Chapter One: Lost
Series: Two.
Episode: Thirteen - Doomsday.

Stubborn. Stubborn was one word that could definitely describe Rose Tyler. As much as it hurt to send her away, it was what he did running from his problems rather than facing them. He should have known that not even a parallel universe would stop the Tyler woman, considering she had ripped open the TARDIS and almost died trying to save him last time he had sent her away. But after all this time, he had hoped that Rose would listen to him. He should have known better.

He hadn't meant to snap at her when she reappeared seconds after he had sent her away to safety. Where she could live a normal human life like she deserved. He had let his frustration and fear at losing her due to her own stubbornness course through him, causing him to snap at her. Why did she have to be so brave? Why couldn't she be like every other fear riddled human who was quick to follow instructions, in order to save themselves? Why did she have to be so jeopardy friendly?

Because despite what he'd told Rose, the Beast's words had lingered in his ear, echoed in his mind and festered doubts and fears.

'The Valiant child who will die in battle so very soon.'

And a glimpse at the timelines left him feeling certain that this was the battle the Beast had foretold. There was an infinitely small chance that either would survive today, Rose's chances being much fewer than his own. Of the many sprawling timelines that surrounded her, the majority would abruptly end today. And after everything they'd been through he couldn't, no, wouldn't let that happen, after all this regeneration was exceedingly more stubborn when it came to his blonde companion. Though in his hearts he knew she was so much more than just a companion and had been for some time.

Despite everything in him telling him not to, he wanted to believe her. She had ripped open his TARDIS to save him, she had stuck by him after regeneration and meeting Sarah Jane - he was still confused about what had caused them to burst out laughing -, she had promised him forever and she had jumped back across the dimension leaving behind her mother to come back to him.

He shook himself free of his thoughts and stopped pacing the room. When had he started doing that? He walked over to one of the desks and began typing away. He couldn't think about that right now. He had to focus on the Daleks and Cybermen. They were the problem right now. He heard Rose speak up from the other side of the room.

"We've got Cybermen on the way up."

"How many floors down?" He replied rushing over to her station.

"Just one." She said as he looked at her screen over shoulder before dashing off to solve the problem, while Rose continued to type away, her declaration having left her unsure of where they stood.

Once the Doctor had returned they continued to prepare to go into ghost shift as they typed away on the computers, the process made just that bit longer by the lack of staff that Torchwood had at their disposal. This led to the Doctor occasionally dashing off to a different workstation, to accomodate for the lack of extra hands. Finally, all preparation had been made - well almost - the Doctor dashed into the office, fully aware that Rose was following, as he clicked a couple of things on the main computer before a smile bloomed on his face.

"That's more like it a bit of a smile." He heard Rose say from behind him, he looked up facing her for the first time since he'd snapped at her and then sent her off to deal with the computers. "The old team." She continued.

"Hope and Glory. Mutt and Jeff." He said playing along trying to regain some of his false cheer from earlier, he picked up one of the magnaclamps. "Shiver and Shake." He finished standing right in front of her.

"Which one's Shiver?" She asked, continuing their playful banter.

"Oh, I'm Shake." He said dumping the magnaclamp into her arms and walking back over to levers with the other magnaclamp, he picked it up and attached it to the right wall. Rose did the same on the other side of the room. "Press the red button." he instructed. The magnaclamps made the tell-tale beeping signifying they had been turned on.

They turned away from the wall facing each other as the Doctor started explaining to Rose what to expect when the breach was opened.

"When it starts just hold on tight. It shouldn't be too bad for us but the Daleks and Cybermen are steeped in Void Stuff." They ran over to the levers, grabbing a hold of them. "Are you ready?"

"So are they."

The Doctor's head whipped around to look at what she was talking about. Outside the window, four normal Daleks - not the Cult of Skaro - hovered ready to foil the plans. Clearly having figured out that they had opened the breach after living in it for who knows how long.

"Let's do it!"

They pushed the levers into the upright position making sure they were locked in place before rushing back over to their magnaclamps before the suction of the void became inescapable. The light breeze quickly increased and began sucking at the contents of the room, papers flew around the room into the Void, computers were barely staying in place, straining against the wires that tethered them in place.

How much of this room had been impacted by Torchwood's meddling? Or rather, how much of London had been affected?

The air pressure in the room increased and suddenly the four Daleks were crashing through the window and hurtling into the Void. A stream of Daleks and Cybermen sped through the room and into what looked like a blank wall. But behind which, a fate most horrible awaited them.

As the stream continued the Doctor began to believe that maybe they could get through this without any further implications, the Beast had been wrong. Seconds later, a Dalek crashed into his lever as it passed, causing sparks to fly into the air before dying out. The brief smile dropped. His eyebrows furrowed as he watched his lever gradually begin to fall back down as it was no longer locked into position. He stretched one arm out towards it. It stood just out of reach. He could just let go of the clamp. He could hold on to the lever without falling into the Void, he was sure of it.

He leant further forward. His fingertips just brushed the pole. He could hear Rose screaming at him. His other hand left the clamp and he launched himself at the lever. Grabbing hold, he tried to lock it into the upright position but with the breach open he was being pulled in the opposite making it just that much more difficult. He slid around so his back was facing the breach and pushed the lever up. It took a lot more force to push it up this time.

He finally got it back into place but the suction had increased along with it and he couldn't get back to his clamp this time. The breach sucked at him, encouraging him to let go and fall into the oblivion that awaited within. He clenched his eyes shut and tried to grip the handle tighter. He could hear Rose screaming but couldn't distinguish any words. The wind pulled harder at his body, his grip slowly loosening. He looked up at Rose then.

Sheer panic and terror consumed her features. And just as his fingers came free from the lever her arm stretched out to him.

"No! My Doctor!"

Suddenly an image flashed through his mind. A memory from another life.

"I want you safe my Doctor."

The words of Badwolf lingered in mind. But he had removed Bad Wolf. Hadn't he?

He looked over at Rose. And with one final word she began to glow.

"No." Her tone firm and hauntingly beautiful. All traces of panic were gone as she stared at the Doctor resultantly. The golden glow started in her eyes, her brown irises no longer distinguishable, it travelled down her shoulder and twisted it's way down her arm before engulfing each of her fingers in turn. The speckled golden tendrils reached towards the Doctor. The tendrils twisted around the Doctor suspending him in mid-air. No closer to his clamp and no closer to the void.

Minutes passed and the breach finally closed in on itself. Seconds later the golden light had faded from Rose's eyes, her outstretched arm drop just as she collapsed. With the power of Bad Wolf no longer keeping him suspended, he hit the floor with a painful thump. He groaned but tried to crawl over to check on the unconscious Rose. Something tugged at him from the edge of his telepathic barrier, urging him into unconsciousness. He fought against the strangely familiar presence.

Every inch was harder than the previous. When he was finally within arm distance of her, he stretched an arm out towards her but he could no longer fight back the presence and collapsed into unconsciousness.

x

The TARDIS disapproved of the carelessness that the staff of Torchwood had handled her with. She looked around at the bodies littered on the ground and sighed sadly. It could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for her Thief. But all of that was of little concern right now. She had always known this day was coming. She had seen all the different variations this day had taken and had prepared accordingly. She had tried to ensure that nothing would happen to her Wolf or her Thief. As either being lost would have inevitably destroyed the other. But right now she needed to look after them.

She dematerialised from the spot where she had been stationed in the storage warehouse. Rematerialising around her Wolf and Thief. She knew her Thief would worry about her Wolf. He always worried, especially about things out of his control. So she had taken the liberty to remove his memories - only temporarily - of Bad Wolf from today. Unfortunately, the only way to do so had been to send him into a state of unconsciousness. Her Wolf was not yet ready to wield the power that festered within her veins and as such she needed time to heal. Neither would remember today, not until it was time.

She huffed irritably as she looked at the pair of them unconscious on the grating of her console room. They needed rest and they would not get it that way. Sometimes, she wished she had a physical form. She rearranged the rooms around them. She considered putting them both in her Thief's room but knew that would only lead to confusion when he awoke. Sighing, she left them on the plush sofas of one of her libraries.

She looked sadly at her occupants. Of all the ways this day could have gone this way was one of the best for the both of them but she knew that once her Wolf awoke, realisation would settle in and she would begin her period of mourning. And a long period it would be. While her Thief would continue to blame himself for her pain. There was nothing more she could do.

At this present time at least.

x

Two weeks had passed on the TARDIS. It had taken Rose a couple of seconds after returning to the TARDIS for the realisation of what happened to catch up with her. A strangled sob had fought its way past her lips but she'd swallowed it down and instead a vacant expression took over her features. She had ran off into the TARDIS somewhere, buried deep within the bowels of his ship to undoubtedly grieve. The Doctor hadn't seen her since and was starting to worry. He didn't know whether she was eating or sleeping. Humans were very fragile and a slight imbalance in either of those could make them unwell. But considering his TARDIS was keeping her hidden he just had to hope that she was looking after her.

And part of him felt guilty. So incredibly guilty. Because she was hurting because of him. Because she'd chosen him and in return had lost her family forever. He couldn't imagine what Jackie was going through a whole universe away. He'd promised her he'd always bring Rose home and now he'd taken her only child from her so that she could never see her again. He'd ruined everything.

Those kinds of thoughts haunted him in Rose's absence and he'd come to realise that he'd become dependent on her pulling him from one of his moods and yet this was how he was repaying her? So while Rose stayed hidden away the Doctor continued to rush around the TARDIS as he used her for a number of scans. There was one last thing he could do, he just had to make sure it wasn't too late. He was just about to give up when he saw it. A grin spread across his lips and he danced around the TARDIS with new found excitement.

He couldn't bring Jackie back - he'd already agonised over that possibility - but there was one thing he could do for Rose. He just hoped it would be enough.

x

"My Wolf." She heard an ethereal voice say in her mind. A voice that reminded her of a mother trying to comfort their distraught child.

Rose ignored the TARDIS. She just wanted to stay curled up in an armchair in one of the TARDIS' smaller libraries staring into the flames of the fireplace. Whilst also, trying not to think about the last time she stared at a fireplace in such misery. She had taken refuge in the small rustic library after the events of the Battle of Canary Wharf, grieving the loss of her mother, and had yet to resurface.

She'd been so selfish, she hadn't even said goodbye, she'd as good as told her mother that the Doctor was more important than she was, before leaving her behind. And that wasn't true, it wasn't. But she'd gotten so used to acting on impulse instead of planning first while travelling with the Doctor that it hadn't even occurred to her.

But now it was eating her up inside. She wasn't ready to leave just yet, the pain too fresh. And unwilling to burden the Doctor with her pain - while also knowing full well he was blaming himself regardless - she'd selfishly stayed hidden away. God, she really did make a mess of everything all the time, didn't she? And she couldn't exactly complain could she? She was the one who'd made a big speech about her choice despite the Doctor's warnings. And yet here she was.

"Come along my Wolf." Rose was intent on continuing to ignore the TARDIS, wallowing in her pain instead, when she spoke up again.

It had taken time to get used to the TARDIS' presence in her mind and to understand the odd way in which she spoke, but now it was almost second nature. Communicating with the TARDIS was difficult for one reason - she couldn't talk - it was usually just thoughts, images and emotions broadcasted straight into her brain, as close to communicating as the sentient time machine could manage.

But on days when her barriers were low and she was particularly weak those impressions sounded more like words. Whether it was because they were words or because it was easier to translate when she wasn't worrying so much, she didn't know. And right now, she didn't care either.

"Our Thief has something to show you... It's important." She added after a moment's hesitation.

Rose bit her lips indecisively. She was curious. She couldn't deny that, after all, what would the TARDIS be disrupting her depressing thoughts for after so long if it wasn't important. Wringing her hands together, she left the comfort of the library hesitantly making her way to the console room. Her hands played with the long sleeves of her thin pink buttoned shirt.

Taking a deep breath, Rose stepped into the console room. Rose hadn't felt this awkward and uncomfortable around the Doctor since he had first regenerated. She looked up and watched the Time Lord dance around the console of his ship maniacally. He noticed her standing there out of the corner of his eye and his head snapped towards her. He gave her a small comforting smile before looking back down at the console and slipping into lecture mode. It was always easier to ignore the discomfort like this.

"Rose! There was one tiny little crack left in the universe but it needs a lot of power to do though, even just for a couple of minutes, so I have us orbiting a supernova but I've already sent through a telepathic message so everything should be ready." He said quickly, flicking switches.

"What's this all for, Doctor?" Rose asked, still thoroughly confused.

He turned to face her then no longer touching the console.

"It will give us just enough power to get a projection through. I can't actually take you to her but this is the best I can do," He said scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, face scrunched up. "So you can say goodbye to her, Rose." He looked up at her at that last sentence expecting to see anger for giving up and abandoning her mother in the parallel universe, but instead, she looked thankful.

"I can say goodbye?" Her voice was full of hope at the opportunity she thought she would never have.

He nodded at her question and she flung herself at him, her arms wrapping around him in a hug. He cautiously wrapped his arms around her waist, unsure of himself around her after her long absence. She mumbled a train of 'thank you's into his neck before releasing him. They both tried to ignore the fact that they missed having the other in their arms, for the sake of the other. They smiled at each other before the Doctor turned to flick one last switch.

An image of Jackie Tyler appeared near where the TARDIS' doors usually stood, now replaced by an empty grey beach, the rest of the TARDIS still remained behind her though she seemed to be standing just behind the line where the illusion ended on the familiar grating. Jackie was looking at something off to the right, dressed head to toe in pink clothing appropriate for colder weather. Rose bit the inside of her lip to hold back tears. Fiddling with the sleeves of her shirt she walked hesitantly towards the image.

By the time she was at arms length away from the image, Jackie had turned around. Jackie's hands flew up to her face. The older Tyler woman choked back sobs at the sight of her daughter.

"Rose?" Jackie asked finally, removing her hands from her face, she must be imagining it, Rose wasn't here, she was back in their universe.

Rose smiled at her mum unable to form words at the moment. She nodded in answer to Jackie's unspoken question. It really was her.

"Where are you?" Jackie asked after deciding that even if she wasn't the real Rose she would still make the most of it.

"In the TARDIS. The Doctor found one little gap left in the universe so I could say goodbye" Rose said shakily.

"You look like a ghost." And after their latest adventure that was not a reminder anyone wanted.

"Oh. Hold on." The Doctor said from behind her, she turned around to watch him point his screwdriver at something on the console before she turned back around to her mum, the projection much clearer now, she almost believed she was in the same room.

Jackie watched as the two of them came into focus. It was hard to believe she wasn't really here and actually on the TARDIS. She reached out to hug her daughter before the Doctor spoke up from behind her daughter.

"We're still just an image." He said sadly. He wished he could give them both something better but he couldn't.

Rose looked down at the now sandy floor sadly at the information. Jackie nodded and dropped her hand. Jackie wanted to ask the Doctor if they could come through properly but was afraid she already knew the answer. If he could, he would have done it for her Rose. That daft alien was as in love with her daughter as she was with him, she'd seen it firsthand after all. She couldn't understand the relationship but she wasn't going to dwell on that now. This may be the last time she ever saw her daughter after all.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't think I just left you there, I didn't even say goodbye. I'm sorry." Rose said tearily.

"Oh none of that sweetheart, you'll set me off. I know you didn't mean anything by it but I can't talk about it now. If this is the last chance we've got, lets not let it be about regrets, eh?"

Rose nodded, still feeling guilty for leaving her. Trying to distract herself, she looked up and suddenly seemed to notice Jackie's surroundings. No zeppelins or London traffic, just a sprawling - if a little grey - beach.

"Where are you?" Rose asked.

"In bloody Norway! Some place called Dårlig Ulv Stranden Pete says."

"Dalek?" She heard the Doctor ask with a start from behind her.

"Dår-lig." She pronounced slowly in her thick cockney accent, she looked off down the beach at Pete and Mickey for a moment. She turned back to face her daughter before continuing "Mickey say this place translates as Bad Wolf Bay, though I don't see what that's any good for, not gonna stop me from freezin' to death." She didn't notice her daughter freeze at the words or the way the Doctor became more alert. "How long have we got?" She asked sadly.

"About two minutes." The Doctor answered for them.

Jackie nodded. Two minutes before her daughter would disappear for good. Rose noticed the other two figures on the beach.

"Mickey's still around then?"

"Yeah, there's five of us now Mickey, Mickey's nan, Pete... and a little one."

"You're not? Seriously?" Rose asked, there was a small disbelieving smile on her lips but there was sadness in her eyes. She had always wanted a sibling now she would never get to meet them. But she was happy for her mum, she finally got to have the life she always deserved.

"I know it's barmy, I'm three months gone." Jackie said, smiling, placing a hand on her stomach. The two of them smiled from where they stood inside the TARDIS but Rose couldn't help the slight twinge she felt at hearing how much longer it had been for her mum. "His sister helped save the world."

"He?"

"Just a hunch." Jackie answered suddenly, aware of her dwindling time, "I love you sweetheart don't forget that while you're off running for your life."

"I won't, I love you too mum and that baby." Nodding her head in the direction of her mum's stomach. Jackie nodded smiling at her daughter before turning to the alien standing behind her.

"And you. Look after her she hasn't got anyone else left now. You keep her safe or even a parallel universe won't stop me from givin' you a right good slap." The Doctor nodded she knew he would look after her, he had done so far anyway. "Am I ever gonna see her again Doctor?" She asked sadly.

The Doctor shook his head sadly looking down at the grating. He hadn't been particularly fond of Jackie in his last regeneration but he saw her as a sort of unfortunate mother figure now. It hurt to know he was making both of the Tyler women miserable. And there was nothing he could do to change it.

Jackie whispered to her daughter while the alien was distracted. "Forget what I said before sweetheart, about being like him it doesn't matter, I'm so proud of you, just... Just look after him. He needs you as much as you need 'im." Her daughter looked shocked but nodded nonetheless at what might be her mother's last request.

And just like that they disappeared fading into thin air. Jackie's head dropped and soon the rest of her followed as she sat crying on that dreaded beach in Norway. Pete ran over and held her in his arms as she sobbed for the loss of her daughter.

x

The image of Jackie disappeared right before her. Her mouth fell open. She would never see her again. Her lip wobbled. She pressed her lips tightly together trying to hold back her sobs. When she could fight it no longer she dropped her head into her hands. Tears flowed down her cheeks.

Two arms wrapped around her shaking frame. She turned, sobbing into his pinstriped suit. She could have sworn she felt a single tear drop onto her head but she couldn't be sure.

After a moment or two, Rose pushed herself out of embrace. Needing a minute to collect herself, she walked over to the other side of the console holding on to one of the coral struts for support. The Doctor, seeming to understand, left her alone after giving her hand a quick reassuring squeeze.

She heard the Doctor flicking a couple of switches in the silence that followed. That silence was suddenly broken by his exclamation.

"What?"

She heard a female gasp. Before the Doctor repeated his question.

"What?" The Doctor asked a little more firmly, having gotten over some of his shock.

"Who are you?" The voice of an unknown woman asked.

At this, Rose finally turned around, mascara tracked down her cheeks from crying. There stood a red-haired woman in her wedding dress in the spot her mother had stood not even moments before.

"B-." The Doctor tried to question her again before getting cut off.

"Where am I?" The woman asked angrily as if this was all a great inconvenience to her.

"What?"

"What the hell is this place!?" The woman yelled.

"What!?"

Oh, dear. Rose thought, This was not going to end well.