Just came across this from a link on some art on tumblr, and read it in one sitting, and was absolutely enchanted. Thank you so much for writing

A very unique idea, if nothing else.
Granted, I feel that you could have provided us with a little more information about what happened to the Fifth Doctor’s companions in this version of events; we always had enough information to assume that the Eighth was travelling alone when the War began, and you at least provide enough information to suggest that this takes place late in the Fifth Doctor’s life, but he would still have had to either take someone ‘home’ or see them die in the War.
However, putting aside my personal feelings about the Doctor’s relationship with the Master, the idea that Koschei would seek redemption in such a manner made a certain sense if he stayed around to fight alongside the Doctor (particularly when he’s probably slightly LESS insane than the Master who’d been stuck in the Eye of Harmony and everything else before the Time War we know).
The Doctor’s new human self is very well-explored, giving us some fascinating ideas about how his new identity would adapt to his chosen time without a companion to confide in about his stranger experiences. Setting it a few years into his ‘exile’ (for lack of a better term) also had the interesting result of giving him a group of friends who are aware of and tolerate his more subtle eccentricities, with the result that he attracts less suspicion than the ‘canon’ John Smiths might have done under similar circumstances so shortly after their arrival.
I slightly regret that we had no explicit identification of the entity that provoked John to transform back into the Doctor, but it still presented an intriguing threat that could have been a wide variety of alien entities, and you ended the storyline on a very moving note.
No two ways about it; I am DEFINITELY intrigued to see what else is coming up for this new interpretation of the Doctor…

Just awesome. I rarely read AUs like that, but your story took me by surprise and was holding me till the last word. (Finished it in one day, in the middle of the night, and don't even regret the lack of sleep). Getting a strong, beautiful Family of Blood vibe from the finale. The dark, the drama, the psychology and the Canadian atmosphere of the whole thing is great. The chemistry between the characters makes the story real and alive, even the episodic ones feel real and rememberable. And so many oldschool references!
So... the alternate Doctor's TARDIS is a red box instead of blue? That was unexpected, but an interesting design choice.
Would you mind if I translate it into Russian? I'll leave your name and a link to your page, of course. I just know some Whovians who will like this story as much as I do.

I knew he was sensing something! But never worked out it had to do with the dreams. The Doctor, ladies and gentlemen, is back (has he ever left?)
This is getting better and better (even though it's going to end sadly).

Also, full agreement on the matter of speed ;)

So happy to see this story updated! It's one I've been actively following and I am loving it. Sorry to see the end is near but I can't wait to find out what happens!

Okay, so the first chapter I found a bit... bland. The second, though, very vivid in the description of PTSD, is where I decided it might be nice to read on, and haven't regretted it.
Nice blend of mundane and not-so-mundane scary. Solid writing. Subtle characterisation (even using somebody else's car without seeking the owner for permission makes sense - I know people who would probably do this due to anxiety issues). I like how the tension builds by tiny, tiny grades, but noticeably - creepy!
So yes, please, finish the story, cause I'm hooked!

Alright, I'm intrigued. And a sucker for a Canadian fic

Nice update! I hope you continue.

I hope you continue.

Oh poor things . . .

Whats with all the master/5th doctor pairings! For goodness sakes i just dont see it!

That was good! The Master always has been just frickin awesome, even if he is rediculously bad and really should be locked in a room for his own safety.