I'm not even going to mention how long this update has been due, because it really is just shameful lol. But sorry for the wait, and I hope you all enjoy x
The Doctor gripped Rose tighter, his eyes sweeping the playground.
"John?" Rose tugged on his jacket, and the Doctor gently shushed her.
"Donna, take Rose, and make sure all of the other kids are together." He handed Rose to Donna, trying to ignore her small protests.
"Rose, it's o.k. I'm gonna make the bad man go away, yeah?" She regarded him with wide eyes, nodding slowly. Donna looked to the Doctor, telling him in that one look, to just be careful. He nodded as he walked away, and she swallowed, turning in the other direction.
………………………………................................................
The Doctor took the sonic screwdriver from his pocket, scanning for any peculiar life signals. The blue light flashed, locking onto it's find. He frowned as he saw an open door in the side of the school, the door handle bent. Treading softly, he entered the dark room, seeking a light switch. The thin string brushed his shoulder, and he pulled, shedding light into the room. Cardboard boxes were piled on top of each other, some cleaning materials in the corner. Clearly, it was a store room. As he looked around he heard a crash, directly behind him. Turning, he saw a young man, dressed in a suit. He looked bedraggled and his eyes were wild.
"Who are you?" The man asked, his voice quiet and hoarse. The Doctor frowned and took one step closer.
"I'm the Doctor. I can help you." He extended his hand, raising his eyebrows as a sceptical look settled on the strangers face.
"What species?" He said urgently. The Doctor's extended arm wavered, dropping slightly.
"What does it matter? Are you hiding from something or-"
"Not hiding. What species?"
"Time Lord." The man cocked his head to one side.
"Time Lord. My name is Gomanel." The Doctor let his arm drop, sighing.
"Gomanel….What are you doing here? In a children's school of all places? " Gomanel looked towards the open door, inhaling.
"The children…they're so…invigorating." The Doctor stepped quickly in front of the door, blocking the only escape route.
"What do you mean invigorating? What were you going to do with Rose?" His voice was low and dark, just daring the man to defy him. Gomanel smiled, closing his eyes.
"The blonde child? Her mind was so…beautiful. Pure. I could've feasted all day on her." The Doctor practically roared with rage, backing him into a wall. For the first time, Gomanel's eyes showed real panic.
"I need her. To stay alive." He whispered. The Doctor looked into the alien's eyes, willing himself to stay calm.
"Why do you need her?"
"I'm telepathic…I feed on the purity of the mind….the innocence of those children were perfect. Their minds are so fresh, so pure. I need it."
"I understand that. I do. But you can't do this here, you're planet must have a different food source than these children?" The Doctor said calmly, relaxing his grip on Gomanel's shoulder. He looked down, pained.
"Yes, but…we feed off a hive. One great source, for all of the population. But…it's so tainted. When we feed, a little of our minds is put into the hive. Do you realise how poisonous it is now? How treacherous my people's thoughts are? These children are so fresh. I couldn't resist." The Doctor let his hands drop from him, still keeping his body blocking the exit.
"Where are all of the teachers then? I'm presuming that had something to do with you?" Gomanel swept a hand over his face, and slid down the wall.
"I only meant to get rid of one. But then they all turned up. And I couldn't let them go." The Doctor sighed and sat next to him.
"Tell me. What happened?"
"I invented this training class, and invited one teacher to go….but he must've told people. They all turned up. I only needed to switch places with one of them for a week or so. But then I had to get rid of all of them." The Doctor nodded and turned his body towards Gomanel.
"So where are the teachers right now?"
"In their homes. Drugged. They're in no danger. Just a drug induced coma, simple to wake them." The Doctor looked at Gomanel, feeling a slight ebb of pity in his mind. He frowned, his mind made up.
"Look, maybe I can help. But you can't feed here. Not on Earth. I'll go back to your planet with you. Try and…clean, this source." Gomanel smiled and nodded.
"I…my planet, would greatly appreciate this." The Doctor leaned back and held his hand out.
"No problem." The Doctor smiled as Gomanel shook his hand.
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Donna cast a worried eye over to the door, hoping the Doctor would return soon. All of the other teachers were huddled together in the corner, talking quietly. No doubt complaining about her sudden commands. The children seemed happy enough, playing with their toys and books. The older children were more inquisitive, swapping their theories and stories about what was going on. Donna turned away from them all, and saw Rose sitting by herself, chewing nervously on her thumbnail.
"Hey? You alright?" Donna settled herself next to her. Rose looked up, and then back down, her fringe covering her eyes.
"I'm scared." She whispered, her tiny voice barely reaching Donna's ears. Donna sighed and pulled Rose closer to her.
"I know love. It's o.k. To be scared that is. It happens to the best of us." As she rubbed Rose's shoulder, the little girl shook her head.
"No. I'm not scared for me. I'm scared for John." Donna looked down at the small child in her arms, contemplating on the adventures that awaited her. Rose had only known the man for two days, and she liked him this much. Donna could only imagine how close the years could've brought them.
"John!" Rose shot out of her arms, propelling herself towards the suit clad figure that walked through the door. She stopped however, as she saw Gomanel a few steps behind. The Doctor knelt down quickly, addressing her.
"Rose, it's alright. He's a good guy….just a bit misunderstood." He explained calmly, trying to stop her from running. Donna stood up and took her hand.
"If he says that this guy's alright, then you can trust him Rose." The Doctor looked up, and smiled at Donna. She gave him a look that said firmly, shut up. Rose cast a nervous glance to the alien behind the Doctor, and stepped forwards.
"My name's Rose." She said quietly. Gomanel smiled and nodded, and the Doctor looked on in pride. He could already see the bravery and compassion forming inside of her.
"Doctor?" Donna's voice broke him from his reverie, and he looked to see everyone's eyes staring at him. All expectantly waiting.
"Right." He muttered, and took Donna off to the side of the hall.
"I want you Donna, to go to the kitchens, and bring out a few bottles of apple juice or something." The Doctor said urgently, and took a thin packet of yellow powder from his pocket.
"Slip this into everyone's drink. We need to make them forget" He murmured to her, and Donna gazed at him, her confusion evident.
"Why? You don't usually do this." Donna took the packet off him, sniffing it. The Doctor sighed through his nose and looked around to Rose. She had joined her friends with their toys, and was now playing happily with a rocket ship.
"That maybe Donna. But this is a dramatic event in her life, she'll remember this. At the very least me. I can't let the timelines go all…wibbly wobbly. And that means having nothing else, or anyone to remind her of me."
"But you said that the time lines can change."
"I can't let it. Not this one." The Doctor glanced at her, his chocolate eyes wide and beseeching.
"Please Donna." He whispered, and she swallowed hard.
"O.k. But if I go to hell I'm blaming you." She smiled as the Doctor rolled his eyes, and set off to find the kitchen. The Doctor faced his audience, to find them all occupied with their previous activities. All except Rose, who had her lustrous eyes upon him, a smile on her face.
"Rose?" She leapt up, and practically skipped to him.
"Yes?" Her lisp was so prominent the Doctor couldn't help but laugh. He sobered as he gazed down at her young face, her own russet eyes looking back.
"I need to talk to you."
Hope it was worth the wait....and if you want it, then I could have the next chapter up tonight. So just let me know. xx