Hey guys and girls! This is a rewrite of The Doctor's Healer.
The twelfth Doctor hung back watching the young red headed woman approached a gravestone marked Elizabeth Sladen, placing a small bunch of flowers in front of it. He couldn't approach her, not yet. Not until she'd spoken with her loved one.
The woman in question, 23 year old Alyssa Palmer, knelt down and gently traced her grandmother's name. "Hey nanna", she greeted "I um…have something to tell you and I know you're going to be very disappointed when you hear it" she took a deep breath to compose herself "I tried to kill myself last night by taking too many sleeping pills. I know I shouldn't have but it was too much. All those emotions…I couldn't breathe…" Alyssa wiped away some tears that had rolled down her cheeks "I just wanted it to go away. I got to sleep and never wake up. But somehow I'm still here" the red head tucked a piece of hair behind her ear "mum can never know what I did. She wouldn't forgive me. I'm so sorry for what I did" Alyssa kissed her hand and placed it on the grave "I love you". She stood up, looking down at the grave.
"Losing a loved one is never easy", a Scottish male voice spoke up behind her. She glanced back to see an older man wearing a suit with a long black coat that had a red lining.
"You can say that again", Alyssa agreed.
"Would you mind if I gave you some advice?"
"Unfortunately I have", the man replied sadly "Can I give you some advice?"
"As long as you don't say 'take it one day at a time'", Alyssa said. She had enough of people saying things like that to her.
"The best way to deal with grief is to just keep going. Just keep living for the people we still have in our lives. Mothers, fathers, siblings, childhood friends. You need to keep going for them", the Doctor said "We also need to live for those we have lost too for they're never truly gone. They still live within our memories and our hearts".
Alyssa felt rather comforted by his words. They made a lot of sense too. "Thank you for the advice", she said gratefully.
"You're welcome", the Doctor said giving her a smile which Alyssa returned "I've got to go. Have a good day miss".
"You too", Alyssa said. She watched him leave before she turned and headed out of the cemetery herself.
A couple of days later, found Alyssa going to the ice rink. Something she hadn't done since her grandmother had died. Aside from her mother, Elizabeth had supported her love of ice skating. And if she was going by the advice that the stranger had given her two days ago, starting up her hobby again would be one way to make her grandmother proud.
"Hey Alyssa!" George, the ice rink's security guard, greeted happily as he opened the door to the building "its been a while".
"Yeah, I know. I've had some…things that I've needed to deal with", Alyssa said stepping through the door. She produced a to go cup of coffee and George's favourite cake.
"You Miss Palmer are amazing", middle aged man said taking the cup and cake from her, his fingers somehow brushing the back of her hand "Enjoy your skating session".
"Thanks I will", Alyssa said. She walked over to the bench and popped on her ice skates, lacing them up. The red rubbed her hand where George had touched it before she got to her feet. She then stepped out on the ice, grabbing on to the side. Taking a couple of breaths, Alyssa pushed off from the side. The next hour was spent gliding around the ice growing more confident as the time went on.
"Thanks for letting me skate around for a bit George", Alyssa said as the man met her part way towards the entrance "I appreciate it".
"You're welcome Alyssa", George said smiling at her.
Alyssa went to move past him assuming that he'd open to door to let her out but he stepped in her way. She moved to the other side and was confused when he moved with her. "George what are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm sorry Alyssa but I can't let you go" Alyssa's eyes widened when the middle aged man into a scary hooded figure. She screamed, turned and ran. The former security guard grabbed her by the ankles, pulling her to the floor. The red head screamed from the searing pain that ran through her body the second George touched her.
Black dots appeared at the edge of her vision as she struggled to stay conscious. Just before she blacked out, there was a very high pitched noise causing George to let out an inhuman shriek. A woman with curly ginger hair appeared "it's ok Lyssa, you're safe now", she assured her.
"W-who…?" Alyssa tried to ask but it was a struggle.
"I'm a friend", the woman said.
"Friend", Alyssa repeated, her eyes fluttering shut.
Alyssa groaned awake, frowning in confusion when she found that she was in her bedroom. "Did I dream all that?" she murmured to herself, sitting up. The red head got up from the bed and promptly fell over in a heap by the bag with ice skates in. She rooted around in the pockets, trying to find the receipt from the coffee and cake she got for George. There was nothing. She sighed "maybe I did dream it", she surmised.
"I'm home! Sweetie are you here?" her mother called from downstairs.
"Upstairs mum!" Alyssa called back. The 23 year old got to her feet, grabbing the bed to steady herself. Once she was happy that she wasn't about to fall over again, she made her way downstairs. In the hallway was her mother, Sarah Palmer and a man wearing a pinstriped suit and converse. "Who's this?" she asked.
"This is John Smith. He's going to be our lodger for a while", Sarah explained.
"Its nice to meet you John", Alyssa said, holding her hand out. The Doctor shook it, noting the faint mark on her hand. It was the mark of the industria lamia. She'd been marked for death. It looked like he didn't need to search any further for the creatures next victim, he'd already found her. And he'd be damned if he let anything happen to Alyssa Palmer.
"Its nice to meet you too Alyssa", the Doctor said.
"Please, call me Ali. Every one does", Alyssa said.
"Alright, Ali", the Doctor said.
"Are you ok sweetie? You look a little pale", Sarah said, looking at her daughter worriedly.
"Yeah, I'm fine", Alyssa assured her "I just hadn't eaten yet".
"I'll make you something", Sarah offered and headed to the kitchen "would you mind showing our guest the spare room?" she called back.
"Sure", Alyssa answered "Is that all your stuff?" she asked, gesturing to his bag on the floor.
"Yep", the Doctor replied. He picked up his bag, slinging it over his shoulder.
"Alright then. Follow me", Alyssa said. She walked up the stairs to the spare bedroom. "This'll be your room for however long you'll be with us", she told him. She then showed him the bathroom "this is the main bathroom and we have another downstairs", she explained "and you're more than welcome to use the kitchen whenever you want".
"Thanks", the Doctor said. Alyssa nodded and turned to go when he spoke up "Ali"
"Yes?" she said.
"Thanks for letting me stay", the Doctor said.
"You're welcome", Alyssa said "I hope you enjoy your stay. You're the first lodger we've had. Right I'm gonna go see if my mum is done with my food and let you get settled in".
Once she'd eaten, Alyssa headed to the Coffeehouse where she worked four times a week. "Ali?" Steve, a close friend of hers, said in surprise "Didn't think you'd be in today".
"Yeah, I told Mrs M that I would be in", Alyssa said, walking around the counter "I wanted to get back to my normal routine".
Steve smiled "cool. Ellie will be happy to see you. She's in the back", he said. Alyssa entered the staff room, grinning when she saw Ellie sitting it at the table, absorbed in her book. Alyssa quietly crept up to her best friend and grabbed her shoulders.
Ellie let out a small scream. "Ali! You scared me half to death!" she exclaimed.
"Sorry", Alyssa said "couldn't resist".
"Are you coming back to work?" Ellie asked.
"I sure am", Alyssa confirmed.
Ellie made a happy noise, jumping up to give her a hug. "I'm so glad, I've missed you", she said.
"I've missed you too", Alyssa confessed as well. She picked up her apron from the hook and tied it around herself. "Lets get to work", she said twisting her hair back into a bun.
"Yeah, lets", Ellie agreed. The pair left the staffroom and got to work.
"Here you go Joseph. One cup of Earl Grey tea and a slice of apple pie", she said placing it down at an elderly man's table.
"Thank you Alyssa", Joseph said.
"You're welcome. How are you today?" Alyssa asked.
"Very well", the elderly replied.
"Good. Give me a shout if you want a top up", she told the regular before going back to the counter to pick up the next orders. In a table in the corner sat the Doctor, wearing a perception filter he'd quickly rigged up with a TARDIS key. He watched Alyssa as she worked, noting how she interacted with people.
"Don't forget to be back in an hour", Steve said when Alyssa clocked off for her lunch break.
"I'll be counting the seconds", she replied grabbing her bag and leaving the Coffeehouse. Alyssa walked to a nearby park where she was going to meet her boyfriend for lunch. She sat down on a bench and waited. Half an hour went by, no sign of him. The young woman sighed and decided to eat her lunch. As she did her phone buzzed. It was a text message from Ben saying that he couldn't make it. This is the second time this week she thought texting him back saying 'don't worry about it'.
Alyssa finished up her lunch and went back to work. She took Steve's place behind the counter creating the drinks orders and he left as his shift was over. While she was making a latte for one of students currently sitting in the corner with his friends, she happened to look up at the TV screen mounted on the wall. The lunch news was playing a story. What is it with these deaths? She thought as the reporter announced it being the 5th in a row with the same MO.
"How many more deaths does there need to be before the police catch this guy?" Ellie asked as she stood by the till.
"I have no idea", Alyssa replied.
"Hang on. I know her", Ellie said quietly when the picture of the latest victim came up.
"We'll finish this in a sec", Alyssa said placing the drinks on the tray and carrying it to the corner table. "How?" Alyssa asked when she came back behind the counter.
"Because she came in here couple of days ago", Ellie replied "you know… all the victims seem to be customers of ours", she remarked quietly.
"Seems like something the police should know", Alyssa said, matching her tone.
"I've got a day off tomorrow, would you come with me after your shift?" Ellie asked.
"Of course", Alyssa said before going to refill a customer's mug. Around 4:30 the woman left the Coffeehouse as her shift was over. She drove back to her home in her little blue mini.
The Doctor wandered into the kitchen while Alyssa was standing at the hob, stirring something in a pan. "What are you making?" he asked, leaning against the counter.
"Bolognese", Alyssa replied "you're not allergic to anything, are you?"
"No", the Doctor replied.
"Good. The last thing I want to do is make our new lodger ill", Alyssa said.
"Wouldn't be a good start", the Doctor agreed.
"No it wouldn't", Alyssa agreed.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" the Time Lord asked, wanting to be helpful.
"You can chop tomatoes and peppers", Alyssa said, pointing to them. The Doctor nodded, rolled up his sleeves and got to cutting the ingredients. "So how are you settling in?" she questioned.
"I'm settling in fine", the Doctor replied.
"That's good", Alyssa said. She continued stirring until the point where John's emotions were getting to be too much.
"Are you ok?" the Doctor asked, noticing her tense up slightly, her grip tightening on the spoon.
"Yeah, I'm fine", Alyssa lied. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting out a breath, forcing herself to relax. She wasn't about to tell him that she was an Empath. She barely knew him! The Doctor looked at her, knowing that she wasn't telling the truth but decided not to press.
"Tomatoes and peppers are done", he told her.
"Great", Alyssa said. She carefully scooped them up and dropped them into the pan.
"Do you need anything else?" the Doctor asked.
"Nope", Alyssa answered "it shouldn't be too long now. I'll give you a shout when its done".
"So John what do you do?" Sarah asked their new house guest as they ate.
"Not much. I'm travelling at the moment", the Doctor replied.
"Oh? Been anywhere interesting?" Sarah questioned.
"Here and there", the Doctor said vaguely
"Maybe you could suggest some places. Alyssa and her boyfriend Ben are planning to spend a week touring Europe next month", Sarah told him.
"Mum!" Alyssa exclaimed "I'd rather you don't talk about my love life with our guest". She picked up her plate with her half-finished dinner and left the room.
"I'm sorry honey I don't mean to make you uncomfortable", Sarah said, following her into the kitchen.
"That's ok mum. I'm just a little tired of his forgetfulness, he stood me up today at lunch. I've lost count how many times that happened", Alyssa said angrily, dumping her meal into the bin.
"Maybe you should stop giving so many chances", Sarah suggested. Initially she liked her daughter's boyfriend but when he began standing her up and cancelling dates that he'd arranged…she was starting to change her opinion of him. She really hoped that Alyssa wasn't going to get hurt from giving Ben so many chances.
"Maybe…but I can't help it", Alyssa said "I love him despite his forgetfulness", Alyssa said.
"Morning Steve, Becky", Alyssa greeted her two colleagues as she entered the Coffeehouse the next day.
"Morning Ali", Steve and Becky said in unison.
The Doctor sat at the same corner table as the day before watching customers slowly filter in. Some staying and some just grabbing a drink to go. Alyssa walked around handing out drinks, occasionally her gazed drifted over to a corner table. She felt like there was someone sitting there, someone unseen. That's ridiculous Ali. There's no one there. The woman shook her head and went back to the counter where Becky had the next orders of drinks and food. She carried the tray over to the table it was meant for and put the stuff down. Alyssa put the tray back on the counter, her gaze going back to the empty table. The Doctor was positive that no one could see him due to the perception filter but the way Alyssa kept looking over at the table he was sitting at… was it possible she could see him somehow?
He shook his head. That wasn't possible. She didn't know he'd been there the day before and she most definitely didn't know he was there now. Alyssa left the Coffeehouse when it was time for her lunch break. The Doctor watched her go before turning his attention to the customers. Which one was the shapeshifting creature? He knew it had to be one of them. It was thing that linked the victims together, plus it was Alyssa's workplace.
It was around an hour later when red head came back and Steve left shortly afterwards. "Let me guess café Latte with soy milk", the 23 year old said when Tanya Barrett, a reporter, came in about half two.
"You remembered", the spectacled brunette smiled.
"Well you come in the same time around every day", Alyssa said. Over the years she'd gotten good at sensing people's moods which helped immensely whenever she had a customer who was stressed out. With those kinds of people she learned to be quick when completing orders and knew never to ask about their day. Tanya was a different story, she seemed to have one constant mood or at least she did whenever she was in the Coffeehouse. Her presence was rather calming especially on a very busy day.
"Though I prefer your latte's over the one that lad does on Friday, it's not the same", Tanya said.
"I'm flattered. Mug or to go?" Alyssa asked.
"Mug please", Tanya replied.
"There you go", Alyssa said handing the mug over.
"Thank you", Tanya said taking it, her hand briefly touched Alyssa's. The young woman brought her hand back quickly as if she'd been burned. The red head turned around to clean up the coffee machine as Tanya spoke again "Actually I was wondering if I could talk to you about the deaths".
"I'm sorry Miss Barrett but I'm really busy at the moment", Alyssa said. Tanya noticed the change in the tone in her voice but didn't say anything about it. She just took her coffee and sat down at a table. The Doctor also heard the change of the tone in her voice from across the room. He took off the TARDIS key from around his neck and went up to the counter.
"Hello", he greeted.
"Hi John", Alyssa said sounding slightly more cheerful. She turned around "what can I get for you?"
"Tea please", the Doctor replied.
"One tea coming right up", Alyssa said "Any food?"
"Nah I'm good. You ok?" the Doctor asked. Alyssa could sense his concern for her. She wasn't sure why he would be though.
"I'm fine", she replied turning to the machine for the tea.
"Are you sure?" the Doctor questioned.
"I'm fine honestly", she said rubbing her hand, there was a nagging feeling in the back of her mind like she'd done that before "Here's you tea", Alyssa said handing it to him.
"Thank you", the Time Lord said "Do you mind if I hang out around here?"
"Not at all. Just stick to the end of the counter", Alyssa replied.
"What time does your shift end? We could walk back together", the Doctor offered.
"I'd love to but I'm doing something with my friend Ellie", Alyssa replied. She chatted to the man in between making drinks for customers. Around 3:30 two plain clothed police officers entered the Coffeehouse. One went up to the counter while the other went to speak to Tanya who was still here.
"Miss Palmer?"
"Yes", Alyssa confirmed.
"I'm Detective Foster. I'd like you to come down to the station with me. We need to ask you a few questions", the man said.
"Why? What's this about?" Alyssa questioned.
"Ellie Johnson", Detective Foster answered.
"I know her, she's a good friend. Is she ok?" Alyssa asked worried.
"I'm afraid she's dead", Detective Foster explained.
Alyssa's eyes widened and she dropped the cup she'd been holding. She stared at the Detective hardly able to form words. Becky who'd been by the till came over when she heard the cup smash. She put her arm around her friend "does she need to come to the station Detective?" she asked having heard the conversation.
"I'm afraid so", Detective Foster said, regretfully.
"Well do you mind if I took her in the back for a few minutes?" Becky asked.
"Of course. I'm really sorry Miss Palmer", Detective Foster said as Becky manoeuvred a shocked Alyssa from around the counter and into the back room. The Doctor watched Becky escort Alyssa away. He knew exactly how she felt, he'd lost people too. Like Rose he thought. Although she was alive and safe in a parallel world, it was still hard for him to move on. Rose Tyler had been his first companion since the Time War. She'd been the one who'd helped him feel like that Doctor again.
Steve called up his boss, Mrs Michaelson and told her what had happened. The woman came down from her office to help him explain the situation to the customers and that they were closing early. Eventually everyone had left except Tanya and the Doctor. However, the Time Lord was ushered out of the Coffeehouse too. He left without compliant and waited outside for red haired woman to appear. When she did, she told him to let her mother know where she was going. The Doctor agreed.
As Tanya got into the police car she looked straight at the Doctor and smirked, her face changing briefly. The Time Lord stiffened when he saw this. She was the creature! The second the car pulled away, he sprinted back to the Palmer's house to get his TARDIS.
When they reached the police station, Detective Foster took Alyssa into his office. "So what questions did you want to ask me?" she asked sniffling a little. She'd been holding in her tears during the ride but it was difficult to do so. "Thank you", she said when he handed a box of tissues.
"So you said Miss Johnson was a good friend of yours", Detective Foster said opening up a file on the desk.
"She is…was my best friend", Alyssa confirmed.
"And the two of you work together at the Coffeehouse", Detective Foster continued.
"Yes", Alyssa said.
"How did she seem yesterday? Was she upset in anyway?" the policeman questioned.
"Ellie was fine yesterday until…" Alyssa trailed off, taking a breath before she continued "Until we saw the story on the um latest victim Miss Groves", she blew her nose "She and I were going to come here today after my shift. Ellie made a comment about Miss Groves which I suggested that the police might need to know".
"What would that be?" Detective Foster queried.
"Miss Groves was a customer at the Coffeehouse a few days ago. I was off at the time but Ellie recognised her", Alyssa explained.
"Another one from the Coffeehouse", the man mumbled "Did anyone hear you talk about this yesterday?"
"I don't think so", Alyssa replied "We were talking quietly but it's possible that someone heard. Detective Foster do you think that the killer overheard the conversation we had and killed her for it?"
"I'm afraid I can't tell you that", Detective Foster said "as its an ongoing investigation. Did you and Miss Johnson talk about anything else to do with the deaths?"
Alyssa shook her head "No we didn't", she replied.
"Was any of your customers acting strange yesterday?" Detective Foster pressed.
"Our regulars were acting the same but I don't know about the other customers. Sorry", Alyssa replied absentmindedly rubbing her hand.
"That's alright is there anything else you'd like to tell us?" Detective Foster questioned.
"Well I don't know if you already know this but the first victim used to be a regular coming in every morning around 8:00 until he was killed", Alyssa said.
"Thank you Miss Palmer. For your safety we will be leaving some people outside your house tonight", Detective Foster told her.
"You think the killer might try to get me?" Alyssa asked, panicked.
"Maybe. We will do everything we can to find this killer. In the meantime both you and Miss Barrett will have police outside your homes"
"May I ask why is Tanya here?" Alyssa asked.
"She met up with your friend earlier today", Detective Foster replied vaguely. Alyssa didn't press as she knew he probably wasn't allowed to tell her any more than that. "Thank you Miss Palmer for answering my questions and I'm really sorry for your loss", the Detective Foster said standing up and they shook hands.
"Thank you Detective Foster. I hope you do catch this guy soon. Where's the ladies?" Alyssa queried.
The policeman showed her where it was and Alyssa went in. As soon as she shut the door, she broke down in tears. The woman jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Tanya.
"I'm really sorry about Ellie. She was a lovely woman", she said.
"Yeah she was", Alyssa agreed wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket "I can't believe that one of the customers could've killed Ellie".
"I know", Tanya said placing a hand on her shoulder. Alyssa glanced up at the mirror and was startled at what she saw. She quickly moved away from Tanya, green eyes wide. The woman looked like that thing she saw at the rink in her dream! Unless it wasn't a dream at all and it really happened…
"You…the reflection…" she stammered trying to get her head around what she saw "what the hell are you?"
"I'm human Alyssa. Just like you", Tanya assured her.
"No you-you're face… it-it", Alyssa trailed off sinking down onto the bathroom floor.
"You're in shock. It's natural to imagine things that aren't real. Come on let's get you home", Tanya said reaching for the red head.
"Don't touch me", Alyssa snapped quickly getting to her feet. Something was screaming at her to get as far away from Tanya as possible. Gone was the calming effect the reporter had on her, it was replaced with something else…fear. Alyssa had to get out of the police station now! She ripped open the bathroom door and ran. She wasn't going to stop until she hit the street. Alyssa was too preoccupied in getting away from Tanya that she collided with a body. A pair of hands grabbed her upper arms to stop her from falling.
"Ali? What's wrong?" the Doctor asked seeing that she was terrified. She didn't say anything, just glanced back. Tanya was standing rather casually looking at the pair. Alyssa looked back at the Doctor and he put two and two together. He took her hand and calmly led her out of the police station.
The Doctor sat the girl down on one of the armchairs and went to make her a cup of tea. "Thank you", Alyssa said taking the cup from him. Instead of taking a drink, she just cradled the warm cup in her hands. "My best friend is dead", she said quietly "I'm never going to see her again". The Doctor took the cup away from her when Alyssa broke down in tears.
"And I'm sorry. I'm so sorry", he said hugging her. If he'd gotten there days earlier, he could've figured out what was going on and stopped it before too many people died. Alyssa wouldn't be going through this right now if he had.
"Why am I so scared of her?" she mumbled.
"Who?" the Doctor asked but he already knew the answer.
"Tanya" Alyssa pulled back and wiped her eyes with her sleeve "she used to have this way about her, it made me feel calm. But now she scares me. In the bathroom mirror… her face…" she broke off and shivered. She didn't want to think about it anymore.
"What about her face?" the Doctor asked.
"It changed. Just like George's did", Alyssa replied. She then shook her head "No, that's ridiculous. It didn't change, I imaged it".
"I don't think you were imaging it", the Doctor said.
"No, I have to be. Shapeshifting creatures that look like dementors aren't real. They can't be!" Alyssa insisted despite all her feelings telling her otherwise. They were probably all over the place because of her grief over her friend, one very good reason why she shouldn't trust them. "I'm sorry John I've got to…" she broke off again and stood up "excuse me" she said and quickly left the room. She hurried into the bathroom and shut the door. The Doctor could hear her crying over the running water. He was going to do everything he could to help her but first there was the matter of Tanya Barret. The Doctor had to get her to leave Alyssa alone as she'd been marked as the next victim. There was no way that he was going to lose someone else.
"Hello Miss Barrett", the Doctor greeted, hands clasped behind his back.
"Time Lord", Tanya said calmly when she saw him standing in her flat.
"I'm giving you one chance to leave. Stop these killings right now", the Time Lord ordered.
"I can't do that. Humans kill animals to survive and I kill them to survive", Tanya told her.
"6 people in the space of a month?" the Doctor asked, brows raised.
"It takes a lot to look this good. I have been on this earth for millennia and this is the first time that a Time Lord has demanded that I stop and leave this planet. Why… of course. This is about Alyssa isn't it? You don't want you to die do you?"
"She doesn't need to. Ali has got her whole life ahead of her", the Doctor insisted.
"Aw boo hoo. All these human have their whole lives ahead of them. Their whole short lives. Why would you care? The Doctor, the Oncoming Storm, burned his own kind. Alyssa is just one little human", Tanya said walking up to him. The Doctor clenched his fist in anger but didn't want to let his emotions get the better of him.
"I have a TARDIS. I can take you to a planet of your choice. Just leave Alyssa alone", the Doctor said.
"I'm sorry Doctor but my brother marked her. And I'm going to finish what he started. Come morning, she's dead", Tanya said with a smirk.
~...~
Alyssa yawned as she finished up her warm milk. She shut off her lamp and fell fast asleep. The Doctor sat in his room with the door partially open so he could listen out. What Miss Barrett had said to him really put him on edge I'm not losing someone else he thought determined. Hours ticked by and nothing happened. The Doctor got up, went to Alyssa's room and quietly opened the door. From the doorway he could see that she was still asleep, the rise and fall of the covers told him that she was still breathing. The Time Lord scanned the room with his sonic just to make sure that nothing was in the room with her. The results showed that the woman was complelety alone.
The Doctor pulled the door to and went back to his room. Not long after he did, the window of Alyssa's room was slid upwards. A cold breeze swept across the room making the sleeping girl shiver. She was jerked awake when she felt something sweep across her face. She got up to close the window when she felt that there was something in the room with her. Alyssa turned and screamed when she saw a figure standing there. The Doctor immediately darted out of his room when he heard the scream. He burst into her room and found her on the floor, pinned down by the creature that was killing her. "Get away from her!" he shouted using his sonic to emit a high pitched noise. The creature shrieked in pain before releasing Alyssa and fleeing out the window. The Time Lord rushed over and frantically checked for a pulse. He relaxed but only slightly when he could feel a faint thrum under his fingers as he checked her wrist. "Ali. Alyssa", the Doctor said gently shaking her shoulders.
"M-mum?" she murmured her eyes slowly opening.
"It's me, John", the Doctor said.
"John? That-that thing. It tried to…try to…" she said panicking.
"I know but its ok now. Its over", the Doctor said trying to reassure her. She slowly sat up looking at him with wide green eyes. "Ali?"
"Mum. Is mum ok? What if that thing attacked her too?" Alyssa asked quickly, worried for her mother.
"I'll go check on your mum. Stay put", the Doctor said getting up. He checked on Sarah who was still asleep most likely due to the sleeping pill she'd taken. He then went back to Alyssa's room. She was still sitting on the floor, back against the bed. The Doctor shut the bedroom window before helping the shocked woman from the floor.
"Is my mum ok?" Alyssa questioned.
"She's fine", the Doctor replied.
"Wh-what was that thing? Why did it want to kill me?" Alyssa asked as he sat her on the bed.
"I don't know but I will figure it out. First you need to try and get some rest", the Doctor said.
"I'm not sure if I can…if that thing comes back…", Alyssa trailed off and shivered.
"I don't think it's going to come back. But I will stay with you in case it does", the Doctor said to her. Alyssa could feel the protectiveness coming off of him. She knew that he wasn't going to let that thing harm her again that night.
"Thank you", Alyssa said getting into bed. "John?" she said not long after he'd turned off the light.
"Yes?" the Doctor asked.
"Thank you for saving my life", Alyssa said.
"You're welcome", the Doctor said. He sat by her bed, soothing the woman whenever she woke up during the night. It was pretty easy to calm her down as it only took his touch to relax her.
When Alyssa woke the next morning she was alone in her room. She got up and quickly went downstairs. The young woman found their lodger in the kitchen at the hob. "Ali are you ok?" Sarah asked seeing her expression.
"Yeah I-I'm fine", she replied sitting down at the counter. "Mum did you hear anything last night? Noises maybe?" she asked as they started to eat the food John prepared.
"No. I took a sleeping pill last night", Sarah replied "Why do you ask?"
"Oh it's um uh…" Alyssa stammered, trying to find a reason.
"Ali was having nightmares last night", the Doctor quickly supplied.
"I'm sorry I took the pill. Wish I hadn't", Sarah said, rather regretful that she'd taken the sleeping pill.
"That's ok mum", Alyssa said, reaching over and squeezing her mother's hand "John stayed with me most of the night".
"Really?" Sarah asked, surprised "That was very kind of you John. Thank you".
"It's the least I could do Mrs Palmer", the Doctor said.
"I told you when you moved in that you can call me Sarah", Sarah reminded him.
"Sorry force of habit", the Doctor said apologetically.
"That's alright. So what will you be doing today Sweetheart?" Sarah asked her daughter.
"I'm staying at home. Not really up to going into work", Alyssa admitted. After what she'd just been through…twice now as she was pretty damn sure that the 'dream' wasn't a dream at all. It had been real. Which meant she'd been attacked by the same dementor creature TWO times.
Sarah nodded in understanding "John do you mind staying with Alyssa today?" she requested "I know there is a police detail outside but I'd feel better knowing she was with someone in the house".
"Of course Sarah", the Doctor said.
"Thank you. I'll be back later. The therapist's number is on the fridge if you want to call them", Sarah said.
"I'll think about it", Alyssa said "Have a good day at work".
"I'll try. If you need anything just call", Sarah said. She was prepared to come straight home if her daughter asked.
"Will do mum", Alyssa said kissing her mother's cheek "Ok what the hell was that thing that tried to kill me last night?" she demanded as soon her mother had left.
"That was an Industria Lamia. In english it means energy vampire", the Doctor explained.
"An energy vampire? You're joking right?" Alyssa said before laughing. She stopped when she could sense that he wasn't lying. "You're not joking are you?" she asked wanting verbal confirmation of what she could sense.
"I'm afraid I'm not", the Doctor said serious.
"Why would it come after me?" Alyssa asked.
"Because it knew that you had figured out the connection between the victims", the Doctor answered.
"Figured out the…wait are you saying that this 'vampire' is the killer of those 5 people and Ellie? That's why Ellie was killed?"
"Yes", the Doctor confirmed.
"Can they disguise themselves as people?" Alyssa asked wondering if that thing that had attacked her was Tanya and the first one being George.
"Yes they can. In this case it was disguised as…"
"Tanya Barrett", Alyssa finished "and the other one was George…"
"George?" the Doctor questioned, wondering if this was the brother Tanya spoke about.
"He was the guard at the ice rink", Alyssa answered "I thought it was all a dream…but it was real. Oh god", she groaned putting her hands in her head.
"Ali I know this is sounding pretty crazy…"
"No actually it's not" Alyssa raised her head "I just can't believe that someone I'd probably consider as a friend is actually a monster. I didn't even sense anything that suggested she was different except…" Alyssa shook her head. This was all a bit much for her. It wasn't like she didn't know about aliens, she was all too aware of them. The 'ghosts' turned metal men; those metal salt shakers with guns; the giant spaceship over London last Christmas. However, the fact that one of the regulars was an alien was a little hard to grasp.
"Ali you're still in danger", the Doctor said wanting her to understand the gravity of the situation "Tanya failed to kill you so she will try again".
"I know you were being serious before about the thing that was trying to kill me last night but it's still a little hard for me to get my head around that Tanya is that thing. Despite what my feelings are telling me", Alyssa admitted.
"I can prove it", the Doctor said.
"How?" Alyssa asked.
"I'll show you" the Doctor took her hand and led her out to the garden shed.
"The garden shed?" the woman asked when the stopped outside of the building. The Doctor looked at her before opening the door. Alyssa gaped at the wooden blue box that had been stashed inside. When she went in the police box her mouth dropped open at the sheer size of the room inside. "What?!" she exclaimed before rushing outside. Alyssa went around the blue box "This is impossible", she said circling it again. The Doctor leant against the console waiting for her to come back in, most likely say what everyone always says. The red head entered the TARDIS still looking rather amazed.
"Anything to say? About the size maybe?" the Time Lord questioned.
"It's…it's bigger on the inside!" Alyssa exclaimed. The Doctor grinned at her. He loved hearing people say that. "You loved hearing me say that, right?" the red head asked sensing a change in the man after she said it.
"Yeah I did. How did you know?" the Doctor asked.
"I'm an empath. I can feel what you're feeling", Alyssa explained. She braced herself for the insults and the mocking. But it never came.
"That's amazing", the Doctor said.
Alyssa looked up at him in surprise "Really? You don't think that makes me a freak or a werido?"
"No, it makes you special", the Doctor frowned "why would you think that?"
"My dad said my 'thing' was curse and that I was a freak", Alyssa explained, her voice trembling "and he left because of me".
The Doctor touched her shoulder "I'm sorry", he said. It wasn't right for her father to treat her poorly because she was different.
"It's ok", Alyssa said "I'm used it" she let out a breath "anyway, you were going to prove it to me that Tanya is this 'energy vampire'".
"Right. I need your hand", the Doctor said. Alyssa held out her hand to him and he scanned it with his sonic.
"Whats that you're using?" she asked when he finished
"Sonic screwdriver", the Doctor replied programming something into the console.
"If you're not going to give a sensible answer", Alyssa muttered.
"No really. It's a sonic screwdriver", the Doctor insisted looking at her.
"If you say so. You don't happen to have a laser spanner do you?" the red head said with slight sarcasm.
"I used to but it was stolen by Emily Pankhurst", the Doctor informed her.
"Now you're being ridiculous", Alyssa said rubbing her hand. She glanced down at it and was shocked to see a very faint mark on it. "John what is this?"
"Energy vampires put that on their victims to mark them. They don't normally show up until the person was dead. Yours is faint because…"
"The vampire attempted to kill me", Alyssa finished.
"If she held on any longer she would have", the Doctor said.
"That's a comforting thought", Alyssa griped.
The console made a noise. "It's done. Turn around", the Doctor said. Alyssa did so and was shocked to see both George and Tanya standing there. "It's ok. They're just a hologram", the Doctor assured her "I scanned the residue left on your hand from where George first marked you and then Tanya".
"And created a hologram?" Alyssa questioned.
"Just watch", the Doctor said.
Alyssa stumbled back when the Tanya and George holograms slowly morphed into the dementor style creature that attacked her. "It's alright they can't hurt you", the Doctor assured her.
"Tanya and George were really those things", Alyssa breathed.
"Yes", the Doctor confirmed.
"Alright, how do we stop her?" Alyssa asked.
"We?" the Doctor asked surprised. After the close call last night he figured she wouldn't want to help, she'd be too scared to.
"Yes us. I'm the one she's coming after so I will help you stop her. So how do we do it?" Alyssa asked. The Doctor pointed his sonic at the hologram and pressed the button. A high pitched noise emanated from it which caused Alyssa to clap her hands over her ears and the hologram to shriek in pain.
The woman removed her hands from her hears when the noise stopped. "High pitched noise hurts them", Alyssa surmised.
"Exactly", the Doctor agreed "Now we need to figure out where to lure Tanya".
"You need somewhere that you can generate a loud enough noise of that frequency. I think I know just the place", Alyssa said.
~empty club~
"Hello Tanya", Alyssa said seeing her enter.
"Alyssa why did you ask me to come here?" Tanya asked.
"I wanted somewhere private to talk. I know what you are", Alyssa stated.
"Excuse me?" Tanya questioned, brows raised.
Alyssa pulled out her hand from her pocket to show her the faint mark. "I know you and your brother killed those people and Ellie. I know that I've been marked by you and you won't stop until you've killed me".
"So you're just giving yourself to me?" Tanya queried, surprised by this move. She hadn't expected Alyssa to simply hand her life over, especially when she had the Doctor protecting her.
"Why not?" the young woman asked, rhetorically "It's not like I have a choice".
"That's very true", Tanya agreed "but I highly doubt you came alone. Where's the Doctor?"
Alyssa frowned in confusion "I don't know who you're talking about".
"Oh come on Ali he must be around here somewhere", Tanya glanced around but didn't see the Time Lord "He cares for you, you know because he didn't confront me for any of the others killings only after I marked you".
"I still don't know who you're talking about but as you can see we're completely alone", Alyssa gestured around her "So get on with it Tanya".
"I'll tell your mother that you loved her very much and don't worry I'll phone in an anonymous tip to the police on where to find your body", the Industria Lamia assured her.
Alyssa braced herself as Tanya transformed into the monster. The reporter grabbed her by the shoulders and began draining the life from her. This plan better work Alyssa thought as her knees weakened. The last thing she heard was a high pitched noise before passing out.