Time and the Trickster

By Lumendea

Chapter Fifty: Tale of Two Time Lords: Full TARDIS

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any of the spinoff material and I gain no income off of this story, just the satisfaction of playing with the characters.

…..

A groaning wheezing sound echoed down the long grey corridor lined with heavy metal doors. A moment later a wind ripped through the corridor as a blue police box appeared. There was a rush of footfalls and ten armed troopers in black spilt into the corridor, all of them raising their weapons towards the TARDIS door.

"Oh," the Eleventh Doctor huffed, "They were expecting us."

"The Silver Lord knows about us," the Tenth Doctor muttered angrily as he looked at the viewing screen. He turned back to his counterpart, "Do you have a plan?"

"As a matter of fact, I came prepared for this" the Eleventh Doctor announced triumphantly, digging into his pocket. He pulled out a yo-yo, a chain of paperclips and then a white bag which he grinned at. Holding it out to his counterparts, he kept searching with his free hand while the Ninth and Tenth Doctors each took a jelly baby without a word. "Got it!" the Eleventh Doctor cheered as he pulled out a small round metallic device roughly the size of a Jammie Dodger. "I knew I had it in there somewhere."

"Travinis Burst," the Ninth Doctor remarked, looking begrudgingly impressed. "How you'd get one of those?"

"I have my ways," the Eleventh Doctor beamed.

"Jack gave it to you didn't he?" the Tenth Doctor asked, not looking impressed or surprised.

"Maybe," the Eleventh Doctor huffed before nodded, "Alright fine, yeah it's one of Jack's toys."

"Figures," the Tenth Doctor sighed. "But it'll take down this lot without hurting them and let us grab Rose and release the Donovans. Section 13's search force will be here in seven minutes."

"I'll get Rose, you two free the Donovans," the Eleventh Doctor instructed.

"Wait just-" the Ninth Doctor protested loudly.

"Hold on-" the Tenth Doctor snapped at the same time.

"Shush!" the Eleventh Doctor commanded, louder than he'd shouted before in front of his former selves. "Ssss!" He added, putting a finger to his lips. "I know what's going on and won't accidently make it worse," the Eleventh Doctor told them both. "Now, the Donovans are in the lab just at the end of the corridor that way," he announced spinning and pointing with his entire arm. "Good luck and all that."

The Ninth Doctor crossed his arms and watched as his future-self move to the door with the Travinis Burst and set his hand on the handle. "They're going to open fire the moment that door opens," the Ninth Doctor reminded him before shuddering. "Do I even need to mention New Year's Eve 1999?"

All three of them shuddered slightly and the Eleventh Doctor tossed the Travinis Burst lightly in his hand, catching it with a smirk. "I don't need to be reminded and let's just keep making sure the universe doesn't know that a street gang with guns was enough to kill us once. The Sontarans would never let us live it down."

"In our defence," the Tenth Doctor offered, rubbing the back of his neck. "That body was starting to wear a little thin."

"Just stay back," the Eleventh Doctor told them, "I repaired the temporal grace system a few years back."

"Good, no weapons in the console," the Ninth Doctor agreed with a nod. "But you haven't fixed the chameleon circuit."

"Fix the?" the Eleventh Doctor gaped at his previous self. "Are you mad!?"

"You like it as much as us," the Tenth Doctor told the Ninth Doctor with an eye roll. "Let's get on with this."

Nodding, the Eleventh Doctor opened the TARDIS door just the tiniest amount. Gunfire started immediately in the hallway, but he managed to slip the burst device through the crack sideways. It landed with a dull metallic thud and he quickly shut the door. The Ninth Doctor turned on the viewing screen in time to see a blast of light burst from the device and all the soldiers surrounding the TARDIS drop like stones.

"That lots taken care of," the Ninth Doctor told his counterparts who were already at the doorway. "Should be out long enough for Section 13 to handle them."

"And we'll have Rose safely away from here," the Eleventh Doctor insisted as he opened the door fully and stepped out into the corridor, careful not to step on anyone. The other two Doctors joined him a moment later, looking around carefully. Both gave the Eleventh Doctor a displeased look but headed off in the direction of the Donovans without a word. Wringing his hands, the Eleventh Doctor watched them go. "Probably should be worried about them ganging up on me," he muttered before he turned on his heel and strode down the corridor the opposite direction.

….

Gasping, Rose jerked forward, her eyes opening and panic flashing through her system. The restraints were tight against her seizing body and it was only the pain that stopped Rose's movement. Trying to catch her breath and remember what was happening, Rose collapsed back against the heavy chair she was stuck in. Closing her eyes, Rose allowed everything to trickle back to the front of her mind. Then she became aware of a hand stroking her cheek. Rose opened her eyes and turned to see the Silver Lord leaning over her, touching her cheek with a smirk.

"Welcome back," he told her before glancing behind them. "Your Doctors are here."

Her heart jumped, but she tried to keep her expression neutral, uncertain as to what the Silver Lord had done to her and why. Instead of doing anything more, he calmly stepped back from her and rolled his shoulders. Stepping in front of Rose, he looked at her for a moment, still smirking.

"See you soon sweetie," he cooed, blowing a kiss.

Rose was about to snap at him, her temper roused and the assurance that the Doctor was nearby helped her recover her courage despite being strapped to a chair. But then the Silver Lord began to glow and Rose's words caught in her throat. The body before her shuddered and fell to its knees. Throwing back its head, the eyes glowed a strange white tinted with electric violet colour. There was a terrible scream and Rose had to close her eyes as the brightness in front of her became too much.

It dimmed slightly and Rose dared to open her eyes. Floating above the body which was now collapsed on the floor was a strange non-corporal mass of light with a pair of wing-like protrusions on its back. The form shifted in front of Rose, shimmering in different colours, but never taking on a distinct shape. If Rose hadn't known exactly who and what it was, she might have found it beautiful. The Silver Lord in his native form released a high pitched animalistic cry before vanishing, the air rippling around it.

There was a crash behind her that sounded like a door being thrown open and Rose clutched at the chair until her Eleventh Doctor came rushing forward to her side. "You're here too?" Rose asked, confusion and exhaustion weighing heavily on her.

"Me too," the Eleventh Doctor agreed with a smile that was a bit too forced for Rose to believe. Gently, he began to undo the restraints. When her hand was freed, he raised it to his lips and kissed it gently, his eyes meeting hers. There was sorrow in his eyes that he couldn't hide from her and despite knowing she was safe at that moment, fear churned in her stomach.

"The Donovans?" Rose asked, her voice soft and low.

"My other selves are getting them," the Doctor assured her. "Don't worry, the scientists in the labs take off running when they realise that the soldiers are all down."

"Not even a fight?" Rose questioned, surprise and concern on her face.

"I think that Section 13 and UNIT will find that Black Sun has very few loyal scientists. What they have are people they'd kidnapped or are holding their families hostage," the Doctor remarked darkly. "Don't have to worry about those people double crossing you since they're worried about staying alive."

"That's horrible," Rose whispered as the last restraint on her left hand came off and the Doctor kissed it gently as well.

"Not nice people, don't worry they'll be out of business in the near future."

"That's a relief," Rose muttered, "Is that a you thing, a me thing or a someone else thing?"

"That's a I'm not going to tell you thing," the Doctor replied as he freed her final foot.

Standing up, he held a hand out to Rose which she gratefully took. She stumbled, her legs shaking at her own weight. The Doctor caught her gently and let her lean against him as Rose carefully straightened out her legs and waited for them to get used to moving again.

"I'm alright," Rose told him before she amended the statement to, "I'll be alright."

"I know," the Doctor replied, kissing her hair gently as he held her. "I know Darling." Rose shifted slightly and sighed in relief as her legs held and feeling returned to them. "Can you walk?" the Doctor asked softly.

"If you want I can run," Rose told him, looking up at him with a weary, but honest smile.

"That's my girl, but let's stick to walking for now," the Doctor told her as he reached over and picked up the sonic pen from the table. "This is yours I believe?"

She accepted it and slipped it into her pocket, grateful that she could feel the weight of her translator and her jewellery. But once again it brought up the question of why the Silver Lord had captured her at all if he didn't do anything. Then Rose remembered the deeply personal questions and barely kept herself from shuddering. They entered a long corridor filled with unconscious troops and the TARDIS standing under a bright hanging light. Smiling genuinely, Rose stayed at the Doctor's side as he unlocked the door. There was a sound of crashing down the corridor and Rose tensed.

"It's just Section 13," the Doctor promised her as he pushed open the door. "Not to worry."

Stepping inside the TARDIS, Rose stretched out her muscles and watched the Doctor as he adjusted some controls. A moment later the door banged open and the Ninth Doctor stormed inside, an irritated look on his face. Rose raised an eyebrow, but he didn't seem to notice her for a moment. The Tenth Doctor followed him in, looking just as irritated, but also a little amused.

"Damn Section 13," the Ninth Doctor growled. "Not even a thank you, just demands for a debrief and arguing."

"Then Michael and Danielle are safe?" Rose asked from her spot beside the console, attracting the attention of both Doctors.

"Yes," the Tenth Doctor answered quickly, his eyes focused on Rose. He crossed the console room in a few long strides and cupped her face gently. "They're safe," he promised. Rose knew he was looking at the bruising on her neck and forehead from the restraints. Sighing sadly, he leaned forward and brushed a soft kiss to her forehead. "And you're safe," he breathed.

"Yes," Rose agreed, looking at his brown eyes. "I'm safe, thank you."

Turning her attention to the Ninth Doctor, Rose gave him a small smile and shrug. It took her a moment to figure out something to say. "Sorry about the time line drama," she apologised.

The Ninth Doctor's lips twitched into a small smile despite himself. He didn't say anything, just giving Rose a quick and uncomfortable nod. Beside Rose, the Tenth Doctor shook his head at his previous self and wrapped an arm around her waist, keeping her steady as the TARDIS dematerialized.

None of the Doctor's spoke as each other adjusted the controls slightly with the Eleventh Doctor remaining in control of their flight. Rose was too lost in through to say anything and focused on the warmth of her Doctor's arm around her even as he twisted a knob with his free one. They landed smoothly a moment later surprising Rose.

Next, to her, the Tenth Doctor caught her expression and explained, "The TARDIS is designed to be flown by six people so every additional pilot makes things smoother."

"It helps when you learn to fly," the Eleventh Doctor added.

"She learns to fly the TARDIS?" the Ninth Doctor asked, clearly surprised. The other two Doctor each gave him a look and he nodded with resignation. "I'm the one who teaches her to fly the TARDIS."

The Ninth Doctor looked over at Rose and her brown eyes met his icy blue ones. He was conflicted, that much was clear. Giving him a small smile, Rose tried to silently tell him that it was going to be okay, but her own exhaustion made her wonder how effectively she did this. The Ninth Doctor looked away from her towards the Eleventh Doctor.

"So how do we deal with the timelines?" he asked.

"You have to forget," the Eleventh Doctor answered. "Sorry and you," he announced as he pointed at the Tenth Doctor. "You have to leave it alone."

"Leave it alone!?" the Tenth Doctor repeated loudly. "Clearly someone has dangerous plans for Rose."

"Yes someone does," the Eleventh Doctor agreed, gesturing towards Rose. "But you'll just have to trust in her abilities and remember this in the future."

"How bad is it?" the Ninth Doctor questioned, crossing his arms in front of him and glaring at the Eleventh Doctor along with his Tenth self.

"Now you get along," the Eleventh Doctor grumbled before sighing loudly. "Look it isn't good, I admit to that, but trust me you don't want to risk the timeline." He smiled cheerfully and waved his hands about as he added, "Things turn out pretty good in the end."

Rose frowned as she looked at the Eleventh Doctor and resisted the urge to ask what was about to happen. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them down. Looking down at her clasped hands, she licked her lips nervously.

"Rose," the Tenth Doctor called, making her look up at him as his grip tightened around her. "Are you okay with this?"

Blinking at the unexpected question, Rose looked over at the Eleventh Doctor who was standing patiently and watching her with a soft expression. "I trust you, Doctor," Rose answered, smiling at the Eleventh Doctor and looking back at the Tenth and Ninth Doctors. "Always will. Things will work out," she told them, soundly braver than she actually felt.

The Ninth Doctor studied Rose without a word. It was moments like this that reminded her how little she knew and understood this incarnation. Finally, the Ninth Doctor nodded and closed his eyes. "Alright," he agreed, "I'll hide the memories of the middle bit."

Smiling, Rose stepped forward and before she could change her mind, she leaned up and kissed his cheek quickly. He didn't move to stop her or react badly to the kiss but instead gave her a long look. Rose fought the urge to squirm under his intense blue gaze, but after a moment he sighed softly and nodded. Turning away from her, he walked to the TARDIS door and vanished without another word.

"Moody," the Eleventh Doctor grumbled, gesturing at the door. "Very moody."

The Tenth Doctor raised an eyebrow and studied his future self before sighing softly and shaking his head. His eyes went to Rose who gave him the best smile she could manage.

"I'll be along in a moment," she promised him, ignoring the way he glanced back at his future self.

"I'll move the TARDIS closer," he replied with a nod before he let his arm drop and left the TARDIS. "I'll hide the memories later," he added before closing the door.

"Irritating, but not bad blokes," the Eleventh Doctor observed with a smile, leaning against the console.

"If you do say so yourself," Rose teased, stepping up next to him.

"If I do say so myself," he agreed with a soft smile, his green eyes bright, but worried. "How are you, Rose?"

"Scared," Rose admitted softly, nearly a whisper. "I don't remember what he did to me and that frightens me, but knowing that it is just part of a larger plan…. It scares me."

The Eleventh Doctor reached for Rose, drawing her close. He gently kissed her forehead and wrapped her in a gentle hug. "If it helps, I worry too, even though I know how it unfolds and ends."

"Tell me that I'll be alright," Rose begged before she could stop the question.

His long fingers tilted her chin up so their eyes met and Doctor smiled at her. "You'll be wonderful," he promised, "So much better than alright."

The Doctor kissed Rose's forehead, raising a hand to stroke her hair gently for a moment before he kissed her cheek. Then he kissed her lips, a soft and quick kiss before pulling back and looking at her face. Smiling up at him, Rose was grateful when he gave her his manic smile in return before leaning forward and kissing her again. Wrapping an arm around her neck, Rose parted her lips, allowing the Doctor to deepen the kiss. Her distraction was the reason she didn't notice him gently stroking the side of her face, just above her ear. Rose dismissed it a moment later as a quirk of this body and sighed in protest when he ended the kiss and stepped back.

"He's waiting for you," the Doctor reminded Rose was a wide smile.

"And I'm sure you're irritated on his behalf," Rose teased, glancing towards the doorway. "There is still Section 13 to worry about."

"Not really," the Eleven Doctor assured her. "He's grabbing you things from your room and giving Matthews a very rushed and irritating briefing as she follows him through the halls."

Snorting softly, Rose could envision the scene perfectly in her mind which calmed her slightly. At her side, her fingers clenched and released as she took in a long slow breath. "So… it's soon, isn't it," Rose questioned, licking her lips.

"Soon," the Doctor agreed, "But no fishing for details."

"Alright then," Rose replied. "I'll just try and be ready for anything."

The Doctor tilted his head slightly and then slowly nodded, Rose wasn't sure what to make of his reaction. His sudden calm made her feel nervous. This version of her Doctor was all energy, talking with his hands and flirting. Thankfully, he seemed to sense her sudden hesitation and beamed at her, moving forward quickly to plant another quick kiss on her lip before pulling back. It was enough like the first time that he kissed her that Rose smiled and giggled as the Doctor beamed at her.

"He'll have moved the TARDIS by now," the Eleventh Doctor told her, nodding towards the doorway. "Poor Benton is going to be getting a very strange call for this one."

"Yeah," Rose chuckled weakly. "Last time three of you worked together the universe was under attack from Omega. This didn't exactly compare."

"Different universe at risk," the Doctor corrected, his green eyes twinkling. "And even more important."

"Flirt," Rose teased as she felt her cheeks flush. "Smooth and shameless flirt."

"No that would be Jack," the Doctor countered. "I'm not that bad."

Smiling, Rose nodded and leaned forward to kiss him once again, knowing that it would be time to leave soon. His long arms wrapped around her and Rose ran her fingers through his flyaway brown locks. Sighing softly, she pulled back and turned towards the TARDIS door. She didn't look back at him until she was at the door and then turned to look at him over her shoulder with a wide smile.

"Until next time Doctor," Rose told him before her expression softened. "I love you."

"And I love you," the Eleventh Doctor answered. "But you best be off. You know how jealous I can get in that body."

"In that body?" Rose repeated with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh go on," the Doctor huffed, trying to act irritated, but failing miserably.

Smiling, Rose stepped out of the TARDIS and closed the door behind her. Only a few feet away was another, slightly dustier looking TARDIS waiting for her. Doctor Matthews was standing nearby with an exhausted, pleased and confused expression.

"Please have Michael and Danielle call me when they're better," Rose requested as she pulled out her TARDIS key and slid it into the lock. "If Benton asks, just tell him I'll be back in Cambridge in a few hours."

"Uh… alright," Matthews answered slowly with a nod.

Rose felt a bit bad for the woman, but one Doctor alone had the tendency to leave people in mild shock so she really was coping well for three of them. Feeling a bit guilty, Rose gave her a smile and turned the key to unlock the door. She just hoped that this incident hadn't hurt Section 13 and UNIT relations. Stepping inside, Rose closed the door behind her and looked up towards the console where her brown-eyed Doctor was already darting around adjusting the controls. His long tan coat was already hung over one of the support beams and her bag and suitcase were propped up against the jump seat.

"Leather coat is gone," he announced without looking at her. "And my memories haven't changed from his part in this so everything went according to plan on that end." The Doctor flipped a switch and the TARDIS dematerialized with a shudder. Throwing one last switch, the Doctor spun towards Rose and crossed his arms.

"Everything taken care of," Rose told him as she walked up next to him. "Timelines seemingly intact."

"You snogged him didn't you," the Doctor grumbled.

Laughing, Rose gently twined her hand behind his neck, fingering his hair. Speaking in a low voice, she smiled and said, "You are so lucky that I love you enough to put up with your jealousy issues."

"It's complicated for Time Lords," the Doctor defended before his expression softened. "And I'm lucky you love me period," he reminded her.

"Nice recovery," Rose complimented. "Now… didn't you promise me a holiday, just the two of us?"

Beaming, the Doctor leaned forward and whispered in her ear, "I did, didn't I."

Shivering as his breath hit his ear, Rose wasn't prepared for the Doctor turning his face to catch her lips in a deep kiss. She was pulled against him, one hand around her lower waist and the other tangling in her hair, adjusting the tilt of her head so he could deepen in the kiss. The small sounds Rose was making were lost in the Doctor's mouth as he titled her entire body. Tightening one hand on his shoulder, Rose allowed the other to run through the Doctor's hair.

Then she was swung back upright and the Doctor pulled away suddenly. A soft groan escaped Rose and she forced her eyes open. Grinning, the Doctor stepped back from her to pull another level. He fiddled with another control as Rose fought back the desire to scowl, only to catch him smirking at her reaction. Chuckling softly, Rose held out her hand towards him and beamed when he reached out and twined their fingers together.

"Allons-y," the Doctor shouted, pulling Rose close to him as he hit on of the console buttons. The TARDIS shuddered and soared through the Vortex, taking them off once again.