How did the Doctor and the Master react as they looked into the time vortex for the first time? Only a short one-shot that came to my mind… hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own the general idea of the story…sadly.
Destinies
One small boy, 8 years of age, walks silently, towards the glowing vortex in the middle of the room. His eyes wide open with nervous fear, but the steps are determined to proceed. When he finally reaches his destination, he stops and stares into the swirling mass in front of him. His face stays expressionless for a couple of seconds, but soon his eyes widen in terror as he sees pictures of death , war and loss. He sees unknown people scream, planets explode and Heroes fall. And he sees himself. Himself, in another body, but he still knows that it is him. He looks into his own eyes and a silent cry escapes his mouth, as he sees the endless pain, loneliness and sadness in those old eyes. He can´t bear it any more. He turns around and starts to run. Fast, faster and still faster. He will never stop.
Another boy enters the large room. He holds his chin high and proud, determined not to show a bit of fear. He walks slowly as if to show that he is in no hurry. Not a flicker of fear in his eyes. This is the moment he had waited for all along. He is going to take it with pride and grace, whatever may come. He is not going to run. Never. He reaches the silvery glowing hole in the middle of the room. Failing to maintain his disinterested expression, he finally looks inside. Nothing. Disbelieve crosses his face. How can it be? How can he see nothing? He wants to turn around to complain, but suddenly he hears something. Silently first, but growing louder and louder. Drums. At first he had been curious to find out, what they meant, but after they got nearly unbearable loud his small face only shows terror. „What are they! Please! Make it stop!" he sinks to the floor, his hands clenching to his ears, crying. The group of older people, standing in the shadows surrounding him only observe him. Silently. The small boy is now sobbing silently, trying to control himself. Suddenly his face grows cold, as he understands. The drums would not stop. Never. He stands up. He has to behave like a man after all. He is not a small child anymore. Know, that he knows his destiny, he is determined to fulfill it. The vortex gave him drums and these drums were the drums of war. A small smile appeared on his face, as he turns around to leave the room. Slowly, proud and graceful. Just as planed.