An idea that came to me some months back, I started then lost inspiration for and then started again.
I apologize in advance if this sucks.
The TARDIS
It was a typical day on the TARDIS. The Doctor was working at the console, oblivious to the world around him. He didn't know where Amy and Rory were, they were either still in bed or taking some time to themselves.
It was about a week after Berlin. The Doctor knew Amy and Rory were still struggling with what happened with Melody/Mels/River. He wished he could find a way to give them their daughter back, but that was beyond even him. He didn't know how to help him and he felt helpless. He hated feeling helpless.
The Doctor was brought out of his musings by the sound of the phone ringing. Walking away from what he was doing, he picked up the TARDIS phone.
"Hello?"
"Doctor?" a familiar voice said.
"Angel my friend! How long has it been?" The Doctor asked, happy to hear from him.
"At least fifty years for me. Listen, I need your help Doctor," Angel said and The Doctor straightened, sensing something horrible had happened.
"What do you need?" The Doctor asked.
"Someone's taken my son," Angel explained and The Doctor frowned.
"How do you have a son?"
"It's a complicated story. But he's been taken by an old enemy of mine to a dimension called Quor'toth. You mentioned once that the TARDIS could travel between dimensions," Angel reminded him.
"Between parallel earths, which is very dangerous. Dimensions are different. It shouldn't be too much trouble. I'll need to do a little research into this Quor'toth first. Where are you?" The Doctor asked, his mind already working out plans.
"In Los Angeles. I'm in a hotel called the Hyperion," Angel said.
"I'll be there as soon as I can," The Doctor promised before hanging up. "Amy, Rory! We're going to see an old friend of mine!"
Hyperion Hotel, 2002
Night
"So, you called a doctor to help us find Connor?" Gunn asked as he, Fred and Lorne watched Angel pace back and force in the lobby.
"Not a doctor, The Doctor. He's a Timelord, an alien who travels through time. I met him fifty years ago," Angel explained.
"You know, some of the demons who used to come to Caritas would mention a Doctor from time to time. They sounded scared of him," Lorne mused. "I just thought he was a sort of boogey man to the demons."
"Because he is," Angel said and the three of them looked at him in shock. "When we met, he was trying to save a girl from a cult of demons intending on sacrificing her to their god. The Doctor is usually a pacifist, but what he did that day…it would've made even Angelus run in the opposite direction."
The other members of Team Angel silently processed this when they suddenly heard a noise, a sort of whooshing sound. Wind ran through the lobby as Angel turned around, seeing the TARDIS beginning to materialize in the center of the room. Gunn, Fred and Lorne stared at it in awe before the door opened and The Doctor walked out.
"Angel," The Doctor greeted happily and Angel blinked.
"Doctor? What happened to you?" Angel asked in surprise.
"I regenerated, twice since I last saw you," The Doctor explained and Angel nodded as two more people exited the TARDIS. "These are my friends, Amy and Rory. Ponds, meet Angel."
"Nice to meet you," Lorne said with a wave.
"You to," Rory said kindly.
Amy was silently, looking around at everyone. Angel had seen enough, lived enough to tell that the Ponds had recently suffered a great loss. Their entire bodies seemed to echo with pain, their eyes dark. Their moods seem to reflect his own. Immediately, Angel understood. They too had lost a child.
"Hi," Fred said as she walked up to them. "I'm Fred."
"Very nice to meet you Fred. I'm The Doctor," The Doctor said with a smile as he kissed Fred's cheek, surprising her.
"Uh, thank you," Fred said a little taken aback as Gunn approached. "This is Charles."
"Gunn," Gunn said as he held out a hand.
"Gun? Where?" The Doctor asked as he looked around wildly.
"I think he means that's his name Raggedy Man," Amy said, a smile crossing her face for the first time in weeks as they all became amused at The Doctor's antics.
"Ah. Yes, I guess that makes sense," The Doctor said before holding out hand to Gunn. "Nice to meet you Charles Gun."
"Two Ns," Gunn said amused as he shook The Doctor's hand.
"Hi. I'm Lorne," Lorne said awkwardly as he waved at the three newcomers.
"He's a demon, but he's on our side," Fred quickly assured them.
"We have actually seen weirder things than Lorne," Rory said with a slight chuckle as he thought of being an Auton.
"Indeed we have Rory. Now," The Doctor looked over at Angel. "Tell me about your son."
Later, Angel and The Doctor sat in Angel's office, The Doctor silent after Angel had brought him up to speed.
"So, what do you think? Can you get me to Quor'toth?" Angel asked, trying not to show how desperate he was.
"Of course I can get you there. It's when that's the problem," The Doctor said and Angel gave him a confused look. "Time works different on Quor'toth. Even if I got you there the moment after the portal Holtz jumped through closed, he could have been there for hours or days."
"But it's my best shot at getting Connor back?" Angel asked and The Doctor reluctantly nodded. "Then I'm begging you, please Doctor."
In the lobby, Amy and Rory awkwardly sat around as Fred, Gunn and Lorne watched The Doctor and Angel in Angel's office.
"So, can that thing really get Angel to Quor'toth?" Gunn asked them as he looked at the TARDIS.
"Well, it's gotten us to other planets, the past and the future," Amy shrugged.
"The Doctor told me once about traveling to another earth, but he said it was really dangerous," Rory added.
"Time travel, other planets. I miss when the craziest things we had to deal with were vampires," Gunn muttered.
"It is quite fascinating though. I'd love to find out more about how this all works," Fred said as she looked at the TARDIS intrigued.
"And I'd love to give a grand tour once we get back," The Doctor said as he and Angel exited Angel's office.
"Where are we going Raggedy Man?" Amy asked as they all looked towards the pair.
"Not us, me and him," The Doctor clarified as Angel grabbed his battle axe.
"You're going after Holtz," Gunn realized.
"Uh, Ange, are we sure that's the best idea? You have no idea where in Quor'toth Holtz and Connor might be," Lorne tried to caution.
"That's a risk I have to take. He's my son Lorne," Angel said with a look that said he would not be deterred.
"At least let us go with you," Fred pleaded.
"No, out of the question," this came from The Doctor. "I am not risking anyone else in this. I'm not even certain the TARDIS will be able to get to Quor'toth, much less leave. And I am not risking any of you."
"Hey, we care about Connor to man," Gunn protested.
"My TARDIS, my rules," The Doctor, looking at Gunn with a look that said it would be wise not to argue with him.
Gunn nodded, remembering Angel's story from earlier and deciding it would be wise not to argue with the man. He kind of preferred living.
"Doctor, are you sure about this?" Rory asked uncertainly.
"No but since when has that stopped me?" The Doctor shrugged.
Rory and Amy exchanged an amused look as The Doctor walked onto the TARDIS. Angel lingered behind for a moment, looking back at his team, his friends for a moment.
"If I don't make it back, tell Cordy…just tell her I tried. And that she deserves to be happy," Angel said, hoping to whatever God was out there that she didn't get that message.
"We'll tell her Angel," Fred said as she swallowed a lump in her throat, trying not to cry.
"But we better not have to," Gunn warned him and Angel smiled tightly.
"You just bring that baby back, alright?" Lorne told him and Angel nodded, his eyes narrowing.
"I will," Angel promised before following after The Doctor into the TARDIS.
The Doctor was at the console, setting in a course as Angel closed the door behind him, looking around in amazement.
"You've remodeled then," Angel noted.
"New TARDIS. I'll show you around if we survive this," The Doctor promised as he finished. "Hold on old friend, this will be a bumpy ride. Geronimo!"
The Doctor pulled the lever and Angel stumbled as the TARDIS gave a powerful lurch as it took off.
Quor'toth
It had been a few days since Holtz had arrived in Quor'toth and he had set up camp. There was a water supply nearby and a tree with fruit that seemed edible. Holtz knew he would have to find more food soon, but for the moment it would have to do, as the child was too young to be left alone for the moment.
Currently, the child was sleeping in a make shift cot Holtz had managed to make. He cried too much, but Holtz's singing seemed to sooth him to sleep. That would change soon, as his memories of Angelus faded with time. Once he was old enough, Holtz would begin training him. Then, his plan for vengeance would truly begin.
Holtz was broken out of his musing by a strange sound. Holtz looked around wildly and stared, seeing a blue box that seemed to just materialize out of thin air. The door opened and a man with floppy brown hair and brown eyes with a rather large chin walked out. But he wasn't alone. Holtz stiffened as he saw Angel emerge from the box, looking around until he saw Holtz. His eyes narrowed in anger until Angel saw the cot behind him.
"Angelus," Holtz greeted calmly.
"Holtz I presume?" The Doctor said calmly, noticing the way Angel had reacted to the man.
"I do not know who you are, but you made a mistake helping Angelus come here. He is of the devil," Holtz warned him.
"I know what he is; I know what he's done. I also know he's a changed man. And who you are. Daniel Holtz, the man who lost his entire family to Angelus and Darla. Tell me, what do you think they would say if they saw you now?" The Doctor asked, looking at Holtz in disappointment.
Holtz glared at him, feeling rage swell up within him. He knew that his wife and children would be horrified at what he had done. But he'd convinced himself that it was all in the name of the greater good, that Angelus deserved to suffer for what he had done.
"Take one step closer Angelus and your son will die," Holtz warned as Angel took a step towards him.
Angel stiffened but obeyed. From this distance, he knew he couldn't get to Holtz in time to save Connor and Holtz was more than capable of backing up his threats. Gone was the good man he had once been, he now lived only to make Angel suffer.
"You wanna make me suffer Holtz? Fine, but leave my son out of it," Angel pleaded. "Torture me, kill me, do whatever you want, but let Connor go."
"His name is Stephen now," Holtz said remorselessly.
As Angel growled in rage, The Doctor put a hand on his chest, giving a look that said 'calm down'. Angel took a deep breath, trusting that The Doctor had some kind of plan.
"You're angry. I understand. There is no forgiveness for what was done to your family. But I will not allow you to use an innocent child in your vendetta. So this is your only warning, release Connor to me or suffer the consequences," The Doctor said, his eyes hardening as he stared at Holtz.
"I do not know who you are boy, but you should not involve yourself in matters that do not concern you," Holtz said unmoved and The Doctor sighed.
"Then you leave me no choice," The Doctor said, gripping his screwdriver in his hand. "I'm sorry."
The Doctor activated his screwdriver and a loud, high pitched sound pieced the air. Angel and Holtz both dropped to their knees, holding their ears as they tried to block out the sound. Connor was awakened by the sound and began wailing in displeasure as Holtz then felt a piecing pain in his gut. The Doctor turned off the sound as Holts looked down to see a knife sticking out of his abdomen.
Holtz gasped in pain as The Doctor walked passed him, heading over to the wailing Connor.
"I'm so very sorry about that," The Doctor told Connor as he picked him up, beginning to rock him. "I needed a distraction. Yes, there there. I know, it was very loud."
Seeing his son calming down, Angel fought the instinct to go to him, instead walking over to Holtz, who looked up at him hatefully.
"I am truly sorry for what I did to your family," Angel said, taking Holtz aback. "There hasn't been a day since I was cursed that I haven't wished I could take it back. But I won't let you keep coming for my son or any of the people I care about. None of them deserve to suffer for my sins. This ends now."
The Doctor did his best to shield Connor from the sight of Angel swinging his battle axe. There was then silence and The Doctor had no doubt what had befallen Holtz.
Hyperion Hotel
Later
The Doctor watched; smiling slightly as Angel, Fred, Lorne and Gunn all fussed over Connor. While Holtz's death was not something he could ever approve of, he would not judge Angel for doing what he had to in order to protect his loved ones. He had done the same more than once.
"So all's well that ends well then," Amy noted as she and Rory made their way over to The Doctor.
"Yes, I suppose so Pond," The Doctor said with a slight smile.
"This wasn't just about Connor, was it?" Rory said as he gave The Doctor a knowing glance.
The Doctor didn't respond. Why bother denying it when both Rory and Amy had probably already figured it out? He hadn't been able to give Amy and Rory their daughter back, but he could still give Angel his son back. It wasn't redemption, it didn't make anything better, but it helped ease his conscience a bit.
"So, I guess this is goodbye again," Angel said as he walked over, breaking The Doctor out of his thoughts.
"I suppose so. Until the next time," The Doctor said with a smile, holding out a hand which Angel took.
"'Thank you' will never be enough, but thank you Doctor," Angel said gratefully.
"You never have to thank me," The Doctor paused before looking over at Amy and Rory. "Ponds, can we have a moment?"
Amy and Rory were confused by the request but shrugged, leaving the pair alone and walking a out of hearing range.
"What's wrong Doctor?" Angel asked, sensing something was off.
"I wanted to talk to you about your friend, Wesley," The Doctor said and Angel scowled.
"There's nothing to talk about. He took my son, there is no explanation he can give me that will change that," Angel said angrily.
"No, there isn't," The Doctor agreed. "But sometimes anger can blind us to reason. I know that more than most. Have you ever heard of Harriett Jones?"
"Can't say I have," Angel said, wondering where The Doctor was going with this.
"I thought not. She was Britain's Prime Minster when Earth was invaded by a species known as the Sycoraz. She made some decisions I disagreed with and so I deposed her," The Doctor explained, surprising Angel. "I convinced myself I was in the right, even though history said Harriet was made to bring Britain's Golden Age. And then, a few years later, she died, trying to help me save the planet."
Angel was silent, absorbing The Doctor's story and understanding what he was trying to say. Wesley had made a decision, a horrible one that had nearly cost him his son. But if Angel let his anger cloud his judgment, he might cast out a friend, one who had stood by him time and time again.
"I'm not going to forgive Wesley any time soon," Angel finally said. "But…I guess it wouldn't hurt to hear him out."
"That's all I'm asking old friend," The Doctor smiled, clapping Angel on the shoulder. "Take care Angel."
"You too Doctor," Angel said as he smiled.
"Always do. Come along Ponds, it's time to go!" The Doctor shouted as he moved towards the TARDIS.
"It was nice to meet you all," Rory said politely as he and Amy moved to follow The Doctor.
"You too," Gunn said politely.
"Thanks for all your help." Fred added as she adjusted Connor in her arms.
"Next time we meet, I'll take you all to a planet that has living trees," The Doctor promised.
"Living trees?" Gunn asked in disbelief.
"Oh yeah, it's more common than you think," Lorne confirmed.
Gunn was still trying to process this when The Doctor and Ponds headed into the TARDIS. With a few 'vwoorps', the TARDIS vanished.
"Strange friend you've got there Angelcakes," Lorne mused.
"Yeah, but his hearts' are in the right place. And he gave us Connor back," Angel said as he smiled at his son.
"As far as I'm concerned, anyone who helped us take out Holtz is okay in my book," Gunn shrugged.
"Yeah, I guess so," Lorne shrugged, deciding it really didn't matter much in the long run.
Connor was back, Holtz wouldn't be bother them anymore, and that was really all that mattered.
I imagine Angel first met The Doctor in the immediate days following the Time War, just after he Regenerated from War.
So now Connor was saved and Holtz is dead, thereby destroying Jasmine's plan. All's well that ends well indeed.
