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Please note 'Genmi' is pronounced 'Jay-en-mee'

Screams. Fire. Shadows.
Pain. Fear. Terror.
Loss without gain.
A civil war like no other.

I'm running frantically, eyes searching desperately for a glimpse, anything for me to know they're safe. The fire burns my eyes, shadows spilling across the ground. There are silhouettes laying on the uneven ground. I see him first, shouting something several meters away. I can't hear the words over the commotion around me. I make to run forward, but instantly distracted. She's there, among the motionless.

The world collapses around me.

I yell her name, scream and shriek and cry, my heart shattering into a thousand pieces. But he's back, dragging me strongly away and I hear his muffled sobs too. I pull away, kicking and screaming, desperate to stay by her side. My bare feet scrape across the ground as I eventually go limp, weak and lifeless, icy tears freezing on my cheeks.

After what felt like eternity, my eyes snapped open. I was in a large, caved room filled with light. I felt a sharp jolt of reality as I realised my eyes and cheeks were wet and the screams were my own in this world. My heart was thudding loudly and I felt a sudden overwhelming sense of nausea before fury that the Doctor had seen this vulnerability.

"Are you insane?" I fumed. My wrist was attached by a rope to a wooden bed.
"I'm sorry, Beth. Truly sorry." The Doctor's voice was muffled, head in his hands. As I turned my head to the side, I saw him sat on a chair. "I had to talk to you, properly, find out what's going on."
"Sure you did." I said coolly. "You didn't have to tie me up like some sort of hostage film."
"You're really different… You could have done anything." His eyes stared into mine. "It may have been the wrong decision, I admit."

"What did you want to talk about then?" I asked, voice still cold.
"How did they change you?"
"Change me?" I snorted. "It's me."
"No it's not."
"Yes it is…" I said in a bored voice.
"No it-" his eyes widened. "They didn't. They wouldn't."
"A little slow, but at least you're there now. And who do you think 'they' is, anyway?"
"The Genmi's." he whispered. "They found you? How did they find you?" he asked loudly, face full of horror.
"Please! I found them." I smirked.
"No you didn't. You wouldn't."
"Seriously, Doctor. Saying something in the negative fashion doesn't make it untrue." I sighed.

"Why?" he asked quietly.
"Why should I tell you that?" I asked sweetly.
"Because I'll help you."
"Help me with what? I was perfectly fine until you came and tied me up for information. You know, in a tweed jacket and bow tie you're not exactly menacing." I raised my eyebrows.
"How could I be menacing to you anyway, whatever clothes I'm wearing? To a girl with eyes that flash red and impossibly white skin?"
"You make me sound like a vampire." I said coolly. He gave a slight smile.
"I guess that does. Now tell me if this theory is correct."
"I might do." I said. "If you undo this rope so I can add to my 'bored' look by folding my arms."
"Promise you won't do anything stupid?" he said softly. I hesitated.
"Promise." I said eventually.

When I had actually got into my 'bored' stance, the Doctor began to speak.

"The Genmis found you, or you found them, whatever-" he added as I opened my mouth to interrupt. "They recruited you into a project. They split you into two beings using the good and bad, light and dark inside you. Two separate forms, two living bodies, but both very weak. They make you do the opposite of what each mind would, make you oppose your own life. They promised you something, some sort of bargain, or they brainwashed you. Or, of course, they forced you. Am I right?"
"In a way," I said reluctantly.
"Why only 'in a way?" he asked.
"You're right about the project. But it's not really a project…" I cut off, silent for a second. The Doctor waited, looking slightly nervous as my eyes widened.

"She betrayed us. Go and get her other half." An elderly Genmi says slowly and dangerously.
"Certainly, sir."
"Bring her straight to me. Don't stop anywhere and don't let her say a word. If she does, she dies and we do not succeed the Doctor."

The woman walks down a thin corridor, barking orders at a few of the people in the cells. They scuttle back, cower against the concrete wall.

"Come with me, girl." The woman snarls at a pretty but worn out girl with long matted chestnut curls. She stands up, looking extremely nervous. Her blue eyes widen as she catches sight of a young redhead and a man with tousled dark blonde hair. Desperately trying to communicate with them without any words or drawing attention to herself. Quickly digging into the pocket of her long cream coloured dress, she pulls out the tip of something. A sonic screwdriver. Nibbling on her lip, she holds it up briefly in their direction then walks quickly away, hoping against hope they saw and the Leader didn't.

Once in the view of the Genmi, she shrinks, terrified. Her eyes swim with tears, mind whirling. Seeing two places, being in two places at once, feeling weak and ill in both.

"Beth!"

Her name wasn't Beth. Everyone in this room knew that, no-one was speaking. But she heard the voice loud and clear as if they were right next to her. A man's voice, filled with panic and fear, yet so familiar.

She sinks to the floor, mind spinning out of control, wondering what on Gallifrey is going on.

"Beth!"

My eyes closed and I slipped into darkness once more.