Thank you for all the smashing reviews so far! This chapter is a little shorter then the first, but it does pose a few more questions…Enjoy!

Red Dragon

Chapter Two

Unwelcome Conversations

"This place is amazing!" Rose stepped out of the TARDIS, shielding her eyes against the glare of the sun. The TARDIS had arrived just within an alley - not a dirty one, but one that was full of vibrant colour, advertising concerts, places to visit and many other things. From her vantage point she could view the shining blue sea sitting off to the right; the waves washing gently up the slope. Aliens plodded along the streets oblivious to the staring human in their midst. Small children ran up and down the streets, laughing, throwing a round object to one another. Passerbyers stepped out of their way; some following their progress as they proceeded in the opposite direction.

One of the things that she noticed the most was the fact that everyone appeared to be smiling. It was paradise. Never before had she been on a planet with such beauty.

"Oh my…" she turned her gaze behind her to rest upon the dark-skinned Martha Jones. It appeared the Doctor had never taken her here before. A hint of jealousy welled up inside her. Why did she have to appear? What made her so special that the Doctor would want her on the TARDIS? Mickey, she could understand, but Martha Jones?

Rose shook her head. They weren't her thoughts, were they? Confusion spread across her pretty face. What was happening to her? Yes, she had been jealous of Sarah Jane, but in the end they had become friends. Since meeting Martha, she'd had a difficult time trying to connect to her. It felt like a stranger was walking upon her territory.

I don't own the TARDIS. she thought.

Yes you do.

What? Who said that?

I did. an unbidden voice answered again.

Doctor?

No.

Who are you? she asked, seeking to get to the bottom of the endless despair that was building within her chest.

But there was no answer.

Reluctantly, she filed her thoughts away, following the Doctor as he led them out into the street. She would forget that conversation for now, however she resolved to figure it out once she had time to think about it.

Whatever it was, was messing around with her head.

She would address the issue later.

And that's a promise.

Martha strode slowly behind the others taking in the sights. The golden beaches glinted on the horizon; the sun beating down upon them. The air was moist, with not a cloud in sight. Breezes of air came through ventilators installed on the outside of buildings. She wondered how it was possible, but looking to the sky, she realised quickly that an energy shield was protecting the planet from the extreme weather.

Many shops littered the streets. Labels of successful brands lined each window, showing off the best clothes to wear. Martha marvelled at the colours. She loved red. It was her favourite colour and it suited her. She shrugged off the jacket she was wearing, and slung it over her shoulder. Glancing ahead she saw the Doctor shrug off his own brown jacket - his coat lay abandoned on the floor of the TARDIS.

She picked up her pace so she could hear the conversation between the three of them.

"…the nice sea air bristling through the hair…the amusements…the museums…oh, now that's something Martha!" he twisted his head to look at her, "You'll like the museum! It's full of extinct species. Run by some humanoid…and for the life of me, cannot remember the name."

The stopped in front of a sign. Martha watched as the Doctor pulled out a pair of glasses. She placed her gaze on the sign, reading what it said.

WELCOME to Lici Park!

The Most Famous (and expensive) Park in the Universe!

Explore the wonders of what we have to offer, from all the known planets. Learn the cultures, adopt the styles and most important of all…HAVE FUN!

Visit the beach, or go for a posh meal in THE SEALY CRABBS run by esteemed chef BRADY DEAL of Garll!

ENJOY!

"How many parks are on this planet?" she heard Rose ask.

"Oh, way over one hundred. They're pretty big. But this one is the best of all. Anyone of importance comes here; anyone who can afford it, of course."

"There's just one thing," Martha spoke, "we don't have money."

The Doctor wagged a finger at her. "Ah, that's where your wrong!" He reached into his pocket and pulled out a wallet and flicked it open. It read: Mr Carl Heroshi, Deputy of Finance of Planet Canodi and his personnel. There came a list of their names. "Psychic paper," he explained. "I thought you knew about it."

Martha shook her head. "There's never been an occasion for you to use it before."

"Anyway, anyone involved with this planet gets everything free. Which is exactly what we are. Simple, but effective." He grinned again, then walked off leading the way into the park.

Martha shook her head. Yet another thing she had learnt about this fascinating alien.

The soft sand on her feet felt like bliss. Rose crinkled her toes upon it, crossing a stretch of land towards a spot that was shielded from the glare of the sun. Quite surprising, the Doctor had suggested an afternoon on the beach. Rose, Mickey and Martha wore the usual swimming garments, while the Doctor looked comfortable in his shirt, with his trousers legs rolled up to his knees. Rose could hardly figure out why he was not concerned with the heat.

Maybe the heat needs to be turned up a bit…

She settled herself comfortably on the sand, her back laying on a towel. Her hair spread out behind. She lay just outside of the shade, letting the sun bake her body. Her skin was already a healthy brown from her other home.

It feels so great to be back in this life, she thought.

Really?

She started, her heart hammering in her chest. What?

Do you really want to remain a companion? Don't you want more?

Rose bit her lip. The voice was definitely inside her head. It has to be the Bad Wolf.

What makes you believe it's me?

Because that's what the Doctor said.

But I mean you no harm. I can make you powerful. You can never be rid of me…may as well use me, learn what you are. Maybe then the Doctor will accept you…

The voice was certainly tempting. But was it the truth? What if the Bad Wolf was twisting what it said, to confuse her, to snare her…she didn't want that risk. Yes she wanted more, she wanted to be with the Doctor, but how could she be when he refused to acknowledge his feelings?

He's afraid…the Bad Wolf was speaking again. Let me help you and when you are his equal you can be together…forever.

A minute of silence had Rose convinced what she had to do. No, I won't listen to you. I know what I have to do. I will fight you.

But if you hurt me, you harm yourself. If you destroy me, you will die. We are one, Rose Tyler. Nothing can change that.

Rose did not accept the challenge. Go away.

The being that had risen inside her fled back into the shadows. Laying there in the sun, Rose felt chilly. She had a feeling that this was just the beginning.

"I don't think Rose likes me."

"Why not?" The Doctor could see the concern in Martha's brown eyes as she stared ahead, her feet pushing against the sand.

"We've barely talked, and…earlier I noticed she gave me a smirk when I had no idea about that trick of yours. I think she's jealous."

The Doctor dismissed the claim with a wave of his hand. "Nah, that's not Rose." He scratched the back of his head. "Well, I hope not." God, I hope it's not the Bad Wolf. He knew somewhat of the dangers that Rose was going to be forced upon…this was a trial for her. If Rose did feel jealous, then perhaps the Bad Wolf would take advantage of that. He dare not bring the subject up for fear of instigating the power within her to begin it's work. Since (with his help, mind) the Bad Wolf had been unleashed. It was active within Rose at this moment. Whether it was silent, it was already working to make Rose its own. It just needed to convince her.

"Look, Martha. Rose is going through some changes at the moment. If she seems to be jealous just try and ignore it. There is something happening to her that even I can't help her with. Whatever is going to happen I will be there to help her."

"You're talking about what happened with that thing." She was referring to the monster that had been hunting the Doctor and had used Rose as leverage.

The Doctor nodded. "I am. If I knew a way to help her I would, but I don't understand it myself. As I said before I have no experience with the heart of the TARDIS. Rose was the first to open it up." He placed his hands on Martha's shoulders. "Martha, promise me that you will stand by her; help her through this."

"I will do whatever I can." It wasn't a promise but it was the only thing his new companion could offer.

"Come on, we'd better go and see if the others are alright."

Night slowly began to fall as the burning sun descended. Stars twinkled high in the sky. The streets were less full as aliens alike made their way back to their accommodations. Instead of staying in the TARDIS, the Doctor had been persuaded to set up in the most expensive hotel. Of course, being officials of the planet allowed them to get what they wanted.

They each shared a different room in the apartment. Rose's room overlooked the beach; Martha's as well, while the two boys - as Rose had named them - had rooms overlooking the swimming pool. Since the Doctor didn't sleep, Rose had no trouble in believing that he would spend most of the time fiddling with the TARDIS. Whenever she had stepped into the console room after a nap, she'd find him tinkering once again with some do-hickey.

Rose did not sleep - her mind was focused on the puzzle of the Bad Wolf. She had spoken with it twice now, and it scared her.

You want to know what I am, don't you?

The voice was back.

Rose shuddered. The voice sounded distant, but was clear in her ears. How could it be distant and clear at the same time? It sounded kind, almost understanding…and yet there was something lurking there, ready to strike when the time was right.

What do you want?

I wish to help you.

In her minds eye she could see the shape of a wolf - a red wolf. The colour of the devil. Did she have some evil spirit residing inside her? She found it hard to believe - but the life she had lived with the Doctor had made her realise anything could happen.

You can't help me, Rose replied, Only the Doctor can.

But he knows nothing about me.

And I do?

She could see it nod.

Yes.

How?

There was no answer.

She lay back, the duvet pulled up to her chest, her arms laying by her side. Since their discussion no sound could be heard. She had briefly heard the sound of a door click and she realised the Doctor was out and about. The eerie silence from the Bad Wolf worried her. To her it felt like it was providing riddles for her to work out, but proving that it meant her no harm. How could she trust it when the Doctor had explained she needed to fight it?

She wished it would leave her alone.

Slowly she felt her eyes succumb to sleep, her dreams tormented by the floating wolf within her mind.

TBC

Please let me know what you think!

Next chapter is entitled: The Museum coming in three days time.

Leila-Rose-Bell