If you read my first story, you may feel like you missed something. You did. Although this story is part 2, chronologically, it's part 3. Have patience. I just wanted to get my tribute to Elisabeth Sladen and Sarah Jane Smith posted before I continued. The next story will focus on how the Doctor got from his messy regeneration in my first story, to the more settled in version you see here.
Moving On
by ElderoftheUniverse [Reviews - 0]
- All Ages
- None
- Action/Adventure, Alternate Universe, Angst, Crossover, Drama, Humor, Mystery, Series
By ElderoftheUniverse
Disclaimer – All characters and situations belong to the BBC with the exception of the original characters created for the purpose of this story. This is a piece of original fan fiction written for entertainment only.
Dedicated to the memory of Elisabeth Sladen.
The boy peered out from behind the large tree. He was about twenty yards from the grave and the slowly rocking figure sitting cross-legged at its foot. He was sure his approach had been undetected. The seated figure was facing away from him, and the rustle of leaves in the steady breeze surely masked any sound at this distance. Despite the wind, the weather was pleasant, and the small cemetery was resplendent in the colors of the changing season. The boy jerked back behind the tree, certain the figure had moved. But, a moment later, after mustering his resolve to look once again, he saw that nothing had changed. Taking a deep breath and trying to calm his racing heart, the youth stepped out from behind his hiding spot and walked straight ahead.
At ten meters he stopped, suddenly unsure and decidedly uncomfortable. He could see the figure’s back quite clearly, but its head was obscured by a hood. His heart still beating rapidly, he assessed his odds, quietly pouring through the statistical data at his disposal. He couldn’t be wrong. His conclusion made, he continued on until he stood just under two meters from the hunched over form.
“Hello Luke,” he heard as the rocking stopped suddenly. He could feel his chest tighten and his palms begin to sweat.
“D…Doctor…?” He stammered into the breeze.
“You were expecting me, no?” The man, still facing away from the boy, gracefully leapt to his feet, the worn brown leather satchel slung over his shoulder and across his chest falling into position at his left hip.
Luke took a step back, startled by the sudden movement. “I came every day.”
“I know you did,” the man said, slowly turning to face the boy.
Luke tried to peer within the darkness created by the folds of the hood. The clothes were wrong, and the voice and movements off, but there was no longer any doubt.
“Why did you wait so long? She’s been gone for two months!”
The Doctor brushed back his hood, revealing his features to the wide-eyed boy.
“We all grieve in our own way Luke, besides, I was a bit pre-occupied.”
“You’ve changed again,” Luke gasped.
“Yes, and this time in more ways than I’d care to admit.” The Doctor put his hand on Luke’s shoulder. “But I’m here now.”
“Why did you let her die?” Luke asked, fighting back tears.
The Doctor turned, stood side-by-side with the boy and read aloud, “Sarah Jane Smith, beloved mother, friend, mentor. She sought the truth, fought for what was right, and always found a better way.” He paused momentarily, allowing the words to resonate. “Honest and direct, exactly like her. Did you write it?”
“Yes, she wouldn’t have wanted anything fancy.”
The Doctor smiled knowingly. “No, that she wouldn’t.”
He turned and faced the boy called Luke Smith. “You know that I didn’t let her die. You know that there are things even I cannot prevent. She told me about you. I know that you know all this.”
“I’m sorry Doctor, I just thought, well, maybe you could have…”
“She was ill Luke. I didn’t know. Nobody knew, not even her. It was just her time.”
“I know Doctor. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blame you.”
“Nonsense, of course you did. Everyone initially blames me for these types of things. Totally natural. Comes with the job you know. Don’t worry about it. I’ll try not to be too offended.” The Doctor’s sarcasm was broken by the cheerful grin he managed to display.
Despite his sadness, Luke smiled also, comforted by the presence of his mother’s best friend in all the universe.
“Tell me Luke, fancy a trip?”
“Where Doctor?”
“Oh, just a little jaunt. I want to show you something. We’ll be back in a flash.”
“Okay,” the boy said, hesitating slightly. He knew full well what a trip with the Doctor could entail.
“Excellent,” the Doctor said as he guided Luke forward just as the Tardis, its door open, materialized in front of them.
“Are those alarm bells?” Luke asked as the duo crept down a deserted alley.
“Indeed. Their planetary defense grid must have detected the Tardis. Apparently they’ve upgraded since my last visit.”
“We should go…”
“Don’t fret so; we have at least eight minutes before any of them could even get to a transport. We’ll be fine. I promise.”
The Doctor turned a corner, Luke following closely behind. “Seems a bit deserted Doctor, not that I’m complaining.”
“Not a lot of appeal for this area amongst the families. “Justice is not high on their priority list.”
They proceeded through a rusty gate, slightly ajar, with a sign that Luke could not read. Once fully inside the enclosed area, the Doctor paused and tilted his head ever so slightly. “This way,” he exclaimed, and grabbed Luke by his sleeve.
The two rounded an apparently abandoned building and the Doctor pushed Luke out in front of him, into the middle of an unkempt courtyard.
Luke gasped as he looked up; the giant statue gazing down on him, its hands perched menacingly on its hips. “Mom,” he whispered.
The metallic figure stood over 20 feet tall, its stern gaze burning through anyone standing at its base. Luke stared up in awe at the incredible likeness of Sarah Jane Smith.
“Welcome to Raxacoricofallapatorius. As you can see, they had a bit of a…thing for your mum. Read the placard.”
“I can’t, it must be in their language.”
“You can’t read it? Hmmm…Close your eyes. Think about the Tardis. Imagine yourself reading the words through her view screen. Now, open your eyes.”
Luke looked at the strange words again, but this time, instead of alien squiggles, Luke watched as the meaningless lines coalesced into words. “I can read it now!”
“What does it say?”
“Beware Sarah Jane Smith, hated enemy of the Slitheen and every other civilized family. She will steal your money and enslave your children…”
The Doctor chuckled, then raised his hand in apology as Luke glared at him.
“…If you encounter her, go elsewhere.”
The Doctor wrung his hands gleefully. “I just adore the Slitheen.” He winked at Luke, “you should see what they wrote on mine.”
“I don’t know what to say,” the boy said quietly. “Thank you Doctor.”
“Oh, don’t thank me just yet. We still have to get out of here alive, you know. Your mum would haunt me for all eternity if I let anything happen to you.”
Luke smiled. He liked this version of the Doctor and was sure that his mother would have also. Although, considering his newest form, she would probably have wanted to adopt him. Still, he was sad that his mother never got to meet him. Or had she? It could all get so confusing, even for him.
He felt the Doctor tugging at his sleeve again even as he heard the sounds of vehicles approaching. The noises grew louder as the pair fled back the way they came, towards the safety of the Tardis.
“Luke,” the Doctor said, his hands squarely on the boy’s shoulders. “I know how special you are and I owe it to your mum to make sure that you reach your full potential. An opportunity will be coming your way shortly. I hope you’ll take it. Listen, learn, and believe. Someday you will accomplish amazing things. Just don’t be afraid to take that first step.”
“I don’t understand Doctor.”
“You will. Now, off with you.” The Doctor turned him around and gave him a light shove towards the cemetery’s exit.
Luke looked back once, the Doctor still standing beside his mother’s grave, before turning and walking away.
“Well,” the Doctor said to the headstone, “that’s done. Now it’s all up to that curly haired old goat. I know you always preferred him. Heh, Curator indeed. Anyway, time to move on…”
The Doctor put his sonic screwdriver back in his pocket, kissed his fingers and placed them on the headstone. After a moment he turned and, not looking back, went through the door of the waiting Tardis.
Sarah Jane Smith
Beloved mother, friend, mentor
and companion.
She sought the truth, fought for what was right, and always found a better way.
Epilogue
“Luke Smith?” the voice asked from behind the stone portion of the gate.
“Yes,” Luke said, turning towards the voice. “Who are you?”
The older man, wearing strange, ornate red robes stepped closer to the boy. “I believe you are searching for something…purpose perhaps? I think I might be able to help you find it.”
The opportunity the Doctor spoke of, Luke wondered, so soon?
“Come with me and all will be explained,” the man said, gesturing to a faint shimmer next to a large tree.
“Is that a Tardis?”
“Indeed it is young man, and with it, I will show you everything you need to know to achieve your destiny.”
Luke looked back from the shimmer to the man. This had to be what the Doctor was talking about.
“Who are you?” Luke asked again.
“You can call me Castellan,” the man said as he guided Luke towards the future.
Epilogue 2
He had been sitting on the bench on Bannerman Lane for hours. It was chilly without his scarf. Oh, how he regretted giving that up. But, the annoying new one was right, they had an obligation, and he would see it through. He sighed as more time passed. The boy should have returned home by now. He couldn’t have been wrong about the time.
Standing with resolve, and using his cane for only the smallest amount of support, the old man began the long walk back to his office. Something was amiss, he could tell. He could always tell. His nose always knew. He only hoped whatever it was wouldn’t be too much for the new one to handle. After all, he was getting far too old for this…