[TARDIS]
The TARDIS materializes in a cramped storage room, barely fitting inside.
The moment the shaking subsides, the Vortex speaks, their voice unusually direct.
'Shroud their minds from the Chosen and the bond we share. Fortify your barriers to their fullest.'
The Alchemist frowns. They're not even being cryptic this time. That alone is unsettling.
'Understood, Teacher,' the Time Lady replies.
She doesn't know why yet, but she won't question it. They've never steered her wrong before.
The Doctor and Rose push themselves up from the floor, already making for the doors when the Alchemist halts them.
"Hold on a moment," she says.
They turn, standing side by side.
"What is it?" Rose asks warily, watching as the Alchemist reaches over and tucks a stray lock of hair behind her ear—a small, seemingly affectionate gesture.
But beneath the surface, it's a telepathic touch, hiding the memories away. To cover for it, the Alchemist pretends to check for injuries.
"Just making sure you're both alright," she explains, "That was a rough landing."
Rose offers a smile, kinder this time, unaware of what's just been taken from her. The Alchemist turns to the Doctor next, her fingers brushing his temple, her palm resting against his cheek. Removing his memories is harder. She lingers a second too long before finally pulling away.
She lets her gaze sweep over them, squinting slightly, "Well, you both appear to be in one piece this time."
The Doctor rolls his eyes but smirks, sharing a look with Rose, "She's mothering us again," he mutters.
Rose grins, "She's not wrong, though. That was a rough one."
Together, they turn toward the doors, neither noticing how the Alchemist stiffens.
The moment they open, a massive telepathic force slams against her mental defenses, testing their strength. Her eyes darken, lips pressing into a firm line.
This is not going to be a fun adventure.
She schools her expression into something lighter and moves to follow them out.
"I don't know what's wrong, though," the Doctor muses, stepping forward, "She's feeling a bit queasy. Indigestion, maybe. Like she didn't want to land."
Rose smirks, "Oh, if you think there's going to be trouble, we could always hop back inside and try somewhere else."
They exchange a mischievous look before laughing.
Inside her mind, the TARDIS's voice cuts through the noise, 'My Thief, you needed the black hole closure device.'
The Alchemist stops mid-step. It's stored right by the console.
Without a word, she pivots, dashing back towards it. She kneels, pries open the grating, and pulls out the device, setting it atop the console before straightening again.
"Are you coming or what, Ally?" the Doctor calls.
She exhales sharply, "Yep, yep, just grabbing something real quick," she says, speed-walking back to them.
The Doctor steps out first, glancing around, "I think we've landed in a cupboard."
Rose follows, shaking her head with a grin.
YOU ARE READING
Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓
FanfictionThe Alchemist knows that Time has consequences. Now having Regenerated with her Bondmate, the Doctor, both Time Lords have to confront the repercussions of Rose Tyler's actions. The question is, when will that payment fully come due? They received o...
