CHAPTER ONE — THE CASE OF ROSE TYLER
the christmas invasion — part one

"It's you! You're the wizard that couldn't find Rose!" — jackie tyler

LANDON TEMPLES HAD NEVER REALLY BEEN A FAN OF CHRISTMAS. With no one to celebrate with and a slight distaste against anyone connected to the hierarchy of the Christian religion, Landon did not seem the point in enjoying the holiday. Still, the eggnog was good and sentimental families always drummed up business during the winter months. By new years, he ended up with a load more cash in his pocket but not much happier than before. But that was the way life was in his line of work. After all, there was no rest for the wicked.

Or at least the damned anyway. They weren't the same thing. Landon knew that for a fact.

Landon didn't know why he decided to attend the Christmas Market. It wasn't usually his thing, but he found himself drawn there. Perhaps it was the spiced cider calling. Well, there was only one way to find out. 

He sat there on an otherwise empty bench, a steaming cup of spiced cider in hand as he watched everyone bustle around him. Ordinary people doing their last minute Christmas shopping; having no idea of the dangers that lurked out there in the shadows. The shadows he fought. They had no idea. Landon felt a small smirk tug at his lips as he lifted up his steaming cup, his eyes scanning the joyous families and couples that passed him. Lucky bastards. They had no idea how good they had it. 

The scalding beverage slipped down his throat with ease - thanks to many years of experience — and Landon found himself relaxing into the uncomfortable bench. The cold bit at his cheeks and the cool breeze fluttered through his curls. He placed the steaming cup down beside him to reach into his side pocket and withdraw the packet of cigarettes and lighter from within. It was a nasty habit, Landon knew that. But he also didn't care. 

He flicked open his lighter and then lit the end of his cigarette, placing it into his mouth to take a long drag. Landon exhaled a large plume of smoke into the crisp night, a hint of a smile forming on his lips at the familiar sensation. A cigarette was always (in his opinion, anyhow) the perfect way to end a long day. And that was exactly what it had been. An extremely long fucking day. Landon was looking forward to the holiday season being over.

Withdrawing the cigarette from his lips, Landon turned to the bustling civilians around him. He watched as a family of three strolled past him, their arms ladened with gifts and treats for the next day, hoping that what they had bought would be enough to satisfy visiting relatives. Landon observed them with an emotion he couldn't quite place. What it envy or pity? He wasn't quite sure. 

The young girl broke from her parents to offer lonely Landon a warm smile. "Merry Christmas, Mister." She waved.

Anyone who knew Landon Temples would say he was miserable bastard and a dick, but he would never act that way towards children. Never. They deserved better. So, the corners of his lips turned upwards as he returned the girl's smile. "Merry Christmas to you too, love."

Her parents tugged her away before she could say any more but she still managed another wave towards the peculiar man; sat all by himself on Christmas Eve. He couldn't blame them, even he had to admit he looked a bit of a mess with his hair in every which way and the loose tie around his neck. But in his line of work, Landon's skills did the impressing, so it didn't matter whether he looked like an idiot or not.

Landon sat there on the bench for a moment, just taking in the London night. He soon finished his cigarette but then decided against a second. After all, he knew it would be a good idea to return home soon. Not that Landon was known for having good ideas. It seemed despite his distaste of Christmas, it did bring something out in him for the better. Just don't go telling his enemies that.

After putting the butt of his cigarette away, Landon reached for the rest of his spiced cider. He slowly started to consume the rest of the beverage until just an empty cup remained. Fuck, he had needed that.

Finally, Landon got to his feet and made a beeline for the nearest bin. He may have a damned soul but he wasn't heartless. Littering was the most senseless and avoidable crime, and Landon disliked anyone who just threw their rubbish on the ground. It was usually a sign they weren't a good person. And Landon liked to keep an eye on those whose souls were already heading towards the inferno downstairs.

But as he dropped the empty cup into the bin, he found his eyes being drawn somewhere. And when he followed the tugging feeling inside him, he ended up staring at a rather familiar blonde doing her shopping.

Rose Tyler.

A year ago he had been called by the girl's mother — Jackie Tyler — to find her missing daughter. She had tried the police, everyone else she could think of until a friend gave her Landon's card. But not even Landon could find Rose and that had intrigued him. Locator spells (when being used with a personal belonging of the missing individual) always had some reaction, even if the said individual was dead. But not with Rose. So, Landon left the flat at the Powell estate after returning Jackie her money and continued to question what had happened. He could not find her anywhere. It was as if she had vanished off the face of the Earth. But here she now was. 

The boy Jackie had accused of her disappearance was with her, but Landon never suspected him. After all his years in his line of work, Landon had learnt to read people. And Mickey Smith was not one for kidnapping, that much was certain. 

He watched them with a fascination as they went about their business, having no clue he was there. His eyes scanned about, keeping an eye on them from afar. But that was when he noticed it. The band of Santas.

They marched in sync, almost robotic, and not playing a note out of place. Landon had noticed them earlier, but they hadn't moved. It seemed something had caused them to. And when they manoeuvred around the corner, directing themselves towards the blonde girl, Landon realised what was happening.

He leapt into action. His coat billowing behind him as he made a dash for Rose Tyler and Mickey Smith. Fortunately, it seemed Rose had also noticed the strange Santas and backed away cautiously. 

"Get out of the way!" He yelled at the top of his lungs.

Rose turned at his voice, frowning at the unfamiliar man running towards her. But her distraction gave the Santas enough time to stop playing and fire a plume of flames directly at her. 

Landon reached the blonde the same time as Mickey did. Once he noticed who had joined them, he turned to the man, wide-eyed. "You!"

Before Rose could say anything, Landon cut in. "Yes, it's me. Now, let's get out of here before we're bloody barbequed." 

Neither of them argued with him.

So, the trio made a dash for cover behind a stall. But no matter where they went, the Santas' attacked continued to follow. "It's us! They're after us." Rose realised. 

Landon had no clue why these evil Father Christmas' were after Rose and her friend, but he knew it wasn't the time to ask.

Once more, they were fired at by the brass instruments causing the three to jump back from the stall they were hiding behind. The poor Christmas market was in flames. It looked like not everyone would get around to their shopping. But it wasn't like Landon had anyone to buy presents for, so he paid it no mind and continued to run.

They did not look back as they hastily made their retreat. But behind them they could hear the loud crash of the falling Christmas tree that Landon hoped would take a few Santas down with it. Sure, he could have probably used his magic to help them escape, but there were too many people around and it would only help a little.

The risk did not outweigh the reward. For that anyway. 

Because, Landon Temples was sure risking his life to help Rose Tyler would be worth it to find out why he could not find her earlier in the year. And why these Santas were after her, also. Landon was intrigued by her.

"What's going on?" Exclaimed Mickey as he pulled Rose along with him as he fled. "What have we done? Why are they after us?"

Spotting an incoming taxi, Landon let out a shrill whistle. And it came to his call. 

Mickey and Rose exchanged a look before deciding to follow the man into the taxi. After all, he had warned them about the Santas and Rose noted how Mickey seemed to know him. So, she followed after the man in the trench coat as he pulled open the door and gestured for them to get in.

"They're after the Doctor." 

Who was this Doctor? They had to be important, whoever they were.

Mickey just shook his head in disbelief. "I can't even go shopping with you! We get attacked by a brass band!" He cried. But then he froze when he spotted the blonde girl pulling out her mobile. "Who you phoning?"

"My Mum." But it seemed Jackie Tyler was otherwise occupied. "Get off the phone!"

"Who were those Santa things?" Queried a panicked Mickey.

Landon hummed in thought. "That's a good question, Mickey. I've certainly not seen the likes of evil Santas before. That's a new one."

As if suddenly remembering he was with them, Rose frowned at the man. "Who are you? Mickey, how do you know this guy?"

After rolling his eyes at her tone, Landon replied. "I was hired a while back — by your Mother — to find you when you went missing." Rose blinked in surprise before turning to Mickey, who nodded to confirm his story. Landon sat forwards, raising a brow at the girl. "Curious thing was, I couldn't find you. Not even a trace. It was like you vanished off the face of the Earth."

That seemed to make Rose a bit more anxious. Then Mickey thought it was a good idea to add. "Yeah, he's some kind of mystic." Rose scrunched up her face into the one of a disbeliever. She fully believed her Mother would hire someone like Landon, but she didn't believe in what he did.

"The name is Landon Temples, love." He smirked and held out a hand for her to shake. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

ONCE THEY ARRIVED AT THE ESTATE WHERE ROSE AND MICKEY LIVED, LANDON TOSSED THE DRIVER SOME CASH BEFORE DARTING AFTER THE TWO. It seemed they were in such a rush that they had forgotten to pay. Not that Landon minded paying, but it was a little rude to leave him like that.

After the years of running from demons, Landon had developed quite the pair of running legs so he quickly managed to catch up with Rose and Mickey. Together, they climbed up the stairs to the correct floor and when they reached the door, Rose barged inside. "Get off the phone!"

"It's only Bev." Defended Jackie. "She says hello."

But there was more important things going on. So, Rose grabbed the phone off her Mother and hung up. 

Meanwhile, Jackie Tyler seemed to realise the extra man in the flat. "It's you!" She said, pointing at Landon. "You're the wizard that couldn't find Rose."

"I prefer 'sorcerer', but I'll accept wizard." Landon pursed his lips as he looked at the woman. "It's lovely to see you again, Mrs Tyler." He offered her a smile which seemed to calm the woman. "And I have a feeling that me not being able to find your daughter has a reason." The way Jackie's face contorted gave him the answer he needed.

Rose ignored Landon and focused on her Mother. "It's not safe. We've gotta get out. Where can we go?" She glanced between them for answers.

"Honestly, love. My place would be safe from them, but I don't think it'd be safe for you lot."

They all just gave Landon strange looks. He simply shrugged in response. It wasn't like he was lying or anything. He had booby-trapped the entire place with spells and hexes and only he knew where they were.

Then Mickey suggested. "My mate Stan will put us up."

"That's only two streets away." Argued Rose. "What about Mo? Where's she living now?" The blonde asked her Mother.

"I dunno, the Peak District."

Rose nodded, a plan forming in her mind. But Landon was hesitant. Because he couldn't shake the feeling that no matter where they'd go, those Santas would follow them. And this Doctor that they were after. "We'll go to Cousin Mo's, then."

"It's Christmas Eve! We're not going anywhere!" Protested Jackie. "What are you babbling about?"

As Rose went to explain, suddenly something caught her eye. It was the Christmas tree in the corner that captured Rose's gaze. To be fair, it was a lovely tree. Landon may not like Christmas that much, but he knew how to appreciate a good tree. But by the look on Rose's face, that was not why she was staring at it.

A worried look crossed her face and she inquired. "Where did you get that tree? That's a new tree. Where did you get it?"

"I thought it was you." Admitted Jackie who turned to look at the tree wearily.

Oh, that was most certainly not good.

Landon huffed and then straightened his back, arms out and ready to strike if the needs be. Something told him that something bad was about to happen. And he did not want anything to happen to Rose Tyler, at least until he found out why his locator spell didn't work on her.

Rose just looked at her Mum with disbelief. "How can it be me?"

"You went shopping. There was a ring at the door and there it was."

"No, that wasn't me."

Stepping in front of the women, Landon placed himself between them and what could possibly be a dangerous Christmas tree — crazier things had happened. For some reason though, he did not believe there was anything magical behind it. Something seemed different. "I think you ladies should step back."  

They did what he said and kept back behind the self-claimed sorcerer. Things seemed alright, but that was until the lights on the tree started to illuminate on their own. That was never a good sign.

"What the bloody hell?"

And then, to make things worse, the tree started to spin.

Faster and faster it spun until it got to a lethal speed. Landon watched it with a stern gaze despite the fact that inside, he was a little scared. Demons he could deal with, evil non-possessed Santas and Christmas trees were something else entirely.

Jackie let out a scream behind him, the sound resonating loud in Landon's ear. But he did not falter. Instead, he just pushed the huddling trio further back as the tree started to move. 

It tore the coffee table to splinters and was not even slowed down a second. That was worrying. 

"Go, go! Get out!"

Landon gulped nervously as he backed away from the advancing tree. "I agree with Mickey, we have to get the fuck out of here." And then Landon shoved the three towards the door, leaving him face to face with the murderous tree. "What are you? Some cursed object?" 

The others couldn't see, they were too focused on heading towards the door. Landon raised his hand and the palm glowed a bright white. But when he lowered it, there was a frown on his face. There was not a trace of magic inside this tree. It was all somehow robotic. 

Without any other ideas, Landon threw down his hands, summoning balls of fire into each. He lobbed them straight at the tree, but they just evaporated once they made contact. Now that was different.

Fear now present in his eyes, Landon decided it was best to retreat. So, he turned on his heels and made a dash for the exit. 

Rose then shouted. "We've gotta save the Doctor." She turned into a bedroom. And when Landon reached her, he looked in to see an unconscious man on the bed. So, this was the so-called Doctor that seemed to be so important? 

Landon had to admit: the man was kinda hot. 

"What's with the unconscious bloke in the bed?" He asked, despite the circumstance they were in. 

"He's sick." Was all Rose replied. "We can't just leave him."

But when they attempted to grab the brunette man from the bed, Jackie started yelling at them to leave him behind. Landon knew they were in some deep shit, but they couldn't just leave a defenceless sick individual. He wouldn't anyway, despite what some might say. 

The tree was still coming. And Landon knew they wouldn't make it out with the unconscious man in time. So, there best bet was to barricade themselves in and hold it off. Landon wasn't sure how long for; probably until he thought of a plan.

They pulled Jackie inside and slid the wardrobe against the door. Landon stood there, hands closed, mumbling under his breath. Rose was too focused on this 'Doctor' but Mickey and Jackie just watched him with both curious and strange looks. Once he finished, Landon stepped back, exhaling a deep breath.

"Protection spell." He informed them. "Not sure what good it'll do. My offensive spell didn't make a dent. But it's worth a shot." 

Mickey and Jackie said nothing. Both weren't entirely sure they believed in Landon, but they had nothing to lose. 

That was typically how Landon's cases went.

"Doctor, wake up!" 

It was now Landon's turn to give the strange look. "No offence, love. But what is a Doctor going to do against an evil bloody Christmas tree?"

"More than you can." Spat back the girl. Landon just stood there, unsure how to respond, and just watched as she made a beeline for a jacket and pulled out a peculiar metal device. 

They could all hear the tree behind the door, still heading straight for them. It was attempting to break through both the door and the wardrobe. And it seemed Landon's spell was having little effect. Although, once it reached the door, the deceleration was audible so perhaps his spell was at least slowing it down. 

Rose slid the device into the Doctor man's hand just as the tree finally burst through the makeshift barricade. 

They all backed up as far as they could, pressing themselves against the walls. Honestly, Landon wasn't sure what to do. He had no plans, no ideas. Usually he would just go straight to magic but it seemed magic wasn't working against whatever it was. It was certainly an embarrassing way to meet your maker. Landon wasn't looking forward to telling his future fellow Hellians he was struck down by an evil Christmas tree.

"I'm gonna get killed by a Christmas tree!" Screeched Jackie.

Suddenly the Doctor man lurched up from the bed just as the tree was about to reach them. He pointed his metal wand directly at it. Landon watched as it buzzed and a moment later, the tree exploded.

How did it not react to him but it would to a previously unconscious man with a metal stick? Landon was unsure but he knew he was going to find out.

"How the bloody hell did you do that?"

The Doctor whipped around to face him and frowned at the unfamiliar face. "Who are you?" 

"Landon Temples." He didn't say anymore.

"Well, Mr Temples. I used my sonic screwdriver." After gesturing to the device in his hand, he did not elaborate even though Landon had no idea what a 'sonic screwdriver' was. Those words made no sense together. Refocusing on three remains, the Doctor said. "Remote control. But who's controlling it?"

Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, the Doctor slipped on a dressing gown and headed for the door. Whoever this 'Doctor' was, he certainly wasn't magical — Landon would have sensed it — but he had no idea what that meant. Landon was used to things being able to be solved with a spell or two, but this was different. And he wanted to find out how.

So, they all followed after the Doctor as he exited the flat. 

Over the railing, they could all see the evil Santas from before staring up at them. Staring directly at them. It was certainly this strange man they wanted. Well, Landon wasn't going to let them have him.

"That's them." Mickey pointed out. "What are they?"

Rose quickly shushed the man as the Doctor narrowed his gaze on the Santas. For a moment Landon could see it in the man's eyes: rage and destruction. Certainly the eyes of a man who had seen a lot — just like he had. The Doctor pointed his sonic screwdriver at the Santa stalkers and they slowly backed away.

What was this thing? Landon had to find out.

Then, the Santas vanished in a beam of light that went up into the sky.

Landon blinked, not sure what he had just seen. Disappearing was one thing, but the way these Santas left didn't scream magically. What on Earth was going on? 

"Are we in a bloody Star Trek episode or something? "Beam me up, Scotty" and all that bollocks?" 

In Landon's defence, it did look like teleportation from any sort of Sci-fi media. But Rose was still not pleased with him. For some reason.

"Just shut up!" She snapped.

The Doctor glanced between the two for a moment, noting the expressions on their faces before returning to where the Santas had been. He knew Rose was still upset about his regeneration and believed she was just taking it out on someone else. Not that it made it okay.

"They've just gone!" Exclaimed Mickey who then let out a small laugh. "What kind of rubbish were they? No offence, but they're much cop if a sonic screwdriver's gonna scare them off."

"Pilot fish."

Oh, that wasn't good. Landon knew exactly what that meant. So, there was going to be a bigger storm coming. They had to prepare.

"What?"

"Pilot fish are an omen." Landon explained. He watched as a hint of a smile appeared on the Doctor's lips as he nodded to agree with the man with bleached-blonde hair.

But then he started to suddenly cough and groaned in pain — and not the good kind — before he fell back against the wall. They all immediately reached for the man, trying to steady him. Even Landon, who had no clue who this man was, was making his way to his side, trying to help any way he could.

A concerned Rose asked. "What's wrong?"

"You woke me up too soon." He replied breathlessly — again, not in the good way. "I'm still regenerating. I'm bursting with energy."

And when the Doctor opened his mouth, a small cloud of gold mist came out and floated out into the night sky.

"Never seen that before." Blinked Landon in shock. 

Also, what was regenerating for this humanoid man? Landon gathered, from the evidence before him, that the man wasn't exactly entirely human. It fascinated him.

"You see?" The Doctor gasped. "The pilot fish could smell it a million miles away. So they eliminate the defence — that's you lot — then carry me off. They could run their batteries off of me for a couple of years—" An abrupt outcry shot the Doctor forward, falling into the friends in front of him.

Landon continued to frown in confusion. How could someone be used as a battery? He wanted, no, he needed, to find out.

The Doctor dropped down once more, this time against the railing. He groaned and breathed through gritted teeth. Landon could tell he was trying his hardest despite being in an immense amount of pain. "My head! I'm having a neuron implosion. I need..."

"What do you need?" A worried Jackie instantly asked.

"I need—"

"Just say it. Tell me, tell me, tell me."

"Painkillers? Do you need aspirin?"

"I need—"

"Codeine? Paracetamol? Oh, I don't know, Pepto-Bismol?"

"I need—"

"Liquid paraffin? Vitamin C? Vitamin D? Vitamin E?"

"I need—"

"Is it food? Something simple? A bowl of soup? A nice bowl of soup. A soup and a sandwich? A soup and a little ham sandwich?"

"I need you to shut up!"

Jackie suddenly pulled away, a look of hurt flashing across her face. Landon had just watched the whole interaction with an amused smirk. He hadn't seen the point in jumping in.

Sighing, Jackie said. "Oh, he hasn't changed that much, has he?"

The Doctor let out another pained gasp as he was tossed like a man possessed (Landon would know) across the walkway. He toppled back against the wall once more and the sorcerer immediately went to steady this strange man as he slid down to the ground. Having seen nothing like this before, Landon was worried. Everything inside him wanted to help, but he had no idea how.

"Don't worry, mate. Whatever's going on with you, it's gonna be alright." He tried to reassure him, and perhaps himself.

A hint of a smile appeared on the Doctor's pained face when he heard Landon's words. He truly did appreciate them, especially considering this man in the coat had no idea who and what he was.

"We haven't got much time. If there's pilot fish then—" Suddenly, the Doctor cut himself off with a frown as he reached into the gown he was wearing and pulled out an apple. Landon thought apples were meant to keep doctors away. Anyway, the Doctor asked. "Why's there an apple in my dressing gown?"

"That's Howard, sorry." Jackie apologised.

The Doctor put a perplexed look on his face. "He keeps apples in his dressing gown?"

"He gets hungry."

"He gets hungry in his sleep?"

Jackie nodded. "Sometimes."

Another cry of pain came from the Doctor as he fell once more. The apple toppled from his hand and the others raced to catch him. Usually when Landon encountered people in this much pain, the cause was typically supernatural so he could do something about it. But he had no idea what this Doctor was and what was happening. So, for the first time in a while, Landon felt helpless. And he hated that feeling.

"Brain, collapsing!" He screamed in pain. The Doctor's eyes went to the blonde man on his left, the new face that seemed to have some insight into what was happening. "The pilot fish—" Landon knelt closer to the Doctor, keeping a steady hand on his shoulder as he looked right into his brown yes. "You—you know what it means."

Landon nodded. "Something is coming. Something big." 

Then the Doctor collapsed to the ground, unconscious once more.

They all grabbed him before his head could make contact. Then the the trio looked to Landon expectantly. He seemed to know what was going on, apparently. But Landon was clueless to everything around him. There was only one thing he knew for certain at that point: the Doctor needed help.

"We need to get him inside." 

THEY GOT THE DOCTOR BACK INSIDE AND BACK INTO THE BED. It was like he had a fever: sweating and gasping for breath. Rose attended his bedside to ensure he was alright, but there wasn't much any of them could do. So, Landon decided to make his way to the destroyed living room where the others were.

A minute later, Rose re-entered the room and when Jackie asked how the Doctor was doing, the young woman mentioned something about how 'only one heart was beating'. Honestly, Landon curious to know how many hearts this man had but he knew it wasn't the time. By the time on his watch, it was now Christmas day and although Landon wasn't one to celebrate or pray, he hoped for a Christmas miracle to help this intriguing Doctor.

On the television, the news was broadcasting a story about the Guinevere space probe that they had lost contact with. Landon remembered hearing about it when it was launched. But Landon didn't pay it much mind as his focus was more on the ground and not on the stars above.

Behind him, Mickey was researching pilot fish. All of which confirmed what Landon had said earlier.

"Something is coming." Rose echoed Landon's words.

In front of them, the television was showing the transmission from the space probe for all to see. It was glitchy and fuzzy but still, the image looked peculiar. Mars didn't look the pictures.

Jackie seemed to agree. "Funny sort of rocks."

"That's not rocks."

"This is being transmitted via Mission Control and is coming in live from the depths of space on Christmas morning."

The image started to clear up, coming into focus. And when it did, it was clear they were not looking at Martian landscape. The four individuals leaned closer to the screen to get a better look. "What is that?" Questioned Landon, having seen nothing like it before.

This Christmas was full of surprises.

Then the creature reared its bony head and let out a roar startling them all. But the creature wasn't what scared Landon the most. It was what it represented.

Because now he was starting to think aliens were real — and that the Doctor was probably one too. And that, that shook his already weird world upside down.

Welcome to the first chapter!!! Woohoo!!!

I already love them!!! And Landon finding Rose after failing to the year she went missing, it was fate. Okay, Rose and Landon. Gonna start off and say that Rose is gonna be a little mean to Landon early on, as she's a bit reluctant to change with her and the Doctor and she doesn't understand Landon. But, after a while, they become good friends. It's not that Rose is awful it's that she didn't want things to change — we all know how she reacted to the Doctor regenerating.

The Doctor and Landon are worlds colliding. Each of them will slowly learn about each other's world and slowly accept it, although it'll take the Doctor longer. 

Heads up, next chapter is much longer. I couldn't find a place to split it. Wanted to cry because it was so long and it took me ages. 

Anyway, thanks for reading.

Sincerely Rosie aka Winter326