The Doctor sprinted down the ship's hallways, his sonic screwdriver clutched in his hand. The sooner he delt with Kovarian, the sooner he could get River to safety...

Mid-stride, the wind was knocked out of him as he felt his hearts palpitate furiously. He stumbled and fell to the floor, so taken aback from the suddenness of it all that he was unable to break his fall. He lay on the floor for a moment, his limbs at odd angles, taking in the physical torture. The sensation seemed to dissapate for an instant, and his shoes sqeaked against the floor as he groped his way up the wall into a standing position. But, just as he had gained his bearing, the sharp pains coursed again throughout his body, causing violent uncontrollable tremors. The Doctor's knees buckled under his weight, and he slid down the face of the wall back onto the floor. He felt numb and if he were being stabbed all over at the same time. His hearts were beating as though they would explode. He clutched one in discomfort and could actually feel it pounding within his chest. The anguish was unbearable. The last time he had felt like this was in...Berlin, only this was worse. Much worse. Kovarian must have anticipated that he would have kissed River upon rescuing her...it had been too easy.

A fresh wave of pain swept over him in accordance with his realization. Every cell in his body was screaming. Dying. Beads of sweat mixed with the tears that squeezed their way from his tightly shut eyes. This time, he knew no one would be able to save him, not even River.

After moments of stoicism, he finally broke and uttered a guttural groan of agony from between his clenched teeth. His entire body shook, his muscles tense; every inch was on fire. The Doctor's senses were overwhelmed. Had he passed out from it, he would have been spared further anguish, but fate was not that kind.

A pair of doors down the hallway swooshed open, and a Torchwood soldier peered around the corner, curious as to what the source of the ear-splitting cry was. When he saw the Doctor collapsed on the floor, he immediately called for backup.

In the midst of the pain, the Doctor was glad to have some sort of reprieve from the Torchwood soldiers as they carried him into the room from whence they had appeared. He knew there was no hope for him, but at least he would die among friends and be put out of this misery...


Please write a review! I will update based on the response and want for more...so if you want to read the rest of the story, then say so!

Suggestions and requests are always welcome! Thanks for reading!