When I reached the dead end, I smirked, knowing exactly how they had pulled off the disappearing car as I saw the same men sweeping the rather clean street. Leaving the scooter in an alleyway, I looked for an area I could easily sneak in. While the front door approach was more Rose's style, I loved to skulk into unsanctioned places. It was one of the reasons I often found myself in jail, waiting for Jackie to pick me up. When I finally found an opening, I hopped over the gate and found myself in a large room with a holding cell. I walked to the lock, anger rising in me as I saw the amount of people locked inside, all without faces. Hearing footsteps, I turned to see an older gentleman standing behind me with his arms crossed. Grabbing my arm, he dragged me into an office and pushed me into a chair. He then proceeded to tie me to the highly uncomfortable seating ornament. "What the hell are you doing? Let go of me."

"What are you doing here?"

"Why are there people in cages?" I countered. "What kind of show are you running? Where are their faces?"

"Sir, we have another one." I turned to see the Doctor being led into the room. I groaned as he shot me a sheepish smile.

"And here I thought at least you wouldn't get caught. Well there's always Rose. By the way, where is she?"

"She was going to slow."

"So you left her with an abusive prick? You idiot!"

The man before us cleared his throat, gaining our attention and ultimately ending our squabble. "Start from the beginning. Tell me everything you know."

"Untie her first." He did as the Doctor said. Once released, I stood and punched the man before I walked over to the Doctor. He gave me an amused smile before turning his attention to the guy. "Sorry, I should have warned you she has a mean swing."

The man rubbed his jaw. "Tell me what you know."

"Well, for starters, I know you can't wrap your hand around your elbow and make your fingers meet."

"Don't get clever with me," the man said annoyed. "You were there today at Florizel Street, and now breaking into this establishment. Now you're connected with this. Make no mistake."

"Well, the thing is, Detective Inspector Bishop."

"How do you know my name?"

"I'm very clever."

"No, you're a moron," I snapped before turning to the DI, "it's written inside your collar."

"Bless your mum. But I can't help thinking, Detective Inspector, you're not exactly doing much detective inspecting, are you?"

"I'm doing everything in my power."

"No, you're just taking people and hiding them."

"Don't tell me orders from above, hmm?" DI Bishop looked down. "Coronation Day. The eyes of the world are on London Town so any sort of problem just gets swept out of sight."

"The nation has an image to maintain."

"But doesn't it drive you mad… doing nothing? Don't you want to get out there and investigate?"

"Of course I do. But," Bishop sat down, "with all the crowds expected, we haven't got the man power. Even if we did, this is beyond anything we've ever seen. I just don't know any more. Twenty years on the force, I don't even know where to start. We haven't the faintest clue what's going on."

"Well, that could change."

"How?"

The Doctor stood. "Start from the beginning. Tell me everything you know."

The three of us looked at a map. "We started finding them about a month ago. Persons left sans visage. Heads just blank."

"Is there any sort of pattern?"

"Yes, spreading out from North London. All over the city. Men, women, kids, grannies. The only real lead is there's been quite a large number in-"

"Florizel Street," the Doctor and I finished together.

Another man entered the room. "Found another one, sir." Although I heard him speak, I also heard another set of footsteps.

"Oh, er, good man, Crabtree." I turned from the map and gasped, seeing the pink skirt and shoes. "Here we are, Doctor. Take a good look. See what you can deduce." Crabtree removed the blanket.

"Rosie," I whispered as I walked up to her. "Who did this to you?"

"You know her?"

"Know her? That's my sister."

"They found her in the street, apparently, over by Leicester Square, abandoned."

"That's unusual. That's the first one out in the open. Heaven help us if something happens in public tomorrow for the big day. We'll have Torchwood on our backs then, make no mistake."

"They did what?" the Doctor asked.

"I'm sorry?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to calm myself. "They left her where?"

"Just… in the street."

"They left her in the street. My sister. They took her face and left her out in the street. Well, that just puts everything into perspective. Want to know why?"

"No."

"Don't care. Now, there is nothing that is going to stop me from finding who did this to her, well besides the Doctor but I really doubt he will. And when I do find the culprit, and trust me, I will- I'll make it pay!" I felt the Doctor grab my arm and pull me into a calming embrace that I immediately pulled from. I didn't want to calm down. I wanted to continue feeling the immense anger that had piled atop what I already felt. There was nothing else to it, I was going to find out who had taken Rose's beautiful face and when I did, I would make it beg for mercy it would never receive.

"Come on," he said as he led me outside.

"The big day dawns."

We returned to the Connolly house. The moment we did, I stormed up the stairs and rang the bell. Moments later, Tommy opened the door. The Doctor stood beside me, his arm around my waist, his thumb making circles in my back. He was trying so very hard to calm me and unbeknownst to him, it was doing the opposite. "Tommy, talk to me. I need to know exactly what happened inside your house."

Mr Connolly soon appeared. "What the blazes do you think you're doing?"

"I want to help, dad."

"Mister Connolly-"

"Shut your face, you, whoever you are. We can handle this ourselves," he spat at the Doctor before turning to Tommy. "Listen, you little twerp. You're hardly out of the blooming' cradle, so I don't expect you to understand. But I've got a position to maintain. People round here respect me. It matters what people think."

"Is that why you did it, dad?"

"What do you mean? Did what?"

"You ratted on Gran. How else would the police know where to look, unless some coward told them-"

"How dare you!" He advanced on the boy. "Do you think I fought a war just so a mouthy little scum like you could call me a coward?" He had forgotten who had given the boy the word. I clenched my fists, wanting so badly to punch him but I knew it was a fight that needed to be had between father and son. Sighing, I stormed down the stairs, irritated and even more peeved.

"You don't get it, do you? You fought against fascism, remember? People telling you how to live, who you could be friends with, who you could fall in love with, who could live and who had to die. Don't you get it? You were fighting so that little twerps like me could do what we want, say what we want. Now you've become just like them. You've been informing on everyone, haven't you? Even Gran. All to protect your precious reputation."

Rita came to the door. "Eddie, is that true?"

"I did it for us, Rita. She was filthy. A filthy, disgusting thing!" the man said flailing his arms about.

"She's my mother! All the others you informed on, all the people in our street, our friends."

"I had to. I-I did the right thing."

"The right thing for us or for you, Eddie? You go, Tommy. Go with the Doctor and do some good. Get away from this house, it's poison. We had a ruddy monster under this roof, all right, but it weren't my mother!" She then slammed the door in the man's face.

"Rita!"

"Are you coming Tommy?" He nodded and we walked off, leaving Mr Connolly to himself.

As we walked down Florizel Street, the Doctor held tightly to my hand. While I had made some discreet efforts to pull away from him, the man's grip only grew tighter. Sighing, I turned my attention to the commotion around me. As we walked, we passed people laying down tabled for a street party. "Tommy, tell me about that night. The night she changed?"

"She was just watching the telly."

"Rose said it. She guessed it straight away. Of course she did. All these aerials in one little street. How come?"

"Bloke up the road, Mister Magpie, he's selling them cheap." As Tommy said that, the Doctor and I took off down the road.

"Come on!"

When we got to Magpie's the Doctor broke in. I followed after, not really caring any more. "It's too quiet." The Doctor nodded in agreement.

"Here, you can't do that…" Bishop called from outside, stopping when I shot him a glare.

"Shop!" the Doctor yelled as he rang the bell that sat on the counter. "If you're here, come out and talk to me! Magpie!"

"Maybe he's out."

"Looks like it." He began to search through drawers and found something. Holding it up, I saw it was a portable television. "Oh, hello. This isn't right. This is very much not right. Tastes like iron. Bakelite." He placed it on the table. "Put together with human hands, yes, but the design itself." With the sonic, he began to scan the device. "Oh, beautiful work. That is so simple."

"That's incredible. It's like a television, but portable. A portable television."

The Doctor moved the sonic from the device and into the air. "It's not the only power source in this room." Before he could do anything, I stopped him, pointing to the television screens that covered the walls. Each had a different face mouthing help me.

"Gran?" Tommy said.

I looked at a bottom one to see Rose calling out for the Doctor and me. "We're on our way."

Just then Magpie entered the room. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I want my friend restored, and I think that's beyond a little backstreet electrician," the Doctor snapped as he towered over the flinching man, "so tell me, who's really in charge here?"

"Yoo hoo! I think that must be me. Ooh, this one's smart as paint." The Doctor walked back to where Tommy, DI Bishop, and I were standing. I glared at the screen with anger and hatred.

"Is she talking to us?"

"I'm sorry," Magpie started. "I'm afraid you've brought this on yourselves. May I introduce you to my new friend."

"Jolly nice to meet you."

"Oh my God, it's her, that woman off the telly."

"It's using her image," I told Bishop.

"What? What are you?"

"I'm the Wire, and I will gobble you up, pretty boy. Every last morsel." The black and white image turned to colour. "And when I have feasted, I shall regain the corporeal body, which my fellow kind denied me."

"Good Lord. Colour television!"

"Your own people tried to stop you?"

"They executed me. But I escaped in this form and fled across the stars."

"And now you're trapped in the television." It changed back to black and white.

"Not for much longer."

"Doctor, Cerys, is this what got my Gran?"

I nodded. "It feeds off electrical activity of the brain. Thing is, it's a gluttonous pig, taking people's faces and their essences."

"And you let her do it, Magpie."

"I had to. She allowed me my face. She promised to release me at the time of manifestation."

"What does that mean?" Tommy asked.

"The appointed time. My crowning glory."

"Doctor, the coronation!"

"For the first time in history, millions gathered around a television set." The Doctor approached the television. "But you're not strong enough yet, are you? You can't do it all from here. That's why you need this," he said holding up the portable device. "You need something more powerful! This will turn a big transmitter into a big receiver."

"What a clever thing you are, the both of you! But why fret about it? Why not just relax? Kick off your shoes and enjoy the Coronation. Believe me, you'll be glued to the screen." I watched as energy tendrils reached out for us.

"Doctor!"

"Hungry! Hungry! The Wire is hungry! Ah, this one is tasty. Oh, I'll have lashings of him! Delicious!" As she reached me, she instantly pulled back, as if she were burned. "No! It can't be. You were said to be dead!" I stared at her shocked by her words. It didn't last long as the Doctor began to reach for his sonic. "Ah! Armed. He's armed and clever. Withdraw! Withdraw!" The Doctor, Tommy and Bishop collapsed. I rushed over to Tommy, checking that he was all right. "The box, Magpie! The box!" When I saw that Tommy was all right, I checked on Bishop only to find that his face had been taken. "Hold tight." I turned to see her zap herself into the portable telly. "Conduct me to my victory, Magpie." I thought of going after the two but I rushed to the Doctor's side, shaking him.

"Oh, you idiot, wake up!" I huffed out a breath and kissed him. Almost instantly I felt his arms snake around my waist. I pulled away, pushing him back to the floor. "Good, you're awake. Now to get Tommy."

"You aren't going to wake him that way, are you?"

"Don't know, I just might," I teased. He pouted as I laughed and shook Tommy up.

"What happened?" the boy asked as he came to.

"Where's Magpie?"

"He left. Took the Wire with him," I answered.

"We don't even know where to start looking. It's too late."

"It's never too late, as a wise person once said. Kylie, I think. The Wire's got big plans. It'll need. Yes, yes, yes, it's got to harvest half the population. Millions and millions of people and where are we?"

"Muswell Hill."

"Muswell Hill. Muswell Hill! Which means Alexandra Palace, biggest TV transmitter in North London." He extended his arms out in emphasis. "Oh, that's why it chose this place. Tommy?"

"What are we going to do?"

"We're going shopping."

I laughed at the two as they ran around the shop. "Is this what you want?" Tommy asked as he help up a valve.

"Perfect! Right, I need one more thing." He handed Tommy the pile and ran into the Tardis. He emerged a minute later, smiling. "Got it. Let's go."

We all took off to Alexandra Palace. As we ran, the Doctor was putting together some contraption. When we reached, Tommy pointed out Magpie climbing up the transmitter.. We tried to get through but a guard stopped us. The Doctor quickly pulled out the psychic paper. "Oh! I'm very sorry, sir, ma'am. Shouldn't you be at the Coronation?"

"They're saving us a seat."

"Who did he think you were?"

I snatched it from his hand looking at it. "King and Queen of Belgium. Really?"

"Well you're the queen of my world."

"Shut up. You're so cheesy," I laughed as we finally reached the control room.

"Keep this switched on. Don't let anyone stop you, Tommy. Everything depends on it. You understand?" Tommy nodded. "Stay here with him." He grabbed a coil of copper wire.

"Right, because I always do what I'm told."

"I'm serious, Cerys. It's dangerous."

"And travelling with you isn't? It took Rose's face."

"I don't want you getting hurt. Besides, I'll take care of it. You're both my responsibility."

"Well, you just expressed my thoughts about you."

"I'll be fine. Always am."

"Just as I am. Now, let's go," I snapped as I stormed out of the room.

As the two of us silently made our way to the transmitter. Climbing up the stairs, we ignored the official as he called out to us, worry laced in his voice. I could practically feel the anger radiating off the man as we barrelled up the metal stairs to the mast. Still, I ignored him and the feeling. I honestly could care less if she was less than happy with my decision. I had made a promise to stop whatever had stolen Rose's face and I was intent on keeping it. The fact that the Wire wanted more faces, only urged me further. She was going to pay for what she'd done, not only to Rose but to all the others.

Glancing up at the mast, I took in a deep breath and began the climb up after the Doctor. He had gotten ahead of me a flight or two back so it was no surprise he had begun the climb first. Yet, looking up, I saw Magpie reach the top and plug the portable device in. The higher we got, the more windy and frigid the air became. I only stopped when I saw the red tendrils leave the transmitter and widen out.

"Oh, feasting," I heard it say as I reached where the Doctor was. "Feasting. The Wire is feasting."

"It's too late!" Magpie cried as we both reached the top of the mast. He was holding on for dear life. "It's too late for all of us!"

"I shall consume you, Doctor." A tendril reached out and hit him, causing the Time Lord to cry out and lose his footing.

"Doctor!"

He ignored me. "I won't let you do this, Magpie!" he called as he continued to climb towards the Wire's startled accomplice.

"Help me, Doctor. It burns. It took my face, my soul."

"You cannot stop the Wire. Soon I shall become manifest." She hit the Doctor again. I ground my teeth and continued to climb up, passing by the Doctor, hoping to reach the box before him and hopefully help Magpie.

"No more of this. You promised me peace!"

"And peace you shall have," she maliciously stated as she electrocuted him. In pain, he released his grip and vanished in a blur of red light. I squinted my eyes due to the brightness but they narrowed as she laughed at the man's demise.

Glancing down at the Doctor, I reached out to touch the device, snapping my hand back as I was burned. A moment later, I saw the Doctor beside me. Without a glance my way, he set off to work, taunting the Wire in the process. "Been burning the candle at both ends? You've over extended yourself, missus. You shouldn't have had a crack at poor old Magpie there," he stated as he grabbed the device. I watched as she zapped him and growled as she continued to laugh. "Rubber soles; swear by them!" She stopped laughing and a tendril reached out for me. I held in a scream as she tried her hardest to electrocute me. Well, she had but I refused to give her any satisfaction. As she did that, the Doctor plugged in the cable but nothing happened.

"Oh dear. Has our plan gone horribly wrong, Doctor?" she taunted. The Doctor glanced down at me and then back at the laughing Wire. Suddenly the vines retreated and she began to scream. The electrocution had also stopped.

"It's closed down, I'm afraid. And no epilogue." She continued to scream before all was silent. Sighing, I rested my forehead against the cool metal. "Are you all right, Cerys?" I nodded and began the climb back down. Reaching the cobbled ground, I gave a small smile to the Doctor who coolly brushed me off and walked back to the control room. Groaning, I followed him, knowing that it would take more than a smile to gain his forgiveness.

As the National Anthem played, the Doctor and I entered the room. While I had gone in all the way, the man stood casually in the door frame. "What have I missed?"

"Doctor! What happened?"

"Sorted. Electrical creature, TV technology, clever alien life form. That's me by the way. I turned the receiver back into a transmitter and I trapped the Wire in here." He removed the tape and held it up. "I just invented the home video thirty years early." He tossed the tape and caught it. "Betamax. Oh, look. God save the Queen, eh?" We turned to the screen and watched as Queen Elizabeth the Second wave at the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Once we left we ran to the yard. Tommy instantly ran to his Gran the moment he found her. I looked around for Rose. Spotting her, I silently pointed her out to the Doctor and watched as the two of them hugged while I stood off to the side. She and I looked at each other a moment before we gave the other a tight hug. Afterwards, we were on Florizel Street, enjoying the street party. I stood off to the side with Tommy as the Doctor and Rose walked around. We watched as Eddie left the house and started to walk away from the festivities. "Good riddance."

"So, that's it. New age, new world and there's no room for men like Eddie Connelly."

"That's right. He deserves it."

"Go to him."

"What for?"

"He's your dad."

"He's an idiot."

"So are most dads," I smirked. "Thing is, your smart, smart enough to save the world. You shouldn't stop there. So, go on." Tommy nodded and ran after his father. I watched as he carried his suitcase, a tight smile littered on my face. Turning away from the party, I returned to the Tardis, opting for the library.

Shortly after, I was joined by Rose. I looked up at her, startled by her presence. Her expression was unreadable and it made me very wary as to what to expect from her. In the past, that expression often led to bad things occurring, mainly to others. I'd never really been on the receiving end and from seeing her use it with others, I didn't want to be. "Have you told him?"

"Told him what?"

"You know…"

"I haven't."

"When are you going to tell the man?"

"I don't know, Rosie. I want to tell him but what if he doesn't feel the same way?"

"Are you mad? That man's crazy about you. Even a blind man could see that."

"Rose, you know how bad I am with matters of the heart and he has TWO."

"More love for you. Tell him or I'll "accidentally" have it slip out."

"You wouldn't." She tilted her head to the side, smiling. "All right, you would. But I don't want to tell him yet."

"What, do you want to have a near death experience?"

"So he told you, huh?"

She nodded. "I'm so cross but I can let it slide. I understand why you did it… so thank you. Now, answer my question."

"No, I just don't want to say it without being sure that I feel that way. I don't want to say it and then realize I don't feel that way. It's not right."

"I suppose. But I do think you should tell him something."

"I'll think about it."

"All right. I'm knackered. Having your face stolen took a lot out of me," she laughed.

"I wouldn't know but I'm glad you're all right. It scared the hell out of me."

"Me too. Night then."

"Nighty night. And thanks, Rosie."

"Always," she said before leaving the room. Covering a yawn of my own, I stood and set the book on the end table. With one last look around, I went to my room, showered and crawled into bed, falling into a surprisingly dreamless sleep.

Hello all. So, I had attempted to stick to the posting everyday thing but I felt it was a bit easier to post every other day at 00.00 instead. And I wanted to see if I'd get a bit more reviews... not quite although I did appreciate the review I did get. But we finally have the conclusion to The Idiot's Lantern. Was it what you expected? I had to have Cerys climb up with the Doctor. She had said nothing would stop her from finding and destroying the one that in her mind hurt Rose. TO be honest, the first draft, Cerys was going to stay with Tommy but, that didn't seem right, especially since it was Rose who had her face stolen. But yeah, next chapter coming Wednesday.

NicoleR85: Honestly can't wait to post Donna either. It ended up being one of my favourites to write, and I mean all the episodes I wrote. Glad you enjoyed the chapter. :)