Hey there, readers. :)
I hope everyone enjoyed the last chapter and are excited to see what happens next. Please, be merry and enjoy the chapter. :)
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Chapter 35: Bad Wolf
The moment Wanda had been transmitted away from Satellite Five by the Anne Droid, the Daleks had been ready to kill her. They had surrounded her, screaming to exterminate. Then, they all ceased their actions when the Emperor ordered for her to remain alive. Why exactly? Wanda was not sure and she did not question it. They pushed her into a corner where she stayed still and quiet, waiting for the Doctor, hopeful that she would see him again.
Surprisingly being surrounded by thousands of Daleks, Wanda felt no fear of them. It was the no fear of dying coursing through her once more. Her own death was really not a bother whatsoever. She wondered if that were normal for other people as well. She wondered if the Doctor also had fear of his own death. What fear she did feel though, was over what were to happen to the Doctor, Jack, and Rose next. Even greatly worrying on the other people of Satellite Five and Earth. She passed through one possibility all right. But what of the others? She felt anxious even thinking of it, going back into her habit of pinching her thumb. She really needed to work on breaking that.
The Controller eventually came through, forcefully transmitted into the Dalek ship. Before Wanda could even speak or move to act, they killed the Controller. Wanda watched sorrowfully as they moved her body away. The poor girl. She had never been able to live any sort of real life. Wanda only hoped the girl could rest in peace now. No longer tortured by the Daleks.
Then, came the transmission from the Doctor. Wanda was forced to stand as the Daleks and the Doctor talked. When he ended the conversation, Wanda hoped by smiling and letting him see that she had faith in him might bring some ease to his mind. She waited nervously, hoping that the shield Jack would place around the TARDIS would pull through as it had in the show.
"You know the Doctor. You understand him. You will predict his actions," ordered one Dalek. It turned and pointed its weapon at her. She stared evenly back to it, keeping her face clear of emotions.
"Spoilers," she answered calmly. It started to advance towards her angrily.
"Predict! Predict! Predict!" it shouted in command. She remained firm.
"Spoilers," Wanda repeated.
The Dalek was interrupted when the others announced the detection of the TARDIS. She was in flight, hurtling straight for them. They launched missiles, trying to destroy her before the old girl could reach them. Wanda waited calmly, but kept her fingers crossed just in case.
She smiled brightly when she heard the most beautiful sound in the universe. The TARDIS slowly materialized around her, bringing her straight into the ship along with the Dalek who had been questioning her. She could see the Doctor, Jack, and Rose standing by the console as they slowly came into view. Jack stood with a rather large gun in hand, prepping it for action. Wanda ducked even before the Doctor shouted for her to do so. Jack aimed the gun and destroyed the Dalek just as it shot off its weapon, luckily missing everyone on board.
She bounced up, smiling to them. Rose rushed at her first, giving the Time Lady a tight hug.
"Feel like I haven't seen you in years," the girl said. Wanda smiled, patting the girl's back affectionately.
"Same here," she replied. They let go of each other, beaming away that things had worked out all right.
"You know, you could have just let me take the hit," Rose laughed some. "It wasn't going to kill me. You knew that. What, did you just not want me being scared or something?" She meant to joke around some, but at the expression on Wanda's face, her smiled dropped. "It . . . it wasn't going to kill me, right?"
"The transmat wouldn't. But the Daleks would have," Wanda said quietly. Rose's eyes went wide, realizing that Wanda had truly saved her. Wanda hugged her again in reassurance. "We're both okay, just keeping thinking of that."
"But . . . how did you know they wouldn't have killed you, too?"
"I didn't." Wanda pulled back, smiling away. "Let's not think about that. I've got you something, actually." She dug through her jacket, pulling out the twin necklace to the one she had been wearing since purchase. She placed it around Rose's neck.
Rose stared at it in surprise. "What's this?"
"It's a friendship necklace." Wanda pulled out her own from under her shirt. "I have the twin. They grow warm the closer we are to each other, and cold the farther apart. I thought it'd be something nice. A little reminded that, no matter how far I travel from you, I'll always come back." Rose gave her the brightest smile and hugged her tightly once more.
"Hey, don't I get a hug?" Jack asked lightly. Wanda laughed and bounced up the stairs to him, giving him a bright and warm hug.
Wanda laughed loudly as Jack chatted away on just how gorgeous she was. She pulled away; ready to reply when someone grabbed her in for a strong hug. She froze as the Doctor held her in his grasp. She was shocked that Nine would be showing her such affection, but she hugged him back all the same.
When the Doctor had heard what Wanda had said, how Rose had meant to die and the chestnut girl would have gladly taken her friend's place . . . a barrage of emotions had hit him. One being terrified that she had acted so irrationally and without thinking things through. Complete horror to the idea that Wanda would be so willing to give up her life for another. But, at the same time, it made him feel even more proud of her. Even more respective. Even more . . . He was not what more he felt. He was still trying to piece together what exactly his feelings for Wanda were. But, for now, he would consider it an extremely strong affection.
He pulled back with a bright grin.
"Glad you're all right," he said merrily. He watched how she kept looking back and forth between him and the ground, seeming nervous by his affection. Another wave of guilt went through him, making him wince some at her apparent anxious behavior around him. He really must apologize and make it up to her for his past actions. After the day was over, of course.
"I'm glad you're all right, too," she replied. He smiled warmly, patting her shoulder gently and started towards the dead Dalek.
With everyone (besides Wanda) wondering how the Daleks could have possibly survived the Time War, Doctor decided the best option of finding out how was to talk with the Daleks. He stepped outside and the Daleks surrounding opened fire. Luckily, the shield kept their gun fire at bay, blocking off all the deadly rays from the Doctor. The Doctor smirked at them for their lack of ability to actually kill him. The others stepped out of the TARDIS a moment later, more cautious than he about the enemies around them.
"So, tell me, how did you survive the Time War?" the Doctor finally asked them.
"They survived through me," answered a booming voice. They all turned to see a gigantic Dalek occupying the entire centre of the ship. They walked forward, facing the Dalek as the Doctor stared on in a horrified shock.
"Wanda, Rose, Captain," the Doctor said quietly. "This is the Emperor of the Daleks."
"You destroyed us, Doctor," responded the Emperor. "The Dalek race died in your inferno, but my ship survived, falling through time, crippled, but alive."
"I get it," the Doctor retorted gruffly. The Daleks around yelled at him not to interrupt. The Doctor stared at them in annoyance. "I think you're forgetting something. I'm the Doctor, and if there's one thing I can do, it's talk. I've got five billion languages, and you haven't got one way of stopping me. So if anybody's going to shut up, it's you!" He turned around, glaring at the Daleks. They backed up in fear. He turned back around, smiling to the Emperor.
"Okey-doke. So, where were we?" the Doctor continued on.
"We waited here, in the dark space, damaged, but rebuilding," the Emperor went on with his story. "Centuries passed, and we quietly infiltrated the systems of Earth, harvesting the waste of humanity. The prisoners, the refugees, the dispossessed: they all came to us. The bodies were filleted, pulped, sifted. The seed of the human race is perverted. Only one cell in a billion was fit to be nurtured."
The Doctor felt disgust at the Emperor's story. Fury at what lengths the Daleks had gone. "So you created an army of Daleks out of the dead."
"That makes them . . . ," Rose trailed off some, unable to finish her sentence.
"Half-human," Wanda finished for her. She nodded gravely to the girl.
"Those words are blasphemy!" shouted the Emperor. The Daleks behind them repeated the words, commanding them not blaspheme. "Everything human has been purged. I cultivated pure and blessed Dalek."
"Since when did the Daleks have a concept of blasphemy?" the Doctor asked, baffled by he was hearing.
"I reached into the dirt and made new life," the Emperor spoke smugly. "I am the god of all Daleks!" All the Daleks around them chanted for them to worship the Emperor.
The Doctor stared at them, stunned by the events unfolding. "They're insane. Hiding in silence for hundreds of years . . . that's enough to drive anyone mad." He stared harshly at the Daleks behind them. "But it's worse than that. Driven mad by you own flesh . . . the stink of humanity. You hate your own existence. And that makes them more deadly than ever."
He turned back to the Emperor, telling him, "We're going." Wanda grabbed Rose's hand and they quickly started towards the TARDIS. Jack followed behind.
"You may not leave my presence!" shouted the Emperor. The Doctor merely grinned as he walked back to the TARDIS.
He closed the doors behind him as the Daleks cried out 'exterminate' outside the doors. The Doctor stood at those doors, leaning his head against them as he listened to their cries. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He glanced over to see Wanda standing there next to him, staring worriedly at him. He patted her hand lightly.
"I'm fine," he assured her. He bounded up to the console and sent them off.
They arrived back into Satellite Five. As soon as the Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS, he ordered the programmers to turn all transmitters to their fullest power. They did as they were told, quickly stopping the Daleks from transmatting on board. The Doctor asked if there was any contacting Earth, to warn the planet, but the male programmer said the planet would not listen. There were also still a hundred of the gaming contestants on board, Lynda being one of them. She sat next to the programmers, ready to help the Doctor where he needed it.
"Oh, my god. The fleet is moving," the male programmer told them. "They're on their way." Sure enough, they watched on screen as the fleet moved through space, heading straight to Earth for a killing.
The Doctor rushed away, pulling out wires and electronics from different areas of the room. He was working on the transmitter of the satellite, ready to make a delta wave. A wave of energy that would fry any living things brain within distance, which would kill the Daleks and stop their actions. The only issue was that it would take the Doctor three days to finish while the Daleks would be arriving in twenty-two minutes.
They all rushed to work on something, getting the satellite ready for action while the Doctor continued his hopeless task. Wanda helped where she could with Jack on getting a force field up around the satellite. Everyone set up a plan of action for when the Daleks would finally arrive, deciding on fighting off the Daleks from the lower floors. The Doctor had Wanda and Rose stay up there with him as he worked on the delta wave as the rest of the party took off to begin preparing for battle.
Wanda stared sadly to them, knowing there was nothing she could do for them now. She only hoped, if there were some sort of afterlife in this universe, that they would find some peace there. She looked over as Jack came over to say goodbye, feeling her eyes wavering and tearing up. She knew he would be brought to life in the end (hopefully), but she still did not want him to go through such pain. Then, even being brought back into immortality seemed even worse than death to her. Living forever, that was not living. It was a walking death.
"It's been fun," Jack said brightly to them, smirking away. Though, they could see the last goodbye in his eyes. He knew where this day was leading for them all. "But I guess this is goodbye."
"Don't talk like that," Rose said quickly, in denial to what exactly was to happen to the people below. Rose turned, looking anxious as she stared almost pleadingly to Wanda. "Everything is going to turn all right, isn't it? The Doctor's going to do it and everyone's going to make it, right?" Wanda responded by giving Jack a strong hug, holding onto him tightly. He returned the hug, patting her back, knowing what the hug meant.
"I'm sorry," she whispered to him. "But life for you is going to be rough for now on. Just remain strong and keep searching for the Doctor. And know that you will return to us one day. I promise." She pulled away and kept her gaze to the floor, hating that there was nothing she could do for him. Jack stared at her in puzzlement, not sure what to think of her comment.
Wanda walked away allowing him to say goodbye to the other two. Jack patted her back as he walked by, telling her goodbye as he ran off. She waited until she could no longer hear his footsteps before she allowed the stray tear to fall. She wiped away quickly, not wanting to be weak for Nine.
"Hey."
Wanda turned when she heard the Doctor call to her, seeing how he stared kindly to her.
"Don't put yourself down for something you can't control," he said. "It isn't your fault." He smiled, walking over to gently rub Wanda's shoulder. She glanced up briefly to him, still shyly staring down when feeling confused as to why Nine was being so kind to her. But she did like it. She was glad he no longer hated her. The Doctor patted her shoulder, understanding why she was still acting nervous. As well as why she was so upset by Jack's departure.
"He's going to be all right," said a smiling Rose, trying to reassure herself more than anything. But at the sorrowful stares she received from Wanda and the Doctor, her smile dropped. "Isn't he?"
Neither answered as they turned back to the wires and continued their work on the delta wave. They remained in silence for some time as they worked. Rose sat twiddling with a couple of wires for a moment before speaking up.
"Suppose . . .," she wondered aloud.
"What?" the Doctor questioned, not bothering to look up from his work. Wanda paused for a second; glancing over to the girl before continuing with her own section the Doctor had ordered her to work on. Doing as he had instructed. She felt tense, knowing what was about to happen.
"Nothing," Rose muttered.
"You said 'suppose,'" the Doctor stated, continuing to fiddle with some wires.
"No, I was just thinking," spoke Rose, deciding to voice her idea. "I mean, obviously, you can't, but . . . you got a time machine. Why can't you just go back to last week and warn them?"
"Soon as the TARDIS lands in that second, I become part of events, stuck in the timeline," answered the Doctor.
Rose frowned, feeling dejected that there was no way out of this situation. "Yeah, thought it would be something like that."
The Doctor continued his work, wondering about Rose. "There's another thing the TARDIS could do. It could take us away. We could leave, let history take its course. We got to Marbella in 1989."
Rose rolled her eyes, smiling at him. "Yeah, but you'd never do that. And even if you tried, I know Wanda here would never let you. I also know that if Third Wanda ever got ahold of you, you'd be feeling her might again." She laughed some when the Doctor rubbed sorely at his right cheek.
"True. And I wouldn't want that to happen ever again." They both laughed at this. Wanda stared at them curiously.
"What happened?" she asked them.
"Nothing," replied the Doctor.
"Spoilers," laughed Rose.
Wanda shook her head, but smiled at them. Glad they were getting along. She had been so worried that the Doctor had not grown attached to Rose as he had in the show. That time corrupted their relationship. Her worries especially doubled with the way future Doctors had been acting around her, and the whole . . . 'love' thing. But, everything seemed normal here. She smiled as she turned back around, finishing her work. Glad that the Doctor and Rose still loved each other. Wanda hoped this meant time had been changed and then the Doctor would no longer wish to be with her in the future. That River and Eleven will still have their happiness. She paused briefly in her work. She could only keep her fingers crossed on that.
"You could have asked though. To be taken away from here," the Doctor spoke up, finishing their conversation. He saw the way Rose blinked in surprise to that thought. He smiled lightly to her. "Never even occurred to you, did it?"
"Well, I'm just too good," Rose replied lightly, smiling some. He smiled back, finally understanding what Wanda had truly seen in the girl all this time. He felt a twinge of guilt for what he had said before, when he thought Wanda had . . . . Rose was another he had to apologize to, to make up for his mistakes. Though, sadly, he did not think they would last through the day for him to be able to. He would just have to make up for it another way, then.
The computer made a noise as the delta wave was starting to build. They rushed over to the main controls. The Doctor checked over the system, only to find there was not enough time. The delta wave would never reach the full potential he needed to be able to kill the Daleks. Not without killing everyone else. Including all the people of Earth. He hung his head, knowing there was no saving everyone here today. He could hear Rose talking behind him. He could feel Wanda watching him carefully. No, there were a few people he could save. And he knew, this was how he could make it up to them.
He shot his head back up, putting up the biggest fake grin he could manage.
"Rose Tyler, you're a genius!" he cried out in joy. He gave Rose a quick peck on the forehead, making her beam. "We can do it, if I use the TARDIS to cross my own timeline. Yes!" He rushed off to the TARDIS, opening the doors quickly. Rose rushed off with him while Wanda lingered behind some. She stared in fear to the ship, twisting her thumb around madly.
This was it. The moment had come. What would she choose? Stay with the Doctor? Or leave with Rose? Ensure the Doctor's life? Or Rose's instead?
She walked quickly towards the TARDIS. Her mind muddled as to what to do. Everything jumbled around inside her head. Everything was in a panic. A rather nasty headache started to form with a certain barrier shifting in concern. She reached the doors as the Doctor rushed out, leaving Rose in there, thinking she was holding down a lever to help him. He came to a stop before Wanda, keeping up that fake grin.
"Wanda, I need you to go in there and hold down the lever next to Rose," he said quickly. "It'll help stabilize the TARDIS." He hoped she would buy it. However, from the look in her eyes, he saw that she knew the truth behind his actions and words. She always did know.
"Doctor, I . . . I don't want—," she began to say before the Doctor grabbed a hold of her by her arms and spun them around. Making her back face the open TARDIS and his the station.
Wanda froze as she saw the look in his eye. The final and solemn goodbye. He continued to smile at her, though it was cheerless now. More desolate. He pulled her in slightly closer to him, but kept a good few inches of space between them. Her eyes widened as she looked into his sad ones. She had never noticed before now. Nine . . . had the most brilliant blue eyes.
"Wanda," he said quietly. He grinned gloomily. "I'm sorry." With that said, he pushed her into the TARDIS. She stumbled back, falling to the floor as the doors slammed shut at her feet. The TARDIS engine started before she could even register what happened. She shot up from the ground, throwing herself at the doors. Rose came rushing to the doors as well as they both began to slam their hands against them, trying to get them to open.
"Doctor, what have you done?!" Rose shouted at the doors.
"Doctor!" Wanda cried, unable to think of anything else besides wanting with all her hearts to stay with him. Even if it meant they both died, she wanted to be with him. It was selfish of her, she knew that. But her hearts would not stop screaming for him. "Doctor!"
"Doctor, let us out! Let us out!" Rose screamed at the doors. The girls pounded away madly as the TARDIS was sent into the Vortex. They heard as a voice came up behind them. The Doctor's voice.
"This is Emergency Program One," spoke the voice. They turned to see a hologram of the Doctor standing by the console. "Wanda, Rose, now, listen—this is important. If this message is activated, then it can only mean one thing: we must be in danger. And I mean fatal. I'm dead, or about to die any second, with no chance of escape."
"No," gasped Rose. Wanda shook at the thought. They both rushed up to be closer to the hologram.
"And that's okay . . . hope it's a good death," continued on the hologram. "But, Rose, I promised to look after you, and that's what I'm doing. And Wanda, I promised myself I would ensure the survival of the Time Lords, and that's what I'm doing through you." Wanda stared with eyes wavering at the hologram. All this time, she thought Nine did not consider her a Time Lord.
"The TARDIS is taking you home," the hologram said. "I know it isn't exactly home for you, Wanda. But I know how much Jackie and Rose love you so you'll be in good hands."
They both walked up to the hologram, standing on either side. The hologram went on as normal.
"And I bet you're both fussing and moaning now—typical. But hold on and just listen a bit more. The TARDIS can never return for me. So, don't even bother trying to travel back, Wanda. You won't be able to. I have the TARDIS set to go on lock down as soon as it lands. Emergency Program One means I'm facing an enemy that should never get their hands on this machine. So this is what you should do . . . let the TARDIS die. Just let this old box gather dust. No one can open it. No one will even notice it. Let it become a strange little thing standing on a street corner. And over the years, the world will move on, and the box will be buried. And if you want to remember me, then you can do one thing. That's all . . . one thing. Have a good life. The both of you."
The hologram turned, facing Rose first with a grin.
"Have a fantastic life, Rose."
It then turned to Wanda, giving her a warm smile.
"And Wanda," it paused some as she stared at the Doctor's image. The holographic image of the Doctor seemed to hesitate. As if, when the Doctor had recorded this he was searching for the right words. He finally smiled, giving Wanda a very kind gaze. "Be magnificent."
They continued to watch as the image slowly faded. Rose refused to believe it. She ran to the console, pulling levers and pushing as many buttons as she could find. All the while screaming for the TARDIS to take them back. Wanda stood in a daze, staring off blankly to the spot where the hologram once been. To where the Doctor had said his final goodbye. She felt numb, unable to think about what had just occurred. She only knew that the Doctor was back in Satellite Five, alone and facing an army of Daleks, ready to make the decision to kill off every living thing on Earth to stop the rest of the universe to be destroyed by the fleet.
But she had promised him he would not have to be alone anymore. That she would be there for him when he needed someone to be with him. That he would never have to face a dreadful decision on his own, ever again. She had promised . . . and she was not about to break that promise. Not now, not ever. She straightened, staring to that spot determinedly. If the Doctor thought he could send them off, Rose Tyler, the human girl he was meant to love, and the Wanderer, one of the last Time Lords in existence, then he had another thing coming.
As soon as the TARDIS landed and went into lock down, Wanda turned on the spot and marched to the doors. Rose ran up behind her as the Time Lady opened the doors. They stared outside to see they were back in Powell Estate. Rose's flat could be seen from where they were standing. Rose rushed back to work with the controls again while Wanda stood at the doors, her mind racing like lightening to begin a plan of action.
Wanda knew she could not force the TARDIS to teach her to navigate the console. For one, the old girl was on lock down. Two, she would never do that anyway. Today was the reason why Sexy never taught Wanda how to pilot her. Wanda knew that now. The old girl had wanted Wanda to remain here where it was safe. Either that or, the old girl wanted to leave Wanda no choice but to allow the creation of Bad Wolf. That was unthinkable. She would have to be decisive upon another course of action.
The only logical choice in the end though, was indeed the creation of Bad Wolf. But . . . the timeline never said exactly who had to become Bad Wolf. She knew the possibilities had always indicated that Rose had to be Bad Wolf. However, there was also the possibility that Wanda had never been able to see any other option because it had involved her directly. Leaving the area blank to her since it involved her own timeline. She kept contemplating this as an image flashed by of Rose dying from the over powering Time Vortex. Dying right in Wanda's arms. Her hands fisted tightly. She would never allow that to happen. Not only would she hate and never forgive herself for putting Rose in danger, but she knew the Doctor would as well.
Wanda glanced up as she heard Mickey come running down the way towards the TARDIS. Perfect. He was step one in the plan. She stepped fully out of the TARDIS, allowing Rose out as well.
"I knew it," Mickey called out happily. "I was all the way down Clifton Parade, and I heard the engines, I thought, 'There's only one thing that makes a noise like that.'" He walked up smiling, then it dropped when he saw Wanda's blank face and Rose's crying one. "What is it?"
Rose walked up and hugged Mickey, crying into his shoulder. Wanda walked up swiftly and pulled them apart.
"No time. We need to get a move on if we're going to save the Doctor," she said curtly. She grabbed their arms and dragged them back down the street towards Rose's flat.
"But—but, Wanda, y-you heard th-he Doctor," Rose sniffled. "We-e can't go back. There's n-no way for us t-to get back. It's impossible." Wanda stopped abruptly and spun to face Rose, staring sternly at the girl.
"Rose Tyler, if there's one thing you've learn in travelling with the Doctor is that there is nothing in this universe that's impossible. Just a bit unlikely," Wanda said firmly. "If things were ever impossible, then there would be no madman with a box travelling around and bringing hope to all worlds all across the universe. Now, since there is such a madman with a box of impossibilities, we are going to go back there and save him."
"How?" Rose asked in puzzlement, but feeling hope to the determined look within the Time Lady's eyes.
"We are going to break into the TARDIS and make her travel back," Wanda said powerfully. "Because, if there is one thing you know about me, Rose, is that I always keep my promises. I made a promise to the Doctor, and I'm damn sure not going to start breaking it now." She grabbed their arms again and marched them along.
"What do you want us to do?" Mickey asked quickly, ready to help. Not even questioning who exactly this new Wanda was. He figured he could always ask later.
"Step one was to acquire your assistance, Mickey," Wanda answered swiftly. "Step two: get Jackie."
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Mickey decided he had to try first. They hooked a large chain to his car, and he slammed on the gas. He tried with all his might to get the car to break the TARDIS console open, but no good. The chain merely broke in response to the fierce towing. It then took some convincing for Jackie on Rose's part, but the mother eventually found the heavy-duty recovery vehicle to give it a go. Wanda would have gone to that vehicle first, but she had no idea how the woman had received the transportation. Even the possibilities did not show her that specific information. Not that they would have anyway. Her mind was too jumbled into a panicked mess at the current moment for her to even think properly on anything other than her plan of action to save the Doctor.
So, Wanda watched on in anticipation while Rose cheered on Mickey. Jackie could be heard giving encouragement outside next to Mickey. Wanda and Rose both fixed their eyes to the console inside the TARDIS as the chain hauled it. Rose stayed close to the console, keeping herself firmly in place while Wanda stood ready for action close by the girl. Wanda was not foolish. She knew what the girl was planning. They both knew how dangerous it was to face the power of the TARDIS's heart head-on. Rose merely thought she could place herself in that dangerous path before Wanda could. Rose wanted to keep Wanda safe as a way to pay the Time Lady back from saving her from the Daleks' transmit. Well, Rose had another thing coming if she thought Wanda would ever allow any harm come to her.
Wanda planned to push her out of the way once the console opened. She would take the full force of the Time Vortex in the girl's place. This would ensure the survival of both the Doctor and Rose while they could allow Wanda's body to burn up in its power. This way Nine would not have to sacrifice himself in saving Wanda. It would not change much in the Doctor's timeline. Ten would make an appearance soon enough and things would continue on as normal. Things could move on. Rose could live on and be with her Doctor. As the Doctor could be with his Rose. Just as it should be. Just as it would be. Wanda was determined to see to that.
Wanda heard the console begin to creak. She tensed, knowing it was almost time. It had taken longer than expected, but that was the timeline. Always the unexpected. Wanda began to shift forward, going to move Rose out of the way. Just before she reached out to Rose, the voice burst into her mind.
Stop!
Wanda froze, her eye widening in fright. She remained stiff as she heard the echo of that voice ringing through her mind. The very same voice she had heard on the S.S. Pentallian.
Bad Wolf.
Why was her voice ringing out to Wanda? Was it some sort of premonition? Wanda shook her head quickly, forcing her thoughts back to continue with her task at hand. She needed to concentration before the Time Vortex was exposed and affected Rose. She started forward again.
I said stop! shouted Bad Wolf. Wanda stopped again, feeling her hearts pound away in fright. You can't be the one to become me. It has to be Rose Tyler. It must always be her. Wanda felt her eyes tighten. Bad Wolf or not, she had no idea what lay at stake here.
Rose is in danger. Wanda said sternly. There is a possibility of her dying today.
Then, so be it. Either way, I am born. Bad Wolf replied easily, dismissing to the dangers that lie ahead for Rose. Wanda felt outraged.
Are you telling me you don't care for Rose's safety whatsoever?! Wanda shouted at the entity.
None. The girl's life is meaningless to me. My concern today is only for my creation to go smoothly, and for helping Alpha.
Wanda blinked in confusion. Alpha? What's Alpha?
I do believe the term to be . . . spoilers?
Wanda gritted her teeth slightly. Whatever. You may not care about Rose, but I do. I am not letting her get killed today nor ever. Wanda reached for Rose again, hearing the console creak once more.
I command you to cease! You have no idea what is at stake here! You must not become me!
Wanda froze again, feeling some uncertainty come over her. Why? Is it because I will not be able to handle the Time Vortex myself? Because I'm a Time Lord that I might become a vengeful god as Ten once said?
The idea had not really crossed her mind until then. What if, it really had to be Rose? She was the most human of humans after all. The best of humanity. Wanda could never hold up to the wonderful light that Rose had. Wanda might become corrupt by the Time Vortex and lose control of the powers. She might die on the spot upon seeing the heart of the TARDIS. Or even kill everyone around her. Then, where would that leave the Doctor or Rose if that was to happen? The idea sent a shiver down Wanda's spine.
On the contrary. said Bad Wolf. You would be able to handle the Vortex very successfully. With much more fluidity than the girl ever could. To an extent, at least.
Then, why must it be her? Wanda asked, frowning heavily. Why . . . why must she die?
There is not an exact case of her imminent demise. Only a ninety-nine percent probability.
Wanda's eyes narrowed some. Oh, that's assuring. One percent of her living and the rest death? I don't think so.
My, my. Young Wanda using sarcasm? That is delightful.
Wanda could hear Bad Wolf laughing some. This only made Wanda feel even angrier at the entity. It doesn't matter. You can't stop me. I'm not taking any chances of Rose being destroyed.
This is a fixed point in time. There is nothing you can do.
Watch me. Time can be rewritten, and I'm rewriting it now.
You have no say in the matter. She won't let you. She's even more protective of you than even I.
Wanda ignored the last words, moving Rose out of the way as the console got ready to burst.
"Wanda?! What are you doing?!" Rose shouted, trying to move back in front. Wanda kept her at bay. Keeping her eyes fixed to the console.
She waited for it to open. And waited. But the creaking had stopped. It refused to budge. Wanda's eyes widened as she stared to the controls. The TARDIS . . . had never been refusing to open in the first place. Sexy had been merely waiting until the time here would match to that of where the Doctor was. She had planned to open on her own the moment that happened. But . . . she would also never open unless . . . it was Rose Tyler standing there, waiting for the Vortex.
"No," Wanda whispered. She reached up and placed her hands on the console. "Please, no."
"Wanda? What's going on?" Rose asked her, confused as to what the chestnut girl was doing. Wanda shook as she stared to the console.
"Please," she begged the TARDIS, staring up to the time rotor. "Please, don't let it be her." Wand began to cry. "I only see her death. Only death. I never see the outcome I saw from the show. Never. Please, just use me instead. I know I'm not the best of humanity but . . . but . . ."
"Wanda?"
Wanda turned, staring to the shocked Rose. Wanda looked back to the TARDIS, her gazing saddening. "She planned it to be you all along, you know. Rose Tyler: Defender of Earth. It was you she wanted all along, all this time."
Rose shook her head, completely perplexed as to what Wanda was talking about. "Who? Who wanted me?"
"But she also knew what it might do to you. She knew the choices . . . and she chose." Wanda leaned on the console, pleading with the TARDIS. "Please. Please, tell me she lives. Let her live. I can't . . . I can't stand to lose her. To lose anyone. Please let her be okay in the end! Don't let her die!" The TARDIS hummed. The first noise she had made since arriving back to Earth. It was a sad hum. A regretful and guilty hum.
Wanda bowed her head in defeat, knowing the choice had been long made. She had no means to stopping it, even if she wanted to. She only prayed that none of the possibilities were true and her universe's show came through of how things would turn out. It had in the past. Hopefully, it would for this day, too. Time could be rewritten, and Wanda did not want Rose Tyler to be rewritten out of her life. Out of the Doctor's life. Not ever.
Wanda stepped back and out of the way. Rose stepped forward, sending her a confused look. Wanda kept her eyes closed tightly as the console burst open and Rose turned to stare into the heart of the TARDIS. The Time Vortex going straight into the girl's eyes. The engines started up and the doors slammed shut. Wanda could feel the TARDIS flying through the Vortex and back to rescue the Doctor.
She opened her eyes slowly to see Bad Wolf standing before her. No longer the human Rose Tyler. Bad Wolf smirked some, her eyes glowing golden.
"Glad you listened to me," she said lightly.
"I'm not," Wanda whispered, backing away from the entity. "I had always thought Bad Wolf was Rose. Or just . . . another consciousness of Rose."
"I was never apart of Rose's consciousness," Bad Wolf explained. "I, am the entity created by the Vortex into this human body of Rose Tyler. We are separate, yet same. I am in control of this body currently. The human has been pushed aside for my control."
"Then . . . Rose really has died," Wanda whispered. She grabbed her hands, holding them close to her chest as she felt her hearts weeping to that thought. The thought of her best friend being no more.
Bad Wolf sent the Time Lady a look of pity. "Not yet. But soon if I am not released from her." Bad Wolf walked up, smiling in reassurance to Wanda. "But . . . I do not think this will happen. I truly believe the Doctor cares enough to save her."
Wanda stared to the entity with wavering and tearful eyes. "Then, why do I only see her death?"
Bad Wolf tilted her head, studying Wanda carefully. "Things are . . . muddled within your mind. The true potential of the timelines are not quite open for you yet. It would only create chaos if they were." She paused for a moment. "And not only that, but past events are clouding your judgment here. You see another dying rather than Rose. The falsities of the possibilities."
Wanda stared at her, confused by her words. "What do you mean?"
Bad Wolf hesitated, seeming conflicted as to what to say. "What I mean is, there were past events to which your mind is replaying. To which are mixing together with the true possibilities, making it so that you see a mixture of past and future. Then again, I always get those mixed up anyway, so I don't blame you for being confused as well." Bad Wolf chuckled merrily, but stopped immediately when seeing how scared Wanda still seemed to be. The entity stared at Wanda in concern and paused in thought. "Perhaps . . . the possibilities of which you have been seeing are creations of your fear. Your mind created them because that is what it thought or assumed it would see."
Wanda still felt bewildered as to how that could possibly be, but she did not question the entity any further. Then she realized a strange feeling within her. A feeling of being . . . oddly relaxed around the entity. She should be terrified. The power of the Time Vortex was a dangerous and unstable thing. But yet, she felt . . . peaceful and at home next to Bad Wolf. At the same time, Wanda knew this was wrong for her to feel. No one should feel comfortable with the Time Vortex. She shook the feeling off and continued her questioning.
"Why did it have to be Rose?" Wanda asked quietly.
"There would have been terrible consequences otherwise," answered Bad Wolf.
"Is it because of Gallifrey?" Wanda questioned her carefully.
Bad Wolf gave a playful grin. "Oh, much more than that."
Wanda stared at her, observing her closely. "What do you mean?"
"I stopped the Universe's Weapon from activating."
Wanda blinked, confused by her words. "What weapon?"
"All in due time, Wanderer." Bad Wolf walked up and patted her arm playfully. "For now, just know that you are doing the right thing."
Wanda furrowed her brows, unsure what exactly to make of the entity. "You're much different than the Bad Wolf from the show."
Bad Wolf gazed turned from playful to serious, staring solemnly at Wanda. "A show is nothing more than a staged viewing to entertain its viewer. A lot of things had to be changed to not upset said viewer." Wanda blinked some, while Bad Wolf patted her arm again. This time, much more serious in her tone and demeanour. "Now, I must play the part of an innocent Rose Tyler coming to save the day. The Doctor must not know of the truth to my existence until the Day of Sorrow. And if you play your own part right today, Wanderer, you might just save your dear Rose yet."
Bad Wolf went to step towards the TARDIS doors, but stopped short. She turned back to Wanda, giving the Time Lady a warm hug.
"Be careful, Wanderer. Not just for today, but for those to come," whispered the entity. "And know this: When you need me, I am there." Bad Wolf pulled back, smiling kindly. Wanda could only stare at the entity, feeling at a loss of what to say.
They felt the TARDIS land, arriving to save the Doctor. Wanda backed away from Bad Wolf, allowing the entity to step out first. The entity did just as she said she would. She acted out to be Rose in charge, killing off all of the Daleks. Just in the same manner as Wanda had watched in the show. It was hard for her to even focus on what was being said or what actions the entity was doing. Wanda mostly watched in a daze, unable to fully grasp what happened only moments ago in the TARDIS.
Had this been the same thing within her show? Had the real Bad Wolf also held this cunning plan for Rose all along? Had nothing Wanda watched been real during this point in time? No answers seemed to come to Wanda as she felt so stunned by the current events. Finally, her focus came back to her as she shook herself out of her daze. She watched as Bad Wolf lowered her hands, finished in bringing the Daleks to their demise and life to Jack somewhere distantly within the station. Turning her attention away from the entity, Wanda saw the Doctor sitting on the floor a few feet from them, looking on just as dazed and awed as she herself felt. She hurriedly walked over to the Time Lord.
"Why are you here?" he asked her quickly. "I sent you back. You should have stayed there."
"We had to save you," Wanda answered him gently. She crouched down next to him and went to touch his arm. But the Doctor jerked away from her in anger. He stood up, glaring down at her.
"But at the cost of Rose?!" he shouted. He pointed over to the blonde girl as she continued to stare blankly at them both with her glowing golden eyes. "It's the Time Vortex inside of her! It's killing her!" Wanda stood up as well, gripping and twisting her hands around tightly as she stared pleading to the Doctor.
"I tried to stop it. But I had to let it happen," Wanda explained to him. "The TARDIS wouldn't let me—."
"You knowingly let her do this?!" The Doctor stared at her in horror, unbelieving to the Wanda who stood before him. All this time, he had thought she had cared for Rose. How she would do anything for the girl. To never let harm befall on her precious friend. But now . . . he saw the truth. "All this time, you kept saying how important she was. How much you cared for her. But you only had her around for this?! You set her up for slaughter!"
"No! It wasn't like that at all!" Wanda felt her tears leaking down her face. The idea that she had set Rose up for slaughter; it hurt her hearts at the very idea. But it was true. All this time, she never did a thing to really stop it. She could have fought harder. She could have begged more. She could have warned the Doctor. But she caved in, in the end, and allowed it to happen.
"That's what it looks like to me," growled the Doctor.
"It was a fixed point in time. There was nothing I could have done," Wanda replied, shaking her head fiercely. Hating herself more than anything. "It had to be Rose. I don't even understand it myself. But it had to be her."
"Why? Why did it have to be her? Why is her death a fixed point in time?" the Doctor asked severely.
Wanda looked at him in horror. "No! She isn't supposed to die! You can't let her die!"
"That's not what it looks like to me. Looks to me like she's going to burn up. Burn up because you let it happen."
"No! Please, you can't let that happen!" Wanda reached for him, begging to him. He only yanked back from her hands, glaring at her. Wanda shook even more, seeing the set fury of the Doctor. "You have to save her!"
The Doctor crossed his arms, glaring harshly at Wanda. "Tell me why it's a fixed point in time, then."
"I can't." Wanda cried, tears pilling down her face.
"That's what it always comes down to. Spoilers. Well, this time I'd really like to know. Seizures or not, you tell me. Because I'd really like to know why the Wanderer would ever be willing to kill her friend."
Wanda could hear Rose calling out to them. Crying as she felt the power burning her up. Wanda whipped her head over, seeing her friend within those glowing eyes. She hurriedly looked back to the Doctor. "Please, it's killing her! You have to save her!"
The Doctor jerked his head in the direction of Rose. "Why don't you save her, then? If she's that important to you, you save her."
Wanda shook her head sadly. "I don't know if I can. I don't even think she'll let me."
The Doctor raised a brow to that. "Who won't let you?"
Wanda shook her head once more. "I can't tell you. Just, please, save her." She stared at him with pleading eyes, ready to get down on her knees and beg. She did not wish for Nine to use up his life and regenerate, but . . . she did not wish for Rose to die, either. And Wanda was certain the way Bad Wolf acted, and from some of the things of which had been said, the entity would not allow Wanda to be the one to give up her life to save Rose.
The Doctor set a hard gaze at Wanda. "Why?"
"Please."
"Tell me why?"
"Please!"
"Why should I?"
"Because of Gallifrey!" They both froze to what Wanda shouted. The Doctor stared on in shock as Wanda continued to look at him with pleading eyes. "Because of what Rose did for Gallifrey."
"What . . . what did she do for Gallifrey?" The Doctor looked at her, stunned by what she had said. He was breathless and lightheaded to the very name of his lost planet.
Wanda shook her head quickly. "I can't tell you."
"Doctor. Wanda. Please. It hurts," Rose called out to them. Wanda shivered, reaching forward quickly before he could pull back again, grabbing onto his hands. She felt the warmth and white light picking up. She had to act fast.
"Please, Doctor! Save her!" she cried. She begged. "Please, save Rose! Save Rose!" The white light made her unable to see his shocked face any longer. But she continued to plea.
"Save Rose! Save Rose! Save Rose!"
XxXxXxXx
So, did everyone see that coming? Was it good? Bad? Please, let me know what you think in a review. :)
Reviewers:
grapejuice101: Here's Bad Wolf. I hope you liked her. And the chapter, too. :)
ElysiumPhoenix: Did this chapter surprise you as well? I hope it was a nice surprise if it did. :) I'm so happy you are enjoying the story. I hope you will like part two and three in the future. :D
Jesuslovesmarina: lol Sorry for the freak out. Yep, she finally did change at least one thing. But as you can see, not everything. And for good reasons why, too. Some things just can never be changed. Also, I never really thought of that before, didn't even dawn on me that it goes with my username. lol It's mostly a nickname for Third Wanda for a special reason. You'll see why later when Wanda and Jack meet for the 'first' time. I'm glad you enjoy the little name he gave her. :)
Kayla: Only one to go now. ;) I hope you enjoyed this chapter and will like the ending. :)
RuthlessNReckless: I agree. :) I'm glad you don't mind the wait. Thanks for the review. :)
jasmine1810: I'm so glad that you enjoy the story so much. :) And that you like Wanda, too. :) I hope you will like her second incarnation as well. And that you will continue to enjoy the story into part two and three. Thanks for the lovely review.
anonymous: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Thank you for the review. :)
Fireball221B: Hello! :D Aww, thank you so much. I'm so happy you are enjoying the story. :) I really hope you will enjoy the next part to come. :)
Sah: I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter. I hope you like this one as well. :) And thank you so, so much for taking the time to leave reviews. I always enjoy seeing reviews from recurring readers. :D And I'm so happy that you've stuck around for the story and that the story gives you joy. :) Oh, and tell your sister she is completely welcome to join the story. I really hope she enjoys the story if she ever gets the time to read it. :D
Mitsuyuki-Hime: Well, I hope this chapter answered all of your questions. :) Thanks for the review! :D
That's all for now! :) Thank you all for the lovely words and support. :) Everyone go out and have an amazing day! :D
~Tinker~