Chapter Five

''Martha?'' The Doctor spoke quietly, and nervously. It was one thing to have an alien pointing a gun at you, but your own companion? That was a little too far. ''Martha, put the gun down..'' The Doctor took a small step towards her, reaching out a trembling hand.

''No!'' Martha screamed, jerking the gun forwards at the Doctor, watching as he took his step back. The Doctor could hear someone laughinf in the shadows, and watched as the Master appeared, holding a large bag of jelly babies, standing next to the tied up Donna. The Doctor's face twisted in shock and anger. ''Master..'' His voice was dark and stern, embedded with fury. ''How did you survive? Lucy shot you, i watched you die.'' He spat his words out in disgust.

''You of all people should know to check someones heartbeats, Doctor. Clinging to life like a son of a gun. Thank you for the cremation, by the way. So...heartfelt.'' The Master mocked. ''But, unlike you, i have managed to master the skill of regenration. I know how to obtain my rocking good looks'' The Master laughed. The Doctor turned his attention back to Martha, who was now shaking. ''Martha, please...You don't want to do this--''

''What do you know? You don't care about me!! All you care about is your precious Rose! You don't give a damn about me, you don't look at me for me, you're remembering her! You take me for granted, Doctor, and i'm sick of it. Already you've moved onto your next companion, didn't take you long did it?! You say you were gone for twelve hours! You're just like everyone else,'' Martha continued her rant, speaking at hyper-speed. Her eyes were wide and wild, her hair stood up on edge like some crazy escaped lunatic. ''You use them, then spit them out! You go on about how you love humans so much, but you'll never know what it's like to be one!'' The Master waved a hand and stood behind her.

''Actually, he has been human before. Chameleon Arch? John Smith? 1913?...No?'' He moved back to his seat and resumed eating his sweets.

''It's so easy for you to lock away your feelings, you can put this front on and show people that you can be strong, i wish i could do that, but i can't, because i'm human. I have emotions, and i'm proud of them, embarressed by some, but still proud!'' Martha continued, as though she hadn't been interrupted.

''That's what you really think? That i don't have emotions, that i'm some sort of robot with all my feelings locked in some deep dark space? I have no option, but to lock myself away! 900 years old Martha, 900 years of human companions, all lived and died, i've had to abandon them because i outlive everyone i've ever cared for. That's why it's so hard for me to open up to you. I can't fall for you Martha, i can't love you like i want to, because i know i'll end up leaving you, and it will cause us both heartache!'' Tears streamed freely down his face, looking more vulnerable than ever. He spread his arms wide and breathed in sharply. ''So go ahead and do it. Put an end to both our miseries, because i can't handle this no more.'' He stared into Martha's eyes years of pain visable in his eyes, Martha's expression softened, then looked at the Master from the corner of her eye.

''I'm so sorry, Doctor...'' She spun on her heel and fired at the Master, sending him flying into the wall, Donna -who had now broken free from her restrains- jumped to avoid the shot. The trio watched as the Master's body writhed in pain, screams tormenting their ears. His flesh bubbled and blistered, each popping and letting of a viscious stench. His body smoked, covering the room in a dark grey vapour. Soon the mist died away, and all that was left of the Master's body was a large pile of ash. Martha collapsed on the floor in fits of sobs, the Doctor bent down beside her, attepmting to comfort her but she shrugged him away. The Doctor stood up, hurt and upset by Martha's rejection, and headed towards the TARDIS. Donna took Martha by the hand and led her too towards the TARDIS, down the corridor and to her room, where she lay, still sobbing, while the Doctor remained in the contol room.

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Not exactly a big chapter i know, but i hope it was action packed...Also, Woop! The Doctor confessed his lurve for Miss Jones! But on a larger scale, Will Martha and the Doctor be okay? Is their friendship destroyed!

XXX Stephers XXX