Ready for the new day, readers?! :)
I'm excited! But also terrified. Hope you all like the new chapter!
XxXxXxXx
Chapter 47: The Final Chapter
White light flashed briefly down a dirty metal and rock hallway. Wanda blinked, allowing her eyes to adjust to her new dark surroundings. There was steam coming up from metal gates here and there, along the walls and floor. Boxes lined the area, appearing as though holding supplies that would last through a long journey. Pictures and papers scatted the walls, posted up as seeming a simple way to make the place look a little cheerier than what state it was in currently. Ears perking up, she could hear people in the distance to her right chattering away in hushed tones. Where was she? She tried sniffing the air, but . . . her brain would not jump to the time period as it normally would. Something felt wrong. Something felt really, really wrong.
Sniffling, trying to get rid of her tears, she rubbed furiously at her face. Why . . . why could she have not saved them? Why? Poor Rory. Poor Amelia. Poor River for losing her parents. Oh, god, she and the Doctor had lost the biggest piece in their family. Amy . . . Rory . . . the best family they could have ever wished for. And now . . . neither Time Lord could ever see them again. Wanda let out a weeping sob, her tearful cry sounding shaking as she wrapped her arms around herself the best she could. She had been so close. So close to saving Rory. She had been just there, and . . . he had slipped through her fingers. Just like that. In knowing that Rory was gone, even though Wanda had not been around to see Amy go, she knew the ginger woman would not be too far away from joining her husband. Amy and Rory could never be apart. Not ever.
Rubbing her face again, she gave her cheeks a few slaps. Trying to snap herself out of her funk as she knew she must pay attention again to where she was. It especially made it more urgent as a strange alert kept going through her mind. All the barriers were on edge about something or another. Especially the certain one that always acted up. Was it because of her stress from earlier, or . . . No, something definitely felt wrong about this place. Something dreadfully wrong. A hand out of habit went to her stomach, tightening on her clothes in an anxious manner. Lifting another hand, she made certain that she was wearing her wedding necklace. Making certain that no one would be able to see her true form at this moment. It would be dreadful to have someone see her with her large belly in a place like this. Especially if that someone meant harm to others.
Quick footsteps coming towards her made her stiffen on the spot, fearing that someone was coming to attack. All she saw through the dark and steamy hall was an older man, with pure white hair, appearing to be pulling along someone else in excitement and glee by their hand. The moment she saw this elder man's face . . . the moment she got a clear view of him . . . her hearts froze. She stood, like a deer in headlights, staring wide-eyed in horror at the man. Her mind ceased to function. Her body felt ready to collapse, to faint from the shock of seeing him. The fight or flight response kicked up in her, screaming for her to flee. Flee for her life, run with all her strength and power, leaving this forsaken man far, far behind forever.
No . . . No, it could not be him. It just could not. Not him! Anything but him! Oh, god, no!
But it was. It was Professor Yana. Yana, who was really . . .
Her body began to tremble as she took a step back as the man drew ever closer. Immediately, she stepped out of his way, wanting to stay clear of him. In her fear, she felt desperate in search for any welcoming, loving face. Someone who she could cling to and find comfort in. So, swiftly her eyes caught sight of a familiar, very welcomed, very much loved face. It was Ten. Her Doctor. And he caught sight of her just as soon as she did. He beamed widely, completely unaware of the danger he was in by holding the hand of the elderly man's. He simply let Yana drag him through the hall while smiling away at ease. Oh, how it broke Wanda's hearts in knowing his smile would not last.
The Doctor, as he rushed by while still being dragged along by Yana, reach out and snatched up Wanda's hand. Beginning to drag her along with him to join the quick jog through the hall. She felt how gentle and loving the Doctor squeezed her hand. She could not help but smile warmly while she kept up in the fast pace with him. She knew why he was acting in such a way around her. It was because of this current Doctor was still recent from their first time bonding. In this moment, their true relationship was still new (and still, always will be, growing) to him. So, just as she had been during the early moments after their bonding, he was still rather giddy about it all. Not that Wanda herself did not feel giddy as well. She would always feel that way when it came to being with the Doctor.
They went deeper and deeper underground. At least, from what Wanda could tell, that was what they were doing. The walls became more stone than metal as they went. Her mind taking note, she realized that they were inside a sort of refugee camp for the last humans in existence. The very last life forms in the whole universe. For this was the year hundred trillion. The last year for the inhabits and the whole universe. The final chapter for them all. Wanda felt such deep sadness in knowing how once such a vast, endless, magnificent universe was now empty, cold, and dying. There was nothing left. From such endless life, came the ending death.
But, in the end, she knew that even though it was saddening, it was also peaceful. It was the purest circle coming to an end. The universe coming to a final close, it's final chapter. And yet, one day, just as life always does, things would find a way to live again. The universe was an infinite loop. It would repeat the process of experiencing rebirth once more. It would be a brand-new universe. A new start to everything. There would be brand new creatures, planets, homes, worlds, of which the like she doubted she could ever imagine. It was always possible that there would even be a new form of humans or Time Lords born into the new universe. Yes, things would find their way into life. And in having this strong and hopeful thought in mind, Wanda felt her spirits lift.
Things may be hard, even cruel in life, but if life could find a way to surpass the hardships, then so could she.
"Chan, welcome, tho," greeted a woman once they had reached their destination. Or, well, not a human woman, to say. She appeared to be a humanoid bug of some kind. Her skin was a deep bluish-green, face had what looked like antennas, and had a hard shell for what would have been hair for a human. Her eyes were very kind when she gazed at them, making Wanda smile gently at Chantho. Though there was no real time for greetings, as the Time Lady was yanked around by the Doctor while Yana from before steered the Time Lord about. The man began pointing out all the different works around what was clearly a high-tech laboratory of some kind. Or it could also be low tech for this era, but because the Doctor and Wanda had never seen anything like most of what Yana had in his lab, they knew no difference. Though, there were a few things of which Wanda assumed was indeed similar in design to what she did know of.
Eventually, Wanda pulled away from the Doctor as he got out his 'I'm being clever glasses' and began observing Yana's lab while listening to the man intently, trying to figure out on what kind of aid Yana was searching for.
"What, you're not going to say 'hi'?" Martha teased Wanda as the Time Lady came up beside her and the rest. All of them standing in a corner of the lab while they let Yana and the Doctor continue on in what they were doing. Wanda shook off her worried nature from earlier, plastering on a strained smile as she gazed at the companion.
"Hey, Martha, my dear! How's my favourite doctor doing?" Wanda replied back as merrily as she could, even giving Martha a hug, trying not to let any see her worried demeanour, nor wishing to be a drag on anyone this day. She had to keep up her happiness. She could not fall victim to her fears. Her fears of the most dreaded day of her life. This day, the one of which she had so many nightmares over . . . nightmares of him and what his plans might be for them all . . . Again, she reminded herself of the universe's future rebirth. It was the one thing that kept herself from drowning in her qualms.
"Again, I'll try not be an offended by that," the Doctor responded when hearing this, briefly looking over at Wanda, pretending to be hurt by this comment. Though he failed in his act as he still had a large smile on his face.
"And you're not going to forget to say 'hi' to your one and only Smexy, are you?" Jack said as he walked up closer as well, giving Wanda a cheeky grin. The Doctor suddenly shot the man a sharp gaze, scowling at Jack.
"Stop it," the Doctor seemed to scold strictly.
"Can't I say hello to anyone?" Jack retorted in a scoff.
"Jealous as ever, Spaceman," Wanda teased her love, smirking at the disgruntled pout the Time Lord sent her. Turning to Jack, Wanda smiled as she gave him a hug. "Good to see you again, Jack. It's been too long."
"Far too long," Jack agreed as he returned the hug. Glancing up, Jack saw how the Doctor glowered for a moment longer before turning back to the elderly man from before that wished to get the Time Lord to help him with his lab. Leaning down closer to Wanda's ear, making certain none other can hear, Jack whispered, "Do you have the ring?"
"Yes," Wanda replied back, keeping her voice hushed, barely above a breath. They pulled back from their hug, beaming away. She then discreetly held up eight fingers, bouncing on her feet in excitement to indicate to Jack how far along she was.
"Really?" he laughed in response, giving her another hug. As he hugged her, his hold around her tightened. A brief solemn expression crossed over his features so quickly that none noticed. Once he and Wanda pulled away from their friendly embrace, he had a smile back on his face.
Wanda stared at both Jack and Martha. Really taking in their faces, their smiles. She knew, that after today, this would be the last time in a very long time of both of them smiling. Of them both being companions to the Doctor and Wanda. Though Jack would still be around for her and the Doctor in the future as they did visit him on holidays and such. A way to keep him company in his long, weary life. He was family, after all. As for Martha, yes, there were a few times the Doctor and Wanda visited the old companion as well. Just to check up on how she was doing. The same as they did for Sarah Jane and Donna. But still . . . this would be Martha's very last adventure with the time travelling family. They would never get to spend time together in the TARDIS, or laugh at all the bizarre shops the Doctor took them to, or . . .
Walking forward in a rush, Wanda pulled both Martha and Jack back in for another hug. Holding each of them tightly as a few tears began to fall down her face. This had been a day of dread, such a day she never, ever wanted to face. Even worse than all the other days of which she has gone through. Knowing what . . . who, was to come . . . She shivered as she held the two companions tightly. Having just been through a loss only minutes ago, Wanda felt her emotions wildly fighting inside of her in knowing she and the Doctor were about to lose two more. More tears escaped, streaming down her face. She glanced over in the far corner, seeing how Chantho watching her out of curiosity.
"Wanda?" Martha asked, uncertain by the Time Lady's behavior. The companion hoped that everything was all right. She never received hugs this tight from the Time Lady before. At least, not a hug that spoke of such desperate attempts to keep hold.
"Tink, is everything okay?" Jack questioned Wanda quietly, gently patting the short blonde on the back. The Time Lady was immediately pulled away from the two as the Doctor grabbed Wanda by the shoulders, turning her around to face him as he stared carefully at her. Immediately worried and concerned for her.
"Wanda, what's wrong?" he asked, lifting her chin when she tried avoiding his eyes. Soon, her lip quivered, unable to keep herself from breaking down upon seeing his loving brown eyes.
"Doctor, I'm so sorry. I wasn't able to save them," she cried. She surprised the Doctor in just how fast she hugged him, burying her face right into his chest. He patted her awkwardly at first, unsure of why she was so upset, or how to even calm her and make her feel better. Then, he wrapped his arms around her in a warm hold.
Who couldn't you save, Wanderer? he decided to ask in her mind, knowing this might be a conversation best left private as he noticed everyone giving them curious stares. He felt Wanda shaking her head against his front, telling him that she could not say who. What couldn't you save them from?
The Angels. I couldn't save them from the Angels. Wanda sobbed so brokenly in his mind.
He tightened his hold on her, wishing he could ease her sorrows. He stiffened as something suddenly pulled at his mind. There it was again. Something odd he sensed about the Time Lady. That had happened a few times in the past, such as when he first felt it back during the London Blitz, but . . . what was it? Then, his mind seemed to drift away from this thought. Not really on his own accord, either. Instead, his mind simply focused on making his Wanderer happy once more.
"You can't save everyone, Wanderer," the Doctor spoke softly as he pulled away from their embrace, thumbing the side of her face tenderly. "And . . . whatever happened, don't blame yourself. I know that, whoever you're talking about, would not blame you, either."
Wanda shook her head quickly, staring at the Doctor in urgency. "It's not just that, Doctor. You really should have left. You really, really should have gone back into the TARDIS once you got Jack awake again."
The Doctor and the two companions frowned, glancing at each other in slight worry. When the Time Lady was this worried about something, then they all knew that they had to be as well. The Doctor looked back at Wanda carefully. "What do you mean? Is something going to happen?"
"Y-yes," Wanda cried softly, keeping her voice low so not everyone in the room would hear her.
"How bad?" asked the Doctor, raising a brow at her.
"On a scale . . . one to ten . . . it's unimaginable," Wanda breathed, letting out more tears, placing a hand over her mouth to stifle any sounds of woe that might come out of her.
The Doctor pulled her up to him again, hugging her close, torn in trying to think of a way he could make her feel better. He hated seeing her upset like this. He pressed his lips close to her ear to whisper. "Whatever is going to happen, I'm sure we'll figure it out together, eh? You and me, together along with the others, we can brave through anything. We have in the past, haven't we?" He rubbed her back in encouragement, trying to lift her spirits.
Wanda sniffled as she rubbed the last of her tears away, giving the Doctor a wavering smile. "I know. Sorry, don't mean to be bothersome again. I'm just . . . being emotional as ever." She let out a watery laugh, still trying to give her love a smile.
Smiling gently, the Doctor gave her a kiss on top of her head before going back over to Yana. "So, where were we? Something about footprints, right?"
"What?" Yana responded, blinking as he seemed to snap himself out of something. He had been staring intently at the crying Time Lady and comforting Time Lord. "Oh! Yes!" Yana and the Doctor continued on with their discussion on what the Professor had in his laboratory.
"So, what were you upset about?" Martha asked cautiously as she walked up close to Wanda, staring at the Time Lady in deep concern.
"Nothing. I'm fine now. All better. Eccellente!" Wanda responded in merriment, quickly forcing her saddening emotions from earlier to change to merriment. She would have plenty of time to be all sad and depressed later. Most definitely with what she knew was coming.
Even though the man who would arrive later and torment them all scared her to no end. Even though she knew that—most likely from the hints she has picked up from over the years—this would be the day she finally . . . remembered her dreaded past. And even if she were to be separated from the Doctor and put through hell just as he and the others would be. She knew that she must always try to keep her and everyone else's' spirits up. She had to keep fighting and to not let anyone, especially him, become the one who ruins her life for good. She would always bounce back from whatever the universe threw at her.
Always.
For her Doctor, she would smile. For her family, she would grin. For her daughter, she would beam ever brightly. For them all, she would be their comfort.
With this determined thought, she truly felt her mood lift.
"So! I'm curious as to what's over here," she beamed, bouncing over to an area in the lab that had couches and desks, peeking around, observing the area. Jack came over to do some of his own investigations, dropping off his large backpack beside a small table. Glancing at the pack, a handle sticking out caught Wanda's eye. She reached over, grabbing the handle and pulling out a large, bubbling container that held a hand within. Preserving the appendage within a strange liquid. Wanda then sat down the container onto the table with a loud thunk for all to see.
"Oh, my god!" Martha exclaimed upon the sight of it, walking over to join the two. She looked at Jack in disbelief. "You've got a hand. A hand in a jar. A hand in a jar in your bag." The three in the small area were soon joined by the bewildered Time Lord and curious Yana. The Doctor crouched down to stare at the hand in shocked astonishment.
"Well, t-that's—that's my hand!" the Doctor stated, looking quickly at Jack for an explanation.
"I said I had a Doctor detector," Jack shrugged.
"Chan, is this a tradition amongst your people, tho?" Chantho asked them curiously.
"Not on my street!" Martha cried, clearly taken back by what the Doctor had claimed. "What do you mean, that's your hand? You've got both your hands. I can see them."
"Long story—I lost my hand, Christmas day, in a sword fight," explained the Doctor.
"On top of a spaceship," added Wanda as she crossed her arms, staring at the hand intently. "Sword fight to save the world. Nothing really unusual for the Doctor."
"What, and losing a hand is normal?" scoffed Martha, amazed at just how causal each Time Lord was saying this and seeing the hand just sitting there. "You just grew another hand?"
"Um, yeah. Yeah, I did, yeah," replied the Doctor, staring at his old hand in interest as he was still trying to piece together on how exactly Jack had found it. Knowing who Jack was, though, the Doctor realized it should not come as a complete surprise. He glanced up at Martha, seeing how the companion stared at him with her mouth hanging slightly open in pure astonishment. He gave her small little wave with the hand he had grown back. "Hello."
"Trust me, Martha. It isn't the strangest thing he's ever done," giggled Wanda, finding it amusing in seeing the companion's reaction to the whole hand and its story.
"Might I ask, what species are you?" Yana spoke up in question, staring at the Doctor in high curiosity.
"Time Lord—one of the last," replied the Doctor. Upon the blank stare given to him, the Doctor raised a brow. "Hear of them? Legend or anything? Not even a myth?" He glanced back and forth between Yana and Chantho, still receiving a blank look. "Blimey, end of the universe is a bit humbling."
"Chan, it is said that I am the last of my species, too, tho," Chantho mentioned as a way to show condolences to the Doctor.
"Sorry. What was your name?" the Doctor asked her.
"My assistant and good friend, Chantho, a survivor of the Malmooth. This was their planet, Malcassairo, before we took refuge," Yana introduced for his friend. Chantho smiled and nodded.
"The city outside, that was yours?" the Doctor questioned thoughtfully.
"Chan, the conglomeration died, tho," Chantho replied with a nod.
"Conglomertaion—that's what I said!" the Doctor responded, grinning away when realizing his earlier guesses had been right. He and the others had passed by the large city built out of the planet's stone in a canyon when they had first arrived there. It was always nice when he was right on the dot about things. He winced when he felt a sharp smack on the back of his head.
"Rude," Wanda muttered to him sternly.
"You're supposed to say 'sorry,'" Jack told the Time Lord. The Doctor held an apologetic look to Chantho, realizing his mistake in being insensitive.
"Oh, yes. Sorry," he told the Malmooth. Chantho smiled kindly in response.
"Chan, most grateful, tho," she replied, nodding in thanks. Not really paying attention to what everyone else was saying, Martha still stared at the Doctor in bewilderment and astonishment.
"You grew . . . another hand?" she said aloud as if still trying to wrap her mind around the news.
"Hello again," the Doctor said to her, giving her a foxy grin and small wave of the hand once more. He ended up letting Martha shake his hand in a way to quell her unsettled feelings towards the idea of growing an appendage.
Upon the interest of the Doctor in wanting to understand the occurrences going on around them, Yana explained to them everything about the Utopia Project. It was a project created by a science foundation to make all efforts in search for the mysterious Utopia that had been calling out to all humans. For thousands of years now, the last of the human race worked to build a way to travel to Utopia in hopes of escaping the fall of reality and the death of the universe. Wanda watched the way Yana explained all of this. His kind face, the look of hope coming from him, the way he so desperately wished to help save people and give them a chance at a better life . . .
How could this man have ever been a piece of him? The Master. She remembered how John had been different from the Doctor in personality. But there were still many similarities that if one looked at the Doctor and John together, they might say that the two were brothers. The Master and Yana, on the other hand, were almost complete opposites. Was this something the Master had done on purpose upon using a chameleon arch on himself? Or was Yana some kind of inner personality of the Master? Like a deep part of him that he had suppressed a long time ago. Or, just like John, Yana could merely be his own person? An identity that had been created through what the Master had done to himself. Wanda was not certain of any true answer to her questions. All she knew, though, was how much she wished Yana would always be alive and stay the man he was.
Then again . . . could he? She had not looked into the possibilities just yet . . . but . . . from what Martha and the Doctor had mentioned of the Year That Never Was . . . and how they acted . . . it must be a fixed point in time. Wanda might not find any way of getting around the dreadful year. However, time could always change, could it not? She might find something past all of this. Something that other Wandas in different timelines did not figure out. She had to try, at least. Even if time was fixed, she had to try. She just could not, for anything, stand back and let the Master hurt her family. And then . . . she could also not make the Doctor upset in losing his long, lost, old friend. Even if said friend did try to kill him on multiple occasions. Still, there was the deep connection there between the two of them. Always at odds with each other, but still having that sense to be there for the other in some way or another. It was complicated, really. Of course, Time Lord relationships were always complicated. Especially when it came to the Doctor's relationships. Whether it be a relationship through friends or lovers.
Wanda closed her eyes as everyone continued to talk on about Utopia. Letting her mind drift, she began focusing on what possibilities this adventure had. Some things seemed fixed in the timeline for the Doctor. Other things, however . . . She could potentially stop Yana from opening his fob watch, keeping the Master at bay and having it so the dreaded Time Lord never came back. It was only a very, very slight chance, but it could be done. Yana could remain alive and well. Living in his own life, with his dear friend Chantho, and creating some kind of good in the universe. Whether that be a living or dying universe. But . . . then the Doctor would never get his old friend back. A piece of his history, a piece of his past from Gallifrey, something which he desperately wanted in his life . . . the Doctor would lose his old friend if she stopped Yana from opening the watch.
Could she do that to her Theta? Make him sad in such a way in knowing he would lose a friend? No. She did not think she could ever make her Theta sad on purpose. She had to find another way that both the Doctor would find happiness in being able to help the Master become a more 'stable' individual, and for everyone being safe from the Master's insanity. But how?
She pulled away from the images flowing through her mind when her headache became too painful. Relaxing her mind, easing away the ringing in her ears, she knew she would have to think and focus again later on what to do on this adventure. Figure out some kind of plan. Until then . . . she would work on helping as much as she could. At this thought, she still felt wary with the feeling of dread and fear still hanging over her like a weight as she glanced at Yana. Seeing how the man stared off as the Doctor rambled on about how they could power up the rocket outside to get to Utopia, the look of pain on the Professor's face . . . Wanda knew it was the drums beating away within the man's mind. The source of many problems that had been created between the Master and the Doctor.
Scooting back, she let the Doctor and Yana go back over to the equipment of the lab, talking about the way the footprint was not working as Yana had hoped. Though, the Professor had still yet to tell any of the other refugees outside of the failure in their rocket's system. In many ways, as Yana explained to them, he could not bear to take that hope away from the people. Then, upon hearing this explained by the Professor, the Doctor smiled, made quick work with his sonic screwdriver, and got many of the dead and lifeless controls around the lab to suddenly light up brilliantly. The footprint Yana had created was now at the ready to take everyone to Utopia. The Professor and Chantho announced immediately to the others in the compound of the success of the footprint. Soon, the rocket would be ready for takeoff.
"Is there anything I can do?" Wanda asked the Doctor as he began bouncing around the room, working together with everyone else to set up the rocket's systems precisely. There had to be no flaws, for if anything went wrong during flight, it would be disaster.
"Yes! Help Chantho get the stabilizers working over there," the Doctor instructed her, pointing quickly to the corner in the lab where Chantho was putting some kind of metal circuit plates into slots of a large machine. Wanda walked over to the Malmooth, grabbing some of the metal circuits and helping along the best she could.
"Chan, you do not have to help me, tho," Chantho said to the Time Lady.
"No, I suppose I don't have to," Wanda replied with a nod. She slid a plate into a slot of the machine, grinning at Chantho. "Doesn't mean that I don't want to help. And I can be pretty good with my hands when I want to be." There was a spark made by the machine, seeming to be rejecting the circuit. Wanda swiftly pulled out her sonic, aiming at the spot that was growing a fault, fixing it immediately. She then grinned as she flipped her sonic in hand, placing it right back into her trouser pocket. Chantho smiled in thanks.
"Chan, you are very kind, thank you, tho," the Malmooth nodded to her.
"Nah, it was no problem. I'm always happy to help," Wanda said, waving a hand as she smiled and began working as quick as she could. She glanced over when the Doctor and Martha had ducked out of the room, seeming to be getting supplies for something or another. So, now that only left Jack, who stood over by the computers monitors, working on something the Doctor assigned him there, and Yana, who was actually rather close to Wanda and Chantho, working on his own circuits and connectors. Wanda swallowed thickly, turning back to the task at hand.
"Chan, I do not mean to be rude, tho. Chan, but may I ask a personal question, tho?" Chantho suddenly spoke up, making Wanda look away from her task.
"Sure. What would you like to know?" Wanda responded, curious on what the Malmooth was wondering about.
"Chan, from what I noticed earlier, the Doctor seemed to be talking about both you and him as the last of your species, tho. Chan, is this true, are you a Time Lord as well, tho?" Chantho quizzed.
". . . Yes, it's true," Wanda answered reluctantly. Nervously, she glanced over to Yana, seeing how the man was still close to them. Could he hear what they were saying? Even though they were speaking in hushed tones, she was certain in the small room that voices would carry.
Chantho smiled brightly. "Chan, oh that is wonderful, tho! Chan, I am happy for you both in having company in your species, tho."
Wanda could not help but smile in return. "Yes. It is nice in not being the only one. But, it doesn't mean that we don't have others that keep us company as a family. We have Martha and Jack. They're some of our best mates."
"Chan, yes, I understand having others as a new family, tho. Chan, many here are close to me as well, tho." Chantho paused in thought, smiling as she seemed to think over something in a dream in her head. "Chan, though I still have wishes to see others of my kind again, tho." She turned to Wanda once more. "Chan, what is it like, finding another of your species and growing a family together once more, tho? Chan, I have always wondered what it would be like to experience childbirth myself, tho."
"W-what?" Wanda stuttered, alarmed by Chantho's seemingly innocent question. In her shock, Wanda was not paying attention as she handled one of the metal circuits. Being crude in its design, it had sharp edges that she was not aware of. And with her fumbling with the metal plate, it sliced right in the middle of her palm. Wanda dropped the plate in surprise, hissing as she gripped her bleeding hand. "Dang it."
"Chan, oh no, I'm sorry, that was rude for me to ask, tho!" Chantho said in alarm, grabbing a rag off the counter next to her to hurriedly place on Wanda's wound. But then both females were shocked when a kind, old hand placed a handkerchief onto Wanda's injury. Wanda gazed up slowly as a shiver went through her when seeing Yana holding her hurt hand kindly.
"Sorry, I should have warned you earlier. Those plates I made have rough edges. They can be quite difficult to handle sometimes when you're in a hurry," Yana said, wrapping his white handkerchief around her hand to stop the bleeding.
"T-that's all right. It's . . . it's not like it's the first time I've been a little roughed up," Wanda laughed weakly. She glanced at Yana, then at her hand, feeling weird as he had such a kind smile and was treating her so nicely. Something she was certain the Master himself would never do.
"Did I hear Chantho correctly? Are you having a baby?" Yana asked her in interest. Wanda stiffened, feeling backed into a corner as the Professor's kindhearted eyes stared back at her. Eyes whipping around the room behind the man, she searched for a way out. To see who else might be within the room with them. But now even Jack was gone. Where was everyone?
"I—I—I . . .," Wanda stuttered, unable to process an answer to give the man. What should she say? Was it a good idea to tell the man who would soon become the Master of her upcoming delivery? No, of course not! But what could she do? Deny it?
"Chan, I am sorry to upset you with my questions, tho. Chan, it's just I smelled your milk earlier, and I grew curious, tho," Chantho apologized again, holding the rag in her hand tightly as she stared at Wanda in concern. The Time Lady swallowed thickly as she stared wide-eyed at the Malmooth.
"You . . . You smelled milk from me?" she breathed in question, horrified by this. Smell? Someone smelled her being pregnant? Perception filters, perception camouflage matrixes, misdirection circuits, telepathic deluders, all to mask her pregnancy. But nothing to cover up smell?! And she had only begun lactating a week ago! Annoying as it was for Wanda, she and the Doctor had not been concerned by the occurrence for they thought nothing of it. Why did they not think of the possibility of a smell-sensitive species being able to detect it? How could they have missed that?
"So, I suspect this means you and the Doctor are—," Yana began to ask, curious as to how the two Time Lords' relationship worked.
"No!" Wanda exclaimed, fearful of the Master using this information of her and the Doctor's future child against her Theta in some way. Or causing harm to Ember. Or just—just ruining time all together. She promised the Doctor, herself, and their child that she would protect the baby at all costs. She could not break that promise now! Wanda sucked in a breath, thinking quickly on what to say to Yana (to the Master) in keeping him from ruining anything. She smiled shyly as Chantho and Yana stared at her, worried by her outburst. Trying to play it off, she chuckled nervously.
"I mean . . . he doesn't know yet. See, I come from his future . . . where he and I are together already, and he knows about . . . um . . . everything," Wanda explained carefully. glanced away, not wanting to say her being pregnant out loud in front of this man. ". . . But I sort of . . . wandered back into his past. So, he doesn't know anything about me . . . or us, yet." Her eyes turned to Yana's once more, urgent in her trying to convince the man not to tell the Doctor or ruin time. "So you can't tell him. Please, don't tell him. Me telling him in the far, far future is a fixed point in time. If he found out any sooner, it would destroy the universe. I mean, literally, poof, time corrupted and everything." This was a lie, of course. Or, at least, she hoped it was a lie. It could destroy the universe in the same way when River refused to 'kill' the Doctor. Still, she hoped to create a story that might convince the Master not to do any harm to her child or to the Doctor.
Yana stared at her in wonder for a moment. A strange expression crossing over him as his eyes glazed over as though remembering something from long ago. "You . . . travel through time?"
Coldness washed over Wanda when she realized her mistake. The mentioning of time travel and the TARDIS was one of the things that would agitate the drums in Yana's mind and cause the closer time of the Master urging the man through the fob watch to open the clock-work device. But discussing her wanderings would be the only way to explain to this man about why the Doctor could not know. And . . . the Master awaking was still . . . meant to be . . . right?
"Y-yeah. Though, not by my own accord," Wanda breathed quietly, wishing she could keep her mouth shut without drawing anymore suspicion. But she had to explain this all if the Master for later knew not to tell. "Please, promise me you won't tell him. No matter what, he can't ever know until . . ."
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. You have my word," Yana replied, smiling and nodding his head in the assurance of him never telling the Doctor. Wanda believed him completely, of course. It was not Yana she was afraid of ruining time. It was the other man within him.
"Chan, will he not find out eventually, tho? Chan, even though you are not far along at the moment, soon the baby will become obvious, tho," Chantho offered in advice.
". . . Um, yeah," Wanda agreed weakly. She glanced down, knowing that they only saw her as her earlier thin self and not seeing the large belly that she now carried. "I'm just . . . two months in. He won't notice until later. And by then, it will be time for me to be back into his future where he already knows, so . . ."
"So, until the meantime, no telling," Yana replied, smiling and winking, showing Wanda that she could have her full trust with him and his friend in keeping her secret. The man then frowned thoughtfully as he stared carefully at Wanda. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I got your name earlier. Did I hear right in the others calling you 'Wanda'?"
"Um, well, that's my nickname. But really, my name is the Wanderer. It's my . . . title." She looked over at the entrance to the laboratory when she heard the others coming back into the room. Relief went through her when she saw the Doctor, glad to have him back so that she might have an easier time keeping Ember safe with him around. She saw how the Doctor instructed some men and Jack in getting the TARDIS into the lab through the doorway. It seemed as though the soldiers had found the old girl already. Much earlier than she had suspected them to.
Moving away from Yana and Chantho, Wand joined the Doctor, Martha, and Jack once they had the TARDIS properly set inside the lab. Chantho walked away from the machine she was working on, going to inspect the blue box as it appeared so fascinating. Yana, on the other hand, remained far away from the others. He frowned as he stared at the ship, pondering over its existence. His gaze then moved to Wanda with his frown deepening. From both the blue box and her he felt the drums pick up in beat in his mind. Shaking his head to let his mind ease from its headache from the increasing drumming noise in his head, he placed the bloody handkerchief that Wanda had left in his hand into a pocket on his trousers. Noting to himself that he would have to dispose of it later. Until then, it was back to work.
XxXxXxXx
Wanda watched the monitor that Martha and she were standing by. Watching the static on the screen, she and Martha were anxious on what the Doctor and Jack were working on. Currently, Jack was inside a chamber right under the rocket. The thick, leaded chamber was filled with stet radiation, and was the only place where the rocket's footprint couplings were. Yana had already instructed on fixing the couplings and connecting the footprint to the rocket's engines. But, it was extremely dangerous in going inside the chamber to fix it. It was the only way to get the rocket's systems working, however.
So, earlier, a man from the human's group had been sent in to fix the systems. Sadly, the man had died when the chamber had been vented in too much stet radiation, which could evaporate anyone exposed too long. Something which the poor man had been subjected to when a Futurekind woman had snuck into the compounds main power and destroyed much of the systems they needed. The Futurekind woman had been stopped before she could do any more damage, and luckily, with Jack's quick thinking, he used two electrified cables, pushing them together, to jump-start the override. The electricity ended up killing him, of course. Though, not that death did not last long for old Jack.
Once everyone realized Jack could not die, Yana asked him if he would be willing to be inside the stet radiation chamber and fix the couplings needed. Jack agreed immediately. He wanted to help, after all. The Doctor went with the male companion, going as a means to both supervise what Jack was doing, and to sort of have a talk with him. The Doctor knew they needed to in a way to get past old grudges and such, clear up the air between them.
"When did you realize?" Wanda heard the Doctor asking over the com to Jack.
"Earth, 1892," Jack was heard explaining. "Got in a fight on Ellis Island. Man shot me through the heart. Then I woke up. Thought it was kind of strange, but then it never stopped. Fell off a cliff, trampled by horses, World War I, World War II, poison, starvation . . . a stray javelin. In the end, I got the message. I'm the man who can never die. And all the time, you knew."
"I'm so, so sorry, Jack," Wanda spoke up in remorse over the communication system. She felt guilt lay heavily over her. Each time Jack mentioned how he had died, how horrible it had been, she had winced. The idea of someone having to go through that, especially someone who she cared greatly for, hurt her deeply.
"It's not your fault, Tink. I don't blame you," Jack spoke up, sounding to be understanding when it came to her perspective in the ordeal. After all, First Wanda had already apologized about it long ago before it had even happened. She had also given him comfort in knowing that, one day, he would find her and the Doctor once more. "You, on the other hand," Jack said directly to the Doctor this time, "I blame. Wanda doesn't have control of keeping tabs on companions, but you do. Why did you leave me behind?"
"You, becoming someone, something, unnatural, undying," the Doctor was heard explaining to Jack. "That's why I left you behind. It's not easy, even just . . . just looking at you, Jack, 'cause you're wrong."
"Thanks," they heard Jack retort sarcastically. With some bitterness heard in the man's voice, also.
"You are. I can't help it," stated the Doctor. Wanda knew by this point, the Time Lord would be averting his eyes from Jack's. "I'm a Time Lord. It's instinct. It's in my guts. You're a fixed point in time and space. You're a fact. That's never meant to happen. Even the TARDIS reacted against you, tried to shake you off, flew all the way to the end of the universe just to get rid of you."
"So what you're saying is, you're, uh . . . prejudiced?"
There was a long pause in response from the Doctor. "I never thought of it like that."
Jack was heard laughing. "What about you, Tink? You can't stand to look at me, either?"
"Nah. Well, I mean, there's a little awkward feeling being around you, sometimes," Wanda told the man over the com. "The instinct's still there. I just ignore it."
"See? Tink ignores her instinctual prejudice? Why can't you? Or is it more you just didn't want me around 'cause I'm better looking?" Jack seemed to tease the Doctor. Wanda chuckled quietly, shaking her head as she smiled at the static screen.
"Yeah. Sorry. I'll try harder to 'ignore my prejudices' this time," the Doctor responded, truly sounded embarrassed and guilty in him leaving the old companion behind like that.
"Don't worry about it, Doc. As someone once told me, it was meant to be," Jack said, seeming to shrug off why exactly the Doctor had done.
"What, did Wanda tell you that?" questioned the Doctor.
"Yeah, her too, I guess," said Jack in a mumble. Wanda pondered over this, realizing Jack was implying about his future knowledge source. Was it his time travelling niece again? Jack continued on in thought. "Last thing I remember, back when I was mortal, I was facing three Daleks, death by extermination—and then I came back to life. What happened?"
"Rose," both the Doctor and Wanda said together. Their voices echoing solemnly over the communication system.
"I thought you'd sent her back home," Jack responded, confused on how Rose had played a part in his immortality. "Her and Wanda both."
"We came back, in force," Wanda told him over the computer. "We ended up having to open up the TARDIS, the heart and soul of the old girl, and stare right into the Time Vortex. I wasn't really . . . allowed to look into the heart of the TARDIS, so . . . Rose ended up getting the full blast of it all. The Time Vortex streamed right into her, turning her into . . . something else entirely. Or, I should say someone else."
"What does that mean, exactly?" Jack asked back in response. Wanda did not reply, growing anxious the more they discussed on what happened that day. So many implications and feelings of dread. Bad Wolf. The Time Vortex. Things that she still has yet to understand. Though she had a feeling that she might find out soon enough.
"No one's ever meant to have that power," the Doctor finally spoke up in explanation, having been quiet himself in the thought of what kind of energy the Time Vortex could do to a person. "If a Time Lord did that . . . they'd become a god . . . a vengeful god." The way they heard the Doctor say this . . . it was as if something suddenly dawned onto him. Something which unnerved him greatly. He then cleared his throat hastily as if bypassing his thoughts on the implications of what the Time Vortex could do to a Time Lord. "But Rose was human. Everything she did was so human. She brought you back to life. But she couldn't control it. She brought you back forever. That's something, I suppose. The final act of the Time War was life."
At the mentioning of the final act of what the Time War brought, Wanda closed her eyes tightly. Oh, if only the Doctor knew what was to come for him later. What was to come for them all.
"Do you think she could change me back?" she heard Jack ask the Doctor.
"The Doctor had to take the power out of her, Jack," Wanda explained to the man. "It was killing her. Anyone with the Time Vortex inside of them would have died. She got lucky not to have at that time. And if she tried a stunt like that again, well . . . But she's gone now. She's away to another life in a parallel universe. She's having a good life there. Or will have a good life." Wanda smiled sadly. "She's going to have the most fantastic life."
"Yeah. She will," the Doctor agreed softly with her. Wanda stepped back from the monitor, letting the Doctor and Jack continue on with their conversations. Instead, she turned around in her seat to stare at Yana. She saw the strain on his face from the pain that he was experiencing in his head. Everything they had been talking about . . . she knew it was echoing in his mind now. A bit of the Master waking up more and more each time. She swallowed heavily. Oh. It looked as though she had lost track of what was happening. It . . . It might be too late to stop the Master from awakening now. Though . . . she could still try, right?
"Chan, Professor, what is it, tho?" Chantho suddenly asked the man in concern. Both she and Martha walked over to Yana when they saw the stressful and mournful expression on the man's face.
"Time Travel. They say there was time travel back in the old days. I never believed it," Yana spoke softly. "But what would I know? Stupid old man. Never could keep time. Always late, always lost."
"You're not stupid, Professor," Wanda spoke up gently, walking over to touch the man's shoulder in kindness. Yana gave her a wavering smile, shaking his head as he pulled out a fob watch.
"No, I've always been out of time. Even this thing never worked," he replied. Wanda stood there rigidly, staring at the watch with wide eyes. No one, not even Yana, noticed this from the Time Lady. "Time and time and time again, always running out on me."
"Can I have a look at that?" Martha asked him, suddenly nervous around the man upon seeing the watch. A watch she knew by appearance all too well. It was the watch of a Time Lord. Wanda kept staring at the watch, almost distantly hearing Yana explaining how old it was. How he had been found with it as a child, an orphan, and had never been able to open the watch. Upon him turning it around, showing them all the Gallifreyan engravings on the front, Martha stared at it in alarm and even backed up slightly from Yana. The companion glanced at Wanda in urgency, seeing how the Time Lady nodded slowly as if to confirm what the fob watch with Yana meant.
"I'm going to see if the Doctor needs me," Martha said quickly, turning on the spot to hurry out of the room. "Wanda, could you stay here and . . . watch things with the other two?"
"Yeah. Sure," Wanda mumbled as she watched the retreating companion leave. Turning back her gaze to Yana, she saw how he stared hard at the watch in his hand now. As if suddenly realizing of its existence. She stepped cautiously towards him, reaching out her hand and holding up her palm to him carefully. "Professor, is it all right if I could have a look at that watch? I love old things you see, and I might just be able to get it fixed for you if you'd like."
It's the drums, the drums, the drums, the never-ending drumbeat. Open me, you human fool. Open the light and summon me and receive my majesty.
Wanda shivered as she heard the increasing whispers coming from the watch in Yana's hands. She had been hearing some things from it earlier. Small voices. But now it was so strong. The Time Lord within had been asleep for so long. But it was close now. So close was the Master to be reawakened. And all she could think is some sort of way for her to stop it. She just had to try. The Doctor could figure out something later in a way to help his old friend. Maybe he would be angry with her later for not telling him of the Master. Maybe he would not. Either way, all she knew was that she had to try to change the future.
"Please, give me that watch," she urged to Yana again, stepping closer to him with her hand out as he still kept his distant gaze on the device in hand.
Beware, beware the one with the Time Vortex. Vengeful goddess of the Time War.
"Why?" he asked her, frowning as though he did not like her pushing him to give up something that he also held close. Wanda swallowed, staring at the watch intently herself upon hearing what the Master's Time Lord consciousness was whispering to Yana.
"It's dangerous. Please, you must believe me," she urged again, trying to step forward to perhaps grab the watch from him. But he merely backed away from her, staring at her in suspicion and distrust as the Master's voice rang out louder.
"Chan, Yana, won't you please take some rest, tho?" Chantho offered to the Professor, worried that he was becoming stressed. Unlike the other two, she could not hear what the fob watch was saying or sense the power that was building up from within.
"Yana, please . . . just hand me the watch. Please," Wanda began to beg, trying to reach for it again.
"What's so important about this watch?" he demanded in question, holding the whispering watch tight in his grasp. He stared down at it again, hearing how it wanted him to open it.
Wanda backed up, giving him his space. She did not wish to agitate him more. "All right, fine, you can hang onto the watch. But if you don't want everything you love and have achieved in your life to go to waste, then please don't open it."
"Why? What happens if I open the watch?"
Wanda swallowed thickly. "You'll die. You'll die, Yana, if that watch is ever opened."
She lies. The vengeful goddess lies.
"Please, I'm not lying!" she exclaimed, pleading to the man to ignore the Master's call. Yana looked at her in alarm, then narrowed his eyes.
"You can hear it? You hear the voice?" he asked her, voice low in anger. "You can hear the voice and yet you don't want me to know what it is."
"I'll explain everything to you later if you really want. Me and the Doctor both can. But please, you can't open it." She sucked in her breath as he raised the watch up, looking determined.
"Chan, Professor, perhaps you should listen to her, tho," Chantho suggested, seeming uncertain by what the two were talking about.
"I've been at a loss all my life on who I was or where I came from. But no more," grounded Yana. With that said, he opened the watch. The golden light flew from the watch, streaming straight into the man and swirling all around him. Wanda backed up even more as Chantho squinted from the bright light. Looking at the Malmooth, Wanda shook her head, briefly wondering if she should at least try to save the woman. But she knew Chantho would never leave the Professor's side. Even if he was a different man now, Chantho would not understand.
"Chan, what is happening to him, tho?" Chantho asked Wanda in a panic.
"I'm sorry," Wanda breathed, shaking her head. Her hand went to her stomach, her promise to keep Ember safe ringing in her mind. Staying here to try and protect the Malmooth would only bring harm to her child. "I'm sorry, I couldn't stop it." Wanda backed away, going towards the door. Her eyes wide as she stared at Chantho, knowing that there was nothing she could do for the woman without putting her child in danger. She . . . she would have to abandon the woman to protect Ember. "I'm sorry."
Turning around, Wanda ran out of the laboratory as fast as she could. Regret hung in her hearts from both knowing she had left Chantho to her death, and for being unable to keep so much more from happening. Tears streamed down her face as she could almost hear the screaming cries to come already. She panted heavily, struggling to breathe from both her lack of physical strength and from being on the verge of sobbing uncontrollably. Her high emotions still messing with her just as much as ever. Soon, after being a long way down the hall from the lab, she leaned against a wall, supporting herself as she panted, feeling woozy as she clutched her stomach. She really needed to rest soon if she were to be able to manage for the rest of the events to come.
She jumped when suddenly there was a connection in her mind. Another's presence. Not all that strong as she was far away from the source. Similar to how the Doctor and she had with each other. Too similar. She remembered how it felt when the Ganger Doctor had been around. His had been just like that. Another Time Lord's mind inflowing into the deep instinctually bond that their species shared. And it revolted Wanda as it felt all wrong. This presence . . . it was not right. It felt corrupted, tainted, cold, stone-like. Completely different from the warmth of the universe the Doctor always had with his company. She knew exactly who this new invasion into the bond was. It was the Master. The only thing that gave her condolence in feeling this new mind was knowing that at least the Master could not invade the special bond that only she and the Doctor had.
"Wanda!" came a shout, startling her. Her eyes went as wide as ever as the Doctor and the others ran straight towards her. Yellow lights flashed in alarm along the hall, making her realize that the Master had already let in the Futurekind. She saw the panic in the Time Lord's eyes and knew that he felt it, too. Who he felt in the connection.
"Doctor, I'm so sorry! I couldn't stop him!" Wanda cried, holding out her hand to the Doctor. He took her hand immediately, staring at her as she continued to cry. "I tried. I swear, I tried. I should have tried harder, but I didn't know how to stop him or what to say! I'm so sorry, Doctor. Martha, Jack, I'm sorry." She cried more, trying to hurriedly wipe her tears away. Damn it all. Could she not get control over her emotions? This was not a time to cry or feel sorry for herself! Others were in danger now because of her!
"Who is he? Do you know?" the Doctor asked her quickly.
"Doctor . . . you already know who he is," Wanda replied weakly. "I know you can feel him, too."
"Wanda, did he open the watch?" Martha questioned her.
"Yes. And I'm sorry," Wanda said, avoiding her eyes with the companions as she knew what torture Martha and her family would go through now that she had failed them as well. The group stiffened when they heard battle cries of the Futurekind echoing around the hall.
"We can talk later. Right now, we've gotta go," Jack stated hurriedly. The Doctor began running again, leading the group ahead. He held onto Wanda's hand, practically dragging her as she tried keeping up with her sore, worn legs and feet. It was difficult, but she managed to push herself through it.
Soon, they reached the door to the laboratory, finding it sealed tight to prevent their reentry. The Doctor shouted for the Professor and Chantho while working on trying to get the door open again with his sonic screwdriver. Jack helped along, making quick work with his Vortex manipulator to break down the door's locks. Jack and the Doctor finally managed to get the door open right after they all heard a loud gunshot sound off from within the lab. The Doctor ran inside first, coming to a halt as he stood across from the Master, who lay panting against the TARDIS holding onto his chest wound. A shot to the heart that Chantho had delivered right before dying.
The Master went hurriedly into the open TARDIS when the Doctor made a move towards him. Trying to get the closed ship open, the Doctor found his key useless as the Time Lord within the TARDIS had locked him out. He even tried using his sonic screwdriver, but had no luck with that, either. The TARDIS had been deadlocked.
"Let me in. Let me in!" the Doctor screamed at the door, banging the sides of the TARDIS in anger. "I'm begging you! Everything's changed! It's only the three of us! We're the only ones left! Just let me in!" A bright golden light streamed out from the TARDIS windows, followed by a loud scream mixed with hysterical laughter. Wanda, who had been standing over the dead Chantho, silently saying farewell to the last Malmooth, went over to the Doctor and stood beside him. Holding onto his hand, she hoped to give him some sort of comfort and steadiness in the chaos that would follow now.
"Doctor, you better think of something!" Jack shouted from the lab door as both he and Martha struggled in keeping the broken door closed from the Futurekind, who repeatedly tried forcing their way into the room. "Help us! Help us close the door!" Wanda left the Doctor, hurriedly going over to help Martha and Jack keep the door closed as best as she could. She sucked in a breath, wincing as they heard the Master's new, younger voice speak from the TARDIS speaker.
"Now, then, Doctor . . . ooh, new voice," the Master said gleefully, testing out his voice briefly before pressing onwards. "Anyway. Why don't we stop and have a nice little chat while I tell you all my plans, and you can work out a way to stop me—I don't think."
"Hold on. I know that voice," Wanda heard Martha breath in shock.
"I'm asking you, really properly, just stop, just think!" the Doctor pleaded to the Master, hoping to make the new Time Lord reconsider his actions.
"Use my name," retorted the Master as if scolding a child.
"Master," breathed the Doctor, feeling a chill go through him in using such a long, lost name that he thought he would never say again. "I'm sorry."
"Tough!" shouted the Master from the TARDIS. They heard the ship making her beginning sounds of dematerialization ready to depart. The Doctor, thinking fast, held up his sonic screwdriver, making the device buzz louder than ever in what he focused his thoughts on. Then, knowing that he had achieved his task, he slowly lowered his arm, watching distantly as the TARDIS left them behind unwillingly. Turning in a rush, the Doctor then went over to the struggling three, grabbing Jack's arm that had the Vortex manipulator on. Working fast, he fixed the device, and, with a push of the button, sent them off into the past.
All the while, in their brief travel through time, the Doctor and Wanda held onto each other hand's in a vise grip. Each of them terrified of what was to come.
XxXxXxXx
Again, excited but terrified. The next chapter to come . . . Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed it! Love to hear all your thoughts in a review. Even if it's just to say hi. ;) Can't wait for the next chapter!
Reviewers:
simmjacket: haha. Sorry. Though you're probably going to be cursing me for a while now in the coming chapters. Agreed, I always cry here, too. Especially sad when she sees them, all she's going to think about is their departure in the back of her mind. :( Yep, the first face that helped Wanda really grow a connection with the universe of the Doctor. I can just imagine it now. haha. Wonder how hard Wanda would hold onto his hand while that happens. It really is hard waiting. Like I have to wait in not just uploading the whole story all at once. lol ;) Hope you enjoyed the new chapter! Was it a close guess for where Wanda ended up? I would love to know. :) Can't wait to see what you thought of it!
All The Stories Are True 24601: We are friends! I'm just a very bad friend at times. haha. ;) Lots and lots of foreshadowing in this trilogy. Some that probably won't be picked up on until the very end of this part. Always love putting that kind of stuff in for people who enjoy re-reading stories. :) Hmm, you know I never thought of that. I always like to leave some details unexplained, though, to let the readers sort of add in things they would like to imagine to be a part of the characters and/or story. But if you would like a firm answer on that, then most likely her accent would be like my own which is a mix of American and British. Mostly because of how I grew up moving around a lot. And yes, for the most part, her accent never changes. But you know, I almost thought of giving her an Irish accent. Though I was afraid of how that would work out because I don't really know how people would take that. What are your thoughts on that? I would love to hear what you have to say. :) Yep, the Doctor really wanted Rose to not leave behind any unfinished business that would haunt her like what he has gone through in the past. But sadly, it just did not work out like he hoped. :( Glad you liked that, though. Really hope that you enjoyed the new chapter. Until next time!
bored411: Not sure. Guess we just have to wait and find out for later. Until next time! ;)
Momochan77: Agreed. I feel stressed, too. For many reasons, but that would be spoilers if I said anything more than that. They really do deserve one another. Also agreed on that. Very emotional. Though Donna's departure always makes me bawl my eyes out every time. Not that I don't cry for Amy and Rory. I love them so much, too! I will always miss them, just like every companion. See you next time! :)
Kylie Winchester: So, so many. :'( Hopefully no more tears for a while.
Bumblebee1013: Same. I always love Rory. He's just so fantastic is so many ways. He really was underappreciated in many ways. Both inside the show and outside by the fans. I'm glad to see that he's been getting a lot more love recently from fans. :) Hope you enjoyed the newest chapter and to see you again in the future!
TheGirlWhoWept: Aww, I'm sorry. Hopefully no more tears for now. She will, but not that we will see. And I suppose we will find out quite soon in what had the Doctor so gloomy. Keeping my fingers crossed that this chapter will have a little less tears this time around. Can't wait to see you next time!
mjahappy: No problem! I'm just so happy to see from you now. :) I always say, don't worry about reviewing for I know how crazy life can be. But thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! I always love seeing from all readers. :D I'm just so happy that you've been enjoying the story so much. I really hope that the enjoyment continues throughout the rest to come. Oh, I'm a huge river/doctor shipper, too. In fact, when I first began to work on this story, Wanda was supposed to just be a good friend to the Doctor. But as the story progressed, it just kept changing on me. Before long, I just accepted where the story was going and went back to make some adjusts. And, well, here we are. ;) Umm . . . I'm going to say spoilers for now. Don't want to give away anything that would spoil what has yet to come. But I think you might be on the right track there. Who knows until we get to the end. ;) Really hope that you'll enjoy the rest, and to see you again in the future! Take care!
Vivi: Good question! So far, she has been in her third body for about a year. Maybe a little over a year. Hope that helps. :)
Books-and-Cleverness-394: Oh, man, I hope things get a little better with the snow. For us, it's been very weirdly warm for weeks now. Like it's been spring even though it is still technically winters. And no snow all season long. Maybe you can send us some of that snow. ;) But snow day homework is the worst. Can't even enjoy a day off. haha. My friend has been obsessed with that movie. Haven't seen it myself yet. Hopefully sometime soon though. :) Sorry, no Twelve for Wanda in this trilogy. And probably no Bill at all. I had a plan for it to end with Clara, but . . . who knows things might change in the future. So fingers crossed. ;) Hope to see you again soon!
alwaystherereading: They really did. I know most people don't know this, but they actually had a son they adopted while they lived in the past. And the son met up with Brian later as a family reunion. There was an extra scene that they never put into the show, but they have pictures draw of what happened. :) Maybe in another extra thing for the trilogy I could do to show the side adventures with Rory and Wanda. Not going to promise, but I'll see what I can do. :) He's one of my favorites, too. Love both him and Donna the most. Hmm. Good theory. Though I won't say anything more because of spoilers and all. You know how it goes. ;) Can't wait to see you again in the future!
Authora97: Oh, yes, very much angst. And even more to come still. ;)
QuirkyKim: I'm sorry. :( I know how you feel. And even more bad episodes to come. Again, very sorry.
Owl: Great question! Alpha actually stays the same as she's a different case all together. Being inside of Wanda's mind behind the barrier keeps her from going through the effects of the major change when it comes to regeneration. So Alpha stays the same no matter what. So glad you're enjoying the story! :)
AGBreads: It really does. No matter how many years pass, I think it always will.
heroherondaletotherescue: Unfortunately, no. There is no saving for Amy and Rory for the consequences of doing so are far too great. But at least they lived out the rest of their lives happily together. :) That always brings me peace in knowing that when I watch that adventure. Hope you enjoy the newest chapter!
Whovianeverlark17: Hmm . . . I believe I just can't help myself in always doing that to you all. ;) Always awesome the Doctor is in being protective. Let's hope the future chatpers are just as good in connections. Though, I do hope no more crying or pain in a bad way. Agreed, I'm worried, too. Let's hope for the best in the future!
ramble-on-melody: Hello! Aww, thank you so much! I'm just so happy that the story has brought you so much joy. I really hope that you'll always continue to like it. :) Don't worry, answers are coming up very soon now. ;) Can't wait to see what you think of it all! Nah, you're much more fantastic than I ever could be. Really hope that your day/night is wonderful and to see you again soon in the future. Take care!
NerdWithAPencil: Heart break in a story is always the best. For me at least. haha. I just love to suffer sometimes. Thank you! I hope that I can keep bringing joy to everyone. :) Until next time!
Thank you all so, so much once again! *hugs*
~Tinker~