Child of Earth

By Lumendea

Chapter Thirty-One: Durmino Empire: Misplaced

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any of the spinoff material and I gain no income off of this story, just the satisfaction of playing with the characters.

…

Khandrin didn't wait. He leapt through the air, swinging the massive sword at her once again. Rose gasped and jumped out of the way, slashing her own sword at him as she rolled. The blade sliced into his armour with a sharp metallic sound, but he wasn't affected. Instead, he smirked at Rose and began to twist around to attack again. There was a cold rush of fear that blasted through Rose as her vision narrowed on Khandrin. She dodged away from another blow, dancing on the balls of her feet as the sound of her own heartbeat echoed in her ears.

Alenica was shouting something behind her, but Rose couldn't quite understand and lashed forward with the sword. She swung low, smashing it against the armour covering the back of Khandrin's leg. The metal bent beneath the force and strength of the blade. He staggered and Rose hesitated for only a moment before pragmatism won out. Dropping down, she swung her blade towards the ankle joint of his boot. The plastic crunched and stood up against the blow for only a moment before cracking. Then Rose shifted the angle of the sword and drove it forward. A high pitched pained scream filled the room and Khandrin pulled back sharply. The blade caught and was pulled from Rose's hand, beginning to transform into its bracelet form a split second later.

The hobbled Khandrin moved back from her, dark blue blood spilling out from his boot which was still mostly intact. Rose felt her bracelet reform on her wrist and summoned the sword once more. He began to bring his own sword up to defend himself, but Rose focused on the joint of his gauntlet and slammed her sword against the weak point. The armour gave way and pieces of the twisted metal carved into Khandrin's skin. Leaping back, Rose put some distance between her and Khandrin, waiting for the next move.

He half jumped, half fell forward giving Rose plenty of time to side step him. Raising her arm above her head, Rose then brought the hilt of her sword down hard on the back of his head as he started to crash to the ground. He went down with an almost deafening thump and Rose felt the air rush from her lungs. The world began to expand and she could hear Alenica saying something, but the words didn't process. Rose watched Khandrin's form, half knowing that she should attack again, but unable to move. Then he began to move and a deep ragged breath escaped him. Rose drew back a little further, licking her lips nervously. Her body was aching. She hadn't been hit, but the tension of the day teamed with dodging frantically had taken a toll.

Khandrin struggled to stand and Rose shifted carefully nearby. The large room was silent save her own heavy breathing and Khandrin's grunts of pain. She waited for him to say something dramatic and threatening, but the warlord didn't speak. His eyes turned to her and he began to move again, taking a few steps before crumbling with a groan. Rose breathed out but kept her distance.

"It's over Khandrin," she finally forced out as the rush of adrenaline began to ease and she could think again. "Just stay still and wait for medical attention."

"Where is the Doctor?" Khandrin asked, his voice tinged with desperation that made Rose's stomach turn.

"Not here, for the last time he's not here and he's not coming," Rose told him with a frantic note in her voice. "Call off your ships."

Khandrin shifted again, but then a long groan escaped him and he collapsed back on the floor. A moan of pain behind her pulled Rose's attention to Alenica. Carefully, Rose gave one more glance towards Khandrin and moved over to Alenica. The Princess was grinning at her through a pained grimace. Rose jumped up and cut the chains, barely making it high enough. Alenica half collapsed on top of her and Rose carefully shifted her own centre of gravity to help her down.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Alenica breathed with a grateful nod. "Just…"

"I know," Rose murmured. "I'm ready for this to be over."

A beam of blue light appeared in the centre of the room. On impulse, Rose shifted in front of Alencia and brought her sword up again. The beam widened and then dimmed, leaving an unfamiliar figure flanked by two Judoon. Rose's eyes jumped to the Judoon who shifted and pointed their weapons at Khandrin leaving the third figure looking at her. It was a female humanoid with white hair, pale skin and red eyes who was looking at Alenica with interest.

"Your Majesty," the figure greeted as Alenica came out from around Rose. "Under Article 3 the entry of Khandrin into your star system has been registered as an invasion by members of your planetary fleet. Is this ruling correct?" she questioned in a very calm no nonsense way.

"The classification is correct," Alenica replied, straightening up confidently, though Rose caught a slight grimace of pain.

"Very well. Three Durminio ships have taken position around your planet," the official informed them calmly, looking down at the tablet device in their hand. "Khandrin's other ships have surrendered due to their leader's defeat and the smaller ships around the planet have been pulled away via gravity beam."

Rose blinked at the string of announcements feeling a little underwhelmed. Was that really it? Then again, she reminded herself with a glance towards Khandrin, most of the crew were robots who were programmed to follow Khandrin. With him out of the way, the biological crew may have just decided it wasn't worth it. Strange, but then again this wasn't her culture or planet.

"Rose!" Alenica cheered as she wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. "You did it! How clever!"

"Uh yeah that was a happy accident," Rose admitted softly, feeling a blush working its way up her cheeks. "I didn't know that Shadow Proclamation ships could do that." She paused and felt a flare of worry. "Uh, are the Judoon here?"

"We have a full crew of Judoon troops onboard yes," the Shadow Proclamation official told her with a confused tilt of its head. "Is that a problem?"

"No… I suppose not," Rose answered with a grimace. "Uh, what else do you need from us?"

"Will you be pressing charges Your Majesty?" the official asked Alenica who glared at the prone Khandrin and nodded.

"I most certainly will. No part of this invasion was legal and I will see him punished."

Rose smiled as she watched the Judoon pull out glowing huge metal cuffs and slap them on Khandrin's wrists behind his back. One of them pulled out some device and held it to his side, but then he vanished with one of the Judoon in a flash of blue. Rose almost jumped when the nervous Alencia grabbed her hand and Rose looked over at the Princess and smiled. Nervous or not, Alencia was speaking confidently to the Shadow Proclamation official and Rose allowed herself to relax. She almost laughed as she realised that this was the part when the Doctor usually slipped away. Sadly she needed a ride home.

….

Music rose up around her, echoing in the hastily decorated grand hall. Golden banners were hanging from the domed ceiling and Rose fought to stay still as she waited at the end of a long causeway. Before her were rows and rows of people crowded around a wide aisle. Behind her was a large stone and metal throne that she really wanted to turn and take another look at.

The voices quieted, allowing the music to take centre stage and Rose exhaled slowly and fought down the urge to itch her neck. Alenica had provided her with a white and gold uniform that looked great but had a very itchy high collar. Add to that, the need to stand here and wait and Rose was filling the pressure of the thousands of people watching her. Why had she agreed to stay and do this? She could have gone home last night after the Shadow Proclamation and Durmino ships started hauling away Khandrin's old hazard ships, but no Alenica had asked her to stay one more day and help with the coronation and like a fool, she'd agreed.

She had to give them credit, apparently, the Durminos could throw a coronation together quickly and with relative ease even after an invasion. Then again, she had no idea if this was a simple affair compared to how Alencia's father had been crowned. Risking a quick glance to the side, Rose confirmed that the pedestal holding the heavy looking golden crown she was to crown Alenica with was still there. Of course, Alencia's view of 'help' with the coronation was a bit more than Rose had been expecting.

Something like trumpets, but with a sweeter sound bellowed at the far side of the grand hall and Rose looked forward to find Alenica walking forward. She was dressed all in white and gold with a long flowing blue cape behind her. Those standing around the aisle bowed deeply and Rose fought back the urge to shift uncomfortably. Swallowing, she stayed still until Alenica reached her and knelt down. Rose turned and picked up the crown, listening as one of the high priests of the planet began a ceremonial speech.

Then it was her turn, Rose licked her dry lips and fought against her dry mouth. "Will you Alenica of the House of Fariding keep the laws of Durmino with justice and temperance?" Rose asked, straining to remember the lines and praying she got it all right.

"I swear it on my name, on the name of my house and my hopes for the future," Alenica intoned, drawing a loud cry of support from those in the hall.

Rose lowered the crown onto Alencia's head, not daring to breathe. It settled on the small circlet that Alenica was wearing, keeping it secure as it clicked into place. Releasing a breath, Rose smiled and stepped back.

"I the Star Knight Rose Tyler witness your oath and find you worthy."

The crowd released a deafening roar as Alencia stood and turned to those assembled. Next to her, the high priest said something more, but Rose did not hear him and instead looked up to watch the sunlight streaming into the hall through the grand windows.

…..

Her feet ached. The boots looked great but had more of a heel that Rose was used to. Standing for hours on stone was rough. They'd stayed in the grand hall as Alenica received all the representatives of the Empire and had only just arrived back in the palace. Yet Rose could still hear the cheering outside and inwardly chuckled. Not only did Durmino have high heels, apparently they had a grand balcony at the palace for the monarch to use to be seen by their subjects.

"Rose?" Alenica called softly. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," Rose assured her with a forced smile. "Just… I think it's time I was getting home. I've been gone days now and people are going to worry."

"Of course," Alenica answered with only a hint of disappointment. "I'll have a ship take you home. I'm sorry but I can't accompany you-"

"You have duties here," Rose finished with an understanding nod. "I get it. Thank you."

"Thank you for staying to do my coronation," Alenica told her gratefully. "My people have taken it as a sign that the best is yet to come."

"You're welcome," Rose replied softly, aware of the roar of the crowd outside. "You'd better go out there Your Majesty, your people are waiting."

Alenica nodded and beamed at Rose. Then she stepped forward and threw her arms around Rose, giving her a warm hug. A soft chuckle of surprise escaped Rose, but she brought her arms up to return the friendly embrace.

"Take care Star Knight Rose Tyler,"Alenica breathed. "The flower with thorns."

"You as well, Empress Alenica of Durmino," Rose answered, straining her memory. "Light of the future."

The beaming smile Alenica gave her as they let go told Rose that she'd gotten it right. The new Empress nodded to her, took a deep breath and headed for the doors leading outside. As they opened a deafening wave of noise rolled over Rose and she smiled. Warm air blew in and Rose inhaled the sweet smell of the planet. She'd have to get the Doctor to bring her here someday, if for no other reason than to enjoy visiting a world where the royalty liked her.

Rose turned and headed down the elegant stone corridor, using the small landmarks of statues to find her way back to the room she'd been given. There were guards in fancy dress uniform with swords at their sides scattered throughout the palace and all nodded deeply to her as she passed. Finally, Rose found the heavy door to her room and sighed in relief. Rose paused as she stepped into her room, her hand halfway up to release her bun. There on the centre of her bed was a shiny new mobile phone. Glancing around the room, Rose waited for a man with wild brown hair or one with flyaway hair and bright green eyes to step out, but the room was quiet. She wasn't sure if she was grateful for that or not. She missed him, but his sudden departure from Utah was still stinging.

There was a small sticky note attached to the back of the phone that read: model from a little bit into your future and already programmed with your contacts. At the bottom was the familiar pattern of clockwork swirls that Rose knew spelt out the Doctor's real name. Her irritation faded and she smiled, kissing the note softly and looking down at her new phone.

"Star Knight," one of the guards behind her called. "The ship to take you home is ready to depart."

"Thank you," Rose murmured, moving over to grab her shoulder bag and the duffle bag holding her normal clothes. She paused and looked around the elegant room, a bit sad she hadn't really enjoyed it last night thanks to exhaustion. "I'm ready to go."

…..

The world reformed around Rose leaving her a touch dizzy as the energy on her skin faded. Blinking she looked around, expecting to see the Cambridge library that she'd been taken from or maybe a street nearby her home. Instead, she found herself in a dark unfamiliar alley. Rose glanced around, straightening up in mild alarm and quickly walked towards the lights of a street she could see. Calmly, Rose moved out into the street and relaxed as she found numerous people moving around the small street. There were several shops and restaurants around her and music filling the air.

The Eiffel Tower illuminated with soft white lights dominated the skyline in front of her and for a moment Rose just stared at it in shock. Then a laugh escaped her and she barely contained the wild laughter that would have drawn attention to her.

"Oh god," she breathed as she struggled to stop laughing. "Missed England by a bit."

Pulling out her new phone, Rose grinned as she found the direct number to Benton at UNIT and pressed the call button. It only took a moment for a familiar voice to answer.

"Benton."

"Hello Benton," Rose greeted, feeling a surge of relief. "It's Rose. I need a favour: I'm in Paris without my passport. Any chance that UNIT can help me out."

"Paris?" Benton repeated. "Did the Doctor drop you off there after the moon?"

"Uh… the moon?" Rose questioned. "What are you talking about?"

"Royal Hope Hospital," Benton told her, sounding just as confused as she felt. "Was taken to the moon today, you and the Doctor helped bring it back. Ringing any bells."

"Wasn't me," Rose assured him.

"But you called me to explain," Benton argued.

"Oh did I?" Rose blinked in understanding. "Then it hasn't happened to me yet, must be in my personal future."

"Then where were you?" Benton questioned. "Were there two of you running around on Earth? I thought that was dangerous."

"It is, but I wasn't on Earth," Rose informed him with a cheeky grin. "I was on the planet Durmino, helping Alenica with something. They just dropped me off, but I'm in Paris rather than Cambridge. So back to my original question, can you clear my re-entry to the UK or send my passport down?"

"I'll take care of it," Benton sighed before he started to chuckle. "Honestly Tyler, can't you ever do anything the normal way."

"Probably not, look at my significant other."

"Have I ever thanked you for winning me that bet?"

"You haven't," Rose told him. "And to be honest I don't want to know how much the betting pool got up to."

"No you really don't," Benton agreed. "I'll call you back in a bit with the details. It will probably be easiest to have you take Eurostar home with an agent. I assume you need to get back to Cambridge."

"That is the plan."

"I'll take care of it. Go to Gare de Nord. We'll take it from there."

"Thank you, Benton," Rose breathed. "You're a life saver."

"We'll call it even the next time you save the world," Benton replied with a chuckle. "Take care and stay out of trouble."

"I make no promises," Rose answered before the call ended.

Exhaling, she relaxed and stretched her arms out. She had no luggage, only the cloth bag with her Star Knight outfit and her shoulder bag so she didn't need to worry about that. Maybe she should start carrying her passport in it just to be on the safe side. Rose shook her head and started walking towards the centre of the city, grateful that at least she had her regular clothes on again. Around her, Paris was in the midst of a busy Monday afternoon and Rose looked around with a small smile, just taking it in.

Then she caught sight of a man and woman that the locals were giving a wide berth to. Eyes widening Rose took in the strange man. He was dressed in a long brown coat with an even longer multicoloured scarf hanging around his neck. His hair was a mess of brown curls and he was grinning up at the Eiffel Tower. It was the Doctor in his fourth body and Rose grinned as she took him in. There was an unfamiliar woman with him, a brunette dressed in jeans and a tank top who looked uncomfortable in the clothes. Her bright blue eyes turned towards Rose, noticing her watching them.

"Come now Leela," the Doctor murmured. "This city was one of the greatest in the history of your ancestors. Paris. Do try to enjoy it."

The brunette, Leela, turned her attention back to the Doctor with a slight frown. "Must I wear these clothes?"

"Your usual attire would attract too much attention," the Doctor replied with a chuckle. "Though this is Paris in the early 21st century so perhaps it wouldn't."

"I don't understand Doctor."

"Paris is a city of experience Leela," the Doctor announced. "You can't just read the guide book. You've got to throw yourself in, eat the food, use the wrong verbs, get charged double and end up kissing complete strangers."

Rose almost laughed at the little speech and Leela's dubious look. Before she could change her mind, Rose all but skipped over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. Leela made a sharp move towards her that the Doctor waved off as he turned to look at her. His eyes were very pale blue, almost grey and looked at Rose curiously. She leaned up and pressed her lips against his firmly, cupping his cheek as a soft sound of surprise escaped him. Rose thought she heard a laugh from Leela, but ignored it for a moment. She might be irritated with future him, but now she at least knew that she'd stolen an earlier kiss of his. Sweet payback for his actions when she was sixteen.

"Enjoy Paris," Rose breathed.

She stepped back, enjoying the shocked, but pleased look on his face. With a grin, Rose dashed off towards the Eiffel Tower, holding in her laughter until she'd put some distance between them. She shook her head, not even bothering to hold back her wide grin as she pulled out her phone and started to navigate her way to Gare de Nord. It was time to go home and deal with the aftermath of her absence.

….Coming Soon….

Kate came to a stop in front of the young woman wearing a very long multicoloured scarf and a lab coat. Her brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail and her brown eyes were largely hidden behind thick glasses. She stood up very straight as they approached and shifted nervously.

"Rose Tyler this is Petronella Osgood," Kate introduced calmly though a smile was tugging at her lips. "Our newest recruit to the Science Department."

"Nice to meet you," Rose greeted even as her eyes lingered on the scarf, remembering the last time she'd seen the Doctor. "Nice scarf."