Chapter 7

Its All

In The Ears

Disclaimer: Alrighty folks, this is it, the final chapter!

It'd been a year and some change since the man formerly known as the Doctor had returned to his old friends on Earth. And even begun a long awaited relationship with Sarah Jane while also becoming a Professor and bridging the gap between himself and his youngest child. Old Theta had felt the happiest he'd been in a long time and it was a wonderful feeling. Though he knew his time was coming that he would need to regenerate but for once, he was content with that knowledge as it would happen on fairly decent terms. Or at least, that's what he had thought and hoped would happen but unfortunately, a warrior race of yellow skinned Lizard like people had chosen to attack Earth. Thinking that the population was being cruel to all Lizard species' on the planet and wanted to free them from the supposed cruelties.

And while Earth's military had been able to handle the problem somewhat, Atraaxas had chosen to bring in help from Gallifrey to combat the situation and drive off the invaders with a sound thrashing. Further cementing the reality that Aliens really were real and not just some inventive crackpot scheme by an old man at a University. Young Mickey had even joined in on the final battle in downtown London despite his lack of combat experience and luckily had made it out just fine thanks to the efforts of Theta's friends and Mickey's fellow UNIT members. Mickey's relationship with Rose was no longer a thing as he had finally grown tired of her immature ways and lack of wanting to better herself. Allowing him to meet one Martha Smith and begin something with her that was turning out to be rather good for that matter as well.

"Did we really just win then?" Wondered Mickey in awe as the space ships retreated.

"We sure did!" Ace said happily in relief.

Heck, she thought it was getting rather dodgy there until the Professor's people showed up just in the nick of time thanks to good ol' 'Traax! Cheering was heard all around them as Theta stood near the Tardis with a smile and a look of relief on his face. "I guess its fitting I would have one last battle with this face while on Earth." Mused the old man to himself.

This was perhaps my most peaceful year and some months that I've experienced in centuries. Hopefully… That can continue…

"You alright, Theta?" Wondered Sarah Jane as she came up to him and laced her hand with his and getting him to look at her.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, quite alright, Sarah Jane. Nothing to worry about. Just me thinking and looking to the skies is all."

She smiled softly at him as she squeezed his hand. "I suppose it wouldn't be you if you didn't. No matter the face."

Theta chuckled softly to himself as Sarah Jane's eyes widened. "You're… You're glowing."

Sarah Jane took a step back as she released his hand and he looked at his hands as the rest of him faintly began to glow. "Ah yes… This face is wearing a bit thin. But despite the horrors its seen, I've lived a long life with it and the last part of it has especially been wonderful." He told her with a loving look in her direction.

"But I do hope that the ears are a bit less conspicuous this time."

Chuckling was heard from Sarah Jane and those who knew him quite well as Mickey looked on in confusion. "Uhh… What's goin' on?"

"You'll see my boy, that I can assure you." Alistair promised him as the glow around Theta glowed brighter.

And then, it was replaced by another man entirely but still in the same outfit. He took notice of the gathered crowd as the cameras broadcasted the whole thing to the shocked world. "Oh, hello!" Greeted the new face of the long lived man.

Sounding distinctly Northern and with rather big ears and a big nose. "What, what just happened!?"

"Oh this is Ace!"

Alistair, Sarah Jane, Ace, and several others present all looked at one another before looking to their old friend. "Well, here we go again." Mused Alistair as his old friend stumbled a bit and causing Sarah Jane to rush over to him and get him inside the Tardis.

Post Regeneration as he had warned and had been seen wasn't always easiest on him and it seemed like that trend was going to continue. And with the new look of the Doctor and the help of those closest to him, he would truly begin his journey to re-earning the name of 'The Doctor'.

Author's Notes: I probably could have taken longer to get to this point but I felt this was the best way to do it. Hopefully folks enjoyed!