Summary: Vastra visits Jenny's grave. Inspired by Dark Waters. No spoilers from the episode but similar theme.
Warning: Major character death.
Vastra pulled the hood of her jacket up over her head as she quietly made her way through the tall weed and grass. It was peaceful, a bright day with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. The Silurian paid little heed to it, her steps hesitant at first before becoming more firm and sure. She stopped at a small tombstone, the name erased by nature but she knew it very well. Vastra stared at the stone for a long while before dropping her small bag by the stone. She began to pull the weeds around the stone.
"If...it happens, I do not want you there, Doctor. Stay in your box and away from here."
The man swallowed. "Why?"
Vastra didn't turn to face him. "You told me before that there are some events that cannot be altered no matter how much you wish it. I knows this but if the time comes, I fear my heart will not agree. It would be too tempting to hold a blade to your neck until you give, until you change it."
"Vastra-"
"I ask you this as my oldest friend, do not come. I will not have your death on my conscious."
After Vastra cleared the weeds, she ruffled through her bag until she found the sponge, soap, and water. She scrubbed the stone even though she knew it'll do little to erase the damage done by time and neglect.
Vastra held the phone tightly in her hand, her breathing harsh. Her fingered hovered over the last number until she released a cry of rage and threw the phone against the wall. She collapsed on the floor next to their bed, choked sobs filling the room.
Once satisfied with the cleaning, Vastra pulled out several containers of food. The sherbet fancies went on top of the stone while the chicken, rice, and oranges were placed in front. She placed silverware beside the plate of chicken and finally brought out a teapot filled with tea. She poured the tea into a cup and placed it next to the oranges. After she fussed a bit more with the dishes, Vastra gave the stone a pat and sat down next to the stone. She watched the forest around her, absentmindedly shooing away the flies from the food.
It was a gorgeous day. The sun was shining for once and birds were chirping. Vastra didn't notice. She stared at the box and the hole in the ground. She couldn't watch when they lowered the coffin into the grave. The Silurian turned her head and watched a chipmunk climb a tree. It was small and had a mouth full of nuts. The Doctor was nowhere in sight. After the burial, Strax led Vastra away.
A church bell ringing in the distance startled Vastra from her vigil. She got up and stretched before she put the food went back into their containers. Vastra took the cup of tea and poured it on the grass in front of the stone. Once done packing, she stood in front of the stone and gave it another pat.
"Damn it boy, fight!"
Strax worked frantically even though he knew it was futile. She lost too much blood and her injuries was too severe even for their equipment. He couldn't stabilize her and finally, he stopped.
"I'm sorry."
Vastra snarled and grabbed her sword. She held it to Strax's head who didn't even resist. He failed his unit and commander. He failed his friends.
The Silurian's hand shook before she threw the blade away and dropped to her knees near her wife's body. She pulled Jenny into her arms, releasing pained whimpers. They thought they had more time.
Vastra took a deep breath and one last look at the stone before she turned and made her way back out. By the entrance was a blue police box with the Doctor leaning against it. He straightened when he saw her. "We can stay as long as you want."
Vastra nodded. "I'm ready now. So, what trouble have you gotten into now that you need an old Silurian to get you out of, Doctor?"
She followed the Doctor into the blue box. It phased out and disappeared leaving only a square outline in the ground that will fade with time.
