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The Doctor was running. Shoving and pushing her way through crowds of branches, feet hitting overgrown roots as she stumbled her way through the vast and empty forest. She cursed as her eyes strained to focus on her surroundings, hearts pounding in her ears making it impossible to think clearly along with the adrenaline and fear rushing through her body at a million miles per hour.
"Master!" The Doctor called once more, her voice becoming hoarse, lungs burning, it felt as though she'd swallowed buckets of pins and needles and the pain only intensified with each breath. She didn't even know why she was looking for him anymore, she just knew he was important. She had to find him.
Just as she felt her body threaten to keel over from exhaustion, hands waving around herself vaguely, looking for anything to support her weight, a familiar voice reverberated through the forest, cutting through the drumbeat pounding at her ears. "Someone's eager," he said. She lifted her head to spot him, perched on top of one of the taller trees surrounding where she stood, grinning down at her. She couldn't help but notice something clutched in his hands.
"What's in the bag?" The Doctor managed, clutching at her aching ribs. She couldn't remember why she'd been running now, her memory ebbing away by the minute. Retcon? No, she'd be able to tell. The burning pain throughout her body along with her shaky legs told her she'd been running for a while. Other than that, all she knew was something was terribly wrong and the Master was apparently at fault. It was terrifying, not being able to trust herself like this, her own mind receding before she even had the chance to grasp her own thoughts. "Why are you hiding here?"
He almost looked concerned, an odd look flashed across his features before he settled them again, observing her with that old self-satisfied smug look. "Getting forgetful in our old age, aren't you, love?" He hopped down from the tree, before circling around her, keeping her pinned on the spot with his gaze. "Nevermind."
The Doctor kept her eyes on him, cautious. "Just tell me," but he didn't answer, still staring steadily into her eyes. Like a predator hunting down its prey, getting gradually closer, "you will tell me!" She yelled at him.
"Oh, will I now? And why should I do that, then?" She could tell he was loving this, watching her fall apart in front of him like she was. She was entirely dependant on him, even if she turned and left, they were too far into the woods for her to find another person quickly enough before her mind was erased. She didn't know if there was any way to stop it, or if it would stop at all.
A dizzy turn washed over her, causing her to stumble a little. When she caught her footing she looked up, "Master!" She gasped at the sight of him, "Wait... Oh god," running her hands over her face. "No wait, I've already done this, I know I've been here. I'm losing it now." She tried desperately to calm her breathing, her mind racing, she had to find a way out, anything. Even if it was from him, she had to do something.
"Say please?"
The Doctor visibly cringed, her fists clenched in indignation, even so, she obeyed reluctantly. "Please. You're my only hope. Please help-"
"Ah, ah," The Master held up a hand, gesturing for her to stop talking, "Please..? Come on, you can do it."
"God!" The Doctor recoiled in disgust and anger, "Ugh, whatever! I don't need you!"
"That works too," He laughed, watching her stomp away to further into the woods.
She paused for a moment, considering her options, before turning back to face him. "Please, Master," her voice was shaking now, she hated this. She hated this situation more than anything and that was saying something considering she was losing it by the moment, "Please help me."
"Now was that so hard?" He said silkily, she knew he intended for it to be patronising but below the surface she could sense genuine concern, or a least she hoped so. The Master was cruel, but she kept it in her hearts that he wasn't as sadistic as he strived to be. "You were bitten," he said, his tone serious now, "vampires. Well, close enough. It was said their venom could take weeks off your life, I barely got away," He showed her his neck, where a faint, round bite-mark sat. She raised her hand to her own, wincing before bringing herself to look at her hand. Fresh blood, lots of it. That explained the dizziness.
"Then why are you out here? Hiding? What's in the bag?"
"Patience, dear! I'm still talking," He sighed dramatically, beginning to circle her again, his footsteps slow. "You abandoned me, don't you remember?"
"I.. Why would I do that?"
He kept staring at her. His expression was neutral but she could see deep betrayal in his eyes, burning through her own. "Your precious Yazmin Khan-"
"What have you done with Yaz?!"
"I haven't done anything to your stupid friend. You went after her, you left me with those THINGS. I was left to defend myself while you ran off with your silly human friends and left me for dead!" He spat. He was terrifying now, his face painted with centuries of pain and agony, and deep, deep fury. She stepped back from him, her mind was so blurry now it was difficult to stay focused on his words. "I left to get this," He held up the bag, "It took a lot to get this, it saved my memories. I was coming back to bring it to you but now I see I'm not so welcome!" He was so angry, so hurt. Her chest ached at the sight before another dizzy turn took over her, causing her to lose her balance.
/ /
"Doctor, wake up" Hands were all over her, forcing her upright as she groaned, attempting to push them off her. "Come on, Doc, you're missing all the fun." She let out a small yell as the prick of a needle met her neck. One hand was holding her head steady in place, another was holding her hand, circling it in gentle motions and whispering reassuring things. It took her several moments to place the people around her, forcing her eyes open despite the blinding light around them. Yaz and Dan stared down at her, relief on both their faces.
"Where's the Master?" Was the first thing Dan asked once Yaz had finished fussing, repeatedly apologising and asking the Doctor if she was okay before apologising some more. The Doctor's eyes widened with realisation.
"He was... here." The Doctor answered, staring around herself stupidly. She remembered now, she remembered everything. "He's gone."
"I thought he was going to stay?" Asked Yaz, looking angry, "He promised he'd stay with us."
"Things changed," Was all the Doctor could choke out.