Jay and Marie said goodbyes.
Jay gave a tight hug to the Doctor and kissed him on the cheek.
"If you don't come back, I will kill you." Jay smiled and he smiled back.
"I will." Jay engulfed Axe into a bear hug and said nothing. The two hugged tighter, each not wanting to let go. Eventually they pulled apart. Axe kissed her cheek.
"Now you go and fight and do the absolute amount you can. Then get the hell out of there. You promise? Please, don't go after Henry." Jay blinked in surprise.
"Why would I go after him?"
"We all know the answer to that." The Doctor said gently. Jay pouted.
"I won't. A Time Lady promise." Axe smiled in relief and Jay kissed him on the forehead.
"Come back." His whispered, Jay nodding. Marie said her goodbyes as well and soon both of they were on their horses. Jay turned paler. Finally, Richard himself mounted and everyone knew it was time to go. At the back of the parade, Jay and Marie waved back at the Doctor and Axe, who were silently wishing the same thing: for Jay to return safely.
They rode for an hour and soon arrived at Bosworth. A small plain with a descent in front of them, it seemed an ideal battle ground. Richard stayed at his position and waited. His commanders gave orders and the soldiers arranged themselves into position. Jay and Marie wiggled their way next to Richard.
"Ladies, the hour is near." They both nodded. Jay climbed down her horse, Marie following, the horse given to their owners. The ranks of other foot soldiers appeared behind them. "Smell that? I knew recognised it since the camp. " Richard asked them, nose in air. Jay sniffed. It was burning wood. No, it was worse. Burning flesh.
"A fire? Why?"
"Scare tactic. Will not work on these men." Indeed, Jay turned around and saw stone faces staring past her into the distance.
"Who were they?" Marie asked quietly. They all suddenly remembered the Yorkist captives. Richard swallowed, Jay putting a hand on Marie.
"The fortunes of war." He replied quietly.
"Where will you be?" Jay asked, hands clenched at her sword. Richard swallowed.
"I will fight when I need to. You will stay by my side, I presume."
Jay nodded."Where you go, we go your Majesty." Richard seemed comforted, but still not at ease.
"It is a great comfort."
Marie looked up at him. "You Majesty, if you do not win, which is highly unlikely", Jay could see she chose words carefully, "I just want to say that you are one of England's best kings, and forever will be." Richard stiffened his back.
"There is no need for such words; today will result in brilliant Yorkist victory."
"Of course." Jay echoed. "But if not, Richard, you truly were fantastic." Richard smiled. "We are proud to be a part of your reign."
"Thank you, Lady Jay and Lady Marie. When this is over, consider lands and titles to your names." Jay and Marie bowed.
"We will not need them, but thank you." Soon two messengers appeared.
"Your majesty, William Stanley's troops are here and stationed." Richard thanked him. Jay curled her lip. She remembered that name. Marie glanced at her and widened her eyes, Jay realising. Stanley was one of the men who betrayed Richard in the battle and cost him victory. Jay exhaled with warning on the tip of her tongue, but held back. She gripped her sword tightly, swallowing her words. Marie reached over and put a hand on her.
Then, a trumpet was heard. Jay looked up, Marie following and saw the rising of flags and banners above the hills. Henry's men appeared, looking smaller but Jay knew eventually victorious. She took one more look at Richard, whose eyes were narrowed in concentration and let a single tear down her cheek.
Richard exhaled. "So it begins." He spoke so quietly that only Jay and Marie heard. He pulled out his sword and raised it above his head. Richard roared a battle cry, his men following. Then, they marched. Jay and Marie paced with Richard between them, swords ready. But Richard stopped and his men marched past, Jay and Marie stopping too. Jay blinked, and it seemed that was all it took for hell to break loose.
The cries of men in pain, the screeches of metal against metal, the shrieks of horses as they fell. Marie gasped and trembled as in front of her a man fell, axe in skull. Jay gripped her sword and gritted her teeth, she had seen it all before. Richard scanned the field, ordering aid to failing areas and called for support. Jay followed his calls and found men fleeing. A half hour passed, but the battle was so bloody she could not make out victors.
"Jay! Marie!"
"Sire!" They both called out, eyes still on the battle. Richard steadied his horse.
"When I command it, we will attack Tudor! We will end it here!" Jay agreed and was glad to see men surrounding them, Yorkist men, and preparing for the charge. Marie came behind Jay.
"Jay, if something is to happen, I just want to say you were the best, a wonderful friend and I was so lucky to have met you." Jay smiled.
"And me too. Take care Marie. You still have a lot to do."
"Men!" Richard called, sword and horse ready. "Charge!" The group push through the crowds, cutting down enemies but comrades falling as well. Jay could not see Tudor, she was too low, but Richard did, and rage filled his eyes. He roared and tore into Henry's support, breaking the outer flanks. The Yorkist soldiers were winning, however, William Stanley, a valuable support on Richard's side switched, attacking the men he fought alongside of. Richard cried in surprise, screaming treason. Jay and Marie fought against the sudden attack, Marie gritting her teeth but handling it. Jay wished she had her bow, but the sword was proving worthy. The Yorkist number fell, Richard, Jay, Marie and the remained few surrounded and beaten back away from Henry. The marsh was behind them and soon Richard's horse was stuck, forcing him to dismount. He jumped off, sword in hand and fought like a demon processed. A few men ordered him to escape, Richard refusing. Jay and Marie beat back the Welsh fighters as best as they could, but there was just too many. Richard ordered them to escape, but they stubbornly refused. A faint smile was upon his lips but it was cut short when a spear was torn through his side. Jay cried out in horror and immediately cut the nearest soldier in cold blood. Marie turned and saw Richard falling and screamed. Jay pushed through the dead to get to him. Richard was still alive, and his eyes stared out as men surrounded him. His sword as still in hand, wounding a few more traitors. Jay was so close; maybe she could still save him. A soldier raised axe above his head. Richard saw him and closed his eyes. Jay was so close. The axe lowered and struck him on the skull. Jay's sword was in the man before he could even blink. She fought violently and managed to kill the group. Marie was beside her, urging her it was time to go.
And there, in the corner of her eye, she saw him. Rage filled her heart and an adrenaline like never experienced before consumed her. Henry Tudor sat upon his horse, smiling in greed at the fallen Richard. Jay plunged her sword into the nearest soldier and raced towards him. He looked up, saw her and laughed horribly. Soldiers appeared to protect him and Jay was dangerously becoming out-numbered. Marie followed to protect her as she stalked towards him, sword in hand and revenge in her heart. He waited patiently for her to come closer, where he'd swipe her aside like one would a fly and crush that miserable Time Lady, another success in a string of them soon to come. He waited, like a cat waiting for a mouse.
Jay charged forward, teeth tight. Richard, her honest and loyal Richard was dead, blood soaking in the ground. She didn't even remember a promise, all that mattered was Henry. And his head in her hands.
"Jay, no!" Marie's voice cried out, but it was drowned in the sea of screams and yells.
Then, a voice spoke out, softer, but somewhere louder than the white noises that surrounded Jay. "Please, don't go after Henry." Jay blinked and slowed down at the recognition of Axe's innocent voice. She stopped and became aware of her environment, Marie blocked an attack on her left and Jay looked at Henry's disappearing smile and shook her head.
"No. No! I will not sink to your level! I will not do this, it will not end this way!" Jay yelled out and attacked her opponents, retreating and planning escape. Henry realised her bloodlust had disappeared and ordered attacks, shouting in rage. He was however soon distracted at the presentation of the crown of England, retrieved from under a bush.
"Marie! Come on! We have to get out of here!"
"What did you think I was saying?" She cried in protest.
Most of the Yorkist soldiers had either fled, been killed or submitted. Those that surrendered were spared, but orders from Henry resulted in no such mercy shown to Marie and Jay. Henry's men were relentless, not distracted by the fact they were attacking women, in their eyes only the enemy to the new King. Jay spotted a break in the ranks and dragged Marie, who had just received a strike to her side, through it. They climbed over the bodies of the fallen, dragging themselves to escape the clutches of the still fighting soldiers. Jay collapsed and fell down, her armour cutting her exposed skin and wounds becoming deeper. The field, stained with red, became clearer, and she pulled herself up and strained to support Marie, who was regaining sight as well. The two headed out of the battle, across the marsh, the soldiers giving up in the chase. They would recount their mission as complete, the two fighters dying while they ran.
Jay supported herself against a tree, Marie falling to her knees. A dribble of blood escaped her lips and red hues blurred her vision. Jay never wanted to see the colour again. Marie threw up and clutched her side, loudly groaning in pain. Jay's ears, always sharp for the sounds that were precious to her, caught the faint whispers of a time machine appearing before her. Completely filled with glee, she cried out and smiled, Marie looking up and doing the same. A familiar figure walked out, and Jay was never so happy. Axe lifted her arm over his shoulders and carried her inside, Jay breathing heavily. The Doctor carried the weak Marie and took her as well.
"Lady."
A warm liquid down her throat confirmed the refreshing elixir that was tea. Jay smiled and ignored the drops down her chin and neck. A soft laugh in relief was heard and Jay reached out and wrapped her arms around the figure over her. She cried.
"I'd knew you'd come back. I never doubted. I'm so happy you're safe." Axe's whispered words were waves of comfort and Jay never wanted to leave the embrace. But soon, she had too. Vision became sharper and the Doctor appeared with his usual smile and shine in his eyes. He said nothing, he didn't have too. Jay loved that about him. He squeezed the hand he was holding and kissed it.
Jay turned her head to see Marie asleep, but breathing normally and clean of blood. Jay also noticed a heaviness had been lifted from her body and pleased to realise that her own armour had been taken away. A sharp pain in her chest made her groan and shut her eyes, to somehow block the feeling. But it subsided, and she exhaled slowly. Axe got up to get more tea, the Doctor staying.
"Don't you ever do that again." Jay smiled and fell asleep.
Jay awoke in an intense sweat, heavily breathing and fists full of sheets. She tossed her head back and forth and kicked. Axe was immediately by her side, putting a damp cloth on her forehead. Jay cooled down, the heat dying.
"Are you okay, Lady?" He asked, applying the cloth again. Jay smiled.
"Lady. L-a-d-y." She whispered, sounding it out. "I'm Lady. My name is Lady. Lady is my name." Axe nodded, becoming concerned. "I will always be Lady. You call me Lady." Axe smiled.
"A bit unimaginative." Jay nodded several times, eyes blinking.
"I had more, but this one's nice."
"Mine's Axe." He added, fearing she forgot. But Jay smiled, lifting a hand and shaking his.
"Pleasure." Her hand dropped and she fell asleep. Axe chewed his lip, smiling as he recalled their conversation similar to the one they had when they first met.
Lady was sitting in her bed, playing a game of cards with Axe. She won again. "I win! That's about five times in a row now, isn't it?" She grinned at the annoyed Axe.
"Fine, but I chose next game, Memory." The grin faded from Lady's lips.
"But I suck!"
"Dear Lady, that is the point." She threw a cushion at him and laughed. But a murmur from the still sleeping Marie caused her to stop. "Shh!" She hushed Axe and focused on her. Axe jumped off her bed and went beside Marie, smiling when she opened her eyes.
"Axe? Jay? Where am I?"
"Recovering brilliantly in Lady's room. You've slept for a full day." Maire blinked several times, adjusting to the bright lights.
"Wow, then why do I feel so tired?" Lady smiled, leaning over.
"Wonderful to have you back, partner. You were incredible out there." Marie blushed.
"Nothing to boast about. I hurt, maybe killed, several people."
"Fortunes of war." Lady quietly echoes Richard's words. The room was silent as they remembered their fallen friend.
"I'll miss him." Marie nodded, her eyes becoming shiny. Axe sat next to her and held her hand.
"We all will. Lady?" She looked up at him and nodded.
"Always." The Doctor returned.
"Marie!" He called out and raced towards her, wrapping his arms around her.
"Thank heavens! Are you okay, still hurting? Bleeding?" Marie was surprised at his sudden concern.
"I'm fine as I should be. Axe is a terrific nurse and Lady is great company."
He was pleased."Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Just-"
"We get it." Lady laughed, leaning back on her pillows. "Calm down and give the girl some space!" he shrugged.
"So", Axe sat back on Jay's bed, "Going to have some killer battle scars Marie." She widened her eyes.
"Oh, you're right! How am I going to explain that to Ma and Pa?" Axe smiled, Lady too at her distressed face.
"Doesn't matter, gives character I believe." Marie considered.
"Well, going to have to make some story up."
Axe frowned. "What's a better story than 'I fought in the Battle of Bosworth alongside a Time Lady?' Nothing, that's what!" They all laughed.
Marie was still bedridden, but Lady was up and active. Despite Axe's protests. She seemed to have bandages everywhere, which quickly get dirty. The Doctor was making food. Axe and Lady sat on her bed, making posters.
"How's this?" It was a picture of Richard looking proud with a crown on his head. It read, 'I believe in Richard'. Axe nodded.
"I like it. Gets to the point." He held up his. 'Richard is innocent'. Lady smiled. Marie as lying in bed, complaining.
"I want to get up." Axe shook his head.
"Nope. You need rest. Lady's wounds aren't as severe, plus Time Lady helps." Lady clicked her tongue.
Marie raised an eyebrow. "Who's Lady?" Lady pointed to herself.
"Another name change?" She shrugged. "Where's 'Lady' from?"
"It was my name for a while, when I met Axe. It holds a lot for me."
"Jay didn't?"
Lady curled her lip and didn't reply, drawing another poster. "Henry Tudor is a fraud?" Axe smiled.
"I like that one. Make more of those."
"Wouldn't that piss him off!" Marie laughed.
Lady did as well. "We do what we can to discredit scum."
"Scum?" The Doctor walked in, tray of muffins. "You mean Tudor?"
They all nodded. The Doctor curled his lip as they took the wonderfully smelling baked goods. "The posters are going well." Axe said after a bite, showing the Doctor. He glanced and smiled.
"Nice. Will there be enough?"
"I have a little printer we can use." Lady said, wiping her fingers on the sheets. "How many do we want?"
"As many as it takes."
Five years into Henry VII's reign, Lady, Axe, Marie and the Doctor traveled to London in the dead of the night, posters in arms and smiles on their faces.
"Shh!" Axe knocked over another bucket. They split up, Marie and the Doctor taking north and Lady and Axe south. It was their 3rd alleyway. Lady nailed up another poster. Axe held the nails and hammer.
"Still wish we could have used sticky tape."
"Axe, sticky tape in the middle ages? Not going to fly."
"True true." He shrugged but froze when he heard noises. "Lady! Let's bolt!"
"Oh calm down. It's only them." The Doctor and Marie found them again.
"The sun's coming up, we should go."
"Half of London covered?" They nodded. Lady smiled. "Perfect. We should go, though. Wouldn't want to be here when Henry finds out."
The next day, the kingdom was abuzz will talk and whispers. Henry was furious, beheading anyone associated with them and the courts had never been fuller. The Doctor and lady walked the streets in cloaks, asking people what was the commotion.
"You didn't see them? Gone by afternoon but seen by all?"
"What were they?" Lady asked, voice croaking. The old man replied, quietly and behind his hand.
"The papers. About his late highness Richard. Also saying things about his current highness Tudor." Lady smiled.
"Do the posters bring truth?"
"Between you and me, yes. And I hope it continues." She thanked the man and grinned ear to ear.
"It worked!" The Doctor was less pleased.
"Time will go by, rumours will die." She frowned.
"Party pooper." But he still smiled.
The Doctor grabbed her hand and headed back for the TARDIS. "Come, I have a better idea.
"Yikes, you sure?" Lady asked him, from behind the stage. It was the opening night for Shakespeare's newest play, 'Richard III'. The Doctor suggested running in after yelling protests. She was convinced, until hearing that Elizabeth I was present. "I mean, the queen."
"You were less concerned about Tudor."
"Because it was Tudor!"
"Fair enough." The play was almost over, and the Doctor and Lady got ready. Shakespeare brushed past them to receive praise. "Let's go!"
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The Doctor called out to the crowd, pushing past a shocked Shakespeare. Lady bowed.
"I would love to take this opportunity to say a few words, about this play and about a man. This play is horribly false."
"Excuse me-!" Shakespeare started saying, but was cut off.
"Oh, you are excused." Lady said. "This is not your fault. It is yours!" She pointed to the enraged queen, while others became horrified. "Your grandfather, if I can be more precise. A terrible man and murderer! He lied and killed his way to the throne, betrayed this country and an honest king! A faithful king, one judged wrongly by history and his subjects! Richard the third was not a hunchback! He was not a murderer! He was not a villain! He was not a tyrant! Henry Tudor was!"
"Remember, good people of England of the King that was slain on the battle field protecting the country he loves!" The Doctor added, hand over heart. The queen stood up, face red and lip trembling.
"Arrest them! Arrest them now! Off with their heads!" Lady and the Doctor smiled as guards raced toward the stage. They turned and ran behind the set and through the corridors into the alleyway where the TARDIS was parked. They hugged and laughed. Axe and Marie sat against the console.
"How did it go?" She asked. Lady grinned.
"Brilliantly."
"Are you sure this is right?" Lady asked, checking co-ordinates. The Doctor and Marie had their bags packed, standing by the door. Lady flew down the platform and opened the door – face to face with a cattle cow. It licked its nose and mooed. Lady blinked then grinned.
The Doctor poked his head out. "Yep, here we are!" Sure enough, a few paces away stood the Police Box. Axe and Marie said their goodbyes, as did the two men. Lady bear hugged Marie.
"You take care. Show them what you're made of." She smiled.
"Thank you Lady. I will never forget you." Lady and the Doctor faced each other, avoiding contact.
"See ya." She held out a hand for him to shake. The Doctor grinned and picked her up, swinging her around. "Put me down now!" She cried out, eyes shut tight. He laughed and soon plonked her back down. She frowned. "Smart arse."
"I will miss you." He said honestly. "Please stay out of trouble."
"I will. I have Axe. He's good for danger control."
He hugged her softly this time. "Good. That's all I want."
"You too. Don't be alone. Maybe in a few decades you can visit."
"Promise?"
"Yes." They broke apart and the Doctor and Marie headed inside their TARDIS. Axe and Lady stayed outside, sitting on the dusty grass. The cattle station was in Arizona, and the sun was setting. The shadows stretched across the vast landscape, sometimes interrupted by the ragged mountains. Lady put her head on Axe's shoulder, sighing. Axe closed his eyes and smiled.