Wow, chapter Nine already. Can't believe I've got this far. I hope you enjoy this Rose-oriented chapter.

Red Dragon

Chapter Nine

New Skills Revealed

"Remind me why we're here again?" The expression on Rose's face told Mickey that his former girlfriend was bored. Since the meeting with the administrator they had been searching with the archives for information on Derol Flynn's homes, however Rose had been confident enough to suggest using the TARDIS. The comment itself didn't bother Mickey - the only problem was, none of them could use it.

How did Rose know that she could access the TARDIS console? It was not something that he and Martha wished to risk, and so the two had managed to beat down Rose. If they failed to find anything substantial in the archives, then they would resort to using the TARDIS. Until that time came, Rose had to be patient and wait.

"I'm waiting for an answer."

That is not Rose, he thought as he swung his head back to pierce her with a glare. "We won't get anywhere if you keep interrupting us every few minutes. Can you be patient or does this 'new you' mean we have to answer every single question that comes our way?"

Rose frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're changing Rose, even if you can't see it." And he left it at that.

After another hour in the archives Mickey and Martha were able to uncover the information they required. Listed were three homes that Derol Flynn owned - the only problem was that they were located on different planets.

Rose sat alone in her room within the TARDIS, brooding over the information. She held her head in her hands, wondering what she could do. The private properties owned by Derol Flynn were not open to the public, so the thought of getting transport was impossible. In fact the only way Rose could deduce in getting to any of the homes was using the TARDIS, but that would mean letting herself be controlled by the Bad Wolf.

Do I really want to risk that? Hesitation. If it saves the Doctor, then it should be worth the risk…But it's the Bad Wolf - I'd be exposing myself to its influence.

All I want to do is help you…the Bad Wolf answered, it's voice lingering in her mind. It sounded sincere.

She bit her lip, confusion etched onto her features. "I can't…" she whispered, "Though…"

It feels the right thing to do? It finished her sentence.

Rose nodded. "Yes."

Then let me help. I will leave whenever you wish me to. I cannot stop you ordering me.

"What am I supposed to do? I feel lost…the Doctor would know what to do…but he's not here. How can I make this important decision without his advice? What would he do?"

Almost immediately she could see his face in her mind talking to her. Before he could begin speaking, she already knew what he would say.

He wouldn't want me to take this path…but it's the only way. I know I can fight this - the Bad Wolf doesn't own me yet. If I let it in then there is a chance I will lose everything. Is it really worth the risk?

Even at that thought, Rose knew that it was worth it. The Doctor's life was at stake. Even if I lose the battle, I know he'll be safe. It was a gamble she had to take.

Breathing in slowly, she focused her mind. Are you there?

An answer came almost instantly. I am. Always.

Rose nodded. I need your help. Even thinking those words, she realised what a terrible mistake she was about to make, but in her heart she already knew her choice had been made the day she'd taken the heart of the TARDIS into her very being.

My choice…

"We're going to Magis II." Rose stood facing Martha and Mickey. They rose their eyes, glanced at each other in concern, but nodded to her. "It may seem an impossible feat, but I can do this."

"We trust you Rose," Martha said, though the way she spoke hinted to Rose that something did not feel right. They didn't trust her - that was evident. She turned her back on them and began to run her fingers over the controls. She felt that her hands were being moved by something else. Her eyes flashed over the console trying to memorise it, but she found she could not.

I am helping you. The more you do it, the more you will know how.

That does not make sense, Rose responded.

It will in time.

Rose shook her head, but let the Bad Wolf use her. Within seconds the TARDIS was moving through the Vortex. Glancing over her shoulder, Rose saw Mickey and Martha approach slowly.

"How did you do that?"

Lie. The single command of the Bad Wolf rattled within her brain.

Rose shrugged. "I've seen the Doctor do it so many times…why shouldn't I remember?"

Mickey did not reply, but Rose was certain that he had some idea of what was going on. Breathe…keep yourself calm. You can get through this. You are a Tyler after all.

"Rose is different." Mickey sighed as he sat down in his own room. Martha approached and seated herself in front of him. "She was lying."

"You could see it in her eyes?" Martha asked.

"No," Mickey shook his head, "not her eyes. It was something she said years ago." He frowned, memories appearing before his eyes. "She said, during an invasion of an alien race at Christmas, that the information about controlling the TARDIS had been wiped from her head…that it was forbidden."

Martha gasped.

"And if it was forbidden then, it should be now. We've got to keep a watch on Rose every minute. It's what this thing inside her is doing…I think it's trying to control her."

"Then we're going to have to be careful." Martha leaned back. "But there is something good that's come of this. At least with that 'thing' inside Rose, it is enabling us to search for the Doctor."

"Yeah," Mickey ran a hand through his hair. "The only thing is Rose is in danger of losing herself."

Magis II was a farming planet. The whole place was filled with meadows, with cattles - many creatures that Martha had never seen before - were munching on the yellow stalks of grass. The TARDIS had settled itself within a barn, one that was dark and dusty. It certainly looked like it hadn't been opened in years.

Wheezing, Martha followed Rose and Mickey out into the bright sunshine that fell upon the land. Their shoes crunched against the ground - scattering insects around them. Around them a slight wind blew, but the combination of the sun's heat made them feel stifling hot. Rose shrugged off her jumper and tossed it over her shoulder, holding it loosely with two fingers.

"Where are we meant to be going?" Martha asked, progressing her way past Mickey to stride beside Rose.

Rose did not even look at her, or blink. Her gaze remained focused upon the horizon. "There. A house that belongs to Derol Flynn. It's embedded into the hillside and goes under ground. From what I've read on him, Flynn prefers more 'earthy' homes then the traditional ones."

"Do you think the Doctor is there?"

"I don't know." Rose simply shrugged. "I programmed the TARDIS to take us a few days into the future. For us it was a few minutes, but for the Doctor he's been a prisoner for three days now. Wherever he is, we will find him."

Surprisingly they were not stopped when they stepped onto the estate owned by Derol Flynn. The house itself was quite small, but Rose was certain it extended several feet beneath the earth. Striding up the path, keeping her eyes locked on the door in front of her, Rose raised a knuckled hand and rapped loudly on the wooden door.

It took several minutes before it opened revealing a young woman dressed in simple maid clothes. In one hand she held a broom, and her hair was tied back into an elegant bun. She smiled politely at them, her yellow eyes inspecting them. "How may I help you?" her voice was soft, but filled with suspicion.

Holding up the Psychic Paper, Rose shoved it in front of the woman's nose. "Does this help?" she asked sharply.

"Miss Taylor of the Daily Report. A reporter." The woman replied. "Prey tell me why you three reporters are here?"

"We wish to comment on the success of Derol Flynn. We're travelling to each of his homes to interview those who know him best or who work for him. A document of his successes." Rose established, smiling politely.

"Does my master know this?"

"No. It's a surprise." Martha added, catching on in Rose' game.

The woman fell silent as if she was considering something. Finally she spoke: "You seem innocent enough." She stepped aside, sweeping her hand into the house. "You may come. You have free reign of this house save for the secondary basement that is situated below the basement. My master trusts most journalists. I suppose I can extend the same offer to you."

"Thank you, madam…?" Rose trailed off, hoping to catch a name.

"I don't have a name. Minor servants on this world are not acquired to be named."

Rose turned to face Mickey. "Mick, I hope you're getting all this down!"

"Sure, boss." In response Mickey quickly wrote down something on his pad, though it was not what the servant thought. He was really recording what they saw, anything that looked suspicious.

The maid bustled off, leaving them alone to explore. Obviously trust was paramount in this house.

Unless they are really weak minded, Rose thought.

Unsurprisingly they didn't find much. It was what Rose had expected but still a part of her had hoped that they might discover something. They had one room left to search and that was the 'secondary basement' as the maid had put it. If there was anything worth while in the home, then it was bound to be there.

And by making it off-limits only sparked her curiosity even more. So, with Martha behind her and Mickey watching their back, they made their way down to the first basement. The door leading further into the earth was locked and a code needed to be put in.

Mickey was about to step forward when Rose stopped him. Instead she placed her hand on the panel and waited. Precious seconds passed and then the door slid open and a female voice spoke: "Welcome Master Flynn."

"What the-," Mickey looked thunderstruck.

"How on earth did you do that?" Martha whispered, shock registering across her face.

Rose shrugged. "I dunno. Intuition, I guess."

I helped you.

The voice was back.

I can manipulate anything.

Rose snorted, ignoring the curious glances she got from her companions. Yeah, right.

I opened that door for you. Isn't that enough?

Maybe…but that doesn't mean I like you, she responded, and believe me when this is over, you are leaving me. Clear?

Perfectly.

Despite her tone to the Bad Wolf, Rose had a feeling that this was not going to turn out how she hoped. She felt like she was being used and maybe manipulated, but she couldn't prove that. Not yet at least.

The door opened up revealing a staircase that wound downwards in an arc disappearing into darkness. Rose took hold of the railing and slowly walked down, her eyes focused in front of her. Further down they went, until they came to another door that slid open at its own accord.

Stepping through they found themselves in a dark corridor lined with dull lights. There were doors running along the walls. As they passed Rose caught glances of the names of scientists that shone from the centre of the door.

"These must be dormitories." Martha said.

Rose licked her dry lips. "Yeah."

They halted in front of another set of doors, but they were much larger and bigger then any they'd passed through before. Just like in the basement there was a palm reader, but Rose felt wary of this one.

"Mickey…I think you should try and get this door open."

"Can't you do what you did before?" he asked.

Rose shook her head. "I'm not sure. I don't trust myself. Before… it felt right, but now it feels wrong."

"It's this Bad Wolf, isn't it?" Martha said as Mickey bent down to scan the palm reader before connecting it up to another piece of machinery, which he had stored in a pack he carried.

"Possibly." Rose did not wish to elaborate on her feelings of the Bad Wolf. Despite her friends assurances that they supported her, she felt that they were not trusting her as much as they could be.

They are scared that your power will destroy you. I chose not to intervene.

The power I have won't destroy me, Rose replied, Because I won't let you get the better of me.

Mickey stepped back from door, tapped a few numbers in and they slid open.

Stepping inside Rose cupped her hands to her mouth. What she saw made her shudder with revulsion.

To Be Continued…

Evil cliffy…and I can be quite evil with them…Please let me know what you think!

Next chapter is entitled: The Chamber and will be posted in three days time! I would do a teaser but that does mean effectively ruining the whole chapter for everyone, so no preview this time - sorry!

Until next time,

Leila-Rose-Bell