tonjavmoore: (Just Woke Up)
[personal profile] tonjavmoore
Title: When Everything Changed – A Torchwood/Dr. Who/Sarah Jane Adventures Crossover
Author: [personal profile] tonjavmoore 
Characters/Pairings: Jack/Ianto, Gwen/Rhys, Eleven and Amy Pond, and a lot of people from the Whoniverse at large
Rating: PG
Word Count: Total: 31,520; Chapter 10: 2,025
Spoilers: This assumes that you are familiar the five days of Children of Earth. Otherwise, you’ll be a bit lost. This is a timey-wimey fixit that takes up action partway through Day 3.
Disclaimer: Torchwood, Dr. Who, and Sarah Jane Adventures all belong to the BBC and RTD. Sadly.
Betas: Thanks to midlist_writer and welsh_scotsman on Live Journal. Also, to my friend Alexandria Cameron who put up with my squeals and tantrums when it just wouldn’t get out through my fingers the way I wanted it to.

Dedication: This is for my good friend and the best roommate anyone could have ever the pleasure of having, Susan Garrett. She was taken from us by cancer and the world is not as bright as it was before she left.

Summary: When the Shadow Architects find a paradox that is destroying the Universe, can the Eleventh Doctor find a way to restore Jack’s timeline to what it should have been?

I have disabled comments on Live Journal. Please comment at my Dreamwidth account. I love comments. They are cookies for my soul. You don’t have to have an account to comment there.

Story starts here:
Chapter 1



Chapter 10

Ianto rose from the bunk when the cell door opened. Jack came in, shoulders straight and head high, but as soon as the door swung shut again, he swayed. Ianto caught him and held him close. He could feel Jack’s cold skin through the thin fabric of the coverall when he slid his arms under the coat. “What happened?” he asked quietly.

“Martha and Mickey happened,” Jack said. “They came to rescue us. Imagine that.”

Jack was shivering again. His skin was cold, even with his coat on. Ianto knew he needed to warm Jack up.

He steered him back to the bunk and made him lie down. Since Jack refused to let go, it was a bit awkward to get the blanket up over him, but Ianto was flexible. He finally got them under the blanket with Jack’s head resting on his chest. The shudders lessened and Ianto said, “Do you want to tell me about it?”

With a sigh, Jack said, “I don’t know how they knew we were here. I didn’t ask. I talked them into giving themselves up so they wouldn’t be shot. So, unless UNIT has something up its sleeve, there’s nothing to stop the government from giving up the children to those monsters.”

“The Queen?”

“They are probably keeping her in the dark. She wouldn’t sanction this. None of the Royal Family would. So they’ll wait until after the deed is done.”

“And UNIT seems to be cooperating with the Prime Minister, so that’s out.” Ianto didn’t mention Sarah Jane Smith and Jack wouldn’t either. Since someone was listening to their every word, they would not risk putting her in danger. Jack hadn’t said anything about Alice or Stephen the same way Ianto kept silent about his own family. If the listeners didn’t know about them, there was no point in tipping them off and if they already knew, there was nothing they could do. “I’m sure I should be doing something, but I’m feeling pretty helpless,” Ianto continued. “How about you?”

“You are doing something,” Jack countered. “You’re keeping me from going insane.”

Ianto felt Jack burrowing closer. “Tell me what’s wrong, Jack. Please.”

For a minute or so, Jack said nothing. Finally, he whispered, “I’m in two places. Two completely different places. I’m here and I’m there and I don’t understand how or why.”

“Where else are you?”

“I’m… in a cell like this, but not like this. I’m alone.” Jack’s voice was so quiet and unsteady that Ianto had to strain to hear him. “And I’m… I’m grieving. I’ve lost you. I saw you die.” His voice caught. Ianto tightened his hold. After a moment, Jack went on. “I keep seeing it over and over and over. They killed you… the 456 killed you and I’m alone and I want you only you’re dead and it’s my fault and…”

“Stop it!” Ianto interrupted. “You’re right here and I’m here with you.” He caught hold of Jack’s hand and pressed it against his cheek. “I’m alive and you’re with me and I’m not going anywhere.”

He didn’t tell Jack he could sense the other that was haunting him. In that shadow vision, he could see Jack, alone with his head in his hands, weeping without making a sound. He could feel his other self trying to reach him – to touch his face – but there was darkness between them.

He turned to kiss Jack’s palm. The other wasn’t real. This was real. He kissed the palm again and returned it to his cheek. “Anchor yourself here, Jack. This is reality. The other place is just a nightmare. It doesn’t exist.”

Jack’s fingers stroked his cheek. “It’s much easier to do when I’m touching you and listening to your heart beating. That chases the other away.”

Jack suddenly stiffened and propped himself up on his elbow. Ianto raised an eyebrow at him. Jack’s fingers applied gentle pressure on his cheek, and he turned his head. “What happened to that gash?” Jack said.

Ianto touched his face. He hadn’t done anything to the cut except to smear it with some antiseptic cream he’d “appropriated” the day before. Yet his fingers encountered only smooth skin where it wasn’t stubbly. There was no trace of the injury now. “I don’t know,” he said, frowning a little.

Jack smiled and the sun came out in that closed-off room. “I think… I must have kissed it better before.” Ianto felt warmth return to Jack’s fingertips. “You’re right – this is the reality. I’ll keep it in mind.”




It was very early in the morning when Amy and the Doctor emerged from the TARDIS. “All right,” the Doctor said, rubbing his hands together. “This is the day. You know what to do?”

“Go to Rhiannon’s house and get everyone to the railroad car.”

“Correct.”

“And where will you be?”

“I’ll get Alice Carter and Stephen and meet you there.”

“You’re not taking the TARDIS anywhere?”

“Don’t want to. She’s still not 100% yet. This morning is the crux. If everything goes as it must, the paradox will be gone. It will no longer exist and the Universe will be healthy again.”

“There’s no other way then? We have to let those aliens take the children?”

“I’m sorry, Amy. Remember, we’re saving who we can. There are at least two people in this group who will grow up to be important to the path to the outer reaches of space. Be strong for them.”

“Here I go then.”

The Doctor grinned at her and turned in the opposite direction. “Geronimo!” he cried as he took off running.

Amy used a more sedate trot. She hoped that Rhiannon and all the children were ready. She wanted to get everyone out before the whole mess started. It was grim enough that kids were going to be taken – she needed to do something positive to help. She was a bit breathless as she arrived at the back door and knocked.

It was opened quickly by Rhiannon herself. “We’re ready,” she said without preamble. “Where are we going?”

“To a safe place. It’s a box car off the tracks about a quarter mile away. Don’t worry; it’s been fixed up so you’ll be comfortable for a few hours. Once you’re locked in, don’t come out until you’re satisfied that it’s safe. Okay?”

She nodded. “Come in and we’ll round up the kids.”

“Be sure to take your mobile. I’ll call to give you the all clear.”

“Never go anywhere without it now.”

Amy followed her into another room. There were about twenty children, all looking at her with solemn eyes. Most of them had backpacks on. “All right, my lovelies,” Rhiannon said. “We’re about to start on an adventure. This is Amy Pond and she’s going to lead us to a special place.” She looked at Amy. “It’ll be just the two of us. Johnny wants to stay here and throw anyone off the scent in case they come around.”

“Good idea,” Amy said. She didn’t think there was any danger to the adults; the Doctor had only seemed to be concerned about the children. She looked around at the faces. “Right,” she said. “Um… do you know how to sneak?”

Several of the children nodded. Amy smiled encouragingly at them. “We need to walk very, very quietly. Like sneaking. No noise at all if we can. We need to stay together, so if you’re having trouble keeping up, you tell one of us.”

Rhiannon chivied them into a queue and Amy led the way. Once outside the house, she bent over into what she hoped looked like a sneaky position and put a finger to her lips. The line followed suit, even Rhiannon, bringing up the rear.

As they marched over the ground, Amy thought they must look very strange. She almost wished she had a camera. She didn’t notice anyone watching them, but even if someone saw, she wasn’t worried. The Doctor had a trick up his sleeve.

Soon one of the smaller boys tugged on her skirt. When she looked down, he was holding his arms up. She hoisted him up and kept on walking. It wasn’t terribly far, but her body just wasn’t used to carrying a child, and it set her off balance. Leaving the boy behind was out of the question. Still, it was a relief to put him down. As soon as she reached the location, she signaled for all the children to gather around. “I’m going to show you something magical now. Specially made just for you. Remember the special train in the Harry Potter books? You couldn’t see it unless you went through a wall? This is our wall. Be sure you are very quiet.”

She noticed Rhiannon raising an eyebrow at her. This particular spot seemed rather empty. Amy put her burden down, took his hand, and told the children to spread out in a line, facing the way she was facing. They obeyed, jostling each other for position. “All together now,” Amy said in an elaborate whisper. “Take two steps forward.”

They did and there were gasps all around. In front of them, where there had been empty space was now a red boxcar with its door open. There was a ladder leading up to the high door and Amy went up it quickly. “See?” she said, still in her whisper. “Magic! Come on up. Just stay quiet.”

She stayed at the top while Rhiannon stayed at the bottom and helped the children up into the interior. At Amy’s insistence, the Doctor had seen to it that the car had been furnished with couches and chairs, a television with a game system, and children’s books. Twenty bored and hungry children would surely have driven Rhiannon spare, even if it was just a few hours. She’d persuaded him to add a refrigerator for milk and snacks.

When the children were all in, Amy spoke to Rhiannon again. “Try to keep them as quiet as you can. I don’t think much can be heard outside, but there’s no reason to take chances.”

“How did you do all this?” Rhiannon asked. “Why is this invisible? Where did it come from? And what’s going to happen that the kids need to be here?”

Amy shook her head. “Answering everything would take too long. I still have things I need to do. All I can tell you is that there will be soldiers coming whose job it is to take the children away. I can’t stop it, but I want to do as much as I can. There’s sort of a… force field around us that they can’t see. Unless one of them walks into it, you’ll never be noticed. I want you to lock this door behind me. We’ve fixed it so they can’t open it from the outside.”

“Who fixed it? Ianto?”

“No, not Ianto. Someone helping him. Someone trying to help us all. He wanted you safe, and you’ll be safe here. If you hear things outside, ignore them. We’ll call you when it’s okay for the children to come out. Until then, stay inside.”

Rhiannon still looked skeptical, but she accepted what little Amy could tell her. The children were already squabbling over the game controllers. “All right, but call when you can. I want to talk to Ianto and make sure he’s all right.”

Amy grinned. “That I can assure you. He’ll be fine.”

Before she could get to the door, she heard a voice calling. “Pond! Is that you? I have the two new arrivals.”

When she reached the opening, the Doctor was already assisting them up the steps. The Doctor squinted up. “Hello!” he called to the other woman. “You must be Rhiannon! Pleased to make your acquaintance. Sorry, no time for chatting. Amy and I must be getting on. These are Stephen Carter and his mum Alice. They need to stay here with you. Come along now, Pond!”

Amy looked at the two women eying each other warily. She smiled. “You two have something in common. I’ll let you figure out what.” With that she slipped away. 

Chapter 11

 

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-15 07:50 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
“You two have something in common. I’ll let you figure out what.”

;) Cant wait for them to find out.
Thanks for the new chapter!

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-15 11:16 am (UTC)
badly_knitted: (Default)
From: [personal profile] badly_knitted
Alice and Rhiannon will be good for each other. It'll be good for steven having the other children around, too.

This is far more tense and thrilling than CoE, and far better plotted!

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-15 11:35 am (UTC)
milady_dragon: Dragon Myfanwy (Default)
From: [personal profile] milady_dragon
Nice! So, Ianto is noticing the changes as well? And his cut is gone? Hm...

Oh, I'd love to be a fly on the wall when Rhiannon amd Alice figure out what they have in common.

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-15 11:47 am (UTC)
humantales: (The Mortal Years by Pluto)
From: [personal profile] humantales
Things are going too well. **whimpers**

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-15 12:37 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
oh not fair! Please don't make us wait for the next chapter! I really want to know what happens next with Jack and Ianot, and Alice and Rhi getting to know each other should be hillarious! Talk about coming at life from different directions :o)

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-15 07:54 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
This is so suspenseful! I love it.

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-16 05:06 am (UTC)
socalrose: Picture of Percy my fictional pink ferret (Default)
From: [personal profile] socalrose
I don't know how the Doctor can do this unless he's got something up his sleeve.

More please!

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-16 07:26 am (UTC)
cjharknessgirl: (Default)
From: [personal profile] cjharknessgirl
I love how Ianto is keeping Jack grounded and pushing away the nightmare of what could've happened. And it's interesting that the gash on Ianto's cheek has healed.

It was brilliant what Amy and the Doctor set up for Rhiannon and the kids. I can't wait to see how Alice and Rhiannon react when they find out what they have in common, lol.

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-16 07:48 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mirashine.livejournal.com
Now what in the world would Rhiannon and Alice have in common :)

Great update can't wait for more, especially from Rhiannon and Alice.

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-17 05:35 pm (UTC)
natf: (Default)
From: [personal profile] natf
Loving this! I do find it easier to read on LJ, though, as my style there (and ?style=mine) is easier for me to read than your style or my style over here. Waiting with baited breath for more!

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-17 05:36 pm (UTC)
natf: (Default)
From: [personal profile] natf
Guh. Bated breath. That is another preference for LJ - I can edit my comments over there. ;-p

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-23 12:02 am (UTC)
natf: (puffin)
From: [personal profile] natf
I know. I was reading it over there but then there was not a link at the bottom to the next episode and so I continued reading over here - or maybe it was that the link to the next episode briought me over here - I forget now. It was a few episodes ago. If it was the latter (which rings a bell now I mention it) then I assumed that it was a conscious decision to post over here from now on. ;-p

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-23 12:14 am (UTC)
natf: (Default)
From: [personal profile] natf
Further investigation shows that this entry
http://tonjavmoore.livejournal.com/8356.html
links to DW at the end for the next episode. As I thought. ;-p

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-24 12:12 am (UTC)
natf: (sleep)
From: [personal profile] natf
Ah - I did not mean it as a criticism or anything - I just assumed that you were just another of my LJ reading list to move over to DW recently. I know - I should not have assumed!

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-18 03:29 pm (UTC)
missthingsplace: (Default)
From: [personal profile] missthingsplace
I so love the Doctor's last line to them, can't wait for them to find out what it is they have in common :)

(no subject)

Date: 2010-09-28 06:36 pm (UTC)
From: [personal profile] hab318princess
Love Amy's teasing at the end :D

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