Times Change

AN: A big thank you to SarBrook, animemonkey13 and Kie 1993 for reviewing the last chapter.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Doctor Who.

Chapter 13-

I can feel his eyes on me.

He's smirking, just out of my line of sight, laughing inwardly at me.

I look away, forcing myself not to give him the satisfaction of knowing he's making me uncomfortable.

Right now, I'm sitting next to him in a swish-looking black car. The same sort of one of which I saw outside the Partridge's home months back. My heart sinks as images of the family and friends that I had gained flash through my memory. The Master had never told me what he had done to them, and I didn't ask. In all honesty, I don't think that I want to know; without the confirmation, I am able to hope that they are still alright, that perhaps The Master had been bluffing when he had promised to punish them, he hadn't actually done it?

One look into his cold eyes told me different. He didn't tell me because he knew that I was aware that he wasn't the sort to make empty threats, no, he had done it, no care in the world.

I force those thoughts to sink back, deep into my subconscious, burying them. Instead, I look out of the window. I'd guess that we were driving through London, or what was left of it anyway. The tall skyscrapers were now no more than five or six stories in height, their upper levels left to crumble into disrepair, the roads are dusted with dirt and grime and even the air looks grey. The streets are still bustling with life though. Just a different 'life' to what anyone would imagine of London; make shift stalls line the pathways, scruffy-looking men man them, shouting all types of offers, trying to sell anything they could. Tired women walk among them, some holding babies with children beside them, others are alone. The sight is awful to behold and I turn to see The Master, eyes closed, perfectly relaxed. He doesn't care that he has destroyed a once beautiful city, he doesn't care that he has ruined so many lives with his gluttony and betrayal. I can't watch him for long, for hatred boils inside me and, unable to turn back to the street outside, I stare at my lap and begin fiddling with the hem of my shorts or picking non-existent dust from my tights, anything but look up.

My head slowly lolls forward as the monotony of driving tires me, it's been about an hour so far and I'm not sure as to how long there is left of the journey, although, The Master only gave The Doctor two hours, so, it shouldn't be too long now. Thinking about The Doctor makes me wonder whether he will come at all, and even if he does, what happens then? This is the last thought that passes through my mind before I drift into an uneasy sleep.

His mocking voice sounds close to my ear as I awake—

"Come on, Addie Q. We're here."

I turn to glare at him and he is seemingly un-fazed. A teasing smirk quirks the corners of his mouth before he slides out of the car. I make to move and frown as my wrists are stiff and unmoving. I glance down and groan, noticing that my hands are, in fact, handcuffed together, making it difficult for me to open my door. Eventually I manage it and stumble out of the vehicle. Almost immediately, the collar of my shirt is grabbed and I am hauled forward.

Wet drizzle dampens my hair as I walk through two iron gates. The Master is two or so metres ahead of myself and whoever is escorting me as we walk along a path that looks as though it was once lined with trees, although they are still standing, the plants are old and withered. I wonder for a moment as to why The Master picked this spot. The man in question walks towards a large fountain, long since dry. Stuffing his hand is his pocket he waits for the two of us, straggling behind, to catch up. He does a dramatic glance at his watch and sighs as he takes in the supposed 'fresh air.'

"Seventeen minutes."

He rocks back and forth on the balls of his feet and glances around. Like a friend would eagerly wait for another.

"Addie Q," He's seriously over doing that now, "Be a dear, and stand right there."

He points to a spot a few metres ahead of him. I oblige, not wanting to anger him.

There was no chance, before leaving, to put a jacket on and I shiver as my arms and collar bone slowly become wetter. As I blink, rain droplets fall from my eye lashes, I awkwardly wipe them away, just about avoiding hitting myself in the face with my conjoined hand whilst doing so. There would be utter silence in the air, if it was not for The Master's rather tuneless whistling that echoes from behind me. He counts down the minutes before he does goodness knows what to me and I know that he is taking great pleasure in my discomfort.

"Two minutes."

He can't see my face and so I cringe in fear. This appears to be the last resort; if this doesn't succeed in bringing The Doctor to London then I am of no use to him anymore. Suddenly, the annoying whistling stops and for a second I wonder whether my time is up. I continue to stare at my feet until a new voice fills the empty air—

"Master." It is a bitter greeting. Made by a voice that I have come to know so well.

I look up and smile at The Doctor. It is, of course, bittersweet, but none the less, it is the first time I've smiled in months. I look at his posture; he stands tall, chin set, hands by his sides.

"You are so predictable." I feel a presence behind me, a hand grasps my shoulder tightly, "Given a choice between his own life- as the one who is able to save the universe- and the little girls," he pinches my cheek, at which point I pull away, "The Doctor's gone the wrong way, again."

The Doctor doesn't look at me but stares The Master straight in the eye. The two are silent.

"Let her go." An American voice fills the empty atmosphere; Jack.

I glance behind The Doctor to see both Jack and Gwen, no guns in sight, and three people I don't recognise; two men and a woman.

"Oh, you brought the whole clan, along with my favourite little freak." The man beside me sneers at Jack as he speaks the last word.

My capture changes the subject—

"You're lucky; you got here just in time." He stands behind me both hands on my shoulders, "Who knows what could have happened had you been late." He suddenly slaps both shoulders, making me jump slightly. He laughs in my ear before turning back to the group in front of us, "Although, have to hand it to our little girly here, she's been very brave. Stupid, but brave."

"You said a swap." The Doctor speaks up again; no emotion is evident in his voice.

"Ah, yes. The brave companion for the ridiculous, bow-tie wearing fool." He smirks before once again, speaking into my ear—

"Well, it has been fun. I'll probably see you soon, Adelaide." He pushes me forcefully forwards and I stumble, only just managing to be caught by one of the unnamed men.

I turn back to see that The Doctor is already accepting his handcuffs. I try to struggle free from the vice-like grip that the stranger has on me, but to no avail. The Master smirks, locking his eyes with mine before turning and leaving the area, The Doctor is man-handled away soon after.

Any words of wisdom from you guys? Remember, constructive criticism is always welcome.