Leaving Bedlam, we returned to the Elephant. Once back in Shakespeare's room, the Doctor and I were trying to explain the Carrionites to Martha and Shakespeare as the latter washed his face. As we did that, I took down some of my mental shields, needing to feel something after the emptiness. I had spent years trapped within my own mind, void of the buzz that came with being surrounded by, for lack of a better term, my people. And now that they were gone, the slight hum that came from around me was welcoming.

"The Carrionites disappeared way back at the dawn of the universe. Nobody was sure if they were real or legend."

"Well, I'm going for real," William interjected as he faced us.

"What do they want?"

I sighed and answered her. "A world of blood, bones, and witchcraft. So basically a new empire."

"But how?"

"I'm looking at the man with the words."

"Me? But I've done nothing."

"Hold on, though. What were you doing last night, when that Carrionite was in the room?"

"Finishing the play."

"And the last page?"

"The boys get the girls. They have a bit of a dance. It's all as funny and thought-provoking as usual. Except those last few lines. Funny thing is, I don't actually remember writing them."

"That's it. They used you. They gave you the final words like a spell, like a code. Love's Labours Won. It's a weapon. The right combination of words, spoken in the right place, with the shape of the Globe as an energy converter! The play's the thing! And yes, you can have that," he said before Will could ask.

Minutes later, we were looking down at a very inaccurate map. After a bit of figuring out, I found what we were looking for. "All Hallows Street- there it is. Martha, we'll track them down. Will, you get to the Globe. Whatever you do, stop that play."

"I'll go with him."

"No, you're with me."

"Doctor…"

"Rys, I need you with me." I sighed, nodding.

"I'll do it. All these years, I've been the cleverest man around. Next to you, I know nothing."

"Well, don't complain."

"I'm not. It's marvellous. Good luck, Doctor."

"Good luck, Shakespeare," he replied as he grabbed my hand and raced to the door. "Once more unto the breach!"

"I like that! Wait a minute… that's one of mine."

The Doctor popped his head from around the corner. "Oh, just shift."

Ten minutes later we were on All Hallows Street. I instantly put up my barriers, having a bad feeling about what we were about to walk into. The Doctor's hand held mine as we stood there. "All Hallows Street. But which house?"

"Thing is, though am, I missing something here? The world didn't end in 1599. It just didn't. Look at me. I'm living proof," Martha questioned.

"Oh, how to explain the mechanics of the infinite temporal flux? I know. Back to the Future. It's like Back to the Future."

"The film?"

"No, the novelisation," he replied sarcastically, earning a face from Martha. "Yes, the film. Marty McFly goes back and changes history."

"And he starts fading away. Oh my god, am I going to fade?"

"You and the entire future of the human race. It ends right now in 1599 if we don't stop it. But which house?" A door creaked open.

"I think you meant witch house," I commented as we stepped inside.

Walking through the dreary place, we found ourselves in a cluttered room. The maid from the inn stood before us, waiting. "I take it we're expected."

"Oh, I think Death has been waiting for you a very long time."

"Right then. It's my turn," Martha stated confidently, walking in front of us. "I know how to do this. I name thee… Carrionite!" The woman gasped and began to snicker when nothing happened. Confused, Martha glanced back at us. "What did I do wrong? Was it the finger?"

"The power of a name works only once. Observe. I gaze upon this bag of bones and now I name thee Martha Jones!" Instantly Martha fell back and the Doctor caught her.

"What have you done?!"

"She's fine, just sleeping," I replied.

"Such knowledge. It's curious. The name has less impact. She's somehow out of her time. And as for you, Sir Doctor, Dame Cerys-" She cocked her head to the side, a faint smile on her lips when nothing happened. "Fascinating. There is no name. Why would a pair hide their title in such despair? Oh… but look. There's still one word with the power that aches."

"The naming won't work on us."

She turned to me. "But your heart grows cold. The north wind blows and carries down the distant… Rose?"

"That's your mistake. That name, it belongs to my sister and it keeps me fighting every damn day. Do me a favour, don't dirty it with your tongue or you will beg to return to where you came."

The Doctor grabbed me and pulled me to him, resting his chin on my head. "The Carrionites vanished. Where did you go?"

"The Eternals found the right word to banish us into the deep darkness."

"If I have my way you won't even go there."

"Shh." Irritated, I elbowed him in the stomach, not liking that he'd shushed me. "And how did you escape?"

"New words- new and glittering, from a mind like no other."

"Shakespeare."

The contents of the cauldron began to bubble, showing a distraught Shakespeare. "His son perished. The grief of a genius- grief without measure- madness enough to allow us entrance."

"How many?" I asked, moving away from him and turning my attention to Martha.

"Just the three. But the play tonight shall restore the rest. Then the human race will be purged, as pestilence. And from this world, we will lead the universe back into the old ways of blood and magic."

"Hmm." He walked up to her, rubbing the back of his neck. "Busy schedule but first… you've got to get past me."

"Oh, that should be a pleasure," she said, closing the distance between them, "considering my enemy has such a… handsome shape." I grimaced as she caressed his face and wrapped an arm around his neck. The urge to rip her arm off for touching what was mine popped into my head but I quickly pushed it away, the thought scaring me. I'd never cared much for violence of any kind but I was particularly good at using it from the days of the war. It seemed the new me wasn't adverse about the use of it, something I both minded and didn't, especially in this situation.

"Now, that's one form of magic that's definitely not going to work on me, especially from you."

"Oh, we'll see." She cut some hairs from the back of his head and began to laugh.

"What's that for? What did you do?"

"A souvenir."

"Well, give it back." She flew out the window, sniggering. "Well, that's just cheating."

"Behold, Doctor- men, to Carrionites, are nothing but puppets." She whipped out a small doll and wrapped the hair around it as Martha woke up.

"Now, you might call that magic. I'd call that a DNA replication module."

"What use is your science now?" she asked as she stabbed the doll. The Doctor let out a scream and fell as the girl flew away.

Martha stumbled to her feet, running to him. Standing, I joined her a moment later waiting for him to quit playing dead. "Oh my God, Doctor. Don't worry, I've got you. Hold on, mister. Two hearts?" Martha also realised his rouse.

"I'm making a habit of this," he said as he hopped to his feet, only to double over. "Ah!"

"What?"

"Nothing, dear. I've only got one heart working. How do you people cope? I've got to get the other one started. Hit me!"

"Gladly," I replied as I whacked his chest, harder than I should have might I add.

"Dah! Martha do the other side. She's angry. Can't have her hit me when she's angry. I'll have bruises."

"Don't touch him, Martha. Turn around, Doctor." Martha, who had taken a step towards us, backed away, eyeing me hesitantly. While I wasn't one to be overly enthusiastic about causing anyone harm, at the moment, I didn't care much. I was extremely irritated that he had just let the Carrionite take his hair, that she had tried to use Rose's name against me, and that he had been in this situation before and hadn't mentioned it to me.

"Not too-" he was cut off by my blow. "Ah lovely. There we go. Bada boom! That's going to bruise."

"I don't care."

"This you is violent."

"And quite fine with weapons might I add."

"Is it?"

"I was thinking of a gun, sonic blaster, like Jack's but better."

"No."

"Why?"

"You with a gun mean's I'm running from you when you're upset."

"Better that way. Besides, you always thought I was sexy with a gun." I smiled and kissed the tip of his nose, leaving him a bit flustered as he thought of the time he had made that comment. Martha glanced between us, most likely confused before realising it was a private joke from his expression… one that she probably and hopefully wouldn't ask about.

The Doctor, coming out of his stupor, grabbed my hand. "Well, what are you standing there for? Come one! The Globe!" Running out, he went straight while Martha and I stopped.

"We're going the wrong way!" she shouted.

"No, we're not!" He stopped and turned around, coming back to us. "We're going the wrong way!" I rolled my eyes at him and followed the two as they went the right way.

As we reached the corner before the theatre, we could hear the screams of those who had attended the performance as well as the bright red light that hovered over the building. I had kept my barriers up but some of the emotions were able to reach me. They were frightened beyond belief and as we forced our way in, we were met with those pushing their way out of the theatre. We found Shakespeare in a chair, rousing from what I could assume was slumber. I shook my head, trying not to laugh at the poor man. The Doctor was not as amused. "Stop the play. I think that was it. Yeah, I said, stop the play!"

"I hit my head."

"Yeah? Don't rub it, you'll go bald." There were more screams followed by a loud crash. "I think that's my cue!" he said as he grabbed my hand and we ran onto the stage, leaving Martha and Shakespeare to follow. We watched as a red light flashed and bat-like creatures flew around the theatre, circling before they flew up. Glancing at the people, I saw that they had been trapped inside. My attention was then drawn to the Carrionites. Grimacing, I turned away from them, already planning my attack. "Come on, Will! History needs you!" The Doctor grabbed him and placed him at centre stage.

"But what can I do?"

"Reverse it!"

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"The shape of the Globe gives words power, but you're the wordsmith, the one true genius. The only man clever enough to do it!"

"But what words? I have none ready!"

I smiled at the man. "You're William Shakespeare."

"But these Carrionite phrases, they need such precision."

"Trust yourself."

"When you're locked away in your room, the words just come, don't they, like magic? Words of the right sound, the right shape, the right rhythm- words that last forever. That's what you do, Will. You choose perfect words. Improvise. Believe in yourself."

The man nodded, taking my words to heart. "Close up this din of hateful, dire decay, decomposition of your witches' plot! You thieve my brains, consider me your toy. My doting Cerys tells me I am not!"

"No! Words of power!"

"Foul Carrionite spectres, cease your show! Between the points…"

"Seven six one three nine oh!"

"Seven six one three nine oh! Vanish like a tinker's cuss, I say to thee…" Will looked back at us, trying to find the right word.

"Expelliarmus!" Martha threw out.

"Expelliarmus!"

"Expelliarmus!"

"Good old JK!"

"We should visit her," I mused as the Carrionites screamed.

"The deep darkness! They are consumed!" the blonde Carrionite screamed as her kin were sucked into a tornado, along with all of the pages of the play.

"Love's Labours Won. There it goes."

Once they all disappeared, the sky cleared. After a moment of silence, scattered applause filled the theatre until everyone joined in. "They think it was all special effects?"

"Your effect is special indeed."

"It's not your best line."

I smiled at the two before heading to the empty box. Picking up a crystal, I saw the young Carrionite and two old hags scratching at the glass and shrieking. I tossed it in the air, catching it as it came down before I turned to face the Doctor who had followed me. Placing it in his pocket, we returned to Martha and William.

When we returned to the inn, I went straight to the room and collapsed onto the bed, my breathing heavy and my hearts racing. Although I was able to ignore the pain during the Carrionite situation, with nothing to do, it demanded to be felt. Even still, it was less painful than what I usually experienced. Huffing out a laboured breath, I drifted to sleep, allowing my body to properly heal itself.

Waking up the next morning, I found myself alone in the room. Sitting up, I internally examined myself to find everything was as it should be and that there were no complications. Smiling, I hopped out of bed and ran my fingers through my hair, detangling it the best I could. Thinking the Doctor and Martha were with Will, I checked his room, only to find it empty. Sighing I left the tavern for the Globe.

Arriving I saw Martha and Shakespeare talking. I smiled and walked up to them, giving a small greeting. "How's things?"

"Well. We were just sharing a joke."

"Did you tell him the pub one?"

"How'd you know?"

"Guessed," I answered as Will wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.

"I've only just met you."

"The Doctor may never kiss you."

"Will never are the proper words," I piped in.

"Why not entertain a man who will?"

"I don't know how to tell you this, oh great genius… but your breath doesn't half stink," Martha answered after shooting me an apologetic smile. Just then the Doctor came onto the stage. Around his neck was a small stiff ruff and in his hand was the skull of an animal. I gave a small smile, trying not to laugh at how silly he looked.

"Good props store, back there. I'm not sure about this though. Reminds me of a Sycorax."

"Too small."

"Sycorax? Nice word. I'll have that off you, as well."

"I should be on ten percent. How's your head?"

"Still aching."

"Here. I got you this." He removed the ruff and put it on Shakespeare. "Neck brace. Wear that for a few days till it's better, although you might want to keep it- suits you."

"What about the play?"

"Gone. I looked all over. Every single copy of Love's Labours Won went up in the sky."

"My lost masterpiece."

"You could write it up again."

"Yeah, better not, Will. There's still power in those words. Maybe it should best stay forgotten."

"Oh, but I've got new ideas. Perhaps it's time I wrote about fathers and sons, in memory of my boy, my precious Hamnet."

"Hamnet?"

"That's him."

"Ham…net?"

"What's wrong with that?"

"Anyway, time we were off. I've got a nice attic in the Tardis, where this lot can scream for all eternity, and I've got to take Martha back to Freedonia."

"You mean travel through time and space?"

I smiled at the man. "Clever. Bit more than Dickens. He never figured it out."

"You what?"

"You're from another world like the Carrionites, and Martha is from the future. It's not hard to work out."

"That's… incredible. You are incredible."

"We're alike in many ways, Doctor. Martha, let me say goodbye to you in a new verse, a sonnet for my Dark Lady. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" I nudged the Doctor as he made a face. "Thou art more lovely and more temperate."

Then two men ran in. "Will!"

"Will, you'll never believe it. She's here! She's turned up!"

"We're the talk of the town. She heard about last night. She wants us to perform it again."

"Who?" Martha questioned.

"Her Majesty. She's here."

As the actor said that, fanfare began to play and an elderly Elizabeth entered the theatre followed by two pike men. I glanced up at the woman in awe. "Queen Elizabeth the First."

"Rys?"

"Huh?"

"My sworn enemy."

"Huh?"

"Off with her head!"

"Huh?"

"Never mind that, just run! See you, Will, and thanks," Martha said as the Doctor grabbed my hand and started to run.

"Stop that pernicious woman!"

The three of us ran as a pike man chased after us. "Stop! In the name of the Queen!"

"What have you done to upset her?"

"I don't know. I haven't even met her yet."

"Can't wait to find out although I have a feeling Rys here did it to defend my honour."

"Probably more to keep her from whisking you away from me," I laughed as we reached the Tardis and piled in.

"That's definitely something to look forward to." He shut the door just before an arrow hit it, laughing before running to the console.

Stretching, I smiled at the two, "I don't know about you guys, but I could do for a shower."

"I locked your room," he said as I started to leave the room.

"What? Why?"

"I blocked of the area."

"Why?" He looked down as I glared at him. "You idiot, I'm not going to have another go at it. Yeah it hurts but I'm coping, or trying to cope. I miss her more than anything but I need my room."

"You have a new one."

"Doctor…"

"I figured you'd want to share a room anyways. You aren't a human anymore." I groaned and stormed up to him, whacking the Time Lord on the arm. "Ow!"

"I want my things back in my room." He gave me 'the eyes' before huffing, and pressing buttons on the Tardis. "Thank you," I said as I left the console room for mine, ignoring the look Martha gave us.

After a long shower, which was all I could do since my bath had been removed, I found a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater. Although this incarnation was very into leather, it was fine with comfy clothes while in the Tardis. Leaving the room, I went to the kitchen to bake a batch of chocolate cheesecake cupcakes. When they had finished, I grabbed three and went to the console room. I found the Doctor under the console and Martha leaning against the rail, watching him. I offered one to her before I bent down, nudging his leg with my free hand. "I've got a treat for you."

"You're moving in?"

"No," I said, rolling my eyes at him as he sat up, only to hit his head, "you idiot." I placed the plate on the floor and stood. Grabbing his leg, I pulled him from underneath the console.

"You made the cupcakes."

"I wondered if this incarnation of you would like them."

"They're delicious. How'd you learn to bake this?" Martha asked, her voice a bit muffled as she munched away.

"I've always liked to bake. Did it for this idiot more times than I could count." I turned to see him happily chomping away. "Glad you like it."

"Like it? Love it. Anything you bake turns out delicious."

"Shut up."

"Would you like to repeat that?"

"Not sure although I do know you'd like it."

"Always."

"Still in the room."

"You are. Uh, has he showed you your room?"

"My room?"

"You aren't going home yet. Come on," I said as I grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the room.

"I promised one trip!"

"And I'm saying one more." He grumbled under his breath. "What was that?"

"Nothing."

I laughed as I pulled her down the corridor, turning left, and going down another. "Why are you being nice to me?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"One minute it's the 'glare of death' and the next you're giving me cupcakes and giving me a room."

"Glare of death?"

"Scary look."

"I didn't realize. I can apologize but I'm sure it'll come out again. But 'glare of death', I like it."

"How long have you travelled with the Doctor?"

"Two years. It would have been longer but, uh, stuff got in the way."

"Stuff?"

"Yep, stuff. Anyways, here's your room," I smiled as I pushed the door open, motioning for her to enter.

"Thanks."

I nodded and returned to the console room where I went to sit on the jump seat. The Doctor had returned to whatever he had been doing to the Tardis, the plate was still on the floor, mine uneaten. I smiled at his thoughtfulness, jumping up and laying down next to him, shuffling under the console. "What are you doing?"

"Fixing stuff."

"No, you're worried. Why's that?"

"I can't hear you."

"Course you… oh."

"Are your blocks up?"

"No," I hastily answered, feeling guilty for lying to him. I wanted to open up but I couldn't bring myself to, the fear of reliving the past fully in my mind. "I lowered them."

"Then why can't I hear you? There's the buzz that's there but that's it."

"I-I don't know."

"I think you do."

"I don't."

"Rys, please."

I sighed, not really wanting to tell him that the connection had been severed by Rassilon. It would kill him and I couldn't live with the guilt of knowing how upset he'd be. "I can't."

"You think I'll be angry."

"Yes."

"Is this why you won't move in?"

"Yes."

"Rys, you're my ame soeur."

"Stop. Don't say that."

"It's a universally known fact. You're my wife."

"Doctor, please just stop."

"Why can't you just accept that I'm here for you? After all we've been through together; the war, the separation, Kie-"

"Theta! Shut up!" I screamed, glad that Martha's room was so far away. I didn't want her to hear this. I didn't want her to know. Tears streamed down my cheeks. "I'm not that anymore. The connection… Rassilon severed it."

"What?"

"It was to weaken me, to make me do what he wanted."

"So what you said after our visit to New New York…"

"It was in relation to that."

"What did they do to you?"

"Numbed my senses. Severing the connection though, it was the last thing their final action, the one thing they knew would break me."

"What did they do?"

"Doctor-"

"Ceryssida, please tell me."

"We're meant for one person entirely, our minds, our bodies, our souls. They did things I can't even tell you about. They violated me in in every aspect of the word. They murdered that part of me, the part that was connected to you. I can't get it back. Yes, rightfully I might be your wife but at this point, I don't know if I'm that anymore… if I'm your ame soeur."

"Of course you are. You always will be. I don't think that part of you is dead," he rationalized as he faced me, placing a hand on my cheek.

"How can you say that? After what they did?"

"Because they are gone. If Gallifrey were still here, I would have returned and destroyed everyone who took part in it but I can't. I'm just happy you're alive." I nodded and rested my head on his chest. " You know, I still felt you. They had blocked our connections but I felt you. The one thing Rassilon could never do is alter the soul and that's where you were."

"I-I couldn't feel anything. They told me you were dead!"

"Not me."

"Theta…" I trailed off, turning into him, pushing myself closer to him. I didn't want there to be any space between us.

"I know, Rys. I know."

"Why can't I hear you though? I should have felt it when Lilith stopped your heart."

"We'll figure it out. Maybe it's you. After all those years in captivity, you had to make yourself stronger. You might have gotten to the point where you don't even realize you have your shields up." I nodded and shuffled from under the console, standing shortly after. He followed, picked up the forgotten cupcake, and handed it to me. I forced a small smile before I began to walk away, not really knowing where I was going. "Rys?"

"Hmm?"

"Would you mind company tonight?"

"No, I don't think I would." He smiled and joined me, taking my hand in his as we walked to the kitchen and then to my room.

Yay so first Martha episode completed. In all honesty, I was going to post yesterday but as usual, I got distracted by Netflix... bad Netflix. And there was a behemoth of a wasp in my room. It was literally this big - l l (fingerwise). I ran like a little baby to my dad and he didn't believe me (because it was behind my window blinds) until after my kitten went in the room and stared at it. It was the same wasp that stung him too! I don't even know how it got back into the house but I was paranoid for hours after my dad killed it. It was so friggen horrible! But anyways, before I forget... and my distraction is continued, I'm posting this now. Thanks for the reads, follows, and reviews on the story. I definitely appreciate it. With that said, onto the reviews. Oh, and I have a question... What's something you absolutely love so far about the new DW season?

I'm-a-Klaus-addict: Definitely and there will be a lot more to come ;) To answer your question, the way I have it sorted in my head is that after the Doctor leaves her in the room and she's committing the act, the Doctor is sorting out Donna's situation. While I had attempted to write where Cerys (well, now Rys) was there, I hated how it turned out and it seemed kind of rushed. The same applies with Smith and Jones. She was asleep during that time, completely missing the unfortunate kiss between him and Martha that could have been averted. With Donna, however, I also kind of wanted the pair to meet up again during Partners in Crime so that Rys' jealousy could come out a bit. She'd be completely confused as to how they know each other and for her to be very put off by their interaction for a while, until she realises that Donna wants nothing to do with him. Family of Blood is going to be A LOT of fluff and fun. You won't be disappointed, hopefully haha. Yeah, my hair most likely isn't going to happen unless I find a new job... although I was thinking of using temporary dye or semi-permanent. If anything I just might say F it and put my hair in a bun for work lolz. My favourite companion is a tie between Donna and Rory. I loved Rose and Amy but the formers are fighting for the top spot in my book. Donna is all sass and 'I'm not taking the Doctor's crap' while Rory, is somewhat the same but he has more of a quiet strength to him and isn't the wet blanket most think he is and as he travels with the Doctor, he grows more as a man and person. I honestly don't mind Clara at all. She's getting up on my list but I doubt she'll top those four.

NicoleR85: Your request has been granted :)

Squidtastik:Glad that you're enjoying the story. So far, I'd have to say the Robot of Sherwood is my definite favourite. Like Clara, I love the story of Robin Hood. It was great to see that they were able to bring life to him, something I was a bit worried about. One thing that I am thoroughly enjoying so far, apart from the episodes, is the dynamic between Clara and the Doctor. It's great and to quote her in Into the Dalek, she's his "carer". It basically sums up their relationship, which is something I love. While the romance is great, I am loving that this season, the only real romance is between Danny and Clara, something I'm definitely more interested in.