Epilogue

They went back to the house and Lisa gave Rose a room to spend the night in. Lisa herself returned to the Doctor’s side.

“Told you nothing would happen,” Fluffy said smugly.

Lisa simply glared at her and lay next to the still soundly sleeping Doctor. His mind was calmer and his nightmares had toned themselves down. Though she could tell he was still being haunted, right now, the images weren’t as intense.

She knew, she could sense, that it would be a long time before he could come to terms with his guilt over what had happened to his people. She also knew that she’d stick with him every step of the way.

Dawn broke and the sun shone brightly. Hooks had curled up beside Rose in her room and Fluffy had moved elsewhere.

The weary Time Lord finally opened his eyes, his mind still full of the terrible memories of the Time War, but clearer than it had been.

He found himself being held by Lisa and gave a small smile. She’d always be there for him, no matter what.

He brought his hand up and gently cupped her cheek, running his thumb over her skin. “Lisa?” he said softly.

“Hm?” she mumbled sleepily.

Lisa, wake up.

“Mm…Doctor?” she mumbled. Her eyes slowly opened and his blurry image came into as much focus as it would with her glasses off. “Doctor!” she exclaimed when she registered he was awake. Hey…you okay? Better now?

Yes, he replied, still with his hand to her face. Thank you.

She smiled and they shared a loving embrace, holding each other tightly.

They let Rose sleep while they went to the TARDIS and moved it to Lisa’s front yard. They were checking the systems, making sure they weren’t damaged.

The old girl had to have repaired herself, because she was less damaged than she should have been. It was a relief, though. At least nothing serious was wrong.

Are you sure you’re all right? Lisa asked the Doctor as he worked under the console. She was still worried about him, of course.

I’m fine, really. You worry too much. Sonic screwdriver.

Hey, she said as she handed him the instrument. I only worry because I care.

I know. The screwdriver buzzed as he used it, glowing blue. He then held his hand out. “Hand.”

She reached down and helped him up. All set?

All set.

They went back inside the house to find Rose and Hooks emerging from the Hall O’Rooms.

“Doctor!” she exclaimed, surprised to see him so soon. “Are you all right?”

“Fantastic! Couldn’t be better. We’re ready to go.”

“Already?”

“Whenever you’re ready,” said the Doctor. “We’re right outside.”

He and Lisa left, leaving Rose and Hooks alone.

They both exited the house a minute later, Hooks riding on Rose’s shoulder. Mistral and Nightsun had come to bid them goodbye.

“Okay, you guys,” Lisa said to the foal and the filly. “You behave.”

Always! Mistral said, the picture of innocence, and Nightsun snorted his acquiesce.

“Right. C’mere, Hooks.” The critter climbed into her arms and gave her a big hug. “I’ll see you when I see you. Keep safe.”

 “Come home safe,” he said. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

“Goodbye, Doctor. Be well.”

The Doctor smiled and scratched the critter behind the horns, causing him to purr like a cat.

Hooks went up to Rose and Lisa and the Doctor went inside the TARDIS to wait, but they could hear the conversation.

“Thanks,” Rose said.

“No, thank you. For sticking up for me.”

“Bye, Mistral and Nightsun.”

Nightsun whickered and Lisa suppressed a giggle. He said she was pretty, she informed the Doctor, who, also, found it amusing.

He, uh…said goodbye and it was nice meeting you, said Mistral, causing Lisa to have to bite her tongue to keep from laughing out loud.

“Hey, Rose!” she called. “Time’s a-wastin’!”

“Bye!” Rose said one last time and ran into the TARDIS with a huge smile on her face.

The End

Back *~*~* Chapter Ten *~*~* Trivia and In-Jokes