Vincent and the Doctor

The night after we lost Rory, us Time Lords got together and decided we need make it up to Amy for losing Rory. Granted she wouldn't remember losing Rory but still we all felt guilty about it. That's what brought us to Musée d'Orsay in Paris, to see an exhibition of Amy's favorite painter Vincent Van Gogh.

We walked into the exhibition room while an older man in glasses and a bow-tie was talking about 'Wheatfield with Crows,' "So this is one of the last paintings Van Gogh ever painted. Those final months of his life were probably the most astonishing artistic outpouring in history. It was like Shakespeare knocking off Othello, Macbeth and King Lear over the summer hols. And especially astonishing because Van Gogh did it with no hope of praise or reward."

"Thanks for bringing me," said Amy.

"You're welcome," I said.

"You all are being so nice to me. Why are you all being so nice to me?"

"We're always nice to you," said The Doctor.

"Not like this. These places you're taking me - Arcadia, the Trojan Gardens, now this. I think it's suspicious."

"Well, it's not," said Annabelle, "There's nothing to be suspicious about."

"OK, I was joking. Why aren't you?"

"Each of these pictures now is worth tens of millions of pounds," said the man, "Yet in his lifetime, he was a commercial disaster. Sold only one painting, and that to the sister of a friend. We have here possibly the greatest artist of all time, but when he died, you could sold his entire body of work and got about enough money to buy a sofa and a couple of chairs," the group he was talking to laughed, "If you follow me now…"

"Who is it?" said a boy. We turned and saw two small boys looking at the 'Portrait of Dr. Gachet.'

"It's the doctor!" said the second boy, "He was the doctor who took care of Van Gogh when he started to go mad."

"I knew that."

Amy grabbed The Doctor by the arm and pulled him toward a painting, 'The Church at Auvers'. She held up her guidebook, "Look! There it is, the actual one."

"Yes. You can almost feel his hand painting it right in front of you," said The Doctor, "Carving the colors into shapes…"

"Wait a minute," said Annabelle as she looked closer at the painting.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Look at that," said Annabelle as she pointed at the painting. There was a dark figure in in one of the church windows.

"What?" asked Amy.

"Something very not good indeed," said The Doctor.

"What thing very not good?"

"Look there, in the window of the church," I said.

Amy looked "Is it a face?"

"Yes. And not a nice face at all," said The Doctor, "I know evil when I see it and I see it in that window."

The Doctor went over to the man in the bow tie, he was talking to his tour group, "It has changed hands for something in the region of 20..."

"Excuse me, if I can just interrupt for one second," said The Doctor as he showed the man his psychic paper, "Sorry, everyone. Routine inspection, Ministry of Art and... Artiness. So, um…"

"Dr. Black," said the man.

"Yes, that's right. Do you know when that picture of the church was painted?"

"Ah, what an interesting question. Most people…"

"I'm going to have to hurry you. When was it?"

"Exactly?"

"As exactly as you can. Without a long speech, if poss. I'm in a hurry."

"Well, in that case, probably somewhere between the 1st and 3rd of June."

"What year?"

"1890. Less than a year before he killed himself."

"Thank you, sir. Very helpful indeed. Nice bow-tie," the Doctor looked at Amy, "Bow-ties are cool."

"Yours is very…"

"Oh, thank you. Keep telling them stuff." The Doctor grabbed Amy by the arm and started to pull her through the exhibit, "We need to go."

"What about the other pictures?" asked Amy.

"Art can wait," said Annabelle, "This is life and death and we need to talk to Vincent Van Gogh now!"

We headed for the TARDIS and a short time later we were in an allyway at night June 1st, 1890, "Right, so here's the plan. We find Vincent and he leads us straight to the church and our nasty friend." said The Doctor.

"Easy peasy."

"No," I said, "Nothing will be easy with Mr. Van Gogh."

"He'll probably be in the local café," said Annabelle,

"Sort of orangey light, chairs and tables outside…" said The Doctor.

Amy took out her guidebook from the museum and opened it to, 'The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night'. "Like this?" she asked.

"That's the one," said The Doctor as we looked at the book.

"Or indeed like that," said Amy as she lowered the book to reveal the café we were looking for.

"Yeah, exactly like that," I said, "Good job, Amy."

We walked up to the café and saw a man clearing tables, "Good evening," said The Doctor, "Does the name Vincent Van Gogh ring a bell?"

"Don't mention that man to me," said the man then he headed inside.

I went up to a waitress, "Excuse me. Do you know Vincent Van Gogh?"

"Unfortunately," said the waitress.

"Unfortunately?" asked Amy.

"He's drunk, he's mad and he never pays his bills."

"Good painter, though, eh?" said The Doctor.

The waitresses and the patrons around us laughed. We sat down at one of the tables, to contemplate our next move when we heard voices from inside the café. "Come on! Come on! One painting for one drink. That's not a bad deal," said a man.

The man from earlier came out of the café holding a canvas followed by another man, Vincent Van Gogh. Amy and The Doctor started to giggle softly. I shook my head and watched the scene in front of us unfold. "It wouldn't be a bad deal if the painting were any good. I can't hang that up on my walls. It'd scare the customers half to death," he looked at the painting and continued, "It's bad enough having you in here in person, let alone looming over the customers day and night in a stupid hat. You pay money or you get out."

"I'll pay if you like," said The Doctor.

"What?"

"Well, if you like. I'll pay for the drink. Or I'll pay for the painting and you can use the money to pay for the drink."

"Exactly who are you?" asked Vincent.

"I'm... new in town."

"Well, in that case, you don't know three things. One, I pay for my own drinks, thank you." everyone laughed, "Two, no-one ever buys any of my paintings or they would be laughed out of town, so if you want to stay in town, I suggest you keep your cash to yourself. And three, your friend's cute," he pointed at Amy, "but you should keep your big nose out of other people's business." He looked at the man, "Come on, just one more drink. I'll pay tomorrow."

"No." said the man.

"Or, on the other hand, slightly more compassionately, yes."

"Or, on the other hand, to protect my business from madmen, no."

"Or-"

"Oh, look, just shut up the pair of you!" said Amy. She looked at the man, "I would like a bottle of wine, please, which I will then share with whomever," she looked at Vincent, "I choose."

"That could be good," said Vincent.

"That's good by me," said the man.

"Good." said Amy then she went inside.

A short time later, the four of us were sitting at a table with Vincent. Amy and Vincent were drinking the wine, Vincent looked at Amy, "That accent of yours. You from Holland like me?"

The four of us answered at the same time, Amy said, "No."

Us Time Lords answered yes, "Yes."

"She was born in Holland but raised in Scotland." said Annabelle.

"Let me introduce ourselves," I said, "I'm Teddy, this is Annabelle, this is our uncle, The Doctor."

"I knew it!" said Vincent.

"Sorry?" asked The Doctor.

"My brother's always sending doctors, but you won't be able to help."

"No, not that kind of doctor," said The Doctor with a laugh. Then he pointed to a painting at Vincent's side, it was the unfinished 'La Méridienne', "That's incredible, don't you think, Amy?"

"Absolutely. One of my favorites," said Amy.

"One of my favorite whats?" asked Vincent, "You've never seen my work before."

"Ah, yes. One of my favorite paintings that I've ever seen. Generally."

"Then you can't have seen many paintings, then. I know it's terrible. It's the best I could do. Your hair is orange."

Amy leaned forward, "Yes. So's yours."

"Yes. It was more orange, but now is, of course, less."

"So, Vincent, painted any churches recently?" said The Doctor, "Any churchy plans? Are churches, chapels, religiousy stuff like that, something you'd like to get into? You know, fairly soon?"

"Very smooth, Doctor," said Annabelle.

"Well, there is one church I'm thinking of painting when the weather is right," said Vincent.

"That is very good news." said The Doctor. I rolled my eyes.

Just then a woman screamed from ouside, "She's been murdered! Help me!"

"That, on the other hand, isn't quite such good news," I said.

The Doctor jumped up, "Come on!"

We followed him out of the door and down the alley a little way. We saw the body of a young woman is lying on the cobblestones. A group of locals had already gathered around, "She's been ripped to shreds!" said a man.

"Please, let me look. I'm a doctor," said The Doctor.

"Who is it?" said a second woman.

"Oh, no, no, no," said the Doctor as he hand Vincent knelt beside the body.

"Is she dead?" asked a second man.

A then a woman pushed her way through the crowd, "Away, all of you vultures! This is my daughter." the woman caressed her daughter, "Giselle. What monster could have done this?" My heart went out to the woman. It reminded me when Annabelle gave her life for me. The woman looked at The Doctor, "Get away from her! "

The Doctor and Vincent both stood and backed away, "OK, OK."

"Get that madman out of here!" said Giselle's mother. Then she threw a stone at him. Then the rest of the crowed started throwing stones at Vincent. We ran away down the alley, "You bring this on us. Your madness! You! He's to blame!"

After running a bit, we stopped to catch our breath, I looked at Vincent, "Are you all right?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm used to it," said Vincent.

"Has anything like this murder happened here before?" asked Annabelle.

"Only a week ago. It's a terrible time."

"As I thought, as I thought," said The Doctor, "Come on, we'd better get you home."

"Where are you staying tonight?"

The Doctor then clapped Vincent on the shoulder, "Oh, you're very kind." Then we walked down the ally.

Vincent lead us through a maze of buildings to his cottage, "Dark night, very starry." said The Doctor.

"It's not much," said Vincent as we reached his home, "I live on my own. But you should be OK for one night. ONE night."

"We're going to stay with him?" Amy asked me quietly.

"Just until he paints that church," I said, "That face… whatever it is… it's not suppose to be there."

We went inside and Vincent lit a lamp and removed his hat, "Watch out. That one's wet."

"What?" said Amy as she turned around and saw, 'Bedroom in Arles,' hanging on the wall.

Vincent lit another lamp. I looked around and saw his cottage filled with paintings in various stages of completion., "Sorry about all the clutter." he said.

"You call this clutter?" said Annabelle.

"I've come to accept the only person who's going to love my paintings is me."

"Wow. I mean, really. Wow," said Amy.

The Doctor examined some of the paintings including, 'Blossoming Almond Tree', 'Prisoners Exercising (after Dore)', and 'Wheat Field with Cypresses'.

"Yeah, I know it's a mess," said Vincent, "I'll have a proper clear-out. I must, I really must. Coffee, anyone?"

"Not for me, actually," said The Doctor.

I looked into the next room and saw Vincent putting the coffee pot down on, 'Still Life: Basket with Six Oranges,' "You know, you should be careful with those. They're... Precious." I said.

Vincent wiped off the coffee ring with his hand, "Precious to me. Not precious to anyone else."

"They're precious to me!" said Amy as the others walked lin the room.

"Well, you're very kind. And kindness is most welcome."

"Right, so, this church, then. Near here, is it?" asked The Doctor.

I rolled my eyes, "Relax will you.." I whispered to my uncle.

Vincent went to get wood for the fire, "What is it with you and the church?" he asked.

"Oh, just casually interested in it, you know," said The Doctor.

"Far from casual. Seems to me, you never talk about anything else. He's a strange one."

"Tell me about it," said Annabelle and I together.

The Doctor gave us a look then he turned to Vincent, "OK, so let's talk about you. What are you interested in?"

"Look around. Art. It seems to me there's so much more to the world than the average eye is allowed to see. I believe, if you look hard, there are more wonders in this universe than you could ever have dreamed of."

"You don't have to tell us," said Annabelle.

Us Time Lords sat by the fire and listened as Vincent explained his views of art to us, "It's color," he said, "Color that holds the key. I can hear the colors. Listen to them. Every time I step outside, I feel nature is shouting at me. 'Come on. Come and get me. Come on. Come on!'" he grabbed my uncle by the laples, "'Capture my mystery!'"

"Maybe you've had enough coffee now," said The Doctor, "How about some nice calming tea? Let's get you a cup of chamomile or something, shall we? Amy?"

I looked around and saw that Amy wasn't here, "Where's Amy?" I asked. Just then we heard Amy scream from outside.

"No. No. No," said The Doctor as we ran outside.

"Amy?" I called

"Amy?" called Annabelle.

We saw Amy on her knees in the yard, "What happened?" asked The Doctor.

"I was having a look at the paintings out here when something hit me from behind," said Amy.

"It's OK. He's gone now and we're here."

Vincent looked around and then raises his hands in fright, "No!" he started to back away. I looked and saw nothing there.

"Take it easy, Vincent," I said, "Take it easy!"

"What's happening?" asked Amy, "What's he doing?"

Vincent grabed a large wooden fork and holds it in front of him like a weapon.

"I don't know," said Annabelle

With a yell Vincent started to run towards us, "Oh, dear." said The Doctor.

He ran right past us, "Run. Run!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's not a bad idea. Amy, get back. He's having some kind of fit. I'll try to calm him down."

Annabelle and I helped Amy to her feet and we went back to the cottage and watched as Vincent lashed out at something. The Doctor went up to him to try and calm him down, "Easy, Vincent, easy. Look, look. It's me, it's me, it's me. It's the Doctor, look. No-one else is here. So, Vincent…"

"Look out!" said Vincent.

The Doctor was thrown to the ground by something. Then, there was a roar and something shredded one of the paintings.

Amy screamed, "I can't see anything. What is it?"

Whatever it was, Vincent could see it and tried to fight it off. The Doctor got up and said, "That is a good question," he grabbed a large stick and joined Vincent, "Let me help you."

"You can see him, too?" asked Vincent.

The Doctor went to another area of the yard and waived his stick around, :Yes. Ish. Well, no. Not really."

There was a roar and something knocked over a table with a vase of irises on it, "You couldn't see him?"

"No. Oi!"

The Doctor got up and begain swinging the stick around. Vincent was hurt somehow and he joined Amy, Annabelle and I in the door way, "He's gone." said Vincent.

"Oh, right. Yes, of course," said The Doctor as he threw his stick down.

We went back into Vincent's cottage and I asked, "So it invisible? What did it look like?

"I'll show you," said Vincent.

Vincent took one of his paintings of irises and painted over it with white, "Oh, no, no, no!" exlamed The Doctor. Amy gasped and covered her mouth. I put my hand to my head as I shook it.

"What?" asked Vincent.

"That was a very good," said Annabelle with a sigh, "Go ahead. "

We all watched intently as we watch Vincent sketch quickly using charcoal. When he finished he crew a birdlike creature with a beak and talons but it also looked reptilian.

"OK. OK," said The Doctor as he took the sketch, "Right. Amy, Teddy, make Mr. Van Gogh comfortable. Annabelle, don't let any invisible monsters in through the front door."

I nodded and Amy said, "But it could be outside, waiting."

"Don't worry, I'll risk it. What's the worst that can happen?"

I rolled my eyes, I said, "You could get torn apart by a monster you can't see."

"Oh, right, yes. That. Don't worry. I'll be back before you can say, 'Where's he got to now?'" Then he left. Amy and I looked at Vincent. Then The Doctor came back in and said, "Not that fast!" causing is both to jump in fright, "But pretty fast. See you around."

Annabelle and I fell asleep in Vincent's front room. The Doctor woke us up and told us that he found out what the creature was. He handed us a print out with a picture of the creature. Then, he went into Vincent's bedroom and got up Vincent. When Vincent came downstairs The Doctor showed Vincent a printout of the creature, "That's him. And the eyes. Without mercy." said Vincent.

"It's called a Krafayis," I said, "They travel in space as a pack and scavenging across the universe. Sometimes one of them gets left behind, for one reason or another, and because they are a brutal race, the others never come back."

"So, scattered around the universe are individual, merciless, abandoned Krafayis," Said Annabelle, "And they kill until they're killed. Which doesn't usually happen, because other creatures can't see them."

"But I can," said Vincent.

"Yes," said The Doctor, "And that's why we are in a unique position today, my friend, to end this reign of terror. So, feeling like painting the church today?"

"What about the monster?"

"Take my word for it. If you paint it, he will come."

Vincent stood, "OK. I'll get my things."

"Take your time," I said, "I promise you, we'll be out of your hair by this time tomorrow."

Vincent hesitated in the doorway and looked at Amy then he went upstairs, "This is risky," said Annabelle.

"Riskier than normal?" asked Amy

Annabelle nodded, stood up and checked to see if Vincent was out of ear range. Then she explained, "Think about it. This is the middle of Vincent Van Gogh's greatest year of painting. If we're not careful, the result of our trip could be the brutal murder of the greatest artist who ever lived. Half the pictures on the wall of the Musee D'Orsay will disappear. And it will be our fault."

A short time later, The Doctor went up to get him. We heard some shouting and Amy and I went up to see what was going on. We saw him leadning against the railing looking somber and without Vincent. "What's going on?" I asked.

"We're leaving," said The Doctor, "Everyone knows he's a delicate man. Just months from now he'll...he'll take his own life." he pushed away from the rail and started to head toward the stairs.

"Don't say that. Please," said Amy.

The Doctor didn't say anything as he walked down the stairs.

We went back in the cottage and took a last look at the painting, "Come on. We have to do this on our own. Go to the church at the right time and hope the monster still turns up."

Just then Vincent appeared in the doorway, with his coat and hat on, "I'm ready. Let's go." He picked up a brush and we headed out.

We were walking to the church. Amy was walking alongside Vincent, in front of us, with her arm tucked into his. Vincent was carrying his easel and palette. In her other hand, Amy was carrying his paint case and canvas. "I'm sorry you're so sad," said Amy to Vincent.

"But I'm not," said Vincent, "Sometimes these moods torture me for weeks, for months. But I'm good now. If Amy Pond can soldier on, then so can Vincent Van Gogh."

"I'm not soldiering on. I'm fine," said Amy.

"Oh, Amy, I hear the song of your sadness. You've lost someone I think."

"I'm not sad."

"They why are you crying?" asked Vincent. Amy put a hand to her cheek and wiped away a tear. I smiled a little, somewhere deep in her subconscious, Amy remembered Rory and she was still grieving his loss. "It's all right. I understand." said Vincent.

"I'm not sure I do." said Amy.

"OK. OK!" said The Doctor, wanting to change the subject, "So, now, we must have a plan. When the creature returns…"

Vincent stopped and looked at us, "Then we shall fight him again."

"Yes, tick," said The Doctor, "But last night we were lucky. Amy could have been killed. So this time, for a start, we have to make sure I can see him, too."

"And how are we meant to do that, suddenly?" asked Amy.

The answer's in this box," The Doctor tapped the case he was carrying, "I had an excellent, if smelly, godmother."

We continued to walk and stopped when we saw a funeral procession walking towards them. There was a bouquet of sunflowers resting on the coffin, "Oh, no. It's that poor girl from he village."

We stood respectfully at the side of the road as the procession passed by. Giselle's mother looked at us but didn't say anything. Once they were pass, Amy looked at The Doctor and said, "You do have a plan, don't you?" asked Amy.

"No," said The Doctor as we started walking, "It's a thing - it's like a plan, but with more greatness." I rolled my eyes.

Once we got to the church, Vincent set up his easel and sat down to paint. The Doctor bent over Vincent and put his hand's on the painter's shoulders, "And you'll be sure to tell me if you see any, you know, monsters."

"Yes. While I may be mad, I'm not stupid," said Vincent.

"No, quite. And, to be honest…" said The Doctor as he squated beside Vincent, "not sure about mad either. It seems to me depression is a very complex…"

"Shh. I'm working," said Vincent.

"Well, yes. Paint. Do painting!" said The Doctor.

I sat down on the ground and watched Vincent start to work. After awhile, he had the top of the church outlined and was painting the sky. "I remember watching Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel. Wow! What a whinger. I said to him, 'If you're scared of heights, you shouldn't have taken the job.'"

"Shh!" said Amy.

A little while later, there was more detail on the church and Vincent was still working on the sky, The Doctor spoke up again, "And Picasso. What a ghastly old goat. I kept telling him, 'Concentrate, Pablo, it's one eye, either side of the face.'

"Quiet," said us three females together.

Even later, Amy was standing by Vincent as he kept painting. The Doctor was squatting and looking bored, "Is this how time normally passes? Really slowly. In the right order."

I rolled my eyes, "Yes… If I can do it for 18 years you can do it for 1 night"

The Doctor got up, "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's an unpunctual alien attack," he walked behind Vincent and turned away.

I got up and walked up to him, "Are you OK? You seem a bit nervous."

"There's something not right and I can't quite put my finger on it."

"There," said Vincent, The Doctor and I turned around, "He's at the window."

"Where?" asked The Doctor.

"There, on the right."

"As I thought. Come on. We're going in." Us Time Lords started toward the church.

"Well, I'm coming, too," said Vincent.

"No," I said, "You're Vincent Van Gogh, you're not going anywhere near the front door of that church."

"But none of you are armed…"

"Yes we are."

"What with?"

"Overconfidence," said The Doctor, "this," He tapped the case he was carrying, and 3 small screwdrivers. We're absolutely sorted."

"We just have to find the right crosactic setting, and stun him with it," said Annabelle

"Sonic never fails," said The Doctor.

"Amy, I have one simple instruction for you, do not follow us in, under any circumstances." I said.

"I won't," she said.

Then, The Doctor gave a thumbs-up and we headed towards the church, "You know she's going to follow us, Mom." said Annabelle, telepathically.

"Of course she is…" I replied.

The Doctor stopped, he set down the case, and took out the device he used to get a printout of the creature. Annabelle and I helped him strap it on and he set the controls. Then we walked in the church, slowly and cautiously. We heard a low growling. The Doctor kept checking the mirror and we all took out our sonic screwdrivers. We approached the window and the Doctor kept checking the mirror, "Damn. He's moved."

Just then there was a whoosh and Annabelle screamed and fell to the ground. I helped my daughter up and we started to retreat. The Doctor using his sonic as we ran, then Amy shouted "Doctor!" as she ran in the room

I screamed as she scared me, "Argh! I thought I told you... Never mind. We'll talk about it later. Quick, in here." I lead everyone over to the confessional. The Doctor and I got in one side while Amy and Annabelle got in the other. We heard the Krafayis moving around outside the confessional.

"Everyone be Absolutely quiet," I whispered.

The Doctor slid the door over the grill that separated the two booths open, "Can you breath a little quieter, please Amy?" whispered The Doctor.

"No!" whispered Amy, "He's gone past."

"Shh," said Annabelle.

The Krafayis growls, and then took out a piece of grating on Amy and Annabelle's side of the confessional. Amy screams.

"I think he heard us," said The Doctor.

I smacked him on the arm, "You think?!"

The Krafayis then took out part of the grating on our side.

"That is impressive hearing he's got," said The Doctor.

Another secont of the confession was ripped out, "I'm more worried about our chances of getting out of this alive!" said Annabelle.

Amy screamed again then we heard Vincent call out, "Hey, are you looking for me, sonny?" We looked out and saw Vincent brandishing his chair like a lion tamer, "Come on. Over here. Because I'm right here waiting for you." He looked over at us and motioned for us, "Come on. Quickly! Get behind me."

Us Time Lords used our sonics, "Doing anything?" asked The Doctor as we back out.

Vincent shook his head as he held the chair in front of him defensively. The Doctor looked around, "Where is he?"

"Where do you think he is, you idiot? Use your head." said Vincent.

Us Time Lords used our sonics again, "Anything?" I asked.

"Nothing. In fact, he seemed to rather enjoy it," said Vincent. We continued to back up. The Doctor for some reason moved away from us. Vincent looked at him and called out, "Duck!" He ducked, "Left." The Doctor moved to his left and was the slammed into a wall, "Right, sorry." us females went over to the groaning Doctor, "Your right, my left." said Vincent as he came over with the chair to help defend us.

"This isn't working," said Annabelle.

"Right," said The Doctor as he got to his feet, "I suggest we run like crazy and regroup."

"Oh, come on, in here," said Amy, as she spotted a closed door. We ran inside and tried to push the door closed. Vincent stomped his foot on what was apparently the Krafayis' foot and then the door slammed shut and we all stood with our backs against it.

"Right," said The Doctor, "OK, Here's the plan. Teddy, Annabelle, Amy, Rory."

"Who?" asked Amy.

"Sorry, um, Vincent."

"What is the plan?"

"I don't know, actually. But in future, I'm just using this screwdriver for screwing in screws." then he put his sonic away.

"Give me a second. I'll be back," said Vincent as he ran off.

"I suppose we could try talking to him," said The Doctor.

"Talking to him?!" said Amy

"Well, yes. Might be interesting to know his side of the story."

The Krafayis growled, "I don't think he's in the mood for talking right now…" said Annabelle.

The Krafayis growled again and bangs on the door," Well, no harm trying," said The Doctor, "Listen. Listen!" the growling stopped, "I know you can understand me." The Doctor faced the door, "Even though I know you won't understand why you can understand me. I also know that no-one's talked to you for a pretty long stretch, but please... listen. Me and my nieces also don't belong on this planet. We are also alone. If you trust me, I'm sure we can come to some kind of, you know, understanding. And then, and then, who knows?"

The window directly across from us shattered. There was a roar and thing moved around. Then Vincent returned with his easel. "Over here, mate!" we moved behind Vincent.

"What's it up to now?" I asked.

"It's moving round the room. Feeling its way around." said Vincent. As he and Amy moved behind a sarcophagus.

Us Time Lords moved behind a column, "What?" I asked.

"It's like it's trapped. It's moving round the edges of the room."

"I can't see a thing," said Amy.

"We are really stupid," said The Doctor.

"Oh, get a grip!" said Amy, "This is not a moment to re-evaluate your self-esteem."

"No, We are really stupid and I'm getting old. Why does it attack, but never eat its victims?" The Doctor moved to the sarcophagus. "And why was it abandoned by its pack and left here to die? Why is it feeling its way helplessly around the walls of the room?"

Then it dawned on me, "It can't see, it's blind!"

"That would explain why it has such perfect hearing…" said Annabelle.

"Which unfortunately also explains why it is now turning around and heading straight for us," said Vincent as he steps forward, the sharp ends of the easel held out as a weapon.

"Vincent, what's happening?" I asked.

"It's charging now." He motioned us with his hand, "Get back. Get back!" Vincent moved forward and shoved the easel forward. The Krafayis bellowed in pain and anger. Vincent continued to held on to the easel as he was lifted off the floor. He let go and fell to the floor. The Krafayis collapsed and the easel to us looked like it was hanging in the air. "He wasn't without mercy at all," said Vincent as the rest of us stepped forward, "He was without sight. I didn't mean that to happen. I only meant to wound it, I never meant to…"

I put a hand on his shoulder, "It's OK…" I said.

The Doctor kelt beside the Krafyais, "He's trying to say something."

"What is it?" asked Vincent.

"I'm having trouble making it out," said The Doctor, "but I think he's saying, 'I'm afraid. I'm afraid.'" He reached out to stroke the body, "There, there. It's OK. You'll be fine. Ssh." Then we heard the Krafayis breath its final breath.

"He was frightened…" said Vincent, "and he lashed out. Like humans, who lash out when they're frightened. Like the villagers who scream at me. Like the children who throw stones at me."

"Sometimes winning is no fun at all," I said.

That night Vincent took us to a field and we laid down in a circle with our heads touching each others. Vincent laid next to The Doctor, The Doctor laid next to me, I laid next to Annabelle, Annabelle laid next to Amy, and Amy laid next to Vincent. Then, Vincent said, "Hold my hand, Doctor. Try to see what I see. We are so lucky we are still alive to see this beautiful world." We all held hand, "Look at the sky. It's not dark and black and without character. The black is in fact deep blue." he pointed with his hand still holding The Doctor's, "And over there, lighter blue." He let go of Amy's hand and made a sweeping motion, "And blowing through the blueness and the blackness, the wind swirling through the air and then, shining, burning, bursting through - the stars! Can you see how they roar their light? Everywhere we look, the complex magic of nature blazes before our eyes."

"I've seen many things, my friend," said The Doctor, "But you're right. Nothing quite as wonderful as the things you see."

"I will miss you terribly," said Vincent.

The next morning we were back at Vincent's cottage, "I only wish I had something of real value to give you," said Vincent to The Doctor as he handed him, 'Self Portrait with Straw Hat."

The Doctor giggled, "Oh, no, no. We could never accept such an extraordinary gift." he handed the

Vincent looked hurt, "Very well. You are not the first to decline the offer." The he looked at Amy and held out his arms, "Amy, the blessed, the wonderful."

They hugged and Amy kissed him, "Be good to yourself and be kind to yourself."

"I'll try my best."

"And maybe give the beard a little trim before you next kiss someone." Amy rubbed her cheek and laughed.

"I will. I will," said Vincent, "And if you tire of this Doctor of yours, return, And we will have children by the dozen."

"Eek!"

Vincent then looked at us Time Lords, "Doctor, Teddy, Annabelle, my friends." He took a hand from each of us, "We have fought monsters together and we have won. On my own, I fear I may not do as well."

Us Time Lords then gathered around him and gave him a group hug. We knew what was coming next for Vincent.

We walked out the door and started to head back to the TARDIS. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" said The Doctor.

Annabelle and I nodded. Amy said, "I was thinking I may need some food before we leave.

"Well, no, you're not thinking exactly what I'm thinking." The Doctor then turned toward the house and called out, "Vincent!"

A shirtless Vincent, with a brush in his hand stuck his head out the window."

"We've got something we'd like to show you," I said, "Maybe you should clean yourself up a bit first."

We walked through the village to the TARDIS and The Doctor said to Vincent, "Now, you know we've had quite a few chats about the possibility there might be more to life than normal people imagine?"

I sighed when I saw the TARDIS covered in flyers, "Yes." said Vincent.

"Well, brace yourself, Vinny," said The Doctor as he used his key to slice the crack between the doors before opening it.

We all stood in the doorway as Vincent got his first view of the inside of the TARDIS. He stuck his head out and then examines the exterior. Then he stepped inside again, "How come I'm the crazy one and you four have stayed sane?" We all laughed a little. The Doctor took off Vincent's hat and tossed it aside. We walked to the console, and Vincent asked, "What do these things all do?"

"Oh, a huge variety of things," said The Doctor, "This one here," he turned a knob, "for instance, plays soothing music." The Doctor danced, "While this one makes a huge amount of noise." there was a distorted sound, "And this one makes everything go tonto." everything started to shake.

"And this one?" asked Vincent as he pointed.

"That's a friction contrafibulator!" said Annabelle.

"And this?"

"That's ketchup," I said, "And that one's mustard."

"Mmm. Nice!" said Vincent. Then he gripped The Doctor's shoulders, "Come on. Back to the cafe and you can tell me about all the wonders of the universe."

"Good idea," I said, "Although, actually, there's something wed like to show you first." Then I sets the TARDIS into motion.

Soon we were back in Paris outside Musee D'Orsay. We all walked out of the TARDIS and Vincent looked around, "Where are we?"

"Paris. 2010 AD," said Annabelle, "And this is the Musee D'Orsay, home to many of the greatest paintings in history."

"Oh, that's wonderful."

Two boys walked by with iPhones and Vincent just staired, "Ignore that," said The Doctor, "We've got something more important to show you."

We walked into the museum and Vincent was overwhelmed by the grandness of it. Amy led the way past some Monets and Rodin's 'The Kiss'. I had to drag him from the 'Water Lilies'. Then we entered the Van Gogh exhibit. Vincent gasped when he saw his paintings in a world class museum.

"Dr Black," called The Doctor when he saw the man, "we met a few days ago. I asked you about the church at Auvers."

Amy brought Vincent closer, "Oh, yes,"said Dr. Black, "Glad to be of help. You were nice about my tie."

"Yes. And today is another cracker if I may say so. But I just wondered, between you and me, in 100 words, where do you think Van Gogh rates in the history of art?"

"Well, big question. But, to me, Van Gogh is the finest painter of them all." I looked at Vincent and saw his eyes begin to tear up. Dr. Black continued, "Certainly, the most popular, great painter of all time, the most beloved. His command of color, the most magnificent. He transformed the pain of his tormented life into ecstatic beauty. Pain is easy to portray, but to use your passion and pain to portray the ecstasy and joy and magnificence of our world - no-one had ever done it before. Perhaps no-one ever will again. To my mind, that strange, wild man who roamed the fields of Provence was not only the world's greatest artist, but also one of the greatest men who ever lived."

Vincent started to cry, "Vincent. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Is it too much?" I have him a comforting hug.

"No. They are tears of joy," said Vincent. He went to Dr. Black and gave him a Gallic kiss, "Thank you, sir. Thank you." Then he gave Dr. Black a hug.

"You're welcome," said Dr. Black, "You're welcome."

"Sorry about the beard," said Vincent. Then we all headed back to the TARDIS.

We landed the TARDIS near an olive grove near Vincent's cottage. Vincent steped out of first, "This changes everything. I'll step out tomorrow with my easel on my back a different man. I still can't believe that one of the haystacks was in the museum. How embarrassing."

"It's been a great adventure and a great honor," said The Doctor as he shook Vincent's hand then hugged him.

"You've turned out to be the first doctor ever actually to make a difference to my life."

"I'm delighted. I won't ever forget you." Then The Doctor headed to the TARDIS.

Annabelle and I each gave Vincent a hug then he looked at Amy," And you are sure marriage is out of the question?"

"This time," said Amy she gave him a hug and whispered, "I'm not really the marrying kind." Then us ladies head back to the TARDIS. Amy looked at The Doctor, " Come on. Let's go back to the gallery right now."

When we got back to Paris, Amy walked out of the TARDIS with a big smile, "Time can be re-written. I know it can. Come on!"

When we got inside Amy started climbing the stairs to the exhibit, "Oh, the long life of Vincent Van Gogh. There'll be hundreds of new paintings."

Us Time Lords knew better, "I wouldn't get your hopes up," said Annabelle.

We walked past the Monet exhibit, we were walking a bit more slowly that Amy, "Come on!" she called out as she rushed into the exhibit and when she got there she saw all the same paintings.

We heard Dr. Black tell his current tour groupb, "We have here the last work of Vincent Van Gogh, who committed suicide at only 37. He is now acknowledged to be one of the foremost artists of all time. If you follow me now…"

We caught up with Amy and she said, "So, you were right. No new paintings. We didn't make a difference at all."

"I wouldn't say that," said The Doctor, "The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. Hey," Then we gave Amy a group hug.

:The good things don't always soften the bad things," I said, "But, vice versa - the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant." we realeased the hug and I continued, "And we definitely added to his pile of good things."

"And if you look carefully…" said Annabelle as she took her friend to 'Church at Auvers' "maybe we did indeed make a couple of little changes."

"No Krafayis," said Amy.

"No Krafayis." said The Doctor.

We looked at the painting for a bit then we went to find Amy. She was looking at 'Still Life: Vase With Twelve Sunflowers'. I looked at the painting. On the vase right above his signature it said 'For Amy'.

The Doctor came up beside her and whistled, then Amy said, "If we had got married, our kids would have had very, very red hair."

"The ultimate ginger," said The Doctor.

"The ultimate ginge," said Amy. We all laughed and Amy smiled, "Brighter than sunflowers."

A/N: Another chapter is in the books. If you liked this chapter please leave a comment in the box below. A couple of notes, I'm going to be skipping "The Lodger" because I think it works best if The Doctor is the only one staying with Craig. So that means "The Pandorica Opens" is next. Also, I've started to work on a new story, if you follow me here on Fanfiction then you'll see it pop up in the next few days. If you don't follow me, then you should start.