I appreciate any feedback and suggestions for future chapters and plot development
Amy lay curled up in fetal position, Melody held close to her chest protectively, her chest rising and falling as she held her baby close to her. Watching her baby closely, enjoying this feeling, reminding herself that it was real. Knowing that she would never let anyone near her baby again, she would never let anyone touch her baby again. Breathing in her scent as she rested, eventually the exhaustion of the events, her overwhelmed anxiety and stress got the better of her, causing her to collapse. She had stubbornly lasted a few weeks, refusing to sleep, unable to eat, a frightened mother wolf protecting her baby with all of her being. Her body had his preservation mode, unable to go on without consistent exhaustion, lack of food and the stress of it all. The doctor taking Melody from Amy before she collapsed, Rory catching her. Rory, the doctor and River all watched over her as she rested, taking turns to keep watch and make sure she was never on her own. Assuring nothing would happen to her, as they began the long journey to the shadow proclamation. The doctor flew his ship, but occasionally let River take over when he was too exhausted. River making sure they all ate, slept and rested, protecting her family with every fibre of her being. Her mother, her father and her husband, the people closest to her heart. Madam Kovarian wouldn't find them here, she would relentlessly hunt them down for revenge, hoping to reclaim Melody and her mother. But she underestimated how angered the doctor was, how dangerous he was, how dangerous his companions were.
The doctor gazed down at Amy with a sense of tenderness and relief, seeing glimpses of her childhood self. She was out like the dead, undisturbed, peaceful slumber, showing no signs of nightmares or panic attacks so far, but it was a waiting game. He hadn't seen Amy sleep in weeks, she had been on high alert until her body gave in, he knew it was only a matter of time. She had slept for hours and maybe more, Melody soothed by her mothers scent, gurgling beside her mother. She knew she was with people who would keep her safe, she knew her mothers scent, her protector.
"I can take over here" Rory responded, appearing behind the doctor, he wondered how long he had been stood there. Looming over her, her childhood best friend. The man who appeared in her life so suddenly, turned it upside down and unintentionally ruined it. He felt wary of the doctors presence, how ever since Amy met him she had faced danger repeatedly. She had put herself at risk, hoping to impress the doctor and have an adventure. Scaring him, fearing for his fiancé now turned wife. He had nearly lost her, Amy being replaced without him ever realising it. His unborn baby and the love of his life. This was the worst thing that had happened to either of them and he would never stop reminding the doctor of that.
"How is she?" The doctor asked curiously, his tone insistent, he knew Rory held a grudge, he was resentful of what had happened. His wife was kidnapped while pregnant and he had known the whole time. He had known about Amy being a ganger, he knew about Amy being abducted by someone but not who. He'd traced her signal before he had found a lock on it, he had come to rescue her and managed to get them into the Tardis safely. But Rory would always be distrusting of him, he would always be bitter towards him, that he had allowed Amy to fall into such danger. That he hadn't informed him, warned him.
Rory didn't look at him, sitting on the edge of the bed, stroking his fingers across Amy's cheek tenderly, he was still terrified she would disappear on him again, that she wasn't his Amy, she was in fact a Ganger. He remembered when the doctor revealed she was a ganger, watching her turn into a puddle in front of him. Realising that all of the adventures, all of their memories, they were all one sided. He had been accompanying a ganger the whole time. But the doctor had assured her she was still Amy, a human, as was his baby daughter. He'd done excessive scans to assure him that this was his Amy. "She's slept for hours, like the dead, she's been clutching Melody to her like a lifeline. She staved off sleep as much as possible, riding adrenaline, after a while she couldn't cope anymore" Rory hummed. He had never seen Amy like this, but then it was expected, she needed rest, but she'd been too scared to sleep, living her nightmares in reality. She'd known the worst fear any mother, especially a new mother could ever face.
"She'll be fine, the body can only handle so much stress before it goes into preservation mode. Given all she's endured, it was only a matter of time before she reached her limit, though due to her strong spirit she lasted longer than most" The doctor pressed. Amy would recover in time, she would slowly return to the Amy they knew and loved, but it would take time and patience. She had always been a fighter, that wasn't an argument. As scared as he knew Rory was, she would get better, he needed to understand that. If he had sensed Amy was in critical condition, that she would possibly die, he would be a lot more panicked. She was alive, she would overcome this. She'd been through unimaginable torment and grief, her mental and physical wellbeing had been effected severely.
"And whose fault is that?" Rory spat, glaring at the doctor bitterly, if Amy had been safe, if she had never been kidnapped. She wouldn't be in this state, this never would have happened. Amy was always putting herself in danger for his sake and it got her kidnapped, along with their unborn daughter. His family had been thrown into the mix, dragged into the worst situation possible, the dark side to travelling with the doctor. He knew by the stories the doctor never told, all his vast secrets. This was not the only time he had failed to protect a friend. He could only imagine what past companions of the doctor had been through, innocent lives ruined and how it effected them. He knew River would have learned about them, informing herself on what kind of man the doctor was and how she still loved him. The doctor scared him, and yet he still trusted him partially, which confused him even more.
The doctor wilted, he had expected rage from both of them but instead Rory projected enough for both of them. He deserved this kind of reaction, Rory was frightened, he had nearly lost his wife, their happy family ripped apart. Damage had been inflicted that couldn't be undone, Amy was scarred, traumatised and broken. This had been his fault, he hadn't been careful enough, he'd known about Amy being a Ganger for months but remained silent. But he had his methods and reasons, as cruel as it had been, he needed to locate her signal, so that he could retrieve her. The real Amy was abducted from earth shortly after she was impregnated, held hostage while she developed. If he had known, maybe he could have prevented it from happening, he wished he could have protected her sooner. The little girl whose garden he fell into during his regeneration, sitting in her kitchen eating fish custard and forming a friendship. The lonely little girl who called him her best friend. "Rory, I'm sorry, I know saying it will never be enough, but know I mean it" The doctor soothed. The remorse and guilt he felt, the heartache and anger, no matter how many times he said it, it would never be enough.
"She's back, that's all that matters, you saved her, but don't think I'll ever forget this" Rory warned, the doctor had enemies and those enemies knew about himself and Amy, then tried to weaponise their baby. Amy was safely in the tardis now, in person this time, no ganger, no replicant, no false version. She was somewhere protected and out of reach and he would never let her go again. But he would never stop remembering their friendship with the doctor had led to this, their alliance with him was the cause. The doctor bowed his head, leaving Rory with Amy, unable to speak. Rory needed time, they all did, the wounds were still fresh and the memories still lingered.
The doctor entered the main room, River standing by the controls as she flew the ship, as if it just came naturally to her. The Tardis itself telepathically taught her how to fly them, but another incarnation of himself had been a teacher to her too. She never failed to impress him, never failed to surprise him, constantly leaving him in awe. She was a woman that seemed like she was forged in the pages of a book, but in truth she was merely her parents child. Knowing the timelord genes that were infused into her using the technology, before she discarded her genes to save him, she would innately know how to fly the Tardis, it was in her blood. Despite all that was happening around her, she'd remained calm, solemn and secretive. The chaos that was going on in her mind, the conflicted feelings, resurfaced memories and more, he could only imagine how this was taking a toll on her.
She gazed up at him, her expression softening and a warm smile forming on her lips "Hello sweetie" she teased. She'd overheard Rory speaking to him, after impatiently waiting for his watch to come. Emotions were high, they were all scared, tired and stressed. There was more to come, a future had been altered, all of their futures, a weight left on their shoulders. She would have to become a mediator to help them cope, coming between any fights and doing what she could to comfort them. The tardis could sense something was wrong, reacting to all of their emotions accordingly.
"I'm surprised you can keep going, aren't we due a tea break?" he asked, she herself hadn't rested, slept or eaten in weeks, around the clock diligence. River was built to be a fighter, she wasn't like normal humans, she had infused timelord DNA in her. Something her other self would never have, she would never be experimented on. He could see the weakness behind her eyes, how frightened she was, how tired. He would happily take care of her, make offerings and distractions, anything that helped ease the pain. They could find somewhere to eat, somewhere to hide, somewhere to stay, anything that would make her happy.
River smiled playfully, the concern for her wellbeing never failed to warm her heart, how big his two hearts were. How despite how stupid he could be, he never failed to care. He always understood the things she never said, noticed things most people didn't. He knew she was hurting, but he found ways to make her feel better. Such as using his regeneration energy to heal her wounds "Oh don't worry, I have quite the stamina" she winked. If she asked him to, he would do anything for her, she made the request he would do it. But what she wanted more than anything was for him to be safe, to know how loved he was. She wanted to hide away with the doctor for eternity, a place where nobody else could reach them. The doctor smirked, another fact about River that he wasn't naive to, the person Melody would grow up to be someday. Her mothers mischievous flirtatious nature, but had her fathers stubborn, responsible, compassionate side. Not many would realise it, not unless they could recognise it, how alike she was to her parents. This woman would become his wife, this woman would become his soulmate, the most important woman in his life. They would not only share a romantic relationship, but an intense sexual one and emotional connection like no-one else, she was someone constant in his life, time and fate bringing them together repeatedly, they were meant for each other.
"How was father dearest?" she asked, she had overheard how angry he sounded, she understood why he was being so protective, but he needn't project that onto the doctor. As much as she loved her parents, she also loved the doctor, her responsible side would allow her to confront her father on how he was not helping. The reality of how this situation was messier than they could have expected. The doctor never could have foreseen what his enemies were willing to do.
"He's angry, but he has every right to be, after what happened to Amy, both of you. He's scared to let you out of his sight" he sighed. Rory had a big heart, he was empathetic, compassionate, something he passed onto his daughter. He had been expecting to be a first time father, sharing this moment with his wife and learning together. But he ended up finding out in the worst way possible, after having to save her life. After having rescued them both, he had gone into protection mode, going above and beyond to keep them safe. Rory had loved Amy his whole life, his childhood sweetheart, he planned on living his life with her, children included. Now after having their firstborn, Amy was rendered infertile.
"He'll cool off, its barely been a week, maybe two, he's still hurting, he's still heightened. He needs time" River reassured him. Rory's emotions were still raging, he was hurting for himself, he was hurting for Amy and their baby. He was scared of how much danger they had all been in, what could have happened and knowing what they had been through. He needed time to process his emotions, time to forgive and time to forget. The fact that they were all trapped in the tardis together meant they couldn't avoid one another. Rory wore his heart on his sleeve just as River did, he would do anything to protect the ones she loved, just like River would. She understood her fathers emotions and thought process.
The doctor reached out to squeeze her hand softly, speaking to her, he could feel himself healing, working through his own trauma and grief. He felt less alone, he felt less like the enemy. River was his rock, she helped keep him sane, he need only look into her deep brown eyes and it all made sense. She perceived all of his emotions accurately, she knew what he was thinking, feeling, she knew all of his plans and schemes. She knew him better than anyone, more than any past companion he had ever shared his life with, she'd known him her whole life, like mother, like daughter. She was conceived in the Tardis, within the time vortex, she was born to two residents of the Tardis. She knew his birth name of Galifrey, she knew of his biology and his heart. They had conversed when she was a baby, due to his communication skills, soon he would be part of her life, as she grew from a baby, to a toddler, into a teenager and then an adult. Now at the worst of times, she was still comforting him, when her whole life was being turned upside down, re-written. The Melody they had saved, she wouldn't be kidnapped by the Silence, she wouldn't be mentally conditioned into becoming an assassin, she wouldn't be trained into becoming an assassin. She wouldn't be stolen from her parents, she would know a happy and normal childhood. She would know her parents, she wouldn't have timelord DNA. "What about you? She's your mother River, that's you she's sleeping beside upstairs, being held by her" he reminded her. The way River was only held by her mother once, after she was born and before she was taken away. She never knew this kind of maternal love, Kovarian never loved her or treated her like a child. She never knew this kind of love.
"I know, I can sense her memories, she'll remember this" River sighed, she could sense how calm and happy her other self was. Happy, curious, calm and loved, a normal baby. She would remember her time in the tardis, within the cradle that the doctor made for her. She would be told stories by her parents of where she came from, how her parents met and of the doctor. She would someday meet her other self and be forced to tell her about how she was her alternate self, from another future. River smiled sadly "It's too late to change my past, I can't undo what Kovarian did to me, but I can protect her, assure she doesn't suffer my future". She could never undo what happened, her abduction at the hands of Kovarian, her mental conditioning, being infused with Timelord DNA, how she was cloned and had many siblings made of her genes. How she escaped, sacrificed her regenerations to save the man she loved, how she was forced into the spaceman suit, forced to shoot the doctor. She would never get that part of her life back, but she could protect the future of her alternate self.
The doctor cupped her face fondly, he could sense her pain, her sadness, her wounded inner child that watched her parents from afar. The wounded inner child that only ever wanted her parents, who only ever wanted her family. Looking into those eyes, those hazel brown eyes, he could see how lonely she was, the broken girl on the inside. The wounded inner child that was ripped from her parents, scared to lose anyone, scared to be alone, scared of not being loved. He had searched time and space to find this Melody, to bring her back to her parents and failed, but was relieved to know she was safe. But the other melody she would grow up to be, it would change this River's entire future. Time could be rewritten and hers was. He and River, they shared the same soul, the same loss, the same heartache, she understood him at his worst, his darkest, his lowest, she loved him even when he became the villain. She kept him sane, she kept him safe, she made sure he never fell that far, but somehow she was still his sunshine. How would the melody he saved turn out to be, nurtured and loved by her parents, experiencing different life events, protected and guarded. Would she still become the woman he fell in love with? "River Song, I can see so much of Amy in you..." he trailed off.
"Like mother like daughter" she laughed, she had so much of her mother in her, she had so much of her personality. The friends she met, the companions she knew, she had all told them of her parents. Very few were privy to her parents, how they met, aside from them being from earth in origin, they never knew why she never spoke of them, why she never visited. She would always fight for the ones she loved, she would do anything for them, just like her mother. Her ruthless nature, she got that from Amy too. The Melody they saved, she would at least have a relationship with her mother, but Amy would never forget the baby she couldn't save.
"You are loved River, you might not want to believe it, you might question it, but you are loved" he reminded her. River had spent her childhood alone and frightened, raised by the doctors enemies. Hoping and praying the doctor would find her, that he would save her and take her home, but he never did. She had been used as a weapon her whole life, her captors using manipulation tactics, causing River to fear them. Her mental conditioning made her obedient, but only so she would never escape. She questioned how someone like herself could ever be loved by anyone, whether she was deserving of love, despite her compassion proving otherwise. He loved River so deeply, he was always with her, even when she wasn't there, she was always in his heart and his mind. He was sure he would love her for eternity.
River felt her eyes stinging, she had loved the doctor her whole life, he was her first and only love. She had experienced many affairs, many romances and many crushes, but she had never loved anyone the way she had the doctor. He reminded her of how precious she was, how important she was and how irreplaceable she was in his life. How far she would go for him scared her. She trusted the doctor more than anyone, whatever ideas he had, whatever plans she would follow. Even when his past selves would never recognise her, even when she met the doctor she hadn't met yet, she still loved him. "I love you, I love my parents, but how far I'd go for you doctor, it scares me sometimes" she whimpered.
"I love you River, I think you helped me fall in love with someone all over again, after all my incarnations and all my grievances, you helped heal my heart more than anyone has. I'm your doctor, your husband" he reflected. He healed her in ways he never thought a person could, he found himself falling for her in a way he didn't understand himself. She was like a ghost in his memory, imprinted onto his psyche, consuming every part of him. Their playful banter, innate chemistry, emotional bond and tenderness, a married couple.
Rose had been the first human he ever loved after the war, after Galifrey, after he lost all of his people, broken, angry and hurting. He wanted to impress her, he loved to belittle her when she did something human such as make a mistake, but he had cared for her, two of his incarnations had. He regretted dragging her into his mystical and wonderful life of travelling, only to lose her in a parallel universe. She had become obsessed with him, to the extent it consumed her, all rational thought eluded her when she was with him. He loved Rose, but it could never last. Wishing he had erased her memory like Donna, so she could still live a normal life.
Martha had loved him, he'd been cruel to her and never appreciated her enough, he tried to use her as a replacement for Donna. Trying to fix what he broke, taking her to similar places as he had Rose. Reliving memories, moments, as if she wasn't there, forgetting how his actions hurt her. When he chose to become human, to hide from an enemy, never considering what she would be subjected to. She was brave, loyal, underestimated and under appreciated, something he later regretted for how he treated her. She had loved the wrong person and she had her life ruined by him, but somehow she fought through and made something of herself. Joined unit, became a medical doctor and married Mickey, she had at least been the best off.
Donna Noble, the most important woman in the world, the woman who saved it and would never remember, cursed to think she was never enough, his best friend, his emotional and platonic soulmate. Working multiple jobs, picking up many skills, quick witted, sarcastic but empathetic, headstrong, with an attitude and sass that was admirable. The person he regretted hurting the most, the person who loved him platonically, that was never threatened by any past companion. Who only ever wanted the doctor to be happy. Whose memory he wiped despite her begging him not to, never able to remember as it would rip her mind apart. River had known Donna, befriended her, fought alongside her, she knew of her past.
Then he met Amy, Rory and River, his family, the people whom adopted him and helped him adapt to life on earth, but also loved him. The only people able to match his personality, put him in his place and thought similarly to him. Amy was the only person capable of scaring him, accepting that she was the one in charge at all times. Amy's temper, wild spirit, passion and loyalty were admirable and often helped them on missions, her endless devotion, loyalty and love, always resourceful. She wasn't afraid to fight an enemy, she loved showing off on occasion and was full of life. Her soul was as bright as her hair, she loved adventures and hid the insecurities and fear within herself. She had stated on more than one occasion how precious the doctor was to her and how she wasn't afraid to become the villain to protect him. Rory was the most rational, loyal and patient, his medical care helping on more than one occasion, he knew when was the limit, not afraid to get angry and smarter than he looked. He was hopelessly in love with Amy and often felt he loved his wife way more than she loved him. Rory was often in awe of his wife and the doctor at times, following after them and enjoying the experiences. Though often seen as a pushover, wallflower and whipped by Amy, he was a loving, patient and compassionate person. If he sensed someone was hurt he would rush to help them, if he sensed danger he was the first to consider the wellbeing of everyone else.
River had inherited both traits from her parents, but Amy was the most obvious, the doctor fell in love with Melody Pond harder than he had anyone in his life. She was the one who fell in love first, but he fell harder, going as far as to share diaries of their adventures together. What started as a boyish crush on River grew to genuine affection and care and what was first love for her, grew into devoted affection. He missed her when she was gone, she always lingered on his mind and the thrill he got from chasing her across the galaxy. Always wondering what she was getting up to, what adventures she was experiencing with another version of himself. The game of cat and mouse, how he merely had to look into her eyes to feel whole and safe. The comfortable silence, their flirtatious banter and how she was the only woman to tell him to shut up no matter her mood. She was as tactical as he was, as emotional as he was, their souls bonded. He wiped a tear from River's eye with his thumb, she had suffered enough over the course of her life, she had known enough pain and sadness. He couldn't predict how much more she would experience, but he hoped she would be safe and happy. He leaned forward slowly to kiss her lips, soft, warm and a hint of sweetness, the scent of her expensive perfume, how soft her skin was. Kissing her, he felt his skin tingle, both his hearts flutter, a boyish excitement filled him. His kiss saying he loved her, he needed her and he would protect her.
River reached out to grip his wrist, silently communicating back with him, the way he kissed her was like nothing else. The way it said so many words and yet meant the same thing; I need you, I want you, I missed you, I love you. The way the doctor owned her heart and the way she had moulded herself into his. Her doctor, the way he always knew what to say, how to ease her soul, how she loved him. She was safe, her doctor was safe, her parents were safe. Her fears were far away, she could breathe and enjoy the moment.
Amy roused from her sleep, mumbling softly, her eyes slowly opening, pulling herself from her dreams, the deep slumber that consumed her. The sound of the whirring of the Tardis, the echoing noises all around her, the distance sound of speaking. That's right, the doctor saved her, the doctor found her and he came for her. He rescued her from demons run, he came back for her. She was away from that frightening place, away from the around the clock surveillance, she was away from her captors. She mumbled sleepily, nuzzling against the warmth of the bed, reaching out to touch her baby, her hand touching the sheets, expecting a soft, warm body beside her. To her dismay her hand remained outstretched, the bed was empty. Her eyes snapped open, her heart racing loudly, She sat up instantly, her eyes wide, her body on red alert. She looked around the room panicked, expecting to be trapped in her cell, no she was definitely still in the tardis. Sorting through the sheets, her hands frantically ripping through the bed, unable to find her baby, still alone in the bed. Bolting from the room, rushing through the Tardis hysterically, her entire being seeking out her baby, fear setting in like no other, her breathing rapid, heaving, her voice wobbling, nearly screaming. No, this couldn't be happening, this had to be a nightmare, they had escaped, she had rescued her baby. Tears blinding her eyes as she ran through the tardis on red alert, the salty taste hitting her lips.
"Melody?! Melody?!" she called, her voice frantic, filled with pain and anxiety, desperate for someone to respond to her. Where was her baby, where was she? She was right beside her, wrapped in her arms. She felt a sickening fear fill her, a panic like no other, remembering the eye patched woman who always watched, always observed her. The woman who tried to take her baby. Had she come back? How had she entered the Tardis? How had she gotten through the shield? What if she never left demons run? What if this was all a dream? "Rory! Doctor" she wept, begging someone would hear her. Someone had to come, someone had to help her.
Rory came running, bolting towards the sound of her voice, nearly tripping as he did so, the sound of Amy's desperate cries for help rousing him from sleep. Rushing towards her, holding her closely, cupping her face "Amy? Amy what's the matter?" he soothed, his voice caring. Had she had another nightmare? A panic attack? A night terror? Had she another dream of Demons run? Madam Kovarian? Had she remembered something? He wanted to know what had upset her and how he could make it better.
"Melody! She... she's gone, I... I was just holding her, I fell asleep... she was right beside me" she wept, she'd stayed awake for so long, so she could protect her. She had held her close in her arms, pressed to her chest, where she could always protect her. Listening for her babies crying, listening for her babies whimpers and sounds. So she knew when to comfort her, when she needed to be fed. She never let her out of her sight, not for a moment, so how could she be gone? They needed to find her, they needed to save her, how had none of them noticed or realised?
River soon appeared, hearing her mothers distress and came running, standing in the doorway and panicking, prepared to use the gun on her holster. She saw the tearstained face of her mother, the worried look on her fathers face. She wondered what had woken her and what had caused her such distress, calmly approaching them both "What's happened?" she questioned. Whatever was wrong she would try to help, nothing could hurt them, they were in the doctors ship. She would never let anyone hurt them. She knew her mother was still traumatised by her abduction, the trauma of it consumed her. Filling her every waking moment, even her dreams.
Fresh tears spilled down Amy's cheeks, biting her lip to stifle sobs, trying to calm herself enough to focus her words "Melody.. she.. you're... gone..." she wept. She pressed herself to Rory's chest, sobbing as she buried herself into him, her shoulders trembling. Where was her baby? She was right by her side but a moment ago. Wracking her brain for what could have occurred, what could have happened.
River softened, before her gaze became annoyed, he was sneaky, he always knew how to escape and get into places without being seen. He had managed to get ahold of her while Amy was unconscious. However, he hadn't warned any of them of what he was doing, most of the time he never tended to think about that. He had entered Amy's room while she was passed out, Melody possibly having woken for any reason and decided to keep her company. "That bloody idiot" she huffed.
"What?" Rory asked curiously, River knew something, she knew where Melody was. Well where her infant self was, what had happened to her. Holding Amy to his chest as he calmed her down. Now was not the time for secrets, now was the time for answers as he didn't want Amy to be upset further. River was as elusive as the doctor sometimes, keeping many secrets from all of them.
"The doctor, he checked on you often, making sure you didn't have nightmares and had enough blankets, he even left water for you. When Rory stopped checking due to overexerting himself too. The doctor sent me to check on you. He let me fly the ship while he babysat melody... well me. I'm sure they are deep in conversation" River explained. He had made sure never to disturb Amy, knowing how much she needed rest after her endeavours, even when Rory needed rest. Watching over his friends closely and making sure they had everything they needed. Melody needed attention, she needed comfort, she needed to be taken care of. All of them were exhausted and around the clock guarding was only going to last so long. The doctor had a close bond with her rooted from infancy, around now was when their bond would begin to blossom.
Amy softened, her mind calming as she put the pieces together, remembering when the doctor first met melody, speaking to her telepathically translating her language as an infant thanks to the tardis and timelord genes. He had met her for the first time after finding demon's run, joking around with her, hearing her stories. The doctor promised he would find her baby and keep her safe, which he had and continued to do so. He always knew how to communicate with her, sharing a bond, sometimes keeping secrets from Amy and Rory when necessary. "But... I would have known" Rory mumbled, he would have heard the footsteps, he would have heard movement, he would have heard someone coming.
River gave them both a sympathetic expression, their fears were rational and they had been through so much. She had known this was going to happen, but not that this timeline would be changed. "Father dear, you and mother are both exhausted, when she fell asleep with me in her arms you checked on us. Before you were so tired you fell asleep yourself. I got hungry, so the doctor took over babysitting for some time while you both rested" she smiled. Both of them were sleeping like the dead, both of them had endured enough trauma. They needed one another more than ever, trauma that they would eventually overcome. The doctor obviously found food she could eat, milk though not from Amy. He made sure she was fed, comforted and entertained.
"And who was flying?" Rory questioned, if the doctor was watching their baby then who was flying the tardis? Were they merely floating in mid space? Were they hovering? He had no idea how it worked.
River smiled, the doctor trusted her with the ship, she was the only person he trusted with the ship aside from himself "Who else?" she teased, pointing at herself. She had made sure their course was steady and they were headed in the right direction. She knew the ship as well as himself, she knew all the quirks. She belonged in the tardis, though not for long periods of time.
Amy wandered into the control room, still shaken and nervous, her eyes scanning the room before she noticed the doctor. Her familiar raggedy man, her knight in shining armour, always reliable. Pacing around the control area while holding Melody in his arms, his eyes bright and excited, speaking to Melody about stories, very deep in discussion, she was very calm, well behaved and even giggled. Just as River promised, she was safe, the doctor was indeed keeping an eye on her, educating her on the world. He was so good with her, naturally paternal, he knew just what she needed and how to calm her, making Amy wonder if he had ever once had children of his own. The doctor never spoke about his past, his home, would he ever have children with River someday? She licked her lips, her anxiety lessening "Doctor?" she questioned.
The doctor turned to face her, his face softening into a warm smile "Amy? We were just talking about you, good rest?" he asked. She looked scared, but she had rested well, the same frail and exhausted state he had been in earlier was healed. The dark circles under her eyes were no longer visible, she was less pale and she looked better. He hadn't heard her wake up and only heard her cries for help earlier, but knew River would handle it. He comforted Melody as her mother cried, knowing it would distress her. Amy walked towards him, knowing her baby was in safe hands, knowing the doctor would do anything to protect her. He looked so natural holding her, technically this made her his mother in law, given his later marriage to her adult daughter. They were family, in the strongest of ways and she would trust nobody else with her baby. She gazed upon her baby, her deep brown eyes, so beautiful, so bright, so full of life, giggling and chirping with the doctor like old friends. She would watch her grow up, she would get to raise her, nurture her and teach her all about life. All about the world, all about the life she would lead. But of course, knowing what he would become to her, knowing they would fall in love, marry even, their bond had to come from somewhere. The doctor would be a consistent part of her life, he would always be nearby and River would always chase him. She reached out, gently stroking her babies face tenderly. "Sorry for scaring you like that, Rory was in no state to take care of her and River sent him to get some sleep. She couldn't hold her infant self, paradox and all, so I decided to babysit" he smiled. He knew Amy was still very fragile, she was still healing and adapting, the last thing he wanted to do was scare her.
Amy gently punched his arm, not hard enough to scare Melody but enough to show how angry she was. At a time like this he should have known better "Don't scare me like that Doctor, please" she begged. The doctor was very precious to her, she always hoped he would tell her everything, within reason. Her baby was back in her arms, her daughter was back with her parents, they were away from their enemies. But the fear that this was too good to be true still lingered, she couldn't go through that again. She would never be safe, she would never lower her guard, she would always be haunted by the events that occurred.
The doctor saw the anxiety in her eyes, the desperation, the fear, she was traumatised by all she had endured, she was abandoned for most of her life by her family. All new mothers had anxiety, they doubted themselves and had endless questions. But Amy's fears had come from a cruel place, a deep seated trauma no parent ever wanted to experience, every new mothers nightmare. She had ptsd from being abducted, held hostage and observed repeatedly by Kovaria and her soldiers. She would never fully recover from what happened to her, he knew she would never be the same again. Mentally part of her would always remember demons run, she would always remember her time there, though she would hide it well. Having had her baby nearly ripped from her, fear of being abandoned, fear of never being found, fear of losing her baby, that any of this was real. Depressed at how she was made infertile, sterilised by Kovarian, how she would never be able to have any more children of her own. At how her life, her future was permanently changed by the silence. "Amelia pond, the girl who waited. I know how much I mean to you, how much Rory means to you, how much Melody means to you. I know how tired you are, how scared you are. I know you still see your demons and part of you is still in demons run. I know part of you is terrified they will come back and take it all away from you again. I know you have trouble sleeping, the nightmares and panic attacks. All the people who abandoned you, forgot you and left you behind when you were small. I would never let anything happen to Melody. I would never scare you like that and I'm sorry if I did" he soothed. Amy idolised him, she had looked up to him since she was a small girl. She had been on many adventures with him, she had told everyone of her imaginary friend and waited for him to come back. He knew he had let her down in the past and caused her to develop trust issues as a result, but she loved him dearly. But he made her a promise he would get her daughter back and he did, he knew how scared she was of it all being ripped away from her. He wouldn't let Amy lose her family again, he wouldn't let that timeline happen.
Rory's expression changed to surprise, the genuine remorse for his actions, no tantrum, no argument, no excuses, he hadn't expected that from the doctor. Instead he took responsibility, admitted his mistake and explained himself. "How... how is she?" Amy asked, closely watching her baby within the doctors arms. Hoping her daughter was well, healthy and safe. In the brief time they had been apart, what had they done to her, what had been changed?
The doctor smiled "Oh, she's very talkative, lot to speak, the future mind of a scientist and archaeologist. A big imagination and she's certainly got your attitude. But she's settled, but I worry she's going to get grumpy soon as she's hungry..." he trailed off. She had a bright and brilliant mind just like her mother, so full of life and so curious. He could see glimpses of the person she would become shining through. He loved sharing conversations, secrets between himself and River that her parents would never know about until she was older. She could achieve anything she wanted, the sky was the limit. He was so proud of the life she and Rory had created and he was honoured to be involved in Melody's life.
Amy approached, pressing her nose softly to Melody's head, breathing her in, kissing her head delicately, smiling to herself. She had never seen herself as a mother, she had never seen herself ever having children. But the moment she became a mother, she knew she would love and protect her daughter with her life. The doctor softly handed Melody to Amy, watching her cradle her in her arms, smiling fondly, lulling Melody, reassuring herself. Her eyes softening, an expression of love forming on her face "I... Thank you doctor, I... when I woke up I thought she would be beside me where I left her, when she wasn't I.." she trailed off. She had assumed the worst, she had gone into hysterics and been prepared to rip the tardis apart. More than that she had probably scared them all with her reaction.
"No... I should have told you, you're natural response was to fear the worst..." the doctor apologised, Amy had every reason to react the way she had, she'd already been through hell and back. She was a first time mother, this was her daughter, her innate maternal instincts would do anything to protect her baby. However, he wouldn't allow Amy to shoulder it alone, nor would Rory, they would keep her safe and protected. They would help her through this, they would support her in any way they could. Enough people in his life had suffered, enough people had known trauma and their lives had been changed permanently. If he would do right by anyone it would be the ponds.
"I'll take care of her, maybe help mother find a spare pair of clothes" River smiled, she was still wearing the same white hospital scrubs from demons run, she hadn't changed. She needed to feel like herself again, she needed to feel comfortable in her own skin. There would still be her clothes and many more in the wardrobe she could choose from, something more comfortable. She and Amy could have a talk, get something off their chests and allow Amy to grieve and mourn. She gently placed her hand on Amy's lower back, leading her away to the Tardis wardrobe. Rory stood by the doctor, watching Amy being led away by their adult daughter, while their baby still rested in his arms. He knew she would be in goods hands with River, she knew she would take care of her. But it still hurt to watch his wife like this and feel so helpless.
The doctor knew what he was going to say, he knew what he was thinking "Don't say anything Rory, I didn't do it intentionally, Melody woke up before Amy did and you were fast asleep, I had to do something" The doctor responded. He couldn't ignore Melody, they were connected, he knew her heart and her mind. Amy needed rest, time and space, she needed patience and she needed support. She couldn't watch over Melody around the clock and she needed to recover. He would happily act as a carer to their daughter while they were occupied.
Rory wilted, he knew he had been harsh and he felt bad for assuming the worst of the doctor. He was shouldering grief, guilt and pain like the rest of them, it just felt good to vent it at someone. He couldn't be mad at the doctor, he had done the right thing, Melody trusted him, she had a bond with him. He could see how settled she was in his arms, how she smiled at him. He was just angry, that he never realised Amy was replaced with a Ganger, that she was abducted, that she was experimented on. He hated that this had happened to his wife and he never knew. "Thank you..." he mumbled.
Amy sat in the wardrobe of the tardis, rows and rows of endless clothes, all outfits worn by past companions and friends of the doctor. She remembered the first moment they met when she was small, when he appeared in her garden just as he was regenerating. Sitting in her kitchen table having a late night snack together. They all looked the same to her, she never knew if she would ever feel like herself again. Some that had probably never been touched, but she couldn't bring herself to move, bring herself to choose, just sitting in a state of shock. She wanted to go home but she knew that wasn't going to happen, Kovarian would just trace her back to earth and abduct her again. She felt so alone, she felt so confused and so scared. "A good shade of red would bring out your eyes, maybe something green too" River smiled, sorting through clothes, she had always wanted to play dress up with someone. She never had the chance when she was small, she had never had that kind of freedom. Now she could use it as a bonding method with her mother, now she could truly share a mother daughter relationship with Amy. Amy didn't respond, vacantly staring into the oblivion, not speaking a word, it was like she was on autopilot. "Amy?" River asked patiently, hoping her mother would respond, she was worried about her. She knew the reasons for her mother's mood and behaviour, she knew the cause. Amy would speak about it when she was ready to, but for now she would happily distract her with something safe. Amy didn't move, she had been so scared, so afraid, it was as if she was reliving that hell all over again. The adrenaline from the panic attack still surging through her, she felt spacey, her body still trembling. Believing that her daughter was ripped from her arms once again, that she was lost. She wondered if she would ever overcome this, if she would ever be herself again, or if her trauma would consume her. River softened, approaching Amy patiently, reaching out to grasp her hand softly, her heart ached as she watched her mother in such turmoil. She wished she could make it better, undo what happened, but it was a fixed point in time. All she could do was help her mother through this and patiently wait for her to make a full recovery "Mum" she pressed, her tone hesitant. Amy's head snapped upwards, in the direction of River's voice, responding to the word, her eyes glinting with concern and shock. She was still getting used to the fact that mere weeks ago she had become aware of her pregnancy. She was still adapting to the fact she was even a parent at all, knowing her baby wouldn't say those words for a long time. But hearing them from River's mouth, it felt strange, different but not uncomfortable. The desperate neediness of River's tone, like a scared little girl asking for reassurance from her mother. River smiled softly "I... I know everything is intense right now, the normal dynamic you knew has changed, you'll never be the same person you were. But... I want to help you, the doctor wants to help you, dad wants to help you. We're all here for you and we love you" she pressed.
Amy's eyes stung with tears, she had never thought she would be receiving comfort from her adult version of her daughter "I... it's like I'm in a dream, like I'm not really here. Like I'll wake up and I'll still be trapped" she trailed off. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she was really here, like the dream where you were falling but were actually just sliding out of bed. Her mind and body were still processing that she escaped, that she was safe, no longer being held captive.
River smiled "I know that feeling all too well, you don't know if you can trust yourself, it's like you feel like your mind is playing tricks on you" she soothed. When she broke free of her conditioning, when she got her free will back. When she was free of the control of Kovarian and the silence, when she became her own person at last. She knew Amy was frightened, questioning herself, and she had every reason to feel that way. "You aren't alone, you may feel it, but all of us would do anything for you, you don't know how far dad, the doctor or myself would go for you" squeezing her mother's hand tightly.
Amy stared in shock, wondering if her mind had just misheard what she had just said, had River just called her mother? Approached her in parental terms instead of merely as a friend. She had never heard her adult child call her that before, she had only ever addressed her as first name before, it felt strange, but it also felt comforting, natural. Like it was always supposed to be that way, this was her daughter, in an alternate universe what she would have become. If she never saved her from Kovarian, if she had never escaped from that place "River..." she pressed. River looked up at her patiently, her eyes hesitant and yet patient. "You... can call me mum, if you want to, I mean... I am after all..." she stammered.
River softened, a sense of hope and warmth forming on her face, being able to openly address her parents, refer to them as she had always wanted. She felt her heart aching with relief, sadness and love, tears stinging her eyes "I'd like that" she hummed.
Amy stared in the mirror of the tardis dressing room, she felt comfortable, she felt safe. After having a long talk with River, a heart to heart with her daughter and helping her feel better. They had gone through the clothes and managed to find something comfortable for her. Getting out of the white garb she was given by Kovarian and wearing something else. River had found a scarlet red cardigan, a V neck, with a short collar, wonky oval buttons, with a button-down front, reaching below her bum, slightly baggy and giving her cuff paws. A pair of blue jeans she was able to grab from the rack, and a black heart shaped chest with long sleeves then lastly a pair of vans on her feet. Somehow her old style of a leather jacket didn't feel the same anymore, like she was trying to be her old self. The girl trying to run away on her wedding night. Amy fiddled with the cuffs, but she felt comfortable, she felt safe, like she was being hugged.
"Now, let's fix that hair hmm?" River smiled, it was tangled, messy and still styled into a small ponytail with loose hair. She loved how soft her mothers hair was, she always wished her mother could have styled and played with it. It would feel less ominous than when Kovarian touched her. At least her younger self would have that. River led her mother to the couch, seating her gently and running her hands through her hair, brushing it from her face, twisting her hands in her mother's hair to form a braid. Leaving some strands free to frame her face. "You know, I've always been envious that I never inherited your hair, one of my incarnations would have been a stunning redhead" River reminisced. She knew none of the doctors past selves had ever been a redhead, something he deeply resented. If she had ever been able to become one, she knew the doctor would have sulked for eternity.
Amy snorted, imagining the other incarnations this river would have had was intriguing. But knowing that would never happen to Melody, it was a huge relief to her "Like mother like daughter" she reminisced. River smiled fondly.
The doctor rocked Melody in his arms gently, humming to her as he walked around the control room, baby Melody gurgling. He knew River would be dressing up Amy to her hearts content, she was a lover of fashion after all. But then she deserved to have a little fun, though he was curious of what they were probably discussing. River was the best person to be around her right now, female bonding, but also she would be able to understand Amy's emotions best of all. Rory sitting silently nearby waiting for River and Amy to return. "Rory, you were scared, angry and worried, you have every right to be mad at me, it's only been a few weeks" The doctor pressed.
"But it won't make it better" Rory insisted, he felt like an arse for antagonising the doctor and saying such hurtful things to him. Being angry at the doctor wouldn't erase what happened, it wouldn't make it easier, it wouldn't take away Amy's trauma. It wouldn't make him feel better, he just needed someone to project his anger onto. His family had been ripped apart, his wife was kidnapped and nearly his daughter. He was bitter and he was hurting.
"You're a father, a husband, you love her, you love your family, you'd do anything to protect them" The doctor smiled. He would do anything to protect his family, his wife and his child. He was driven by his compassion, his need to care for others. It was what made him such a good nurse, the way he cared for all of his patients. He wanted to be there for his wife, alleviate her burdens, support her and take care of her. He wanted to the same for his daughter, nurturing and guiding her through life. He wanted them to stay safe, away from any and all danger. Rory softened, sometimes he forgot how wise the doctor could be, when he wasn't being manic or dangerous, he did care, he had a heart, he was just old and cynical. The doctor had lost his whole planet, his whole species, all of his loved ones were wiped out. He wondered if the doctor was ever married before, if he ever had children or siblings. He knew that the doctor had friends and companions before, in his past lives, wondering what became of them.
They heard footsteps, Rory standing to his feet and the doctor staring in the direction of the sound. River appearing, Amy following after her newly changed, trailing after her daughter timidly, her head bowed shyly. "Mother dear found some new clothes, I should play dress up more often, it's rather fun" River smiled, she walked down the stairs, making sure to keep her mother within close proximity at all times. She knew Amy was still anxious and didn't want to feel crowded, but she didn't want to leave her alone either.
Amy nervously walking down the stairs, her shoes echoing on the stairs, she could feel eyes on her and her skin was crawling. It felt good to be in some new clothes again, out of the white garb Kovarian had her wear. She felt more human again, rather than a lab experiment, she approached the doctor curiously "How was she?" she asked. She hadn't heard her cry, she hadn't heard her in distress which was a good thing. She had left her alone but for a brief time and yet it felt like an eternity.
The doctor smiled, she looked better now that she was in her own clothes again, more like herself. Though he had never seen Amy with her hair styled back, it suited her "Very talkative, we talked about all sorts, interesting stories when she's older. But she's settled". Melody always had so much to say, often amusing him, a fact that hadn't changed as she became an adult. He could speak about anything and everything with her, without feeling like a stranger. When she grew up she could tell her parents all about it. Amy carefully took Melody from his arms, transferring her from her best friend into her mothers arms, cradling her baby close to her chest, stroking her head, breathing her in pressing her nose to her head, kissing it softly. She loved the way her baby smelled, she supposed she would never get tired of it. The doctor smiled, he was surprised to see her not wearing a leather jacket, but somehow she looked even better. Amy looked more like herself again, calmer but comfortable, bonding with her daughter.
Rory stared at Amy, it was like she had become a different person, he was used to flannel shirts, a leather jacket, mini shorts and other outfits. She was always so loud, fashionable and carefree, he had always admired that about her, she was never afraid to be herself. But seeing her in such a cosy look, she looked like a mother, but also like she was healing something inside of herself. The way her hair was brushed back to show more of her face, how the red matched her hair. He could get used to seeing her experiment with more looks, similar to the suit she wore in the alternate dimension against Kovarian.
Amy saw him staring, shifting awkwardly "What?" she questioned, she hadn't picked this outfit out, River had. She was taking a risk here and she was questioning if it was a good idea. But the way Rory was looking at her wordlessly, like a lovesick teenager made her feel better, but also nervous.
Rory blinked, realising he had been staring in silence for too long, trying to find his words. Amy always looked gorgeous no matter what she was wearing "No you..um... I like it... you look... cute, the braid... I... I like it" he stammered. He would happily encourage River to style her mothers clothes more often, she had good taste. Another personality trait she had inherited from her mother.
Amy shifted, she had stepped out of her boundaries and wearing a leather jacket had felt wrong. She just wanted to wear something comfortable "I... I wanted to try something new" she mumbled. Trying to go back to how she used to be, pretending that all that had happened was a dream wouldn't work. She needed to adjust, she needed to find herself again and heal, forcing herself to be something she no longer was wouldn't work. The cardigan reminded her of the night she met the doctor, a small girl in her nightgown wandering into the garden with a torch. Perhaps trying to heal her inner child too.
Rory smiled, he loved Amy no matter what, he'd been crushing on her since they were young and it only blossomed into pure love "I like new you", Amy softened, smiling shyly.
The doctor stood by the console, flicking through buttons reflectively, watching Amy rock her baby and speak to her, softly soothing her daughter, bonding with her husband and finally having the family moment they deserved. He knew Amy would tell her stories of her life, just as he had to Melody about her parents. She would tell Melody of how she met the doctor, of how she met her father and all sorts of events. Melody's life would be anything but boring or ordinary that much he knew, thinking of their future, their lives together, what would become of them. How their involvement with the doctor would affect them as parents, what this would mean for them. Reunited with her baby, able to nurture and speak to her, to truly accept being a mother, get used to being a parent. Melody would be introduced to her grandparents, her parents close friends and cohabitate on earth. Spending her time between the tardis and earth, switching between the two.
River approached, watching her parents with fondness, the love they shared, she would experience that someday, when her alternate self got older. Her current self was already experiencing it, with the doctor, she had found the only man worth dying for, worth killing for, worth losing everything for. Someone who she would rip time and space apart for, anything to keep him safe. The look of love on her parents faces, how happy they were to meet their baby. She could already imagine the life they would share together, but also how fiercely protective it would make them. "Look at them, they're smitten, like ducks taking to water" she hummed proudly. The doctor smiled knowingly, part of River would wish that was her, jealous of her other self, the life she was never able to have, the one that was robbed from her the moment she was born. But she was also happy, relieved that her other self was safe, that a timeline had been deviated, altered, averted. She was bound to have mixed feelings about all of this, conflicted thoughts of her own past. This Melody became an archeologist, a doctor. But what about the Melody pond they saved, the Melody pond that grew up on earth? What path would she choose? "I called her mum..." River trailed off, trying to hide the way her voice wobbled, she had always known they were her parents, but she was never able to refer to them as such until they knew. A huge secret she always held close to her heart, saying it aloud brought her such joy.
The doctor gazed at River, she was the strongest woman he had ever met, for all the pain he had caused his past companions, they had all had their family to fall back on. A supportive network that made sure they were safe. River had never known that, she was robbed from her parents the same day she was born. He wondered how holding such a heavy secret about herself had eaten her alive for so long, carrying it in her heart protected. She had come to trust the doctor, opening her heart to him and letting him see all her wounds, her trauma and ugliness. She had always known that they were her parents, she had always known she was their daughter, trailing them through time and space, watching over them, knowing what would become of their future. But never able to tell them who she was and how much she loved them, never able to reach out and scream for them. Now Amy and Rory knew, aware they were her parents, now she could only call them by such, she could chase her parents through time and space, visiting them at free will whenever she wanted. They could act as the family she never had, they could joke around and become a family unit. But River had never had a familial bond, she had never known parental love, she had never known a family life, never known a familial bond. Being so close to them and watching another version of herself have what she never did, knowing that she would never be able to experience it, but she could always bond with her parents as adults. While still retaining the mental age of how old she actually was. "She loves you River, they both do, you will always be their baby, just not the one they were able to raise" he soothed, Amy would love her daughter no matter what, no matter what form she was in. Raising the daughter she gave birth to and protecting the adult daughter she never got to watch grow up, both were her baby, just different versions. Amy would go to hell and back to protect River, she would fight blood and tooth to make sure she was always safe. She loved her daughter, no matter how big she got.
River gazed at him knowingly, he always knew what was on her mind, a telepathic connection to her, but also universal translation. But something still couldn't stop bothering her, the secret he hadn't let them in on. He still hadn't mentioned where they were headed, just somewhere important, somewhere safe. "So, where are we headed? We can only drift through space for so long, Kovarian will still be looking for us, for her, for me" she pressed. Kovarian wouldn't give up and nor would the silence, they would make sure the doctor would pay for his crimes. So long as there were enemies of the doctor, they would always seek out weapons. Amy was still a target, she was still a target, their connection to him made them a risk.
The doctor shifted, the endless to do list that just kept piling up, his brain whirring as he tried to remember them all and make sure it was all completed. He needed to ask his allies for help, he needed to ask them to keep watch and inform him of any dangers. He knew they could only hide for so long, they would eventually find them. He hated making this decision, it was drastic but it was their only choice. "Jenny and Vastra will act as guardians, making sure that Amy and her baby remain protected, they are people we can trust..." The doctor reflected, they had met Melody on the day of her birth, they knew all about the doctors companions and trusted him. They would protect the Ponds with their life. They would help nurture and protect Melody, they would do the same for her parents, making sure they came to no harm.
"So, we're headed to them?" River questioned, admittedly that was a brilliant plan, hiding together somewhere in time with his allies. She knew Vastra and her lover were highly trained and efficient in battle, surely they would be safe with them. They had been there at the battle of demons run the day she was born, the day she was snatched. The doctor's expression became pained, staring into space as he allowed his thoughts to roam. He hated dragging his friends there, River there, she was a wanted criminal. But their baby wasn't, River's future would never happen to her, she would never be imprisoned. He had only ever been there once before, in his past incarnation, back when Donna was his companion, before her memory was erased, when the earth was stolen. He never thought he would have to go back, he'd already had run in's with members of the proclamation, when Martha's hospital was transported into space. But in this case, it was urgent. "Doctor?" River intervened, she wouldn't accept his silence as an answer, she would get the truth out of him. She saw it, that distant expression the doctor wore when he was making a choice he didn't want to make. She knew this was something serious and she probably wouldn't like the outcome.
"River... I'm taking them to the shadow proclamation" he warned, they would be able to help and they would understand all the violations that had taken place. This was a last resort decision and he didn't like this any more than she did, he wouldn't do this unless he had to. River's eyes widened, this was the last thing she expected of the doctor, she knew he avoided them at all costs unless necessary. The space police? In charge of intergalactic law?Though their actions were at times questionable, they were of the highest authority of the galaxy, even above Kovarian. "Amy was abducted from her home planet without jurisdiction and her infant was farmed for weaponry, said infant was turned into a weapon against their will and then surgically operated on the mother" The doctor explained. River's past, Melody's avoided future, all of the things that had happened to her, went against galactic law. Kidnapping a human, which was trafficking and abduction went against the laws of the shadow proclamation, which was two felonies used on Melody and Amy. Human experimentation or experimentation on another species. Forcefully cloning an infant, creating a false timelord species, recreating a species, weaponising timelord technology. The federation wouldn't like this, Kovarian would pay. He wondered how his past self would have reacted had he known about River's past and what she would become to him.
"What can they do?" River asked hopefully, she knew how important they were, the authority they held, she had some run in's with them in the past. How would they be able to help her, help the doctor, help her parents. She needed to know this was a good idea. How would they be able to help her parents, help her, help the doctor? She wouldn't allow her family to be put in danger a second time.
The doctor sighed, running his hand through his hair, he hated all of this. This had to be the worst period of his life so far and he'd made many difficult decisions. Condemning Rose Tyler to a paradox universe with her family, never to see her again. Martha's entire family being held hostage and used as servants to the master, Donna's memory being erased and repressed against her will. Then Amy was kidnapped, experimented upon, held hostage and nearly had her baby taken away from her. He refused to allow anyone else to be hurt because of him."I don't know if they can reverse what was done to her, but we can at least hold accountable towards the people who committed the crime. Making sure this never happens again" he insisted. That Amy could have a second life, that she and her baby would be safe, that this would never happen again, they would be placed under galactic federal protection. Though he doubted she would ever be able to have children again. Any chance of creating a bigger family on their own would never happen, River would never have any siblings, at least not biologically.
River reached out, taking his arm, he was doing so much, he was trying to make up for how he had put Amy in danger. He was punishing himself for Amy being abducted, for what had happened to her baby, all of it. Her eyes stinging with tears, he was trying to protect her, he was trying to protect all of them. He was angry and the doctor was dangerous when he was angry, she could see it in his eyes now, but she trusted him. She loved him now more than ever, even at his lowest, how big his heart was. He was fuelled by his emotions above all just as she was. How far he was willing to go for her parents, for her family. "You are aware I'm a wanted criminal, you're leading your wife to being arrested" River smiled coyly.
"Just another day for you" he smirked back, he knew that Melody had never killed him, but it was made to look that way. Melody was guilty of many things but she had never chosen that life for herself, many people didn't take that into consideration. This way, she would never become his killer, she would never become an assassin, but she would become his wife.
"Oh shut up" she teased, smiling at him fondly, batting her brown eyes at him.
Rory watched Melody in her mothers arms, his girls, both of them, safe at last, his daughter, his wife, their family, the doctor had done it. They were both so perfect, the woman who he had loved all his life the daughter they could both mentor. He knew Melody had grown up to be river in another universe, but not this one, without the timelord tech, without the influence and conditioning of Kovarian, she would never become an assassin. Never worrying where she was, what she was doing, if she was safe, it was a relief. She could be anything she wanted, be whoever she wanted, they would watch her grow up. "Do... do you think she'll grow up to look like River?" Rory asked, River was the third incarnation of their daughter, but without the experiments done on her, she would look so different. She could grow up to have his dirty blonde hair like River, or she could inherit her mothers auburn hair. Watching her grow and change, it would be such an exciting journey.
Amy hummed, knowing she was an ordinary human, albeit born of the tardis within the time vortex, she wasn't like other humans. She would never regenerate, she would only be one version of herself. But she would achieve so much, she would have a lot of adventures and she would fall in love with the doctor. "I don't know, but I know she's going to grow up to be amazing" Amy smiled. Her daughter could achieve anything she wanted, anything she dreamed of.
"I mean, we know she's going to be a doctor" he smiled, she had a big brain, she was an intelligent girl and she was an avid learner with a huge sense of curiosity. They knew that she would be academic and she would be resourceful. They couldn't wait for both of their families to meet their grandchild. Amy smiled in amusement, her daughter would grow up to be a strong and very brave girl. She knew she would survive anything, fearless and courageous. "It's so weird, holding her now and knowing she's going to become that" Rory reflected, nodding at River. Knowing they were the same person, the same being, it was so strange to adjust to.
"Could have, I mean she may grow up to look like her, but then she might not" Amy hummed, River was an alternate version of Melody, the one that Kovarian snatched, the one that was turned into a weapon, the one that Amy never saw again. This Melody would know her parents, be raised by them and grow up in the tardis, grow up with her parents. "Rory..." she trailed off, Rory gazed at her patiently, "So long as the doctor is precious to me, my best friend... we're targets" she mumbled. She loved the doctor with all her heart, he had been a constant in her life for as long as she could remember. He was her best friend and someone she cared for immensely. She would always trust him, believe in him, she knew he would come for her, protect her. But the doctor had enemies, people who feared him, despised him, neurotically believing him to be the enemy.
Rory's expression became wary and pained "Yeah..." he admitted, they knew the doctor was dangerous but sometimes he had to make difficult decisions. He'd known many wars, the destruction of his people, he had made enemies and he had known plenty of loss and heartache. The doctor was someone they trusted, someone they considered their friend, but he had a separate life from them.
"But... Maybe we can train her to protect herself, as she gets older, but maybe the doctor has friends who can help?" she suggested. She wouldn't become an assassin, but she needed to learn how to fight. Take martial arts, combat, self defence, she could get a good education, Jenny and Vastra would teach her how to fight too. She would have many mentors, many protectors, people who would keep her safe. She would become a strong fighter, but just not one who was conditioned to kill.
"Like Jenny and Vastra?" Rory questioned, he knew they were efficient warriors, both of them capable in battle. They were the two people that came to mind that could teach Melody to fight someday, but not until far off. Vastra had once been an enemy to the doctor before she came to trust him and form a friendship with him. They would happily nurture Melody into becoming a powerful fighter and happy young lady.
"Yeah, but maybe more than just them, I mean he's old right? Surely he's made some alliances" Amy pressed, she wasn't the only friend the doctor had. He had mentioned Unit before, and had a past friend who worked for them as a doctor. He had friends who worked for an agency called Torchwood whom he was not fond of but had another friend who worked for them. It wasn't much for the time being, but it was something to work with, people they could form alliances and friendships with. Rory nodded, it was worth a shot, he was wary of whom they trusted and let into their lives, he wasn't willing to endanger his wife and child a second time. They needed all the help they can get. But he couldn't help but thinking, motherhood had made Amy stronger, braver and sexier.
"What?" she questioned, he had a dreamy look in his eye, the same kind of expression the doctor wore when he was around River. The look of love, when your favourite person did something that reawakened that feeling of love all over again. Somehow in all this mess, Rory had become mushier, softer, sweeter. She'd never been happier to see him when he came for her, telling their daughter about their father.
"No... no it's nothing just... you're beautiful" he smiled, she was radiant, she was glowing, he knew motherhood changed a woman but he had never seen it firsthand before. Now he truly understood what the meaning meant.
Amy scoffed, blushing "Shut up" she smirked, mimicking her daughter. But she felt better, she was with her favourite people, her boys, in the tardis with her baby. And she wouldn't want to be anywhere else.