Chapter Text
A cold air settled over The Doctor’s skin. Against his will, he squinted into the light and struggled to focus on his surroundings.
They are so far away. They are waiting. But what do they want?
He wrapped his lined coat tightly against the shudder radiating through his bones. Trying to smother the cold fire burning him from the inside.
Will you run again?
The Doctor pulled his chin up and planted his feet squarely, focusing his mind. The cold shifted away in response, hovering like a mist behind him. He turned his head as though he meant to look over his shoulder, but stopped. “How did you find me?” His voice rattled through from the thick cover of sleep.
I know you don’t want to remember me, but I’m still here. And I needed to tell you. They’re waiting for you to come help, and I don’t know what to tell them. I can’t do anything from here. It took a great deal of work just to connect to you. I can only convince them to hold off for now. But I think they’ll do something soon.
A hand on his arm. You don’t need to do anything if you don’t think it’s best. I just wanted to let you know. The time is coming.
A pause. His face twisted in a frown, tilting towards the touch.
You always said they were rotten. I’m not sure if they all are. Maybe there is only one end for Gallifrey, and all are doomed to go down with it, evil or not. Atrophy of the universe and all that. I know that’s not what you believe.
“But you came to tell me this anyways.”
In case you had a plan you were procrastinating on.
His shoulders wilted. “If only I did.”