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The Doctor bounds around the TARDIS console, the only sound the rubber soles of his shoes hitting the metal grating. He doesn't specifically have any plans in mind as to where to go, just hoping for a fun adventure. As he prepares to dematerialize, the cloister bells begin to sound. His eyes widen, and he slides on his glasses. "What?" he shouts, his voice echoing through the space. He swipes the coordinates he had set, and enters a new set, heading straight for the Garden.
His hearts are beating faster than normal, and he can feel the anger rising inside of him. The TARDIS barely materializes on the planet, when the Time Lord runs out of the ship. The planet is gorgeous, and were it any other day he'd spend time exploring betweens the trees and flowers. He ignores all of the local fauna, having a set goal in his mind. Sitting on top of a nearby hill is the only anthropomorphic being on the planet. As he approaches the farm at the top of the hill, his anger practically reaches a boiling point. He doesn't bother to knock on the door, instead forcing it open.
His breathing is heavy, his hearts racing with the knowledge of what this Titan did to the people of earth, the planet that he considers his home. His eyes are blazing, the full force of the Oncoming Storm on display. The Mad Titan glances up at the Time Lord. The Doctor, who was about to do a verbal smackdown, looks at Thanos with just the smallest bit of pity on his face. He looks absolutely horrible, the entire left side of his body coated in burns. The Gallifreyan shakes the compassion from his mind, reminding himself of everything that Thanos has done.
He raises his eyebrows, leaning against the doorway, crossing his arms, "I see you've learned first hand what you have to sacrifice in order to wield the Infinity Stones."
The Titan chuckles, "Who are you, and how did you even find this place."
"Oh, that's not really important. What is important is what you did to the universe, MY universe!"
"Your universe? I saved it."
The Doctor can't stop the mirthless laugh that escapes his mouth. "Saved it? You destroyed half of all life, on every planet, in every galaxy!"
"Yes. The universe is better now. And it isn't as if there is much you can do." He looks the Time Lord up and down, not even trying to mask his sneer.
At that moment the Doctor decides that he has had enough. He evens his breathing, the wrath that had been boiling just under the surface finally erupts. He stands to his full height, his eyes blazing like fire, but they're as cold as ice. He looks like a completely different person, a very dangerous person. "You think you're something special, don't you." He smiles, a smile filled with bitterness, "You are nothing. Not in the vast expanse of the universe. I've fought beings you wouldn't believe, seen things you couldn't fathom. I've thwarted invasions that would have had you running. I've fought Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans, Rutans, Autons, Axons, Martians, Weeping Angels, and so many more. You are a speck in the vast time stream."
For the first time since meeting the Titan, he actually takes a step back from the Time Lord, a hint of fear in his eyes. "Who are you?"
"I'm known by a lot of names throughout this universe. The Oncoming Storm, the Destroyer of Worlds, Bringer of Darkness, the Last of the Time Lords, I've even been called the Lonely God." The Doctor shoves his hands into his pockets, shrugging in a very nonchalant way, "Personally, between you and me, those titles are all a bit much, and a smidge pompous, but they are by no means an exaggeration."
"But, what is your name?" the Titan questions, although the Doctor knows that he's figured it out.
"I'm the Doctor. This universe, and its inhabitants, are under my protection. And you, Thanos, the Mad Titan, have hurt the people I care about, destroyed the beings I have sworn to protect!" The Time Lord strolls into the farmhouse, coming to stand directly in front of the Titan, "That wasn't very smart, was it. And then you just come here, to hide. The entire universe is out there, gunning for you. I would say run, but there is not one corner of this universe where you can hide from me. So, I have one question." At this point, Thanos seems terrified of the skinny brit in pinstripes and trainers. The Doctor glares up into the Titan's eyes, "Why?"
"There is too much conflict, too little resources, and too many people. The universe needs balance, it needs stability. The universe needed someone like me. Now the resources will not run out. It is perfectly balanced as all things should be."
The Doctor can't help but laugh, "Perfectly balanced? That's why you you destroyed half of the bl**dy universe! Bl**dy h*ll. If this was some misguided 'religious' mission to balance the universe, to help make sure that we don't run out of resources, why didn't you just double the resources?" He doesn't expect the Titan to respond, as most genocidal maniacs use their religion as a reason to commit crime. The Time Lord shakes his head in disdain at the Titan, "But this was never about balancing the universe. You aren't known as the 'Mad Titan' for nothing. Stop lying about it. You did what you did because you wanted to, because you could. I've met people like you, doing whatever you want, and not worrying about the consequences. But I know, Thanos. I know more than most people. Was your sacrifice worth it? Is your task complete?"
"Yes," Thanos nods, looking quite pleased. "I have succeeded. The universe is at peace."
The Time Lord rolls his eyes, "It's been interesting, Thanos, but I really should be going. I have planets that need saving." The Doctor stuffs his hands into his pockets, strolling back toward his TARDIS. The door creaks open, and the TARDIS energy immediately surrounds him, trying to make him relax. He shrugs off his coat, launching his ship into the Vortex. As soon as he knows that they have left the Garden, he reaches into his trouser pockets, extracting each of the Infinity Stones. The ship brightens, almost smiling, and he smirks at the console screen. "What d'you, Sexy. Can you bring them back?" He knows the answer and pops open a panel on the console. He carefully deposits each stone, the color of the TARDIS changing with each gem that is dropped in. The ship glows very bright for a moment, so bright that the Time Lord has to clamp his eyes shut. Just as quickly as the glowing started, it stops. He affectionately pats the side of the control panel, grabbing the screen.
A smile spreads across his face, as he sees the population of each planet return to how it was before Thanos snapped. "Oh, you are amazing, Old Girl, but you already knew that." The Doctor, knowing that the stones are safely within the TARDIS, decides to leave the Mad Titan alone, instead setting the coordinates on his ship to random, and zooming off on another adventure.
