(no subject)
Yes We Khan, Ten/Rose, light PG-13
He could barely make out Rose standing off to his right because the mask on his face was just about as unforgiving as the chains holding him, watching the act in fascination. She would blame herself for this and he’d have to convince her that it wasn’t her fault. And it truly wasn’t. He had made the mistake and now he was paying the price., 4,068
This was it, the Doctor decided as he stared at the weapon aimed at him. He was going to be killed without a fight. He was going to quite possibly die in the name of entertainment. Maybe Rose would like his next incarnation just as much as she liked this one. Something she proved once again just shortly before their arrival here. It definitely didn’t help she was watching. He had told her to go on to the show without him while he did a bit of sleuthing.
He had found the answers. Aliens. Aliens who had been afraid of being found out and felt that killing people who knew was a great idea.
Now, that he thought about it a bit. There was a slight chance he wouldn’t die. The giant arrow was aimed at his left heart and as long as he didn’t bleed to death before getting to the TARDIS he would live on in this body with probably only a scar for him to remember it all by. He wiggled a bit against the chains, but they continued to restrict him and the sounds he could make through his gag weren’t loud enough to be heard over the beating drum.
He could barely make out Rose standing off to his right because the mask on his face was just about as unforgiving as the chains holding him, watching the act in fascination. She would blame herself for this and he’d have to convince her that it wasn’t her fault. And it truly wasn’t. He had made the mistake and now he was paying the price.
The Doctor took in a deep breath and braced himself for impact.
****
A day and a half-ish before…
Rose stared at the bustling street then glanced up at the looming buildings. She rolled her eyes, sighed and looked back at the Doctor who was closing the door to the TARDIS.
“This doesn’t look like the Great Wall,” Rose said.
“Slight detour,” the Doctor returned.
“On your part? Or did the TARDIS decide she didn’t want to see a giant wall?” Rose retorted.
“Cheeky,” the Doctor murmured as he held out his hand.
Rose smiled as she slid her hand into his then leaned into him.
“Now, we can eat,” the Doctor started. “I know of a great little place a few blocks from here or we can meet my old sensei.”
“Sensei?” Rose repeated as she looked up at him with a furrowed brow. “You had a sensei?”
“Still have,” the Doctor corrected. “Technically speaking, of course. How else do you think I learned Venusian Aikido?”
“I assumed you took a class of some sort on Venus. Or decided that you had to add the word Venusian after you learned human aikido so it sounded more alien because you’re an alien and wanted to be impressive.”
“I am impressive,” the Doctor stated. “I’m the last of the Time Lords, I have a ship that travels through time and space and I’m dating a beautiful woman by the name of Rose Tyler. Honestly, how could I possibly be more impressive?”
“I’m not sure your ego could handle being more impressive,” Rose muttered. “Where’s your dojo then?”
The Doctor spun them around and ran his free hand through his hair with a furrowed brow.
“This city’s changed a bit since I’ve been here last,” the Doctor told her. “Fewer skyscrapers. And Sarah Jane usually knew exactly how to get there from wherever we stood in the city. Tegan did too.”
“How many companions have you brought here?” Rose asked her voice tight.
He glanced at her and tugged at his collar.
“Just Sarah Jane and Tegan. I started studying under Sensei Khan during my third incarnation. I’m a rather quick learner so I didn’t need many classes, but I took a few refresher courses during my fifth regeneration,” the Doctor informed her. “But, Rose, you know that…”
“Yeah,” Rose interjected quickly. “Let’s go find your sensei then.” She tugged him forward then stopped. “Wait, is his name really Sensei Khan?”
“Yes, but that joke is only funny once,” the Doctor replied. “To him. And try to not laugh until you get back to the TARDIS.”
****
Rose took a sip of the tea Sensei Khan had made for his guests and smiled.
“Thank you, Sensei Khan,” Rose told the gentleman sitting on the other side of the desk in the sensei’s office. “It’s delicious.”
“You’re quite welcome, Miss Tyler.”
“Just Rose, Sensei Khan.”
“Then you should call me James, Rose.”
Rose glanced at the Doctor who had snorted into his cup of tea. It was strange that this little man with a white beard and very Jedi-like clothing was friends with the Doctor, but the Doctor knew people and aliens from nearly every century, country and planet. She really shouldn’t have been surprised. She should really just stop being surprised period, but that wasn’t going to happen.
“The Doctor is quite annoyed because I never told him my first name for nearly twenty years,” James shared with Rose who giggled. “However, if he looked at all like you the first time we met I would have told him so many things.”
“Yes, well, let’s not talk about how inappropriate it is for you to hit on my girlfriend and focus on something else,” the Doctor suggested.
“Of course,” James murmured. “The reason you came.”
Rose looked at the Doctor who had a surprised expression on his face. He shrugged before turning back to his friend.
“I had no reason to come here, James,” the Doctor told him. “It was purely accidental. Rose and I had intended on visiting the Great Wall during its construction, but the TARDIS decided we should visit present day Hong Kong. I suppose she knew something then.”
“Two of my students have been killed, Doctor,” James informed him and Rose. “However, the authorities here have ruled each incident as suicide and UNIT will not investigate because they are listening to the local authorities.”
“UNIT?” Rose repeated. “Doctor, didn’t you work for them?”
“Technically, I still do. They’re how I met James. He landed here a bit by accident and a bit on purpose. I helped him get set up, he taught me Venusian Aikido and thus began our friendship. And I just haven’t checked in with UNIT for quite a few years, but I probably should. I do owe the Brigadier a call. Maybe a gift basket for putting up with me for so long.”
“Doctor, perhaps you should pick out a gift basket theme later and focus a bit more on the people dying,” Rose said.
“Oh, right. Course.” The Doctor turned his attention back to James. “Start from the beginning. Or the middle. Really no end yet, is there?”
“There is not much to tell, Doctor. About a week ago one of top students, Patrick Nguyen, did not show up for class, which will happen on occasion, but he was discovered in his locked flat dead from a single gunshot wound to the head the next day. A sad day for many here at the dojo who knew him. However, it made no sense for him to commit suicide. His life was quite full with family and friends. He was also studying to become a physician.
“I did not call UNIT until yesterday when a second student, Joseph Kim, was found dead as well. His life was much like Patrick’s. None of it made sense, Doctor, but with the authorities saying it was suicide and UNIT listening to him there was no way to get my foot in the door to investigate the deaths myself. And so you must, Doctor. I need you to find who is killing my students.”
The Doctor set down his empty tea cup on the desk and leaned forward a bit.
“James, I can’t promise I’ll find the answers you’re looking for,” the Doctor told him. “You may not believe they were suicides, but it’s very possible that’s just what they are. You may think you understand humans after living with them for nearly thirty years, but I’ve spent more time with them. I’ve seen them at their worst and their best. At the lowest points in history and the highest points in the future. I’ve traveled with many of them for years. I still have a hard time understanding them and some of the choices they make on occasion. There are days when I can not fathom the logic Rose is using and times when I am in awe of her thinking.”
“Doctor, point,” Rose muttered.
“Right.” He ran a hand through his hair. “We’ll investigate, James. I just have no idea what we’ll turn up.”
“Those are acceptable terms, Doctor.”
“Good. Now, I’ve got a question for you, James.”
“Yes?”
“Would you happen to have a few minutes so I can show Rose just how brilliant I am at Venusian Aikido?”
****
“Maybe we should get some ice for that,” Rose suggested for the twelfth time as the Doctor got them into the flat of Joseph Kim with the Sonic Screwdriver.
“I don’t need ice,” the Doctor returned tersely. His hand started for his blackened eye, but then he quickly dropped it. “I’m a Time Lord. I’ll heal quickly.”
“I hope we can say the same about your opponent,” Rose replied earning a glare. “Sensei Khan’s door may never be the same again.”
“Do shut it,” the Doctor told her. “And look for clues.” He waved his hand around. “Pretend you’re on one of those ridiculous investigative shows you lot watch. Minus the theme song.”
Rose stared at him for a moment.
“You wish you had a theme song, don’t you?”
“I do not,” the Doctor sputtered out. He sniffed then adjusted his tie. “For your information, I already have one.”
“Would I have heard of it?” Rose asked. “Or is it something I wouldn’t know unless I visited a planet at a very specific time?”
“Just for that, Rose Tyler, I’m not telling you. It was on the Earth charts for quite some time. I saved the artist from…” He trailed off as he wiggled his nose. “Listen. Do you smell that?”
Rose took in a deep breath through her nose and couldn’t come up with anything that smelled too out of the ordinary. Well, nothing that would give the Doctor pause at least. Not that she could tell.
“Smell what?”
“That weird sulfuric smell. It doesn’t fit in with all this.” He looked at Rose. “You really don’t smell it?”
“No, Doctor, I don’t. Are you part bloodhound or something?”
“My nose is just sensitive,” the Doctor responded. “Bit like my tongue. My tongue is actually more sensitive in this regeneration, but my nose is pretty sensitive as well. Like now it’s picking up the scent of that shampoo your mother gave you, but you don’t use unless you’re out of the shampoo we pick up in 3024 on Melshatz. And I know that because those chemicals in it give me a bit of headache. Like the ones in the dye you used to use before I suggested you change it to something less destructive to your beautiful head and my nose.”
He tapped his nose and gave Rose a wink.
“My nose knows things, Rose Tyler. It’s how I know when you’re ready to…”
“Stop it,” Rose interjected sternly. “I don’t need to know that you know when I want to dance just by smelling…” She trailed off and waved her hand around. “It’s really not something I needed to know. And in actuality it’s not fair. I never know get to know beforehand when you’re ready to…” She waved her hand around again. “So, shut it. And just tell me what that bloody smell is supposed to signify.”
The Doctor stared at her for a moment.
“You’re angry,” he stated.
“I’m not angry,” Rose returned. “I’m frustrated. A few steps from angry.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Investigate, detective,” Rose told him sourly.
“But I’ve made you upset. And in record time. Usually it takes me a whole day. The day’s not even over and I’ve already managed to mention former companions, that your hair products are occasionally the cause of headaches and the fact I can tell when you’re ready to…” The Doctor frowned and sighed. “I’m sorry. I still can’t get that filter that should keep me from saying ridiculous things to actually work. The TARDIS has even lectured me on it and if she’s lecturing me you know it’s bad. I do love you though and I’m really trying to work on it.”
Rose folded her arms and sighed.
“Just do whatever you need to so you can help your friend,” Rose responded. “I’m going to go find something to eat. All I’ve had today was that tea James gave us.”
“Bring me something back,” the Doctor told her. “Please. Noodles. No sushi. I might eat bugs every once in a while, but I do like my fish cooked.”
“Right,” Rose said and quickly left the flat with a look back.
“Bloody brilliant, Doctor,” the Doctor muttered. “Let’s alienate our girlfriend further by seeing if you can really stick both feet and a Sonic Screwdriver in it. She doesn’t need reminders of your past thrown into her face or the fact you feel you need to prove you’re brilliant at everything even when you aren’t. You’re going to make it up to her, Doctor.” He wiggled his nose. “Right after you figure out precisely what that smell is about.”
****
“Good morning,” the Doctor greeted as Rose walked into the living room of Sensei Khan’s flat. “I made tea.” He gestured to the pot and two empty cups sitting on the table in front of him.
“Where’s James?”
She went about pouring tea into the empty cups. She made his with just the right amount of milk and three sugars, while hers was considerably more plain than usual. He frowned a bit, but said nothing as Rose gave him his cup then settled back on the couch to partake of hers.
“He went to the dojo about an hour ago,” the Doctor answered. “Since he and I have the same sleep schedule we were up talking for most of the night. I shared with him my theory that he may be right about his students. The fact I found Pnufi blood in Joseph Kim’s flat and Pnufi, well, snot in Patrick’s means we’re looking for a Pnufi. Or perhaps two. They’re usually peaceful creatures, but when threatened any peaceful creature can become quite dangerous.”
“So, how do we find a Pnufi then?” Rose inquired.
“I’m quite sure I have found where they’re hiding,” the Doctor told her.
“Without me?”
The Doctor shrugged then took a sip of his tea.
“You were sleeping,” the Doctor said. “And I was sure you were still angry with me. So, instead of getting verbally attacked and probably physically attacked with a pillow, James and I went out.”
“Wonderful,” Rose muttered. “What did you find?”
“Tickets to a show,” the Doctor answered. He pulled an envelope out of his suit pocket and set it on the table. “We’re going to the circus.” He scrunched up his face for a second. “Well, not a circus with elephants and clowns and the like. Was never really a fan of those. Clowns are quite frightening. Even for a Time Lord. However, this circus involves a bit of acrobatics and a death defying stunt.”
“And what does this have to do with the Pnufi?” Rose replied. “Why didn’t you just go in and bust them?”
“No one was there,” the Doctor told her. “The trail ended at the backstage door. I simply pilfered a few tickets for this afternoon’s show.”
“How can a trail just end?” Rose responded. “That doesn’t make much sense.”
The Doctor sighed.
“Fine. The trail didn’t end there. I just saw taking the tickets as an opportunity to make things up to you and I decided I wasn’t going to bust our alien menaces until you were with me to do so. Joseph was rather annoyed at that point, but I don’t like doing much without my girl Friday at my side.”
“I’m not really that mad at you,” Rose said.
“You could have fooled me, Rose Tyler. Didn’t even ask if I wanted to join you last night. Just told James thank you then off to bed.”
“Do you really want to make me mad?” Rose inquired. “Because we could really start with that stunt you pulled last week. The one where you locked me in a shed while you went off to face that dragon thing then came back slightly singed. Or the thing two days later where you snogged that princess. And she had tentacles. Or just the other day on the TARDIS when you wouldn’t give me a straight answer when all simply asked if it was possible for me to get pregnant.”
“You’re still upset about all that?”
Rose glared.
“Sorry,” he quickly returned. “I mean, yes, you should be upset about all that still. Except for the dragon thing bit. I was not interested in seeing what an Extra Crispy Rose looked like. And I did not initiate that snog. I was trying to escape it, but rather difficult with tentacles sticking in places where tentacles should never go.” He let out an uncomfortable cough then jumped off the couch. “And as for the last bit, Rose Tyler, I’m really not sure how to answer it. I’ve never gotten anyone…” The Doctor pursed his lips. “My children were Loomed. So, I have the genetic material as far as I know, but knowing if I’m actually capable of…”
The Doctor cut himself off as he started to pace. He only managed one circle around the small living room when Rose implanted herself in front of him. A gentle smile on her face.
“I shouldn’t have asked,” Rose stated.
“No. You have every right to ask,” the Doctor replied. “I’m just not sure what to say, which is really quite unusual for me. I always have something to say. Hate the silence. Unless you’re asleep then it’s beautiful, but when you’re awake and there’s someone to impress then the quiet is boring. And I want to give you an answer. I’m just afraid that I don’t have one.”
“Then you’ll find one,” Rose responded. “Because you do that. You find answers. Even when I’m asleep and you’re fretting over how to make sure I’m no longer mad at you.”
“Are you though?”
“Am I what?”
“Still mad at me.”
“Yes and no.” She held a hand up as he opened his mouth. “It’s possible to be both, Doctor.” She put her hand on his chest. “We’ll solve Sensei Khan’s mystery then we’ll go home and talk. Something we should do more often.”
“We do talk.”
“About issues, Doctor,” Rose corrected. “Every couple has them, Doctor. Even when the couple consists of a human and a Time Lord.”
“We have issues?”
Rose leaned her forehead against the Doctor and laughed.
“Rose?”
She straightened up then pulled the Doctor down for a kiss. He eagerly returned it then Rose smiled against his lips. She could tell he was ready for a bit of…whatever.
****
Rose felt a bit uncomfortable under Sensei Khan’s gaze as they waited for the Doctor to return as he decided to slip backstage to look for their aliens. She had taken a shower and changed clothes before she and the Doctor met up with James for the show, but it seemed as though he knew. Especially if the grin tugging at his lips was any indication.
“I suppose the Doctor’s fears have been abated,” Sensei Khan said.
“Fears?” Rose repeated.
“The Doctor was quite afraid you would ask to go home,” Sensei Khan informed her.
“Oh,” Rose murmured. She frowned then looked at the man flying above them, using only what looked like curtains to stay in the air. “We’re fine, James. We just have to talk a bit.”
“Of course,” James replied. “I’m rather glad I never involved myself in a relationship. Seems to be quite a lot of work.”
“Only if you’ve no idea what you’re doing,” Rose responded. “And since that describes the Doctor, it is a bit of work. I think it’s worth it though. I’m in love with an alien that travels through time and space. Yes, he does regularly put his life in danger, but I don’t think I’d love him if wasn’t at least a little daft.”
James only smiled then looked back at the ring where a dangerous crossbow was being demonstrated. Rose wasn’t paying attention as she craned her neck to peer around the small crowd.
“Where is the Doctor?” Rose asked. “He said he’d only be a few minutes.”
“I’m sure he’ll be here,” James told her. “A warrior is about to defy death.”
Rose let out a snort.
“See that just about every day, James,” Rose told him. “What’s different about this?”
“He must escape the chains in full view of an audience,” James answered. “It’s a trick Houdini himself would be impressed with.”
Rose smirked and watched as two men chained another in dressed in warrior’s costume to the board the large arrow from the demonstration had just penetrated. The crossbow was being loaded once more as the warrior attempted to release himself from the chains. She began to tune out the woman explaining the history behind this as she took in the scene.
“Something’s not right,” Rose stated.
“What do you mean, Rose?”
“That’s the Doctor!” Rose yelled. She ran towards the chained warrior and was rather surprised no one was stopping her. She didn’t give it too much thought because the Doctor was in trouble. “Doctor!”
The warrior’s head nodded and she tore off the mask taking in the bleeding head wound and duct tape being used so he couldn’t talk. She quickly tore off the tape and he let out a sound of pain.
“Bloody hell that hurt,” the Doctor groaned. His eyes widened as he looked over her shoulder. “Rose, the crossbow. Get out of the way.”
“No. Not until you’re safe.”
“Do you have a key then?” The Doctor asked. “Or my Sonic Screwdriver?”
“No.”
“Then get out of the way. That crossbow is going to go off and shoot a rather large arrow this way. I’m rather certain I’ll survive it, but you won’t. So, move.”
“No.”
“Rose, sweetheart, I’m really in no mood to argue. Please, move aside.”
Rose stared at him for what seemed like an eternity, kissed him roughly then stepped aside and squeezed her eyes closed waiting for the inevitable. Instead, there was applause from the crowd that was still watching. She opened one eye then the other and took in the scene before her.
A rather slender lizard thing was bowing in front of an unconscious pile of what Rose assumed to be the Pnufi the Doctor and James had trailed to this building. The crossbow had been deactivated and the crowd was cheering as the lizard thing continued to bow. She looked at the Doctor who was smiling.
“That’s James,” he said. “He’s a Muzz.”
“Muzz have been surprising the first time you met,” Rose retorted.
“Rose Tyler, you just dirtied your mouth with a pun. I may not be able to kiss you ever again.”
“Somehow I doubt that.”
The Doctor only grinned.
He could barely make out Rose standing off to his right because the mask on his face was just about as unforgiving as the chains holding him, watching the act in fascination. She would blame herself for this and he’d have to convince her that it wasn’t her fault. And it truly wasn’t. He had made the mistake and now he was paying the price., 4,068
This was it, the Doctor decided as he stared at the weapon aimed at him. He was going to be killed without a fight. He was going to quite possibly die in the name of entertainment. Maybe Rose would like his next incarnation just as much as she liked this one. Something she proved once again just shortly before their arrival here. It definitely didn’t help she was watching. He had told her to go on to the show without him while he did a bit of sleuthing.
He had found the answers. Aliens. Aliens who had been afraid of being found out and felt that killing people who knew was a great idea.
Now, that he thought about it a bit. There was a slight chance he wouldn’t die. The giant arrow was aimed at his left heart and as long as he didn’t bleed to death before getting to the TARDIS he would live on in this body with probably only a scar for him to remember it all by. He wiggled a bit against the chains, but they continued to restrict him and the sounds he could make through his gag weren’t loud enough to be heard over the beating drum.
He could barely make out Rose standing off to his right because the mask on his face was just about as unforgiving as the chains holding him, watching the act in fascination. She would blame herself for this and he’d have to convince her that it wasn’t her fault. And it truly wasn’t. He had made the mistake and now he was paying the price.
The Doctor took in a deep breath and braced himself for impact.
****
A day and a half-ish before…
Rose stared at the bustling street then glanced up at the looming buildings. She rolled her eyes, sighed and looked back at the Doctor who was closing the door to the TARDIS.
“This doesn’t look like the Great Wall,” Rose said.
“Slight detour,” the Doctor returned.
“On your part? Or did the TARDIS decide she didn’t want to see a giant wall?” Rose retorted.
“Cheeky,” the Doctor murmured as he held out his hand.
Rose smiled as she slid her hand into his then leaned into him.
“Now, we can eat,” the Doctor started. “I know of a great little place a few blocks from here or we can meet my old sensei.”
“Sensei?” Rose repeated as she looked up at him with a furrowed brow. “You had a sensei?”
“Still have,” the Doctor corrected. “Technically speaking, of course. How else do you think I learned Venusian Aikido?”
“I assumed you took a class of some sort on Venus. Or decided that you had to add the word Venusian after you learned human aikido so it sounded more alien because you’re an alien and wanted to be impressive.”
“I am impressive,” the Doctor stated. “I’m the last of the Time Lords, I have a ship that travels through time and space and I’m dating a beautiful woman by the name of Rose Tyler. Honestly, how could I possibly be more impressive?”
“I’m not sure your ego could handle being more impressive,” Rose muttered. “Where’s your dojo then?”
The Doctor spun them around and ran his free hand through his hair with a furrowed brow.
“This city’s changed a bit since I’ve been here last,” the Doctor told her. “Fewer skyscrapers. And Sarah Jane usually knew exactly how to get there from wherever we stood in the city. Tegan did too.”
“How many companions have you brought here?” Rose asked her voice tight.
He glanced at her and tugged at his collar.
“Just Sarah Jane and Tegan. I started studying under Sensei Khan during my third incarnation. I’m a rather quick learner so I didn’t need many classes, but I took a few refresher courses during my fifth regeneration,” the Doctor informed her. “But, Rose, you know that…”
“Yeah,” Rose interjected quickly. “Let’s go find your sensei then.” She tugged him forward then stopped. “Wait, is his name really Sensei Khan?”
“Yes, but that joke is only funny once,” the Doctor replied. “To him. And try to not laugh until you get back to the TARDIS.”
****
Rose took a sip of the tea Sensei Khan had made for his guests and smiled.
“Thank you, Sensei Khan,” Rose told the gentleman sitting on the other side of the desk in the sensei’s office. “It’s delicious.”
“You’re quite welcome, Miss Tyler.”
“Just Rose, Sensei Khan.”
“Then you should call me James, Rose.”
Rose glanced at the Doctor who had snorted into his cup of tea. It was strange that this little man with a white beard and very Jedi-like clothing was friends with the Doctor, but the Doctor knew people and aliens from nearly every century, country and planet. She really shouldn’t have been surprised. She should really just stop being surprised period, but that wasn’t going to happen.
“The Doctor is quite annoyed because I never told him my first name for nearly twenty years,” James shared with Rose who giggled. “However, if he looked at all like you the first time we met I would have told him so many things.”
“Yes, well, let’s not talk about how inappropriate it is for you to hit on my girlfriend and focus on something else,” the Doctor suggested.
“Of course,” James murmured. “The reason you came.”
Rose looked at the Doctor who had a surprised expression on his face. He shrugged before turning back to his friend.
“I had no reason to come here, James,” the Doctor told him. “It was purely accidental. Rose and I had intended on visiting the Great Wall during its construction, but the TARDIS decided we should visit present day Hong Kong. I suppose she knew something then.”
“Two of my students have been killed, Doctor,” James informed him and Rose. “However, the authorities here have ruled each incident as suicide and UNIT will not investigate because they are listening to the local authorities.”
“UNIT?” Rose repeated. “Doctor, didn’t you work for them?”
“Technically, I still do. They’re how I met James. He landed here a bit by accident and a bit on purpose. I helped him get set up, he taught me Venusian Aikido and thus began our friendship. And I just haven’t checked in with UNIT for quite a few years, but I probably should. I do owe the Brigadier a call. Maybe a gift basket for putting up with me for so long.”
“Doctor, perhaps you should pick out a gift basket theme later and focus a bit more on the people dying,” Rose said.
“Oh, right. Course.” The Doctor turned his attention back to James. “Start from the beginning. Or the middle. Really no end yet, is there?”
“There is not much to tell, Doctor. About a week ago one of top students, Patrick Nguyen, did not show up for class, which will happen on occasion, but he was discovered in his locked flat dead from a single gunshot wound to the head the next day. A sad day for many here at the dojo who knew him. However, it made no sense for him to commit suicide. His life was quite full with family and friends. He was also studying to become a physician.
“I did not call UNIT until yesterday when a second student, Joseph Kim, was found dead as well. His life was much like Patrick’s. None of it made sense, Doctor, but with the authorities saying it was suicide and UNIT listening to him there was no way to get my foot in the door to investigate the deaths myself. And so you must, Doctor. I need you to find who is killing my students.”
The Doctor set down his empty tea cup on the desk and leaned forward a bit.
“James, I can’t promise I’ll find the answers you’re looking for,” the Doctor told him. “You may not believe they were suicides, but it’s very possible that’s just what they are. You may think you understand humans after living with them for nearly thirty years, but I’ve spent more time with them. I’ve seen them at their worst and their best. At the lowest points in history and the highest points in the future. I’ve traveled with many of them for years. I still have a hard time understanding them and some of the choices they make on occasion. There are days when I can not fathom the logic Rose is using and times when I am in awe of her thinking.”
“Doctor, point,” Rose muttered.
“Right.” He ran a hand through his hair. “We’ll investigate, James. I just have no idea what we’ll turn up.”
“Those are acceptable terms, Doctor.”
“Good. Now, I’ve got a question for you, James.”
“Yes?”
“Would you happen to have a few minutes so I can show Rose just how brilliant I am at Venusian Aikido?”
****
“Maybe we should get some ice for that,” Rose suggested for the twelfth time as the Doctor got them into the flat of Joseph Kim with the Sonic Screwdriver.
“I don’t need ice,” the Doctor returned tersely. His hand started for his blackened eye, but then he quickly dropped it. “I’m a Time Lord. I’ll heal quickly.”
“I hope we can say the same about your opponent,” Rose replied earning a glare. “Sensei Khan’s door may never be the same again.”
“Do shut it,” the Doctor told her. “And look for clues.” He waved his hand around. “Pretend you’re on one of those ridiculous investigative shows you lot watch. Minus the theme song.”
Rose stared at him for a moment.
“You wish you had a theme song, don’t you?”
“I do not,” the Doctor sputtered out. He sniffed then adjusted his tie. “For your information, I already have one.”
“Would I have heard of it?” Rose asked. “Or is it something I wouldn’t know unless I visited a planet at a very specific time?”
“Just for that, Rose Tyler, I’m not telling you. It was on the Earth charts for quite some time. I saved the artist from…” He trailed off as he wiggled his nose. “Listen. Do you smell that?”
Rose took in a deep breath through her nose and couldn’t come up with anything that smelled too out of the ordinary. Well, nothing that would give the Doctor pause at least. Not that she could tell.
“Smell what?”
“That weird sulfuric smell. It doesn’t fit in with all this.” He looked at Rose. “You really don’t smell it?”
“No, Doctor, I don’t. Are you part bloodhound or something?”
“My nose is just sensitive,” the Doctor responded. “Bit like my tongue. My tongue is actually more sensitive in this regeneration, but my nose is pretty sensitive as well. Like now it’s picking up the scent of that shampoo your mother gave you, but you don’t use unless you’re out of the shampoo we pick up in 3024 on Melshatz. And I know that because those chemicals in it give me a bit of headache. Like the ones in the dye you used to use before I suggested you change it to something less destructive to your beautiful head and my nose.”
He tapped his nose and gave Rose a wink.
“My nose knows things, Rose Tyler. It’s how I know when you’re ready to…”
“Stop it,” Rose interjected sternly. “I don’t need to know that you know when I want to dance just by smelling…” She trailed off and waved her hand around. “It’s really not something I needed to know. And in actuality it’s not fair. I never know get to know beforehand when you’re ready to…” She waved her hand around again. “So, shut it. And just tell me what that bloody smell is supposed to signify.”
The Doctor stared at her for a moment.
“You’re angry,” he stated.
“I’m not angry,” Rose returned. “I’m frustrated. A few steps from angry.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Investigate, detective,” Rose told him sourly.
“But I’ve made you upset. And in record time. Usually it takes me a whole day. The day’s not even over and I’ve already managed to mention former companions, that your hair products are occasionally the cause of headaches and the fact I can tell when you’re ready to…” The Doctor frowned and sighed. “I’m sorry. I still can’t get that filter that should keep me from saying ridiculous things to actually work. The TARDIS has even lectured me on it and if she’s lecturing me you know it’s bad. I do love you though and I’m really trying to work on it.”
Rose folded her arms and sighed.
“Just do whatever you need to so you can help your friend,” Rose responded. “I’m going to go find something to eat. All I’ve had today was that tea James gave us.”
“Bring me something back,” the Doctor told her. “Please. Noodles. No sushi. I might eat bugs every once in a while, but I do like my fish cooked.”
“Right,” Rose said and quickly left the flat with a look back.
“Bloody brilliant, Doctor,” the Doctor muttered. “Let’s alienate our girlfriend further by seeing if you can really stick both feet and a Sonic Screwdriver in it. She doesn’t need reminders of your past thrown into her face or the fact you feel you need to prove you’re brilliant at everything even when you aren’t. You’re going to make it up to her, Doctor.” He wiggled his nose. “Right after you figure out precisely what that smell is about.”
****
“Good morning,” the Doctor greeted as Rose walked into the living room of Sensei Khan’s flat. “I made tea.” He gestured to the pot and two empty cups sitting on the table in front of him.
“Where’s James?”
She went about pouring tea into the empty cups. She made his with just the right amount of milk and three sugars, while hers was considerably more plain than usual. He frowned a bit, but said nothing as Rose gave him his cup then settled back on the couch to partake of hers.
“He went to the dojo about an hour ago,” the Doctor answered. “Since he and I have the same sleep schedule we were up talking for most of the night. I shared with him my theory that he may be right about his students. The fact I found Pnufi blood in Joseph Kim’s flat and Pnufi, well, snot in Patrick’s means we’re looking for a Pnufi. Or perhaps two. They’re usually peaceful creatures, but when threatened any peaceful creature can become quite dangerous.”
“So, how do we find a Pnufi then?” Rose inquired.
“I’m quite sure I have found where they’re hiding,” the Doctor told her.
“Without me?”
The Doctor shrugged then took a sip of his tea.
“You were sleeping,” the Doctor said. “And I was sure you were still angry with me. So, instead of getting verbally attacked and probably physically attacked with a pillow, James and I went out.”
“Wonderful,” Rose muttered. “What did you find?”
“Tickets to a show,” the Doctor answered. He pulled an envelope out of his suit pocket and set it on the table. “We’re going to the circus.” He scrunched up his face for a second. “Well, not a circus with elephants and clowns and the like. Was never really a fan of those. Clowns are quite frightening. Even for a Time Lord. However, this circus involves a bit of acrobatics and a death defying stunt.”
“And what does this have to do with the Pnufi?” Rose replied. “Why didn’t you just go in and bust them?”
“No one was there,” the Doctor told her. “The trail ended at the backstage door. I simply pilfered a few tickets for this afternoon’s show.”
“How can a trail just end?” Rose responded. “That doesn’t make much sense.”
The Doctor sighed.
“Fine. The trail didn’t end there. I just saw taking the tickets as an opportunity to make things up to you and I decided I wasn’t going to bust our alien menaces until you were with me to do so. Joseph was rather annoyed at that point, but I don’t like doing much without my girl Friday at my side.”
“I’m not really that mad at you,” Rose said.
“You could have fooled me, Rose Tyler. Didn’t even ask if I wanted to join you last night. Just told James thank you then off to bed.”
“Do you really want to make me mad?” Rose inquired. “Because we could really start with that stunt you pulled last week. The one where you locked me in a shed while you went off to face that dragon thing then came back slightly singed. Or the thing two days later where you snogged that princess. And she had tentacles. Or just the other day on the TARDIS when you wouldn’t give me a straight answer when all simply asked if it was possible for me to get pregnant.”
“You’re still upset about all that?”
Rose glared.
“Sorry,” he quickly returned. “I mean, yes, you should be upset about all that still. Except for the dragon thing bit. I was not interested in seeing what an Extra Crispy Rose looked like. And I did not initiate that snog. I was trying to escape it, but rather difficult with tentacles sticking in places where tentacles should never go.” He let out an uncomfortable cough then jumped off the couch. “And as for the last bit, Rose Tyler, I’m really not sure how to answer it. I’ve never gotten anyone…” The Doctor pursed his lips. “My children were Loomed. So, I have the genetic material as far as I know, but knowing if I’m actually capable of…”
The Doctor cut himself off as he started to pace. He only managed one circle around the small living room when Rose implanted herself in front of him. A gentle smile on her face.
“I shouldn’t have asked,” Rose stated.
“No. You have every right to ask,” the Doctor replied. “I’m just not sure what to say, which is really quite unusual for me. I always have something to say. Hate the silence. Unless you’re asleep then it’s beautiful, but when you’re awake and there’s someone to impress then the quiet is boring. And I want to give you an answer. I’m just afraid that I don’t have one.”
“Then you’ll find one,” Rose responded. “Because you do that. You find answers. Even when I’m asleep and you’re fretting over how to make sure I’m no longer mad at you.”
“Are you though?”
“Am I what?”
“Still mad at me.”
“Yes and no.” She held a hand up as he opened his mouth. “It’s possible to be both, Doctor.” She put her hand on his chest. “We’ll solve Sensei Khan’s mystery then we’ll go home and talk. Something we should do more often.”
“We do talk.”
“About issues, Doctor,” Rose corrected. “Every couple has them, Doctor. Even when the couple consists of a human and a Time Lord.”
“We have issues?”
Rose leaned her forehead against the Doctor and laughed.
“Rose?”
She straightened up then pulled the Doctor down for a kiss. He eagerly returned it then Rose smiled against his lips. She could tell he was ready for a bit of…whatever.
****
Rose felt a bit uncomfortable under Sensei Khan’s gaze as they waited for the Doctor to return as he decided to slip backstage to look for their aliens. She had taken a shower and changed clothes before she and the Doctor met up with James for the show, but it seemed as though he knew. Especially if the grin tugging at his lips was any indication.
“I suppose the Doctor’s fears have been abated,” Sensei Khan said.
“Fears?” Rose repeated.
“The Doctor was quite afraid you would ask to go home,” Sensei Khan informed her.
“Oh,” Rose murmured. She frowned then looked at the man flying above them, using only what looked like curtains to stay in the air. “We’re fine, James. We just have to talk a bit.”
“Of course,” James replied. “I’m rather glad I never involved myself in a relationship. Seems to be quite a lot of work.”
“Only if you’ve no idea what you’re doing,” Rose responded. “And since that describes the Doctor, it is a bit of work. I think it’s worth it though. I’m in love with an alien that travels through time and space. Yes, he does regularly put his life in danger, but I don’t think I’d love him if wasn’t at least a little daft.”
James only smiled then looked back at the ring where a dangerous crossbow was being demonstrated. Rose wasn’t paying attention as she craned her neck to peer around the small crowd.
“Where is the Doctor?” Rose asked. “He said he’d only be a few minutes.”
“I’m sure he’ll be here,” James told her. “A warrior is about to defy death.”
Rose let out a snort.
“See that just about every day, James,” Rose told him. “What’s different about this?”
“He must escape the chains in full view of an audience,” James answered. “It’s a trick Houdini himself would be impressed with.”
Rose smirked and watched as two men chained another in dressed in warrior’s costume to the board the large arrow from the demonstration had just penetrated. The crossbow was being loaded once more as the warrior attempted to release himself from the chains. She began to tune out the woman explaining the history behind this as she took in the scene.
“Something’s not right,” Rose stated.
“What do you mean, Rose?”
“That’s the Doctor!” Rose yelled. She ran towards the chained warrior and was rather surprised no one was stopping her. She didn’t give it too much thought because the Doctor was in trouble. “Doctor!”
The warrior’s head nodded and she tore off the mask taking in the bleeding head wound and duct tape being used so he couldn’t talk. She quickly tore off the tape and he let out a sound of pain.
“Bloody hell that hurt,” the Doctor groaned. His eyes widened as he looked over her shoulder. “Rose, the crossbow. Get out of the way.”
“No. Not until you’re safe.”
“Do you have a key then?” The Doctor asked. “Or my Sonic Screwdriver?”
“No.”
“Then get out of the way. That crossbow is going to go off and shoot a rather large arrow this way. I’m rather certain I’ll survive it, but you won’t. So, move.”
“No.”
“Rose, sweetheart, I’m really in no mood to argue. Please, move aside.”
Rose stared at him for what seemed like an eternity, kissed him roughly then stepped aside and squeezed her eyes closed waiting for the inevitable. Instead, there was applause from the crowd that was still watching. She opened one eye then the other and took in the scene before her.
A rather slender lizard thing was bowing in front of an unconscious pile of what Rose assumed to be the Pnufi the Doctor and James had trailed to this building. The crossbow had been deactivated and the crowd was cheering as the lizard thing continued to bow. She looked at the Doctor who was smiling.
“That’s James,” he said. “He’s a Muzz.”
“Muzz have been surprising the first time you met,” Rose retorted.
“Rose Tyler, you just dirtied your mouth with a pun. I may not be able to kiss you ever again.”
“Somehow I doubt that.”
The Doctor only grinned.