The Master stepped out of his TARDIS still carrying Beatrice. He entered the Doctor's lab and gently set her down in a chair. She stared ahead blankly not seeming to recognize anything or anyone.
While he was doing this Ms Grant, the Doctor, Sargent Benton, and the Brigadier had also stepped out of the TARDIS. Benton moved to try and shake Beatrice out of her trance but the Master slapped him away.
"Fool! Her mind is already in a fragile state any sudden movement could cause permanent damage."
"What happened to her?" asked a very worried Ms Grant.
"It appears she fought back against the War Chief's hypnosis. Unfortunately, the War Chief seems to have been so forceful with his telepathy that when her mind resisted it started to unravel from the stress placed on her mind." Said the Doctor.
"Is there any way to save her?" asked the Brigadier.
"It would take a powerful telepath to mend her mind. Sadly, I'm not that good with telepathy." The Doctor replied. Reluctantly Ms Grant turned to the Master.
"What about you? Could you heal her?" she asked pleadingly.
The Master was silent for a moment as he looked at his faithful companion. She looked somewhat helpless, just staring out into space, not registering anyone. Her lovely hazel eyes were dull and no longer held that lively sparkle.
He imagined what would happen if he didn't intervene. This intelligent, brave, and strong woman would practically lose her personality. Then he realized, he couldn't bear to let that happen to Beatrice. The idea was unacceptable.
"I could potentially heal her mind but it would be very complicated and I can't make any promises." The Master finally replied.
"Please, help her," said Ms Grant.
"Very well," the Master said. "I need total concentration so if you could all leave the room; I would appreciate it." He added.
"Are you sure you can't do it, Doctor? I don't like the idea of him poking around in an agent's head."Said the Brigadier.
"Much as I hate to admit it the Master is the most powerful telepath Gallifrey ever produced. He has the best chance of succeeding." Replied the Doctor as he ushered everyone out.
Once they had all left the Master got down on one knee and placed his fingers on Beatrice's temples. Closing his eyes he concentrated on entering her mind.
Immediately he was assaulted by a variety of memories that seemed to stretch from different points across her life. He saw her graduating from her college, then he saw her as a child playing with two other red-headed children, and lastly, he saw her memory of their first meeting.
The very seams of her mind were quickly fraying. The damage was worse than he thought. He focused on trying to stabilize her mind by connecting it with his. Suddenly he was in a field of tall red grass with a golden city in the distance. A few feet away Beatrice appeared. She looked around and saw him.
"Where are we?" she asked taking a step towards him.
"In one of my memories. Your mind is quickly falling apart. I needed to stabilize you by briefly forging a connection between our minds." He answered.
"It's beautiful. Is this Gallifrey?" she asked.
"My memory of it. More specifically my father's land. However, that is beside the point. I need you to concentrate on me and on keeping your mind calm and steady so that can heal it." He held out his hands for her to take. "Just focus on me." He said calmly.
She nodded and took his outstretched hands. The Master maintained eye contact with her. A part of his consciousness was focusing on this memory and keeping her stable while the other half of his consciousness remained aware of what was going on outside of their minds.
It wasn't long before he realized that it would take more than mere telepathy to re-forge her mind. Each time he tried to organize the memories together they would scramble again. He would have to sacrifice some regeneration energy if he was to save her.
Focusing his energy, he allowed golden mist to slowly seep from his hands that were still resting on her temples. Her body began to absorb the energy and her mind began to mend. As he fixed her mind, he also put up safeguards to prevent any further invasions of her mind.
Finally, he finished and gently separated their minds as he slowly pulled away Beatrice'seyes, which had closed, flew open now full of life. At first, she seemed shocked and then tears began to fall down her face and she threw her arms around him. Gently he returned the embrace. Running a comforting hand through her hair.
"You're safe now," he said soothingly. She pulled away to look him in the eyes. Their faces were inches apart.
"You saved me. Why?" she asked.
"Truthfully? I couldn't bear the thought of losing you." He answered honestly. Before he knew what was happening the pair of them closed the distance between them and kissed.
It wasn't long or passionate but sweet none the less. The pair pulled apart and he saw her breath hitch.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have..."
"No, it's fine." She said in a whisper.
"I have to go." He said standing up. She nodded.
"Thank you." He returned her nod and left the room.
"Well?" asked the Brigadier.
"She should be alright, however; I suggest she gets lots of rest and doesn't overexert herself too much. I'm sure the Doctor can take it from here. Now if you'll excuse me." He pressed a button on a small remote he had and his TARDIS appeared.
Once he was inside, he set the coordinates to float in the time vortex and went to the area that served as his living room. Sitting down he briefly closed his eyes. Sacrificing his remaining regeneration energy had resulted in him feeling incredibly tired. However, he was more shocked by the kiss.
He didn't know why he did it but he found he did not regret it and Beatrice seemed to have returned the feeling. The Master leaned back. He would have to think more on the subject but now he needed to rest.
Author's Note: Yeah! I was so glad to finally get to write this. I hope everyone is pleased with the payoff. Please like and comment! I love to hear your thoughts, and thanks for reading.
