Katy winced as the Doctor continued shining his sonic screwdriver in her face, almost blinding her in the process. She had been explaining the events of the past four months of her life, minus the Master's meddling when she had all but collapsed just outside the TARDIS. Her knees were still threatening to crumble beneath her, as she leaned back against the console. Pressure seemed to be building in her skull with every passing second, and the buzzing of the Doctor's sonic device wasn't helping her headache.
"I'll be fine. Just...need to lie down" Katy murmured, brushing his hands away from her face.
"You've consumed the DNA of one of the deadliest species in the universe. You're not fine" The Doctor retorted, in a scolding tone.
"Well, I didn't exactly plan on doing it. Would you have rather me just stand by as it made its way through the population of London?" Katy huffed, rubbing at her aching temples.
"You could have been killed" The Doctor muttered, with a shake of his head, looking at the readings from the sonic screwdriver.
"Better luck next time, huh?" Katy mused as the Doctor's eyes snapped up to hers.
The glare he shot her was enough to have Katy clamping her lips shut tight. If there was one thing the Doctor didn't appreciate it was her self-loathing remarks. She was right though, Katy thought to herself. Maybe she would have been better off if the Elemental Shade had just killed her. Another wave of dizziness washed over her a moment later, as she hunched over with a groan. She felt the Doctor's hands brushing over her shoulders, helping to steady her in case she fell.
"Don't hit me for this..." The Doctor trailed off, as one of his hands moved to the back of her thighs.
A startled shriek left Katy's lips as he suddenly lifted her into his arms, one hand underneath her legs and the other against her back. She clutched onto his shoulders with both arms as her vision blurred for a second, due to her legs being swept from under her. He was marching off down the TARDIS steps before Katy could argue, as she gripped onto the collar of his coat a little tighter.
"If you ever tell anyone about this...I'm throwing you into the time vortex" Katy exclaimed, allowing her head to loll against his shoulder as she struggled to keep her eyes open.
"I'm sure you will" The Doctor replied, with a small smile, as they walked through corridor after corridor.
"Where are you taking me?" Katy murmured.
"Med Bay Six" He informed her, as her eyes fluttered shut, hearing nothing but the steady beat of his hearts from where her ear was pressed up against his chest.
When she next opened her eyes, lights were flashing all around her as circular instruments whizzed over her head. It took her a few moments to realise she was lying on a metal trolley, something that looked far too similar to what morticians used for her liking. The circular instruments suddenly disappeared from view as brown eyes clouded her vision and hands were helping her to sit upright. Katy's eyes darted around the room, finding white clinical walls and dozens of devices printing page after page of data.
"Look at me" The Doctor said, in a soft tone, his finger hooking underneath her chin to bring their faces close together.
Katy's heart beat a little faster as she felt the Doctor's hand trail down from her chin to her neck, his face remaining only inches away from hers. She opened her mouth, not sure what she was about to say when pain suddenly shot through her neck, causing her to recoil sharply. Her gaze fell to a syringe he was holding in his hands as she realised he had given her a shot, watching as he leaned back in his chair, a small grin on his face.
"Ow!" She exclaimed, giving him a look of disbelief.
"Cocktail of anti-rejection drugs, they should help your body to stabilise" The Doctor mused, as Katy rubbed at her sore neck.
"How'd you feel?" He asked.
"Like I want to punch you in the face" She huffed, as the Doctor's grin widened.
"Must be working then" He stated, jumping up from his seat and grabbing an electronic device with a small circular dish on top which started whirring to life.
"What's wrong with me?" Katy questioned, running a hand through her hair.
"Nothing" The Doctor told her, coming to sit beside her on the metal trolley.
"...Nothing? Did you miss the part where I passed out?" Katy argued, as he held the device toward her, showing her the results of the scan he had just run.
"It's just part of the process. Your DNA's changing. You have an immune system unlike anything I've ever seen. Your white blood cells are surrounding the new cells in your body and engulfing them. But instead of breaking down and destroying them...your cells are mutating. They're joining together. It's amazing...beautiful" The Doctor explained, with a broad smile, as Katy's brow furrowed.
She could see he was telling the truth from the computer screen. Her cells were splitting apart, changing and then multiplying, spreading throughout her body. She glanced down at the wound on her palm, finding it had finally started to heal, but a black substance still oozed from the wound.
"You didn't see what that...that thing did to people, Doctor. I don't want to be like that. I can't be like that" Katy retorted.
"You won't be" The Doctor exclaimed, as she shook her head, vehemently.
"You don't know that! I could—" Katy began, when the Doctor interrupted her.
"Look at what happened when you absorbed part of the time vortex. All that power, all those terrible things you could have used it for...but you didn't. You're...good. You are" The Doctor insisted, when he heard how she scoffed at his words.
"I just don't know how to use it. That power is practically spilling out of me, and that's why I..." Katy trailed off, the realisation hitting her.
All that energy had to go somewhere. And she had been using it. Every time she jumped through the Doctor's timestream. But why him? Why did she always end up being pulled back to the Doctor? It had to mean something.
"Doctor, what if I...oh, you have got to be kidding me!" Katy cried, as she found she was now alone in the Med Bay.
She had jumped. Again. She hadn't even realised it that time. The room was dimly lit, only a few emergency lights illuminating the devices which had gained a fine sheet of dust to them. Was she in the past or the future? Pushing herself off the trolley, her vision began to blur again, but she pushed on. She needed to find the Doctor. Maybe he could still fix her. Reverse what she had to herself.
Katy could tell they were in flight as she staggered through the corridors of the time machine, feeling the TARDIS lurch from side to side. She could hear voices close by and followed the sound until she reached the console room, finding the Doctor and Martha arguing with each other. She marched up the steps toward the console, flipping the blue switches beside the monitor, gaining a hum of thanks from the TARDIS.
"All this time and you still forget to put the stabilisers on" Katy huffed, as Martha let out a yelp, staring at her with wide eyes.
"How did you...oh my God. You really weren't lying. She just...appears out of nowhere!" Martha gaped, as the Doctor cranked a lever, with a slight smirk.
"What, like you've never seen me do that before?" Katy snorted, as Martha gave her a blank look.
"...Oh. Early days, huh? You know who I am though, right?" Katy exclaimed, watching as Martha gave an awkward shrug.
"The girl who saved my life yesterday. And an alien. Yeah, still trying to let that one sink in" Martha murmured, as Katy patted her arm, reassuringly.
"You'll get used to it, don't worry. So, we met yesterday then?" Katy tried to clarify.
"That hasn't happened for you yet?" The Doctor frowned, as the TARDIS finally stopped shaking, indicating that they had landed at their destination.
"Nope. Why, is it important?" Katy questioned, noticing how the Doctor's cheeks reddened just a little.
"No. No, it's fine. It's good. Well, not good...but not bad, just...different. Anyway, Martha! I promised you one trip, and one trip only. Outside this door, brave new world..." The Doctor stuttered, before rushing toward the TARDIS doors, clearly wanting to change the subject.
"Where are we?" Martha asked, excitedly.
"Take a look. After you" The Doctor smirked, opening the door for her.
Biting her lip, Martha walked past him, out of the TARDIS doors and into the past. She came to a sudden halt as her brain tried to comprehend what she was seeing. They had arrived in a bustling street, men and women walked past them without a second glance, dressed in Elizabethan clothing. Scruffy street urchins barged past them, laughing to themselves as they chased after one another. Martha's mouth hung agape as Katy and the Doctor came to stand on either side of her.
"You are so kidding me. Oh, my God, we did it. We travelled in time. Where are we? No, sorry. I got to get used to this whole new language. When are we?" Martha inquired, her tone full of awe.
Katy glanced at the Doctor who was busy gazing at Martha with a grin, as she was reminded of what he had once said to Amy. This was why he travelled with human companions. So that he could see the world through their eyes. It made it all seem brand new to him. Exciting, even.
"Mind out!" Katy exclaimed, grabbing both the Doctor's and Martha's arms, and tugging them back just as a man emptied a bucket of bodily fluids onto the ground where they had been standing.
"Somewhere before the invention of the toilet. Sorry about that" The Doctor mumbled.
"Reminds me of the night shift at A&E" Katy huffed, making Martha laugh.
"Certainly smells like it" Martha replied, seemingly a little more relaxed.
"So, this is London?" Martha guessed, as the three began walking through the dimly lit street.
"You want to take a guess when we are?" The Doctor said to Katy.
"Well, it's gotta' be sixteenth century from how they're all dressed. Protestant times. Maybe...1590?" Katy suggested, as the Doctor gave her an appreciative glance.
"Not bad. Let's see..." He exclaimed, before licking his finger and holding it up in the air.
"Round about 1599. Close" He stated, as Katy snorted.
"Show off" She huffed, nudging him with her elbow, eliciting another grin in response.
Martha walked a pace behind the pair, feeling a little out of place. She hadn't even thought before she agreed to go flying off with them in time and space. She barely knew either of them. Or what they were to each other.
"Oh, but hold on. Am I all right? I'm not going to get carted off as a slave, am I?" Martha questioned, in a panic.
"Why would they do that?" The Doctor frowned, as Katy pinched the bridge of her nose, unable to believe what he had just said.
"Not exactly white, in case you haven't noticed" Martha retorted.
"I'm not even human. Just walk about like you own the place. Works for me" The Doctor told her, dismissing her concerns far too quickly for Katy's liking.
"Yeah, because you look like a white man" Katy scoffed, placing a hand on her hip.
"...Fair point. But you're my responsibility, Martha. I'll get you home safe. Don't worry" The Doctor insisted, placing his hand on Martha's shoulder for a moment, who stared up at him dreamily.
Katy couldn't help but think about the three months Martha had been forced to live through 1913. She could have so easily died then. And the way she had been treated...if she knew what would happen to her, would she agree to any more adventures with the Doctor? With a sigh, Katy realised of course she would. As the Doctor began strolling off further into the city, he remained oblivious to the way Martha ran after him like a lovesick teenager.
"Oh, yes, and entertainment. Popular entertainment for the masses. If I'm right, we're just down the river by Southwark, right next to..." The Doctor trailed off, reaching for Katy and Martha's hands, and dragging them along the bridge.
"The Globe Theatre! Brand new. Just opened. Though, strictly speaking, it's not a globe, it's a tetradecagon. Fourteen sides. Containing the man himself" The Doctor informed them, glancing down at Katy whose mouth went slack.
She had visited the Globe Theatre back in the late 90's on a school trip, but she had never thought she'd be able to see its most famous inhabitant. The Doctor had already dropped Martha's hand, but he kept a firm grip on Katy's hand, standing close to her.
"Shakespeare? The Shakespeare?!" Katy gaped, as the Doctor gave her an excited smile.
"Oh, yes. So, ladies, will you accompany me to the theatre?" The Doctor grinned, holding his arms out for the two women to take.
"Mister Smith, I will" Martha beamed, quickly looping her arm under his.
"Well, I suppose I haven't got anything better to do" Katy exclaimed, taking his other arm.
"When you get home, you can tell everyone you've seen Shakespeare" The Doctor said to Martha, who gave him a look.
"Then I could get sectioned" Martha retorted, in a mocking tone, as Katy let out a laugh.
Her laughter soon turned into a groan as she felt pain radiating through her chest, suddenly feeling lightheaded. Her footsteps faltered as the Doctor turned to look at her, concern clear as day on his face. She looked down at her hand, noticing the wound had begun pulsing again. Katy bit her inner cheek to stop the pain from showing on his face and shot him her best reassuring smile.
"I, uh...I think I'll take a look around the city first. I'll meet you guys there in a bit" Katy announced, as the Doctor's forehead wrinkled.
"Are you sure?" The Doctor pushed.
"Yeah. Go on. You don't want to miss Shakespeare" Katy stated, ushering the pair along.
"Be careful" Martha murmured, surprised by how worried she felt at the other woman being left on her own.
"And don't get in any trouble. Not until we're back!" The Doctor added, as she gave him a teasing shrug.
The smile on Katy's face dropped the moment the pair were out of eyesight, as she clutched at her chest. She stumbled over to a nearby wall, all but collapsing to the floor, feeling her vision blur once more. Shouldn't the drugs the Doctor gave her still be in her system? Pulling her hand up to her face, she grimaced when she saw shadowy tendrils spilling out over her palm. She couldn't control her hold on the vortex energy inside her and it meant she was jumping through time. What would happen if she couldn't control the new part of her?
"Stop. Just...stop it" Katy muttered, balling her hand into a fist.
She hadn't realised how tightly she had clenched her hand until she felt something running down her fingers. With a groan, she realised she had reopened the wound, finding blood coating her fingertips. Pushing herself up onto her shaky feet, she grabbed a white shirt someone had left hanging in the street and ripped the arm of it. Tying the fabric around her hand, she sucked in a deep breath and tried to calm herself. The Doctor had said there was nothing wrong with the scans. Maybe everything she had experienced really was the normal process.
Besides, it was Martha's first trip in the TARDIS. The last thing she wanted to do was ruin it for her. She already felt like she was constantly getting in the way of Martha's friendship with the Doctor. Martha would probably be far happier if she just...wasn't there, Katy thought to herself.
"I can't believe this. I leave you two alone for five minutes and you've already got tangled in a mystery" Katy scoffed, as they walked up the wooden staircase to the supposed home of Shakespeare.
"We won't stay for long. Quick detour, that's all" The Doctor shrugged.
"So, this Love Labour's Won play, why would they not perform it? Do you think it's cursed or something?" Martha exclaimed, in an excited tone.
"You humans, always coming up with something melodramatic" The Doctor huffed.
"They get that from you" Katy snorted, raising her hand to knock on the front door of the building.
"Hold on. What happened there?" The Doctor frowned, noticing the makeshift bandage around her hand.
He was quick to take her hand in his, gently turning her hand over and finding small specks of blood already covering the bandage. The concern in his voice made her feel uneasy, even after everything they had been through. He shouldn't have cared so much about something like her.
"It's nothing. Just a graze" Katy shrugged, as the door swung open, allowing her the opportunity to pull her hand back.
A pretty maid answered the door, her eyes narrowing at the three, noticing the strange clothes they wore. The Doctor muttered some excuse about an inspection, his eyes remaining on the bandage around Katy's hand. She was lying to him. He knew her well enough to tell that by now. But why?
"Ready to meet Shakespeare?" Katy exclaimed, as the maid allowed them to enter the building.
"But what should we say to him? I mean, do we have to speak olden English? What if he—" Martha panicked, as Katy placed her hands on the back of her shoulders, and ushered her inside.
"He's just a man, Martha. A smart man, but still a man. Relax" Katy stated, as Martha gave a quick nod as they followed the Doctor through a narrow corridor.
He was grinning from ear to ear as he excitedly sauntered into the living quarters of the famous writer, tapping his knuckles against the wooden doorframe as he entered. Katy peeked out from behind his shoulder, finding Shakespeare was far more attractive than she had been expecting. In a rugged, unwashed sort of way. She could practically see his intelligence behind his eyes, already calculating his next words.
"Hello! Excuse me, not interrupting, am I? Mister Shakespeare, isn't it?" The Doctor greeted.
"Oh, no. No, no, no. Who let you in? No autographs. No, you can't have yourself sketched with me. And please don't ask where I get my ideas from. Thanks for your interest. Now be a good boy and shove..." Shakespeare trailed off, when he noticed Martha and Katy from behind the Doctor's shoulder.
"Hey, nonny nonny. Sit right down here next to me, ladies. You two get sewing on them costumes. Off you go" Shakespeare announced, gazing intently at the two women.
"Come on, lads. I think our William's found his new muse" An older maid suggested, as the two actors who had sat beside Shakespeare made a speedy exit.
"Sweet ladies. Such unusual clothes. So...fitted" Shakespeare murmured, his eyes falling to Katy's chest and the tight shirt she wore.
"Definitely still just a man" Katy mumbled to herself, with a slight smirk
"Er, verily, forsooth, egads!" Martha exclaimed, as Katy made a cutting gesture with her hand, indicating for her to stop.
"No, no, don't do that. Don't. I'm Sir Doctor of Tardis, this is Lady Katy of Krilla and our companion, Miss Martha Jones" The Doctor informed Shakespeare, holding up his psychic paper.
"Interesting, that bit of paper. It's blank" Shakespeare pointed out, as the Doctor glanced at the object, his lips quirking into a sly smile.
"That proves it. Absolute genius" The Doctor mused, excitedly.
"No, it says so right there. Sir Doctor, Martha Jones. It says so" Martha pointed out, as Katy took hold of the paper, finding it also appeared blank for her.
"I don't see it either" Katy admitted, as the Doctor gave a half-shrug.
"Well, you wouldn't. Too clever. Can see right through psychic paper" The Doctor told her, as Katy's grin grew at his flattery.
"...Wait, how did you get your hands on psychic paper?" Katy questioned.
"I...acquired it" The Doctor replied, as she raised an eyebrow.
"In other words, you stole it. Bad boy" She teased, as the two shared a lingering look.
Martha let out a quiet sigh, glancing down at the wooden floorboards, thinking that neither Katy nor the Doctor would have realised if she had left the room at that moment. Shakespeare was quick to pick up on her despondent expression, leaning forward with his elbows on the table.
"Such indelicate words from a lady. Who are you exactly? More's the point, who is your delicious blackamoor lady?" Shakespeare inquired, turning his attention to Martha.
"What did you say?" Martha gaped.
Isn't that a word we use nowadays? An Ethiop girl? A swarth? A Queen of Afric?" Shakespeare continued, causing Katy to wince.
"Swing and a miss, buddy" Katy huffed, as Shakespeare gave her a sly smile.
"And you, a young beauty. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day—" Shakespeare began, as the Doctor interjected.
"No, you may not" He scoffed, as Katy elbowed him in the ribs.
She remembered that sonnet well, and dreaded to think how much they could change such important literature but something as simple as interrupting the genius himself. As far as Katy was concerned, they were guests in the past. And she intended to act like it.
"I'm not really interested, Mr Shakespeare. But that's not bad. Maybe you should write it down" Katy suggested, as Shakespeare gave a quick nod.
"Excuse me! Hold hard a moment. This is abominable behaviour. A new play with no warning? I demand to see a script, Mister Shakespeare. As Master of the Revels, every new script must be registered at my office and examined by me before it can be performed!" A man wearing extravagant clothes and a gold chain around his neck cried, marching into the room.
"Tomorrow morning. First thing, I'll send it round" Shakespeare retorted, as Katy's headache slowly started to return.
She attempted to hide how her face had contorted in pain by leaning forward, allowing her long brunette hair to cover her cheeks. She grit her teeth as the pain only grew, her skull feeling like it would explode at any moment. She couldn't understand what had brought it on again, there seemed to be no trigger or warning. A hand was on her shoulder then, stirring her from her panicked thoughts, as her eyes snapped up to the Doctor's. She glanced behind her to find the Master of Revels was gone and wondered if she might have passed out from the pain.
"What's wrong?" The Doctor insisted, squeezing her shoulder.
"Nothing. This jump is just...taking its toll on me" Katy responded.
Oh, my mothers, there's one seeks to stop the performance tomorrow.
Katy jumped out of her seat, causing the wooden chair to tumble to the floor with a thud. Her eyes darted around the room as she tried to find who had spoken. But they were alone. Had she imagined it?
Fear not. Chant with me. Water damps the fiercest flame. Drowns down girls and boys the same.
The female voice was clearer this time, as it echoed through her mind. There was someone in the city with some level of telepathic skill and they were calling out to others. The words weren't meant for her, but their intention was clear.
"Katy? What is it?" The Doctor exclaimed, rushing over to her, with a panicked expression.
"Someone...someone is going to drown" Katy stuttered, as the Doctor frowned at her in confusion.
"What? How do you know that—" Martha began, as an ear-splitting scream echoed from outside.
Without another word, Katy was grabbing the Doctor's hand and dragging him toward the sound. By the time they made it down the outer steps, they found the Master of Revels clutching at his throat, as water spewed out of his mouth. The Doctor and Martha raced over to him just as the man spasmed, before dropping to the floor, water still dribbling down his cheeks. Katy watched as Martha leant down to give the man rescue breaths, a gasp leaving her lips when she saw his mouth was completely filled with water. The man had been murdered. He had been drowned on dry land.
"So much for a quick detour" Katy murmured.
The group shuffled back toward Shakespeare's living quarters, all uncharacteristically quiet. A man had died in front of their eyes and there had been nothing they could do to stop it. The motive seemed obvious to Katy. Someone wanted Shakespeare's play to be performed without interruption. And they were willing to kill to make sure of it.
"I got you a room, Sir Doctor, Lady Katy. You are just across the landing. And Miss Jones is to the right...next to our playwright's quarters" The blonde landlady exclaimed, giving Shakespeare a quick wink before exiting the room.
"So many strange events. Not least of all, this land of Freedonia where a woman can be a doctor?" Shakespeare mused, sitting back on his chair, and glancing up at Martha.
"Where a woman can do what she likes" Martha stated.
"And you, Sir Doctor. How can a man so young have eyes so old?" Shakespeare exclaimed, seeing right through the Time Lord.
"I do a lot of reading" The Doctor replied, as Shakespeare gave him an amused look.
"A trite reply. Yeah, that's what I'd do. And you? You look at him like you are scared he might disappear. No...that's not quite right. You're scared you might disappear" Shakespeare murmured, fixing his eyes on Katy.
"Let's find our rooms, Martha" Katy stated, taking the other girl's hand and pulling her out of the room before Shakespeare could analyse her further.
She led her to what she assumed was her and the Doctor's room, deciding not to comment on the fact the Landlady hadn't thought twice about putting them in the same room. It was a simple bedroom, with barely any furniture, and a wooden bed that would barely fit two people. Martha grimaced as she spotted the cobwebs that covered the room and the way the roof would creak at the slightest bit of wind.
"It's not exactly five star, is it?" Martha huffed, as Katy rolled her eyes and directed her to a glass window, pushing it open.
"Look outside" Katy instructed, as Martha did as she was told.
It was dark out, the street below illuminated by a few torches as maids and noblemen walked beneath them. A group of kids ran past, pointing up at the moon in the sky, giggling to themselves as they nudged each other.
"It's 1599. You're getting to see something no one else from the 21st century ever has. Well, unless the Doctor showed them. My point is...we're lucky. And I know, travelling with the Doctor isn't always perfect but...it's a privilege" Katy explained, as Martha turned to her.
"I'm really not gonna' be able to hate you, am I?" Martha sighed.
"I'm just too good" Katy shrugged, causing them both to laugh.
"Settling in alright?" The Doctor's voice announced from behind them, as he walked through the doorway.
Katy's eyes narrowed for a moment, wondering how much of their conversation he had heard. Avoiding her eyes, he made a beeline for the bed, hands in his pockets. The bed creaked underneath him as he leapt onto the mattress. Katy rolled her eyes, before marching over to him and hitting his leg with her hand.
"Oi, you're not keeping your shoes on in my bed" Katy stated, as the Doctor held his hands up in mock defence and sat up to remove his sandshoes.
"So, what really happened to that guy? I mean it looked like he had been cursed or something. But curses and witchcraft and all that, it's not real...is it?" Martha exclaimed, as the Doctor shot her an unimpressed look.
"Course it isn't!" He scoffed.
"Well, how am I supposed to know? I've only just started believing in time travel. Give me a break" Martha insisted.
"She's right. She's just accepted the fact she's not even gonna' be born for four hundred years really well" Katy pointed out, as she went to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Hadn't actually thought of that yet" Martha mumbled, with wide eyes.
"There's such a thing as psychic energy, but a human couldn't channel it like that. Not without a generator the size of Taunton and I think we'd have spotted that. No, there's something I'm missing..." The Doctor trailed off, throwing his shoes on the floor and leaning back against the bedframe.
"...Rose would know. Right now, she'd say exactly the right thing" The Doctor exclaimed, oblivious to the sudden tension that had grown in the room.
Katy glanced up at Martha, whose shoulders had slumped, her whole body seeming to deflate. No matter how much the pair tried, they both knew they would never be able to reach the pedestal the Doctor had placed Rose upon. That sort of affection was out of their reach.
"Still, can't be helped. You're a novice, Martha, never mind. I'll take you back home tomorrow" The Doctor added, staring up at the ceiling.
"Great" Martha snapped, marching out of the room before anyone could stop her.
Katy winced as she slammed the door to the room shut, almost causing the wooden doorframe to split apart. Katy whipped around to look at the Doctor, who remained as oblivious as ever. She debated for a moment on chucking him out of the bed and forcing him to sleep on the ground for the rest of the night.
"You know, sometimes I don't know if you're just needlessly cruel...or just bloody thick" Katy muttered, tugging her shoes off and throwing them to the floor.
"She knows I didn't mean it like that" The Doctor retorted.
"Oh, does she? Look, I liked Rose. I really did. And I'm sorry she's gone and you're hurting. But that doesn't give you the right to go around treating your friends like they're worthless. Like they mean nothing to you!" Katy argued, as the Doctor sat upright, startled by her outburst.
"I barely know her" The Doctor stated, his blood running cold at the look Katy gave him.
"Pain makes you into a right bastard, you know that?" Katy muttered, turning her back to him.
"I shouldn't have brought her along" The Doctor suggested, in a quiet voice.
"Well, it's a bit late for that now, isn't it? You can't just give someone the keys to time and space and...and just rip it away" Katy huffed.
"I wasn't going to. I left. Went off into my TARDIS. And then you disappeared. I travelled for a bit. But..." The Doctor trailed off, with a sigh.
"What?" Katy asked, glancing back at him.
"You didn't come back. I haven't seen you in almost two months. So, yes...I went back for Martha. Because I'm selfish. I know that" The Doctor explained, as Katy reluctantly moved up the bed to lie next to him, as they both stared up at the ceiling.
"You don't know Martha yet. But she's not anyone's second best, Doctor. Or at least, she shouldn't be. If you'd actually give her half a chance, you'd see that" Katy stated.
"I don't want to give her a chance" The Doctor admitted, turning onto his side to face her.
Katy followed the action, tucking her hand beneath her cheek to stop her skin from touching the stained, yellow pillow she lay on. The Doctor stared at her intently, a vulnerable expression on his face, having opened up to her more than he had planned to. She always seemed to have a way to get past his defences.
"So, you want to be alone forever, huh?" Katy murmured, as their eyes connected.
"It's for the best. No one gets hurt that way" The Doctor stated, as Katy's eyes softened a little.
"Is that what Rose would want for you? To close yourself off to everyone? Just go back to being that lonely man you were before her?" Katy went on, as the Doctor glanced away from her.
"Can't do it again. When I lost Rose, I lost that part of me too" The Doctor confessed.
"Well, I've learnt that's the pretty amazing thing about Time Lords...they heal. What's broken in here...that'll eventually heal too" Katy told him, tapping his chest with two of her fingers.
"What if I don't want it to?" The Doctor replied, in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Then you're lucky I'm not going anywhere. You'll never really be alone...even if you want to be" Katy said, as a small smile grew on the Doctor's face.
Something in his eyes changed then. It made her heart speed up and her mouth become dry, watching nervously as he leant closer. The bed was small, but she hadn't realised just how close they had been lying next to each other until she could feel his breath on her cheek. Her heart came to a grinding halt when he suddenly moved forward, and she felt him press his lips to her forehead. His hand reached up to cup her cheek for a moment, as his lips lingered against her skin. A shaky smile grew on her lips as he pulled away, and she resisted the urge to do something stupid. Something that wouldn't end well for her.
"...Are you really going to wear that damn tie to bed?" Katy blurted out, needing something to feel the silence between them.
"What's wrong with this tie?" The Doctor huffed, as Katy's hands were already pulling it away from his collar.
"Choking hazard when you're sleeping" Katy shrugged, chucking the tie onto the nearby drawers.
"Spoken like a nurse" The Doctor mocked, raising an eyebrow when she started tugging his suit jacket over his shoulders.
"This too" She exclaimed, leaving him in just his white shirt.
"Anything else?" The Doctor murmured, as she gave him a teasing grin.
"Don't give me ideas, Doc" She grinned, shoving him back down onto the bed with ease.
"Shakespeare fancies you, you know" The Doctor exclaimed, as Katy leaned off the bed to blow out the candle, leaving them in only the moonlight.
"The man has good taste" Katy shrugged, settling back down onto the bed.
She wriggled on the bed for a few moments, trying to get comfortable as she heard the Doctor mumble something under his breath. She turned to question him but found he had already shut his eyes, feigning sleep which she knew he barely needed. Turning away from him, she lay down on her pillow and willed herself to rest. Maybe that was all she needed. In the morning, her hand would be healed and everything would be better.
Clearly, she didn't really believe that, as almost an hour later she was still wide awake, but she kept her eyes shut, hoping sleep would eventually find her. She had to push down the urge to flinch when she felt a warm hand on her arm suddenly, a barely there pressure. She could hear the bed creak underneath them as the Doctor moved a little closer to her but kept some space in between her back and his chest. She could feel eyes on her face then as she realised, he was peeking over her shoulder to see if she was asleep. She stayed as still as she could as she felt the Doctor's hand trailing down her arm until he found her hand. His palm hovered over the back of her hand for a few seconds before he intertwined their fingers, leaving Katy glad for the darkness of the room, knowing her cheeks were flushed. She felt him settle back down onto the bed not long after, still holding onto her hand as his breathing evened out a little. From the way her heart was beating, Katy knew there was no way she would be sleeping that night.
A sudden scream had the pair jumping upright, their hands pulling apart, as they crawled out of the bed as quickly as they could. They raced in the direction of the scream, finding it had come from Shakespeare's quarters, who was still sitting at his table, paper strewn out in front of him. Katy was first to spot the Landlady, Dolly Bailey, on the floor, motionless.
"Hey? Can you hear me? Dolly?" Katy exclaimed, kneeling beside her, shaking her shoulder.
She felt for a pulse but could find nothing. She heard Martha rushing up behind her, a strangled gasp leaving her lips when she saw the dead woman on the floor. Katy was quick to open the woman's airway, glancing over to Martha.
"Heart's stopped. Martha, chest compressions!" Katy ordered, as Martha instantly crouched down to do as she was told.
"What happened?" Shakespeare questioned, pushing himself onto his feet.
"I think she died of fright" The Doctor mumbled.
"Not if I can help it" Katy retorted, as Martha started pressing her joined hands down on the woman's chest.
After she had performed thirty chest compressions, Katy leaned down to give two rescue breaths, nodding for Martha to immediately start her compressions once again. Dolly Bailey was yet to stir, and as the minutes ticked by, they knew so did her chances of survival.
"Dammit. We need a defib, or some adrenaline at least—" Katy was cut off as a box was thrust in her face.
Her eyes glanced at the label on the box, her mouth going slack. She was about to question why the hell the Doctor had adrenaline in his pocket, before forcing herself back into action.
"Doctor, I could bloody kiss you!" Katy stated, as she opened up the box, with the already-filled syringe inside.
"I know" He grinned back at her, as she grabbed Dolly's arm and quickly found a vein.
She administered the adrenaline, knowing it was a shot in the dark, but it was the blonde's only chance. Just as she went to give two more rescue breaths, the Landlady's lips began moving, as she sucked in a sharp breath. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and closed, her breathing uneven, but alive.
"We did it...oh my God, we did it!" Martha cheered, jumping up onto her feet.
She had seen a successful resuscitation attempt, knowing how rare it was for CPR to actually work. She figured perhaps the adrenaline the Doctor had was mixed with more than just that, but it didn't matter. They had saved someone. She rushed over to Katy, pulling the other girl into a tight hug, beaming brightly. Katy looked up to see the Doctor's grin had widened, an almost proud look on his face.
"You...you raised the dead!" Shakespeare cried, looking as if he might faint.
"Oh, didn't I mention? They're brilliant" The Doctor informed the playwright.
"But...how? Witchcraft?" Shakespeare asked.
"Medicine. Just a Doctor and nurse" The Doctor replied, sharing a fond look with Katy.
They soon realised all the strange events were related to Shakespeare and his play. The Doctor thought it had something to do with the Globe, and more importantly, it's odd design. He wanted to speak to the architect, Peter Streete, who had been insistent that the Globe had fourteen sides. Panic coursed through Katy's body as soon as she heard where the man had ended up. Bedlam. A building full of torture dressed up as a hospital. It made her sick to even think about it.
"You alright?" The Doctor questioned, as they sped through the city toward the destination.
"I just hate those places" Katy admitted.
"Psychiatric hospitals?" The Doctor frowned, as she gave a small shrug.
"Spent a year in one when I was a teenager. I'm sure it wasn't as bad as what they do to people here but...let's just say I never want to go back" Katy huffed, as the Doctor came to a grinding halt.
"You never told me that" He stated.
"It never came up. Not exactly something I like to reminisce about" She confessed, looking down at her feet.
"Why were you there?" He inquired.
"I told the wrong person I thought I was an alien. Spent my thirteenth locked up. It sucked" Katy replied, as she started marching off when the Doctor reached out for her arm.
"I'm sorry. I wish I had found you earlier" The Doctor confessed.
"Oh, I doubt that. I was a right bitch as a teenager. I would have eaten you alive" Katy grinned, glancing behind them to find that Martha and Shakespeare had stopped moving too.
"Whoa, Nelly. I know for a fact you've got a wife in the country" Martha gaped, as Shakespeare leaned in a little closer.
"But Martha, this is Town" He pointed out, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Come on. We can all have a good flirt later!" The Doctor called out to them.
"Is that a promise, Doctor?" Shakespeare smirked, giving him an appreciative look.
"Oh, fifty-seven academics just punched the air. Now move!" The Doctor insisted, as the group did as they were told.
"I think Shakespeare is looking for a foursome...and that's something I thought I'd never say" Katy snorted, shaking her head, fondly.
Katy's good mood soured the moment she walked through the large metal gates of Bethlam Hospital, able to hear the screams of people even from the courtyard. Bile rose in her throat as he saw the awful conditions the patients were kept in. Caged, malnourished and abused. She wanted to burn it all to the ground, but she had to remember that wasn't their current battle. Not yet, at least.
"Does my Lord Doctor wish some entertainment while he waits? I'd whip these madmen. They'll put on a good show for you" One of the 'Keepers' exclaimed, with a toothless grin.
"No, I don't!" The Doctor snapped, angrily.
"Well, wait here, my lords, while I make him decent for the ladies" The Keeper muttered, stumbling off down the foul-smelling corridor.
"So this is what you call a hospital, yeah? Where the patients are whipped to entertain the gentry? And you put your friend in here?" Martha accused, looking to Shakespeare.
"Oh, it's all so different in Freedonia" Shakespeare scoffed.
"And thank God for that" Katy spat out, looking into one of the cages to see a young man cowering on the floor.
"I've been mad. I've lost my mind. Fear of this place set me right again. It serves its purpose...My only boy. The Black Death took him. I wasn't even there" Shakespeare sighed
"I didn't know. I'm sorry" Martha replied, as even Katy felt a slither of guilt.
"It made me question everything. The futility of this fleeting existence. To be or not to be. Oh, that's quite good. Hmm, a bit pretentious?" Shakespeare mused, running a hand down his beard.
"Isn't that your style?" Katy pointed out, as he gave a shrug of agreement.
"This way, my lord!" The Keeper called out, as he opened one of the cells.
Katy's heart dropped as she saw a man hunched on the ground, covered in nothing more than rags, muttering to himself. She wondered if that would have been her in another world. Maybe if the Doctor hadn't found her.
"They can be dangerous, my lord. Don't know their own strength" The Keeper suggested, as the Doctor turned to him.
"I think it helps if you don't whip them. Now get out!" The Doctor shouted, in a tone oozing with authority.
Katy's lips twitched into a smile for half a second as she watched the Keeper flinch before he rushed out of the cells. She knew the Doctor wasn't particularly fond of the darker parts of himself, but Katy felt almost relieved when the Doctor had an outburst. It reminded her that he wasn't perfect. There were parts of him that he tried to hide too.
"Peter? Peter Streete?" The Doctor exclaimed, walking over to crouch beside the man.
All of a sudden, Katy's hand started to throb, as she furiously tried to ignore the sensation. But just like before it got worse and worse. Eventually, she glanced down at her palm, a startled gasp leaving her lips when she saw tendrils of blackness oozing from her skin. She hid her hand behind her back, and shut her eyes, trying to focus on the Doctor's voice.
When the pain slowly started to ebb away, she found Peter had awoken from the trance he had been in and was managing to converse with the Doctor. She looked at Martha, glad she hadn't seemed to notice Katy's episode.
"Witches spoke to Peter. In the night, they whispered. They whispered. Got Peter to build the Globe to their design. Their design! The fourteen walls. Always fourteen. When the work was done they snapped poor Peter's wits" Peter confessed, in a disjointed tone.
"Where did Peter see the witches? Where in the city? Peter, tell me. You've got to tell me where were they?" The Doctor insisted, despite seeing how much it pained Peter to think about.
"...All Hallows Street" Peter replied.
"Too many words!" A new voice announced from behind the Doctor.
An old hag had appeared out of nowhere, her face lined with wrinkles, with a crooked nose far too big for her face. Katy's eyes widened as she glanced over her black robes, which were clearly stained with old blood. Katy grabbed the Doctor's arm and tugged him away from the creature before he could argue.
"Just one touch of the heart" The witch smirked, raising a clawed hand in the air.
"No!" The Doctor cried, as she placed her hand on Peter's chest, who let out a choked scream before going completely still.
The witch had killed him. And Katy had a feeling they would be next.
"Witch! I'm seeing a witch!" Shakespeare exclaimed, as Katy backed up toward the metal bars.
They had been locked from the outside, possibly by the witch herself. Katy's hand wrapped against one of the cold metal bars, and began to tug.
"Now, who would be next, hmm? Just one touch. Oh, oh, I'll stop your frantic hearts. Poor, fragile mortals" The witch mocked.
"Well, if you're looking for volunteers..." The Doctor trailed off, placing his hands in his pockets, as he stepped forward.
"Don't you dare!" Katy hissed, hoping the witch didn't hear as she broke part of the metal bar, which came off in her hand.
"Doctor, can you stop her?" Shakespeare questioned.
"No mortal can harm me" The witch huffed, as Katy gripped her makeshift weapon in her hands.
"Oh, yeah? Watch me!" Katy shouted, before surging forward and striking the witch in the face with the metal bar.
The creature was barely fazed, seeming more surprised than anything that Katy would even attempt to harm her. With a growl, Katy used the metal bar to push up against the hag's neck and shoved her into one of the walls of the cell. The witch raised her hands up to shove Katy away, expecting it to be easy, her shock evident on her wrinkled face when Katy pushed back.
"Doctor! Clever plan now, thanks!" Katy cried, having to use all her strength to keep the witch in place.
"Think, think. Humanoid female, uses shapes and words to channel energy. Ah! Fourteen! That's it! Fourteen! The fourteen stars of the Rexel planetary configuration! Creature, I name you Carrionite!" The Doctor exclaimed.
The witch let out a screech before disappearing in a flash of light, as the metal bar dropped from Katy's hand. She let out a sigh of relief when she realised they were safe again. For the moment, at least.
"What did you do?" Martha gaped.
"I named her. The power of a name. That's old magic. Given the right string of numbers, the right equation, you can split the atom. Carrionites use words instead" The Doctor explained, before walking over to Katy, running his hand down her shoulder.
"You alright?" He asked, as she gave a sharp nod.
"Hey, we make a pretty good team, right?" Katy huffed, as the Doctor smiled warmly at her.
The group had soon put a plan into place. Shakespeare would do his best to stop his play, whilst the others would try to find the Carrinonites. At least Peter Streete had given them a clue. But would they make it in time?
"All Hallows Street, but which house?" The Doctor sighed, his eyes darting around the buildings that surrounded them.
"The thing is, though am I missing something here? The world didn't end in 1599. It just didn't. Look at me. I'm living proof" Martha pointed out.
Oh, how to explain the mechanics of the infinite temporal flux? I know. Back to the Future. It's like Back to the Future" The Doctor suggested, as Katy gave him a look of disbelief.
"The film?" Martha frowned, as the Doctor rolled his eyes.
"No, the novelisation. Yes, the film. Marty McFly goes back and changes history" The Doctor went on.
"And he starts fading away. Oh my God, am I going to fade?" Martha gasped, her eyes filled with panic.
"No. Not if we can help it. We just need to find them. But which house?" Katy mumbled, as a door creaked open from behind them.
"Ah. Make that witch house" The Doctor exclaimed, hearing Katy groan.
"Terrible. Just terrible" She muttered, before marching toward the looming building.
The three walked up the creaking staircase in silence, finding a beautiful woman waiting for them, though Katy could see past it. Her skin almost seemed to shimmer at times, as Katy realised she likely looked like the witch who had attacked them.
"I take it we're expected" The Doctor announced.
"Oh, I think Death has been waiting for you a very long time" The witch suggested, before turning to Katy.
"I see there will not be such a delay for your companion" The Carrionite smirked, as Katy felt a shiver go down her spine.
Whatever the creature meant by that, she wasn't sure she wanted to know.
"Right then, it's my turn. I know how to do this. I name thee Carrionite! What did I do wrong? Was it the finger?" Martha frowned, when nothing happened to the witch.
"The power of a name works only once. Observe. I gaze upon this bag of bones and now I name thee Martha Jones!" The witch retorted, holding out a finger, as Martha suddenly fainted.
Katy and the Doctor rushed to her side in an instant, helping to lower her to the ground. Katy was grateful to see her friend's chest rise and fall, hoping whatever the Carrionite did would not leave permanent damage.
"Only sleeping, alas. It's curious. The name has less impact. She's somehow out of her time. And as for you, Sir Doctor..." The witch trailed off, noticing the Doctor didn't even flinch.
"Fascinating. There is no name. Why would a man hide his title in such despair? Oh, but look. There's still one word with the power that aches" The witch smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"The naming won't work on me" The Doctor pointed out, leaving Katy confused.
She had never asked for the Doctor's real name. She knew there was a reason why he hid it. But for the witch not to be able to see it? What had the Doctor done?
"But your heart grows cold. The north wind blows and carries down the distant...Rose" The Carrionite grinned, as the Doctor's face grew stormy.
Oh, big mistake. Because that name keeps me fighting!" The Doctor spat out, far angrier than Katy was used to seeing him.
"The Carrionites vanished. Where did you go?" The Doctor questioned, marching over to her.
"The Eternals found the right word to banish us into deep darkness" She confessed, as Katy's brow furrowed.
It was strange how she seemed to be coming across so many creatures banished by the Eternals. Was it really just a coincidence? Nothing seemed to be anymore.
"The play tonight shall restore the rest. Then the human race will be purged as pestilence. And from this world we will lead the universe back into the old ways of blood and magic" The Carrionite announced.
"Hmm. Busy schedule. But first you've got to get past me" The Doctor challenged, as the witch cocked her head to one side.
"Oh, that should be a pleasure, considering my enemy has such a handsome shape..." The witch purred, leaning forward until there was barely an inch between their faces.
Katy's jaw clenched as she watched the Carrionite trail her hands through his hair, having to push down the urge to throw the creature out of the window. Instead, she took a step forward, catching the witch's eyes.
"Now, that's one form of magic that's definitely not going to work on me" The Doctor huffed, not realising the witch's attention had shifted.
"Ah, yes. I can see now. Your hearts beat for another...but will they continue to beat when she falls away from you?" The Carrionite mocked, before cutting a thistle of hair from the Doctor's head.
"What did you do?" Katy exclaimed, her gut twisting with anxiety about what the creature could do with her prize.
"Souvenir" The Carrionite grinned.
"Well, give it back" The Doctor cried, as she raised her arms in the air and suddenly flew backwards out of the window.
"Well, that's just cheating" The Doctor grumbled, watching her hover in the air.
"Behold, Doctor. Men to Carrionites are nothing but puppets" She went on, as she pulled a doll of her cloak and wrapped the Doctor's hair around it.
"Now, you might call that magic. I'd call that a DNA replication module" The Doctor exclaimed.
"Don't provoke the witch with the voodoo doll!" Katy hissed, coming to stand beside him.
"What use is your science now?" The Carrionite retorted, before stabbing the doll with her scissors.
The Doctor let out a shout of pain before collapsing to the floor. Katy grabbed his shoulders just before his head could hit the ground, panic threatening to stop her heart. She quickly pushed the Doctor onto his back, touching his chest and desperately trying to feel for his heartbeats. Unable to feel anything beneath her palm, she placed her hand on the Doctor's chin, tilting his head back, ready to start CPR. She leant forward to give the first rescue breath when she felt breathing against her cheek.
"Oh, you son of a bitch!" Katy cried, slapping his arm hard enough to bruise.
The Doctor's eyes snapped open then, giving her a cheeky grin as he pushed himself into a sitting position. Katy was just about to curse him again when he suddenly fell against her, his face contorting in pain.
"I've only got one heart working. How do you people cope?" The Doctor exclaimed, as Katy gave him a look.
"I've got to get the other one started. Hit me! Hit me on the chest!" The Doctor said, as an excited grin grew on Katy's face.
"Oh, you don't have to tell me twice!" She grinned, slamming her fist onto his chest.
"Other side!" The Doctor winced, as Katy rolled her eyes, but did as she was told, thumping him once more.
"Now, on the back, on the back. Left a bit. Ah, lovely! There we go. Ba-da boom!" The Doctor exclaimed, as he felt his other heart start beating again after a few more hits from Katy.
"You sure you don't want me to hit you again?" Katy smirked, as she went to stand beside him.
Suddenly, she felt something snap in her skull, and then suddenly there was nothing but darkness all around her. She heard the Doctor shout her name before she fully lost consciousness.
The following morning, Katy sat on the edge of the stage, her legs hanging off the side, a scowl on her face. She had been unconscious for hours after her fainting episode and had missed Shakespeare, the Doctor and Martha saving the world. She had heard the townsfolk saying it was the most incredible thing they had ever seen. A portal had appeared in the sky, spilling out creatures from a nightmare...and she had been asleep.
"I don't think I have ever seen another so miserable about missing danger" Shakespeare announced, as she turned to see him walking over to her.
"Where's Martha? Hope you two haven't got up to anything unsightly" Katy mocked, as Shakespeare gave her a wry smile.
"Alas, my sweet lady only has eyes for the Doctor. You have that in common" Shakespeare accused, as Katy scoffed.
"Smartass" She muttered, as Shakespeare mused on her words.
"I like that. Might use it" Shakespeare exclaimed, making Katy wince.
"Time we were off. I've got a nice attic in the Tardis where this lot can scream for all eternity, and I've got to take Martha back to Freedonia" The Doctor called out, holding up the object that had been used to trap the Carrionites once more.
Katy really hoped he hadn't heard the end of her talk with Shakespeare.
"You mean travel on through time and space?" Shakespeare retorted.
"You what?" The Doctor said, speechless for once.
"You and Katy are from another world like the Carrionites, and Martha is from the future. It's not hard to work out" Shakespeare shrugged, as Katy's eyebrows shot up in the air.
"That's incredible. You are incredible" The Doctor admitted.
"How does it feel not to be the smartest person in the room for once?" Katy teased him.
"We're alike in many ways, Doctor. Martha, let me say goodbye to you in a new verse. A sonnet for my Dark Lady—" Shakespeare began, as two actors raced into the Globe.
"Will, you'll never believe it. She's here! She's turned up! Her Majesty. She's here!" One of the actors cried, as the sound of fanfare echoed from outside.
Katy pushed herself onto her feet as a woman sauntered toward them, dressed in a gown with more jewels than anything Katy had ever seen. Her head piece was unmistakable, as was the colour of her hair.
"Oh...my...God!" Katy screeched, jaw dropping open.
"Queen Elizabeth the First!" The Doctor gaped, as the woman turned to him.
"Doctor? My sworn enemy!" The Queen cried, her tone full of venom.
"What?" The Doctor frowned.
"And you! Off with her head!" Queen Elizabeth ordered, as Katy's eyes doubled in size.
"What?!" She cried, as Martha grabbed her and the Doctor's arms.
"Never mind what, just run! See you, Will!" Martha exclaimed, dragging the pair away.
"Good luck finding your new muse!" Katy called out, as the three sprinted away, as Shakespeare fell into a fit of laughter.
They raced through the streets, pushing carts over and jumping over obstacles until the TARDIS came into view. Katy turned to find two guards quick on their heels, bows and arrows in their hands.
"What have you two done to upset her?" Martha accused.
"How should we know? Haven't even met her yet. That's time travel for you. Still, can't wait to find out" The Doctor grinned, as Martha ran into the TARDIS.
"Get in!" Katy insisted, shoving him inside the time machine just an arrow whizzed past her.
The moment she stepped through the TARDIS doors, everything around her blurred for a moment as she felt her knees give out. Just before she hit the ground, a hand was wrapped around her waist, keeping her steady. She looked up expecting to find brown eyes but instead was met with a sea of green.
"Hello there" The Eleventh Doctor beamed at her.
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the chapter! This one turned out longer than I had planned too! The next update will be up in two weeks...around the time of an important date in the Whoniverse. Wink, wink, haha. Thanks again for all the support shown for this story!