Rated T for safety reasons.
Disclaimer: Belongs to BBC. I'm just a girl who fell in love.
Thanks for the reviews(!): Angel of Randomosity, time-twilight, Mak, and ridellemystere.
Are you that person who posts a new story/chapter, then checks your email every five minutes for four - eh, seven - hours to see if anyone reviewed, favored, or followed?
Because I'm that person.
Unbeta'd: All mistakes are my own and I will fix them when you or I catch them :)
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Utopia:
It's A Valuable Thing
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How does one even go about saving people? How does one even go about thinking about saving people?
Even now, she could feel herself chickening out. Little clouds of doubt were flouting about in her mind. What if she messed it all up? What if she, herself, died? Or, god forbid, her spur of heroism resulted in the Doctor's death? Jack's? Or Martha's? She could seriously hurt the dynamics of time and space.
May groaned and slouched over, cradling her head. She was beginning to get a headache. Okay, let's do this one step at a time. She consoled herself. You aren't a hero, May. And she wasn't. She didn't know how the Doctor did it. How he could just jump into action at the slightest mention of danger. Stare down the enemy at gun point with unwavering confidence and wit. It was insane. He was insane. She was insane. Why was she even thinking about this? Everything turned out alright in the end.
Except Chantho.
May's eyes flickered up to the female Malmooth who was talking to Martha animatedly as they exited the room. She was so real, full of life, and the Master murders her in cold blood. Without a shred of guilt. May's eyes fell to her lap, even she stood up to the Master in order to protect people. She died a hero, May's hands began to shake. Pressing them to her face, May berated herself. Coward. Coward! What are you here for if not to save them?
But that was the true question, wasn't it? What was she doing here? No one had explained anything.
"You alright?"
May jumped, nearly falling out of her chair. Her head swung around to see the Doctor sitting next to her, watching her intensely. May swallowed thickly before looking away.
"I'm f-fine."
The Doctor raised a single brow. "Really?"
Her eyes flickered to him.
"Really." She reassured and removed her gaze.
"Hmm." She could feel the Doctor's stare burning the side of her face. "I'm confident that I know you well enough now to know when you're lying, May."
Her heart skipped a beat, and she bit her lip.
"I'm not lying." She denied, trying to sound firm, but it came out a hesitant croak - like a frog.
The Doctor leaned forward, his face entering her peripheral vision.
"I'm also pretty confident in knowing when you're thinking about doing something stupid."
"I'm not." She was a horrible liar.
His stare was unwavering, "Lying or thinking about something idiotic?"
"Both." Horrible.
"You're a terrible liar, May." The Doctor sighed rubbing his face. "Listen, I know you don't understand right now, but whatever you are thinking of doing – don't."
She gave him an incredulous look. "How do you -?"
"Listen." He growled and lunged forward, his face coming within inches of her own. "You never just listen!"
May was so startled by his outburst that she just sat there - petrified. She stared at him, mouth opening and closing like a fish.
"You've got to understand that as a time traveler, your job is to be an observer. A background character." The Doctor glared, those dark eyes bearing down on her like heavy weights. "Whenever you start getting ideas, these silly little inklings for valor, you end up causing a mess. For yourself, and for me."
"But I just -"
"People die, May."
Oh.
Well, that just struck right on home didn't it? May could feel her heart squeeze painfully inside her chest before it plummeted down to the deepest darkest bowels of her body. All those thoughts, all those worries, they were worthless; weren't they?
"They die all the time." The Doctor stated matter-of-factly. "Everywhere you go."
May averted her gaze, I'm a coward. She couldn't handle holding his stare anymore. The accusation in his eyes was too much. Too painful. It was like he was blaming her for something - something she did. But she hadn't done anything! She didn't do anything, so why was he so…so…?
If she wasn't here to save people then - ?
"What am I here for?" Whispered May, mostly to herself. Because that's what people do when they are with the Doctor; they save.
"I don't know." The Doctor answered, and at the same time, didn't. He sighed, and hung his head, shoulders slumping forward. It was faint, and May was sure he hadn't meant for her to hear him, but she was positive she heard the Doctor mumble to himself: "Sometimes you're more trouble than you're worth."
May refused to cry, despite the evidence stinging in her eyes. So she wasn't a hero – fine. So she wasn't fit to save anyone – okay. So the Doctor didn't like her – whatever. Just point her to the nearest dimensional portal, and she will be out of his way and out of his hair. She wasn't supposed to be here anyway.
"We are going to set some rules: you and I." The Doctor informed her, finally sitting back, giving May her much needed space. "No running off, no leaving my sight." He lifted his hand and pointed exaggeratedly at her. He looked dead serious with his eyebrows furrowed together into a hard line. "Do absolutely everything I say, when I say it." May swallowed thickly as his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Lastly, and more importantly, don't interfere. Got it?"
She nodded her head stiffly.
The Doctor smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Good."
"Professor?" Atillo's voice suddenly entered the room, catching all it's occupants attention. "Please tell the Doctor we found his box."
The Doctor's eyes lit up, and his smile turned into a stunning grin.
"Well then Professor." The Doctor shouted jumping out of the chair practically skipping to the older man's side. Yana looked at him before turning back to the monitor where the shaky feed was showing the Tardis in all her glory. The Professor expression changed from utter confusion and surprise to one of pain as he cradled his head.
Oh no.
The Doctor took no notice in his excitement. "It's a stab in the dark, but I may have your way off this planet."
May felt her panic rise. Doctor, no! No! Don't you see? Can't you see, Doctor?
How can he not see the Master hidden behind that noble heart?
She wanted to scream. Point and scream at him - at the Doctor. At Yana. At the Master. Why was he being so blind? He was a Time Lord, for God's sake. Why was he choosing now to be an oblivious idiot?
The Doctor turned around clapping, and bounded for the door. Before he reached it though, he stopped just a few feet away from May. He turned, settling that hard gaze she was getting used to receiving, back on her.
"Stay." He commanded, pointing to her position in emphasis. "Don't move."
"I wasn't-."
"Don't. Move." He restated harsher, meaner.
May snapped her mouth shut.
"Doctor, don't you think you are being a little too hard on her?" Jack interrupted from across the room. He stood in front of a handmade relay, wires and tubes wrapped around his person, and he frowned deeply. Obviously overhearing their conversation.
"She doesn't understand -."
"She never does!" The Doctor snapped, glaring in his direction. "Just stay out of this Jack, it's none of your business."
Jack's hands rested against the console as he leaned forward.
"Any problems of Legs's." Jack's face was stone cold. "I consider my own, Doctor."
The Doctor regarded him coolly. "I guess it's a good thing there isn't a problem, isn't it?"
There was a moment of silence between the two, both staring hard each other. It was like there was some sort of secret conversation going on that only the two of them could understand. Soon enough though, the Doctor was the first to look away, and Jack still didn't look too pleased. The Doctor headed for the door again, and instantly May panicked.
"Doctor!" She shouted, leaping to her feet. She was an idiot, and a coward. May wasn't ready for this.
The Doctor stopped, but didn't turn around to look at her. She was grateful.
If I could just – !
"T-t-time." Stuttered May, rubbing her hands nervously. "T-time can be rewritten, right?" Because he did it all the time. "If I just -."
"Oh, yes." He replied loudly, cutting her off. "It can."
May's heart swelled with hope, maybe then...
The Doctor stuffed his hands in his pant pockets. "But by you –." When he turned to look at her, all of May's color drained from her face. His eyes were the darkest and coldest she had seen them yet. And it hurt.
"It could only be for the worse."
Then he left while May stood there looking crestfallen. Too many emotions passed through May at once, and even she couldn't decipher how she felt. Betrayal though was in the leading position. Everything about the Doctor, everything she knew (everything she thought she knew) was wrong. So very wrong.
"He doesn't mean it."
May turned to see Jack staring down at her with a solemn expression.
She looked away to stare at the door the Doctor had left through. "He meant it."
Every word of it.
Jack sighed. "He shouldn't have talked to you like that. It's not you he is mad at."
She laughed, surprising even herself at how bitter it sounded.
"Could have fooled me."
Jack grasped her shoulders, settling weight down upon them. "He's not. He's not!" May looked up reluctantly, and noticed Jack's face was a cross between anger and empathy. "He's angry at the future you, not the current you."
May raised her brows. "If that was supposed to make me feel better, it didn't. Future me is still me, and if that is what I have to look forward to down the road…then I…I -"
She would rather just leave.
Jack's grip eased, and his eyes went sad. She didn't like that look. It made him look old, old as the Doctor. Jack Harkness should always be smiling – even if it was a tad bit flirty.
"I guess." May shook her head, she shouldn't be so concerned. She couldn't get attached. Not when she planned on leaving. "If the Doctor is going to be such a-ah jerk, and despise me so much, I have no need to be here. If I'm not here then there is no need to be angry at the future me. No present me than no future me."
"May." Jack's voice was soft, almost a whisper. "He doesn't despise you."
Her lips twitched, and her eyes grew dark. "Could have fooled me."
"May –?"
But she was done talking about this. Done thinking about this. So May turned around and walked away, ready to go back to her dark little corner, and continue being the outcast she truly felt she was.
Professor Yana was inconspicuously a few feet away from them, May noticed as she passed. He was humming to himself (in beats of four), seemingly keeping himself occupied by doing…something she was sure she couldn't even begin to understand. He seemed unaware of them except for the fact he had just plugged and re-plugged a charger in the same outlet three times now. He had been listening. May sighed, even at the end of the universe people thrive for gossip. She would have ignored the old man and continued walking, if she hadn't just seen him re-plug the charger five times now.
"Professor?" May called out to him. Yana jumped slightly, his shoulders rolling back as he stood straighter. With wide blue eyes, he looked at her.
"Yes, child. W-what is it?"
May frowned a little. "Are you alright?" He was looking at her, but it was as if he wasn't seeing her. "Would you like to sit down?" She gestured to the little sitting area.
"No." Yana shook his head, and the cloudy look in his eyes disappeared. "No, no time for sitting or resting. People have waited a long time for Utopia, and I will be damned if they have to wait any longer than they have too."
For a man who wasn't real, he was very passionate. No, May shook her head. That's not right. For those people who were boarding the ship, ready to take the journey that very well may save their lives, Professor Yana was real. Their savior.
And the Master kills him too.
May frowned.
"Professor." She hesitated, biting her lip; rolling her lip ring. "What would you do if you had more time?"
"Time?" Yana inquired as he flitted around the computers. "If I had time, I would like do an engine check to see if the canis is able to function properly without flooding. If I had time, I would check the footprint impeller to see if it will withstand the velocity of end-time travel without break harmonization. If I had time, I would be able to install a safety mechanism for if the oxygen typhoid unit system in case of implosion. Then the terraphoon would be rerouted to the rubber duct cylinder for optimal keeping and service." Yana gave a mock laugh. "If I had time."
May shook her head. She hadn't even came close to understanding a single word he just said. "No, what I meant is, if you had time to –." To live. "Do anything, anything at all. What would you do?"
Yana paused, and he looked at her thoughtfully while handling something that looked like a cassette tape. "Well, if I could I would like too –" He smiled, and it was that kind of smile where you couldn't help but smile too. It was soft, genuine, and kind. "Well, if I had time I would like to sit down and just read a book. Any kind of book. Maybe relax on a beach during the day when the moon is full." The Professor's eyes gleamed. "Did you know beaches were once spanned by water? They called it - a sea. A sea of water, can you imagine it?"
May laughed at his childish excitement. "Yes, yes I think I can."
She heard it first before she saw it. The Tardis. May's heart leapt to her throat. No, no, no, no! This wasn't good. Not good. Not good. That mechanical wheezing filled up the room of already buzzing electronics.
The Professor had gazed up and turned around looking utterly confused. "What in the world?"
May's hands went sweaty, and she wiped them anxiously on her jeans. If the Doctor scared her, oh…oh the Tardis terrified her. Why? Because watching the big blue box materialize across the room out of thin air - it made everything real. If she had still doubted (and a little part of her did; deep deep down) watching the Doctor, in all his glory, step out of a box (a box that was bigger on the inside) smiling like the mad man he is – just made it more real.
May had never been more scared in her entire life.
"Now then." The Doctor ran out dragging a thick power cable behind him. "Extra power. Bit of a cheat, but who is counting?" Jack snorted, but the Doctor ignored him. "Jack, you're in charge of retro feeds."
"Yes, sir." Jack replied sarcastically, giving him a mock solute. "Anything you say, sir."
The Doctor glowered.
"Oh, am I glad to see that thing." Exclaimed Martha as she and Chantho entered the console room carrying stacks of circuit boards. Both ignorant to the tension building in the room. The female Malmooth came to the Professor's side who was still staring at the Tardis star-struck.
"Chan, Professor, you alright, tho?"
Yana blinked rapidly, and turned to stare at Chantho with the same hazy expression he had given May earlier.
"Yes, yes. I'm alright, just a headache." He waved it off. "Let's just get on with it."
"Are you alright, May?" Martha asked sneaking to the tall woman's side. "You look a little pale."
May looked down at her, then to Jack who was watching her just as intensely, then back to the Tardis. No, no she was not fine. In fact, she was the polar opposite of fine.
"I'm okay." She lied, and backed away. She needed to get out of this room. She needed to get out of this place. She needed to flee.
Run away.
"Maybe you should sit down." Suggested Martha. She shuffled the circuit boards to her other arm while reaching out to hold onto May (who was getting paler by the second) with the other.
"You should go inside the Tardis." The Doctor imputed from across the room; eyeing them over his glasses. May's stomach lurched and she turned a little green.
"I – I – I wouldn't w-want -." She stuttered, staring at him, wide eyed. Has he gone mad? She couldn't -!
"That's a great idea, isn't it?" Martha exclaimed with a smile. "You go inside, rest up properly, and we will come get you when we are done."
"I – I can't." May tried to explain. "It wouldn't be right."
"What's not right about it?"
May swallowed "I don't k-know, maybe -?"
"Well that settles it then." The Doctor interrupted, and he skipped to her side, grabbing her elbow. "Come on, don't be shy now." May looked desperately between Martha and Jack, hoping they would read the terror on her face, and stop this; but Martha grinned ever-so ignorant of her plight. And Jack didn't look happy, but he didn't protest.
"We will get you later, Legs." He promised when he caught her staring, and he gave her a genuine toothy smile.
Traitors. All of them.
"Doctor, I don't think this is a good idea."
She felt sick to her stomach. She was going to throw up, and when she threw up, it would be all over the Tardis floor. Then the Doctor would hate her even more.
"I really don't think this a good idea." The Doctor was ignoring her, pulling her along by the elbow despite her protests. She was so close now that May could read the instructions, constantly ignored by the Doctor, clear as day on the Tardis's very doors.
Pull to open
The Doctor began speaking very quickly. "To get to your room enter the first corridor, turn left and walk to the first hallway. Take a right, then another right, then a left. If you reach the fountain you've gone too far." He pushed the door open. "The library also isn't too far away at that point. From the fountain you want to go right, keep walking till you've passed three hallways, enter a green door on your right, go up the stairs for three levels, and then take a left."
"Wait, w-what? D-Doctor, I really don't think –!" She began, but the Doctor seemed to have an annoying habit of cutting her off.
"And remember: Don't. Touch. Anything." And then he shoved her unceremoniously inside.
"No! Doctor!"
But it was too late, he had already closed the door trapping May inside.
"Doctor!" May fell against the door, pounding her fists against the wood. "Let me out! Let me out, Doctor!"
No one answered, and no one opened the door, so May slid to the floor; curling into herself - hyperventilating. It's okay. It's okay. She consoled herself, wiping the tears from her face. It's just the Tardis. It's just Sexy. This wasn't a prison.
May hesitantly looked up, eyes stained red from her weeping, and her breath caught in her throat. Wow, a little voice in her mind said in awe. Beautiful.
And she was. The Tardis was indeed the most beautiful thing May had ever seen. The room was spun in pure gold with coral arches that looked like trees cradling the ceiling. The Doctor sure loves his round things, May thought in wonder as she stared at the hexagonal patterns designed around the entire room. Or was there some actual use? May shakily stood to her feet as she stared upward. The ceiling was covered in wires and cables looping and crossing each other as they ran in each direction. May backed away from the door, and spun, giving the room a full 360. Her eyes landed on the console, looking every bit as coral and steampunk as she remembered. Television didn't do her justice, May thought as she walked slowly to the middle of the room. The (was it called a Time rotor or motor? She couldn't remember) was emitting a pale green light, and she could hear the Tardis humming a soft purr while she rested, and yet at the same time, May could feel the room buzzing with energy. The very air felt alive.
"This is too surreal." She whispered, eyes settling on an ancient looking type writer attached to the console.
She had a sudden urge to poke it like a curious child. So May neared the center of the Tardis, and reached a hand out, eyes settling on a worn looking "g". May bit her lip nervously, and silently prayed she didn't accidentally make a hole in the universe. That would just be her day.
"Don't touch that."
May yelped, twisting around with hands raised. She backed into the console before she screamed in pain and jumped away.
"You shocked me!" She shouted in bewilderment staring at the Tardis. "That hurt!"
"I said don't touch that."
May's head snapped up, and her eyes grew wide. What?
"What?" she questioned, voice shaking. "I don't…?"
…understand…?
"…Doctor?"
The Doctor was standing there with a new face, but not one she didn't recognize. How could she not know that chiseled chin, combed back hair, and striking green eyes?
And the bowtie.
The Doctor was wearing said red bowtie along with matching suspenders over a baby blue shirt under a tan tweed jacket. He looked absolutely ridiculous.
"Doctor?" she repeated, as she cradled her wounded hand. "Wh-what's going on?"
Eleven continued to stare at her with a bored, blank expression. "I am the Tardis's voice interface, not the Doctor."
May blinked. "What?"
"I am the voice interface, not the Doctor."
"But that's…?" May began but stopped when she noticed the Doctor's entire body flicker. "Oh."
"Who are you?" asked Ele – the Tardis interface.
"May." She answered as she took a step around the Tardis interface, looking at the Doctor's projection from another angle. "May Owens." The Interface stayed still, but continued to watch her by angling the Doctor's head. "You are so –."
"Liar."
"- 3D looking." May paused in her inspection. "What did you just say?"
Elev – the Tardis interface considered her. "Liar. You are not May Owens."
"Yes, I am." She glowered.
"No, you are not." He – she – denied.
"I'm pretty sure I know who I am."
"Not really." The Doctor stated with a shrug and he took a step forward. "May Owens is a feral stray the Doctor owns." He ignored May's indignant yell, and began rubbing his hands together. "He picked her up off the street one day long ago, and has yet gotten rid of her."
The Doctor spun around on his heels. "May Owens is a 25 year old looking human –." He pointed at her. "Parasite. Killing the Doctor."
W-w-what? May eyes went wide as her heart thundered in her chest. What is he saying?
"You are not May Owens –." He paused and cocked his head. "But you are becoming her."
"Are you accusing me of murder?" She exclaimed in outrage and disgust. "Are you accusing me of plotting against the Doctor?"
"I am unaware of any thoughts of yours towards the Doctor."
May glared. "But you are calling me a murderer."
"You are a parasite."
"You know." She clenched her teeth. "I liked you better when you weren't real and couldn't talk."
Tears prickled in her eyes as she turned around and stormed down the staircase. She refused to cry just because a stupid old box was calling her names, and throwing accusations. She thought the Tardis was better than that. Funny how all her heroes keep disappointing her.
"Where are you going?" Eleven called after her.
"To my room!" She shouted, stomping on her way. "Because apparently it's the only place I'm allowed to be."
The Doctor materialized as soon as she rounded the corner, leaning against a doorway with his arms crossed.
He looked at her coolly. "You should leave, parasite."
"What? No." She glared as she walked past him. This time he appeared further down: body angled towards her, arm resting against the wall, his feet crossed, and his other hand grasping a narrowed hip.
"Why not?" He watched her as she snubbed past him.
"Because the doors are locked." And she turned right, walking down another hallway.
The Doctor appeared right before her, startling May, and snapped his fingers.
"They are open now."
She blinked up at him. "Really? How did –?" Oh, right. Sentient box. "But the Doctor said –?"
Why was she hesitating? The Tardis was offering a way out, and here she was worrying what the Doctor would think. Screw him. He had been nothing, but entirely unpleasant since she had met him.
"Can you take me home?" She inquired hopefully.
"No." Eleven replied simply, and raised his arm, gesturing for her to leave.
"Why not?"
The Doctor sighed exasperated, which was strange, for his facial expression hadn't changed once. "Because parasite's home does not exist."
"W-what do you mean?"
"Parasite home-world does not exist."
"Why not?"
"The Time War." May's eyes went wide in shock.
"B-but that was so long ago, and – and this is now." She began to panic. "I was just home a couple hours ago!"
"The Time War ripped apart dimensions." The Doctor explained, his eyes baring down at her. "Tore a hole through time. The consequences are infinite and improbable."
"I – I – I." She slumped to the ground. "I can't go home."
"No."
"T-then what do I d-do? Where do I-I g-go?"
"Away."
This is impossible. Nothing made sense anymore. Her home? Her world? Just gone. Like that? Impossible. Just…impossible.
"You're lying." She mumbled before lifting her head, eyes burning with accusation. "You lying old cow. You don't know that. You don't know that!"
The Doctor's image flickered, and reappeared with his arms crossed. "It is time for you to leave."
"No! No!" May stood and took an aggressive step forward. "No, I will not! Not until I get some answers, you overgrown Lego block!" The Doctor's image flickered as he took several steps backwards. "Don't you dare run away! I want answers, and I want them now!" She gritted her teeth. She was tired of being confused. Tired of being ignorant. Tired of being pushed around.
"Why am I here? How did I get here? What happened to my home? My universe?" She raised her hand and pointed her finger at him. "Why does everybody seem to know me? Why do you call me a parasite? Is that why the Doctor hates me? Because of you? Is that why you shocked me? Do you hate me?"
She was so freaking tired and angry and hungry. What was with this insatiable hunger? Was it now her destiny to die of starvation? Was this the Doctor's plan? Was this his fault? May was starting to get dizzy her stomach hurt so badly.
"Tell me." She demanded as she stood nose to nose with the Doctor – the Tardis. "I want you to explain it to me - now!" She watched him clench his jaw, and his eyes narrowed dangerously. "Do it, you rusting space hopper."
The Doctor's nostrils flared.
"Leech!"
May jumped, startled by the outburst. Her anger deflated as she stared at Eleven who hadn't once opened his mouth. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.
"Get out! I said get out!" A familiar voice shouted in rage.
May's mouth went dry. "D-D-Doctor?"
The Eleventh Doctor's image shimmered and shuttered before completely disappearing; revealing a person standing behind him a few feet away. Ten's eyes were blazing like a storm, his face twisted in such fury, and posture tight and threatening - he raised his sonic.
"Get out, Leech!"
"D-Doctor I don't –!" He took a step forward, and May felt her knees go weak in fear. She was beginning to choke on it.
"You've caused nothing but pain for me ever since you've stepped into my life." He told her, scowling. "Get out of my sight, before I do something that would be unpleasant for both of us." She couldn't move. May was paralyzed by the raw fear coursing through her veins. The Oncoming Storm. He was scary. So scary. May was sure she would be crying if the fear hadn't stunted her tears.
"Get out!" And he charged at her. May felt the fight or flight mechanism kick in inside her, and all the endorphins charged through her body like stampeding elephants. May was running through the hallway before she even knew it. Run. Run. In danger. Run! Run! Escape!
In a flash she was in the console room, and even then she still didn't slow down. She ran past the console across the ramp, and out the Tardis's doors, which opened without her even touching them.
May was so distressed she did not notice a person directly in front of her until it was too late.
"Chan, watch out, tho!"
May hit the body on full throttle, and together they tumbled onto the ground. May groaned as searing pain went up her spine. No time. No time! Her mind screamed at her. The Doctor is coming! He is right behind you! May sat up, and looked around frantically. The room was spinning, and bright specs of light could be seen from the corners of her eyes. Her senses were so heightened at the moment, she could her every tick, every buzz from the electronics in the room.
But no Doctor.
He's coming. He's coming! Run!
Someone latched onto her arm, and began pulling her upward. May screamed.
"Chan, get up. Hurry, tho!" Chantho's face entered her vision, her dark eyes were wide and dilated – she looked terrified. Had the Doctor finally snapped? Was he going to kill them all?
"You little -!"
May's head snapped to the person who laid flat beside her. Her eyes widened in realization that she had knocked over Yana.
"P-Professor I –!" She started to apologize, but stopped when his eyes caught hers. His face was absolutely twisted. Yana's eyes had lost their sparkle and wonder-lust. They were now dark and angry; holding such cruel intelligence. The kind professor, the man human-kind would be singing songs for, was gone – lost.
"I had forgotten you, child."
The Master.
While May stumbled onto her feet, Chantho had stepped in front of her, hand grasping May's wrist as the female Malmooth kept her hidden behind her back. Chantho kept the gun pointed towards the Master's chest as he got to his feet.
"Chan, Professor, stop this, tho!" Chantho's grip was tight, but May could barely feel it. She could barely feel anything anymore. Just the fear – the choking fear. "Chan, we sh-should get the D-Doctor. He would kn-know what to d-do, tho."
The Master laughed mockingly. "Oh yes. The Doctor would know, but I don't think I want to stay to find out his reaction. However amusing it would be." The Master knelt, and grabbed a fallen cable that was sparkling dangerously. Chantho's breathing hiccuped, and she let May go in order to grasp the gun with both hands. May backed up several paces, hyperventilating. No. No. No. No. No. No! No! No!
"Chan, please stop, tho." She begged. "Chan, I don't w-want to hurt you, Professor. You're sick, tho."
"Oh yes, very very sick." The Master agreed with a snarl. "Sick of you, and you annoying "chan" and "tho". For years, I've had to listen to it, and it was driving me insane - but no more. No more."
"Chan, please Professor, tho." She begged, backing away.
The Master stalked forward. "That's not! My! Name!"
"Chan, please -!" She turned slightly to the side, and the two women locked gazes. May's mouth went dry. She knew. Chantho knew! She knows she was going die.
Chantho opened her mouth. "Run."
"Professor! Open this door! Chantho!"
May began screaming. She screamed as the Master electrocuted Chantho in front of her very eyes. She screamed as Chantho fell to the ground, her body still twitching in aftershocks. She continued screaming when the Master turned and started stalking towards her; eyes glinting with malice.
"Shut up, vermin!" The Master snapped, and gripped her hair. "Or I will kill you too. Either way, I will have silence!"
May began scratching at his wrists as she was dragged across the floor kicking and still screaming.
"Shut up!"
"May? May?" She heard the Doctor cry out. He sounded panicked. "What's wrong? May! Professor! Chantho!"
No! No! No! No! No! No! No! Her mind screamed. She was so scared. So scared. She was going to die. She didn't want to die.
The Master, tired of her consistent squirming, tossed May to the side. Instantly, May rolled onto all fours and began crawling away. Run. Run. Hide.
But the Master wasn't done with her yet. He stepped onto her back, and pushed her down to the ground. Unimaginable pain blossomed across her side causing May's eyes to bulge and tear up. The Master continued to repeatedly kick her backside despite May's pleas and apologies.
"Stay quiet." The Master threatened. "I have use for you yet, vermin."
May whimpered, she could taste blood on her tongue. "Okay...okay...sorry...sorry...sorry."
Satisfied, the Master made his way to the Tardis. He removed the thick power cable out of the way, and tossed it back inside.. There were more frantic yelling outside, but the Master ignored it all as he made his way to the table in the sitting area. To where the jar with the Doctor's hand sat.
The Master smiled.
Everything is fine. Everything will be fine. Just be quiet. Just be quiet. Just do as he says.
Chantho moved from her position on the floor, her hand reaching out blindly for the gun just inches away. May watched her in morbid fascination. The dying alien was still trying to save her. Using every bit of her strength she had left.
Please. Please, you don't...you can't...!
The Master ignorant of his surroundings walked into the Tardis with the jar. When he came out just moments later, he had a pleased sort of grin on his face.
"Now then -." He began before his eyes widened in shock. It was too late. Chantho held the gun with shaky hands, and with the last bit of strength, pulled the trigger. At the same time, the door opened wide revealing the Doctor.
"No!"
Chantho fell to the ground, unmoving, as soon as her shot hit its mark. May released a pathetic mewling sound and she curled into herself tighter. No.
The Master snarled as he held his wounded chest, eyes ablaze as he glared at the other Time Lord.
"Doctor."
And that was the only warning the Doctor received before the Master backed away - retreating into the Tardis.
"No! Stop!" The Doctor shouted as he ran for the police box. He hit the doors, but they wouldn't budge. "Let me in! Let me in!" The entire Tardis locked with an audible click, and the Doctor fell into a panic.
"I'm begging you." He pulled out his sonic screwdriver, and began sonic-ing his own Tardis. "Everything's changed!"
"Doctor!" Jack yelled from his position at the door. He was trying desperately to push it close to block the oncoming Kind. "I broke the lock! It won't close! They're coming. Doctor!"
Jack was ignored as the Doctor began to beg the Master. "It's only the two of us! We're the only ones left! Just let me in!"
"Doctor, she dead." Exclaimed Martha as she knelt over the female Malmooth. "Chantho's dead." She looked up, pain etched on her face, only to see May in fetal position a few feet away.
Martha's eyes widened, expression changing to terror. "May!"
The Doctor's head snapped towards her, following her gaze before settling them upon the curled figure. His mouth began opening and closing, but he was unable to form words. Bright lights exploded from the Tardis, gaining the Doctor's attention.
"Guys, a little help here!" Shouted Jack as he struggled with the door. The Kind were pushing further in.
Martha bit her lip as she looked desperately between May and Jack. When the Master started laughing, it was then she jumped into action. Martha bolted for the door.
"Now then, Doc-Tor." The Master let out a gasp in surprise. "Ooo, new voice. Hello, hello, hello~!"
May peaked under her lashes to look at the Doctor. He was so sad. So heartbroken. Did he realize just who was inside his Tardis? Was he realizing all was lost? That they were all lost?
"Doctor, you better think of something!" Yelled Jack. "I can't hold it much longer."
"Anyway, why don't we stop and have a nice little chat while I tell you all my plans and you can work out a way to stop me." His voice paused for effect. "I don't think so!"
Martha, struggling with the door, looked to the Tardis in surprise. "Hold on, I know that voice."
"I'm asking you really properly." The Doctor shouted, desperate. "Just stop. Just think!"
"And what company, Doctor!" The Master ignored him, he sounded jovial in fact. "Don't think I didn't notice. Even that daft old fool noticed!"
The Master laughed for just a moment before his voice grew serious.
"How can you stand it, Doctor? How can you stand to look at her?" May winced, for there was no need to question who he was talking about. She looked over at the Doctor. He was staring intensely at the Tardis, but his hands were clenching and unclenching into fists.
The Master voice turned thoughtful. "Masochism, maybe?"
"Please, stop this. Just let me in." May could only hear the Master chuckle.
"Use my name." He enticed softly.
"Master." The Doctor looked obviously pained. "I'm sorry."
The Tardis came to life, and the Master shouted in rage. "Tough!"
The Doctor activated his sonic in a last attempt to stop him, but it was meaningless. The Tardis was already dematerializing.
"End of the universe. Have fun. Bye, bye."
Then he was gone, along with the Tardis.
May closed her eyes, and wished herself away. Everything was wrong. So wrong. Maybe she had been punished enough. Maybe she could wake up now. Maybe –?
"Get up, May." The Doctor commanded. May froze. No. No. Not this again. Can't he leave me alone? Leave me alone, please.
"I'm sorry, but we don't have time." The Doctor grabbed her by the wrist, and pulled her up.
May broke. "Let me go! Let me go! Let me go! I'm sorry. S-s-sorry." She began hitting at his chest desperately. "Please, don't hurt me! Let me go! Just let me leave!"
She had been treated with hostility by a man she idolized, almost eaten by cannibals, attacked by a sentient box, and almost murdered by a psychotic Time Lord! People had obviously overrated their adventures with the Doctor.
And May was completely done with it. "Just leave me alone. Please!"
The Doctor stopped walking, and twisted her around by her shoulders, in order to stare down at her. Taking in her fear stricken face, shaking body, and red pleading eyes; the Doctor pressed his forehead against hers. May was so surprised, her pleas hiccuped to a stop.
"Never." He whispered before pulling away. He was looking down at her with such sadness that it nearly completely broke her already cracked heart.
W-w-why?
"Doctor!" Martha shouted eyes wide and fearful. "What do we do?"
The Doctor gripped his sonic.
"I'm sorry." He apologized, looking directly at the ex-time agent when doing so.
Jack's mouth dropped. "But you said -?"
"I'm sorry." Again, the Doctor apologized. Jack's mouth snapped shut, and his expression turned to an emotion that paralleled to agony. He turned to May looking at her with big sad blue eyes.
"Oh, Legs." He whispered softly before turning his gaze away. Unable to look at her. But why?
The Doctor let go of May's wrist in order to hold her hand, and captured her forlorn gaze.
His expression turned serious. "I don't have time to explain, but know this -." He pressed his forehead against hers again. "I will find you. I always find you."
She didn't know if he meant that as a promise - or a threat.
May swallowed thickly. "Doctor, I-I don't understand."
"I know." And he took her hand, and placed it over Jack's vortex manipulator. "And for once, that is okay." There was the buzzing sound of the Doctor's screwdriver, and his shout of –
"Allons-y!"
Then May was pulled backwards by some unknown force, and she felt her consciousness slip away. Light faded from her vision, and May fell into darkness.
Finally.
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Before everyone starts critiquing, throwing down the "M" word, and thinking Oh, it's one of those pieces of fiction. I was hoping for better, pity. *insert flames from Hell here*
I promise you it's not, cross my hearts. I'm being very tactful when I say, she is not a time jumper, but that does not mean she cannot jump through time. I'm trying really hard not to spoil everything, but I don't want any of you to quit on me. Though, I'm sure some already have, probably stopped reading before they even got to my little note. Cursing the "M" word all the way to the back button. I'm not sure if my character is or will become a sue. But that's like trying to stop a drowning ship with only a plastic cup. (Personally, I don't mind sues', as long as they are not over the top.)
So please, don't place me on the Sue train just yet. (At least let me get five chapters in.)
Kait