Child of Earth

By Lumendea

Chapter Fifty-Six: Return of Fenric: Battle of Wolves

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.

…

The words hung in the air, thick and heavy with power. The Doctor's shoulders visibly dropped in relief and his blue eyes closed for a moment. He raised a hand and rubbed it over his face, muttering something too softly to be heard. In the distance, another Time Storm dispersed and the sky overhead eased with the dark clouds beginning to clear. Sirens echoed and damaged branches creaked and cracked.

"That's enough Fenric," Rose's voice echoed and she all but spat the name. "Leave the girl. Relinquish your claim on her."

"Oh…" Fenric's eyes widened, but then it smiled. "It has been a long time, hasn't it. You've reformed…" Fenric paused and eyed her. "Not completely… this is part you and part something else."

"I am the Bad Wolf."

"Bad Wolf," Fenric repeated. A low chuckle escaped Ace's throat. "You do recall that I was the evil one." With a low growl, Fenric looked to the Doctor who was standing near the TARDIS. "I know what this creature is Doctor, don't think you have won."

"I highly doubt you know as much as you think you do Fenric," the Doctor said carefully.

Rose turned to look at him. Those blue eyes were cloudy with worry as they kept moving between her, Athena and Ace. The rush of energy through her body softened at the Doctor's look of near panic. He was watching her again. She could feel his fear and turned her attention back to the threat at hand, the threat against her family, her pack.

"Leave the girl and return your slaves to their own times or you will be destroyed."

"Don't threaten me!" Fenric's eyes narrowed and the tone lowered dangerously. "You were split apart when this universe began! I was strong enough to survive. Don't think you're stronger. I am the stronger of the ancient ones! Don't delude yourself!"

Rose's lips twisted into a slight knowing smirk. The light in her eyes increased. "I know I am the stronger!" She raised a hand and golden dust began to circle around it lazily, shifting with every little twitch of her finger. "I'm not what I used to be, but also more. I am the Bad Wolf and I create myself."

Fenric raised its hand, lightning arching between his fingertips. Bad Wolf just watched it, completely unconcerned. "I do not fear you," Fenric said. Yet there was unease in its voice and Bad Wolf smiled. "I fear nothing."

Lightning arched off Fenric's hand and Ace's body shuddered despite its intentions. There was a layer of sweat on Ace's brow which Bad Wolf's eyes narrowed on. Waving her left hand lazily, Bad Wolf sent forth a wave of golden energy that caught the lightning and snuffed it out. Fenric took a small step back.

"Last chance Fenric. One wolf to another. Leave the girl, end your storms and depart."

Fenric took another step back with thoughtful eyes, but then Ace's features twisted into an angry sneer. Throwing their hands forward, Fenric relished a wave of energy that rushed through the air at Rose. Her hand came up in a casual wave. The energy shimmered with gold and dispersed through the air. Then she focused those glowing eyes on Fenric. Golden energy spun forth, spinning around Ace's figure as Fenric tried to fight back. Then they were immobilised.

"Stop!" Fenric shouted. "Stop! Alright! Alright, you win this time! Lock me up! I'm defeated!"

The Bad Wolf said nothing. She pointed a finger at Fenric and the golden glow intensified. Ace's body convulsed, head being thrown back in a silent scream. Thick green smoke was pulled from her mouth, but it was enveloped by the golden glow. Trendiles of gold swam around Ace's body and lowered her gently to the ground even as the green smoke was surrounded.

"You had your chance old dark wolf," Bad Wolf said. She waved her hand once more and the golden energy overwhelmed the pale green smoke. "There will be no return. No spark to restore yourself from. There will not even be a flicker."

Then the green smoke was gone, crushed and destroyed by the field of gold. Bad Wolf's eyes stared out into the darkness. Then she turned them towards the Doctor. Bad Wolf smiled at him and then breathed out. The power and the world faded. The Doctor shouted for Rose and warm arms caught her as her legs gave out.

….

Groaning softly, Rose tried to open her eyes. Her whole body felt heavy. She was warm and safe, surrounding by a familiar scent. It was a bit different, but some part of her knew that it would be. Still, there was the smell that could only be Time and an underlying smell of the Doctor mixed with chalk and old books. She decided that she liked the new smell as much as she liked the past few smells of his. Feeling safe, Rose forced her other senses to work. Rose could hear voices now. There was an ache all through her body as the song slowly faded. She didn't want it to go, but couldn't stop it from slipping away. It was familiar and yet she couldn't quite place it. The fog was still thick around her and she focused on the voices.

"Athena? How are you feeling?" Rose thought it was the Doctor's voice. The voice was thicker than before, the Scottish burr heavy with worry. A memory of a new face poked at her. "Are you injured?"

"Sore, but I'm fine," Athena's voice answered. "A bit embarrassed at being caught like that." There was a soft groan and the sound of someone moving. "Honestly though Dad how could you let Mum go up against Fenric?"

"Timelines Athena. You know that!" He sounded impatient and worried again. Yes, Rose decided, it was the Doctor. The words were full of guilt. She didn't like that part of his voice and really wished it would go away for good. "Your mother told me to come today and to let things play out!"

"But-"

"Athena, do you honestly believe that I would ever willing risk your Mother?" There was a sharpness to his voice that surprised Rose. "Ever?"

There was a pause and then a loud sigh. "No, sorry Dad. Of course not. You'd never let her be a risk if you could get away with it."

"She's stubborn like that," the Doctor grumbled. "And passed it on to the lot of you."

"She blames it on you," Athena replied. A soft sniff escaped Athena and Rose tried to move and open her eyes. "Melody protected Mum from one of Fenric's army. She regenerated."

"Oh," There was an uncertain tone to his voice. Then he sighed, sounding irritated and resigned all at once. "I'm sure it'll be alright dear. Big things don't change. Melody loves you." His tone was warmer now. "You and Jack. Feelings like that don't change. They transcend even the change of regeneration."

Rose now realised that fingers were running through her hair gently. Someone shifted and she opened her eyes to find herself looking up at the Doctor receiving a hug from Athena. He seemed to be half trying to twist away but then sighed and stilled. Resignation was written all over his face, but despite his grumbling, there was a hint of pleasure in his eyes. Athena giggled and kissed his cheek. Rose's eyes slid closed again even as she smiled.

"I knew this grumpy thing was an act," she said.

"No it isn't," the Doctor huffed. "And don't take what I said as a blessing for you being Jack."

"It's all an act," Athena said happily. Then she relaxed. "Thanks, Daddy. Do you need help with Mum and Ace?"

"No… go and check on Melody." The Doctor shifted Rose and she managed a soft groan. She lifted a hand to grip one of his lapels. Lips brushed her forehead and Rose hummed happily. "And tell her thank you for me."

"I will," Athena promised. "We'll be ready for the link up. Just call when you're ready."

Rose heard her go and the Doctor chuckled slightly. Rose decided that she like his new laugh. It wasn't as big or bold as some of his other laughs, but it was nice none the less. The Doctor lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Then he adjusted her and kissed her forehead.

"I know you're awake, Darling."

"Oh?"

"As long we've been married, I know your breathing patterns," the Doctor said.

"That's nice," Rose muttered. She forced open her eyes again and looked up at him. "What happened?"

"Fenric took on something he shouldn't have."

Rose moved her head slightly to look around. The Doctor's TARDIS was right next to them, doors open and Ace was lying on the ground nearby. She'd been shifted onto her back with her hands folded over her stomach. Rose couldn't see any sign of injury. Her face seemed peaceful, but Rose tensed up a little.

"Is she?"

"She's fine," the Doctor said shortly. The Doctor lifted her off the ground still cradled in his arms. "Let's get you into the TARDIS."

Rose wanted to argue that she could walk, but the Doctor's grip was tight and the thrum of his double hearts against her cheek was comforting. He snapped his fingers, never shifting his arms beneath her shoulders. The doors of the TARDIS swung open and he tenderly took her to one of the armchairs. Rose sighed as he let her go, but her head was clearing. She focused on his blue eyes and felt the last of the tension ease away. The Doctor knelt in front of her, looking at her face in worry. Then he slowly relaxed and leaned forward to brush his lips against him. As he moved away, Rose grabbed his hand.

"I need to get Ace," the Doctor said gently. The fingers of his free hand were moving through her hair in a soothing gesture. "I promise darling that I'll be right back. The children are dealing with the last of the time storms. We'll get those creatures out of New York. It'll all be alright. It's over, I promise."

Nodding, Rose released his hand. He smiled and turned her hand to kiss it gently. Rose watched him swoop out of the TARDIS and closed her eyes for a moment. Gold rippled across the backs of her eyelids as the last of the song faded from her mind. Yet she could feel an echo. Something remained that Rose didn't fully understand, but this time she didn't feel scared of it.

The hum of the TARDIS welcomed the Doctor back as he carried Ace across the console room a few moments later. Standing up slowly, Rose gripped the back of the armchair and shook her head. The last of the fog was clearing from her head leaving her uncertain. Her whole body felt fatigued and her muscles ached. Yet she also felt wide awake and energised like she'd drunk too much caffeine. Something was tugging at her memory and Rose couldn't remember what had happened. She focused her thoughts on Ace and the Doctor.

"Shouldn't we get her to the infirmary?" Rose asked. She looked back at Ace as the Doctor gently set her in one of the armchairs. Her hand came up to rest on the edge of the TARDIS console. "Doctor?"

The Doctor didn't say anything for a moment. He pulled out the sonic screwdriver and ran it around Ace's head. Rose held her breath until his shoulders relaxed. "She's fine," the Doctor said. "Fenric was forced out before any permanent damage was done."

He stood up and moved to her side, repeating the scanning motion with the screwdriver. Rose noted that he didn't look so worried this time and she relaxed. With a small smile, he slipped the sonic screwdriver back into his pocket and covered her hand with his. There was still worry in his eyes and he took her face in thoughtfully.

"Doctor, what happened?" Rose asked. Her voice sounded weak and far away. "I don't… I don't remember."

"Rose, is there anything you do remember?" the Doctor asked. His eyes were fixed on hers with curiosity and a hint of worry swirling in them. "Anything at all?"

"There…" Rose frowned and bit her lower lip. "There was this song. I could hear singing, but then…" She shook her head and sighed in frustration. "No, not really. I can't remember, but is Fenric really gone?"

"Yes Fenric is really gone and for good this time."

"How?"

A beep from the consoles made the Doctor release a slow breath. Rose frowned as he reached for a lever and adjusted the main screen. "I need to finish this," he told Rose. "Then we'll talk. I'll answer the questions I can. I promise."

Sensing that he meant it, Rose nodded and shifted back so the Doctor had access to all the controls. She looked over at Ace who just seemed to be sleeping as the Doctor pressed a few buttons and moved the console screen. Rose glanced back at the Doctor, but he was focusing on something else. She crossed the room to Ace and just to reassure herself laid her fingers against Ace's pulse point. The other woman's pulse was strong and she was breathing in and out regularly.

"Athena, Astra, Alistair," the Doctor called.

Rose turned and watched silently as the screen turned on. It divided into several small areas with faces like a regular video call. Watching them all, Rose noted that Athena's face was familiar, but the others were not. Something twisted in her stomach and she reminded herself that given the Doctor was in his twelfth body it was normal to assume that Alistair and Astra might have regenerated by this point. Ace groaned softly and Rose knelt down next to her, taking her hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Everything in place?" the Doctor asked.

"Yes, Dad," a male voice that wasn't familiar said. "We're ready for the transfer. The link up is secure."

"Good," the Doctor said. "My TARDIS will direct the temporal returns."

"You're reversing the time storms?" Rose asked.

"Not exactly," the Doctor said. "But with a few linked up TARDIS, we can force a temporal shift in beings carrying Artron energy." He adjusted a few buttons. "It's not something I can usually do, but today we can make this short and simple."

Then the Doctor and Rose could only assume the other Time Lords and Time Ladies began a string of technobabble the likes of which she'd never even imagined. The Doctor kept shouting various things as he moved around the TARDIS and added names like Aurora and Alice into the mix in addition to the more familiar ones. Rose tried to follow what was going on, but as the console's central column whirled and lit up and the Doctor's voice was drowned out Rose decided it wasn't worth it.

There were sparks coming on the console and the Doctor snapped something that the TARDIS didn't translate. Rose shifted in front of Ace protectively only for the TARDIS to shudder a moment later. Then everything went still and the TARDIS lights dimmed. Rose had only a moment to worry before the hum of the TARDIS grew louder and the lights were back on.

"Ah there we are!" the Doctor cheered. He rubbed his hands together and moved in front of the screen. "Everyone alright?"

"Fine Dad," several voices answered. Rose felt a bit lightheaded at the sound of their voices.

"Excellent," the Doctor said. Rose could hear a smile in his voice and tentatively stepped away from Ace. "I'll wrap things up here."

The screen went dark and the Doctor pressed a couple more buttons. Then he turned towards her, his coat flaring slightly. It made Rose smile and he held out his hand to her. Without hesitation, Rose left Ace's side and moved up onto the console platform to take the Doctor's hand.

Rose didn't give the Doctor a chance to change his mind about answering her questions. "So did you know what was going to happen?" Rose asked. The memory of his expectant look and worry pushed itself to the front of her mind.

"No," the Doctor answered. He was still staring at her with those fathomless blue eyes. "I didn't, but you will tell me to come and send the others to help. I trust you."

Rose couldn't help but smile at the sentiment even as her unease over her memory taunted her. Shifting nervously, she bit at her bottom lip only for the Doctor's hand to catch her own. Their fingers threaded together and despite herself, she relaxed. Still, she couldn't help but feel guilty over the way he'd been waiting for something to save them. He'd looked so worried and yet had faith in what she told him.

"What is it?" the Doctor asked.

Rose tried to find the right words, but it was difficult. The Doctor was silent and gave her time, lingering at her side and keeping a loose grip on her hand. Finally, her thoughts settled enough that Rose was able to speak.

"Do you get angry at me?" she asked softly. "For all the secrets I mean?" Looking up nervously at the Doctor with her wide brown eyes, Rose braced herself for the worse. "Your ninth self I mean, you must have known that I was keeping things from you-"

"I did," the Doctor agreed. "I knew that there were timelines and out of order meetings in place, but Rose you never taunted me with them. You were honest as much as you could be and I appreciated that." He gave her a soft smile. "Besides you were the one living your day to day life in London, the out of order meetings was on me. Or at least had to happen that way thanks to temporal loops. I'd never blame you for that."

Rose wasn't completely reassured and lowered her eyes. The Doctor brushed a kiss to her forehead. "What else Darling?"

"I'm sorry," Rose apologised. "It's just… I suppose part of me almost believed that the day I left with you would never come."

"Humans," the Doctor chuckled. "No sense of time."

"Not all of us can be Time Lords," Rose replied, rolling her eyes. That got a smile out of him and she took a deep breath. "I didn't trap you did I? You never felt like you had to love me or anything like that?" The Doctor's eyebrows went up and he looked honestly confused. Rose was almost proud of herself, but she still needed an answer. "All the timelines stuff… you weren't trapped by it, right? You didn't… I mean we didn't… it wasn't because something had to happen a certain way right?"

"Ah," the Doctor said. He nodded slightly and then looked ready to laugh until he saw Rose's expression. "No darling, again no." He brought a hand up and tapped her nose fondly. "While I knew I'd meet you again the nature of those meetings wasn't discussed. Aside from using my name with my seventh self you never once indicated the… nature of our future relationship to me and I had to forget that. Everything else was just me helping you save Earth."

"Good," Rose said. She sighed softly in relief. "I didn't- I don't want to be an obligation."

"Believe me, Rose Marion Tyler, I wouldn't have children with an obligation," the Doctor said with a teasing smile. When Rose gave him a look the Doctor just laughed. "Besides your respect for timelines was something I appreciated about you." He leaned down and kissed her. Just a soft teasing kiss. "You were never an obligation. You were and still are my greatest adventure."

Rose blushed, but one look in his eyes reassured her of just how serious he was. Leaning up towards him, Rose sighed happily as he moved to meet her halfway. The Doctor's grip on her tightened, but then a groan from Ace drew their attention towards her. Rose bit her lip and held back the rest of the questions she wanted to ask.