Stella sat in the music room at the grand piano, starring down blankly at the ivory keys. She wore a long sleeved knit grey shirt with lace fringe, a pair of faded skinny jeans, and a pair of house shoes. Her hair fell down loose in waves creating a curtain hiding her face from view.
The Doctor watched her with a worried frown from the doorway. She had been like this ever since the Silurians. She had not played a note since her dark encounter nor had she sung one, the music having completely disserted her.
She had taken up tinkering, hiding herself away in the workroom that the Tardis had made for her, anything to avoid the memories. When she wasn't tinkering though she was in the music room trying to will herself to play, but unable to do so. The Doctor walked over sitting next to her on the bench and she let out a tired sigh knowing why he was there.
"Stella…" The Doctor started.
"I'm fine." Stella didn't let him even finish his sentence. The Doctor placed his hands over hers stopping them from wringing as he held them between his palms, but she still refused to look at him, her eyes remaining glued to the piano.
"You haven't been eating, you barely sleep, you've been alienating yourself from Amy and I, and you haven't been out of the Tardis for a very long time." The Doctor said letting go of her hands allowing him to cup her face and tilting it up giving him a good look at the dark circles under her eyes and the sickly parlor of her skin, even the lines in her skin seemed dull, sluggish even. "That doesn't sound fine to me."
"I'm not hungry." Stella took his hands from her face. "And I don't want to sleep." Stella shivered involuntarily, terrifying images flashing through her mind. "I barely need to do either of those things anyway."
"What about your music?" The Doctor asked gently, Stella going tense. She looked to the piano, a deep passionate longing in her eyes that tore at the Doctor's hearts.
"I just haven't been in the mood lately." Stella lied and the Doctor knew it. The loss of her muse was taking its toll on her just as much as her lack of sleeping and eating.
"How about you come with me and Amy to the museum?" The Doctor asked stroking the back of her hands with his thumbs. "Please."
"Theta…" Stella sighed tiredly.
"Please, it's just a museum, nothing big." The Doctor pleaded giving her that look through the fringe of his hair that always melted her hearts.
"What museum?" Stella gave in making the Doctor grin widely.
"The Museé d'Orsay." The Doctor announced pulling her to her feet and twirling her around feeling quite proud of himself when she gave him a small smile although her eyes remained distant.
"Ok, ok, but I need to go change." Stella said as the Doctor led her out of the music room to Stella's where he waited on her bed as she dug out a pair of knee high dark grey boots slipping them on over her skinny jeans.
She then walked over to her vanity table to pin her hair into a low bun away from her face though a few pieces fell loosely around her face framing it nicely. The Doctor had never seen her wear such dull colors compared to her usually bright outfits; he knew that this was just a reflection of how bad she was truly feeling inside, even worse was the lack of flowers in her hair.
"Ready?" He asked in excitement trying to get her pumped up.
"I guess." Stella replied with less zeal than the Doctor would have preferred.
"Wait, you're missing something." The Doctor ran over to her vanity rifling through it until he found a cluster of small soft pink roses. He walked back over to her and pinned it to the top of her bun. The Doctor lowered his hand, his knuckles brushing softly against her cheek. "It's going to be ok love."
The Doctor gazed softly down at her his hand cupping her cheek as she starred into his eyes for a few moments before wrapping her arms around the Doctor's waist, the Doctor wrapping his arms around her as well pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Amy's probably waiting for us." Stella said quietly after they had been holding onto each other for a while.
"Then come along my starlight, best not keep her waiting." The Doctor looped her arm through his determined to make Stella feel better and return her to the happy woman he loved so much.
-0-
"So this is one of the last paintings Van Gogh ever painted. Those final months of his life were probably the most astonishing artistic outpouring in history." Black was enthusing over Wheatfield With Crows to his audience as the Doctor led Stella and Amy into the room gesturing around him with a smile. "It was like Shakespeare knocking off Othello, Macbeth and King Lear over the summer hols. And especially astonishing because Van Gogh did it with no hope of praise or reward. He is now…"
"Thanks for bringing me." Amy smiled to the Doctor and Stella, a pamphlet of Van Gough in one hand her other playing with the end of her scarf.
"You're welcome." The Doctor replied.
"You're being so nice to me. Why are you being so nice to me?" Amy asked with a searching look homed on the Doctor.
"I'm always nice to you." The Doctor defended himself.
"Not like this, all these places you're taking me." Amy said. "Arcadia, the Trojan Gardens, now this." Amy looped her arm with Stella's. "You would have loved the gardens Stella." Amy commented with a hopeful smile. "Maybe we can go again if you want."
"It's ok, I'm fine." Stella shrugged making Amy frown in worry for her now despondent friend. "And it's not that strange when the Doctor is nice."
"I think it's suspicious." Amy looked back to the Doctor.
"What? It's not. There's nothing to be suspicious about." The Doctor said quickly.
"Okay, I was joking. Why aren't you?" Amy tilted her head eyeing the Doctor.
"Each of these pictures now is worth tens of millions of pounds, yet in his lifetime he was a commercial disaster." Black's voice became prominent again. "Sold only one painting, and that to the sister of a friend. We have here possibly the greatest artist of all time, but when he died you could sold his entire body of work and got about enough money to buy a sofa and a couple of chairs. If you follow me now…"
"Who is it?" A kid from behind them asked.
"It's the doctor." Another answered causing the Doctor and Stella to turn around spotting two schoolboys looking at the portrait of Doctor Gachet. "He was the doctor who took care of Van Gogh when he started to go mad."
"I knew that." The first child said.
"Look." Amy grabbed onto Stella and the Doctor yanking them over to the painting of the Church at Auvers. "There it is." Amy held up her guide book. "The actual one."
"Yes. You can almost feel his hand painting it right in front of you, carving the colors into shapes…" The Doctor trailed off as he looked over the painting then he frowned. "Wait a minute."
"What?" Amy asked.
"Well, just look at that." The Doctor gestured.
"What?" Amy tried to see what he was seeing.
"Something very not good indeed." The Doctor said leaning in close to the painting.
"What thing very not good?" Amy asked.
"Look there, in the window of the church." He said pointing to a dragon-like image peering out through the window.
"Is it a face?" Amy asked, eyeing the wicked looking face in the window.
"Yes. And not a nice face at all." The Doctor replied rubbing his hands together. "I know evil when I see it and I see it in that window."
"Of course, can't just visit a museum." Stella said in a mixture of frustration and weariness.
The Doctor gave her a quick kiss on the forehead taking her hand in his leading her over to Doctor Black keeping a hold on Stella's hand rubbing the back of it reassuringly with his thumb. Black was at the Still Life with Twelve Sunflowers talking about it to his group.
"It has changed hands for something in the region of twenty…" Black was telling them before the Doctor cut him off.
"Excuse me. If I can just interrupt for one second." The Doctor flashed his psychic paper back and forth to the crowd. "Sorry, everyone. Routine inspection, Ministry of Art and Artiness." He looked to Black. "So, er…"
"Doctor Black." Black supplied his name.
"Yes, that's right." The Doctor nodded. "Do you know when that picture of the church was painted?"
"Ah, well, ah, well, what an interesting question." Black said gearing up for a long speech. "Most people imagine…"
"I'm going to have to hurry you." The Doctor cut him off. "When was it?"
"Exactly?" Black questioned, a bit taken back.
"As exactly as you can." The Doctor replied urgently. "Without a long speech, if poss. I'm in a hurry."
"Well, in that case, probably somewhere between the first and third of June." Black told him.
"What year?" The Doctor asked.
"1890. Less than a year before, before he killed himself." Black struggled with the last part, saddened at the thought of the death of such a great painter.
"Thank you, sir. Very helpful indeed." The Doctor thanked him then eyed Black's bow tie. "Nice bow-tie." He looked back to Amy and Stella. "Bow-ties are cool."
"Yours is very…" Black nodded to the Doctor's bow tie appreciatively.
"Oh, thank you." The Doctor grinned. "Keep telling them stuff." The Doctor grabbed on to Amy, steering her and Stella away. "We need to go."
"What about the other pictures?" Amy pointed out.
"Art can wait. This is life and death." The Doctor pushed Amy ahead of himself and pulled Stella along as they exited the museum. "We need to talk to Vincent Van Gogh."
-0-
Stella sat in the captain's chair as the Doctor worked the controls, her legs were drawn up to her chest and her arms locked around her legs holding them close. Amy had gone off to her room to grab something for the upcoming trip, her excitement bursting at the seams with thoughts of meeting her favorite painter.
"1890, June, between the first and third, no problem. Do hurry up Amy!" The Doctor called out before he looked to Stella with a hopeful smile. "Ready to meet Vincent?"
"It was just supposed to be a museum visit." Stella mumbled.
"I'm sorry, but I need to know what it was he painted." The Doctor said as he kneeled down in front of Stella, his hands on her knees.
"I know." Stella buried her face in her legs, her voice muffled. "You want me to come with you don't you?"
"You can't stay in here forever." The Doctor rubbed her knees.
"That is a matter of opinion." Stella grumbled. The Tardis hummed sharply then rocked violently forcing Stella to stand up and brace herself against the console. "Oh great, now you're ganging up on me."
"Come on Starlight, this is going to be a great adventure." The Doctor took her hands into his spinning her around, pleased when he got a small smile from her. Amy ran back into the room with a bright smile that grew bigger when he saw Stella's small smile.
"Are we there yet?" Amy asked in excitement.
"Yep, ready to go?" The Doctor replied.
"Of course. Stella?" Amy looked to the short woman.
"I guess." Stella wrapped her arms around herself with a shrug, ducking her head as the Doctor and Amy shared concerned looks.
-0-
It was a lovely night with a sky full of stars overhead and making for a beautiful sight in the gleaming city. The Tardis materialized in a narrow alley, scaring a cat who voiced out its irritation as it made a run for it. The Doctor stepped out first hand in hand with Stella and Amy following them out, a large smile on her face.
"Right, so, here's the plan." The Doctor said as they walked along swinging his and Stella's hands back and forth, Stella nervously glancing around for any sign of danger that might be lurking with the alley. "We find Vincent and he leads us straight to the church and our nasty friend."
"Easy peasy." Amy nodded.
"I don't think anything will be easy peasy with Mister Van Gogh." Stella said wearily, the Doctor kissing the top of her head reassuringly.
"Now, he'll probably be in the local cafe. Sort of orangey light, chairs and tables outside." The Doctor told them as Amy looked in her exhibition guide book.
"Like this?" Amy held it up for the others to see pointing to the lovely painting of the café.
"That's the one." The Doctor nodded as Amy looked up from her book.
"Or indeed like that." Amy took note of the café they had come upon once coming to the end of the alley.
"Yeah, exactly like that." The Doctor agreed with a grin as they made their way over to the manager. "Good evening. Does the name Vincent Van Gogh ring a bell?"
"Don't mention that man to me." The manager stalked back inside, the time travelers exchanging shocked looks before moving onto a waitress.
"Excuse me." The Doctor gained her attention. "Do you know Vincent Van Gogh?"
"Unfortunately." She replied dryly, the face of the waitress behind her frowning in agreement.
"Unfortunately?" Amy echoed.
"He's drunk, he's mad and he never pays his bills." The waitress bit out, the other nodding
"Good painter, though, eh?" The Doctor commented to the general hilarity which ensued amongst the waitresses and patrons at the very idea. Stella took a seat at one of the tables, the Doctor standing behind her hands resting on her shoulders.
"Come on! Come on! One painting for one drink. That's not a bad deal." The great painter Van Gogh himself pressed as Maurice, the owner, led the impecunious customer outside.
"It wouldn't be a bad deal if the painting were any good." Maurice held up the painting as the Doctor gestured to Van Gogh and Amy fangirled on the other side of the owner and painter. "I can't hang that up on my walls. It'd scare the customers half to death." Maurice said in irritation. "It's bad enough having you in here in person, let alone looming over the customers day and night in a stupid hat. You pay money or you get out."
"I'll pay, if you like." The Doctor stepped in placing his hands back on Stella's shoulders rubbing them soothingly.
"What?" Maurice starred at him along with the Vincent Van Gogh, a red headed man with deep china blue eyes.
"Well, if you like, I'll pay for the drink. Or I'll pay for the painting and you can use the money to pay for the drink." The Doctor rambled with a smile.
"Exactly who are you?" Vincent questioned as he looked between the couple.
"Oh, we're new in town." The Doctor replied.
"Well, in that case, you don't know three things. One, I pay for my own drinks, thank you." Vincent said causing everyone to laugh, and his face to go a bit red though he pressed past his embarrassment and continued to speak. "Two, no one ever buys any of my paintings or they would be laughed out of town."
"Wouldn't be the first time." Stella commented in a sotto voice so only the Doctor could hear. He made to protest, but instead nodded in agreement knowing it was true.
"So if you want to stay in town, I suggest you keep your cash to yourself. And three…" He paused for a moment before looking to Stella as well as glancing behind him to Amy. "Your friends are cute," Then he focused back on the Doctor. "but you should keep your big nose out of other people's business." Vincent looked back to Maurice pleadingly. "Come on, just one more drink. I'll pay tomorrow."
"No." Maurice replied.
"Or, on the other hand, slightly more compassionately, yes?" Vincent pleaded.
"Or, on the other hand, to protect my business from madmen, no." Maurice snapped.
"Or…" Vincent went to try again.
"Oh look, just shut up, the pair of you." Amy cut in as she strolled between them. "I would like a bottle of wine, please, which I will then share with whomever I choose."
"That could be good." Vincent said right away.
"That's good by me." Maurice nodded.
"Good." Amy nodded as Maurice shoved Vincent's Self-portrait with Straw Hat back into his hands and goes inside with Amy, Vincent following like a lost puppy and the time travelers bringing up the rear.
-0-
They all sat down at one of the tables against the wall, Stella sat at the head of the table next to the Doctor with Amy on his other side across from Vincent. The inside of the café was alight with candle lit lanterns and the sounds of the patrons filled the air.
"That accent of yours." Vincent looked to Amy. "You from Holland like me?"
"Yes/No." The Doctor and Amy said at the same time.
"She means yes." The Doctor covered quickly. "So, start again." He held out his hand "Hello, I'm the Doctor and this is…"
"I knew it!" Vincent snapped as the Doctor's hand fell back to the table.
"Sorry?" Stella raised an eyebrow.
"My brother's always sending doctors, but you won't be able to help." Vincent spat out.
"Don't worry, he's not your doctor, he's my Doctor." Stella said as she leaned into the Doctor who had his arm around her.
"To right." The Doctor grinned pointing to a painting next to Vincent. "That's incredible, don't you think, Amy? Stella?"
"Beautiful." Stella nodded tiredly.
"Absolutely." Amy said enthusiastically. "One of my favorites."
"One of my favorite what's?" Vincent echoed in confusion. "You've never seen my work before."
"Ah yes." Amy realized her mistake, and then quickly tried to cover taking a sip from her drink. "One of my favorite paintings that I've ever seen, generally."
"Then you can't have seen many paintings, then." Vincent frowned as he eyed his painting critically. "I know it's terrible." He sat the painting back down. "It's the best I can do."
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Stella said gaining his attention. "I like it, don't sale yourself so short."
"Your hair's orange." Vincent commented as he studied her hair then looked to Amy's leaning toward her. "As is yours."
"Yes, so's yours." Amy pointed out as she leaned forward as well
"Yes. It was more orange, but now is, of course, less." Vincent sighed as he eyed her, swirling his drink around a bit.
"So." The Doctor broke their moment. "Er, Vincent, painted any churches recently? Any churchy plans? Are churches, chapels, religiously stuff like that, something you'd like to get into?" The Doctor questioned pressingly. "You know, fairly soon?"
"Well, there is one church I'm thinking of painting when the weather is right." Vincent admitted with a nod.
"That is very good news." The Doctor said right before an older woman ran into the cafe, screaming hysterically.
"She's been murdered! Help me!" The woman called out frantically.
"That, on the other hand, isn't quite such good news." The Doctor's face fell, all of them scrambling to their feet. "Come on, Amy, Stella, Vincent!"
Amy and the Doctor ran out, Vincent grabbing his drink to quickly down it before following as well. Stella had shot to her feet as well then froze in place, eyes wide before she forced herself to follow, her breathing becoming shallow as a painful throb hit her in the chest.
"She's been ripped to shreds!" A man said as the time travelers and famous artist came upon the scene, Stella hesitantly bringing up the rear coming to a sudden stop right behind the Doctor when he saw her.
"Please, let me look. I'm a Doctor." The Doctor looked the body over after pushing through the crowd.
Stella wrapped her arms around her shaking form, tears gathering in her tortured eyes at the sight of the bloodied body. She bit her lip hard, her face horrified, as the body changed to that of the many she had seen die at the claws of the Lacerta, every one of them flashing before her mind's eye in the space of a second. Amy gently reached over taking Stella's hand in hers when she saw her reaction to the body. Stella gave Amy a quick tight smile and was careful not to crush her hand in hers as she tried to stop the shaking in her limbs.
"Who is it?" A woman asked.
"Oh no, no, no." The Doctor chanted under his breath as he kneeled down examining the body.
"Is she dead?" A man questioned.
"Away, all of you vultures. This is my daughter. Giselle. What monster could have done this?" The mother sobbed violently. "Get away from her!"
"Okay, okay." The Doctor backed away with Vincent, Amy, and Stella.
"Get that madman out of here!" The mother screeched and then the crowd started throwing stones at Vincent causing the time traveler to get pelted, too. Stella caught one of the rocks, her once sad eyes blazing in anger as she made to throw it back, but the Doctor stopped her.
"No Stella, don't, let's get out of here." The Doctor gripped her wrist. Stella clenched her teeth crushing the rock in her hand before they followed after the others along with the Doctor who kept her hand gripped in his.
"You bring this on us. Your madness! You!" The mother called after them. "He's to blame!"
They made their way from the angry crowd as fast as they could, the Doctor allowing Amy and Vincent to get ahead of he and Stella.
"Were you really going to throw that stone back at them?" The Doctor stated more than questioned despite his phrasing.
"Maybe." Stella looked away from him, not wanting to see his disappointed gaze.
"Stella…" The Doctor started.
"I was angry and they were attacking us for no reason, if just one of those stones had hit Amy or Vincent just right it could have killed them." Stella cut him off sharply, angry at the crowd and herself for losing her temper.
"And if you had done the same when you through your rock, you have a much, much better arm than them Stella." The Doctor admonished her.
"I know, I know…I'm sorry..." Stella sighed. "It's just that body and the crowd, I just felt so angry and scared, I'm sorry."
"It's going to be ok Stella, we'll get through this." The Doctor pecked her forehead and wrapping his arm around her bringing her shaking form close to his side. Stella let out a comforted sigh as she nuzzled into his side. "Come on, let's get to the others."
"Alright." Stella nodded as they hurried to catch up to the others who had paused to catch their breath, the sounds of the angry crowd far away.
"Are you all right?" The Doctor asked them in concern.
"Yes, I'm used to it." Vincent sighed.
"You shouldn't have to be." Stella said with a frown.
"Has anything like this murder happened here before?" The Doctor asked Vincent.
"Only a week ago. It's a terrible time." Vincent told them grimly.
"As I thought. As I thought." The Doctor mumbled to himself as he let go of Stella, pacing forward a few steps to clap Vincent on the shoulder. "Come on, we'd better get you home."
"Where are you staying tonight?" Vincent asked him.
"Oh, you're very kind." The Doctor patting him on the shoulder once more before moving on, Amy sending Vincent giggled nervously when Vincent turned to her before hurrying after the Doctor. Stella shook her head in amusement as she watched the two of them rush off toward Vincent's home, or at least the way the Doctor thought it was.
"Sorry, he's a bit…yeah." Stella rubbed the back of her head as she started after the others, Vincent falling into step beside her, placing his straw hat atop his head. He eyed her out of the corner of his eye as he thought over the way he had seen her acting and reacting since the moment he had seen her. The sadness in her eyes, the tortured gaze, echoing in his heart.
"This man, he is your Doctor?" Vincent asked breaking the silence. Stella nodded as she twisted her engagement ring around her finger with her thumb. "What ails you?"
"My past." Stella said before hurrying after the others after the others without going into detail, Vincent following with a concerned look, but kept his thoughts to himself. They caught up to the Doctor and Amy, Vincent changing their direction toward his home.
"Dark night." The Doctor commented smiling when Stella caught up beside him entwining his finger with hers. "Very starry."
"It's not much. I live on my own." Vincent said as he took them up to a ramshackle cottage. "But you should be okay for one night." Vincent eyed them sternly over his shoulder before emphasizing his point. "One night."
"Thank you." Stella said with a small nod that Vincent returned as he lit a lamp, his eyes lingering on hers looking thoughtful.
"We're going to stay with him?" Amy asked in excitement, keeping her voice down so she was not overheard by the famed painter.
"Until he paints that church." The Doctor replied equally as quiet.
"Watch out. That one's wet." Vincent gestured to the painting hanging outside the door to his home to dry.
"What?" Amy asked before looking up at The Bedroom in Arles masterpiece hanging before her. A smile spread across her face, her eyes widening in excited amazement.
"Sorry about all the clutter." Vincent apologized as he lit another lamp inside the house.
"Some clutter." The Doctor said as they stepped into Vincent's homes their faces filling with wide eyed wonder at the amount of artistic talent which surrounded them.
"I've come to accept the only person who's going to love my paintings is me." Vincent admitted as they toured the room, looking from painting to painting. Stella walked into another room up to The Starry Night, her personal favorite. She took in the swirling pattern painted to represent the night sky, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Wow. I mean, really. Wow." Amy took it all in, moving in a circle as she absorbed the grand talent fresh and new around her.
"Yeah, I know it's a mess. I'll have a proper clear out. I must, I really must." Vincent said as his guests browsed the pictures around the room as if they were in a gallery. "Coffee, anyone?"
"Not for me thank you." Stella shook her head, not taking her eyes off the painting.
"Nor me." The Doctor added sticking his head through the door Stella had just come through. Vincent put the coffee pot down on a still life causing the Doctor to frown. "You know, you should be careful with these. They're precious."
"Precious to me. Not precious to anyone else." Vincent shook his head as he moved the coffee pot wiping away the ring it left.
"They're precious to me." Amy spoke up following the Doctor into the other room. The Doctor glancing over to Stella walking up next to her smiling as well, not at the painting, but at Stella's smiling face, a nice change in comparison to her saddened state. He slipped his hand into her giving it a loving squeeze.
"Well, you're very kind." Vincent smiled slightly at her. "And kindness is most welcome."
"Right, so, this church, then. Near here, is it?" The Doctor asked turning back to Vincent with Stella's hand still in his.
"What is it with you and the church?" Vincent questioned as he got some logs and started to prepare a fire for the fireplace.
"Oh, just casually interested in it, you know." The Doctor tried to cover as Amy wondered over to The Starry Night.
"Far from casual. It seems to me you never talk about anything else." Vincent commented placing the logs before looking to the girls. "He's a strange one."
"Yes, we know." Stella smiled slightly, the Doctor grinning widely at her teasing, something he had missed. He knew making her come out for an adventure would be good for her.
"Okay, so, let's talk about you, then." The Doctor looked to Vincent. "What are you interested in?"
"Well, look around." Vincent gestured to his work. "Art. It seems to me there's so much more to the world than the average eye is allowed to see. I believe, if you look hard, there are more wonders in this universe than you could ever have dreamed of."
"You don't have to tell me." The Doctor smiled, holding up Stella's hand and kissing the back of it. They had sat down for a time and it wasn't long before Vincent started to go off on an artistic rant.
"It's color. Color that holds the key." Vincent started to get worked up. "I can hear the colors. Listen to them." Vincent gestured sharply as he talked, unable to stand still. "Every time I step outside, I feel nature is shouting at me. Come on. Come and get me." He grabbed onto the Doctor's lapels. "Come on. Come on! Capture my mystery!"
"Maybe you've had enough coffee now." The Doctor said as he stood up and made to get the tea ready. "How about some nice calming tea? Let's get you a cup of chamomile or something, shall we?"
"But you understand, I can see it in your eyes." Vincent looked to Stella as he took the Doctor's vacated seat.
"My talents were in music, that's how I had captured the mysteries around me. Everything had a melody, a song and I loved to bring it to life in any way I could with any instrument I could or with my voice alone, a symphony of life just waiting to be played." Stella said with a sad smile.
"You should hear her." The Doctor commented.
"I would like that." Vincent nodded.
"I haven't played in quite some time I'm afraid." Stella shook her head, looking down at her lap where her hands the clenched together. "I haven't been able to."
"You'll play again someday love, you'll see, you just need time." The Doctor took her hand kneeling down in front of her giving it a reassuring squeeze knowing that she had not played for a long time and how it affected her.
"I hope so." Stella said softly, missing her talent terribly.
"You will, now for that tea." The Doctor stood back to his feet. "What do you say Amy? How about some tea?" The Doctor looked around for their companion who was nowhere in sight. "Amy? Where's Amy?" A scream cut through the air from outside sending them all to their feet rushing for the door. "No, no, no!" They all burst out into the courtyard where Amy was struggling to get up. "Amy? Amy? What happened?"
"I don't know. I didn't see it." Amy explained as Stella helped her up, checking her over for injury. "I was having a look at the paintings out here when something hit me from behind."
"Are you hurt?" Stella asked in concern, Amy shaking her head in response as she clung to Stella's arms and Stella to hers helping to steady the young girl.
"It's okay." The Doctor assured her. "He's gone now and we're here."
"No! No!" Vincent saw something behind them that they could not, his eyes widening in fear as he backed away.
"Take it easy. Take it easy!" The Doctor tried to calm him down. Vincent searched around him grabbing up a pitchfork and turning it on them seemingly.
"What's happening? What's he doing?" Amy questioned fearfully as Vincent thrust the pitchfork around.
"I don't know." The Doctor replied. "Oh, dear.
"Run. Run!" Vincent ordered harshly.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's not a bad idea. Amy, Stella, get back." Stella pulled Amy back behind the side of the cottage into the doorway keeping the red head close. "He's having some kind of fit. I'll try to calm him down." The Doctor said getting closer to Vincent who was stabbing at the air. "Easy, Vincent, easy. Look. Look, look, look. It's me, it's me, it's me. It's the Doctor, look. No-one else is here. So, Vincent…"
"Look out!" Vincent tried to warn him, but the Doctor was struck sideways, hitting the ground hard.
"I can't see anything. What is it?" Amy called out fearfully as Stella ran over to the Doctor helping him up.
"That is a good question." The Doctor winced in pain before rushing over to Vincent and picking up a long stick. "Let me help you."
"You can see him, too?" Vincent questioned as the Doctor waved his stick around recklessly
"Yes…ish…well, no. Not really." The Doctor got sent flying again over a table thudding to the ground in front of Vincent, something growling after him.
"You couldn't see him?" Vincent looked down at where the Doctor lay.
"No. No." The Doctor replied looking up at him then he scrambled to his feet with a cry once again waving his stick around at nothing. "Oi!"
"Can't we do something?" Amy looked to Stella as Vincent fended off the invisible creature.
"I did some updates to my eyes, let's try them out." Stella placed her fingers on the side of her head, her eyes flashing as she looked through different spectrums until looking for a heat signature worked. The world was now a blurry blue black color except for the three red forms that represented the Doctor, Amy, and Van Gogh along with a much larger fiery looking being. "I can see it, look out!
The Doctor swung wildly while Stella ran over to Vincent forcing him to duck as the beast attacked again. Together the two ducked and dodged around the creature, Stella pelting it with anything she could get her hands on then Vincent plunged the pitchfork into the invisible enemy causing it to call out in pain as it retreated away from them. Vincent and Stella watched it go until it was out of their sight then turned to where the Doctor continued to fight the air. Vincent and Stella watched for a time exchanging slightly amused glances before Vincent had pity on the Doctor.
"He's gone." Vincent called out.
"Oh, right." The Doctor slowly stopped, lowering his stick. "Yes." His looked to Stella, taking in her smile, though not as big as it had once been it was an improvement which made him smile. Two in one day, he was on a role. "Of course."
-0-
"Right. So he's invisible." The Doctor ranted as they went back to Vincent's home. "What did he look like?"
"Well all I could see was heat radiation." Stella said as she, Amy, and the Doctor took a seat. Glancing up she noticed Vincent's confused look. "I could only see a blurry red-ish orange yellow figure? Like I was looking through foggy stained glass?" Stella tried to explain, but Vincent still looked confused. "Not much detail."
"Here, I'll show you." Vincent took a canvas, some white pain and covered over a bunch of violets with it.
"Oh, no, no. No, no!" The Doctor bemoaned as he shot to his feet startling the painter, Amy covering her mouth in horror.
"What?" Vincent looked to him as Stella winced, eyeing the ruined painting.
"It's just er, that was quite a good…" The Doctor shook his head. "Oh, no. On you go." Amy watched in rapt attention as Vincent produced a charcoal sketch of a thing with a wicked beak, crest and claws. He gazed at it for a moment before showing it to the Doctor. "Okay. Okay. Right. Amy, make Mister Van Gogh comfortable." The Doctor took the painting. "Don't let any invisible monsters in through the front door."
"But it could be outside, waiting." Amy pointed out as she stood up.
"Well, don't worry. I'll risk it." The Doctor brushed off her worry. "What's the worst that can happen?"
"You could get torn into pieces by a monster you can't see." Amy pointed out.
"Oh right, yes, that." The Doctor frowned.
"Don't worry, I'll protect him like I always do." Stella sighed as she walked over to him.
"I have been known to protect you as well if I recall correctly." The Doctor wrapped his arm around her pulling her close pressing a kiss onto the top of her head. "But really Stella, you should stay here with Vincent and Amy, keep any eye on them."
"I don't need to be baby sat." Stella frowned even though she had not been at her best lately she was still offended that he thought she needed looking after.
"And that is not why you're staying, you're staying to babysit them." The Doctor motioned to Vincent and Amy, but Stella just shot him a sharp look. He took hold of her upper arms rubbing them with his thumbs as he bowed his head to peer into her eyes pleadingly. "Please."
"Fine." Stella caved.
"Thank you love." The Doctor smiled kissing her forehead. "Now I'll be back before you can say where had he got to now?" The Doctor smiled as he walked out of the room then suddenly came back in speaking loudly causing them all to jump. "Not that fast! But pretty fast." He grinned. "See you around."
"I hate it when he does that." Stella rubbed her temples with a tired sigh.
Vincent gave the some blankets before he retired up to his bed after the girls insisted that they wanted to stay downstairs to wait for the Doctor. Stella wrapped one of the blankets around herself as she set down at a table. Amy did the same with the other blanket setting down across from Stella. She tried not to stare at Stella and tried to come up with a way to start a conversation, but was coming up short.
"I'm fine Amy, you can talk to me, no need to walk on eggshells." Stella sighed.
"Sorry." Amy said with a wince. "The Doctor and I have just been really worried about you lately."
"I know, it's just hard to get over facing your past." Stella rested her arms on the table then laid her chin on her arms.
"I know I can't even begin to understand what you went through Stella, but I do know that staying shut up and pushing the world away isn't going to help." Amy said hesitantly. Stella shifted so that her face was hidden from Amy, her forehead resting on her arms. "I think the Doctor would understand." Amy said breaking the short silence. "You never really talk about what happened to you, just the general story, and I don't know if you've ever opened up to the Doctor, but I really do think he'd be able to help you if you'd just…" Amy trailed off as she heard a soft snore coming from Stella. She stood up wondering over to Stella bending over to look under Stella's crossed arms to see that she had fallen asleep. "If you're just acting like you're asleep so I stop talking I will be cross." Amy said as she straightened back up and returned to her seat and got comfortable, following Stella into sleep. "And I was on a roll."
-0-
The Doctor ran into the Tardis happy that he hadn't run into their invisible foe. He ran up to the console removing the grating and pulling junk out until he found a large trunk. He hauled it out and started hunting through it.
"Right. You in here somewhere? I can't apologize enough. I thought you were just a useless gadget. I thought you were just an embarrassing present from a dull godmother with two heads and bad breath. Twice. How wrong can a man be?" The Doctor shuffled through the contents of the trunk until he pulled out a gizmo with a rear view mirror fastened to the top. The Doctor plugged it into the console and it powered up. He stood in front of it sticking out his tongue. The mirror lit up with Match Found Print Ready. It printed off pictures of his previous regenerations one and two before he was satisfied. "Good. Okay, you're working. Now, see what you make of this. Who is that?"
The Doctor held up the sketch of the monster that Vincent had painted and the machine dinged with a match found print ready of a macaw.
"No, we know it's not that. There are thousands of them and you can see them plain as day." A polar bear came up next. "No. Definitely not. This is the problem with the impressionists. Not accurate enough."
The Doctor threw the painting over his shoulder.
"This would never happen with Gainsborough or one of those proper painters. Sorry, Vincent. You will just have to draw something better." The Doctor ran out of the Tardis wearing the gizmo on his chest, with the rear view mirror looking over his right shoulder. An image of the beast appearing in it dinging as it brought up the information. "That's better, old girl. Time delay, but you always get it right in the end. Good. Let's find out who this is, then. Well, well, there you are. Krafayis. Planet of origin uncertain. Nomadic pack animals. Strict dominance hierarchy. Huge territories, several solar systems wide. Preferred habitat: Planets with oxygen and nitrogen based atmospheres. Oh, you poor thing. You brutal, murderous, abandoned thing. I hope we meet again soon so we can take you home."
The Doctor felt sympathetic toward the creature then realized it was right behind him seeing it in the mirror.
"Maybe not that soon." The Doctor ran as it chased after him, only visible in the mirror for the Doctor. The Doctor tried scattering benches and other objects to slow it down. "Take that, and that." The Doctor ducked around a corner and eventually it left when it could not find the Doctor. He listened carefully, but hearing nothing he slowly looked round the corner and let out a startled yelp. "Never do that! You scared the living daylights out of me."
"Sorry, I got bored. As much as you admire his command of color and shape, it is hard to get fond of Vincent Van Gogh's snoring though it doesn't seem to bother Stella in the least." Amy commented as the Doctor calmed down.
"Stella's sleeping?" The Doctor perked up as they started back toward Vincent's home.
"Yeah, passed out after you left." Amy smiled.
"That's good." The Doctor sighed.
"Yeah, maybe she's getting better." Amy said hopefully as the Doctor nodded hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst.
-0-
Stella was shaking hard, her face covered in a sheen of sweat. She had been unable to stave off her need for sleep any longer, the weeks without it finally catching up to her. She had literally passed out as Amy had been talking to her. Her sleep had started out dreamless, but as before it didn't stay that way.
The screaming, the eternal screaming of the tortured and mutilated filled her minds ears as gory images of slow deaths at the hands of the Lacerta played out before her. As the dreamed reached a fever pitch the Lacerta started to look like Silurians until the two races were so intermingled that she could not tell one from the other. Then to her horror her fellow inmates started to take on the form of past friends and companions as well as current. She tried to stop them, to save those before her, but it was no use and once they were finished with the others they came for her.
The worst of it though was when they were through with her and she turned on them. She could still remember the feeling as if it were yesterday, the power of holding their lives in her hands, extinguishing them as she exacted her vengeance against them. So it was not only the screams of the prisoners, but of the Lacerta as well. Torrents of blood surrounded her, drowning her, forcing its way into her mouth, nose, ears, and eyes until all she saw was red and all she heard was the dying.
When the Doctor and Amy came into Vincent's home to see Stella still asleep with her head on the table, but it was obvious that it was far from a restful sleep. She was calling out feverishly in multitude of different languages and one of her hands that was laid out across the table was digging into the wood causing it to splinter.
The Doctor rushed over placing his hands gently on her shoulders. Faster than they could blink Stella had snapped awake grabbing the Doctor, spun him around pinning him with his back was pressed against the table so that his lower half was hanging off and her fist was raised, poised to strike, her eyes blazing bright.
"Stella!" Amy called out snapping her out of it. She blinked a few times as she came out of her dream letting out a sharp gasp when she realized what she had almost done. She let go of the Doctor stumbling back, her arms wrapped around herself, her head shaking back and forth.
"Stella, its ok, it wasn't you." The Doctor said gently as he walked forward. Stella stepped away from him turning on her heel and bolting out the door.
This wasn't the first time she had almost attacked him coming out of one of her nightmares and every time he always tried to reassure her that it wasn't her fault, but she wasn't sure she believed him anymore. She had to get away from him before she hurt him, she had to run, she just had to keep running.
She could hear the Doctor calling out for her, saying it wasn't safe to be on her own, as he gave chase, but she moved much faster, soon disappearing from his sight. He stopped gazing around trying to find a sign of her, but saw none. With a reluctant sigh he returned to Vincent's home.
"Where's Stella? Did you get her?" Amy instantly pelted him with her worried questions.
"She needs some time." The Doctor said as he sat down heavily, face in his hands.
"But that thing is still out there." Amy said looking back out the door.
"I know." The Doctor snapped as he shot to his feet, pacing back and forth like caged beast. "But I can't help if she won't let me, I can't do anything. She's in more danger than just that creature, she's in danger of herself and there's nothing I can do."
Amy starred at him wide eyed, having not seen him this distraught since he had lost Stella to the Silurians, it was even worse than when he faced the Daleks that he seemed to hate so much. Amy walked over to him wrapping her arms around him tightly, rubbing his back.
"It's going to be ok Doctor, I know it will." Amy said as the Doctor rested his head on her shoulder. "Stella's strong and besides, she has the universes greatest Doctor to help her." The Doctor chuckled dryly. "And you know what?"
"What?" The Doctor asked tiredly.
"I gotcha, I gotcha both." Amy said giving him another tight hug as the Doctor mumbled his thanks. When they separated the Doctor went outside taking his psychic paper from his pocket flipping it open hoping that his message got to the only other person he trusted in the Universe to help Stella.
-0-
Stella felt bad for running away from the Doctor, but she was too shaken and upset by what had almost happened again. She was able to come to before she did anything before, but she was always afraid that one day she would slip. Once she was sure that the Doctor wasn't following she made her way through the country side at a slower pace. She walked with her arms crossed and her figure hunched keeping her eyes to the ground.
Soon the country side gave way to the town where she located a small café. With a tired sigh she took a seat at one of the small tables ordering a cup of ginger tea with extra honey and sugar. She stirred her drink starring off at nothing as her dreams filled her mind. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice someone coming up to her table starring down at her with a fond smile.
"Why the long face doll?" The man said causing Stella's head to snap up, eyes wide.
"Jack?!" Stella sprung from her chair toppling it over in her haste to get to him.
"Miss me that much?" Jack smiled as he wrapped her up in a hug spinning her around a few times before sitting her down on her feet.
"Oh Jack, I'm so glad to see you! What are you doing here?" Stella asked as she stepped back, but stayed in his arms. "How did you get here?"
"I got my hopper fixed for this one and only exclusive trip." Jack help up his vortex manipulator. "And I hear from a little bird that you ain't doing too well."
"A funny bird called Doctor?" Stella asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Doctor." He nodded. "I called him when you hadn't video called me in a long time, I got worried. He said he'd try and get you to call, but obviously had no luck." Stella looked down in guilt, Jack gently lifted her head up by her chin. "Then when he told me about what happened…Stella, I am so sorry."
Stella said nothing as her face crumpled and she started to sob, Jack wrapping his arms around her pulling her close as she cried clinging to his lapels. He took her away from the few people of the café who were eyeing them. He led her to a secluded bench just on the outskirts of the town overlooking the countryside. Stella laid her head on Jack's shoulder while he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. They sat looking out over the landscape while Stella told Jack what had happened.
"Why don't you talk to the Doctor about all of this? Why are you running away from him?" Jack asked softly.
"I'm afraid." Stella said just as softly.
"Afraid of what?" Jack asked her.
"The nightmares, they nearly drove me mad the last time they were this bad. I had to commit myself to a mental institute because I was starting to…to….dear lord, it's still so hard to even talk about." Stella shook her head taking in a deep breath. "All that time having to stay isolated with the psychiatrist asking all of those searching questions and then I finally make it through to where I'm at least able to operate in normal society it all gets flung back into my face." The Stella wrapped her arms around herself hunching over as if in pain. "But then the sick twist had to be added just to make matter worse."
"What sick twist?" Jack asked hesitantly.
"Rory." Stella muttered as Jack rubbed her arm, trying to comfort her. "It's my fault he's gone and that Amy can't remember him."
"That was not your fault." Jack said sternly. "Rory did what he thought was right, protecting his friend, and I doubt very much he'd want you to let it eat away at you like this. Neither would Amy from what I understand about her." Jack took her face in his hands making her meet his eyes. "Stella you need to pull yourself together, you can't let all of this get to you and tear you apart like this. Not only for those around you that love and care about you, but for yourself as well." Jack pulled her into a tight hug. "You deserve a good life, a happy life."
"Do you really think so?" Stella asked, feeling like that was exactly the opposite of what she deserved.
"Without a doubt, you need to stop looking at all of that bad things in your life and look at the good. Certain good things like a certain besotted time lord who's probably worried crazy about you. So you better get back to him before he worries himself into a tizzy." Jack said standing up and pulling Stella with him.
"You're right." Stella nodded pulling him into a tight hug. "Thank you Jack."
"Anything for you." Jack kissed the top of her head the pulled her back eyeing her hair. "Just one more thing." Jack reached up taking her hair down so it now fell in loose waves reaching her waist. "Perfect, now get moving, it's almost morning."
"Aren't you coming along?" Stella asked taking hold of his hands. "There's a red headed Scotswoman that would just love to meet Captain Jack in person."
"As tempting as that sounds I can't, made a promise to come and just to see you, I need to get back to work anyway." Jack sighed as he took a step back and started to type into his vortex manipulator. "No rest for the wicked."
"Exactly what are you doing for work?" Stella asked eyeing him.
"A little of this and that." Jack grinned with a wink.
"Just be careful, and I'll call you Jack." Stella said with a smile, her hearts filling a bit lighter.
"You better." Jack grinned before he flashed away. Stella took a deep breath turning to face the rising sun and remembered a quote from Walt Whitman. "Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."
-0-
The Doctor had stayed up all night waiting for Stella to return to Vincent's home, but she had yet to make an appearance though she did send a signal to his sonic every thirty minutes to let her know she was ok. He had attempted to track her a few times, but she easily blocked him from finding her. Finally the sun had risen and Amy had decided to surprise Vincent so he went upstairs to wake the famed painter.
"Wake, wakey, rise and shine! Breakfast is served in the courtyard." The Doctor called out cheerfully as he waltzed into Vincent's room opening the window's to let in the sun. "Whoa! What a morning. Come on." Vincent groggily woke up pulling on his suspenders as he climbed out of bed. "And Amy's got a little surprise for you."
Vincent wondered over to the window and took in the sight of Amy setting out amongst lots and lots of sun flowers in various pots all around her.
"I thought I'd brighten things up to thank you for saving me last night." Amy smiled brightly.
"Ah." Vincent breathed out.
"I thought you might like, you know, possibly to perhaps paint them or something? Might be a thought." Amy blatantly hinted.
"Yes, well, they're not my favorite flower." Vincent sat on the edge of the window seat.
"You don't like sunflowers?" Amy asked in confusion.
"No, it's not that I don't like them. I find them complex." Vincent said as he looked over one of the sunflowers near his window. "Always somewhere between living and dying. Half-human as they turn to the sun. A little disgusting." Vincent wrinkled his nose. "But, you know, they are a challenge."
"And one I'm pretty sure you'll rise to." Stella said as she came into the courtyard, her hair flowing in the morning breeze.
"Stella!" The Doctor smiled brightly rushing for the door only pausing to say a quick word to Vincent. "Vincent, wait here, there's something we need to show you, but first I need a mo with Stella."
The Doctor rushed down the stairs to Stella who smiled as Amy gave her a sunflower crown she had made while waiting for Vincent to wake up. Stella placed it on her head before the hugged Amy again before she spotted the Doctor rushing over to her. He pulled her into his arms spinning her around before setting her back down on her feet pulling her tightly to his chest. Amy and Vincent both went about their business giving the couple some privacy.
"Doctor, you're crushing me." Stella breathed out and the Doctor let go holding her at arm's length. He took in the sight of her with the vibrant sunflower crown atop her head and felt his hearts beating rapidly in his chest with relief.
"Stella, are you ok?" The Doctor looked her over.
"I'm fine now; I just had to calm down." Stella smoothed his lapels down. "Thank you for calling Jack."
"No problem at all, anything to help." The Doctor assured her cupping her face. Stella cast her eyes to the ground, her hands reaching up covering his hands with hers.
"I'm sorry….for running away…and…just everything…." Stella gripped his hands.
"It wasn't your fault, I should have known better than to have woken you so suddenly." The Doctor kissed her forehead. "And I of all people understand what it's like when you just need to run."
"I could have really hurt you." Stella said with frown.
"But you didn't, you never do." The Doctor brushed her cheeks with his thumbs. "You're just going through a hard time right now; we'll get through this, ok?"
"Ok." Stella nodded her head with a sigh. The Doctor wrapped his arms around her, Stella resting her forehead on his shoulder while he did the same resting his cheek on the top of her head. They stood there for a time sharing the peaceful moment, Stella feeling protected and for once in a long time at ease.
-0-
The Doctor and Stella went back into the house hand in hand where the others were waiting for them. The Doctor took out the printout from the gizmo handing it to Vincent who was sitting beside the empty fireplace. The painter looked over the picture with a grim look in his eyes nodding slowly.
"That's him." Vincent affirmed as he looked over the small printout. "And the eyes, without mercy."
"This is a creature called the Krafayis." The Doctor informed him as he paced round the room, sitting down only to stand up again. "They travel in space. They travel as a pack, scavenging across the universe. And sometimes one of them gets left behind."
"And because they are a brutal race, the others never come back." Stella said as she took the picture from Vincent with a sad frown. "So, dotted all around the universe are individual, utterly merciless, utterly abandoned Krafayis."
"And what they do is, well, kill, until they're killed." The Doctor went on taking the seat close to Vincent, Amy the one across from them and Stella remaining standing. "Which they usually aren't. Because other creatures can't see them."
"But I can and so can Stella." Vincent pointed out.
"Yes. And that's why we are in a unique position today, my friend, to end this reign of terror." The Doctor nodded leaning back in his seat. "So, feeling like painting the church today?"
"What about the monster?" Vincent asked in confusion.
"Take my word for it." The Doctor said, his eyebrows raising. "If you paint it, he will come."
"Ominous." Stella frowned as she crossed her arms, trying to smash back her fear.
"Okay." Vincent nodded squaring his shoulders as he snapped to his fear. "I'll get my things."
"In your own time. And I promise you, we'll be out of your hair by this time tomorrow." The Doctor assured him as he started toward his room, not noticing Vincent paused in the door way with a slight frown before continuing on his way.
"This is risky." Stella said softly as she glanced over to the Doctor who nodded in agreement.
"Riskier than normal?" Amy asked as she eyed the two of them.
"Well, think about it. This is the middle of Vincent Van Gogh's greatest year of painting." The Doctor explained as Stella took Vincent's seat. "If we're not careful, the net result of our pleasant little trip will be the brutal murder of the greatest artist who ever lived." The Doctor started to pace again. "Half the pictures on the wall of the Museé D'Orsay will disappear." He plopped down next to Amy. "And it will be our fault."
"Vincent certainly is taking his time." Stella commented after a brief silence.
"We should probably go check on him." The Doctor said taking Stella's hand and leading her to Vincent's room, wanting to her keep her close.
"Vincent? Vincent!" The Doctor knocked on the bedroom door, checked his watch, the knocked again. Not getting an answer the Doctor entered with Stella to find Vincent lying face down on his little bed, crying. The Doctor and Stella frowned in worry at the sight of the sobbing man. "Vincent, can I help?"
"It's so clear you cannot help. And when you leave, and everyone always leaves, I will be left once more with an empty heart and no hope." Vincent moaned as he turned over on his side to face them, his eyes red rimmed and puffy.
"My experience is that there is, you know, surprisingly, always hope." The Doctor said softly as he kneeled down next to the bed.
"Then your experience is incomplete." Vincent snapped, tears streaming from his eyes. "I know how it will end. And it will not end well."
"Come on. Come out. Come on, let's go outside." The Doctor tried patting him on the shoulder, trying to get him cheerful again.
"Get out! You get out. What are you doing here? What are you doing here?" Vincent yelled spiraling down deeper into his depression.
"Very well. I'll leave. I'll leave you." The Doctor backed away slowly with his hands raised as Vincent curled up into a tight ball sobbing hard, and then took note of Stella who was standing still, unmoving next to Vincent's bed, looking down at the tortured man with her brows drawn together in worry. "Stella…"
"Go." Stella ordered softly.
"But…" The Doctor glanced wearily at Vincent.
"We'll be fine, now go." Stella said in a gentle yet stern voice.
"Ok, alright, I'll be right downstairs." The Doctor told Stella who nodded before he left closing the door behind himself.
"Get out." Vincent snapped when he took note of Stella still in the room.
"No." Stella took a small chair sitting it next to the bed and sitting down, her arms crossed in front of herself.
"I said leave me." Vincent yelled.
"I'm not going to." Stella replied evenly and for a time it was quiet. Stella looked to the open window where the sun was streaming through and the birds were singing, an overall cheerful day. "I know what you're going through."
"How could you, you have people who stay." Vincent curled up tighter.
"Not always. There were many horrible times in my life, so many dark days where I was alone." Stella said as her eyes glazed over. "You once asked what ailed me and I said so much…" Stella began haltingly and Vincent slowly uncurled looking straight ahead as he listened. "I have been, in my time, taken apart both physically and mentally more times than I care to remember." Stella sighed as she removed her perception filter ring allowing the blue lines along her bloody to show and explained them to Vincent. "I have seen countless friends die, the suffering of billions upon billions of people, I have been betrayed and abandoned, I have stood on the precipice of death itself, alone and vulnerable with not another soul in sight, and it tore me apart."
"You sound as though you had overcome all of it at one time." Vincent said softly.
"I did, but the nightmares I had managed to push away for so long and lock deep down inside me were set free, they have taken me over, I can feel it." Stella said as she clasped her hands together in front of herself. "I fear that this time I will not recover and every time these feelings come upon you, I am sure you feel the same way."
"I do, I don't like the way they make me feel, but I can't push them away, they consume me." Vincent sat up in the bed resting his feet on the floor. "I do not know what to do except to paint."
"Neither do I, except for my music." Stella agreed. Vincent reached out and taking her hands in his as they sat in silence for a moment. "But lately my muse has seemed to have left me and I miss it terribly."
"There were times I felt that as well, when I could not will my hand to lift my brush." Vincent admitted softly.
"What did you do?" Stella asked him.
"I painted anyway." Vincent admitted. "They were not my best works, but I was able to overcome it and regain my passion."
"And I thought I was here to help you." Stella said with a small smile.
"Will you sing for me?" Vincent asked. Stella looked to him, frozen for a moment. She blinked a few times casting her gaze down to the floor.
"I don't know if I can." Stella said softly.
"Why do you sing?" Vincent asked, but Stella did not answer, keeping her eyes glued to the ground. "For the same reason I paint, because there is something in you that must be free." Vincent gently squeezed her hands making her meet his gaze. "Let it go."
Stella gazed at him for a moment before she closed her eyes and slowly started to sing, her voice growing stronger as the words progressed.
My life goes on in endless song
Above earth's lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear it's music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness 'round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I'm clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble in their fear
And hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near
How can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon vile
Our thoughts to them are winging,
When friends by shame are undefiled
How can I keep from singing?
-0-
The Doctor came out from Vincent's room with a deep frown on his face as Amy came up to the stairs to him. The moment Amy saw his look she frowned in worry as she stood next to him.
"What's happening?" Amy asked.
"We're leaving as soon as Stella comes down." The Doctor answered leaning against the stone railing. "Everyone knows he's a delicate man. Just months from now he'll, he'll take his own life."
"Don't say that. Please." Amy said tearfully then glanced around. "Where's Stella?"
"Talking to him, she'll be along in a moment." The Doctor replied moving down the stairs, with Amy following. They went back to the room filled with Vincent's paintings and waited for Stella for a time, the Doctor looking at the picture Prisoners Exercising, but they were short on time.
"Come on. We have to do this on our own." The Doctor said to Amy. "Go to the church at the right time and hope the monster still turns up, Stella will catch up to us."
"I'm ready." Vincent and Stella came into the room, Vincent wearing a long jacket and his hat. He picked up a brush from a jar on a nearby table. "Let's go."
-0-
They walked down a dirt road toward the church, stone walls lining either side of the road, the Doctor and Stella walking behind Amy and Vincent. Vincent was laden down with his painting supply, Amy helping him to carry some of it while the Doctor sported a brown leather case, his free hand entwined with Stella's swinging them back and forth.
"I'm sorry you're so sad." Amy said looping her arm through his.
"But I'm not. Sometimes these moods torture me for weeks, for months." Vincent explained to her. "But I'm good now, if Stella and Amy Pond can soldier on, then so can Vincent Van Gogh."
"But I'm not soldiering on." Amy said in confusion. "I'm fine."
"Oh, Amy. I hear the song of your sadness." Vincent's brows furrowed, adjusting the strap that held his chair on his shoulder. "You've lost someone, I think."
"I'm not sad." Amy argued.
"Then why are you crying?" Vincent asked and Amy's hand went to the tears that slowly fell from her eyes, starting to feel a bit panicked and confused. Stella frowned in guilt looking off to the side of the road. The Doctor let go of her hand to wrap his arm around her shoulder, holding her close. "It's all right. I understand."
"I'm not sure I do." Amy breathed out.
"Okay. Okay." The Doctor gained their attention, wanting to change the subject for both Amy and Stella's sakes. "So, now, we must have a plan. When the creature returns…"
"Then we shall fight him again." Vincent cut in.
"Well, yes, tick." The Doctor said slowly as he eyed Vincent. "But last night we were lucky. Amy could have been killed. So this time, for a start, we have to make sure I can see him too."
"And how are we meant to do that, suddenly?" Amy asked.
"The answer's in this box. I had an excellent, if smelly, godmother." The Doctor held up his suitcase then noticed Stella gazing down the road, her brow furrowed. The others followed her gaze and saw a funeral procession coming their way.
"Oh no, it's that poor girl from the village." Vincent said softly as the priest led the way, his cross raised before him. They stood aside respectfully as the coffin was carried past, with a bouquet of sunflowers on it. The mother and father followed solemnly behind along with the rest of the family.
"You do have a plan, don't you?" Amy glanced over to the Doctor.
"No." Stella said bluntly. "He has a thing."
"It's like a plan, but with more greatness." The Doctor added confidently.
-0-
They soon came upon the church and Vincent wasted no time in setting up his easel, paints, and chair. He sat before his easel and readied his paints making the right colors while the Doctor hovered.
"And you'll be sure to tell me if you see any, you know, monsters." The Doctor said patting Vincent on the shoulders.
"Yes." Vincent nodded his head as he looked to the Doctor. "While I may be mad, I'm not stupid."
"No. Quite. And, to be honest, I'm not sure about mad either." The Doctor kneeled down so he was level with where Vincent was sitting. "It seems to me depression is a very complex…
"Shush." Vincent cut him off. "I'm working."
"Well, yes. Paint. Do painting!" The Doctor backed off and was quiet for a few seconds, a personal record, then started to speak again. "I remember watching Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. Wow! What a whinger. I kept saying to him, look, if you're scared of heights, you shouldn't have taken the job then."
"Shush." Amy snapped, but that didn't stop the Doctor for long.
"And Picasso, you remember him Stella? What a ghastly old goat. I kept telling him, concentrate, Pablo. It's one eye, either side of the face." The Doctor ranted on, only stopping when Stella placed her fingers against his lips.
"You know how I get when I was composing?" Stella questioned and the Doctor nodded. "And what happens when I'm interrupted?" The Doctor's eyes widen, his brows shooting up as he nods again. "Quiet."
Stella had led the Doctor over to a nice place to sit overlooking the bank of windows in the church that Vincent was painting. An owl hooted softly and a soft breeze stirred the trees adding to the ambiance of the beautiful night. The picture was almost finished by this time, Vincent having abandoned his seat to stand giving him a better angle to paint with. Stella was staring intently at the window as she sat on the ground singing softly under her breath.
"You're singing again." The Doctor commented softly, leaning down so his lips brushed against her ear.
"Yes, well, that talk with Vincent went both ways." Stella smiled slightly, loving the warm shiver that went down her back. "I'm starting to…heal, I think…I hope."
"I'm glad." The Doctor pulled her close pressing a kiss to the top of her head. More time passed as the Doctor and Stella stayed in each other's arms. "Is this how time normally passes? Really slowly. In the right order." The Doctor complained then rocked to his feet pulling a grumbling Stella with him. She had been nodding off on his shoulder. "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's an unpunctual alien attack."
"Are you okay? You seem a bit, if I didn't know you better, I'd say nervous." Amy commented as she and the Doctor stepped away from Vincent, Stella walking over to the painter watching him work.
"Yes, there's something not right and I can't quite put my finger on it." His eyes moved over to where Stella was watching Vincent paint; humming softly as she did, it was the first promising sign he had seen in a while, her soft singing and humming. A hopeful smile played along his lips and the warm feeling that he always got with Stella filled his hearts. Amy looked from him to Stella, a smile on her lips as well.
"You really love her, I mean I know you love her, but…you really competently love her." Amy said wistfully, a tug that she couldn't understand pulling at her heart.
"She's got a heavy heart, a messy soul, a reckless mind, and I think it's beautiful the way she carries herself." The Doctor replied, quoting Sean Bates
"I wish I knew what that kind of love felt like." Amy sighed, and felt like she had at one time, but lost the feeling almost as soon as she had gotten it leaving her feeling strangely numb.
The Doctor looked over to her, his eyes sad as they moved back to Stella who was looking up at him. Her brows were knit in concern and the Doctor tilted his head toward Amy, Stella nodding softly. Stella felt a pang of guilt, one she had felt often before. It was another reason she had been distancing herself from Amy, if she had reacted faster, hadn't frozen in fear, Rory would be alive.
"There." Vincent said interrupting all of their thoughts, pointing with his paint brush. "He's at the window."
"Where?" The Doctor questioned looking for a sign of the creature.
"There, on the right." Stella replied grimly.
"As I thought. I'm going in with Stella." The Doctor started forwards pulling Stella along with him.
"Well I'm coming too." Vincent said.
"No!" The Doctor whirled around holding out his hand. "You're Vincent Van Gogh. No."
"But you're not armed." Vincent pointed out.
"I am." The Doctor replied.
"What with?" Vincent asked.
"Overconfidence, this…" He held up his suitcase in his free hand. "…a small screwdriver, and my fiancé." The Doctor held up his screwdriver at the same time holding up Stella's hand entwined with his. "I'm absolutely sorted. Just have to find the right crosactic setting and stun him with it. Sonic never fails."
"Unless it's wood or deadlocked." Stella pointed out causing the Doctor to pout.
"Anyway, Amy, only one thought, one simple instruction." The Doctor walked straight up to her. "Don't follow us under any circumstances."
"I won't." Amy nodded forcing herself to stay serious as Stella gave her a disbelieving look over the Doctor's shoulder. The Doctor smiled gesturing to Vincent to watch Amy and pulled Stella along toward the church leaving the others behind.
"Will you follow them?" Vincent asked as soon as they were out of ear shot.
"Of course." Amy replied.
"I love you." Vincent gazed at her.
Stella gazed up at the church porch which was decorated with St Michael slaying the dragon. The Doctor got out the gizmo and put it on before going inside keeping Stella's hand securely in his. They could hear the Krafayis, but it couldn't be seen by the Doctor so Stella pointed him in the right direction. The Doctor scanned the area with the sonic screwdriver then used his gizmo to look for the creature.
"It's not here." Stella muttered as she scanned around the room.
"What do you mean not here?" The Doctor asked, his voice a higher pitch.
"I mean the creature that we are looking for is not in the vicinity of the two of us…oh crud!" Stella spotted the heat signature of the beast. "Doctor, look out!"
She grabbed the Doctor to pull him out of the way, but the Krafayis was faster and managed to smash into the Doctor and Stella sending them to the ground, breaking the mirror on the gizmo rendering it useless. Stella recovered quickly pulling the Doctor up and they ran for the door, the Doctor sonicing as they went.
"Stella! Doctor!" Amy called out as she ran through the door.
"Argh!" The Doctor shouted out in startled fright. "I thought I told you…."
"And you thought she'd listen?" Stella rolled her eyes.
"Never mind. We'll talk about it later. Quick, in here." The Doctor pushed Amy into one part of the confessional while he and Stella crammed into the other. The Doctor pulled her onto his lap wrapping his arms around her holding her close. "Absolutely quiet." The Doctor whispered moving the curtain aside to look outside the confessional while Stella opened the little door between confessionals. "Can you breathe a little quieter, please?"
"No." Amy replied looking out the window on her side. "He's gone past."
"Shush." The Doctor hushed her right before the beast smashed Amy's side of the confessional causing her to scream.
"I think he heard us." Stella commented before it attacked the other side.
"That is impressive hearing he's got." The Doctor panicked as the confessional started to shake.
"What's less impressive are our chances of survival." Stella ground out getting ready to go on the offensive, but was beat to it.
"Hey! Are you looking for me, sonny?" Vincent called out. "Come on, over here. Because I'm right here waiting for you." Vincent fended off the Krafayis with a chair allowing the others time to get out of the confessionals. "Come on. Quickly. Get behind me."
"Doing anything?" The Doctor tried his sonic screwdriver.
"Uh uh." Vincent replied as they ran again.
"Where is he?" The Doctor questioned as they were forced outside into the courtyard.
"Where do you think he is, you idiot? Use your head." Vincent snapped.
"Anything?" The Doctor asked activating his sonic again.
"Nothing. In fact, he seemed to rather enjoy it." Vincent replied.
"Ooo." The Doctor frowned.
"Duck!" The Doctor ducked under the swipe of a clawed hand. "Left." Stella called out urgently only for the Doctor to get thrown against a wall. "Doctor! Oh, I'm so sorry love." Stella ran over helping him up. "Your right, my left."
"This is no good at all. Run like crazy and regroup." The Doctor ordered.
"Oh, come on, in here." Amy called out as they all ran ducking into another room of the church, then tried to force the door closed, but the Krafayis jammed its foot in the door to stop them closing it.
"Sorry about this." Stella stamped hard on the Krafayis's foot causing it to move back with a sharp howl of pain and allowing them to close the door.
"Right. Okay. Here's the plan. Stella, Amy, Rory…" The Doctor started only for Amy to cut him off.
"Who?" Amy asked.
"Sorry. Er…" The Doctor stuttered after his blunder.
"Vincent." Stella supplied as she braced herself against the door, holding it closed against the onslaught of the monster.
"Right, Vincent." The Doctor said quickly.
"What is the plan?" Amy asked.
"I don't know, actually. My only definite plan is that in future I'm definitely just using this screwdriver for screwing in screws." The Doctor said in frustration as he tucked his sonic away as the creature rammed against the door.
"Give me a second. I'll be back." Vincent rushed away.
"I suppose we could try talking to him." The Doctor suggested as the door shook violently.
"Talking to him?" Amy echoed skeptically.
"Well, yes. Might be interesting to know his side of the story." The Doctor pointed out.
"Though maybe he's not really in the mood for conversation right at this precise moment." Stella commented as the beast hammered on the door. Stella pressed herself harder against it holding it close though it did nothing to strengthen the old wood which was starting to splinter.
"Well, no harm trying." The Doctor said pressing against the door. "Listen. Listen! I know you can understand me, even though I know you won't understand why you can understand me." The Doctor called out, and things went eerily silent on the other side of the door. "I also know that no one's talked to you for a pretty long stretch, but please, listen. I also don't belong on this planet. If you trust me, I'm sure we can come to some kind of, you know, understanding. And then, and then, who knows?"
"Love, I don't think he's there anymore, it's too quiet." Stella commented as she pressed her ear against the door. Suddenly a window was broken in sending shattered glass all over the floor, and allowing the invisible beast to enter.
"I think you're right." The Doctor yelped.
"Stay behind me." Stella ordered as she faced off against the beast and before the Doctor could stop her she launched herself at the creature.
She grabbed hold of it round the neck planting her feet much like a person trying to wrestle a bull to the ground. It was a horrific sight to behold by the others, Stella seemingly fighting nothing, but the effects were there, her being lifted into the air combined with the noise of the fight itself. She grabbed hold of its jaw and twisting it with her body tried to flip it onto its back, but it was stronger than she had anticipated.
It snapped its head around flinging her from side to side as she held on with all her might. It started to buck wildly and she could hear the others calling out to her in panic. The beast reared up violently finally sending Stella off of it into the air hitting the stone ground with a painful thud.
It started toward her general direction letting out low menacing sounds as it clumsily searched her out. The Doctor ran over to her pulling Stela into his arms, unable to see how close the creature was getting to them.
"That was extremely foolish." The Doctor snapped at her, unwittingly giving away their location to the beast.
"El Toro De Hechos wasn't just painted of me for the heck of it, I thought I could take him." Stella shook her head trying to get it to settle, then her head snapped up eyes wide finding herself almost face to face with the creature. "Crud."
"It's right in front of us isn't it?" The Doctor said stiffly.
"Yes." Stella squeaked out as it readied to attack.
"Over here, mate!" Vincent called out before the creature struck, leading it away from the Doctor and Stella, allowing him to pull her behind a stone monument with Amy. Vincent held up his easel, brandishing it with its three pointed feet forwards.
"What's it up to now?" The Doctor questioned.
"It's moving round the room." Vincent answered glancing round either side of the pillar he was behind. "Feeling its way around.
"What?" The Doctor asked as he and Vincent switched spots.
"It's like it's trapped. It's moving round the edges of the room." Stella mumbled, her brows knit in confusion.
"I can't see a thing." Amy grumbled.
"I am really stupid." The Doctor said in realization.
"Oh, get a grip! This is not a moment to re-evaluate your self-esteem." Amy snapped.
"No, I am really stupid, and I'm growing old." The Doctor grumbled. Why does it attack but never eat its victims? And why was it abandoned by its pack and left here to die? And why is it feeling its way helplessly around the walls of the room?"
"It can't see. It's blind." Stella said in realization.
"Yes, and that explains why it has such perfect hearing!" The Doctor ended up shouting the last part.
"Which unfortunately also explains why it is now turning around and heading straight for us." Vincent informed them.
"Vincent, Stella, what's happening?" The Doctor questioned.
"It's charging now." Stella called out.
"Get back. Get back!" Vincent yelled as he held up in easel. The Krafayis roared and Vincent charged back at it. The beast skewered itself on the easel and raised Vincent into the air flinging him around before falling to the floor, mortally wounded. Slowly they all gathered around the dying creature as it moaned in pain. "He wasn't without mercy at all. He was without sight. I didn't mean that to happen. I only meant to wound it, I never meant to…"
"He's trying to say something." The Doctor said softly.
"What is it?" Vincent asked as Stella kneeled down placing the creatures head onto her lap as she gently stroked the top of his head.
"He's saying, I'm afraid. I'm afraid." Stella said softly, tears streaming down her face. "There, there. Shush, shush. It's okay, it's okay. You'll be fine. Shush." The Krafayis nuzzled into her comfort before letting out one last breath before going still. Stella bowed her head resting it against the head of the creature. "I'm so sorry."
"He was frightened, and he lashed out." Vincent frowned in guilt. "Like humans who lash out when they're frightened. Like the villagers who scream at me. Like the children who throw stones at me."
"Sometimes winning, winning is no fun at all." The Doctor said as he kneeled down next to Stella wrapping his arms around her allowing her to cry into his shoulder.
-0-
The Doctor, Amy, Stella, and Vincent van Gogh lay on the ground and looked up at the night sky.
"Hold my hand, Doctor." Vincent to the hand of the Doctor and Amy's while Stella reached out taking hold of the free hands of the Doctor and Amy. "Try to see what I see. We are so lucky we are still alive to see this beautiful world. Look at the sky. It's not dark and black and without character. The black is in fact deep blue." Vincent pointed out and the colors started to take on the likeness of Starry Starry Night. "And over there, lighter blue. And blowing through the blueness and the blackness, the wind swirling through the air and then, shining, burning, bursting through, the stars. Can you see how they roar their light? Everywhere we look, the complex magic of nature blazes before our eyes."
"I've seen many things, my friend. But you're right. Nothing quite as wonderful as the things you see." The Doctor said.
"I will miss you terribly." Vincent said sadly.
"We will miss you as well." Stella replied.
-0-
"I only wish I had something of real value to give you." Vincent said as the Doctor and Amy starred down at Self-portrait in a Straw Hat.
"Oh, no, no, no." The Doctor said as he handed it back to its creator. "I could never accept such an extraordinary gift."
"Very well." Vincent took it back with a sigh. "You're not the first to decline the offer." Vincent placed the picture aside before beaming at Amy. "Amy, the blessed, the wonderful."
"Be good to yourself, and be kind to yourself." Amy hugged him tight.
"I'll try my best." Vincent smiled softly.
"And maybe give the beard a little trim before you next kiss someone." Amy rubbed her cheek.
"I will, I will." Vincent chuckled. "And if you tire of this Doctor of yours, return, and we will have children by the dozen."
"Eek." Amy squeaked.
"Doctor, my friend. We have fought monsters together and we have won. On my own, I fear I may not do as well." Vincent frowned.
"Maybe this will help." Stella said holding out a gold watch hanging from a gold chain.
"What's this?" Vincent asked taking it gently from her hands.
"Open it." Stella told him and Vincent does so. 'How can I keep from singing?' started to play on the music box inside the watch which was visible through the glass on the back of the watch face. The golden lid depicted a swirling sun in gold while engraved on the inside were the words.
How can I keep from singing?
How can I keep from painting?
"When did you do this?" Vincent asked softly.
"While the Doctor was taking care of the Krayfis, I needed a moment and making this helped." Stella shrugged. "Whenever you feel sad or lonely play this and know that you are not alone even if we are not right there beside you we are with you."
"Thank you, I will treasure it." Vincent hugs her tightly. "You are not alone either Stella, confide in your friends, in your Doctor, let them help you through your pain, do not bury it."
"I'll try to take your advice my friend." Stella tightened her hold before releasing him. "Take care."
After one final round of goodbyes the time travelers headed down the stairs and back out into the yard, the Doctor pausing in thought.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" The Doctor looked to Amy and Stella.
"I was thinking I may need some food or something before we leave." Amy frowned as he stomach grumbled.
"Well, no, you're not thinking exactly what I'm thinking." The Doctor muttered.
"Food does sound good." Stella commented causing the Doctor to smile brightly at her first show of an appetite. "Can we get some after we do the thing you're thinking about?"
"We can get some food while we're doing my idea." The Doctor took her hands in his before looking back up at Vincent's home. "Vincent! I've got something I'd like to show you." Vincent hung out of the window eyeing him, a towel wrapped around his neck. "Maybe just tidy yourself up a bit first."
-0-
The Tardis had been covered in advertising posters from top to bottom, wrapping it up like a gift.
"Now, you know we've had quite a few chats about the possibility there might be more to life than normal people imagine?" The Doctor asked Vincent.
"Yes." Vincent nodded.
"Well, brace yourself, Vinny." The Doctor split the paper covering the Tardis with the key then opened up the magnificent blue box. Vincent followed them inside, his mouth wide in awe. He quickly stepped back outside, walked around it in shock before going back inside again.
"How come I'm the crazy one, and you three have stayed sane?" Vincent questioned.
"Who said we were sane? Certainly not anyone who knows us." Stella replied as Vincent came up to the console.
"What do these things all do?" Vincent asked.
"Oh, a huge variety of things." The Doctor said.
"This one here, for instance, plays soothing music." Stella said as music filled the room and she danced around the console pulling Amy into the dance.
"While this one makes a huge amount of noise. And this one makes everything go absolutely tonto." The Doctor pulled a lever and the Tardis jerked into flight causing them to stumble around.
"And this one?" Vincent held onto the console.
"That's a friction contrafibulator!" Stella called out over the noise.
"And this?" Vincent asked.
"That's ketchup. And that one's mustard." The Doctor pointed to each one.
"Mmm, nice." Vincent nodded as the Tardis settled. "Come on, back to the cafe and you can tell me about all the wonders of the universe.
"Good idea." The Doctor nodded as the moved to the doors. "Although, actually, there's a little something I'd like to show you first."
"Where are we?" Vincent asked as they stepped out pf the Tardis, the time flight having burned the posters off the Tardis.
"Paris, 2010 AD. And this is the mighty Museé D'Orsay, home to many of the greatest paintings in history." The Doctor gestured toward the gran building.
"Oh, that's wonderful." Vincent's attention was taken by two lads walking past listening to a radio.
"Ignore that." Stella looped her arm through his, Amy taking his other arm, and steered him toward the building. "We've got something more important to show you."
-0-
They quickly made their way through the museum, having to pull Vincent away from some of the other works held there, and soon came into the van Gogh exhibition. It was crowded with people looking from painting to painting taking in all of the wonder, looking through Vincent's eyes, seeing the world as he did. The Doctor quickly moved over to Black who was talking to a small group of people.
"Doctor Black, we met a few days ago. I asked you about the church at Auvers." The Doctor gained Black's attention.
"Oh, yes. Glad to be of help. You were nice about my tie." Black recognized the Doctor.
"Yes. And today is another cracker if I may say so." The Doctor grinned while Stella and Amy made sure that Vincent was close by, but facing away from Black. "But I just wondered, between you and me, in a hundred words, where do you think Van Gogh rates in the history of art?"
"Well, big question, but to me, Van Gogh is the finest painter of them all." Black said with a reverent look. "Certainly, the most popular great painter of all time. The most beloved. His command of color, the most magnificent. He transformed the pain of his tormented life into ecstatic beauty. Pain is easy to portray, but to use your passion and pain to portray the ecstasy and joy and magnificence of our world." Black said, his eyes filled with wonder. "No one had ever done it before. Perhaps no one ever will again. To my mind, that strange, wild man who roamed the fields of Provence was not only the world's greatest artist, but also one of the greatest men who ever lived."
"Vincent." The Doctor said in worry when he saw Vincent had begun to cry. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
"Is it too much?" Stella gently placed a hand on his arm.
"No. They are tears of joy." Vincent patted her hand before turning to Black kissing him on both cheeks before hugging him. "Thank you, sir. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Black said in confusion as to the man's reaction to his words. "You're welcome."
"Sorry about the beard." Vincent apologized before they all left. Black took a few steps, stops, turned back to their retreating forms, the likeness was amazing, but no, it was impossible, wasn't it…then he mouthed no and went back to the tours.
-0-
"This changes everything." Vincent said as he came out of the Tardis, once again home. "I'll step out tomorrow with my easel on my back a different man. I still can't believe that one of the haystacks was in the museum." Vincent laughed joyfully. "How embarrassing."
"It's been a great adventure and a great honor." The Doctor smiled as they hugged.
"You've turned out to be the first Doctor ever actually to make a difference to my life." Vincent smiled brightly.
"I'm delighted." The Doctor nodded with a beaming smile.
"Stella, thank you for your understanding, it has been a great help." Vincent pulled her into a hug.
"You have helped me as well my dear friend, we won't ever forget you." Stella tightened her hold before stepping back, Vincent giving her one last smile.
"And you are sure marriage is out of the question?" Vincent looked to Amy.
"This time. I'm not really the marrying kind." Amy said hugging and kissing his cheek then they all went their ways, the time travelers back to their Tardis and Vincent back to his painting. "Come on. Let's go back to the gallery right now." They landed and Amy rushed out with the others. "Time can be re-written. I know it can. Come on!" Amy raced back into the museum pulling Stella along with her, the Doctor rushing after them. "Oh, the long life of Vincent Van Gogh. There'll be hundreds of new paintings."
"I'm not sure there will." The Doctor frowned.
"Come on!" Amy paid him no mind, coming to a stop in the middle of the exhibit only to find nothing had changed.
"We have here the last work of Vincent Van Gogh, who committed suicide at only thirty seven." Black lectured. "He is now acknowledged to be one of the foremost artists of all time. If you follow me now."
"So you were right. No new paintings. We didn't make a difference at all." Amy frowned in sadness.
"I wouldn't say that. The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. Hey. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant." The Doctor and Stella pulled Amy into a tight hug. "And we definitely added to his pile of good things." They guided her over to the painting for the church. "And, if you look carefully, maybe we did indeed make a couple of little changes."
"No Krafayis." Amy smiled slightly.
"No Krafayis." Stella nodded then Amy's attention was taken. She walked over to the Still Life with Twelve Sunflowers and written on the vase was 'For Amy, Vincent'.
"That one's new." Amy looked to a new small painting a little bigger than a post card. It depicted a gold music box watch sitting on a dark wooden surface with light causing a shadow to be cast from it simply called 'Together'. It was open revealing the watch face, but the lid was angled away so the lyrics were unseen but the engraved pattern was. Stella smiled softly at the painting feeling her hearts warm, happy that she had brought him some comfort. "If we had got married, our kids would have had very, very red hair."
"The ultimate ginger." The Doctor nodded.
"The ultimate ginge." Amy smiled.
"Brighter than sunflowers." Stella added, her hand going to the crown that still adorned her head.
