Welcome to my TARDIS
Title: Welcome to my TARDIS
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, The Doctor (10), OFC, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Benton
Disclaimer: Neither Torchwood or Doctor Who are mine
Summary: What happens when Louise Ruth enters the Rani’s TARDIS
Spoilers: None
Rating: R
Warning: Lots of blood in both endings. OFC death in one.
A/N: These are two different endings to my Doctor Who/Torchwood fic: Doctor Who’s End Game. I wanted it to end with #1, which contains OFC death, and my co-author wanted it to end with #2. Both contain blood and angst. If you don’t want to read OFC death, go straight to #2. They both start the same way.
Ending #1
‘Welcome to my TARDIS Louise Ruth,’ the Rani said as she activated the door controls.
Louise Ruth stood up, her mind in a whirl. Slowly she raised a hand towards her eyes and, rubbing the alcohol-induced blurriness away, she tried to focus. Her mobile began to ring in her shoulder bag but, for the moment, she ignored it. She stared across at the Rani, suddenly aware that the only sound in the room was her breathing. Feeling the phone vibrate against her hip she wondered briefly who would be calling her. The door to the TARDIS suddenly slammed shut. Quickly she spun round, her shoulder bag falling from her arm onto the floor.
The wolf-like man stood in front of her barring her exit from the Rani’s time machine. The female stood to his right, with what looked like a smile on its face. There was no need for her to ask what was going to happen next. They were both holding out, what had once been hands, with sharp talons extending from their fingers. The male advanced slowly, his claws swishing from side to side as he closed the distance between them. Slowly, as if savouring the moment, he opened his mouth baring his fang-like teeth, but said nothing.
Dropping back into a crouch, Louise Ruth remained silent, not wishing to give away the fact that she was more scared now than she had ever been in her life. Slowly she raised one of her hands, defensively, but deliberately none threatening, so as not to give anything away. The longer he believed he was in total dominance of the situation, the longer he would be vulnerable.
In the back of her mind she heard her father say that the best form of defence is not to be there, run whenever possible. Unfortunately this wasn’t an option, between her and the exit were two of the most natural killers she’d ever seen and that included all the alien life forms she’d encountered of the previous few weeks.
‘What do you want?’ she asked, knowing the question was as meaningless as her death would soon be. She knew that her words could be a weapon; talking was the only thing that might slow them down or wrong foot them. As the wolf-man took a step forward, she cautiously took a step backward. The Rani was directly behind her, she knew and between them was the centre consol, which at the moment was still.
The hand that was still by her side slowly slipped, unseen, into her pocket. She remembered the manoeuvre from a program she’d watched with her father. Show them one hand while using the other to trick them. Misdirection, she remembered it being called. Her fingertips curled around a small pen she always carried with her and palming it, she removed it from her pocket. It was only a pen, she knew, but many amazing things had been done with pens… perhaps killing a wolf-man could be added to the list, she hoped.
‘No situation is unattainable,’ her father had once told her. ‘Everything you need to survive is at hand… all you have to do is logically formulate a plan. The majority of people who survive had a plan worked out beforehand.’ He had been talking about escaping from a plan crash or a burning building, she’d remembered, just before she’d left to go to university. He was a cheery old soul, she’d thought at the time, but his logic was unquestionable.
Looking at the advancing predator she logically evaluated her position. If he stabbed at her with his fingertips she had a chance, she knew, of blocking it and countering with a punch of her own… but if he slashed at her he would cut her without a doubt. She knew why she was going to die, but that knowledge didn’t help the situation.
She hadn’t caused the Rani’s plans to go south, but she had played her part. Life meant nothing to creatures like the Rani. It was just a stepping stone in the path of gaining knowledge and power.
Quickly her mind raced, remembering her father and their long detailed conversations that she’d paid scant attention to. Once over a glass of wine she’d remembered him talking about wolves, an animal he’d always been drawn to.
‘They like to hunt in packs, drawn by the smell of blood; they surround their prey and take time in bringing it down.’ Logically that gave her a few ideas… if there was enough of the wolf in him for them to work, she pondered. If she ran he’d take her down in seconds, so she had to stand her ground. Using the pen she could draw her own blood and use it to distract him, but that would mean stabbing her self, something she wasn’t that keen on doing at the present.
Suddenly her back slammed into the TARDIS consol and her tactical retreating days, she knew, were over. It was now or never, she realised as the wolf-man continued to advance, closing the distance between them with every step. She knew that his reflexes would be quicker than hers and any attack by her would be blocked and devastatingly countered.
Running the metal clasp of the pen down the inside of her arm she felt the skin part and warm blood dripping into her hand. Immediately the wolf-man stopped the scent of blood strong in his nostrils. Changing the pen from right to left she threw out her right hand splashing the wall in fresh blood. The wolf-man’s eyes lifted and turned towards the smell. His head moved to one side as he caught the scent and wallowed in the memories it brought.
Without hesitation she clenched her fists and raised both her hands as if to strike. His lightning reflexes were quicker than she could have believed possible. Turning to one side he thrust out his right hand blocking hers and clasping it in a vice-like grip. What he hadn’t realised was that she had raised both hands. Her left slammed down into his exposed neck, the pen puncturing his carotid artery with a sickening thud. He might have lived long enough to have killed her if he hadn’t pushed her away from him, dislodging the pen as she fell backward against the consol. A spray of crimson fountained into the air as he fought against the pain. Dropping to his knees his face turned grey as heart fought to pump what was left of his blood around his body. Slowly at first, the ruptured artery stopped arcing into the air and fell to a trickle as the wolf-man fell face first to the floor, dead.
‘Don’t just stand there… kill the bitch!’ The scream thundered through the consol room as Louise Ruth pulled herself to her feet. It was obvious that the smell of blood in such a confined space as the TARDIS was having an effect on the female. Unsure of what to do she took a few tentative steps forward, her talons extended before her. For a fleeting moment Louise Ruth thought she was going to pounce on the dead wolf-man and feed, but no such luck. One stern word from the Rani sent her towards her prey. This time she wouldn’t be underestimated, she knew.
Louise Ruth moved forward ready to grab hold of the outstretched talon, but the she-wolf was too quick for her and slashed at her extended hand just missing her. Louise Ruth jumped backward then moved as quickly as she could round the consol. If it was anything like the Doctor’s there would be something she could use as a weapon. What she’d give for a wooden mallet of a large spanner.
Her hand made contact with a small glass jar that rested on the console, its contents she couldn’t recognise. Quickly she made a grab for it and threw the liquid at the approaching killing machine. The preservative appeared harmless, much to Louise Ruth’s dismay as a talon lashed out towards her extended arm. The thin bladed claws caught her shoulder, cutting through her jacket and the shirt underneath without much effort. She felt the flesh slice open as it racked down her arm. She screamed at the top of her voice, not out of pain, that would come later, but out of pure frustration.
The glass jar in her hand smashed down into a thousand pieces, slamming into the she-wolf’s face, with such intensity that it broke off the left fang and two other teeth in a spray of blood and bone. Taking a single step backward the she-wolf glared back at her as blood ran down her chin. Slowly and deliberately the female raised her razor sharp hands.
The she-wolf stabbed at Louise Ruth with her talons. Turning to one side to avoid the blow she grabbed at the extended arm. The she-wolf was too quick and retracted the blow as quickly as she’d delivered it. A single claw cut deeply into her palm as the hand passed through her grip. She felt warm blood spurt through her fingers as she clenched her fist. She screamed again, more in anger this time than pain and took two steps backward out of the she-wolf’s reach. Looking round anxiously for a weapon she could use, she let her arm drop to her side as blood dripped onto the floor of the TARDIS.
The she-wolf remained quiet as she advanced, slashing with her claws. Blood still poured from her mouth where the glass jar had struck her, but the only sound the female made was the gentle whistling of her breathing. Taking the time to glance at the consol, Louise Ruth noticed a long thin object like a miniature knife but with a twelve inch blade. As quickly as she could she lurched towards it but the she-wolf had anticipated her move and slashed at her, growling as she did so. The talons caught her side, just under her arm, tearing easily through the material, ripping into her skin. The claw bit deeply, causing her to twist away from the searing pain that fought to overwhelm her.
Moving under the next blow she slipped on the pooling blood from the male wolf and fell face first onto her hands and knees. She heard the she-wolf grunt as she rolled forward after something thudded into her left shoulder, closely followed by excruciating pain. Two claws from the right hand were embedded in her scapula, which were dragged out, their serrated edges ripped through skin and muscle. She screamed as they were withdrawn, tears filling her eyes.
This couldn’t be the end, surely. She didn’t want to die like this, not like this, cut to pieces by a she-wolf. She wanted to see her sister and her father once more. She didn’t want to die on the floor like a slaughtered pig. She didn’t want the animal that killed her to eat her flesh as she died.
Rolling onto her back she realised that the she-wolf was standing over her, blood still dripping from the wound she’d inflicted on it. Still the she-wolf remained quiet but Louise Ruth could feel the need to kill, emanating form the animal deep inside her.
Pulling her legs under her she managed to scramble away from the looming figure that threatened death at any second. She knew that the she-wolf was just playing with her, like a cat with a mouse, enjoying the hunt, knowing that a kill would mean the end.
As she stood she could feel blood running down her back and across her hip, soaking the top of her jeans. From what anatomy she knew she realised that the injuries she’d sustained weren’t life threatening, but still they hurt like hell. There were no major blood vessels damaged and the claws hadn’t gone deep enough to puncture any major organs. The most painful wound, in her shoulder, she knew, was only muscle damage and hurt every time she moved it. She could still feel her fingers so there couldn’t be any nerve damage. She was injured, that was true, but she wasn’t out of the game yet.
Louise Ruth screamed and lashed out with her right foot, catching the female just under the knee cap. The she-wolf grunted and slashed down towards her leg. The thin blade like talons cut into her ankle and leg drawing blood in four neat, parallel lines. Louise Ruth yelled out, this time in pain as she drew her leg unsteadily back under her.
Shuffling to the right, the she-wolf slashed her claws at her menacingly. Without warning the female lunged at her, but as she did so Louise Ruth lashed out a second time with her cut and bleeding foot, this time catching the female in the side of the ribs with the point of her shoe. The she-wolf’s face registered pain as the ribs cracked and splintered under the blow. Slashing down the claws scraped backhandedly across her exposed thigh, cutting deep into the flesh. She screamed as the claws were pulled from her skin causing blood to spurt down her leg, dropping her to the ground.
Pushing herself backward, she hit the wall opposite and using her slightly injured leg pushed herself to her feet. She almost fell straight away as her leg gave way beneath her. Using a waist high wall as leverage she pulled herself upright knocking jar after jar onto the floor in a rain of fluid and broken glass. Preserving liquid and organic specimens flooded the floor of the TARDIS as the liquid thinned out her blood, mixing it with that of the wolf-man that lay unmoving amongst the debris.
Scattering more jars across the floor she managed to gain her feet without her legs buckling underneath her. Reaching out she grabbed hold of the last jar and threw it at the advancing she-wolf as hard as she could. It hit the female’s forehead and shattering fell to the floor to join, what had once great collection.
The she-wolf stood her ground, blood running freely across her face from a scalp wound that had been opened up by the jar. Then for the first time the female spoke.
‘Is that the best you can do?’ She snarled as she slashed her talons at Louise Ruth’s face. She just managed to jump backward in time as the thin blade-like claws whistled only millimetres passed her eyes.
The TARDIS entrance was on her left and hobbling she realised that the female had noticed it too. Sliding sideways the female easily cut off her escape. The pain in her body was beginning to impede her movement and the loss of blood, although not life threatening at present was having its effect on her as well. If they weren’t treated soon she would go into shock and die, that was, if the she-wolf didn’t kill her first.
As the female advanced on her she realised that she couldn’t move. Her body had lost too much blood and fighting back now wasn’t an option. Standing her ground she waited, and hoped it would be quick.
As her legs gave way the first blow sailed just above her head as her knees hit the floor. She felt cold and lonely and began to shiver. She’d fought a fight that few could have matched and now it was time to leave.
With relief the pain began to diminish and she had the feeling of something hard on her face. As her eyesight began to fade she realised that she was lying on the floor, her body motionless as she lay. Blackness clouded her vision as she was thrown onto her back. Almost all of the feeling that had told her she was still alive had gone.
The shivering stopped and warmness seemed to envelop her, which felt good. She could still hear the scraping of feet on the floor of the TARDIS but the sensation of being dragged, clawed or eaten was long gone.
The last thing she heard was the howl of the wolf as it bellowed out in the confines of the TARDIS and then even that faded away. The last thought that crossed her oxygen starved mind, was that she’d never see her father or sister again. Her brain, which was usually filled with the electrical impulses of thought, shut down and turned off.
The End
Ending #2
‘Welcome to my TARDIS Louise Ruth,’ the Rani said as she activated the door controls.
Louise Ruth stood up, her mind in a whirl. Slowly she raised a hand towards her eyes and, rubbing the alcohol-induced blurriness away, she tried to focus. Her mobile began to ring in her shoulder bag but, for the moment, she ignored it. She stared across at the Rani, suddenly aware that the only sound in the room was her breathing. Feeling the phone vibrate against her hip she wondered briefly who would be calling her. The door to the TARDIS suddenly slammed shut. Quickly she spun round, her shoulder bag falling from her arm onto the floor.
The wolf-like man stood in front of her barring her exit from the Rani’s time machine. The female stood to his right, with what looked like a smile on its face. There was no need for her to ask what was going to happen next. They were both holding out, what had once been hands, with sharp talons extending from their fingers. The male advanced slowly, his claws swishing from side to side as he closed the distance between them. Slowly, as if savouring the moment, he opened his mouth baring his fang-like teeth, but said nothing.
Dropping back into a crouch, Louise Ruth remained silent, not wishing to give away the fact that she was more scared now than she had ever been in her life. Slowly she raised one of her hands, defensively, but deliberately none threatening, so as not to give anything away. The longer he believed he was in total dominance of the situation, the longer he would be vulnerable.
In the back of her mind she heard her father say that the best form of defence is not to be there, run whenever possible. Unfortunately this wasn’t an option, between her and the exit were two of the most natural killers she’d ever seen and that included all the alien life forms she’d encountered of the previous few weeks.
‘What do you want?’ she asked, knowing the question was as meaningless as her death would soon be. She knew that her words could be a weapon; talking was the only thing that might slow them down or wrong foot them. As the wolf-man took a step forward, she cautiously took a step backward. The Rani was directly behind her, she knew and between them was the centre consol, which at the moment was still.
The hand that was still by her side slowly slipped, unseen, into her pocket. She remembered the manoeuvre from a program she’d watched with her father. Show them one hand while using the other to trick them. Misdirection, she remembered it being called. Her fingertips curled around a small pen she always carried with her and palming it, she removed it from her pocket. It was only a pen, she knew, but many amazing things had been done with pens… perhaps killing a wolf-man could be added to the list, she hoped.
‘No situation is unattainable,’ her father had once told her. ‘Everything you need to survive is at hand… all you have to do is logically formulate a plan. The majority of people who survive had a plan worked out beforehand.’ He had been talking about escaping from a plan crash or a burning building, she’d remembered, just before she’d left to go to university. He was a cheery old soul, she’d thought at the time, but his logic was unquestionable.
Looking at the advancing predator she logically evaluated her position. If he stabbed at her with his fingertips she had a chance, she knew, of blocking it and countering with a punch of her own… but if he slashed at her he would cut her without a doubt. She knew why she was going to die, but that knowledge didn’t help the situation.
She hadn’t caused the Rani’s plans to go south, but she had played her part. Life meant nothing to creatures like the Rani. It was just a stepping stone in the path of gaining knowledge and power.
Quickly her mind raced, remembering her father and their long detailed conversations that she’d paid scant attention to. Once over a glass of wine she’d remembered him talking about wolves, an animal he’d always been drawn to.
‘They like to hunt in packs, drawn by the smell of blood; they surround their prey and take time in bringing it down.’ Logically that gave her a few ideas… if there was enough of the wolf in him for them to work, she pondered. If she ran he’d take her down in seconds, so she had to stand her ground. Using the pen she could draw her own blood and use it to distract him, but that would mean stabbing her self, something she wasn’t that keen on doing at the present.
Suddenly her back slammed into the TARDIS consol and her tactical retreating days, she knew, were over. It was now or never, she realised as the wolf-man continued to advance, closing the distance between them with every step. She knew that his reflexes would be quicker than hers and any attack by her would be blocked and devastatingly countered.
Running the metal clasp of the pen down the inside of her arm she felt the skin part and warm blood dripping into her hand. Immediately the wolf-man stopped the scent of blood strong in his nostrils. Changing the pen from right to left she threw out her right hand splashing the wall in fresh blood. The wolf-man’s eyes lifted and turned towards the smell. His head moved to one side as he caught the scent and wallowed in the memories it brought.
Without hesitation she clenched her fists and raised both her hands as if to strike. His lightning reflexes were quicker than she could have believed possible. Turning to one side he thrust out his right hand blocking hers and clasping it in a vice-like grip. What he hadn’t realised was that she had raised both hands. Her left slammed down into his exposed neck, the pen puncturing his carotid artery with a sickening thud. He might have lived long enough to have killed her if he hadn’t pushed her away from him, dislodging the pen as she fell backward against the consol. A spray of crimson fountained into the air as he fought against the pain. Dropping to his knees his face turned grey as heart fought to pump what was left of his blood around his body. Slowly at first, the ruptured artery stopped arcing into the air and fell to a trickle as the wolf-man fell face first to the floor, dead.
‘Don’t just stand there… kill the bitch!’ The scream thundered through the consol room as Louise Ruth pulled herself to her feet. It was obvious that the smell of blood in such a confined space as the TARDIS was having an effect on the female. Unsure of what to do she took a few tentative steps forward, her talons extended before her. For a fleeting moment Louise Ruth thought she was going to pounce on the dead wolf-man and feed, but no such luck. One stern word from the Rani sent her towards her prey. This time she wouldn’t be underestimated, she knew.
Louise Ruth moved forward ready to grab hold of the outstretched talon, but the she-wolf was too quick for her and slashed at her extended hand just missing her. Louise Ruth jumped backward then moved as quickly as she could round the consol. If it was anything like the Doctor’s there would be something she could use as a weapon. What she’d give for a wooden mallet of a large spanner.
Her hand made contact with a small glass jar that rested on the console, its contents she couldn’t recognise. Quickly she made a grab for it and threw the liquid at the approaching killing machine. The preservative appeared harmless, much to Louise Ruth’s dismay as a talon lashed out towards her extended arm. The thin bladed claws caught her shoulder, cutting through her jacket and the shirt underneath without much effort. She felt the flesh slice open as it racked down her arm. She screamed at the top of her voice, not out of pain, that would come later, but out of pure frustration.
The glass jar in her hand smashed down into a thousand pieces, slamming into the she-wolf’s face, with such intensity that it broke off the left fang and two other teeth in a spray of blood and bone. Taking a single step backward the she-wolf glared back at her as blood ran down her chin. Slowly and deliberately the female raised her razor sharp hands.
The she-wolf stabbed at Louise Ruth with her talons. Turning to one side to avoid the blow she grabbed at the extended arm. The she-wolf was too quick and retracted the blow as quickly as she’d delivered it. A single claw cut deeply into her palm as the hand passed through her grip. She felt warm blood spurt through her fingers as she clenched her fist. She screamed again, more in anger this time than pain and took two steps backward out of the she-wolf’s reach. Looking round anxiously for a weapon she could use, she let her arm drop to her side as blood dripped onto the floor of the TARDIS.
The she-wolf remained quiet as she advanced, slashing with her claws. Blood still poured from her mouth where the glass jar had struck her, but the only sound the female made was the gentle whistling of her breathing. Taking the time to glance at the consol, Louise Ruth noticed a long thin object like a miniature knife but with a twelve inch blade. As quickly as she could she lurched towards it but the she-wolf had anticipated her move and slashed at her, growling as she did so. The talons caught her side, just under her arm, tearing easily through the material, ripping into her skin. The claw bit deeply, causing her to twist away from the searing pain that fought to overwhelm her.
Moving under the next blow she slipped on the pooling blood from the male wolf and fell face first onto her hands and knees. She heard the she-wolf grunt as she rolled forward after something thudded into her left shoulder, closely followed by excruciating pain. Two claws from the right hand were embedded in her scapula, which were dragged out, their serrated edges ripped through skin and muscle. She screamed as they were withdrawn, tears filling her eyes.
This couldn’t be the end, surely. She didn’t want to die like this, not like this, cut to pieces by a she-wolf. She wanted to see her sister and her father once more. She didn’t want to die on the floor like a slaughtered pig. She didn’t want the animal that killed her to eat her flesh as she died.
Rolling onto her back she realised that the she-wolf was standing over her, blood still dripping from the wound she’d inflicted on it. Still the she-wolf remained quiet but Louise Ruth could feel the need to kill, emanating form the animal deep inside her.
Pulling her legs under her she managed to scramble away from the looming figure that threatened death at any second. She knew that the she-wolf was just playing with her, like a cat with a mouse, enjoying the hunt, knowing that a kill would mean the end.
As she stood she could feel blood running down her back and across her hip, soaking the top of her jeans. From what anatomy she knew she realised that the injuries she’d sustained weren’t life threatening, but still they hurt like hell. There were no major blood vessels damaged and the claws hadn’t gone deep enough to puncture any major organs. The most painful wound, in her shoulder, she knew, was only muscle damage and hurt every time she moved it. She could still feel her fingers so there couldn’t be any nerve damage. She was injured, that was true, but she wasn’t out of the game yet.
Louise Ruth screamed and lashed out with her right foot, catching the female just under the knee cap. The she-wolf grunted and slashed down towards her leg. The thin blade like talons cut into her ankle and leg drawing blood in four neat, parallel lines. Louise Ruth yelled out, this time in pain as she drew her leg unsteadily back under her.
Shuffling to the right, the she-wolf slashed her claws at her menacingly. Without warning the female lunged at her, but as she did so Louise Ruth lashed out a second time with her cut and bleeding foot, this time catching the female in the side of the ribs with the point of her shoe. The she-wolf’s face registered pain as the ribs cracked and splintered under the blow. Slashing down the claws scraped backhandedly across her exposed thigh, cutting deep into the flesh. She screamed as the claws were pulled from her skin causing blood to spurt down her leg, dropping her to the ground.
Pushing herself backward, she hit the wall opposite and using her slightly injured leg pushed herself to her feet. She almost fell straight away as her leg gave way beneath her. Using a waist high wall as leverage she pulled herself upright knocking jar after jar onto the floor in a rain of fluid and broken glass. Preserving liquid and organic specimens flooded the floor of the TARDIS as the liquid thinned out her blood, mixing it with that of the wolf-man that lay unmoving amongst the debris.
Scattering more jars across the floor she managed to gain her feet without her legs buckling underneath her. Reaching out she grabbed hold of the last jar and threw it at the advancing she-wolf as hard as she could. It hit the female’s forehead and shattering fell to the floor to join, what had once great collection.
The she-wolf stood her ground, blood running freely across her face from a scalp wound that had been opened up by the jar. Then for the first time the female spoke.
‘Is that the best you can do?’ She snarled as she slashed her talons at Louise Ruth’s face. She just managed to jump backward in time as the thin blade-like claws whistled only millimetres passed her eyes.
The TARDIS entrance was on her left and hobbling she realised that the female had noticed it too. Sliding sideways the female easily cut off her escape. The pain in her body was beginning to impede her movement and the loss of blood, although not life threatening at present was having its effect on her as well. If they weren’t treated soon she would go into shock and die, that was, if the she-wolf didn’t kill her first.
As the female advanced on her she realised that she couldn’t move. Her body had lost too much blood and fighting back now wasn’t an option. Standing her ground she waited, and hoped it would be quick.
As her legs gave way the first blow sailed just above her head as her knees hit the floor. Her left hand reached out to save her as the rest of her body slammed into the ground. Gripping her hand into a fist she realised that she had hold of her shoulder bag and pulled it towards her.
As the she-wolf stood over her glaring, poised for the kill, Louise Ruth reached into her bag and with all the strength she could muster fired all three sets of darts from the stun gun. The female howled in pain as 8,000 volts of electricity thundered through her body.
Not letting up Louise Ruth managed to pull herself to her feet as the women beast fell backward. Dropping the gun, she hit the control panel with her good hand releasing the door.
With blood trailing behind her Louise Ruth dragged herself painfully towards the exit. Reaching out a hand she grabbed hold of the handle and was about to head back into the toilet when a hand grabbed hold of her shoulder from behind. The pain from the laceration filled her mind like white hot fire.
‘Where do you think your going? We’ve not finished yet. I have many other creations that are eager to play.’ Summoning up all her pent up emotion, anger and pain she turned and slammed a fist into the Rani’s exposed chin.
‘Fuck right off you evil bitch!’ Louise Ruth screamed as the Rani’s unconscious body hit the floor.
Hugging the wall she managed to pull herself towards the door to the ladies as lights flashed in her eyes. She knew that she’d lost so much blood her body was trying to circulate what oxygen she had left by pumping her heart at twice its normal speed.
Slowly she managed to grab hold of the door and fling it open just as Jack and Ianto walked toward her, both laughing.
‘Hi lads… I wouldn’t go in there if I were you. That Turkish food’s a killer. It went through me like-’ Louise Ruth never finished her sentence as unconsciousness took hold of her.
Falling into Ianto’s outstretched arms he lowered her to the floor as Sergeant Benton called up yet another air ambulance. Looking through the door to the ladies rest room both Jack and Ianto looked on in horror at the trail of blood leading from the stall at the far end.
Suddenly the air began to vibrate and a pulsating sound filled the room as the end stall began to glow. Jack automatically removed his Webley and unloaded a full six shots into the door area, which was still open. The weird and strange sight of a small compartment with a large interior always made Jack uneasy. He tried to pick his shots but felt that quantity would be better than quality. Whatever he hit would be damaged it he hit it enough.
Pushing passed them the Doctor, hand extended, pointed his sonic screwdriver at the stall, which began to smoke and spark.
‘No you don’t… not this time; it stops here and now!’ The Doctor shouted as the screwdriver gave off a high pitched sound as it glowed blue, sparkling in the half light. A light wave rippled in the air and engulfed the room throwing the Doctor back out of the open doorway.
Ianto bent forward and covered Louise Ruth’s unconscious body as the door was blown off its hinges, sending it splintering into the bar area which was now filled with screams of panic.
Gaining his feet the Doctor headed over towards Louise Ruth and knelt beside her. ‘Don’t die… please don’t die… not again… I don’t know how much more I can take.’ Tears ran down his face as he looked at Louise Ruth’s pale face.
Jack came from the male toilets with paper towels in both hands. Kneeling next to the Doctor he realised that Louise Ruth’s shirt was soaked in blood and there were deep lacerations to both of her legs. Passing the towels to Ianto, who immediately applied pressure to the most vulnerable areas, Jack checked her pulse and breathing. To his surprise her pulse was fast but strong and her breathing ragged.
Slowly she opened her eyes and saw tears running down Jack’s face as he tried to stop the wounds from bleeding. Running his fingers along the length of her body he checked for other wounds or injuries. Breathing a sigh of relief he realised that she’d lost a lot of blood but none of the injuries were arterial. Pressing two of the towels to her hip he tried to stop more blood from being pumped from her body.
‘You’re going to be fine,’ he said as he moved the hair from her eyes so she could see better. Ianto, still worried, noticed that she didn’t appear to hear him, her eyes holding a thousand yard stare, glassy with shock.
‘Louise Ruth, stay with me. You’re going to be all right, but you’ve got to stay awake,’ Ianto added as he gently patted her cheek. Slowly she blinked and turning gazed up at the Doctor.
‘Louise Ruth… come on, snap out of this. An air ambulance is on its way, courtesy of UNIT.’
Louise Ruth frowned, ‘I failed you Doctor. I failed all of you.’
‘What…?’ The Doctor looked down at her incomprehension showing in his eyes.
Leaning forward the Doctor put a hand on either side of her face, staring into her eyes. ‘Stop this…’ he said, ‘you need to stay with us. I need you to look after me. You’re marvellous.’ Her eyes filled with tears; her body felt cold as shock took hold of her.
‘We’re going to get you to a hospital… do you understand… everything’s going to be ok.’ Ianto said as he cradled her head in his lap. Louise Ruth nodded slowly but there was no recognition in her eyes.
‘Come on Louise Ruth… focus… look at me.’ Ianto put a hand into one of his pockets and removed a set of car keys. Dangling them in front of her he added, ‘Look… shiny.’ Despite the situation Louise Ruth began to smile. She remembered the Doctor doing that to Benton and how she’d laughed at the time.
She nodded, ‘Okay,’ she whispered, ‘Im okay.’ Taking a deep breath she winced with the pain.
‘How do you feel?’ Jack asked as he wiped the tears from his redden eyes.
‘Like I’m slowly bleeding to death,’ she said with a smile.
‘Where does it hurt?’ he added.
‘My side, my shoulder and… pretty much everywhere… except my teeth… they feel fine.’ Jack smiled as he continued to apply pressure to the wounds that were still bleeding.
Rolling her onto her side he checked her back. Her once white shirt was soaked with blood as well. He placed another two towels over the wet patch and rolled her back onto her back. Looking at her right hand he saw how deep the cut was and inwardly winced. Ianto lifted her hand into the air as Jack wrapped a towel round it. Keeping it elevated slowed the blood loss and helped the wound to clot.
‘The wounds on your legs are mostly superficial and have already stopped bleeding. Nothing’s cut too deep but you will have a few scars to show your friends.’ Jack added in his best bedside manor. Removing the towel from her side he examined the cut and noticed that it was still bleeding. Placing a new towel over the wound he continued to apply light pressure.
‘Stay with us Louise Ruth… the ambulance will be here shortly.’ Ianto looked at Jack as Louise Ruth’s eyes began to close.
‘Don’t sleep… stay with us.’ Jack added, his voice sounding more urgent than it previously had been.
‘I was so scared Doctor… so… scared.’
‘That’s okay… it’s over now.’
‘I wish I’d been you Doctor… you would have done something brilliant as usual… and everything would turn out… fine.’ She managed to wipe away the tears with her left hand. ‘I felt so useless… I threw glass jars and a pen at two wolf-men… how pathetic is that.’
Blood continued to trickle from her hand as Ianto increased the pressure on the wound. In the distance they all heard the sound of rotor blades as they cut through the night sky.
‘Here they come… the 7th cavalry to the rescue.’ Ianto said as he looked down at her cold, white form. ‘Everything’s going to be all right.’
The End
Doctor Who and the Star of Arcadia
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, The Doctor (10), OFC, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Benton
Disclaimer: Neither Torchwood or Doctor Who are mine
Summary: What happens when Louise Ruth enters the Rani’s TARDIS
Spoilers: None
Rating: R
Warning: Lots of blood in both endings. OFC death in one.
A/N: These are two different endings to my Doctor Who/Torchwood fic: Doctor Who’s End Game. I wanted it to end with #1, which contains OFC death, and my co-author wanted it to end with #2. Both contain blood and angst. If you don’t want to read OFC death, go straight to #2. They both start the same way.
Ending #1
‘Welcome to my TARDIS Louise Ruth,’ the Rani said as she activated the door controls.
Louise Ruth stood up, her mind in a whirl. Slowly she raised a hand towards her eyes and, rubbing the alcohol-induced blurriness away, she tried to focus. Her mobile began to ring in her shoulder bag but, for the moment, she ignored it. She stared across at the Rani, suddenly aware that the only sound in the room was her breathing. Feeling the phone vibrate against her hip she wondered briefly who would be calling her. The door to the TARDIS suddenly slammed shut. Quickly she spun round, her shoulder bag falling from her arm onto the floor.
The wolf-like man stood in front of her barring her exit from the Rani’s time machine. The female stood to his right, with what looked like a smile on its face. There was no need for her to ask what was going to happen next. They were both holding out, what had once been hands, with sharp talons extending from their fingers. The male advanced slowly, his claws swishing from side to side as he closed the distance between them. Slowly, as if savouring the moment, he opened his mouth baring his fang-like teeth, but said nothing.
Dropping back into a crouch, Louise Ruth remained silent, not wishing to give away the fact that she was more scared now than she had ever been in her life. Slowly she raised one of her hands, defensively, but deliberately none threatening, so as not to give anything away. The longer he believed he was in total dominance of the situation, the longer he would be vulnerable.
In the back of her mind she heard her father say that the best form of defence is not to be there, run whenever possible. Unfortunately this wasn’t an option, between her and the exit were two of the most natural killers she’d ever seen and that included all the alien life forms she’d encountered of the previous few weeks.
‘What do you want?’ she asked, knowing the question was as meaningless as her death would soon be. She knew that her words could be a weapon; talking was the only thing that might slow them down or wrong foot them. As the wolf-man took a step forward, she cautiously took a step backward. The Rani was directly behind her, she knew and between them was the centre consol, which at the moment was still.
The hand that was still by her side slowly slipped, unseen, into her pocket. She remembered the manoeuvre from a program she’d watched with her father. Show them one hand while using the other to trick them. Misdirection, she remembered it being called. Her fingertips curled around a small pen she always carried with her and palming it, she removed it from her pocket. It was only a pen, she knew, but many amazing things had been done with pens… perhaps killing a wolf-man could be added to the list, she hoped.
‘No situation is unattainable,’ her father had once told her. ‘Everything you need to survive is at hand… all you have to do is logically formulate a plan. The majority of people who survive had a plan worked out beforehand.’ He had been talking about escaping from a plan crash or a burning building, she’d remembered, just before she’d left to go to university. He was a cheery old soul, she’d thought at the time, but his logic was unquestionable.
Looking at the advancing predator she logically evaluated her position. If he stabbed at her with his fingertips she had a chance, she knew, of blocking it and countering with a punch of her own… but if he slashed at her he would cut her without a doubt. She knew why she was going to die, but that knowledge didn’t help the situation.
She hadn’t caused the Rani’s plans to go south, but she had played her part. Life meant nothing to creatures like the Rani. It was just a stepping stone in the path of gaining knowledge and power.
Quickly her mind raced, remembering her father and their long detailed conversations that she’d paid scant attention to. Once over a glass of wine she’d remembered him talking about wolves, an animal he’d always been drawn to.
‘They like to hunt in packs, drawn by the smell of blood; they surround their prey and take time in bringing it down.’ Logically that gave her a few ideas… if there was enough of the wolf in him for them to work, she pondered. If she ran he’d take her down in seconds, so she had to stand her ground. Using the pen she could draw her own blood and use it to distract him, but that would mean stabbing her self, something she wasn’t that keen on doing at the present.
Suddenly her back slammed into the TARDIS consol and her tactical retreating days, she knew, were over. It was now or never, she realised as the wolf-man continued to advance, closing the distance between them with every step. She knew that his reflexes would be quicker than hers and any attack by her would be blocked and devastatingly countered.
Running the metal clasp of the pen down the inside of her arm she felt the skin part and warm blood dripping into her hand. Immediately the wolf-man stopped the scent of blood strong in his nostrils. Changing the pen from right to left she threw out her right hand splashing the wall in fresh blood. The wolf-man’s eyes lifted and turned towards the smell. His head moved to one side as he caught the scent and wallowed in the memories it brought.
Without hesitation she clenched her fists and raised both her hands as if to strike. His lightning reflexes were quicker than she could have believed possible. Turning to one side he thrust out his right hand blocking hers and clasping it in a vice-like grip. What he hadn’t realised was that she had raised both hands. Her left slammed down into his exposed neck, the pen puncturing his carotid artery with a sickening thud. He might have lived long enough to have killed her if he hadn’t pushed her away from him, dislodging the pen as she fell backward against the consol. A spray of crimson fountained into the air as he fought against the pain. Dropping to his knees his face turned grey as heart fought to pump what was left of his blood around his body. Slowly at first, the ruptured artery stopped arcing into the air and fell to a trickle as the wolf-man fell face first to the floor, dead.
‘Don’t just stand there… kill the bitch!’ The scream thundered through the consol room as Louise Ruth pulled herself to her feet. It was obvious that the smell of blood in such a confined space as the TARDIS was having an effect on the female. Unsure of what to do she took a few tentative steps forward, her talons extended before her. For a fleeting moment Louise Ruth thought she was going to pounce on the dead wolf-man and feed, but no such luck. One stern word from the Rani sent her towards her prey. This time she wouldn’t be underestimated, she knew.
Louise Ruth moved forward ready to grab hold of the outstretched talon, but the she-wolf was too quick for her and slashed at her extended hand just missing her. Louise Ruth jumped backward then moved as quickly as she could round the consol. If it was anything like the Doctor’s there would be something she could use as a weapon. What she’d give for a wooden mallet of a large spanner.
Her hand made contact with a small glass jar that rested on the console, its contents she couldn’t recognise. Quickly she made a grab for it and threw the liquid at the approaching killing machine. The preservative appeared harmless, much to Louise Ruth’s dismay as a talon lashed out towards her extended arm. The thin bladed claws caught her shoulder, cutting through her jacket and the shirt underneath without much effort. She felt the flesh slice open as it racked down her arm. She screamed at the top of her voice, not out of pain, that would come later, but out of pure frustration.
The glass jar in her hand smashed down into a thousand pieces, slamming into the she-wolf’s face, with such intensity that it broke off the left fang and two other teeth in a spray of blood and bone. Taking a single step backward the she-wolf glared back at her as blood ran down her chin. Slowly and deliberately the female raised her razor sharp hands.
The she-wolf stabbed at Louise Ruth with her talons. Turning to one side to avoid the blow she grabbed at the extended arm. The she-wolf was too quick and retracted the blow as quickly as she’d delivered it. A single claw cut deeply into her palm as the hand passed through her grip. She felt warm blood spurt through her fingers as she clenched her fist. She screamed again, more in anger this time than pain and took two steps backward out of the she-wolf’s reach. Looking round anxiously for a weapon she could use, she let her arm drop to her side as blood dripped onto the floor of the TARDIS.
The she-wolf remained quiet as she advanced, slashing with her claws. Blood still poured from her mouth where the glass jar had struck her, but the only sound the female made was the gentle whistling of her breathing. Taking the time to glance at the consol, Louise Ruth noticed a long thin object like a miniature knife but with a twelve inch blade. As quickly as she could she lurched towards it but the she-wolf had anticipated her move and slashed at her, growling as she did so. The talons caught her side, just under her arm, tearing easily through the material, ripping into her skin. The claw bit deeply, causing her to twist away from the searing pain that fought to overwhelm her.
Moving under the next blow she slipped on the pooling blood from the male wolf and fell face first onto her hands and knees. She heard the she-wolf grunt as she rolled forward after something thudded into her left shoulder, closely followed by excruciating pain. Two claws from the right hand were embedded in her scapula, which were dragged out, their serrated edges ripped through skin and muscle. She screamed as they were withdrawn, tears filling her eyes.
This couldn’t be the end, surely. She didn’t want to die like this, not like this, cut to pieces by a she-wolf. She wanted to see her sister and her father once more. She didn’t want to die on the floor like a slaughtered pig. She didn’t want the animal that killed her to eat her flesh as she died.
Rolling onto her back she realised that the she-wolf was standing over her, blood still dripping from the wound she’d inflicted on it. Still the she-wolf remained quiet but Louise Ruth could feel the need to kill, emanating form the animal deep inside her.
Pulling her legs under her she managed to scramble away from the looming figure that threatened death at any second. She knew that the she-wolf was just playing with her, like a cat with a mouse, enjoying the hunt, knowing that a kill would mean the end.
As she stood she could feel blood running down her back and across her hip, soaking the top of her jeans. From what anatomy she knew she realised that the injuries she’d sustained weren’t life threatening, but still they hurt like hell. There were no major blood vessels damaged and the claws hadn’t gone deep enough to puncture any major organs. The most painful wound, in her shoulder, she knew, was only muscle damage and hurt every time she moved it. She could still feel her fingers so there couldn’t be any nerve damage. She was injured, that was true, but she wasn’t out of the game yet.
Louise Ruth screamed and lashed out with her right foot, catching the female just under the knee cap. The she-wolf grunted and slashed down towards her leg. The thin blade like talons cut into her ankle and leg drawing blood in four neat, parallel lines. Louise Ruth yelled out, this time in pain as she drew her leg unsteadily back under her.
Shuffling to the right, the she-wolf slashed her claws at her menacingly. Without warning the female lunged at her, but as she did so Louise Ruth lashed out a second time with her cut and bleeding foot, this time catching the female in the side of the ribs with the point of her shoe. The she-wolf’s face registered pain as the ribs cracked and splintered under the blow. Slashing down the claws scraped backhandedly across her exposed thigh, cutting deep into the flesh. She screamed as the claws were pulled from her skin causing blood to spurt down her leg, dropping her to the ground.
Pushing herself backward, she hit the wall opposite and using her slightly injured leg pushed herself to her feet. She almost fell straight away as her leg gave way beneath her. Using a waist high wall as leverage she pulled herself upright knocking jar after jar onto the floor in a rain of fluid and broken glass. Preserving liquid and organic specimens flooded the floor of the TARDIS as the liquid thinned out her blood, mixing it with that of the wolf-man that lay unmoving amongst the debris.
Scattering more jars across the floor she managed to gain her feet without her legs buckling underneath her. Reaching out she grabbed hold of the last jar and threw it at the advancing she-wolf as hard as she could. It hit the female’s forehead and shattering fell to the floor to join, what had once great collection.
The she-wolf stood her ground, blood running freely across her face from a scalp wound that had been opened up by the jar. Then for the first time the female spoke.
‘Is that the best you can do?’ She snarled as she slashed her talons at Louise Ruth’s face. She just managed to jump backward in time as the thin blade-like claws whistled only millimetres passed her eyes.
The TARDIS entrance was on her left and hobbling she realised that the female had noticed it too. Sliding sideways the female easily cut off her escape. The pain in her body was beginning to impede her movement and the loss of blood, although not life threatening at present was having its effect on her as well. If they weren’t treated soon she would go into shock and die, that was, if the she-wolf didn’t kill her first.
As the female advanced on her she realised that she couldn’t move. Her body had lost too much blood and fighting back now wasn’t an option. Standing her ground she waited, and hoped it would be quick.
As her legs gave way the first blow sailed just above her head as her knees hit the floor. She felt cold and lonely and began to shiver. She’d fought a fight that few could have matched and now it was time to leave.
With relief the pain began to diminish and she had the feeling of something hard on her face. As her eyesight began to fade she realised that she was lying on the floor, her body motionless as she lay. Blackness clouded her vision as she was thrown onto her back. Almost all of the feeling that had told her she was still alive had gone.
The shivering stopped and warmness seemed to envelop her, which felt good. She could still hear the scraping of feet on the floor of the TARDIS but the sensation of being dragged, clawed or eaten was long gone.
The last thing she heard was the howl of the wolf as it bellowed out in the confines of the TARDIS and then even that faded away. The last thought that crossed her oxygen starved mind, was that she’d never see her father or sister again. Her brain, which was usually filled with the electrical impulses of thought, shut down and turned off.
The End
Ending #2
‘Welcome to my TARDIS Louise Ruth,’ the Rani said as she activated the door controls.
Louise Ruth stood up, her mind in a whirl. Slowly she raised a hand towards her eyes and, rubbing the alcohol-induced blurriness away, she tried to focus. Her mobile began to ring in her shoulder bag but, for the moment, she ignored it. She stared across at the Rani, suddenly aware that the only sound in the room was her breathing. Feeling the phone vibrate against her hip she wondered briefly who would be calling her. The door to the TARDIS suddenly slammed shut. Quickly she spun round, her shoulder bag falling from her arm onto the floor.
The wolf-like man stood in front of her barring her exit from the Rani’s time machine. The female stood to his right, with what looked like a smile on its face. There was no need for her to ask what was going to happen next. They were both holding out, what had once been hands, with sharp talons extending from their fingers. The male advanced slowly, his claws swishing from side to side as he closed the distance between them. Slowly, as if savouring the moment, he opened his mouth baring his fang-like teeth, but said nothing.
Dropping back into a crouch, Louise Ruth remained silent, not wishing to give away the fact that she was more scared now than she had ever been in her life. Slowly she raised one of her hands, defensively, but deliberately none threatening, so as not to give anything away. The longer he believed he was in total dominance of the situation, the longer he would be vulnerable.
In the back of her mind she heard her father say that the best form of defence is not to be there, run whenever possible. Unfortunately this wasn’t an option, between her and the exit were two of the most natural killers she’d ever seen and that included all the alien life forms she’d encountered of the previous few weeks.
‘What do you want?’ she asked, knowing the question was as meaningless as her death would soon be. She knew that her words could be a weapon; talking was the only thing that might slow them down or wrong foot them. As the wolf-man took a step forward, she cautiously took a step backward. The Rani was directly behind her, she knew and between them was the centre consol, which at the moment was still.
The hand that was still by her side slowly slipped, unseen, into her pocket. She remembered the manoeuvre from a program she’d watched with her father. Show them one hand while using the other to trick them. Misdirection, she remembered it being called. Her fingertips curled around a small pen she always carried with her and palming it, she removed it from her pocket. It was only a pen, she knew, but many amazing things had been done with pens… perhaps killing a wolf-man could be added to the list, she hoped.
‘No situation is unattainable,’ her father had once told her. ‘Everything you need to survive is at hand… all you have to do is logically formulate a plan. The majority of people who survive had a plan worked out beforehand.’ He had been talking about escaping from a plan crash or a burning building, she’d remembered, just before she’d left to go to university. He was a cheery old soul, she’d thought at the time, but his logic was unquestionable.
Looking at the advancing predator she logically evaluated her position. If he stabbed at her with his fingertips she had a chance, she knew, of blocking it and countering with a punch of her own… but if he slashed at her he would cut her without a doubt. She knew why she was going to die, but that knowledge didn’t help the situation.
She hadn’t caused the Rani’s plans to go south, but she had played her part. Life meant nothing to creatures like the Rani. It was just a stepping stone in the path of gaining knowledge and power.
Quickly her mind raced, remembering her father and their long detailed conversations that she’d paid scant attention to. Once over a glass of wine she’d remembered him talking about wolves, an animal he’d always been drawn to.
‘They like to hunt in packs, drawn by the smell of blood; they surround their prey and take time in bringing it down.’ Logically that gave her a few ideas… if there was enough of the wolf in him for them to work, she pondered. If she ran he’d take her down in seconds, so she had to stand her ground. Using the pen she could draw her own blood and use it to distract him, but that would mean stabbing her self, something she wasn’t that keen on doing at the present.
Suddenly her back slammed into the TARDIS consol and her tactical retreating days, she knew, were over. It was now or never, she realised as the wolf-man continued to advance, closing the distance between them with every step. She knew that his reflexes would be quicker than hers and any attack by her would be blocked and devastatingly countered.
Running the metal clasp of the pen down the inside of her arm she felt the skin part and warm blood dripping into her hand. Immediately the wolf-man stopped the scent of blood strong in his nostrils. Changing the pen from right to left she threw out her right hand splashing the wall in fresh blood. The wolf-man’s eyes lifted and turned towards the smell. His head moved to one side as he caught the scent and wallowed in the memories it brought.
Without hesitation she clenched her fists and raised both her hands as if to strike. His lightning reflexes were quicker than she could have believed possible. Turning to one side he thrust out his right hand blocking hers and clasping it in a vice-like grip. What he hadn’t realised was that she had raised both hands. Her left slammed down into his exposed neck, the pen puncturing his carotid artery with a sickening thud. He might have lived long enough to have killed her if he hadn’t pushed her away from him, dislodging the pen as she fell backward against the consol. A spray of crimson fountained into the air as he fought against the pain. Dropping to his knees his face turned grey as heart fought to pump what was left of his blood around his body. Slowly at first, the ruptured artery stopped arcing into the air and fell to a trickle as the wolf-man fell face first to the floor, dead.
‘Don’t just stand there… kill the bitch!’ The scream thundered through the consol room as Louise Ruth pulled herself to her feet. It was obvious that the smell of blood in such a confined space as the TARDIS was having an effect on the female. Unsure of what to do she took a few tentative steps forward, her talons extended before her. For a fleeting moment Louise Ruth thought she was going to pounce on the dead wolf-man and feed, but no such luck. One stern word from the Rani sent her towards her prey. This time she wouldn’t be underestimated, she knew.
Louise Ruth moved forward ready to grab hold of the outstretched talon, but the she-wolf was too quick for her and slashed at her extended hand just missing her. Louise Ruth jumped backward then moved as quickly as she could round the consol. If it was anything like the Doctor’s there would be something she could use as a weapon. What she’d give for a wooden mallet of a large spanner.
Her hand made contact with a small glass jar that rested on the console, its contents she couldn’t recognise. Quickly she made a grab for it and threw the liquid at the approaching killing machine. The preservative appeared harmless, much to Louise Ruth’s dismay as a talon lashed out towards her extended arm. The thin bladed claws caught her shoulder, cutting through her jacket and the shirt underneath without much effort. She felt the flesh slice open as it racked down her arm. She screamed at the top of her voice, not out of pain, that would come later, but out of pure frustration.
The glass jar in her hand smashed down into a thousand pieces, slamming into the she-wolf’s face, with such intensity that it broke off the left fang and two other teeth in a spray of blood and bone. Taking a single step backward the she-wolf glared back at her as blood ran down her chin. Slowly and deliberately the female raised her razor sharp hands.
The she-wolf stabbed at Louise Ruth with her talons. Turning to one side to avoid the blow she grabbed at the extended arm. The she-wolf was too quick and retracted the blow as quickly as she’d delivered it. A single claw cut deeply into her palm as the hand passed through her grip. She felt warm blood spurt through her fingers as she clenched her fist. She screamed again, more in anger this time than pain and took two steps backward out of the she-wolf’s reach. Looking round anxiously for a weapon she could use, she let her arm drop to her side as blood dripped onto the floor of the TARDIS.
The she-wolf remained quiet as she advanced, slashing with her claws. Blood still poured from her mouth where the glass jar had struck her, but the only sound the female made was the gentle whistling of her breathing. Taking the time to glance at the consol, Louise Ruth noticed a long thin object like a miniature knife but with a twelve inch blade. As quickly as she could she lurched towards it but the she-wolf had anticipated her move and slashed at her, growling as she did so. The talons caught her side, just under her arm, tearing easily through the material, ripping into her skin. The claw bit deeply, causing her to twist away from the searing pain that fought to overwhelm her.
Moving under the next blow she slipped on the pooling blood from the male wolf and fell face first onto her hands and knees. She heard the she-wolf grunt as she rolled forward after something thudded into her left shoulder, closely followed by excruciating pain. Two claws from the right hand were embedded in her scapula, which were dragged out, their serrated edges ripped through skin and muscle. She screamed as they were withdrawn, tears filling her eyes.
This couldn’t be the end, surely. She didn’t want to die like this, not like this, cut to pieces by a she-wolf. She wanted to see her sister and her father once more. She didn’t want to die on the floor like a slaughtered pig. She didn’t want the animal that killed her to eat her flesh as she died.
Rolling onto her back she realised that the she-wolf was standing over her, blood still dripping from the wound she’d inflicted on it. Still the she-wolf remained quiet but Louise Ruth could feel the need to kill, emanating form the animal deep inside her.
Pulling her legs under her she managed to scramble away from the looming figure that threatened death at any second. She knew that the she-wolf was just playing with her, like a cat with a mouse, enjoying the hunt, knowing that a kill would mean the end.
As she stood she could feel blood running down her back and across her hip, soaking the top of her jeans. From what anatomy she knew she realised that the injuries she’d sustained weren’t life threatening, but still they hurt like hell. There were no major blood vessels damaged and the claws hadn’t gone deep enough to puncture any major organs. The most painful wound, in her shoulder, she knew, was only muscle damage and hurt every time she moved it. She could still feel her fingers so there couldn’t be any nerve damage. She was injured, that was true, but she wasn’t out of the game yet.
Louise Ruth screamed and lashed out with her right foot, catching the female just under the knee cap. The she-wolf grunted and slashed down towards her leg. The thin blade like talons cut into her ankle and leg drawing blood in four neat, parallel lines. Louise Ruth yelled out, this time in pain as she drew her leg unsteadily back under her.
Shuffling to the right, the she-wolf slashed her claws at her menacingly. Without warning the female lunged at her, but as she did so Louise Ruth lashed out a second time with her cut and bleeding foot, this time catching the female in the side of the ribs with the point of her shoe. The she-wolf’s face registered pain as the ribs cracked and splintered under the blow. Slashing down the claws scraped backhandedly across her exposed thigh, cutting deep into the flesh. She screamed as the claws were pulled from her skin causing blood to spurt down her leg, dropping her to the ground.
Pushing herself backward, she hit the wall opposite and using her slightly injured leg pushed herself to her feet. She almost fell straight away as her leg gave way beneath her. Using a waist high wall as leverage she pulled herself upright knocking jar after jar onto the floor in a rain of fluid and broken glass. Preserving liquid and organic specimens flooded the floor of the TARDIS as the liquid thinned out her blood, mixing it with that of the wolf-man that lay unmoving amongst the debris.
Scattering more jars across the floor she managed to gain her feet without her legs buckling underneath her. Reaching out she grabbed hold of the last jar and threw it at the advancing she-wolf as hard as she could. It hit the female’s forehead and shattering fell to the floor to join, what had once great collection.
The she-wolf stood her ground, blood running freely across her face from a scalp wound that had been opened up by the jar. Then for the first time the female spoke.
‘Is that the best you can do?’ She snarled as she slashed her talons at Louise Ruth’s face. She just managed to jump backward in time as the thin blade-like claws whistled only millimetres passed her eyes.
The TARDIS entrance was on her left and hobbling she realised that the female had noticed it too. Sliding sideways the female easily cut off her escape. The pain in her body was beginning to impede her movement and the loss of blood, although not life threatening at present was having its effect on her as well. If they weren’t treated soon she would go into shock and die, that was, if the she-wolf didn’t kill her first.
As the female advanced on her she realised that she couldn’t move. Her body had lost too much blood and fighting back now wasn’t an option. Standing her ground she waited, and hoped it would be quick.
As her legs gave way the first blow sailed just above her head as her knees hit the floor. Her left hand reached out to save her as the rest of her body slammed into the ground. Gripping her hand into a fist she realised that she had hold of her shoulder bag and pulled it towards her.
As the she-wolf stood over her glaring, poised for the kill, Louise Ruth reached into her bag and with all the strength she could muster fired all three sets of darts from the stun gun. The female howled in pain as 8,000 volts of electricity thundered through her body.
Not letting up Louise Ruth managed to pull herself to her feet as the women beast fell backward. Dropping the gun, she hit the control panel with her good hand releasing the door.
With blood trailing behind her Louise Ruth dragged herself painfully towards the exit. Reaching out a hand she grabbed hold of the handle and was about to head back into the toilet when a hand grabbed hold of her shoulder from behind. The pain from the laceration filled her mind like white hot fire.
‘Where do you think your going? We’ve not finished yet. I have many other creations that are eager to play.’ Summoning up all her pent up emotion, anger and pain she turned and slammed a fist into the Rani’s exposed chin.
‘Fuck right off you evil bitch!’ Louise Ruth screamed as the Rani’s unconscious body hit the floor.
Hugging the wall she managed to pull herself towards the door to the ladies as lights flashed in her eyes. She knew that she’d lost so much blood her body was trying to circulate what oxygen she had left by pumping her heart at twice its normal speed.
Slowly she managed to grab hold of the door and fling it open just as Jack and Ianto walked toward her, both laughing.
‘Hi lads… I wouldn’t go in there if I were you. That Turkish food’s a killer. It went through me like-’ Louise Ruth never finished her sentence as unconsciousness took hold of her.
Falling into Ianto’s outstretched arms he lowered her to the floor as Sergeant Benton called up yet another air ambulance. Looking through the door to the ladies rest room both Jack and Ianto looked on in horror at the trail of blood leading from the stall at the far end.
Suddenly the air began to vibrate and a pulsating sound filled the room as the end stall began to glow. Jack automatically removed his Webley and unloaded a full six shots into the door area, which was still open. The weird and strange sight of a small compartment with a large interior always made Jack uneasy. He tried to pick his shots but felt that quantity would be better than quality. Whatever he hit would be damaged it he hit it enough.
Pushing passed them the Doctor, hand extended, pointed his sonic screwdriver at the stall, which began to smoke and spark.
‘No you don’t… not this time; it stops here and now!’ The Doctor shouted as the screwdriver gave off a high pitched sound as it glowed blue, sparkling in the half light. A light wave rippled in the air and engulfed the room throwing the Doctor back out of the open doorway.
Ianto bent forward and covered Louise Ruth’s unconscious body as the door was blown off its hinges, sending it splintering into the bar area which was now filled with screams of panic.
Gaining his feet the Doctor headed over towards Louise Ruth and knelt beside her. ‘Don’t die… please don’t die… not again… I don’t know how much more I can take.’ Tears ran down his face as he looked at Louise Ruth’s pale face.
Jack came from the male toilets with paper towels in both hands. Kneeling next to the Doctor he realised that Louise Ruth’s shirt was soaked in blood and there were deep lacerations to both of her legs. Passing the towels to Ianto, who immediately applied pressure to the most vulnerable areas, Jack checked her pulse and breathing. To his surprise her pulse was fast but strong and her breathing ragged.
Slowly she opened her eyes and saw tears running down Jack’s face as he tried to stop the wounds from bleeding. Running his fingers along the length of her body he checked for other wounds or injuries. Breathing a sigh of relief he realised that she’d lost a lot of blood but none of the injuries were arterial. Pressing two of the towels to her hip he tried to stop more blood from being pumped from her body.
‘You’re going to be fine,’ he said as he moved the hair from her eyes so she could see better. Ianto, still worried, noticed that she didn’t appear to hear him, her eyes holding a thousand yard stare, glassy with shock.
‘Louise Ruth, stay with me. You’re going to be all right, but you’ve got to stay awake,’ Ianto added as he gently patted her cheek. Slowly she blinked and turning gazed up at the Doctor.
‘Louise Ruth… come on, snap out of this. An air ambulance is on its way, courtesy of UNIT.’
Louise Ruth frowned, ‘I failed you Doctor. I failed all of you.’
‘What…?’ The Doctor looked down at her incomprehension showing in his eyes.
Leaning forward the Doctor put a hand on either side of her face, staring into her eyes. ‘Stop this…’ he said, ‘you need to stay with us. I need you to look after me. You’re marvellous.’ Her eyes filled with tears; her body felt cold as shock took hold of her.
‘We’re going to get you to a hospital… do you understand… everything’s going to be ok.’ Ianto said as he cradled her head in his lap. Louise Ruth nodded slowly but there was no recognition in her eyes.
‘Come on Louise Ruth… focus… look at me.’ Ianto put a hand into one of his pockets and removed a set of car keys. Dangling them in front of her he added, ‘Look… shiny.’ Despite the situation Louise Ruth began to smile. She remembered the Doctor doing that to Benton and how she’d laughed at the time.
She nodded, ‘Okay,’ she whispered, ‘Im okay.’ Taking a deep breath she winced with the pain.
‘How do you feel?’ Jack asked as he wiped the tears from his redden eyes.
‘Like I’m slowly bleeding to death,’ she said with a smile.
‘Where does it hurt?’ he added.
‘My side, my shoulder and… pretty much everywhere… except my teeth… they feel fine.’ Jack smiled as he continued to apply pressure to the wounds that were still bleeding.
Rolling her onto her side he checked her back. Her once white shirt was soaked with blood as well. He placed another two towels over the wet patch and rolled her back onto her back. Looking at her right hand he saw how deep the cut was and inwardly winced. Ianto lifted her hand into the air as Jack wrapped a towel round it. Keeping it elevated slowed the blood loss and helped the wound to clot.
‘The wounds on your legs are mostly superficial and have already stopped bleeding. Nothing’s cut too deep but you will have a few scars to show your friends.’ Jack added in his best bedside manor. Removing the towel from her side he examined the cut and noticed that it was still bleeding. Placing a new towel over the wound he continued to apply light pressure.
‘Stay with us Louise Ruth… the ambulance will be here shortly.’ Ianto looked at Jack as Louise Ruth’s eyes began to close.
‘Don’t sleep… stay with us.’ Jack added, his voice sounding more urgent than it previously had been.
‘I was so scared Doctor… so… scared.’
‘That’s okay… it’s over now.’
‘I wish I’d been you Doctor… you would have done something brilliant as usual… and everything would turn out… fine.’ She managed to wipe away the tears with her left hand. ‘I felt so useless… I threw glass jars and a pen at two wolf-men… how pathetic is that.’
Blood continued to trickle from her hand as Ianto increased the pressure on the wound. In the distance they all heard the sound of rotor blades as they cut through the night sky.
‘Here they come… the 7th cavalry to the rescue.’ Ianto said as he looked down at her cold, white form. ‘Everything’s going to be all right.’
The End
Doctor Who and the Star of Arcadia