Unto the Universe

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Fires of Karn: Spark of Life

By Lumendea

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

AN: Finally done with the two-parter! With the holiday season coming up and finishing the big two-parter mid-season episodes, I'm going to pause for a couple of weeks. I'll start posting this year's Christmas episode on 20 November 2021 titled The Christmas Reunion.

….

The Doctor had been remarkably content to stay on the hillside, his back against a tree and Rose in his arms. They'd talked a little more before Rose dozed against his shoulder. His mind was far from settled, still confused and marvelling over Rose's easy forgiveness of his ancient crimes. One part of him was inclined to insist that she didn't properly understand, but most of him knew better. Rose, with all of the lives in her head and all of her strange experiences, likely understood all too well. He shifted just enough to kiss the top of her head.

Oh, there were questions he wanted to ask, things he should ask, but he didn't. Honestly, he just couldn't muster up the energy for it. Today had been a very long day. He'd come to Karn expecting trouble, but nothing of this magnitude.

"You're thinking too hard," Rose mumbled into his chest.

Chuckling, the Doctor kissed her head again. "Sorry. You know me, can't stop thinking."

"No," Rose agreed. "Always bursting with ideas." She sat up and smiled at him before leaning up to kiss him quickly. "We should probably join the others. Who knows what trouble Jack is getting into down there." Rose frowned a little and glanced down the hill. "Do the Sisters have a vow of chastity or anything like that?"

Now the Doctor laughed. "I was wondering that myself. Not sure."

"Hmmm, I don't see Jack. That could be a bad sign."

"We haven't dropped him off for a while," the Doctor sighed. "He's probably overdue."

"Putting it that way makes him sound like a pet," Rose giggled.

"Are you saying he isn't?"

"Pretty sure the word you're looking for is disciple," Rose said.

That confirmed that then. The Doctor wasn't sure how to feel about that. There was a lot today he wasn't sure how to feel about. He was probably going to have to do something reasonable and healthy about that and slowly think about everything. Annoying that, but Rose nuzzled his neck and made a happy sound. He felt a grin stretch over his face and couldn't bring himself to be annoyed.

"Come on, darling," the Doctor said softly. "Let's speak with the others, and then you can get some sleep."

"Okay," Rose almost grumbled.

"Come on, Rose," the Doctor said again. "You need to get up."

"But I'm comfy."

"Our bed is more comfortable."

"That is true," Rose mumbled.

With a groan of great effort, Rose climbed off of the Doctor and yawned. The flower in her hair was brilliant against the gold of her hair, and the Doctor found himself staring at her once more. She was glowing again, though this time, the effect of a halo was created by the brilliant moons behind her. Rose stepped back and held out a hand to him. The Doctor took it without another thought and leveraged himself up using the tree. Rose shivered, and the Doctor pulled her close to him, debating taking off his jacket instead.

"Today has been a lot," Rose sighed. "For both of us. I know that… all of the exposition was a lot. Gallifrey might not have been what you wish it was, but it was your homeworld."

"Yeah," the Doctor said weakly. "Strange to think that the Time Lords were doomed to die then. I get why the Monk is still around, he wasn't in the universe, and the Master was human at the time of the reckoning, but why was I allowed to live then?" the Doctor asked. It occurred to him that Rose wouldn't have that answer, that Rose was new to this. "Rose, I'm sorry-"

"Two wires," Rose said softly. The color of her brown eyes shifted towards gold. "Two wires that didn't touch."

"Are you talking about…" the Doctor swallowed.

He'd held two wires, one in each hand, during his mission to destroy the Daleks. He hadn't done it, and over the years, he'd wondered if he had made the right choice. During the Time War, he'd been certain that he hadn't. His beaten down Eighth self, who loved life so much, had cursed his Fourth self for failing to destroy the Daleks. Sarah Jane had been beside him then, urging him to do it, and he'd refused.

"I am the Guardian of Life and Possibility," Rose said. Her voice didn't waver. Raising one hand up, she touched the side of his face. "Even I don't have the right to make that choice. Rassilon believed he had the right and damaged this universe and all its realities. He erased the development of the Time Lords in other universes, denied them and other species their chance to live. Whenever the true form of the universe tried to exert itself, he leashed it and trapped it. Rassilon wielded the power of possibly as a hammer, in a way that neither Lekinaveria nor I ever would, and the universe is still not healed from his actions. But you knew that you didn't have the right."

"It's felt like a mistake plenty of times," he admitted.

"I know, and I'm sorry." Rose didn't move her hand. "And I understand. Back at the Game Station… I raised the dead because of the Dalek's actions and the damage they had done. It was an exchange, their lives for the lives they'd taken. Today was the same; I drained the Eternals and used their life force to restore the life that my predecessor put on Karn. Kept in balance, and I have to be careful." Rose's gaze was distant, as if she was deeply pondering something as she spoke. "Death's part of Life too, and Life isn't always nice, and not all Possibilities are good."

She was scared. As calm and in control as Rose was acting, the reality of who she was scared her. The Doctor didn't blame her at all. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her into a tight hug as guilt for focusing on his own emotions rather than worrying about hers hit him.

"Stop scolding yourself," Rose said into his chest. "I'm already much better now that you're holding me."

The Doctor wasn't sure that he believed her, but he was happy to hold her close and listen to her soft, contented sounds as he ran his fingers through her hair. The feel of the strands against his skin hadn't changed. Her sweet smell hadn't changed. She was still his Rose. At least, he hoped she wanted to be with him still. It was terrifying and wonderful at the same time, and he wanted to ask if she was going to stay with him. But what if she wasn't. What if being the Gold Guardian took her away, she lived for centuries only to leave him?

"You said that you knew," the Doctor said softly. He didn't ask the question he really wanted to. "When?"

"There wasn't a moment," Rose admitted as she pulled back to meet his gaze. She toyed with the ends of her hair, golden hair, the Doctor noted once more. "It wasn't a sharp realization that oh, that's what it is. But when the Guardians hang around you, when a friend from the future who can't die is on protection duty, and you look into the time schisms and hear music… you start realizing that maybe you're more than you think you are."

"Of course," the Doctor breathed. He cupped Rose's cheeks and stared into her brown eyes. There were more golden flecks than there had been before the Game Station; he was sure of it now. "You've always been amazing, Rose. Absolutely breathtaking."

"No," Rose said softly. "No, I haven't. I was a little girl from a poor family, lower-class even on my own planet and my own society." The Doctor was going to argue, but Rose smiled softly. "But I had potential; there was a possibility for me to be more. And with work, a bit of luck, and help, I made the Possibility my Reality. The first time I properly spoke with the White and Black Guardians, they told me I had potential, and they'd decided to nurture it."

The way she said possibility made the Doctor smile. He thought back to when he'd first met Rose. She'd been terrified of the Pied Piper and yet still tried to help. She'd given him a lot of information and been key in saving the children.

"You were always amazing," the Doctor said again. "Always."

Rose chuckled, seemingly giving up on arguing with him. She slipped out of his grasp and leaned against him, letting the Doctor wrap his arms around her once more. The heat of her human body against his was reassuring. Or perhaps human plus body. She was still human, but Rose was more now. Had been for a while, apparently, but it wasn't something that appeared on scans. That was for the best. It would help keep her safer. He thought of Cassandra and the Living Sun and how her mind had stopped her from being overwhelmed. Protections for the Gold Guardian, protections to make sure Rose's power wasn't usurped.

"The suspicions started a long time ago," Rose continued. "Lots of little things. One time I spoke to a future version of me in the Hall of the Universe, and she was wearing gold. Not all gold, but an accent. I… I've crossed my timelines enough to see that I wasn't aging normally." The Doctor's eyes widened at those words. Rose started to say something but stopped herself. "My relationships with the other Guardians have always been a bit weird for someone who wasn't connected to them." She exhaled and pressed herself closer to the Doctor. "I understood what it all meant, but it scared me. It was so big, so grand, so cosmic, and I was still a human woman who grew up on the Powell Estate. Part of me thought if I acknowledged it, the universe would slap me for my delusions of grandeur."

"Rose, are you okay with this?" the Doctor asked. He wasn't sure how he wanted her to answer. It was a big thing; he couldn't- the Doctor couldn't wrap his head around how she must be feeling right now. "It's a big change."

"Life is about change," Rose said. Her voice rang with authority, and her eyes caught the light just right to look gold. "Be it regeneration or marriage and having kids. Without change, the unlocking of new possibilities, there would be no life."

"I suppose you know what you're talking about," the Doctor said weakly. He felt dazed and dizzy.

Then Rose gave him a tongue touched smile. "I get the feeling that I do." Then she nodded down the hill. "Come on. The Sisterhood and Jack are between us and the TARDIS."

They walked down the hill, hand in hand, and the Doctor allowed himself to enjoy the moment. Around them, the air was full of smells he'd never thought he'd smell again. It wasn't Gallifrey, but it was more of his planet than had been around yesterday. The Doctor didn't smile at that. His emotions were too mixed for that. He really was going to have to let this process which was not his usual method. Not at all, not in any of his lives.

Jack was waiting for them at the edge of the lit area. While he seemed calm, the Doctor could read the worry and tension coming off of the man. It eased a little as Jack took them both in, and the Doctor felt a hint of guilt for not talking with Jack sooner. After all, Jack had suffered having the life drained out of him.

"Hi Jack," Rose greeted softly. "How are you feeling?"

"Rosie," Jack greeted. He swept her up into a tight hug as the worry melted off his face. The Doctor felt a twinge of guilt for keeping Rose to himself for so long. "You were amazing."

"Thanks," Rose released Jack, who put her back on her feet. Tilting her head, Rose grinned. "Gotta be honest, felt pretty good too."

"I bet it did." Jack swallowed and studied Rose. "Seriously," he asked in a lower voice. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, Jack," Rose answered. "And I asked you how you were feeling, and you didn't answer."

Jack chuckled. "A bit sore," he admitted. "But I'm not gonna complain." He glanced over at Ohila. "The Sisters have explained some things to me about who you are and what…." Jack seemed to struggle for a moment and looked at the Doctor. "Not sure why you picked me."

"I didn't want you to die," Rose said softly. "And honestly, I need a disciple. Black and White made it clear that I'm going to be vulnerable for a while. It'll take time before I can really control my abilities." Rose tugged at the hem of her shirt, showing nervousness for the first time all day. "I'm sorry that there wasn't a chance to ask you. If you don't want, then I can-"

"It's fine, Rosie," Jack laughed. His eyes sparkled with amusement. "But why not the Doctor?"

"His regeneration energy," Rose explained. She shrugged and smiled over at the Doctor shyly. "White was very clear that while from the same source, bestowing the link of a Disciple on a Time Lord could interfere with his ability to regenerate. And, well, I've met future incarnations so things would fall into a paradox." Rose sighed and rubbed her head. "They dumped a lot of information on me. I'm still sorting through it."

"Sounds fun," Jack said. "You were up there for hours."

"Yeah," Rose groaned. "I may officially be the leader of the Guardians, but I'm also the new girl. It's an… interesting dynamic." Then she grinned, a bit evilly. "But there are parts of it that I'm gonna enjoy."

"It does explain a lot about how the Guardians how always reacted to you," the Doctor said. He shook his head and squeezed Rose's hand. "Come on, let's get back into the TARDIS. I'm tired, so you must be exhausted."

"I had a nice little nap not long ago," Rose pointed out with a smirk.

"And yet you're still swaying on your feet," the Doctor huffed. "Come on, let's go home."

Rose smiled and didn't argue. The Doctor paused and nodded to Ohila. The Sisterhood all bowed, and the Doctor watched Rose's eyes flash with mixed emotions. She sighed softly.

"Thank you," Rose said. "But please, don't do that."

Ohila frowned for only a moment before nodding. "As you wish, Rose Tyler." Then she looked at him. "Remember, Doctor; you are welcome here. Karn will be here when you need to see these trees. Our task now is to tend the life of this planet as well as the Eternal Flame." Ohila's gaze returned to Rose, and the old Gallifreyan seemed to be physically fighting back the urge to bow again. "We were servants of the first Gold Guardians, and we serve you as well should you ever need us."

"Thank you," Rose said again.

The Doctor could now feel Rose's exhaustion, both physical and with the situation. He nodded to Ohila and unlocked the door of the TARDIS. Rose gave the High Priestess a small smile before stepping into their home. The TARDIS hummed in response, and Rose walked up the ramp to run a gentle hand over the console.

"We're alright," Rose said softly. "Everyone is home."

The Doctor closed the door of the TARDIS after he and Jack were inside with no small amount of relief. Jack joined Rose at the controls and touched the console himself with a smile. The Doctor couldn't even muster the energy to warn Jack off flirting with his ship. And he wasn't the only one who was tried. Rose yawned and leaned against Jack, who chuckled.

"Come on," the Doctor said. He joined them at the controls and, with a few button presses and one lever flip, took them into the Time Vortex. "Time to humans to get some sleep."

"What about Time Lords?" Rose asked.

"Well, this Time Lord needs rest too," the Doctor agreed. "Come on." Holding on his hand to Rose, the Doctor clapped Jack on the shoulder. "Get some rest, Jack. We can do a full physical in the morning just to make sure you're alright."

"Rose may take offense at you doubting her work," Jack teased.

"No, I won't," Rose answered. "Not if it reassures you too." She released the Doctor's hand to hug Jack again tightly. "I'm just glad you're okay."

Jack chuckled and kissed the top of Rose's head before she released him. With slow movements, Rose took the Doctor's hand and let him lead her to their bedroom door. Jack followed, heading for his own room. The Doctor let go of Rose's hand and gently pushed her into their room.

"Doctor?"

"I need to check something," he explained. "Only be a few minutes."

Rose studied him for a moment before she nodded and headed off to get ready for bed. Exhaling, the Doctor rolled his shoulders and shook himself. There was one thing that he needed to know before he could rest. Was the Moment still on his ship?

The TARDIS hummed around him, and the Doctor knew that his loyal ship was well aware of his worries. He hated not remembering. But then again, the TARDIS existed all throughout Time, and he might not have even brought the Moment onto the ship yet. But he'd never wanted to see that weapon again. And why couldn't he properly remember using it? The Interface had surprised him, and that shouldn't have been possible.

The TARDIS led him back to the room where he'd found the Moment, but the Moment was missing. There was no sign of the Interface that had taken Rose's form or the physical box itself. The Doctor wasn't sure what to make of that and wished that he knew more about the weapon's creation. But that had been Rassilon's doing. Maybe the Other had known, but most of those memories were still buried deep. And would stay that way if the Doctor could manage it. He was feeling lightened already by Rose's acceptance and saw no need to take on more of that weight.

Tracking the path back through the TARDIS, the Doctor found the storage room where the Moment had been. The TARDIS apparently didn't feel the need to hide it now. But the room was empty. A pedestal stood empty, and his senses could feel a lingering imprint of power, but that was it. No ancient weapon that could destroy galaxies. The Moment had seemingly merged with Rose, at least the Interface, but the form it had taken was that of a wolf.

Had it been made with the power of the Gold Guardian? The Doctor thought it must have been and tried to remember the timeline. The Moment had definitely been made after the Rise of the Time Lords and the death of the first Gold Guardian. So that was possible, but why a wolf?

"Doctor?" Jack called. He frowned and stepped closer. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," the Doctor answered. "Just a question that didn't get answered today." He shook his head. "Just something I don't understand just yet."

"Maybe you need to get some sleep," Jack said. "Probably shouldn't leave the Gold Guardian sleeping alone."

Jack spun away with a giggle before the Doctor could reply. Huffing, the Doctor decided that it wasn't worth it. Shaking his head, he tried to put the questions to the side, at least for the night, and headed to his door. The lights in his and Rose's room were already dimmed, and Rose was sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair. She offered him a warm smile when he entered.

Smiling in return, the Doctor sat behind her and took the brush from Rose's hand. Without a word, she handed him a hair tie, and he braided her hair in a simple plait. When he was finished, Rose crawled into bed, and the Doctor shrugged off his coat to get ready for bed himself. After the day they'd had, falling asleep beside Rose sounded perfect. They were home and safe. Everything else could wait.

…Coming Soon…

Guardians of the Universe will return on 20 November 2021 with holiday special The Christmas Reunion with a very special guest star.