20/02/2018

I'm back. I'm trying to get a bit better with updating, but no promises. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

When Klary landed, she found herself in the middle of the Tardis. The console room looked more like Twelves, modern but a bit dated. It was her first time in this one... her first time encountering this Doctor. From what she saw on the telly, he was quite standoffish. While the others- Nine and Eleven- were often too close for comfort, she had no idea what to expect from this regeneration. Deciding that she should just deal with it, Klary made her way over to where Clara sat.

The other woman glanced over, stood from the easy chair and gave Klary a hug. As the Doctor continued his work on the blackboard, Klary raised a questioning eyebrow at the companion who shrugged in reply. The man remained silent as he worked but it didn't last long.

"Take a punt." Clara and I shared another look but she replied. "Your choice. Wherever, whenever, anywhere in time and space."

"Well… There is something- someone that I've always wanted to meet. But I know what you'll say." He told her to try him. Klary knew exactly where this was going to go. Robot in Sherwood was one of her favourite Twelve episodes. Meeting the man behind the story also made it great. Klary was an avid reader and as a child enjoyed the stories of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. "You'll say he's made up, that there's no such thing." The Doctor continued to push her. Klary kept watching. "It's… Robin Hood!"

"Robin Hood?" Clara ran up to the gallery to stand next to the alien. Klary took the seat the companion had vacated. The Doctor still hadn't noticed her, or if he did, hadn't thought to greet her. She didn't mind it much. Klary was still unsure as to how their relationship was. When she finally tuned back into their conversation, she caught the Doctor's end. "-outlaw, who robs from the rich and gives to the poor."

Clara giggled. "Yeah!"

"He's made up. There's no such thing."

Clara turned to Klary. "Ah, you see?"

"Don't try to get Klary on your side," he said as he took a book from the shelf. The mentioned woman started at her name. That answered her question then. He had noticed. Klary couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't greeted her though. Maybe they got into a row and she'd vanished before they could both calm? Or maybe something else had happened. All the questions and what-if made Klary wish she could go in order. "Old-fashioned heroes only exist in old-fashioned storybooks, Clara."

"And what about you?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, you. You stop bad thing happening every minute of every day. That sounds pretty heroic to me."

Klary watched as the Doctor turned and pulled a spoon from something and licked it. She knew this Doctor didn't feel much like a hero. After everything that had happened, she knew he wouldn't see himself as one for a while. It hurt her heart to know that especially since he was her hero. He'd saved so many lives and never asked for a thing in return- the known but unknown hero. "Just passing the time." Klary didn't believe that for a second but said nothing as he watched him rush back to the blackboard. "Hey, what about Mars?"

"What?!"

"The Ice Warrior Hives."

"You said it was my choice."

"Or the Tumescent Arrows of the Half-Light. Those girls can hold their drink." Clara called out to him again but he ploughed on. "And fracture fifteen different levels of reality simultaneously. I thing I've got a polaroid somewhere."

"That's enough Doctor. Clara's choice. Robin Hood. Now."

"You always take their side."

"Well you were ignoring her. You told Clara she could choose so do what she wants. Please."

"Very well." The Time Lord went down the stairs and up to the console where he entered in the coordinates. "Earth. England. Sherwood Forest. 1190AD… ish. But you'll be disappointed," he warned as he set the TARDIS in flight.

"Maybe she won't. You just might be surprised, Doctor."

"Is that a clue?"

"No. A statement. Do… do I usually give clues?" He shrugged and moved to the doors, exiting almost immediately. As he did, Clara grabbed hold of Klary's hand and pulled her down the corridors, only to stop when they entered the wardrobe. "Dress up?"

Clara nodded. "I'm sure he'd like to see you all dressed up."

"Would he really? He hasn't really said much to me. And when he did he was…"

"Snappy? Yeah."

"Did future me do something to upset him?"

"I don't think you could do much to upset him. You've not met him before, right?" Klary nodded. "It just might be because of your age."

"Seriously, Clara? He never cared before. But… uh… I suppose I can understand. I'm not the companion he thought I was."

"No. No! Nothing like that. When he changed, I didn't take it well. I think he feels you won't either."

"That's rubbish! That man is such an idiot." Klary stormed up to a rack and pulled out a green dress with cut away sleeves and a slightly dipped collar. Once she was dressed, she pinned up her hair and let some curls free to cascade over her shoulder. Finished, she turned to her companion. "This should do?" Clara nodded, but asked about the wraps she had on her hands. Klary quickly dismissed it, much to Clara's displeasure, and the two made way to the doors. She advised Klary to stay inside for a moment before she exited.

"Might be a little bit much, but what do you reckon, Doctor?"

"By all the saints. Are there more in there?" Klary chuckled and stepped out. She smiled at the man's, Robin Hood, reaction. It was only made better when she found the Doctor staring at her with wide eyes.

"Does it look all right?" The Doctor said nothing, although he did nod. That would be enough for her.

"Is that?"

"No."

"Oh my god. Oh my god! It is, isn't it? You found him. You actually found Robin Hood." Clara gave a giggle and rushed to Klary's side and took the woman's hands. "He really did it! Oh, thank you!" When the woman said she hadn't done anything, Carla quickly refuted. "You told him to bring us. This is amazing."

"That is not Robin Hood!"

"Doctor."

"Well then, who sir, is about to relieve you of your magic box?" Robin questioned as he withdrew his longsword. The Doctor walked onto the bridge, if you could call it that, as he replied with a nobody. "Well then, draw your sword and prove your words."

"He doesn't have one," Klary stated. To prove her words, The Doctor opened his coat to show the other man. "Because I am the Doctor. And this is my spoon," he whipped out the large utensil and held it up, "En garde!" The two began to trade thrusts and parries. Klary and Clara watched, although one was more amused than amazed. Klary couldn't help the laugh that left her when the Doctor hit Robin Hood on the back of the neck, which solicited a pained yelp.

"You're amazing!"

"I've had some experience. Richard the Lionheart. Cyrano de Bergerac. Errol Flynn. He has the most enormous-" Clara cleared her throat. "Ego."

"Takes one to know one." He gave her a pointed look before he slapped Robin's backside.

"Don't forget the Sycorax," Klary added."

"Oh course, love." The young woman blushed. While the others had said it, she hadn't expected him to, with the whole ignoring business. It felt nice though. She knew why, but she also knew it would never happen. Sure, the fanfictions were great, and it felt like she was in her own, but it couldn't happen. Right? Not to her.

Klary is brought from her thoughts by a splash. She looked over when Clara cried out, but moved her gaze to the water. Clara called his name again but before he could respond, the Doctor is pushed into the water. Robin and Clara laughed, and although Klary joined in, she quickly moved to the edge to help the Doctor up, not that he wanted it. His pride was a bit bruised.

After the Doctor had dried off, the three followed Robin Hood to his hideout. As introductions were made, the Doctor went about pulling hair, scanning, and sniffing the Merry Men. Clara gave her friend an exasperated look to which Klary responded with a sigh. There wasn't much she could do but Clara seemed to think she had some form of control over the man. Clara then said something that got the group laughing.

"Stop laughing. Why are you always doing that? Are you all simple or something? I'm going to need a sample." With that he grabbed a goblet, dumped its content and held it out to Robin Hood. The man looked at him in confusion.

Once again, Clara cleared her throat. "Excuse me. Sorry. What are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious, Clara? He doesn't think they're real. He's trying to prove his theory." The Doctor nodded and began to ramble on. At the same time, the women told him to shut up. Once again Clara gave Klary a look. With a sigh, the curly haired woman stepped over to the Doctor's side. "Um, you all right?" It was a stupid question and she knew it. The look he gave her was a clear indication he thought so as well.

"Give me a hint. Anything that could help." Klary bit her lip, unsure of how to answer. "And stop biting your lip. Too young for me to do anything about it." Klary stared at him and stopped favouring her bottom lip. She didn't understand what he meant, but it was a habit of hers. Maybe he was tired of seeing them bleed when she bit too much.

"Um, believe?"

"Is that a question? Honestly, you normally do better than that."

She hung her head and tried to keep tears from forming, to keep his words from affecting her. It didn't work at all. "Sorry," was her croaked reply as she rushed off, pass where everyone was and to a clearing close enough for her to hear but far enough where she knew she wouldn't be bothered. She should have known better really.

Klary was used to being viewed as useless at home, no one said it besides her mother, but she knew. Her dreams were too big and far-fetched. If she'd only gone to veterinary school, been a doctor, then she wouldn't be another body in the crowd. No, she had dreams of being a writer. Her mother never approved of it and her father hated that she wasted her talent. To be honest, she was scared. There was so much that went into being published, and she was terrified she'd fail- that no one would like her works. Sad to say, it was that fear that kept her from sending her books out into the world. Oh, what would her father say if he knew. She was a shame, really. Her siblings were doing better than her, even her younger brother, even though he wasn't the brightest of the five. No, she was stuck at a dead-end job trying to make ends meet and doing nothing with her life. She was a failure and it made sense as to why her siblings were preferred by their mother.

It was near an hour before she was found by Clara. The other woman was furious as she approached and made it very clear it was the Doctor she was upset with. Klary remained silent as she vented, and kept her head down as they approached him. There was nothing she could say, in in all honesty, she wanted to remain invisible to him. The less attention the better. It was what got her through her days in school. She was bullied quite often, particularly after her best friend died, so she knew how to make herself small, to keep out of the sights of those wanting to hurt her. And it bothered her that she was doing so to avoid the Doctor. It shouldn't be that way, but life wasn't fair and she was useless. It was better to let Clara have to spotlight.

The next day, the young women stood at the archery grounds and watched the competition. They were both enthralled with the spectacle, although Klary really wanted to see the castle. Before all this had happened, she had gone to a few old castles, some still grand and others nothing but rubble. It was the history within the walls that had her interest and what did at the very moment. Her attention however was taken away when Clara nudged her and pointed out the Doctor as he approached.

"I'm the Doctor. My skills as a bowman speak for themselves. I claim my reward." The herald knelt before him and handed the Doctor the golden arrow. "A mere bauble," he scoffed as he tossed it aside, towards the Merry Men. "I want something else." The Sheriff, intrigued, asked what. "Enlightenment." Before anything could be said, Robin Hood knocked and released an arrow, splitting the Doctor's. The two go tit for tat for a moment before the Doctor grew frustrated and pointed the sonic at the target, effectively destroying it.

"Fascinating. Seize him!"

The knights drew their swords and approached him. Clara rushed over to a rack and took a halberd off, and attempted to swing it. Unfortunate for her, it was too heavy and it went straight to the ground. The Doctor saw her and told her to put it down. Klary moved aside and watched. There was nothing she could do to help. "I'm fine! I take Year Seven for after school Tae Kwon Do." Klary shook her head and watched it all unfold. Robin Hood jumped in front of them, seeming to decide he could protect them. The two men began to argue, much to both Clara and Klary's annoyance. It wasn't until Robin cut off one of the knight's arms did things get worse though.

The four were taken to the dungeon once they had been captured. Although Klary hadn't taken part in the mess, she was seen speaking with Clara so that was enough for the Sheriff. A skeleton sat against a stake, fastened to the floor. There was a single slit, shaped like a cross that allowed some light in. the four were chained together, the chains running through the hoops set in the floor.

"Splendid. Enchained." Clara gave a terse reply. "Trussed up like turkey-cocks. Thanks to your friend."

"Shut it, Hoodie. I saved your life."

Klary groaned as the men started up again. Why couldn't they shut up. The whole thing was incredibly stupid. They needed to work together in order to get out of the situation, not bicker like idiots. Clara obviously had enough as well. "Will you two shut up!" She screamed. The men were shocked into silence. "Do either of you understand, in any way at all, that there isn't actually a guard out there?" That again brought about a small argument which Clara once again ended. "I said, shut up. The Doctor and Robin Hood locked up in a cell. Is this seriously the best that you can do? You're determined to starve to death in here squabbling."

"Well, I'll tell you one thing. I'd last a lot longer than this desiccated man-crone."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Well, you know what? I think you'll find I have a certain genetic advantage. Oh!"

Klary yanked on the chain that was attached to his wrist. "It's not a damn competition!" When the Doctor went to speak, Klary gave him a glare that immediately shut him up. "Do either of you have a plan? Honestly?" The Doctor nodded, as did Robin Hood.

"Okay. Robin, you first."

"Why-" Klary's sharp glare quieted him. If she glared that much, he knew he'd upset her. He couldn't think of anything besides the arguing though. He just didn't like how Robin Hood and his men had looked at her. It also didn't help that Robin Hood was a story, that he wasn't supposed to exist.

"I am… bidding my time."

"Thank you, Prince of Thieves." Clara sighed before she turned to the Doctor. "Last of the Time Lords?"

"Yes, I have a plan."

"One without the screwdriver," Klary stated. "It's been confiscated, remember." The Doctor sighed and asked to hear Robin's plan first.

"Oh, for god's sake."

As she finished, the door unlocked. "See? There was a guard. There was a guard listening the whole time. I knew it," Robin said before he began to laugh once again. Klary rolled her eyes and hit her head against the pole. She'd had enough of it all, so much so that she ignored everything the guard said. It wouldn't make a difference anyways as she knew what was to happen.

The bickering started up once more and neither man noticed that Clara had been unchained. She locked eyes with Klary who gave her a sorry shrug. It made sense that they took her, although Klary did wish the men would have paid more attention. She couldn't understand how they could be so stupid, so testosterone fuelled. Then again, they were men. By the time they realised, Clara was being led out.

Klary really wished she had a gun at the moment, anything to end the never-ending headache she had. The two would not shut up for anything. With Clara gone, the chains were slacker, which let to Klary scooting way from the two. It wasn't much, but she wasn't directly next to them and spent the minutes in her own head. She knew the two would eventually come up with something and in the end, everything would work out.

It was a few moments, mainly jerky as she was still attached to the two, before the guard entered the room. Klary paid no attention to what was said as it didn't matter to her. Two great minds were trying to get them out of their predicament, at least until the key fell down the drain. Klary let out an irritated groan before she tried to get as comfortable as she could on the stone floor.

Twenty or so minutes later, the three were finally out of their chains. As they ran up the stairs, the Doctor spotted a metal doorway, one that he quickly entered. Klary and Robin followed after and found themselves in a long room, spartan and metal, with a glowing hemisphere on a console.

"At last. Something real. No more fairy tales." Klary rolled her eyes at his rude behaviour. It was honestly so mind boggling that he could be so bad. She knew he was rude, every Doctor was, but he seemed to be so much worse.

"What is this place?"

"A spaceship. More twenty ninth century than twelfth. Data banks, data banks, data banks. Where was this ship headed?" He messed with the screen some more and it changed. "The Promised Land again. Like the Half-Faced Man, but more sophisticated. It disguised itself as a twelfth century castle." The screen changed once again and showed the ship landing. "It merges into the culture and tries to keep a low profile, so no one notices. That explains the robot knights. But the engines. The engines are damaged. They're leaking radiation into the local atmosphere, creating a temporary climate of staggering benevolence."

"I beg pardon?"

"It's too sunny," Klary quickly stated.

"Yes, too sunny. It's too green. And there is even an evil sheriff to oppress the locals. This explains everything, even you."

"It does?"

"No, it doesn't," the brunette replied as she gave the Doctor a pointed glare.

"Well, what does every oppressed peasant workforce need? The illusion of hope. Some silly story to get them through the day, lull them in docility, and to keep them working."

"Doctor, stop."

"Ship's data banks. Full of every myth and legend you could hope for, including Robin Hood." He brought up the data bank to show various books and photos of when the man was played by Patrick Troughton. "Isn't it time you come clean with me? You're not real and you know it. Look at you. Perfect eyes. Perfect teeth. Nobody has a jawline like that. You're as much a part of what is happening here as the Sheriff and his metal knights. You're a robot."

"Doctor, that's enough!"

The Doctor rolled his eyes, clearly done with it all. To him, Klary was being stubborn. He was used to it, but she was taking the act a little too far for his liking. "Oh, come on Klary. Drop the act. You know he's a robot."

"You dare to accuse me of collusion with that villain, the Sheriff?"

"I dare."

"And I said stop it. Stop it right now! He's Robin Hood. He's a person!"

Unfortunately, nothing Klary had said seemed to register with Robin. "You false-tongued knave! I should have skewered you when I had the chance!" Before anyone could respond, the door was blown open.

The Sheriff then entered with Clara and his knights, although the brunette was an unwilling addition to his entourage. "Surrender, outlaw."

"Very good." When the Sheriff ordered for Robin to be killed, the Doctor scoffed. Unbeknownst to him, Klary had moved closer to Robin. "You can drop all that stuff now, Sheriff." Clara called out to the Doctor, confusion laced in her voice. "He is not what you think he is. This is all play-acting."

"And you're an idiot," Klary spat as she stood in front of the man. "You can't let them kill him!" As she saw Clara move to her, she motioned for her friend to stay where she was.

"You're not fooling anyone, Sheriff." Quite suddenly a blast knocked Robin off his feet. Klary avoided the other robots and helped the downed man up. As he stood, the two moved towards the window. At the edge, he wrapped a hand around Klary's waist.

"Robin, there's a better way to do this."

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"Surviving," was Robin Hood's response as he and Klary fell through the window. The curly haired woman was silent during the fall, much to Robin's surprise. He had expected more screaming. When he brought her to shore, Klary pushed away from him and pushed her coils from her face. It was going to be hell detangling her hair, absolute hell.

Klary silently followed Robin as he led her to the hideaway. She was well aware of what was to happen, and she was glad she'd gone in Clara's stead. She had a feeling there were certain things she could keep from Robin that Clara wouldn't be able to, and she hoped what she did tell wouldn't upset the Doctor too much. As they sat, Robin's face took a serious turn as he glared at her. "You will tell me everything this Doctor knows about Robin Hood and his Merry Men."

Klary returned his stare as she thought for a moment. "I don't think that's what you really want to know. So, ask me and I will tell you what I can."

"It is. Then I want you to tell me exactly who this Doctor is and what are his plans." Klary sighed and begun to tell Robin all she knew of him. When she finished, she gave an abridged version of who the Doctor was, doing her best not to say too much. This version of him seemed easily irritated, especially when it came to her, and Klary wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Once her story was complete, she and Robin devised a plan, a rescue. The pair skulked through the night until they finally reached the castle. We watched the Doctor as he spoke to the Sheriff. To Klary's ears, he sounded a lot angrier than he had on the show. It wasn't until he asked about her did she realise that her being taken caused it. He'd spent most of the trip ignoring or making rude comments to her, that she couldn't understand why he happened to be so worried.

"Yes! Yes, it would. Wouldn't it? Yes, that would be a rubbish idea. Why would you do that? But he can't be. He's not real. He's a legend!"

"Too kind! And this legend doesn't come alone," Robin voiced. Klary waved to the pair below and grabbed onto Robin's waist as he ran his dagger through the tapestry and slid us down. When they landed, the man in tights checked that Klary was all right before he addressed the Sheriff. "Good. My men have taken the castle."

"No!"

"Now I'm going to take you."

The sheriff held out his hand, halting the knights who had taken a step forward. Klary had moved to stand by the Doctor and Clara, the former giving the curly-haired woman a tight hug. "This one's all mine." He then deactivated the amulet that hung around his neck. "What do you saw, outlaw? A final reckoning?" Robin replied quite enthusiastically and the two prepared for their dual.

As the trio watched, the Doctor asked Klary if she were okay. She gave a curt nod but kept her attention on Robin Hood. She disregarded what he and Clara said; Klary honestly didn't care. It was far more entertaining to watch the fight before her, even if she was positive Robin would win. She grinned as Robin used a rope to end up in the rafters, although the Sheriff soon followed. Klary let out a gasp as the Sheriff cut Robin's arm and relieved him of his sword. Yet her grim expression turned into a smile as he mimicked the Doctor's move from their earlier shenanigans. That was quite literally the end of the Sheriff, as he fell into the crucible, filled with melted gold.

"Sorry. Was that, er, was that showing off?"

"It doesn't matter. Run," Klary laughed as she took his hand and pulled him out. She tripped a bit, but the quartet made it to the moat and watched as the spaceship attempted to take off.

"It's never going to make it. Not enough gold. It'll never make it into orbit." The Doctor began to look around, patting his pockets. "Where is it? Where did it go?"

As Clara asked what exactly he was looking for, Klary and Robin called out 'Tuck!' and the man in question stepped forward and handed them the golden arrow. He seemed surprised that Tuck had it, but was quickly reminded that they were thieves.

"Doctor, what are you suggesting?"

"Golden arrow. It might just be enough gold content to get the ship into orbit and out of harm's way." He offered Robin the bow and arrow.

"No, it has to be you. My arm is injured."

Before the Doctor could try, Klary stepped up and took the bow and arrow. "He can't. Cheated." The Doctor grumbled and she tried not to take offense. "But you guys can do it together."

"What about you?" Clara questioned. "You like getting in on the action just as much as him."

"Not quite yet. It's fine. You three save the day." Klary gave a weak smile and stepped off to the side to watch them. When the ship had exploded, cheers rang through and Alan began to sing. One of the men snatched away the lute and put an end to it. There was laughter, and in the end an overall good time.

A while later, the four quickly went back to the stream, where Clara received an archery lesson from Robin. The Doctor was speaking to the Merry Men, although every so often he would look at her or Clara. Klary just watched from a distance, even refusing when Clara asked her to join. She had too much on her mind, and at the moment, she didn't want to bring down anyone's spirits. It wouldn't really be fair to them.

Klary knew the talk that was coming and said a quick farewell to Robin and went into the Tardis. She looked around, finally able to have a real moment alone, and walked up to the console. Careful not to touch any buttons, she stroked it, and said a hello to the ship. A moment later, she went straight to the wardrobe and changed into something a bit more comfortable and practical. She wasn't sure if she would immediately leave, or if she would remain on board for a while longer. But she wanted to be prepared. Finished, she made her way back to the front of the ship. When she reached, Clara sat on the stairs, seemingly waiting for the Doctor.

She smirked when he entered. "Admit it. You like him."

"Well, I'm leaving him a present, aren't I?" Clara laughed and jumped up. With that, she rushed deeper into the Tardis.

The Doctor and Klary stood in silence for a few minutes, with the prior having gone back to his blackboard. Klary didn't really know what to do, so she sat on the stairs and waited for him to say something, anything. She was more confused with this him than she was with his other incarnations. At least they seemed to like her. Right now, she felt completely unwanted. Useless.

"You told him too much."

Klary started at his words. She had tried her best to keep it short, but she supposed when it came to talking about the Time Lord, she did get overly excited. It was that way when she was home. "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry? Honestly Klary, you should know better."

"Sorry." The young woman bit her lip and tried her best not to cry.

"Is that all you can say?"

"What else is there to say! I get it, I'm useless and I talk too much. You don't have to rub it in."

"Who said anything about you being useless?" Klary stared at him, taken aback by his confusion. "I didn't say you were useless. You just talk too much. It's been a problem for centuries. Although, by now you'd have slapped me or something. Why haven't you?"

"Seriously?! This is only my fourth trip with you."

"Fourth? No. I would have known."

"Obviously not. It's fine, Doctor. I know I'm just a stowaway. No worries. I'll just make myself scarce." With that, she left the console room and began to wander the halls.

As she reached a dimly lit corridor, a door opened up. Thanking the old girl, she entered and found herself in a nicely decorated bedroom. It was mainly blue, purple and black, her favourite colours. It didn't take long for her to navigate it, and find the bathroom. After a quick shower, Klary climbed into bed and fell into a fitful sleep. Unbeknownst to her, a few hours later, the Doctor joined her, even if he just sat there and watched her sleep.

So it's finally done. I have honestly forgotten to post this so it's my bad. But yay, this chapter is finally up. If there's any confusion feel free to let me know. I tried to be clear with a lot of things, but sometimes I miss my own mistakes. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and let me know what you thought.