Calufrax

Here it is, my final rec for the week. I've enjoyed sharing a few of my favorite stories with you, I hope you've enjoyed them as well.

Story: Path of Needles
Author: TARDIS_stowaway
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 28698
Author’s Summary: Once upon a time, she had abided in the world where lives did not begin with ‘once upon a time.’ No more. Rose walks through the woods. Meanwhile, the Doctor deals with an abundance of Bad Wolf references.
Characters/Pairing: Ten/Rose, Jack Harkness
Warnings: None

Recced because: Expanding on the theme of the Bad Wolf, TARDIS_stowaway brings us deceptively simple, lyrical prose that explores a multitude of fairy tale themes. Not the Disney versions of fairy tales, mind. This hearkens back to the old stories told around the fireside, where even small actions by the hero(ine) can cause a ripple of effects, and darkness breathes down your neck, lurking just out of sight.

As Rose crosses the void, she finds herself walking a strange path. Mysterious beings, old friends, and crossed timelines are all part of the journey. Meanwhile, the universe is trying to get a message to the Doctor. Unfortunately, he's not willing to listen.

Give this involving story a few minutes to draw you in. You won't be disappointed.

Story: Aftermath
Author: co-authored by  Dave7,  and  WMR
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 4046
Author’s Summary: On the worst day of her life, there's a lot to feel remorseful about. Most of all, that she killed him.
Characters/Pairing: Nine/Rose
Warnings: None

Recced because: When two very talented authors work together, it's hardly a surprise when the result is beautiful. Dave7 and WMR each have a gift for getting inside the heads and hearts of their characters, exploring their motivations. This story, set during and after the events of "Father's Day", never hits a wrong note as we journey with them through pain, uncertainty, misunderstandings, and hope.

Story: Old Friends Made New
Author: Coru
Rating:All ages
Word Count: 13068
Author’s Summary: The Ninth Doctor, Rose, Mickey and Sarah Jane Smith work together to uncover the strange behaviours at Deffry Vale High School. AU reworking of School Reunion, in 'A Man Who Wasn't There' series.
Characters/Pairing: Nine/Rose (flirting and denial), Mickey Smith, Sarah Jane Smith
Warnings: None

Recced because: Coru is in the process of writing an Alt Season 2, in which Nine survives. It's been done, yes, but never quite so well. One of the brilliant things about fanfic is the ability to explore what might have been, how a single alteration can change everything. This series, known as "A Man Who Wasn't There", hits just the right balance of covering basically the same adventures, but with the differences of reaction and method of the previous Doctor. While it's a general good idea to start with the first story in a series, I've recced my favorite episode so far, an alt version of School Reunion.

The reunion with Sarah Jane is every bit as sweet as the original, but in this version the implication that this wonderful, strong woman has been simply pining after the doctor for decades is decidedly played down. Mickey makes a decision that will alter future plots, but hopefully increase his sense of self-worth rather sooner. All in all the basic plot begins and ends the same, but the path taken to get there is believably altered.

( two brief quotes )

It's Monday, and we all need a bit of fun, yes? Therefore I bring you this, as my first recommendation for this week. It's not crack (that'll come later in the week), but I hope you'll enjoy. And if you do enjoy, I hope you'll remember to leave a comment to let the author know.

Story: The Idiot's Guide to Foiling Alien Invasions
Author: Netgirl_y2k
Rating: All ages
Word Count: 20248
Author’s Summary: Jackie and Mickey save the day by bickering, drinking lots of tea and spending a lot of time in the pub in the middle of the day.
Characters/Pairing: Mickey Smith, Jackie Tyler. With appearances by the Ninth Doctor, Rose Tyler, John Benton, Donna Noble, and Sarah Jane Smith
Warnings: None

Recced because:  In this delightful story, the Doctor (Ninth) and Rose take a backseat, leaving the action to the often tragically underappreciated Mickey Smith and Jackie Tyler. Amongst the fun and humor we explore some more serious themes often glossed over, such as the year Mickey spent as a suspected murderer, and how the relationship of Jackie and Mickey healed from that and became friends in their shared experience of those left behind.