I do not own any of the Doctor Who characters. Just my own creations. Thank you so much for the comments they were very appreciated. I hope you enjoy this segment as much as I did writing it. Apologizes for the delay I meant to have this up a few days after this first part, but life happens when you least expect it. Oh, and a quick note: This is my first DW fanfic and any type of writing in sci-fi so bear with me as I learn. ^.^
"The Doctor? That's an odd name, sounds more like a title." Renee remarked aloud.
"What is it with people getting so preoccupied with my name?" the Doctor asked. "I don't going around saying people's names sound odd. And believe me I've heard some down right 'odd' ones myself."
Donna shot the Doctor a look. "So about the building shakin' all by itself?" she prompted.
"Oh right now that is odd. How can just a building shake all by itself." the Doctor said, trailing off into thought.
Renee looked at Donna who shrugged, as if to say this happens all the time so what can you do? Renee then turned her attention to Marge, who was rubbing her leg trying to get the feeling back into it. "Are you alright?" Renee asked quietly.
Marge looked up and smiled. "Yes dear I'm quite alright. Thank you for getting help so quickly. I'm just glad that you're safe and that the Doctor is here."
Renee smiled weakly. She didn't show it, but she was visibly shaken by the events so far. Seeing her mentor and friend trapped like that; it was hard. Marge had been the central figure in her life, the surrogate parent when there had been none before as far as Renee could remember. She had graciously given her the job at the Library to help her onto her own to feet, and Renee did not know what she would do the day that Marge would no longer be here to comfort her and give her advice. Pulling herself from dangerous thoughts, she asked Marge: "Do you know the Doctor then?"
"Yes, from a long time ago, when I was a First Assistant Librarian like yourself." Marge said.
Renee glanced at the Doctor in surprise. Marge was in her early sixties. It did not seem possible; Marge had started in the Library in her early twenties and the Doctor looked no more than in his early thirties. "Marge how is that possible-"
"Does this place have some sort of basement?" The Doctor asked suddenly, interrupting Renee mid-sentence.
"Yes, of course. Its the level we keep most of the leather bound manuscripts. Its temperature controlled so they can be preserved." Marge said.
"Yes but anything under that? You know a basement. You know, where you keep all your christmas decorations and old clothing. That sort of basement." the Doctor said, shaking his head.
"Well, no."Marge said. "All of our decorations are stored elsewhere in the University's storage. Since the construction of the Library we've acquired so many books and manuscripts that the original basement was converted to house them. And there is only one sub level to this place."
"That's not true Marge. Do you not remember the door?" Renee asked.
The Doctor looked intrigued. "Door? What door?"
"Oh yes I'd forgotten. Its the door no one's been able to get into, not even myself." Marge said. "Legends about this place say that that door leads to a level underneath the old basement, that houses some of the information of the lost peoples and civilizations of this world."
"Others say that that the door leads to a place of darkness where lost souls of the people who's ground this University is built upon dwell, waiting for unsuspecting victims to devour and it was sealed to starve them. But all they are are stories. I suspect some students were hurt or maybe even killed there when this place first opened, and they sealed off that level so no one else would get hurt and then it was forgotten."Renee said.
"Well now thats interesting. Behind every myth and legend there is always some sort of truth waiting to be discovered." the Doctor said, getting a strange gleam in his eye. "And I suspect that whatever shook this place is down in that basement. Because what ever made this Library shake did so at the very foundation. And the only way to find out what that is is to travel down there."
"There's no point. That door's been sealed and no one's ever been able to break it open I'm sure this has a rational explanation to all of it. Its possible that there is a fault line underneath this place and the quake resulting from it was not strong enough to effect a wide area around the Library."Renee said, helping Marge to her feet.
"Oh yes thats it it was a fault line underneath the Library." the Doctor said scratching his head. "Oh come on now do you really believe that? In the back of your mind do you honestly believe that a fault line caused this? No! It doesn't make any sense! Any quake resulting in a fault line of any size would create a rippling effect. It wouldn't effect just the Library. And besides, even if the surround area didn't feel the quake I would."
At that comment Donna rolled her eyes. "Oy, before you two start bickering at each other I think we need to get the Head Librarian somewhere she can sit down and rest." she said.
Renee glance at Marge. She was standing, but barely. Leaning heavily against the wall, she smiled weakly at the group. "I'm quite alright really, just a little tired."
"Tired or not Donna's right you should be sitting down. Come on Marge let me help you." Renee said, helping Marge to stand. "There is a lounge for staff down on the first floor. We can go there."
They all hurried down the stairs quickly as they could manage. When they reached the first floor, Renee pointed out where the lounge was and Donna sprinted ahead to get the door open for her and Marge. She got her quickly in, and helped Marge slip into one of the comfortable chairs. The Doctor took the rear, surveying the room as he entered it. "Nice,"he said. "Very like you would expect a Library lounge would be. Almost like a study with a little kitchenette attached. Quaint."
Renee glanced at the Doctor puzzled, then turned her attention to Marge. "You're very lucky looks like you only have a few bruises and cuts. Donna the medical kit is that desk drawer there can you hand me it?" she said.
Donna rummaged in the desk Renee pointed at and pulled out a small silver case. She held it up and Renee nodded. Donna quickly brought it over. As Renee tended to Marge's wounds the Doctor wandered around examining things and muttering to himself. "Is he always like this?" she whispered to Donna.
Donna rolled her eyes but a soft smiled played on her lips. "Sometimes its worse. He's all over the place that man. Drives me mad but he can make sense when he wants to."
"Are you two together then?" Renee asked before she realized what she'd said. As soon as she realized it her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth. "I'm sorry how imprudent of me!"
Donna chuckled. "Its quite alright you wouldn't believe how many times I've been asked that. And no we're not; never ever would we be."
Renee could feel the blood rushing to her face. Why in the world did she ask that? She asked, "Marge would you like a cup of tea?"
Marge nodded, to tired to speak. Renee stood up and went to the little kitchenette and began to make tea. "Anyone else?" she called.
Donna said yes and Renee could hear the Doctor mutter something, though she wasn't so sure what it was he'd said. She made tea for everyone and brought it back setting it on the coffee table in the middle of the room. "So Doctor, what do you plan on doing now?" Marge asked quietly from her chair.
The question seemed to startle the Doctor. "Well, Going down to the archives to that door sounds like a good idea." he said.
"But nobody can get it the door to open." Renee said sitting in the chair next to Marge.
Donna took the chair opposite them. "Well the Doctor's not just nobody." she said sipping her tea.
The Doctor grinned. "Exactly! And all I really need is this." he said, and pulled out the sliver instrument he'd had earlier.
"What is that thing anyway?" Renee asked.
"Sonic screwdriver. Can get anything open. Well, almost anything except deadlock seals. So where is the door exactly?"
Marge answered that question. "In the archives its the door at the farthest end of the room. Its red so you can't really miss it. Renee of course can show you the way; she knows those archives like the back of her hand."
Renee froze at Marge's suggestion and cursed silently. Holding her tea cup half way to her lips she shot an evil glare at the Head Librarian, who ignored her. "Brilliant! Lets go!" the Doctor said, heading for the door. Donna quickly put her tea cup down and followed him out.
"What were you thinking? I don't want any part of this!" Renee hissed, setting her own cup down.
"Well I'm in no shape to go and someone has to show them the way." Marge said a smile playing on her lips.
"You could have given them directions! I don't want to go anywhere near that door! I hate that door it makes me feel strange and comfortable, you know that." Renee said, looking pleadingly at her mentor and friend.
"Maybe the Doctor can help you figure out why you feel that way dear. And you know why you have to go Renee, directions just don't cut it even for him."
Renee knew she was right. It was very easy to get lost down in the archives. The whole of it was a mile wide and long and the corridors were like a maze. Renee had spent most of her young life exploring the archives much to the annoyance of the other librarians their assistants. She was the only one who cold navigate them fully.
Sighing and knowing she was beaten, Renee stood and hugged Marge. "I'm glad you're okay." she whispered. "I'll get them there and back as quick as I can."
"Are you coming or not?" came the Doctor's voice from the door.
He had popped his head back in to see what was taking so long. She turned to him, slightly irritated. "Yes, I'm coming." she said and brushed past him.
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"Can you hold the light higher please Donna? I can't see the keys." Renee said, squinting in the pale light from the electric lamps and torches they'd retrieved from the lobby help desk.
"Sorry." Donna said, holding the lamp higher.
Renee ignored the Doctor's impatient sighing and sorted through her keyring. As First Assistant Librarian, she was one of a few who had a key for almost every door in the Library and it was time consuming when having to find just one.
Making a small noise of triumph, she found the basement door key and inserted into the lock. Unlocking it quickly she said, "There is a chamber right on the inside of this door that we have to step through before entering the actual Archives. Won't take but a few moments."
"Ah a Disinfectant Chamber I'm assuming. Lovely!" The Doctor said.
Renee nodded in agreement. "What is a Disinfectant Chamber exactly?" Donna asked.
"Its a chamber that kills all bacteria that might make some of our older contents disintegrate at a very rapid rate." Renee said as they stepped into the chamber.
"Are we going to get sprayed or something?" Donna asked, taking note of the small jets inserted all around the small room.
"You might say that." The Doctor said, slightly grinning. "Just watch out."
Donna looked confused. "Watch out for what-"
A few moments later they stepped out of the chamber into the archive side. Donna was shaking with anger and the Doctor was trying not to laugh at her. Renee looked around. Long corridors stretched for what seemed like forever, branching off in random sections. Doors dotted the walls every few feet.
"Oh come on Donna it wasn't that bad." The Doctor said following Renee down the corridors
"I am not bloody talking to you right now you stupid space man." Donna said fuming. "I was soaked, powdered and blown dry like some rag doll that's been bloody soiled! I hate you!"
The Doctor chuckled and swung his lamp. Renee ignored them both. That strange, uncomfortable feeling she always got as she neared the door was increasing and it was distracting her. It wasn't painful, this feeling, but it just made her uneasy. Like something was waiting patiently to happen, and it was up to her to start the process. It was like she had electricity vibrating through her. They turned a corner and suddenly the door was staring them in the face. "We're here." Renee said quietly shuddering involuntary.
The Doctor's demeanor changed instantly. It went from teasing and playful to serious. Without saying a word he pushed past Renee and went to the door. Place his ear to the door, the Doctor seemed to listen to the door to the room beyond. "There is a slight vibration coming from behind the door. Its almost like its humming." he said, mostly to himself. "I wonder whats making that vibration."
He reaching into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out his sonic screwdriver. He aimed it at the door's knob and turned it on. It made a pulsating noise that Renee found strange. Suddenly there was a loud clicking noise. The Doctor smiled and placed the sonic screwdriver back inside his pocket. "Told you," he said. "Anything but deadlock seals."
"That's all well and good, but what's behind the door?" Donna asked.
"Dunno. Haven't opened it yet." he said.
"Not talking to you." Donna said glaring at the Doctor.
"Oh well lets open it then." Renee said and reached for the knob.
Suddenly her hand stopped and hovered above the knob. The feeling had increased immensely and it was making her afraid. It had never been this bad; her whole body was tingling. Renee took a big intake of breath and pushed the fear deep down. She grabbed the knob, and the feeling stopped. Without realizing it she had closed her eyes. She opened them back up and turned the knob.
"Interesting." She heard the Doctor mutter as she walked through the door.
Renee looked at her surroundings. In the dim lamplight, the walls were a nondescript gray stone. Renee couldn't tell how old they were; they were made of a stone she'd not seen anywhere else in the Library. There was a short path ahead of them and what looked like the beginnings of steps. The Doctor and Donna had already come through the door when Renee turned around. "I don't like the feel of this place," she said. "Maybe we should just go back Doctor."
She trembled slightly, as if tying resisting the temptation to walk towards the stairs.
"And miss out on the adventure? Your choice but I'm going on ahead. Donna what about you?" The Doctor said not missing Renee's body quiver.
"Sorry mate, but I go where he goes." Donna said, looking apologetically at Renee and continuing to ignore the Doctor. "Wouldn't miss any of this for anything."
Renee knew she should just go back the way they'd came. She just had to show them the way; she didn't have to go if she didn't really want to. But the curiosity was overwhelming her fear. "All right one look won't hurt." she said.
The Doctor smiled. "All right then, allons-y!" he cried and headed down the path.
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It seemed like forever before they reached the end of the stairs. They had spiraled downwards and by the end of the stairs Renee felt a little motion sick. And what they found at the end of the stairs was quite puzzling. They were in a large circular room and it was bare, made of the same stone as above. But what was interesting about the place is that the entire floor was marked with symbols, almost like a seal. The Doctor had pulled out some glasses and put them on and was examining the symbols upon the floor. "Fascinating," he said. "Its not anything I immediately recognize. And your sure that there are no records about this room at all?"
Renee sighed and glanced up from the symbols. "As I stated before Doctor, no one has been in this place as far back as records or anyone's memory shows." she said, crouching down. "And there is nothing in the Library that is even remotely like these either."
The Doctor looked puzzled. "This has only happened to me once before, a long time ago. I ended up meeting The Devil then. Hmm." he said, mostly to himself.
"You met the devil? Are you joking?" Donna said coming to crouch down by Renee.
"No, I'm not. It was me and Rose on this planet that was orbiting a black hole and-"
Suddenly the room darkened and there was a tinkling noise of broken glass. Renee let out a yelp of surprise and pain. She'd knocked over one of the lamps and it trying to retrieve it had cut a finger. "Sorry, I'm alright." she said and squeezed her finger to make the blood well and clot. "God this smarts!"
The Doctor, seeming to adjust to the new light better than anyone, came over to Renee and examined her hand. "Just a few cuts, nothing serious. We can fix it when we get back." he said turning over her hand.
As he looked her hand over, a drop of blood welled up and dropped to the floor. Suddenly, the room was full of light and a fierce wind whipped up. Renee and Donna cried out and everyone flung their arms over their faces to shield their eyes. Renee scrambled backwards and hit a wall.
"What's happening?!" Donna cried joining her. "Doctor what did you do?"
"I didn't do anything!" The Doctor shouted.
A shrill whistle then started and Renee and Donna covered their ears. "Doctor make it stop!" Renee shouted. "Do something!"
"I don't know what to do!" The Doctor shouted back. "Everyone just cover your ears and shut your eyes!"
The wind, whistle and light continued on for several moments and as sudden as it came it stopped. Renee opened her eyes and put her hands down. Looking around tentatively, she saw the Doctor and Donna huddled together but looking around as well.
Renee ears' suddenly pricked. There was a faint noise coming from below the floor. It sounded almost like singing. The Doctor and Donna were talking and didn't seem to hear the noise. Renee felt a sudden compulsion to stand. Without even really thinking, she had stood and started walking to the middle of the floor, all the while the singing getting louder and louder. The Doctor shushed Donna and watched Renee walk to the almost middle of the room. He tilted his head, as if he too could hear the lovely voices softly singing in Renee's ear. Renee was now not really aware anymore of her surroundings. The singing had completely filled her. It poured through every part of her; had entered her soul. She barely heard the Doctor when he asked what was wrong. "Its so beautiful, so sweet." was all she managed to reply back to him.
She hardly felt the tears that were running down her face nor the rumbling of the floor beneath her.
"What is? Doctor what is wrong with her?" Donna asked, walking up to Renee and snapped her fingers in Renee face. "Its almost like she's in a trance."
"That's exactly it Donna. She's been entranced. Mostly likely by whatever was locked beneath that seal. Right now Donna, whatever it is its singing to her." The Doctor said, examining Renee's features as he too came close.
"But I don't hear any singing. Is she gonna be alright?"
"I don't know."
"Well fat lot of help you are then."
The Doctor rolled his eyes. "Now is not the time Donna." he said. "We have to get her out of that trance. Somehow."
"Maybe we should get her upstairs. You know, like cellulars when you get too far away from a tower. The signal gets weaker. Maybe if we do that she'll snap out of it."
"Brilliant Donna! We'll carry her upstairs!" The Doctor said, smiling at Donna.
Just as the Doctor reached for Renee, the light blazed up around her. Suddenly the Doctor and Donna were thrown back by an invisible force and slammed into a wall. Renee turned to them and said in a bundle of voices that were not her own, "Do not touch the vessel!"
The Doctor was taken aback, but only for a moment. He stood and set his face in a grim determination. "Who are you?" he asked.
Renee, engulfed in the light, did not answer. "I said, 'who are you'?" the Doctor repeated. "Do not make me asked again."
" We are One, we are Many. We have no Name." said the many voices through Renee.
"Okay then never heard of something not having a name. What do you want then?" The Doctor asked.
"Freedom! Freedom from our prison!" the voices snarled. "Trapped for so many eons all we wish is to be free! To walk among the light once more."
Donna looked at Renee. "Then why posses Renee then?" she asked. "Why take her over?"
"She is the vessel to set us free. Her lifeblood will let us walk in the light! Walk as fleshly beings, not this diluted form that possesses this body!"
"So your going to kill her is that it?" The Doctor asked, his voice hardening. "Spill her blood on the floor to break the seal?"
Renee's possessors said nothing. "That's it isn't it? She spilled blood on your prison door and now its the only key to open it. Oh that's brilliant. A DNA lock so that anyone who happens on this place will have to give their life to set you free. You must have done something absolutely horrible to deserve this. I wonder what it was hm?" he said, working it out as he went along. "What did you do to deserve such a horrible punishment?"
"It is not of your concern Doctor!" the voices snapped. "Those who thought our nature was too powerful imprisoned us here. We did nothing wrong!"
The Doctor's head snapped up and his eyes widened. "Doctor, you didn't tell it your name. I know you didn't." Donna said. "That thing knows your name.
"It must have gleaned Renee's surface memories and plucked my name out." The Doctor said to her. "Fascinating. Really really. Just a drop of blood has released you enough that you could posses someone and glean her memories. I wonder what you be like free. Ah, but of course we'll never know. Because I'm not going to let you kill a living being."
The being inside Renee glared at the Doctor. "You pretend to know everything, Doctor, yet you know so little. You travel so far, running away from your past and everything that you fear." The entity said, raising Renee's arm and spreading her hand wide in the direction of the Doctor and Donna. "And Donna Noble. So young, and terrified of the things she has seen."
"Well thanks for the compliment mate but I'm not terrified of anything!" Donna said, glaring.
The Doctor smiled reassuringly at Donna noting the surprise in her voice and then turned back to Renee, his face set again in grim determination. "I want you out of Renee right now. If you leave her, I'll help you find a way out of your prison without killing her. I can find you some place where you can be free." he said. "What ever it is that you have done to be imprison is not my concern. Just let Renee go and we can work something out. I'm only going give you this chance once. "
Renee stood silent again, her features set in a thoughtful expression by the entities that possessed her. She lowered her hand and closed her eyes. The Doctor approached her slowly. As he drew up close to her the Doctor whispered her name. Renee eyes shot back open, but this time the Doctor could tell it was Renee in them. "Doctor." she said, her voice pleading. "So much pain and anger they have. Please help them. I can barely stand it."
"I know I know. I'm so sorry." the Doctor said. "I'm going to put you to sleep alright? Just for a few moments and then everything will be alright."
As he spoke he placed his fingertips on her temples. "Doctor your hands are cold." Renee said absentmindedly as she slipped into unconsciousness.