A/N: Sorry about the delay, I had a couple of exams to do. Also, I apologize that this chapter is a bit shorter but I promise the next one will be longer, I just couldn't really think of anything else that would come under this teaser...
'502- But Never 503'
With each small, precautious but brisk step, another crack formed and the numbers continued to rise. The Doctor' legs were trembling, sensing every little crack that formed each time his boot touched the ground, sometimes so gently that it was unnatural and seemingly impossible. This was very unsettling, the Doctor's feet were saying speed up before it gives way but his mind was saying be careful and try not to make it give way!
The Doctor didn't fancy having to fall down another hole and besides, he had to catch up to River before he lost her completely. One step further and a large crack formed the number- 502 at his feet. He looked to the floor and studied the number in the crack; he remembered hearing something about the number 502.
The Doctor's eyes widened in sudden realisation of what he read on the TARDIS on the white plate '502- but never 503.' Now, he understood that part completely. He only hoped that he was wrong but there was no other obvious possibility.
He was still a fair amount away from the forest; maybe he should've walked slowly and counted his steps carefully, like he was warned. He sighed at his own stupidity, from now on he's going to pay close attention to everything he's told.
He managed to figure out what would happen if it cracks anymore; it doesn't take a genius to figure that out! Those warnings he received were sent to protect him, shame he didn't pay attention to any of them. He was rocking on the balls of his feet, trying to think of any possible way out that doesn't put him in any more danger- nothing.
He tried to think, was the most basic solution that could end up killing him if not done properly always be the best? Well, in the Doctor's case, yes. Usually pacing helps him think but this was the one time he couldn't pace otherwise he would be doomed. After a brief moment of careful consideration he decided that he shall do what he does best: RUN!
After one last moment of deep thought, he went for it, his feet pounding on the dusty ground as he ran as fast as he could. His hearts were thumping on his chest as the nerves and anxiety filled every part of his body. The cracks were growing bigger and causing small quakes, nearly shaking him off balance.
He still pondered as to why River didn't make any cracks in the ground when she ran across, there had to be something planned, or maybe it wasn't River- just a hallucination, or a demon, or something else... His mind was racing as his determination to solve the mystery grew.
His pace quickened as he ran and as it did, the cracks in the ground grew bigger until it started to crumble and give way. The land became uneven and started to tremor. Ever so close to the forest and with one large leap of faith, the Doctor threw himself to the trees and he made it into the forest but, not in the most dignified way- flat on his face, nearly crashing into a tree. He turned so he was lying on his back and looked at back at the path that he just took and there was nothing left.
"...Guess I'm not going back that way..."
He brushed himself down as he rose from the floor and turned to face the large forest. Many more mysteries await the Doctor in the forest, and he wasn't too sure if he wanted to find out what they were.
