How Many More Times: Part 1 of 2
Title: How Many More Times
Chapter: 1 of 2
Word Count: 1,820
Characters: Ianto, Owen, Jack, brief OC
Pairings: Jack/Ianto, Ianto/Owen
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Scifi, romance, angst, au
Spoilers: None; au with different character backgrounds; very little from episodes specifically no Cyberwoman or End of Days
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Summary: Ianto is pulled through the rift and fights to find his way back home; however, when he arrives, someone has taken his place.
How many more times, treat me the way you wanna do
The bright blue light from the rift was searing his eyes and he could barely hear over the strong wind rushing past him. Reaching out his hand, Ianto tried desperately to connect with Jack. His lover was screaming out to the aliens pulling Ianto, "Let him go! This won't solve anything!"
The mission was bizarre to begin with: a race of aliens had travelled through the rift on their own. While most alien visitors to Cardiff were pulled against their wills, this race used technology to specifically visit this time and place. The creatures were large and imposing with mottled blue skin spread across four strong legs. Atop the legs was a muscular almost human looking torso and head making them almost resemble the centaur of Greek mythology. However, they did not gallop; instead they moved swiftly using a shuffling motion.
Jack and Ianto found them in the park by following a path of unconscious people. The aliens communicated with a sophisticated level of telepathy that most 21th century humans could not handle. Ianto's basic telepathic training he received from Jack allowed him to block the aliens. Jack was the only one able to communicate effectively. Jack appeared to be in some sort of debate with the creatures and Ianto only wished he could understand what was transpiring.
Suddenly, the lead creature activated a small device and the rift opened. Jack screamed and tried to grab Ianto but it was too late; he was being pulled into the vortex. Even with every ounce of strength he possessed, Ianto could not withstand the pull of the rift. Pressure started building in his ears as his body was shaking violently until he finally lost consciousness. The last view he had was of Jack reaching out to him screaming with tears in his eyes.
"Well, we're here." Ontin turned to Ianto and announced.
"I don't think I can ever thank you enough." Ianto replied as he clasped the alien's hand.
Ontin's green scales fluttered along his face and momentarily turned a brilliant purple, "Remember, it's I that owes you. I never would have made it out alive if you hadn't stood up for me. Taking you home it the least I can do for such a noble creature."
Ianto smiled at his friend, "How about we call it even?"
Ontin turned to his supply box and searched. He then pulled out a small green device and handed it to Ianto, "Take this and we'll call it even. It will supply you with all the local currency you need."
The small green rectangle shifted and tickled Ianto's hand as he chuckled. It never ceased to amaze him how everything that Ontin possessed seemed to be alive even his entire ship hummed with a warm pulse. Ianto stepped onto the teleportation platform as it swirled in brilliant blues and greens. He raised his hand and placed it over his heart as Ontin returned the sign of affection. The alien then pulled down the lever and Ianto disappeared.
Cardiff. He was actually home. There were many times along his journey that Ianto thought he would never see it again. Yet, here he was looking out over the bay. So many ideas of what he should do first were floating through his mind, but the most pressing was to see Jack. Ianto missed his lover and friend more than he thought humanly possible. Sometimes the thought of returning to him was the only thing keeping him going.
Ianto took a few minutes to look out over the sea and bask in the cool breeze. After so much time traveling in space, natural weather was literally a breath of fresh air. He put his hands in his coat pockets and rocked on his heels. That coat had been his good luck charm and he adored it more than any clothing he had ever owned. It was woven from the hair of Grotno Beast and had the most beautiful shimmer on its black surface. He chose it because it resembled an overcoat he once owned on earth but wearing it was like having a second skin.
He finally broke out of his reverie and decided he should check the date first before he rushed to the Hub and created a paradox. Ianto found a newspaper lying nearby and nearly choked when he read the front the page. Five years. Ianto had been gone for five years.
As he tried to come to terms with his current state, Ianto noticed Jack walking across the Plass and he wasn't alone. When Ianto recognized who Jack was with, he quickly ducked behind a rubbish bin hoping not to be seen. He realized he must be in the wrong time because he was watching himself walking next to Jack. This was exactly the situation he knew could leave to the universe imploding or something of that sort. Once his double and Jack entered the Hub, Ianto fled the area.
Ianto eventually sat in the park and stopped to gather his thoughts. If he was settled here five years in the future, then Ianto concluded that there must be a way for him to travel there. He had no way of contacting anyone he had met while traveling in space. That only left one person with the ability to travel through time: the Doctor. Ianto knew UNIT had connections with him and so did Jack. While he wanted nothing more than to go running into Jack's arms, he feared running into himself. He decided he would have to contact UNIT first.
While he was trying to figure out where to stay for the night, Ianto jumped up when he noticed Jack down the street. Ianto bolted into the nearest alley and watched as Jack was quickly walking followed by Ianto's future self busy on his PDA. They were coming closer so Ianto went back further down the alley. As he turned the corner and started to run he stopped short. Owen Harper was standing directly in front of him looking like he had seen a ghost. Jack's voice could be heard over his com, "Owen, you find anything?"
Owen paused and finally replied, "No, I think it took off. I'm gonna call it night."
Jack sighed, "Fine, you're probably right. We'll see you tomorrow."
They stood looking at each other wondering what to say until Ianto couldn't take it, "This isn't quite the reception I was expecting. I think I've returned to the wrong time."
"How did you get back?"
"I met a friend with a ship. Time travel is quite common in the future."
"How long have you been here?"
"Since this morning. I went to go see Jack but I saw him. Jack always warned me about the dangers of a paradox so I've been keeping my distance. Honestly, I don't know where to go from here. The only person I think can help me is the Doctor."
"You're right. Let's go back to my flat and we'll try to figure out what to do."
Ianto followed a visibly shaken Owen into his flat. His once posh apartment looked worn and dated as if the man hadn't bothered with any upkeep in years. When Ianto finally got a good look at Owen he noticed the years had not been kind. His eyes were weary and hair longer with slight hints of grey.
"So tell me about Torchwood, where are Tosh and Gwen?"
Owen sighed and took off his old leather jacket, "Gwen got married and resigned when she found out she was pregnant. That was three years ago. Tosh died in a shootout two years ago. We came across some local criminals trying to sell some alien tech and one of them opened fire."
Ianto slumped down onto the sofa. Owen went over and made himself a drink. He quickly downed the entire glass before turning to Ianto, "You want anything?"
Ianto just shook his head still trying to process the grim news of his once good friend Toshiko. She was so kind and gentle that he hated the idea of her meeting such a violent end. That was Torchwood, though, most agents were lucky to make it past age 35. Owen appeared as if he was barely scraping by.
Owen sat on the other side of the sofa and turned to Ianto, "Tell me about you, how did you make it back?"
Ianto recounted his adventures from the time of his capture to his escape with the maintenance crew to his time working at a space station serving drinks. Owen listened intently and watched Ianto's enthusiastic tale with a warm smile. At the end he finally asked, "How long were you gone?"
Ianto thought for a second and replied, "I'm not sure. Time in space is different. Here it's based on the planet's rotations, but they use a completely different system out there. If I had to guess, I would say about a year. You know, I should probably arrange for a hotel room. Can you set up for me to meet with Jack?"
Owen looked away nervously, "I don't think that's a good idea. Why don't you stay here with me?"
"Do you have an extra bedroom?" Ianto raised his eyebrow.
Owen sighed, "Please, I need to make sure you stay away from the Hub. Besides, the sofa is not that bad."
"Will you help me find the Doctor?"
Owen shifted uncomfortably and refused to meet Ianto's eyes, "I'll make some phones calls but there isn't much I can do."
"Then I'm wasting my time! I want to speak with Jack. You either set it up or I'm marching over to the Hub and doing it myself." Ianto grabbed his coat and stomped toward the door.
Owen scrambled and stepped in front of him holding out his hands, "Don't do that!"
Ianto shoved him away and continued to the door, "I need to see the Doctor!"
When his hand touched the knob, Owen yelled out desperately, "He can't help you!"
Ianto turned around, "Start talking."
Owen dejectedly went back over to the sofa and sat down. He put his head in his hands and breathed out loudly, "That man you saw with Jack is not you."
"Could've fooled me. Who is he then?"
"He's a clone."
Part Two
Chapter: 1 of 2
Word Count: 1,820
Characters: Ianto, Owen, Jack, brief OC
Pairings: Jack/Ianto, Ianto/Owen
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Scifi, romance, angst, au
Spoilers: None; au with different character backgrounds; very little from episodes specifically no Cyberwoman or End of Days
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Summary: Ianto is pulled through the rift and fights to find his way back home; however, when he arrives, someone has taken his place.
How many more times, treat me the way you wanna do
The bright blue light from the rift was searing his eyes and he could barely hear over the strong wind rushing past him. Reaching out his hand, Ianto tried desperately to connect with Jack. His lover was screaming out to the aliens pulling Ianto, "Let him go! This won't solve anything!"
The mission was bizarre to begin with: a race of aliens had travelled through the rift on their own. While most alien visitors to Cardiff were pulled against their wills, this race used technology to specifically visit this time and place. The creatures were large and imposing with mottled blue skin spread across four strong legs. Atop the legs was a muscular almost human looking torso and head making them almost resemble the centaur of Greek mythology. However, they did not gallop; instead they moved swiftly using a shuffling motion.
Jack and Ianto found them in the park by following a path of unconscious people. The aliens communicated with a sophisticated level of telepathy that most 21th century humans could not handle. Ianto's basic telepathic training he received from Jack allowed him to block the aliens. Jack was the only one able to communicate effectively. Jack appeared to be in some sort of debate with the creatures and Ianto only wished he could understand what was transpiring.
Suddenly, the lead creature activated a small device and the rift opened. Jack screamed and tried to grab Ianto but it was too late; he was being pulled into the vortex. Even with every ounce of strength he possessed, Ianto could not withstand the pull of the rift. Pressure started building in his ears as his body was shaking violently until he finally lost consciousness. The last view he had was of Jack reaching out to him screaming with tears in his eyes.
"Well, we're here." Ontin turned to Ianto and announced.
"I don't think I can ever thank you enough." Ianto replied as he clasped the alien's hand.
Ontin's green scales fluttered along his face and momentarily turned a brilliant purple, "Remember, it's I that owes you. I never would have made it out alive if you hadn't stood up for me. Taking you home it the least I can do for such a noble creature."
Ianto smiled at his friend, "How about we call it even?"
Ontin turned to his supply box and searched. He then pulled out a small green device and handed it to Ianto, "Take this and we'll call it even. It will supply you with all the local currency you need."
The small green rectangle shifted and tickled Ianto's hand as he chuckled. It never ceased to amaze him how everything that Ontin possessed seemed to be alive even his entire ship hummed with a warm pulse. Ianto stepped onto the teleportation platform as it swirled in brilliant blues and greens. He raised his hand and placed it over his heart as Ontin returned the sign of affection. The alien then pulled down the lever and Ianto disappeared.
Cardiff. He was actually home. There were many times along his journey that Ianto thought he would never see it again. Yet, here he was looking out over the bay. So many ideas of what he should do first were floating through his mind, but the most pressing was to see Jack. Ianto missed his lover and friend more than he thought humanly possible. Sometimes the thought of returning to him was the only thing keeping him going.
Ianto took a few minutes to look out over the sea and bask in the cool breeze. After so much time traveling in space, natural weather was literally a breath of fresh air. He put his hands in his coat pockets and rocked on his heels. That coat had been his good luck charm and he adored it more than any clothing he had ever owned. It was woven from the hair of Grotno Beast and had the most beautiful shimmer on its black surface. He chose it because it resembled an overcoat he once owned on earth but wearing it was like having a second skin.
He finally broke out of his reverie and decided he should check the date first before he rushed to the Hub and created a paradox. Ianto found a newspaper lying nearby and nearly choked when he read the front the page. Five years. Ianto had been gone for five years.
As he tried to come to terms with his current state, Ianto noticed Jack walking across the Plass and he wasn't alone. When Ianto recognized who Jack was with, he quickly ducked behind a rubbish bin hoping not to be seen. He realized he must be in the wrong time because he was watching himself walking next to Jack. This was exactly the situation he knew could leave to the universe imploding or something of that sort. Once his double and Jack entered the Hub, Ianto fled the area.
Ianto eventually sat in the park and stopped to gather his thoughts. If he was settled here five years in the future, then Ianto concluded that there must be a way for him to travel there. He had no way of contacting anyone he had met while traveling in space. That only left one person with the ability to travel through time: the Doctor. Ianto knew UNIT had connections with him and so did Jack. While he wanted nothing more than to go running into Jack's arms, he feared running into himself. He decided he would have to contact UNIT first.
While he was trying to figure out where to stay for the night, Ianto jumped up when he noticed Jack down the street. Ianto bolted into the nearest alley and watched as Jack was quickly walking followed by Ianto's future self busy on his PDA. They were coming closer so Ianto went back further down the alley. As he turned the corner and started to run he stopped short. Owen Harper was standing directly in front of him looking like he had seen a ghost. Jack's voice could be heard over his com, "Owen, you find anything?"
Owen paused and finally replied, "No, I think it took off. I'm gonna call it night."
Jack sighed, "Fine, you're probably right. We'll see you tomorrow."
They stood looking at each other wondering what to say until Ianto couldn't take it, "This isn't quite the reception I was expecting. I think I've returned to the wrong time."
"How did you get back?"
"I met a friend with a ship. Time travel is quite common in the future."
"How long have you been here?"
"Since this morning. I went to go see Jack but I saw him. Jack always warned me about the dangers of a paradox so I've been keeping my distance. Honestly, I don't know where to go from here. The only person I think can help me is the Doctor."
"You're right. Let's go back to my flat and we'll try to figure out what to do."
Ianto followed a visibly shaken Owen into his flat. His once posh apartment looked worn and dated as if the man hadn't bothered with any upkeep in years. When Ianto finally got a good look at Owen he noticed the years had not been kind. His eyes were weary and hair longer with slight hints of grey.
"So tell me about Torchwood, where are Tosh and Gwen?"
Owen sighed and took off his old leather jacket, "Gwen got married and resigned when she found out she was pregnant. That was three years ago. Tosh died in a shootout two years ago. We came across some local criminals trying to sell some alien tech and one of them opened fire."
Ianto slumped down onto the sofa. Owen went over and made himself a drink. He quickly downed the entire glass before turning to Ianto, "You want anything?"
Ianto just shook his head still trying to process the grim news of his once good friend Toshiko. She was so kind and gentle that he hated the idea of her meeting such a violent end. That was Torchwood, though, most agents were lucky to make it past age 35. Owen appeared as if he was barely scraping by.
Owen sat on the other side of the sofa and turned to Ianto, "Tell me about you, how did you make it back?"
Ianto recounted his adventures from the time of his capture to his escape with the maintenance crew to his time working at a space station serving drinks. Owen listened intently and watched Ianto's enthusiastic tale with a warm smile. At the end he finally asked, "How long were you gone?"
Ianto thought for a second and replied, "I'm not sure. Time in space is different. Here it's based on the planet's rotations, but they use a completely different system out there. If I had to guess, I would say about a year. You know, I should probably arrange for a hotel room. Can you set up for me to meet with Jack?"
Owen looked away nervously, "I don't think that's a good idea. Why don't you stay here with me?"
"Do you have an extra bedroom?" Ianto raised his eyebrow.
Owen sighed, "Please, I need to make sure you stay away from the Hub. Besides, the sofa is not that bad."
"Will you help me find the Doctor?"
Owen shifted uncomfortably and refused to meet Ianto's eyes, "I'll make some phones calls but there isn't much I can do."
"Then I'm wasting my time! I want to speak with Jack. You either set it up or I'm marching over to the Hub and doing it myself." Ianto grabbed his coat and stomped toward the door.
Owen scrambled and stepped in front of him holding out his hands, "Don't do that!"
Ianto shoved him away and continued to the door, "I need to see the Doctor!"
When his hand touched the knob, Owen yelled out desperately, "He can't help you!"
Ianto turned around, "Start talking."
Owen dejectedly went back over to the sofa and sat down. He put his head in his hands and breathed out loudly, "That man you saw with Jack is not you."
"Could've fooled me. Who is he then?"
"He's a clone."
Part Two