Wolf Moon: Chapter Forty-Six

[amberfocus]

An alternative banner by angelfireeast, it goes well with this chapter as you'll see.

A/N: Oh, my goodness, I did it.  I finished it.  I'm shaking.  Wolf Moon is done.  It's done.  This is ridiculous.  I feel like I'm going to cry and yet I'm so happy to have completed something like this.  The ride, it's just been amazing.    It feels so unreal, so...crazy and beautiful and joyful and strange, because it's a story.  Yet, it was a story that wouldn't leave me alone.  And it was this story.  And I'm so glad it came to me, and bugged me until I wrote it, that it woudn't leave me alone until I ate, slept, and breathed it some days.  I want to thank my faithful beta JeopardyFriendly, all of my readers, and especially my reviewers, for coming along with me on this adventure.  I would have written it for me alone, but having you along with me made it so much better.  I appreciate every one of you.

Return and Away

The TARDIS had landed on the far side of the canyon from where she’d landed the first time, but she still hadn’t landed too close to the temple.  The Doctor asked her why.

 

“There’s some sort of protective shield around the main city, protecting it from space ships.  It’s why I landed so far away last time.  I could try to land inside it if you choose.  I am capable of doing so.  Might cause some minor damage to my hull, but it’d grow back,” the TARDIS said.  “Why?  Do you need me to move closer?”

 

“I’m not sure that Rose is up for a long hike yet,” the Doctor told the ship.

 

“Doctor, I’m fine.  We’ve been shagging all week and I’m fine.  I don’t think a little walk is going to do me in,” she told him.

 

“Maybe not, but it’s a five mile walk and that might be hard on that hip still.  I know it’s healed but there could be some residual issues if you do too much too soon,” he told her.

 

“I’m fine.  And I don’t want the TARDIS hurting herself just to spare me the walk,” she said.

 

“I do not mind.  I’ve picked up worse damage in plasma storms and grown back my shell within the week.  We’ll be back in the Vortex as soon as we leave here and I heal fastest there anyway.  I’ll be fine.  I’m happy to move closer if it’ll help you, Rose.”

 

“I’d like it if you would,” the Doctor said.  “But first there are a few maintenance things that need doing.”

 

“I’m not letting you under my console,” the TARDIS said with a warning tone.

 

“Not that.  You know I don’t go in there without your permission.  It’s just that in all the craziness of the past week or so, we never did finish tuning the translation circuit so Rose could understand Gallifreyan.  And we need to flush out the atmosphere containment unit to remove the residue leftover from the pink fog now that we don’t need it to be filtered through the air anymore,” the Doctor said.

 

“And I have a request,” Rose said.  The Doctor scowled at her and she backed up a step but crossed her arms defiantly.

 

“Are you sure about the ACU?” asked the TARDIS.  “It’s still controlling your hormones to a certain degree.”

 

“It is?” asked Rose.  “It certainly doesn’t feel like it,” she said her eyes drifting over to the Doctor and travelling lazily down the length his body.

 

“It is,” said the TARDIS.

 

“Well, we need to learn how to deal with the lusting without any form of outside control,” the Doctor said.  “We need to figure out how to self-regulate.  We won’t always be able to rely on you.  We'll have to leave and live outside you for days at a time during this Quest.  It’s best we do it now while we have time to acclimatize to it on the way to the next task.”

 

“Very well,” said the TARDIS.  She turned her attention to Rose.  “Rose, what is your request?”

 

“The Doctor is going to be taking me back to Earth before we start on the next task of the Quest so he can meet my family,” Rose said.  “And I was wondering, well, it’d make things easier, if you could, you know…look like the…other TARDIS.”

 

The TARDIS went silent.  Her continual humming stopped, started again, skipped a beat and stopped once more.  Then she resumed her regular noises.  “You want me to change myself?”  The ship’s voice sounded uncertain.  “Why?”

 

“I just think it would make it easier for my mum to accept things if you looked familiar to her,” Rose said.

 

“That answer does not seem entirely truthful,” the TARDIS said slowly.

 

“That’s because it’s not,” said the Doctor.  Rose glared at him.  “Well, it’s not.”  He crossed his arms.  “Rose wants me to pretend that I’m her original Doctor and I’ve managed to turn back a regeneration or regenerated again back into the first form her mum knew.  But I won’t.”

 

“Doctor.”

 

“I’m not lying to your mum, Rose.  It’s a bad way to start off with my mother-in-law and I’m not doing it,” he said.  He glanced at the console.  “And you aren’t either,” he told the ship darkly.

 

“The TARDIS can make her own choice, Doctor.  You can’t just bully her about like that,” Rose said.

 

“I’m not bullying.  I’m captaining.  She’s my ship!” he burst out.

 

“Thought you said she was her own ship if she was anyone’s,” Rose snapped back.

 

“Not when it comes to decisions like this.  I won’t allow it,” the Doctor said angrily.

 

“It does not matter what you will allow, Doctor,” the TARDIS said.  “I am my own ship and I will make my own decision on this matter.”

 

“Thank you,” said Rose.

 

“What…what do you want me to look like?  That old blue box thing his Type-40 was stuck in?” the TARDIS asked.

 

“Yeah.  If you don’t mind.  I don’t want you to do it if it bothers you,” she told the ship.”

 

“Apparently, it doesn’t matter if it bothers me, though,” sulked the Doctor.

 

“You don’t know my mum,” Rose began.

 

“And I won’t know her on the right foot if we start out by lying to her,” the Doctor insisted adamantly.  “I forbid it, Rose.  I absolutely forbid it.  No lying to your mum.  And you,” he said to the TARDIS, “I forbid you to change for Rose.”

 

Gears ground and sparks flashed across the top of the console.  “Too bad, Doctor.  I’ll do what I please,” the ship said in annoyance.  “One blue police box coming up.”

 

“On your own heads be it.  I’ll be in the ACU changing the filters if anyone around here decides my opinion matters for anything.”  The Doctor turned on his heel and stalked out of the control room.

 

Rose watched him go with some trepidation.  She put her hand on the console and said.  “You didn’t have to change.”

 

“I know.  But I don’t like him being so high-handed with either of us.  He does have a point though, Rose.  I don’t think you should lie to your mum, either.  I’ll look like this to ease the transition, but only if you promise me you’ll think about telling her the truth,” the TARDIS said.

 

“I’ll think about it,” Rose said.  “But honestly, you don’t know how my mum might take this.  She hated him for taking me away from her for a year.  Things got better towards the end, right before he changed, but…well, the way I left this time…just a letter, no good-bye…I’m afraid of how she’s going to react.  I don’t want her hating my husband.”

 

“I think you give your mother too little credit, Rose.  She raised you and you’re wonderful.  That doesn’t happen by accident.  She’s got to be a pretty wonderful woman herself.”

 

“She is…only, she’s got this temper and when it comes to the old Doctor, she never held back.  I like to think if he hadn’t changed when I went back to save him, that she would have softened.  She was so grateful he sent me back to her and when it came down to it, she’s the one helped me find the way back to him.  I just…I love him so much.  I don’t want her to hate him on first sight.”  Rose sighed and shoved her hand through her hair.

 

“He can be charming.  Tell him to be charming.  I think you’ll find you are worried for nothing,” the TARDIS advised.

 

“Maybe.”  Rose bit her lip.

 

“Talk to the Doctor.  Tell him what you’re afraid of.  He’ll do what he can.  That’s the kind of man he is.”

 

“You’re starting to sound like you almost like him,” Rose said.

 

“I do almost like him,” the TARDIS said with her chiming laughter.  “Now go and talk to him.”

 

With a grin at the TARDIS’ attitude Rose went in search of the Doctor.  When she found him he was covered from head to toe in pink dust and coughing.  He was just putting a grid back on over the six foot tall filter he’d just changed.

 

“Here,” he said on seeing her, “Help me take this to the cleansing pool.”  She helped him manhandle the device down the corridor to a room with a large narrow pool that was three feet wide, seven feet long, and four feet deep.  They got it over the lip of the pool and watched it splash down beneath the surface.  The Doctor hit a large red button—Rose had to grin as she remembered her old Doctor’s affinity with large red buttons—and the sound of a vacuum filled the room.  She watched as water was forced through the filter and the liquid turned pink and was swished away until eventually it became clear again.

 

Hesitantly she reached out and took his hand.  He didn’t look at her but his fingers tightened around hers.  Slowly she began to tell him her fears about her mother and what she thought her reaction might be on meeting him.  He listened patiently until she had talked herself out.

 

“Rose, your mum, she’s had to adapt to a different version of your father, and you say she’s done it really well.  She knows the building blocks are the same but that the Pete she is married to now is not the same Pete that gave her you.  What makes you think she can’t cope with a different version of me?  I don’t think you’re giving her enough credit,” he said.

 

“That’s what the TARDIS said,” Rose told him.

 

“Clever girl, my ship,” he said.  “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior when I meet your family.  So what’s it going to be, Rose Tyler?  Are you going to lie to your mum or are you going to tell her the truth?” he asked.

 

“I’ll tell her the truth,” she said.  A huge weight felt like it had been lifted off her as she made her choice.  He nodded at her.

 

“Good.  I need to go take a shower and get this dust off me,” he said.  “That needs to soak for twenty-four hours.  I’ll meet you back in the console room in about twenty minutes.  Unless…”

 

“Unless what?” she asked him.

 

“Unless you want to join me?”

 

“Tonight,” Rose said.  “If I get into a shower with you now we’ll never get that egg back to Ambigere.”

 

He laughed.  “Go and tell the TARDIS that she can breach the shield around the city at any time now.  See you in a few minutes.”

 

 

 

The TARDIS shuddered as she set down inside the shield of the city just outside the Temple of Hidden Means.  There was a hideous scraping noise and then all was still and the TARDIS resumed her regular healthy hum.  The Doctor emerged shortly after landing and double checked everything on the console before nodding to Rose.  He had the backpack with the egg in it strapped to his back and he held out his hand to Rose, waggling his fingers.

 

Rose took his hand, lacing her fingers through his and they walked out of the TARDIS.  Neither of them turned around to look at the ship but focused straight ahead of them, going around the side of the temple and on up the temple stairs.  At the top of the steps sat the big black wolf.  Her eyes focused narrowly upon them for a long time before she rose from her haunches, turned about, and trotted inside the temple.  They followed her.

 

Once in the large interior marble chamber the wolf slowly morphed into the black-haired, dark-eyed woman they knew as Ambigere.  “You have been successful then.”

 

Rose and the Doctor nodded as the Doctor removed the pack from his back.  “You might have been a bit clearer on what we were looking for,” he said as he pulled the Quyenseg Behavior Modification and Holographic Projection Unit out of the bag.  He handed it to the woman.

 

She smiled enigmatically as she removed the egg, sequestered it within her voluminus robe, and returned the pack.  “Yes, I could have done, but that is not my way.  If the Quest were easy, it would not have the required end result.”

 

“Which is?” demanded the Doctor.

 

“Not for you to know at this time,” Ambigere replied.  “Your next task will require a return to Earth,” she added.

 

“Earth?” asked Rose.  “I mean, we’re going there anyway, but Earth?”

 

“Yes.  You will be searching for the Orbs of Thessalameka.”  She reached into her robe and retrieved a cream colored envelope sealed with the same series of ancient symbols as before pressed into the brilliant crimson wax.  “When you find them, you will put the coordinates listed on this page,” and she handed them another paper, “into the TARDIS and it will lead you to me.”

 

“I thought we were to return to this planet each time?” the Doctor said.

 

“You will be returning to this planet,” she told him.  “But this planet will have moved by then.  There is no need for it to remain in the pocket universe any longer.  It will be free to move about the universe at large.”

 

“But why?” asked Rose.  “Why not just pick a spot and settle down somewhere?”

 

“It is not how it will be done.  It has been foretold.”  Any further questioning brought forth the same response from Ambigere.  When they desisted she said,” It is time for you to be on your way.  Good luck.”  She morphed back into the big black wolf and raced out of the room.

 

The Doctor and Rose opened the envelope and looked at its contents.  Inside was a page of instructions on the last known whereabouts in space and time of the orbs.  There was also a beautiful sketch of the spheres.  One was a translucent emerald green shot through with streaks of gold and the other was a brilliant, solid, cobalt blue shot through with streaks of crimson.

 

“They’re beautiful.  I wonder what they do?” she asked.

 

“May not do anything,” he told her.

 

“Didn’t expect the egg to do anything either, but it did.  Stands to reason that the orbs will as well,” Rose responded.

 

“Maybe,” the Doctor allowed.  “Come on.  Let’s get back to the ship.”

 

Hand in hand they left the temple, walked down the steps and headed back to the TARDIS.  It was only when they came around the bend that they saw she’d changed into the shape of a blue Police Public Call Box.  For the briefest of seconds Rose’s heart gave an illogical leap of wild hope, before she realized what the ship had done.

 

She stifled the disloyal emotion.  Even if it had been him it wouldn’t have mattered.  It would have been painful to see the other man again, but…nice to have that closure.  Her destiny was set now, held in the hand of the man who walked beside her and nothing would come between them.  She’d never leave her husband for the first Doctor she had known, even if her heart was still pounding at a ridiculous rate from that one brief flash.  She loved her new Doctor at a level that was deeper than anything she’d ever felt before.  Seeing the TARDIS looking like that only made her wistful, that’s all.

 

Rose realized suddenly that the sight of the TARDIS as a police box was also deeply affecting her husband.  She watched as he slowly put a hand against the surface of the door, stroking sadly and seeking for a mind that he knew wasn’t there, but couldn’t help but search for.  She closed her eyes tightly, forcing back hot tears.  It hadn’t once occurred to her in any of this what seeing the TARDIS disguised like this would do to the Doctor.  It would remind him of his own loss and grief for his original ship in the same way seeing the hologram of Romana for the first time had done to this TARDIS.

 

“I’m sorry,” Rose said.  “I shouldn’t have asked her to do this.  I didn’t think what it might do to you.  I’ll ask her to change back.”

 

The Doctor turned glittering eyes on her.  “I’m fine, Rose,” he said in a voice that most definitely was not fine.  “It’s fine.”  He shoved his key into the lock and strode into the ship and straight to the console.  He programmed it for Earth and waited until Rose had shut the door behind her and crept over to his side before throwing the final lever.

 

As the ship dematerialized with an uncomfortable grate as it went through the city’s shield, she took his hand.  “You must miss her,” Rose said.

 

He smiled at her with a touch of melancholy.  “I do, but…if the trade off was you, I’d lose her all over again.”

 

“Come on,” she said in a husky voice.  “I owe you a shower.  And then I’m taking you to bed.”

 

“Best offer I’ve had all day,” he responded with his usual mad grin firmly back in place.  The offer wasn’t the only thing he got the best of that day.  Rose made sure of it.  As they lay together afterwards she snuggled into him.  It amazed her that she had this moment at all, here and now with a man she loved more than her own life.  She’s spent so much time alone, even in crowds, and the loneliness at times had been bitter and unbearable.

 

Still she’d managed to carve out a fairly good life for herself, to move on and find a semblance of happiness.  If it hadn’t been quite honest, it hadn’t been a total lie, either.  But this turn of the wheel, life with this man she held in her arms, had given her back everything it had ever taken from her and added in more.  He loved her and she loved him more than she’d ever thought was possible.  Life, in the end, was good.  She smiled and the Doctor felt her lips move against him as she did so.

 

“What are you thinking about, Rose?” he asked her.

 

“I’m thinking,” Rose told him, “how much difference a month makes, just one little cycle of the moon, and everything’s changed forever.  And Doctor?”

 

“Yes, love?”  She squirmed up and kissed him thoroughly then smiled at him as she looked into his eyes.

 

“I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”

He smiled at her lovingly.  “Neither would I, Rose.  Neither would I.”

Comments

[bklyangel.livejournal.com]

Your over your writers block YAY!!!!
Great chapter, I can't wait for the showdown. I know this may be horrible to ask, but can Jackie smack him, at least once, for old times sake???

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Yep. Working on the first chapter of Hunger Moon got the plot bunnies going and they came and helped me finish Wolf Moon.

Jackie is going to have other issues aside from smacking him and I hope it's as funny as it is in my head.

[brilliantomega.livejournal.com]

Congrads!!! Beautiful, wonderful and brilliant. Looking forward to the next installment.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Ah, thank you. First chapter is well on it's way.

[starrynights24.livejournal.com]

*standing ovation*

Author! Author!

This has been a fantastic journey. I cannot wait for the next story.

I'm very glad that this story grabbed hold of you and wouldn't let go, and even gladder that you shared it with us.

*stifles happy tears*

Brava!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

You made me giggle. Thank you for the lovely words.

[amyo67.livejournal.com]

Oh. That was Fantastic. Great chapter. And you were worried. You have done it again. I really like that Rose decided she would tell the truth.
You have really managed to build a strong relationship between them and it is beautiful to read.
I look forward to diving into Hunger Moon.
Thanks for a Brilliant story.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I was worried it wasn't going to come out at all. Or live up to expectations. Or be the right way to end the fic. Until the right bunnies hit and the right words flowed and then the worry went away and there you have it. It's done. *sobs* I'm gonna miss it. And of course, you are very welcome.

[nattieb.livejournal.com]

*applauds*

By far the best thing that you have written (the story as a whole). You should be proud.

*noticed more plot points*

Can't wait for the next installment.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

*smiles* Thanks! I'm just so happy I survived it. The plot bunnies were rabid at times. Even Post Pomp didn't drive me as hard as Wolf Moon and it drove pretty darn hard.

Oh, those pesky plot points, they keep popping up, don't they? It's as if I were planning it or something... *grins*

Wow that was fast (grin)

[susanb03.livejournal.com]

I had just posted on chapter 19 that I hoped you'd post this soon and as soon as I reloaded the page it was here! I've been waiting every day for this fic with baited breath. Bravo! Thanks for a great start to a fabulous series!

Re: Wow that was fast (grin)

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Yep, within a minute, I think it was, according to the time counter in my inbox. Nice to hear from someone new. *waves*

[ageless-aislynn.livejournal.com]

Awwwww, the TARDIS in the blue police box shape on the banner just was a fabulous thing to see! I can't help it, even though I know this isn't original!Nine's TARDIS, I just can't really get my mind around the TARDIS looking like anything other than than that beloved ol' blue box! ;) And yay, Rose decided not to lie to Jackie! Whew!

I really can hardly think of what to say here at the last chapter. I'm SO glad that the series isn't done, of course, so there are more adventures to look forward to. But at the same time, it is an ending and that can't help but make me feel a bit melancholy, I suppose. I'll never forget seeing the rec for this story and thinking, "Oh, Rose meeting alt!Nine in Pete's World, YES!" I had only come across that idea once in a drabble right before that and the idea of reading a fully fleshed out fic based on that premise really appealed to me.

But then Wolf Moon turned out to be SO much more than just a slightly longer drabble with a cool premise! I've been so impressed at how you've fit your story so seamlessly into canon, especially on how you've explained things from the show so that they make sense now, most particularly why a short exposure to the Time Vortex killed Nine while Rose didn't suffer any ill effects after being exposed to it a great deal longer! But even still, Wolf Moon went even beyond that.

The alt!TARDIS has got to be one of my favorite original characters from any fanfic ever! And your versions of Rose and alt!Nine just feel like they could slip right into the show and fit perfectly with their younger or alternative selves as natural extensions of those characters that I love so much. So I commend you on not only succeeding in making the characters feel right but in making them grow and come alive in the midst of such an interesting story. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where they're going to go from here, with all of the rollercoaster of events that's sure to come! (I'm holding you to that happy ending you've mentioned before, though! ;) )

And now that I've written my own book here... *eyeroll* Let me just close by saying how glad I am that you brought this story over to LJ so that I not only have had the chance to read it here and comment, but that I've had the chance to meet you as well. :D *hugs* ♥!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Yep, I've been saving this banner just for that. I didn't want to use it beforehand because the TARDIS was not a blue police box, but I did know that at some point she would turn into one for a little while so I saved it. And with the big black wolf in the background, too, it was just so perfect for this chapter. Angelfireeast has just done such a brilliant job for me making these banners and icons, all because she just loves the story that much. And wait until you see the ones she's been making for the next story...lovely stuff.

I do love the idea of Alt!Nine, even if there isn't supposed to be a way for him to exist. I've not seen very many, even fewer that are actually good, but there are a few that I adore, and I wanted to write something that good at the very least. And once I started, I just grew to adore them together.

Slightly more than a longer drabble... *snort laughs* A bit, yeah. This is the longest fic I've ever done. Not sure the total yet but its just under 120,000 words. Even my 45 chapter story You Reap What You Sow, the second longest I've written, is just under 75,000 words. This has been huge. I wrote a book. I'm glad you liked all the explanations. Most of them were for things that just bugged me on the show and made total sense to me if they were true, like the Vortex issue.

I'm glad you liked the characters, especially Alt!TARDIS and think I kept them growing and natural throughout the fic. Not always the easiest thing to do, had a few chapters where they didn't want to either grow, or be natural, but I used the mallet and hammered them into submission! *smiles*

I'm glad to have had the chance to meet you, too. I've met so many cool people here on LJ, and have really enjoyed reading your journal and seeing your vids and picspams, too. *hugs*

Hmm...I wonder if my answer to your review is longer than your review? *grins*

[honorh.livejournal.com]

"I forbid it"--oh, Doctor, you dumbass. *shakes head* Worst way in the world to stop Rose Tyler from doing something. Luckily, the TARDIS talks sense. Love the moment later when the Doctor sees the old blue box. That hadn't really occurred to me, either, how he would feel; you've done such a great job of separating this Doctor from "our" Doctor that I'd momentarily forgotten they used to be the same. Sweet way to end, and I can't wait for "Hunger Moon"! Bring on Jackie!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Yep. It was the best way to get the characters to do exactly what I wanted. *laughs* The part with the blue box made sense to me when he started so adamantly not wanting her to ask the TARDIS to change and wouldn't be reasonable about it at all while I was writing. (Yes, I know that sounds weird, but so is the inside of my head, and he wasn't). It would hurt him to see her that way and he didn't want to see what he'd lost. Glad you liked the ending. Things with Jackie will be interesting. You wouldn't happen to know where I could get a good Jackie Tyler icon? Or Jackie with Rose?

[wiggiemomsi.livejournal.com]

Hooray, you broke through your writer's block!! *Does a Happy For You dance* And thank you so much for this lovely chapter!

*Hugs*

The TARDIS is one wise ship:
“You’re starting to sound like you almost like him,” Rose said.

“I do almost like him,” the TARDIS said with her chiming laughter. “Now go and talk to him.”

And what a great summary of an epic story:
"But this turn of the wheel, life with this man she held in her arms, had given her back everything it had ever taken from her and added in more. He loved her and she loved him more than she’d ever thought was possible. Life, in the end, was good."

Looking with great anticipation to the new story in your series. :O)

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Yep, I did it and I didn't even have to use smut! LOL Although, that may not be a selling point for you since you were encouraging more smut. *grins* Glad you liked the final chapter and the wrapping up of it's epicosity. *giggles at made up word* And now onwards and upwards to Hunger Moon, coming soon.

[ravenclaw-devil.livejournal.com]

This was lovely, absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! I can't wait to read Jackie (and Mickey)'s reactions to Rose's fiance - especially as he has her "old" Doctor's face. I love the way you have Rose, the Doctor, and the TARDIS interacting in this chapter and the emotions that seem to jump off the screen!

Can't wait to start Hunger Moon. Thanks for the brilliant story!!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Well, it'll be a bit before we see Mickey. We'll see Jackie right away. If not in the first chapter, in the second one. And we'll deal with Rose's (ex)boyfriend Davin McBain for the first time before we'll see Mickey. Hunger Moon is a little over 1300 words along so I'm sure it'll be done and up by tomorrow night if not sooner. Depends on my beta, probably. I only took a break from it to answer reviews.

[mysticalchild_isis]

I have a weakness for Rose/altNine stories, and so I'm thrilled to see this will be a long series. Very nice!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Yep, it's going to be a very long series. Probably take me two years to write it if I keep up the current pace, so lots of lovely (I hope) Alt!Nine/Rose fic still to come.

[themusecalliope]

Yay! You made it!
*does the lovely story happy dance*

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Umm hmm. Told you that whack helped! *grins*

[slvrcrystalc.livejournal.com]

It's good that Rose isn't going to lie. The Doctor and Rose are together and happy, and all is right in the universe.

Next: To Jackie?

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

I don't think she could have gotten away with lying to her mother anyway. She's really too intrinsically honest of a person to lie well. And yep, all is right in the universe, for now. Hunger Moon will start with them on their way back to Earth and Jackie will be in the first or second chapter, not sure yet, depends on how the rest of chapter one writes out.

[yenly-gozal.livejournal.com]

It's fantastic! I re-read the whole story again and I still can't get enough. It's unbelievable how much their relationship has changed in one month, just like what Rose said. Glad that in the end Rose decided not to lie to Jackie. You also captured very well about what they felt when they saw the 'old TARDIS'. Can't wait for the 'Hunger Moon'. Thank you very much for sharing such a brilliant story with us.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Hello and welcome. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the story and all the things that progressed their relationship as the story went along. The part with seeing the TARDIS as a police box was very emotional to write, even though it was such a little piece of it all. Hunger Moon should be up sometime tomorrow. And you're very welcome. Stories like this can't be held back, I guess, so happy to share.

[simplyn2deep.livejournal.com]

awesome ending! You did an absolutely wonderful job with this story!

Now I can go back and read from the beginning!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Well, since you are going back and rereading, do you happen to know if I named Rose's little brother or not? I can't remember and I suppose I could go reread the first few chappies to check but I'd rather spend the time writing if you happen to see it and could let me know.

Oh, and thank you. I'm glad you liked the ending.

[angelfireeast.livejournal.com]

Such a lovely ending! 46 chapters! YOu know ususaly I stay far away from storys this long because they mostly lose their plot and characterions(sp) along the way but not yours. It didn't even feel that long, you kept all the characters true to themselves while at the same time having them grow and changes in different ways. Now I have two fics over chapters that are this way:D

As for the chapter it's self I love the TASDIS changing into the blue phone box to annoy the Doctor. If he ever wanted her to change then all he need to do was act like that and she's change to bug him. I love all the Rose/TASDIS scenes! What a cute little family, The TASDIS gets Rose to take to the Doctor and fix the problem. Rose helps both of them to over come their problems and becomes "almost friends". It fit together so well. My heart broke picturing the Doctor seeing the shape of his blue box but knowing she is gone and can never come back.

I can't wait for the next in the series:D and yay for my other banner:D

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Well, you didn't know it was going to be 46 chapters when you started reading it. I didn't know it was going to be 46 chapters. I think it was originally planned for 30 to 35! But it had a way of writing itself and I did not want to skimp on the growth of their relationship, or the plot, or well, who and what they were.

I think one of the things that really helps to stay on track with plot and characterization is to be really well organized. My outline helped me immensely. I usually don't plan this well, because I've got about a 90% eidetic memory, but this one, it needed the organization. It's a very different experience than writing on the fly, but I think it shows in the finished work.

They are a family, aren't they? That's why I like to call them my only OT3! Yeah, that little bit with the blue police box disguise on the TARDIS was very emotional to write...so very sad.

Yes, yay for your other banner. Now I just have to decide which one I'm going to use first for Hunger Moon. I'm thinking maybe I'll do it based on whether it's daytime or nighttime, or maybe just every other chapter. Usually I can decide which one I like the best but with the two you made me, it's a genuine toss up.

[capemaynuts.livejournal.com]

Hurry up with Hunger Moon! I am so enjoying your alt/universe! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

My goodness, such impatience! *giggles* It should be up tomorrow. I'm glad you like my universe. Oh, that makes me feel powerful. My universe. All mine. Mwahahahahaha. And you're welcome. It wouldn't be near as much fun really, if I kept it to myself...

[fishface44.livejournal.com]

Of course this made me all teary-eyed. The new relationship the Doctor has with the TARDIS followed by how emotional it was for them both to see this TARDIS assume the blue police box shape was very moving; after all, the bond with the other TARDIS was closer than almost anything. And this TARDIS is being so sweet about him now: “He can be charming. Tell him to be charming." “I do almost like him,” the TARDIS said with her chiming laughter. “Now go and talk to him.”and his response: “Clever girl, my ship,”

And this was amazingly written: "For the briefest of seconds Rose’s heart gave an illogical leap of wild hope, before she realized what the ship had done....She stifled the disloyal emotion. Even if it had been him it wouldn’t have mattered. It would have been painful to see the other man again, but…nice to have that closure."

I loved how you put this: "She watched as he slowly put a hand against the surface of the door, stroking sadly and seeking for a mind that he knew wasn’t there, but couldn’t help but search for."

I know you struggled with this last chapter, but you succeeded beyond all my expectations. (And you may have set a record for getting over writer's block quickly!) Of course, I can hardly contain myself waiting for the other moons, but I remain completely enchanted with Wolf Moon!! It is the best thing you have ever written (that I have read) Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

He was so very closely bonded with that old ship, I didn't want to pass off this chance to show how it felt for him to see it like this. I knew it would be hard for Rose, but I thought it should be harder for him.

Well, this TARDIS adores Rose to the point of irrationality, really, and so whatever Rose wants, which is usually help with the Doctor, Rose gets. So the TARDIS will give it to her. Even though she won't be above getting mad at Rose when the time comes, she'll find her easier to forgive than she will the Doctor, no matter how much their relationship progresses.

Glad you liked the illogical leap of wild hope. Shows she hasn't quite forgotten even if she's better off with Nine here. And the TARDIS door scene, brought tears to my eyes from the moment it came into my head. Still does.

I think most of my struggles were simply because I didn't want it to end and I hadn't gotten enough sleep the night before so I was very tired and my brain was a bit addled. Though I'm still blocked on Of the Vortex Born, darn it and that's been a couple weeks now. *sighs* I'm glad the last chapter was so wildly successful with you. It all just really came together at the end there and flowed.

Thank you so much for your lovely words. And since you're one of the few who has read everything I've ever written, and liked it, it means a lot. And you're always welcome.

[lostwolfchats.livejournal.com]

Awwww! Poor Doctor - but at least Rose is going to tell the truth!!!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Yep. When it comes down to it, Rose won't even have the chance to lie to her mum anyway. It's going to be obvious things have changed.

[fiducia.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on finishing!! I'm happy for you and proud of you! WONDERFUL final chapter! I can't wait for Hunger Moon. Keep up the good work. The mythology you're building here is something very special.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That's so nice to hear. I'm hoping to have the first chapter up by tonight. *smiles*

[sunnytyler001.livejournal.com]

Awww!!!! That was lovely!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[dragonmom64.livejournal.com]

Oh my, and now I'm last...as of this moment anywho. So...everyone's already said all the good stuff. I've loved this story, and no, it doesn't feel like 46 chapters, cause it's such a nice, lovely read! Looking forward to Hunger Moon along with everyone else....

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

118,714 words long according to Teaspoon. Longest thing I've ever written, but it goes fast. *smiles* First chapter is done and with my beta so it'll definitely be up today.

[azriona.livejournal.com]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations! And there's a chapter of Hunger Moon up already - hurrah!

I liked the Doctor's reaction to seeing the Tardis as a blue police box - and how Rose hadn't thought of his possible reaction to it. I also liked hers, how she's still got those residual feelings and desire to see her first Doctor again. (Well, "desire" in the non-sexual way of the word, at least.) I have no doubt THAT will come up again.

One nitpick:
“Didn’t except the egg to do anything either, but it did.

Pretty sure you mean "Didn't expect". Silly MSWord, changing letters around like that.

CONGRATULATIONS ON FINISHING!!!

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Oh, sexy Nine icon. And fixed the typo, thank you! Glad you liked the interplay of feelings they had on seeing the blue box. Rose is pretty much over Ten, but she'll have flashes when certain things happen unexpectedly, I think. Normal human reactions.

Thank you for the congrats.

[faythbrady.livejournal.com]

I've just finished this fic and have to say that It's been the best couple of hours I've spent since Season One Doctor Who came out. Lovely stuff. Hot and sweet and painful and just plain adorable.
One thing before I continue with Hunger Moon- Orbs of Thessula? Someone's a Buffy fan.

[amberfocus.livejournal.com]

Aw, thank you, that's a lovely thing to say! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Well, Orbs of Thessalameeka, but the name was semi-inspired by Buffy. They don't do anything like those ones, though. Completely different except a bit of the name. I'd just finished watching the first five seasons as I finished this fic.