The Doctor had promised me the Abba European Tour of 1979.

"Well this isn't Paris 1979."

I looked at all the guns pointed at me and raised my hands above my head.

"I wonder where she sent us this time." The Doctor's voice whispered to the side.

I didn't dare give the Doctor a glance, "Let me guess, 1879 instead."

One of the soldiers' in red coats commanded, "You will explain your presence."

"Ah, Scotland." The Doctor's face grinned.

"A bit off target." I whispered.

"Just a bit."

A gun cocked, "Will you identify yourself, sir?"

"I am the Doctor."

I stepped forward, "I apologise for our rude arrival. I'm Marion Rose, this is my doctor. You may search us. My doctor has his credentials with him if needed."

The Doctor slowly took out the psychic paper and handed it to the soldier upon the black stallion.

"It says here you are James McCrimmon from Balamory."

'Jamie' my mind whispered, the door that was opening didn't have much information on him. A past companion of the 2nd regeneration of the Doctor.

I shook my head and focused again on the current situation as an older woman's voice spoke authoritatively.

"Let them approach."

"You will approach the carriage and show all due deference."

We both nodded respectfully before we headed to the unassuming black carriage.

The carriage door opened and I immediately did my best to curtsey.

I was grateful at the moment for wearing a long dress today, perhaps not conducive to adventuring but it wouldn't stand out too badly in the era.

The Doctor smiled beside me, "Miss Rose, might I introduce to you Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Empress of India and Defender of the Faith."

"My apologies, ma'am for my state of dress. I'm afraid our travels hit some unfortunate obstacles."

The older woman raised her head regally,

"I've had five daughters. It's nothing to me. Now Doctor McCrimmon let me see these credentials."

The Doctor raised an eyebrow at me and I waited semi-anxiously after he handed over the paper to the queen.

"Doctor, why didn't you mention this earlier? It states here you were appointed as my protector by Lord Provost."

The Doctor smiled and nodded, "It is odd your Majesty that you have travelled by road when there's a train all the way to Aberdeen."

"A tree on the line."

"That's suspicious."

"I am the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Everything around me tends to be planned."

"Then I suggest Your Majesty gets somewhere covered with good defence shortly."

The soldier who'd ordered for our info at the start trotted up on his horse, "Sir Robert MacLeish lives but 10 miles hence…"

As the soldier continued to spell out their plans to get the queen to safety, I wondered why Sexy brought us here.

I'd seen enough behind the door that had creaked open when the Queen was introduced. The events to follow weren't much changed by the arrival of the Doctor and Rose.

Sexy nudged me again, 'Save as many as you can, my wolf.'

I turned my head back as the Queen had spoken again.

"This Doctor and his miss will come along with us."

"Yes ma'am."

"Give them a horse, we wouldn't wish for Miss Rose to grow ill with the walk."

"Yes ma'am."

"Do you know how to ride?" The Doctor whispered in my ear.

"In theory." In a previous life, it was an occasional luxury.

The Doctor lifted me upon the horse provided. His large hands around my waist made a blush rise up my cheeks before he swung himself up behind me. His arms secured me so I wouldn't fall while riding side saddle.

His mouth was so close to my ear I could feel his every breath.

"We got to meet Queen Victoria." He whispered in my ear.

"It was absolutely fantastic."

His chuckle rumbled against my back.

When the large estate with its observatory on top came into view I found myself disappointed the ride was over.

I felt as the Doctor's strong hands wrapped around my waist again.

He set me upon the ground, his hands having not left me yet.

I looked up into his light blue eyes, my breath catching as I saw the tender affection in them.

The queen cleared her throat as she passed by us.

We parted.

Sir Robert of the manor came out and bowed before the queen. The queen inquired after his family.

Meanwhile the Doctor and I shared a look at all the bald staff that followed silently and watchfully after Sir Robert.

"This is my first visit to this house. My late husband would often talk about it, the Torchwood Estate."

My eyes widened at the name. I hadn't perused all the contents of the Mind Palace regarding Torchwood, the name caused flashes of images in my mind's eye. I wobbled and the Doctor steadied me, a worried look in his eyes.

We watched as a well guarded box was brought into the manor after the queen.

The soldier from before spoke, "You will dismiss all thoughts about it as its property of the crown."

We followed after the queen, through corridors of wood panelling and up a spiral staircase until we reached the observatory.

The queen smiled, "This, I take it, is the famous endeavour."

A gorgeous telescope, an almost crescent moon star diagonal upon it, sat at the centre of the room. Its pedestal showing off all the inner workings of the machine.

"Very steampunk, I like it." I whispered to the Doctor.

"All my father's work became a bit of an obsession for him. He spent all his money on this, rather than caring for himself or the house."

"I would have liked to meet him."

"What a lonely life."

The Doctor and I spoke at the same time.

Sir Robert glanced our way. Perhaps my sympathy was too evident in my features for Sir Robert averted his eyes immediately.

The Doctor pointed at the telescope.

"Can I?"

Sir Robert waved toward the beauty of engineering, "Help yourself."

"It would be fascinating to find out what he modelled it on."

The man's tone became almost icy, "I know nothing about it."

I couldn't help but wonder if in his father's obsession he'd forgotten to care for his family. It was evident in how dismissive Sir Robert was of the machine, as if it were an eyesore that he couldn't bear to tear down. Something to remind him of his father, the good and the bad.

I looked over at the telescope and whispered, "She is beautiful."

The Doctor looked at me, a very near pout on his lips.

"Why does she have to be a she?"

He bent down to look through the eyepiece, "So sad it is all wrong, the prisms are all off."

The queen spoke up, "One must still applaud the imagination that was put into it."

"Oh most definitely." The Doctor nodded.

"Sir Robert's father was an example for us all. A polymath steeped in astronomy and the sciences, yet equally well-versed in folklore and fairytales."

I smiled and the queen nodded approvingly.

"Oh my late husband loved this place. He was well versed in local legends, which was to be expected as he came from Saxe-Coburg."

"Bavaria," the Doctor whispered.

The queen turned toward Sir Robert, "When my Albert heard about your local wolf well he was transported."

I stepped forward, "What's this about a wolf?"

As if expecting I'd be scared, Sir Robert seemed surprised at my eagerness before he narrowed his eyes.

I looked away to catch the eye of the bald 'butler' who stepped forward to interrupt.

"Excuse me sir…"

I raised an eyebrow at the Doctor who was behind me.

"We shall dine at seven and talk more of this wolf." The queen looked at me, "I didn't forget about you, dear. Sir Robert, if you can bring the young miss one of your wife's dresses. I'm sure she left something behind."

The queen walked out of the room and we were shown each to our own.

Before one of the bald men closed the door behind me I turned and asked him, "Could you bring me a pair of breeches please?"

He was silent, he seemed like he was about to refuse when he gazed into my eyes. A shudder passed through him and he quickly left.

I had barely closed the door before there was a knock and the man gave me a pair of slacks.

I locked the door after him. I walked toward the chest of drawers at the far wall and began rummaging through the drawers, in search of a hat pin or letter opener.

Something that I could tuck in my boot and pick a lock just in case the night led me to being bound like the glimpses behind my Mind Palace door would suggest.

I opened the armoire carefully just in case there was someone hiding and there was. She seemed almost too young to already be working as a maid. A couple of black curls had escaped her cap trembled as her whole body shook.

I carefully knelt, "I locked the door we should be alright if we whisper."

I pulled the girl gently out of the closet then sat her on the bed.

"I'm here to help, please tell me what happened."

"It happened quickly. They took the steward, the master and my lady."

"Whatever they are planning, perhaps it would be better to hide here until I can come back and get you. But if I tell you to run, run ok?"

The young woman nodded.

I stepped back and excused myself behind the changing screen to put on the slacks beneath my skirts. Hiking them up tucking them into the edges of my corset belt and the tops of my slacks.

I came back out looking a bit like a privateer but it would have to do. I went to the door and looked out into the silent halls. I wondered if I ran down the stairs I might be able to evade the monks.

I ducked back in and closed my eyes.

"Miss…"

I held a finger up, I had to concentrate. I would need every bit of Starling ability if I wanted to get the maximum number of people out safely. I heard my sister whisper in my mind, a wave of reassurance came through even though we were miles apart.

"Miss footsteps…"

The door swung open and the maid screamed.

'Don't open your eyes, my sister. Not yet'

I didn't fight back as they dragged the both of us to the cellar.

'Remember who you are, my wolf.' Sexy whispered in my mind.

I felt as I was chained to several others, my eyes fluttered but I kept them lowered.

I glanced around to try to find the young woman who had been with me earlier only to find her looking at me in shock and fear, a squeak escaping her. I suppose my inner wolf was already starting to shine through.

A genteel voice spoke, "Stay silent and stay still. They said if we scream and shout he'll slaughter us."

I took a breath, "I won't let that happen, my lady."

"And who are you?"

I smiled but kept my gaze on the straw laid floor.

"The one that even a wolf could fear."

The lady flinched beside me.

I looked up to make eye contact with the 'creature' inside the cage to the far side of the cellar.

I stood and walked as near as my chain lead would let me.

The blank black eyes widened as I smiled.

"Hello parasite."

"Intelligence." His head tilted to the side.

"Who was he before you enveloped him?" I nodded to his human form.

"A heartsick boy born only a few miles away."

"Body human then." Back when I'd watched the show based on this real place, ages ago, I'd wondered, "Where do you come from? What planet or moon?"

"It does not matter. Here is where I'll stay."

I let out a laugh, "You'll find the one you seek is so much stronger than you believe. Women always are."

He tilted his head to the side, his cloak slipping back.

"So many answers to unasked questions. I can see it in your eyes," he leapt forward rattling his own chains and cage. I stood still and stared at him. "There is something of the wolf about you too. Perhaps I have a better choice standing before me."

I laughed at the very idea of it.

"You can try but you'll find you'll burn."

A sneer and he hissed, "You burn by the light of the sun, but all I require is the moon."

His body shook.

A couple of monks who stood watch opened a window.

The being preened in the light of the full moon.

"You are wrong." I chuckled.

The beings head swung toward me as I turned back to those behind me. Their eyes widened and they shrunk back.

I looked down at how my hands at my sides were already starting to glow, sparkling like the night's starlit sky.

"Close your eyes." I told them before turning back toward the creature who looked at me furtively as my whole body began to glow.

"All I need is the stars." I stood a foot from the cage, the light from the night sky illuminating my features.

"No!" His lengthening fingers tightened around his bars as he yelled.

I felt a familiar heat spreading through my limbs, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Instead it felt welcoming.

My mind's doors opened the Bad Wolf door. In my mind's eye I stepped inside and embraced the flame.

The bonds on me couldn't deal with the heat breaking almost instantly. I felt as long tendrils of hair fell down my back and then past my bum, I let out a sigh. How annoying.

I sent out a shockwave of heat toward the creature and the monk guards.

I reached into my boots (marvelling out how my clothes weren't harmed in the heat, Sexy must have upgraded them). I pulled the sharp letter opener out and chopped my hair in one fell swoop. I turned and strode to the cowering people, "I mean no innocent harm."

I placed my hands on their bonds and broke each until I got everyone free.

The 'man' screamed behind me as he transformed into a werewolf.

A growl and the clack of jaws snapping shut came from behind us.

Just then the Doctor and Sir Robert burst in rushing to help the rest of the people free.

Sir Robert's eyes were only on his wife but the Doctor's eyes widened as they saw me.

"Rose, you are glowing."

"Not the time Doctor."

We got the people out and ran toward the back of the house where they kept their weaponry.

The Doctor took me to the side as Sir Robert instructed the men to arm themselves and her Ladyship directed all the women to the kitchen.

I called out to her, "Your ladyship, mistletoe will fend it off for now. Its your best chance."

She nodded before directing everyone behind her, purpose now in her features.

I looked back at the Doctor. "Sexy brought us here so we can save as many lives as we can. The wolf is scared of me."

"It's dangerous Rose once you survived from this," He gestured to my glowing features, "...who knows what will happen again."

I shook my head. There wasn't enough time for me to get into that right now.

"Doctor, it wants the crown."

His eyes widened, "The Queen."

I nodded, "It foolishly thinks it will have the Empire of the Wolf."

"Does it?"

"Only if things play out similarly but I think that might be something that can't be changed. It will be beaten but not in the way it might think."

A crash and I turned toward the men who were fully armed.

"Gunfire won't stop it." I looked toward the broad set man at the front. There were boys, not even teens intermixed with the grown men. They wouldn't stand a chance.

"Step aside wee lady, I have a hunt." The steward stepped forward.

"You will die."

"I'll have the beast's hide by the end of the night."

I turned toward the others, my eyes connecting with each young person specifically, "If you want to live, come with us."

The Doctor and I ran as we saw the beast come our way. I felt relief as I heard the thudding steps of several behind us, at least I'd be able to save some by being here.

We reached a barricaded room by the staircase.

Sir Robert was trying to help the Queen escape and the Doctor was suggesting a window since both doorways were boarded shut.

Instead of continuing with a charade, I spoke up looking directly at the Doctor, "To save everyone else, I'm afraid we might have to kill it."

The Doctor looked at me.

"Gunfire will not…" The Doctor was interrupted as screams came from further back in the house. He turned and asked, "What is it?"

"The telescope and the queen's treasure."

A bang came as the creature began to slam its weight against the barricaded door. A couple of the younger boys huddled together afraid.

I looked at them, "No matter what happens you stick with the Doctor."

The Doctor turned to the queen, "I suggest you run. A good vigorous jog would be good for your health, your majesty."

Another slam of the beast against the door caused it crack down the middle, I gestured to the boys.

"Run!"

As we ran, I looked behind us. The wolf was crashing after us.

"They say never to run from a wolf."

We were almost around the corner when the soldier who I'd never learned the name of shot at the beast behind us.

"Your majesty, I went to look for the property and it was taken. The chest was empty."

"I have it. Its safe." The queen spoke slightly out of breath.

"Then remove yourself ma'am. Doctor…"

I walked around him.

I looked at the soldier at the corner of eye only to see him look at me in fear.

"Soldier, protect the queen and shut your gob. I'll hold him off until you're ready."

The Doctor looked into my determined gaze, "I can't stop you can I?"

"Nope."

"Be careful."

"Go!"

I faced the beast that was getting back up.

The Doctor dragged the soldier away taking his gun when he raised it at me when I started glowing again.

The wolf was beautiful.

I had the greatest urge to pet it even with it growling at me. Its fur looked so downy soft, if one ignored the splashes of crimson on its front paws.

"Stand down," I commanded the wolf.

Even on its fours it was at least six feet if not taller. Its whole body shook with its growls.

It was driven by instinct right now.

If I could establish myself as the strongest then I could buy them more time.

"I have defeated things of nightmares with the wave of my hand. Do you think for one moment I'd fear a little pup like you?"

My glow lit up the corridor, the light causing an almost silver to glint on the wolf's fur.

I felt my hair flow behind me.

"Not again," I whispered.

The werewolf reared back as if to lunge but I placed my glowing hand up to stop it, it cowered from the light that threatened to blind it.

I stepped up its head nearly level with me, "I'll show you."

I placed my hand on its head. My mind's doors opened showing him what I was, the Starling and the Bad Wolf's light and power. I showed him how I destroyed the Daleks, wiping them out so they could never again from my future on bother those I loved. I showed him how I could bring life too, I showed him the weight of Time.

In turn I saw its pain, not just the residual human consciousness left inside but the loneliness of the wolf with no pack. In wolf form, beneath the savagery of its instincts to bite it wanted to be free; it was so very tired.

The wolf whimpered.

Its ears flattened down against its head, its tail tucked behind its rear legs.

I hovered my hand over its head, a steady glow, a small bark came from the werewolf.

With my other, I reached out and scratched it behind the ears, a small smile coming upon my lips as I saw how its tail quivered as if fighting the urge to wag it.

The voice of the Doctor called behind me, "To the observatory, I need you Rose."

I backed away slowly, my hand up keeping the wolf still.

A shot rang out, I barely looked behind me when I felt a piercing pain that splintered through my shoulder. The hand keeping the wolf at bay dropped on instinct as I went to grab at my wound. The bullet lodged in the wall in front of me, made me hazily be grateful for that one small blessing. Still my wound bled, and I bit my tongue to stop a cry from coming from me.

The wolf let out a howl and lunged…right past me. I heard a scream.

The Doctor ran up to me, checking my shoulder, before picking me up and running.

Tears wet my cheeks from the pain.

He carried me up all the steps leading to the observatory only setting me down to slam the doors shut behind us. Sir Robert had gotten the queen there before us alongside the others, who had not stayed behind to fight.

The Doctor looked over my shoulder, carefully peeling back the dress to look at the wound. "It's healed already."

I laid my head on his shoulder.

"It attacked because of the soldier."

The queen spoke up from behind, "His name is Captain Reynolds."

"Was. He shot me and the wolf attacked." I didn't even have to look at the Doctor to answer his question, "I'm not sure why. Maybe it thinks I am a better host than her majesty. It might not harm her if I command it not to. Its back to running on pure instinct now." I twisted my long hair into a makeshift bun on top of my head. I'd lost the letter opener long before, sometime in the moments of running.

"It must still pay for its crime, like I shall." Sir Robert spoke.

I nodded. I stood in front of the queen, by the observatory doors.

"I'll stop it if it comes."

"Sir Robert, help me with this." The Doctor called over to the man.

With Sir Robert and the boys' help they got the telescope in place.

The door burst open as the Doctor shouted, "Out of the way!"

"Excuse me, Your Majesty." I pushed her to the side but made sure she didn't fall.

Light was shown through the 'not a telescope' and the Doctor slid the diamond in place. The beam coming from it struck the wolf as it lunged toward the queen and I.

The wolf hung in the air, shifting back into his human form. For the first time was a sad look in his eyes, "Make it brighter, let me go."

The Doctor turned a dial and the creature disappeared in a burst of light.

Sir Robert was to be taken to serve a 5 year sentence for 'insulting the crown'. He had been placed under arrest but was able to share a kiss with his wife before going. It was a generous offer by the queen in the requirement that he serve the crown to his dying day. The queen spoke in hushed tones with his wife, no doubt about creating the Torchwood Institute.

The Doctor and I were not knighted like Rose and 10 were in the show but we were kindly escorted back to the TARDIS. However, my heart was glad because I had saved 4 more lives than previous Rose Tylers' had.

The Queen pointed toward our magnificent blue box with a regal and solemn expression, "Now leave my world and never return."