Chapter 7: The Challenge

The Cybermen took the Doctor to Paris, the far side of the Eiffel Tower. The Master was waiting for him there.

"Ah, Doctor. I hope you didn't mind my silver friends helping you escape. After all, I couldn't let those dreadful robotic pepper pots kill you. This brings me to the reason we are here. Your companion is at the peak of the Eiffel Tower. You have to rescue her in five minutes. If I were you, I wouldn't go straight up there. We've set bombs and if they sense your TARDIS anywhere near them, they'll blow. I will allow you one journey in your TARDIS. GO!" The Master cried.

The Doctor blinked, nodded and strode into the TARDIS. He knew exactly what to do.

Rose was looking right at the Rani. She had cold, grey eyes that were boring into Rose's warm, hazel pair. She strutted over to Rose. As she began to speak, Rose lashed out with her foot, stamping on the Rani's toes. She cried out, but Rose silenced her with a heel to the temple. The Rani crumpled. Now all Rose could do was wait.

The Doctor sprinted up the staircase, sonic screwdriver in hand. He continued as fast as he could, glancing at his watch. He had two minutes left. He reached the second level, but still he ran. After what seemed like ages, he got to the stairs leading to the top. Another glance: forty seconds. Breathing heavily he carried on. Finally he was there. The Doctor stopped, panting. He looked up into the eyes of his enemy.

"Time's up Doctor" drawled a deep voice in front of him.

It was only now that the Doctor realized the Master's arm was extended, Rose at the other end.

His arm retracted; Rose fell.

A blue box whizzed underneath them. The doors opened and Rose fell into the TARDIS. It sped away.

The following explosion shook the whole of Paris. The Eiffel Tower was a burning wreck.

The TARDIS materialised next to the main bulk of rubble. Rose stepped out followed by the ninth incarnation of the Doctor. The tenth Doctor was walking towards them both, grinning. Rose looked extremely puzzled.

"So how can you be here if you're dead?" she queried, pointing at the ninth Doctor.

"I went back in the TARDIS to just before I met you, Rose. Do you remember? In the shop? When I told you to run? Just before that. Picked up this fella. He flew the TARDIS. He caught you" replied the tenth Doctor.

"Well, this is weird. Saving your life before I even see you. Magic! So, where do we go?" the ninth Doctor questioned.

Rose explained about the year five billion, Cardiff to defeat the Gelth, to 10 Downing Street with the Slitheen, to Canada in 2012 to fight the Dalek, Satellite Five, to see her father and to WWII with the Empty Child.

"By the way, the last thing you do is take the power of the TARDIS from me after I destroy the Daleks. Then you regenerate into him." She said, indicating the tenth Doctor.

"Ah, that's not too bad," he said quietly. He stood up. "Would you mind taking me back now, Doctor?" inquired the ninth Doctor.

"Of course, Doctor" grinned the tenth Doctor.

The ninth Doctor opened the doors of the TARDIS. Rose's shop was there. He clapped once and rubbed his hands.

"Righto, Rose, I'm off to save your life," he laughed.

Rose laughed and shoved him out of the doors.

"See you soon!" she exclaimed.

The ninth Doctor shut the doors. Rose turned to the tenth Doctor.

"What now?" she asked.

"Where do you want to go?" he countered.

"Home" said Rose, simply.

"Alright." The Doctor replied.

DOCTOR WHO WILL RETURN