Author's Note: This chapter was far longer than I expected it to be, but that's okay. Some things might be unclear in this chapter, but I assure you that's my intention. I really need a beta. Also, the race I've introduced here, I do have a background on. I wasn't able to work all of their culture in, so if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask!

Warnings: I'm slapping a giant Dark Themes warning on this story from here on out and only warning you about the fluffy bits. Which there will be more of. Soon.

Rewrite

'Chapter Nine'

The touching moment left me feeling cold. It was later, long after the research was done, and we had gone back to the control room that I realized that what the Doctor saw might not have been good.

He hadn't spoken a word, or gave a glance to my direction since we left the Library and it left a lump of ice in my gut.

Now, I watched the Doctor move around his control panel, while Jack gave me strange glances every so often. I kept away from the console, and as far away from the Doctor as the room would allow. Only by listening to Jack and the Doctor speak, did I know we were going to be landing on Vooloothoo very soon. Apparently, he had found a shortcut.

We had spent the better part of four, or five hours tucked away in the Library, with few words exchanged between us. I wondered what the Doctor saw, tucked in the corners of my head? I made very sure that any pictures of my past that may contain…spoilers were tucked away safe and sound. Psychic fingers had found other memories; things from our shared past when we were children and emotions that were singularly mine and focused on particular bodies of thought.

The fear was that the Doctor had seen the phantom figure through my eyes, or even worse, his own death at my hand. I shook my head, and leaned against the stair railing that led up to the rest of the ship. I curled my fingers around the steel as the ship began to rock and sway as we readied to land. As if summoned from my thoughts, I felt a cool sensation tickle the back of my neck and I felt the blood drain from my face.

I clenched my eyes tight as the touch became more solid and the fingers wrapped around my throat from the back, not squeezing yet, but holding me firmly in place. The phantom skin against mine was colder than anything, or maybe that was the fear that began to creep from the pit of my hearts.

I heard the phantom inhale deeply, and let out a shaking breath and lean heavily against me as if he could no longer keep his footing, 'Mmm, Master, you reek of fear…' I felt his nose tuck behind my ear, and he inhaled again, and this time it ended with a groan that made me blush, 'Delicious. Your stench is different than others I've smelled. Rich, and delightful. I bet you taste like chocolate…' And he bit me and I was frozen for a second as I felt teeth sink in and worry at the flesh of my ear lobe. I opened my mouth to scream, and the fingers tightened on my throat making the noise into a whispered sound. I heard his chuckle against my ear and he swayed with me as the TARDIS gave that soft 'fwump' of landing. His thumbs caressed my pulse, and still he would not let me go.

He cuddled into my back like a lover, and held me like a serial killer in his hands. I hadn't been paying attention to anything else but the freezing fingers, and whispered words so the hand on my shoulder made me jump. I jerked my head to look over my shoulder to see Jack, and the phantom mirrored me, step for step as I turned around to face the man. Blue eyes were narrowed at me, and I watched his eyes move from head to toe, arching his brow when he saw nothing amiss.

"What the hell is your problem?" Was Jack's ungraceful greeting. As uneasy as I was, I managed a scowl in his direction but I kept my mouth shut. I didn't want to know what this thing would do to me if I tried to call for help when he had himself wrapped around me.

'Look at that? Jack's worried about you, Masty… He's standing awfully close to you and you've still got that knife in your pocket…' My fingers twitched at my side. I felt my eyes grow enormous as a hand slipped from my throat and slid over my shoulder and down my arm, taking a hold of my hand the way a lover would. He lifted my hand and let it slide into my pocket. I tried to jerk back from the tacky blade, and the fingers turned to steel, and the voice hissed in my ear. 'Don't. Fight. Me.'

"Are you…alright?" His concern would have been touching if I hadn't been terrified. I longed to be speaking to the Doctor, and not Jack since the human couldn't read the message I had emblazoned across my face; help me.

I felt like a puppet with my strings tangled up in hands that should never have control. His hand upon mine made my fingers open, and slip around the hilt of the blade as if my hand had been made for it. Cool digits pressed around mine and lifted the blade up and out of my pocket to sit naked at my side.

I watched as Jack tensed immediately when the weapon was revealed, and the phantom was frozen. I heard him cursing and hissing and I felt a sense of anger and annoyance in the back of my head that was not my own. I knew then that he could not make me kill. He could be a puppeteer and he could harm me, but he couldn't make me harm others.

'Not yet.' Was the sinister hiss in my ear, and suddenly I was warmer and my body was my own again. I swayed on the spot, and the blade slipped from my fingers to clatter across the floor. I had a moment of feeling faint, and was surprised to still be upright as y vision became spotted and grey. It took a moment to realize that Jack had caught me, his hands darting out to catch my upper arms and hold me steady.

"And that's why I didn't want to give that knife back. I can't imagine what would have happened if I gave your laser thingy back. What the hell is wrong with you?" Jack was very frank and even-minded as he held me on my feet and watched me from maybe a foot away. Over his shoulder, I saw the TARDIS doors open wide, and the Doctor's back outlined by the hustle and bustle of the town life.

"You were wise to keep it from me. As far as what is wrong, I think I'll keep that to myself, and you focus on keeping me unarmed." My lips felt numb, and I slurred my words as I struggled to keep focus on the strong jaw and blue eyes before me.

"That sounds like a perfect plan. Doc says you need to be in front of me, so… After you, blondie." Slowly, he let his hands fall away from me, and I was able to stand on my own. He pointed a finger at me, and I had the urge to bite the digit to prove a point. "You stay near me." My eyes followed his hand as it moved to pat at silver and shiny handcuffs at his hip. "Because I will cuff you to me."

I rolled my eyes as I tried my hand at walking. When I didn't fall down, I felt I was fit enough to sneer over my shoulder at Jack. "I don't even want to know where you get these things."

"Torchwood, mostly…Some adventurous lovers…" I watched him grin as I blushed, and whipped my head back around to face the doors. After a time, we were outside in the bright light and the noise of a city filtering around us.

Stepping out onto loose, rocky soil with twin suns beating down on me, I knew exactly where I was. I had never known the name of this place, only the feel of the planet beneath my feet and the metallic smell on the air. I was not welcome in this place with other faces.

The Doctor, however, seemed to be a favorite on this rather warm rock as I watched him be chased by a flock of small, reptilian children. Thoolians were humanoid carnivores with razor sharp teeth and something similar to a snout protruded from their face. I knew little of the culture, but I knew about the inhabitants. In the group of children, I saw four with the nubs of tails, and three with knots of hair a top their heads and I knew that I was seeing future Seers and their companions.

Jack seemed at home under the hot sun, maybe a little hot as he lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the suns. "It's always hot with him. Or freezing. I'd like to visit a temperate planet, just once."

I chuckled, "Like most reptilian races, they rely on heat so two suns is perfect."

"If I had scales, I'm sure it would be perfect for me. What's the story about this place?"

I turned my eyes to him and chuckled again, "I'm not the Doctor, Jack. I'm not here to enlighten you with the rich history of the Thoolians… Though I do know they are matriarchal. ... That means ruled by girls."

"I know what it means." Was the snappy reply to my teasing..

I raised my hands in mock defense and continued, "Males are the big brutes with the strong tails and thicker scales. They're darker than the females, too, and they're made for hunting and fighting one another. The females stay back and take care of the city, but they are also all gifted with the Sight. Some stronger than others, though the Oracle is the strongest and oldest."

I lifted a hand to point at the giant spear of rock that sat in the middle of the town, "That's the Spire. The Oracle lives there and she is the wisest of them all because she has the longest hair."

Jack gave a nod, "Not as informative as the Doctor's speeches, but it'll do."

I rolled my eyes, which seemed to be common place now as we looked over the valley before us. The TARDIS had been parked beneath the ridge at the top of a small slope that rolled gently downward to the valley between mountains that rose like titans on either side of the city. Orange rock with splashes of cream and vibrant red made it look like fire rose over head, burning on forever towards the violet sky. There were homes carved into the rock faces; deep tunnels that led to cooler placed behind feet of solid stone, though the Spire sat in the middle.

It rose higher than any home, and it seemed the city had been built around the giant stalagmite. A window could be seen in the very top, with a soft grey smoke wafting out in curling tendrils. Below the Spire were the giant stone doors, guarded by two very large males. All around the Spire was the Festival of Fire, with tents and wares being sold, and children shrieking and the smell of roasting meat filled the air. It pressed to the edge of the homes and I could see that every denizen of the city participated.

And this was all gleaned from a distance. I hummed a little as I shrugged off my suit jacket and shucked it at the TARDIS doors. I noticed Jack's odd look as I began to roll up the sleeves of the thin turtleneck, and I decided to explain.

"You look lovely when you're puzzled. It's very hot here, with two suns, and I wouldn't want you to have to carry me around when I pass out from the heat." I set my sights on the bottom of the hill, and the figure of the Doctor and I didn't wait for Jack.

"This is gonna be a great trip." The sarcastic response nearly made me laugh out loud, but I contained my mirth as we approached the sweating and panting form of the Doctor. He threw his hands up in the air when we arrived, and motioned to the rocky city around us.

"Welcome to Vooloothoo! There's a Festival! Of Fire! I had completely forgotten; isn't this brilliant?!" He cried, and I noticed there was a young child that clung to his leg. He noticed my stare, and moved to place a hand on her head, just below the topknot.

"This is Kaji, she's the newest Daughter." His voice was soft and just a little sad as he gazed down at the child who looked back up to him with almond eyes full of wonder.

I cleared my throat, and made three sets of eyes swing to me, "That's a great honor, I hear." I said softly to the child. The intensity of her gaze made me think that this one was right to be the Daughter of the Oracle.

"There is something wrong with him." Her voice was small to match her body, but full of knowledge, as if she knew something I did not. She stepped away from the Doctor to look up at me. I had never been very fond of children, but I got down to one knee so she didn't have to crane her neck to stare up at me. She stood there, in her tattered dress with her arms swinging at her sides as her body swayed from side to side.

"You're very right." I said softly. I avoided looking directly into her eyes, because I knew that's how she could see into my soul without even meaning to. I did not expect one so small to be so powerful, though, as he hand darted out to touch the bareness of my forearm.

Where the Doctor treaded lightly, Kaji smashed through every wall that I had, tearing them down around her as she frolicked in the most parts of my mind. I couldn't react. Distantly, I was aware that I was shaking in the spot, and that the Doctor was calling my name and Jack was fighting the urge to tear the girl away from me, but I couldn't respond to any of it.

At the touch of her fingers, I felt the phantom begin to rise, like a shape caught in ice, to the surface of my mind and from so close I saw Kaji's eyes grow wide. I watched her lips move in her native tongue, and the phantom stopped and receded quickly as she wrapped her psychic fingers around it and thrust back into the hole where it belonged.

After what felt like an eternity, she drew her hand away from my arm and she looked frightened. She clutched her hand to her chest, and then turned to run towards the Spire. I was in a daze, watching her run in fear to the Oracle. I stayed on the ground for the time being, and looked up to the Doctor with a lazy face.

"I'm really very tired… Of that happening to me…"

The Doctor looked surprised as he knelt down beside me, touching a hand to my forehead, "I'm surprised you let her inside."

I snorted, and jerked my head away, "Maybe I've humbled?"

Jack gave a bark of laughter as he extended a hand to me, "Or you're just behaving for now."

I gave a little shrug as I took the offered hand up, and the Doctor was right behind me, with a hand on my shoulder as Jack helped steady me, "You know, I bet that's right. That sounds like me. Now if you'll stop smothering me, mother hens." I clucked for effect, and shook them off as I stepped a few feet away from them, lifting my eyes up and up and up.

The Doctor came to stand beside me, looking up like I was. "The Oracle knows we're here now. Keep an eye out for blue smoke; that means she's summoned us."

Jack apparently, was tired of being left out when he stuck his head between us, "Why do you two look like someone died?"

There was a moment of quiet, and then the blue smoke the Doctor spoke up began to billow from the window, heavy and thick and smelling of herbs and flowers. I took a breath and started towards the double doors and I heard the Doctor explain.

"Because someone might."

-!-

The climb to the top of the Spire was a long one.

The stair case was carved stone, and it spiraled all the way up to the top. There was no handrail, and I found myself getting dizzy from all of the twisting. The Doctor was at my back, though they had made Jack stay behind, saying that 'Today was not the day of the Undying.'

I found it funny that this speck of a man was so far known across the universe.

"I hate stairs." I felt the need to complain to fill the silence.

"Should have taken the lift, then."

I didn't respond, though I did make a face. I knew he couldn't see it, but it made me feel better in a childish way as the carved stone steps began to grow wider and shallower until they eventually became the stone floor to the top of the spire.

The room was vast and cool and full of shadows cast by the light of the single window. There was a silhouette against the window, and when my eyes adjusted, I could see the little form of Kaji standing behind the figure against the light.

The Oracle was an ancient thing. Wizened and grayed though she held her head high, and those eyes were the sharpest I had seen in a very long time. They were the eyes of a younger soul, full of life and vitality and set deep into a wizened face and they seemed…strange. As if they didn't quite fit. She was tall and thin with a long elegant neck and yards of silver hair that coiled its way around her like some giant snake. The effect was striking, even as she tilted her head at me. The movement was entirely too reptilian, and suddenly I felt like prey.

"Koschei. Master." She hissed, though it seemed like this was her speech, and not in anger, "I have not seen this face with these eyes. It suits your vile spirit."

"So eloquent and I thank you… Your young eyes do not suit your elder body." I responded swiftly.

I watched her head cock again, this time to the other side. "These eyes were damaged before they were offered. Kaji will give me new eyes to see by, but until I can see you sharply, I name you twisted and misplaced. I see fire in your past as well as your future, yet your present is as placid as a pond. Would you like to See?" She lifted a hand to beckon us closer, and she grinned suddenly; a mouthful of terrifying fang.

"Ah! The Doctor! You are what makes this pond so placid, though you move freely through it like the largest fish." Her eyes narrowed, "Though… it seems the fish was unaware of the pond he lived in until now and then."

I stared at her, unable to form a response since I frankly didn't understand. Luckily, and not by chance I was sure, the Doctor did know and he stepped forward with three quick strides that put him closer to the center of the room.

"Why is the fish unaware?" He asked as if the answer meant everything.

"The pond around him changed to be the same, and different. Be wary, Doctor. There is a beast that lurks in the pond, unlike the pond before and it seeks to swallow the largest fish as it has before, yet it's jaws have not tasted." She smiled at us, as if she had done a service. Sharp eyes turned to me, and he crooked a finger. "Come, pond. Let me touch your skin and see into your depths."

"Of course." Was the polite response, though I felt a little strange to be asked such a thing. I moved to walk, and the Doctor's hand on my arm made me turn my head. He said nothing, but the look of such concern on his face made my hearts give a happy flutter. I felt my lips tug into a small smile that I could not stop, and the Doctor nodded, and released me. There was a time when I would have let him sweep through my mind with a touch, to tell me all he needed me to know… But that time was very long past.

As I came closer to the Oracle, I could see a knowing smile on her face as she patted the cushion beside her. She sat on a raised dais, and I had to walk up three wide steps to reach her side.

"Sit. Lords of Time are old, and take longer to See."

I nodded, and my eyes flickered to the little Kaji who sat beside the window, looking out over the town with a wistful expression and I felt pity for her. To be a Daughter meant to be a talented tool. I sat with my legs crossed over one another, and my wrists resting on my knees. I took a cleansing breath, and let my eyes drift shut and my body relax.

I knew the invasion was coming, so I let everything fall where it stood. I knew the Oracle was powerful enough to rape my mind and leave me a husk on her Spire floor, so I unlocked every door and invited her inside.

I expected to feel her in my head, but I didn't feel a thing but her scaled hand on my arm and the stillness of the room. I began to feel sleepy, and my body relaxed further and I let my mind wander to places and things that I hadn't even dreamt of in all of my days.

Loss, and exotic places full of beauty and strangeness that was normal to me. I thought of need, like air missing from my lungs, and I thought of love, like the blood that filtered through my hearts. Soft things, things my mind couldn't think about any longer without seeing them through a veil of blackness.

Hate, like acid to burn its way through anything followed by bitter regret, enough to choke upon. In the darkness, I could hear the voice of the phantom, whispering though the longer I listened, the less audible it became. I strained my focus and eventually found nothing but quiet as I began to wake from my trance.

My eyes fluttered open, and I had no idea how long I had been under her sway. I turned my head to her as she released me, and she looked very sad. "Even for one so wicked, what I see does not belong to you."

I raised a brow and tilted my head, "If it's not mine, why do I have it?"

She shook her head, "These things are unclear. I know that things will be painful for you, and I see red. So much red and I see nothing past the color of blood."

I felt the color drain from my face as the words struck a chord deep inside. "What can I do to fix this?"

"The pond simply is. The creatures within decide if it is to be left barren, or fertile. Kaji will see you out, though I would call the Doctor before you go. I wish to speak with him in private."

I knew dismissal when I heard it, so I stood on shaky legs and made my careful way down the dais steps. I stared ahead, not paying attention or thinking about anything but the fact that I might still be the one to murder the Doctor.

In a moment, little Kaji was beside me, and she took my hand into her own and tugged me along, past the Doctor and beginning down the steps. We made our careful way, slower than the way up as Kaji's legs were much smaller than mine.

"The Oracle will help you." The girl broke the silence, and I paused on the steps, looking down at her. She nodded at me, and I saw wisdom beyond her years in those eyes, "She will help the fish help the pond. The fish and pond rely on one another, and with her help, they will flourish."

"I'm having a hard time agreeing with being a pond." I said dryly, and it made little Kaji giggle as we began to walk again. I heard footsteps behind us, and then a familiar voice.

"Could be worse! You could be a fish." I laughed at the Doctor's overjoyed voice, and he nearly skipped between us to make it to the bottom first. He seemed to be in strangely good spirits and I wondered what the Oracle had spoken to him about.

"I suppose we should catch up to the mad man." I glanced down to Kaji, and she moved to grab at my fingers again, and gave a bright smile and a nod.

As we spiraled to the bottom, I really wondered why everyone was so damn happy.