Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned, I am merely using them for my own entertainment.

Massive thanks to everyone who has continued to read my story, it has done better than I could ever have imagined and I am really glad that everyone is enjoying this side of Rose. I have read many stories (all of which have been fantastic) but I always thought to myself after the length of time that had passed that she would have tried to move on and make a life for herself, wither for her own self or because that is what the Doctor would have wanted, so there would not always be a straight forward reunion.

Anyway enough of my ramblings and on with the story!

Chapter Six: A Stranger Calls

"In 900 years of Time and Space, I've never met anyone who wasn't important."

Nine sighed as he moved from the elevator behind his future selves, they had tried moving the elevator to another floor in the hopes of finding Rose but so far nothing had worked and they ended on the same floor. His mind was in turmoil as he went over everything that Rose had said. She was right, what right did he have to judge who she had become with the little options that she had at the time. Hell he had been forced to fight, he had become a soldier. He suppressed the bitter chuckle at how much of a hypocrite he must have seemed. But there was a small part of him that just couldn't picture his precious girl as a gun wielding soldier. They had just entered the observation deck when they were violently thrown to the floor. Standing he noticed Eleven's companions bracing themselves as they looked out the viewing window. The three Doctors moved over to join them on wobbly legs, apparently the amount of time the TRADIS had thrown them about had come in good for something. Nine couldn't prevent the widening of his eyes at what he saw.

The Aegis was engaged in a battle with a ship that looked…monstrous. It was over four times the size of the Aegis, the outside was twisted pieces of metal welded together adding to the menacing look. Two massive steel pipes protruded from the front of the ship which they soon found out was the guns of the ship. A missive pulse of red light came from the ship and they had no choice but to brace themselves as they veered out of the way of the blast, the rumble and shouts that followed showed that they had not been entirely successful. They dodged another blast and fired their own from the forward cannon's causing explosions to rain from the other ship. Nine watched as the Aegis turned around and fired on the ship once more, the massive explosion caused the ship to rock and forced them to shield their eyes. When it was over there wasn't much left of the ship and cheers rung out across the ship, the three companions all looked relieved while Nine and Ten both looked haunted by what had happened. The door slid open to reveal a soldier with a bright orange light on his arm that he seemed to be typing things into, looks like a computer of some sorts. Still seems a bit too advanced for the year it is.

"Does anyone in here require medical attention?" He asked while glancing around for any visible injuries. When all shook their head negative he continued, "No problem, I will report to the Commander that everyone is accounted for." Nine stopped him before he could progress any further.

"Has there been any word on Ro…the Commander? Do you know where she is?" He could feel questioning eyes behind him wondering just what he was getting at. The soldier in front however seemed to have grasped where his thoughts were

"The Commander has reported that she is fine and will be doing her rounds soon." With that he turned and left, and Nine couldn't prevent the small sigh of relief that escaped him. A sound that was mirrored by the redhead.

"Good, I was worried about her." Nine turned to her as she said this with eyebrows raised.

"You do seem to be very concerned for her well-being, considering you have never met her before today." The question was clear to everyone and he saw the woman bristle slightly at being asked to explain her reasoning.

"Well she did save my life, it kinda makes you warm up to a person. Hell, she got SHOT saving my life, if that isn't a reason to get attached to someone I don't know what is." Nine felt suddenly ashamed for doubting her. Rose had saved him and he knew how attached he had gotten to her because of it. He nodded his head in apology and Amy smiled in return. The peace however was soon shattered as Ten exploded as he rounded on Nine.

"Really? That's the reaction that you have to what we just saw?! An entire ship was just wiped out and we just stood by and watched and you are calm about this?" Ten seethed while Nine was really struggling not to punch him again.

"Are you really going to go over this? Again?" Nine questioned with some disbelief, he took the saying 'whipping a dead horse' to all new meanings. Ten spluttered but Nine interrupted him before he could start, "Rose stood there and told you what had brought her to this position, she has made peace with the life she has. And I am proud of what she has become, she has made a life for herself. Ten made to speak once more but it was River that interrupted him this time.

"Maybe next time we should just let them blow us all up instead?" The condescending smile that she sent Ten caused a snort to escape him.

"That's not what I am saying, I just…" Ten fumbled for the words to use.

"I understand. She isn't the same woman you remember, right?" Ten nodded his head in agreement as River continued, "But there was once when you weren't the same man she remembered." Ten made to interrupt, clearly not believing for a second that this was the same thing, "It doesn't matter if you agree, but if you keep implying that she has turned into such a bad person you are going to lose her." Before anyone else could comment, the door slid open to reveal Rose. Nine barely had time to register her before Amy launched herself at the woman.

"You're alright! No one would tell us where you were and the elevator wouldn't go to the right floor." Nine rose an eyebrow, how did she know that? He watched as Rose pulled away from the other woman smiling slightly,

"I'm fine, everything has been sorted now." She turned her gaze towards the three Doctors. "Have we had any luck getting the TRADIS up and running?" To his surprise it was Ten that answered the question.

"Actually, yes we have had a few ideas but…we are going to need your help." Ten stated and all three watched as the woman in question raised an eyebrow. It made for a slightly strange look what with one eye being covered but it got the point across. Nine decided to answer the unspoken question.

"The energy that you produce could, theoretically re-power the TARDIS enabling her to recharge any depleted power." Rose turned more fully towards him.

"And just how much energy would this take?" To say she looked less than pleased would be an understatement, Nine shifted slightly wondering if he could get out of this without any bodily harm being inflicted, on him at least.

"We aren't sure, it could take a minimum amount, it could take almost all of it…" He trailed off uncertainly.

"So it could potentially kill me?" Nine's eyes widened at the statement. It was River that answered the question that caused his head to spin.

"No, we can stop the power drain before it gets too much, allow the energy to rebuild and start the process again if required." Rose's eye had narrowed slightly as River continued her description, but was beaten to saying anything by Rory who, from what Nine could see, looked livid.

"Now hold on! You do realise that Rose is a person? Not some…mobile battery unit for the TARDIS!" Nine watched the interaction wishing he could be anywhere else right now, this is why I don't do domestic.

"I am aware that she is a person, but she wanted to know the facts! These are the facts, sugar coating it isn't going to change the situation." River took a deep breath before turning to face Rose, "And no one is making her do something she doesn't want to do." Rose smiled at that before turning towards him.

"Are you ready to do this now?"

"Rose, you don't have to do this now. We can wait a bit longer do more research, you won't be going into this unprepared." Nine reassured but he was unprepared for the flash of annoyance that crossed her eyes.

"Sorry Doctor but in case you didn't notice I am fighting in a war. Now we have sixteen hours before we get to the Citadel where there will be forty-eight hour shore leave. This means if something does happen and I need to…recharge it gives me more than enough time to do so." Nine opened his mouth to protest but Ten spoke over him.

"Fair enough, if you are sure. We can start now." Nine turned to argue but stopped himself at the look he received. Ten seemed to be warring with himself, and Nine decided to keep his mouth shut and followed Rose down to the cargo bay.

Rose stood in front of the newest looking TRADIS, the Eleventh Doctors, with her omni tool activated to read her life signs and ensure that she was stable. Not that she was overly worried, she didn't believe for a second that the TARDIS would actually hurt her. She tried to ignore the looks of the three Doctor's and the companions as she pulled the gold glow into he had and placed it on the door handle of the ancient machine. Rose felt the humming in her head grow stronger as the energy pulsed and smiled as she felt the familiar presence in her mind. The glow grew brighter and she closed her eyes in concentration however when she felt a slight breeze on her face she forced them open once more and couldn't prevent the gasp that escaped her.

Roaring hills of red grass stretched out before her, the burnt orange sky seemed to glitter as the two suns seemed to cast permanent daylight all across the land. She couldn't believe what she was seeing, she had heard from John all about his home world but even his vivid description could not do justice to the beauty that lay before her. Rose was startled out of her wonderment by a noise behind her, turning she found a woman with dark hair that fell in thick black curls and what looked like a version of an old Victorian dress.

"I am glad that you have finally come home, my Wolf." The woman smiled slightly, a smile that Rose couldn't help but return. The loving feeling that had echoed through her mind increased and suddenly Rose knew exactly who she was staring at.

"Hello TARDIS. It has been a long time since someone called me that." The woman in front of her positively beamed at her.

"I knew you would get it, for as smart as my Thief is, he is no match for you." Rose's smile dimmed ever so slightly which caused a confused look to appear on the dark haired woman's face.

"Why have you brought me here?"

"I pulled you into my heart, I wanted to see you again. It has been so long, but I fear that there has been a change in you my Wolf." Rose sighed slightly at that.

"A lot has changed, but I like to think that I am the same as before." Rose commented while sitting and motioning towards the TARDIS to do the same. She glanced down at the omni tool and saw that everything was the same as normal. "But I still want to help you, I still want to help the Doctor."

"I know Wolf and I am so pleased with the life you have made for yourself, but you are growing weary as time wears on. Everyone asks so much of you, including my Thief. He doesn't understand that you need time." Rose sighed slightly, maybe this is what she needed. Someone who understood, had been through most of what she had.

"I buried my husband who I loved more than anything in the world, I mourned him and then after more years than I would care to admit, I moved on. It doesn't mean that I care for him any less but I just moved on…is that a bad thing?" Rose could feel unease spreading through her, doubt that she hadn't felt in years came to the surface. Is this what the Doctor made her? Someone constantly second guessing themselves? Rose felt a hand placed on top of hers.

"Of course it is not a bad thing my Wolf. You more than did what was right for someone who suffered as much as you had. If my Thief had not arrived here would there ever be a doubt?" Rose shook her head, "I know you care for him as you have always done, but you truly believed that you had lived your life with him and that you would never see him again."

"And he felt the same." As Rose said this she felt the TARDIS hesitate, "It's alright, I know who she is. John told me about the library."

"River Song is an incredible woman, but will never replace my Wolf." Rose smiled lightly at that, it was good to know that she wasn't completely replaceable

"You think you are ready to open up? He has been terribly worried about you." The other woman smiled at that before nodding and standing.

"Until we meet again."

Rose blinked as she found herself back on her ship staring at the wooden door. With a slight smile she gave the door a slight push and it opened to show the gleaming new, well to her anyway, console room. The pale blue glow and glass looking floors seemed to give the Timeship a more futuristic look. She turned to the others but was unprepared for the slight gaping look on the three men's face.

"What?" She demanded as Amy, Rory and River all entered the TARDIS.

"The…the readings never changed." Ten stuttered wide eyed, "You never used an ounce of power to open her!" Rose laughed at the matching expressions.

"She just need a bit of girl time, but you might want to check on her anyway." Rose motioned inside and Ten and Eleven moved inside, Nine however stayed beside her. Rose turned to him and raise her eyebrow.

"You're at your mother's. Right now, you are safe and sound in Jackie's flat with telly and chips." Nine shook his head and rubbed a hand through his close-cropped hair and Rose couldn't help but feel for him. "You shouldn't have gone through half of what has happened to you. I ruined you." At this Rose gave an incredulous look.

"Ruined? You think you ruined me? Why? Because I didn't turn out how you wanted me to be." Rose's anger surged then deflated as she saw the broken look in his eye. She sighed tiredly, he really didn't mean any harm. "Look, I know this is never how you thought my life would turn out, hell not exactly how I thought it would turn out either. But I have had a good life, it's been hard but I am where I am and I am not going to dwell on what could have been. You don't get to take credit for everything that goes wrong in the world." She stated with a smile that he returned easily before he moved forward and wrapped her in a secure hug. Rose stiffened slightly before relaxing, hugging wasn't much of a past time for her anymore but it was still more than welcome.

They were interrupted but someone clearing their throat, turning they saw Eleven shifting slightly in the doorway to the TARDIS.

"Sorry to interrupt, thought you might like to come see how Sexy looks now."

Eleven raked a hand through his hair, whatever Rose had done had worked with getting the doors open but that was pretty much it. The emergency lighting allowed them to move about easily but was a far shout from how bright the console normally shone. All rooms apart from a few of the bedrooms had been cut off in an effort to save some of the residual power. Amy and Rory had went to their room in an effort to get changed, and somehow freshen up. I doubt military life would be for them he couldn't help but chuckle at the stray though. River and Ten were at the console scanning and confirming what they already knew. They weren't going anywhere till Sexy was up and running. Turning swiftly he headed back towards the door to find Rose and Nine hugging. It was far from an intimate gesture but it still caused him to shift slightly and his arms twitch in longing. Oh, how he wanted to be in that position. Unable to take the scene anymore he cleared his throat gaining the attention of the two.

"Sorry to interrupt, thought you might like to come see how sexy looks now." Really? That's the best your thousand year old brain could come up with? Really? He scowled at himself mentally as Nine scowled at him physically.

Rose nodded and brushed against him slightly as she moved past him, he was instantly overwhelmed by then sent of apples and metal. He found himself missing her usual sent of vanilla and strawberries, but this seemed to fit her more and as odd a combination, it was all Rose. He followed her into the TARDIS and was shocked at what he saw. As Rose moved further into the console room lights flickered on until the whole room was illuminated and Rose stood next to the console with a fond smile on her face.

"Oh, look at you!" Rose whispered fondly, running her hand along the console and the lights seemed to flicker in greeting.

"She seems happier to see you than us three." Ten murmured in amusement which caused Rose to flash him a grin, "She also seems to be getting more dramatic in her old age!" The exclamation caused an outright laugh to come from Rose and an annoyed chirp to come from the TARDIS. Eleven smiled slightly, the old girl really did seem happy to have her home but he couldn't stop the wave of doubt that flowed through him, this could be a very short reunion. He felt a wave of comforting emotion coming from Sexy and an all knowing smile appeared in his mind. Just what was she up too?

"So how long before she is full up and running?" Rose questioned looking around.

"By the looks of it, it could be another week before she could travel. Possibly more if we are wanting to be sure she can make the return travel." River answered but Rose simply frowned in thought.

"What is it?" Eleven questioned her.

"Doesn't it seem a bit strange to you? All three of you suddenly end up in a parallel universe, which by all rights should be impossible, the TARDIS sustains only a power drain whereas the last time that you 'crashed' here she almost died as a result. Something is not right about this." All three Doctor's beamed at their girl, she always did ask the right questions. They were interrupted by the arrival of Amy and Rory.

"Hold up! I thought that the TRADIS brought us here because she was forced to?" Amy questioned as she walked up to Eleven. They turned to look at Rose who was staring at the console in thought. "Rose?" Amy questioned gently.

"Oh she definitely brought you here, but I somehow have a feeling that she wasn't 'forced' into it." Eleven focused on the TRADIS herself and noticed that she seemed strangely quiet during the entire interaction.

"Are you saying that the TRADIS was working with someone to get us stuck here?" Rory exclaimed, but before Rose could answer River interrupted.

"But we aren't stuck, are we? Alright we have to wait a few days till she powers back up but theoretically we can leave after that." River turned her head towards Rose and something seemed to pass between the two blonde's, "Unless she doesn't want to leave that is..." River trailed off and both women returned to their thoughtful expressions before they both whirled on the three Doctor's.

"What?" All three men exclaimed at the same time. Rose snorted while River rolled her eyes

"You really think we don't realise that you already have an idea of what's going on?" River question with a raised eyebrow. Rose crossed her arms and put all majority of her weight on one leg causing her to lean back slightly. It was a posture that was both casual and slightly intimidating and Eleven could not for the life of him work out how, but it was impressive none the less not that Rose wasn't always impressive. She was wonderful! Amy coughed at his side and he realised he must have been staring for slightly longer than was socially acceptable.

"Ah, right. Idea, yes of course we have an idea of what's going on. Brilliant I am, well we are!" Eleven rambled nervously, the other two Doctor's groaned slightly in exasperation. "Oi! I don't see you two doing anything."

"I really turn into this idiot?" He heard Nine mutter slightly but before Eleven could respond they were interrupted by Ten.

"The TARDIS brought us here to find you, this specific you." Rose raised an eyebrow in question and Nine continued.

"You have been here, what a 160 years?" At Rose's nod he continued, "The TARDIS could have brought us back at any point in your timeline but she didn't. Something must have happened in your past that has shaped how you have become now. Something that needed to happen before we were brought here." Rose looked confused for a second before recognition appeared on her face.

"John."

"Your husband?" Amy enquired softly, seemingly trying to be as delicate as possible about the situation. Eleven was glad that she was here, sometimes he did lack tact when it came to personal issues. Sometimes.

"Yes, it has to be. It was after he died that I was able to properly use the energy, it was after he died that I joined the ANM." Rose sighed softly and Eleven wanted nothing more than to take her into his arms in comfort.

"But I don't understand, why it have to happen afterwards? Surely it would be better to be able to save him?" Rory asked completely confused. Ten chose to answer him.

"It could have been many things, his death could have been a fixed point in time and we had no choice but to come after. But why wait so long, what is it you need here?" Ten directed the last part of the question towards the console but it was Rose who answered.

"Because she needed a soldier." With that she pulled out her pistol from the leg harness, spun round and pointed it at the figure who had just materialised. "Isn't that right?" The figure in black chuckled slightly, majority of their face had been covered but Eleven could see a wide grin pulling at their lips.

"Oh, you are good Rose Tyler! She was right about you!" He laughed heartily and Eleven found his hands clenching with the need to reach out and pull Rose behind him protectively. No one was going to hurt her ever again. He watched as Rose's eyes narrowed slightly before she dropped the arm holding the gun but did not place it back in the holster.

"What do you want?" Eleven question as both Nine and Ten moved closer to Rose Tyler.

"Oh that's simple, I want her." The figure, who he assumed was a man due to the voice, pointed towards Rose.

"And why's that?" Rose asked which caused the man to turn towards her and grin once more.

"Because you are the Bad Wolf, and you my dear, are the only one who can save the Universe, well not just the Universe. You're going to save them all"

And there we have it folks, thank you to everyone that has continued to read and has stuck with me so far. I will be looking to update again as soon as I can.

And remember to leave a review to let me know what you think and how I am getting on!