Nothing like being annoyed with your future self especially because he's right. ]
Older and grumpier. So much to look forward to!
[ Said with dripping sarcasm. He's going to ignore himself now in favor of approaching the table, leaning in and noting the carelessly tossed bags of jelly babies. An old favorite. Not something just anyone would know about him. Not anyone who would lure him here, in any case. There's only one person he can think of, in fact.
Sure, he has many enemies, all of whom would be eager to bait him. They wouldn't know about his very particular preference for one very particular item, nor would they care. Cybermen, Daleks, Sontarans, Silurians...none would go to this trouble. Only on. ]
[ Before they can get much further, the chairs seem to be on an invisible track that pushes them into the table and lock them in. No reaching for their sonics, no standing. No candy. Only then does music begin to play and spotlights begin to move so disorientingly that it's still difficult to make anything out. And then, the music starts. From the corner of a room a clown emerges, waving and doing a fun dance. Obviously, she's quite happy and lets the black balloons she's carrying float up, up and away.
Making her way to the Doctors, the mask obscures her features, but perhaps the eyes will be familiar to at least one of them. She leans in close and presses a firm kiss to the older one's cheek, leaving behind a smear of black lipstick. Then, she reaches into his pocket and takes the sonic screwdriver and glasses, putting the latter on. She moves around to the other and drags a finger along his jawline, over the end of his chin, and back up the other side before pressing a kiss to the opposite side of his face from the other's. His sonic goes too, and then she casually saunters to the middle of the room as the lights go off and one spotlight sends a splash of light directly over her.
Finally, she speaks over the music. ]
Thank you for coming to my humble little show, Doctors. We're an upstart, so any and all donations will be welcome. One of you may be familiar with my work already. [ She unbuttons the top of the costume and strips it away, leaving her in the top half of a business suit, the mask, and the ridiculous pants. ] The other, not so much, in fact. I went so long without seeing you, I missed that face. But that chin, when I say yikes. [ She laughs over her shoulder into the dark. ] Am I right, ladies?
[ There's sauntering, a strut. A confidence. She has him now and there's nothing he can do about it. It's so thrilling. ] Annnnnnnnywho, I won't keep you waiting any longer, the show simply must begin. [ Pulling off the mask and wig, Missy's face is completely revealed and she tosses the entire mask aside. ]
Ta-Da! [ Both hands go in the air like a game show host. ] Are you surprised? Go ahead, old man, tell him my name. Go on. [ Her grin is absolutely feral, and she finally strips away the pants so that a skirt billows out of them and she's dressed comfortably for the show. ]
[The sinking, gnawing feeling in his chest is an all too familiar one. It's one specifically reserved for Missy and he's certain to some degree that his younger self is feeling something similar.
Unlike his younger self though the Doctor is standing stock still like a statue.]
Missy.
[His voice is similar to a growing storm.] Enough with the theatrics what do you want?
[ The music stops abruptly and Missy walks to the table, the light still following her somehow. Grabbing a handful of jelly babies, she tosses the bag back on the table with enough force for them to scatter. She looks at 11 and grins. ] Look at you, in yer wee bowtie. [ The accent is strong. ] How adorable are you? I can see why that doe-eyed girl died for you like an idiot.
[ Looking between them both, she pops a few pieces of candy in her mouth and laughs. ] Now this is a threesome! Whadd'ye say boys, you, me, you? Handcuffs?
[ Leaning over to stare 12 in the eyes, she looks about as sane as she ever has. Which is to say: not at all. There's a small smirk before she finally shrugs, stuffing the rest of the jelly babies into his mouth. ] Well, killing Kate and Osgood was too 'hands off' for my taste. To really know I have your attention, I thought it might be prudent to see your face. Well, faces. There's nothing quite like the terror in your eyes when you realize what's happening. Really gets a girl going.
[ Hopping up, she claps her hands together and then walks around the table once more. ] I've taken the time to put together what I hope to be a thrilling show with audience participation. If all goes well, I might even take this show on the road. [ She rolls all her Rs dramatically. ] I have with me today not one but two special guests. All the way from different timelines.
[ Over the speakers, there's a low drumroll as Missy speaks. ] First, all the way from where you just left her: Clarrrrraaaa Oswaaaaaaald! [ She says it like an MC, the drumroll stopping. Another spotlight turns on to reveal a younger Clara, strapped to a wheel and already hanging upside-down, chained at the hands and feet, bound and gagged in a magician assistant's outfit.
The other Clara's torture is more personal and Missy picked what is, in her opinion, exactly the sort of eventual death the Doctor deserves to see. ] And to our right, a volunteer not quite bright enough to stop from being tricked STRAIGHT into a Dalek...the girl desperately in love with someone who can't love her back: Clara Oswald! [ There's fake audience applause; this spotlight reveals an older Clara, still in her pajamas and locked in a water tank. She's chained to the sides of the tank, not gagged. And she can very easily be heard shouting for the Doctor. There's nothing but fear in her eyes. ]
Now, I bet you're both wondering where the audience participation comes into play?
[ He's not going to abide this ridiculous show any longer. Not that there's anything he can exactly do right now, but he's as angry as he's ever been, the rage building quickly. He doesn't explode, not quite, no. That would have been his younger self. While he does have a temper and can snap in the most dire of situations, he's not going to give her the satisfaction just yet.
He knows what she wants, what the Master has always wanted; his pain, his suffering. As slow and painful as possible. Don't give her the satisfaction, he thinks, and maybe he can talk her out of letting Clara go. Both of them.
It's a ridiculous notion, he realizes immediately. It's a notion that would require a sane individual, a chance for a reasonable discussion. They're the furthest from that with the Master; Missy.
Still, his first instinct, as always, is to offer himself to spare Clara. ]
Look at you, a mockery of a person. Killing people, hurting people, just to get me. You have me, you have both of us. You could keep us here until the end of time. Isn't that what you want? Me. Suffering endlessly. Don't you want to hear my screams? Let go of Clara, both of them, and take us. Torture us. As long and as often as you want. I'm sure you've thought of endless scenarios, neverending pain. You have us, trapped, two Doctors for the price of one, and you're not even going to take advantage of that? You are an idiot, you always have been.
[ He knows his bluff is ultimately a bad one. His own pain means nothing to him. Unfortunately, Missy knows that, too.
He's too distracted right now to think much about the remarks on Kate and Osgood. Both of them gone in an instant, at the hands of this sadistic lunatic. ]
[ Missy simply stares at him for a second before pulling a knife out of one of her deep, deep pockets and gesturing to 12 with it. ]
Did you have anything to follow that up with or do I have to hear it from you, too? You both already know what I want. Someone really should ask about the rules or I'll simply feel there are none and kill them both now. Start over again with a fresh pair. Aren't there more of her, sprinkled out there like a bad case of fleas?
[For all their differences, the Doctor agrees with his younger self. He would always, always sacrifice himself first over anyone else - especially Clara. There was no question about it or doubt in his mind.
His mind churns trying to figure out a way to get Clara - both Clara's - out of Missy's twisted carnival games. But he can't. Not right now. They have to buy more time. His anger is brewing, Clara's fearful eyes and voice fueling it like a fire. But he still holds a hand out to touch his younger self's arm. Anger isn't going to help now. It would only serve to blind. At least that's what he keeps telling himself.]
[ She throws the knife from hand to hand as she talks. ]
I'll ask a question, you'll answer. [ Stopping the knife movement, she walks to the two Clara's and stands next to the water tank ]. If the young one [ she stops to blow him a kiss ] answers incorrectly then - [ Missy turns and throws a knife just as the wheel has started to spin and pick up speed. It lands straight through the webbing between her thumb and second finger, her scream muffled by the gag. ]
If grandpa can't get it together, well.
[ The box the other Clara's in is really just a little bigger than a large fishtank - only big enough and tall enough to fit her. As soon as Missy steps on a button, water begins to fill rapidly from the bottom, so fast that it's filled in less than ten seconds. Clara is clearly frightened but before she can run out of air, the water begins to drain just as rapidly as it filled. Clara coughs and chokes and when she looks at both Doctors, she's fairly certain she's going to die, and it's clear on her face. ]
[ Missy catches the look and laughs with happiness. ]
Oh, which one do we think is going to die first? [ She looks at the Doctors. ] That was numero uno, by the way.
[ The only thing he can think to do right now is to play along. Missy wouldn't have dragged them both here and gone to the effort of these elaborate torture devices only to kill Clara outright. She's going to delay this as long as possible. She's going to hurt Clara, both of them, and the thought alone makes him ill.
But he knows neither Clara is dying anytime soon. No, she wants to drag out the torment. ]
The one with the ridiculous skirt, greasy hair, and terrible eyeshadow.
[ She didn't say he had to specify which Clara would die first. ]
[It's said a little less dry than he would normally say it but this is hardly the right time to verbally butt pat himself. Not when he's watching Clara - his Clara - splutter and cough as wet hair clings to her cheeks. He can't even reach for his sonic to try and unlatch them from their chairs. He's never wanted to so badly to be able to move things with his mind until now.]
Surely you can just give us a pass for that one though? You know better than to not be specific.
First of all, the two of you are the last in the universe to throw around comments on hair and fashion.
Second. [ She throws a knife that doesn't go into any part of Clara, but does cut her on its way into the wheel. Her scream is muffled but it still delights Missy even so. ] Are you suggesting we should skip the questions and go straight to getting on with it? [ She steps on the button to fill the water tank again and this time walks away from it, plucking another knife from her pockets and throwing blindly. This one lands in Clara's thigh; she's upside down, so the blood and her tears drip onto the floor. ]
By the looks on your faces, I'm guessing this isn't what you wanted?
[ Looking over her shoulder she watches as 12's Clara begins to panic. Just as she inhales that first lungful of water, Missy walks back to the tank and drains it. ]
Look at her, choking. Is this what you wanted, dearie? [ Sputtering and coughing, Clara looks between the Doctors and manage words. Don't let her break you. It's what she wants, she wants you to kill her. Don't. ]
[ Missy rolls her eyes. ] Why are your little friends always so bloody righteous? [ Another knife thrown and it lands through a palm. ] I'll tell you what. We'll continue our little game. Another time, another place. For now, you enjoy the rest of the show. I have plans. You know, you have little friends scattered all across this planet. I wonder, can you get to all of them before I do?
[ With that, she saunters out. ] Toodle-loo!
[ While Clara drowns, the other bleeds, and the chairs don't unlock for a full minute and twelve seconds. But they do. ]
[ Seeing Clara's face constricted in terror is enough to flare his rage and protectiveness. It's a very good thing that he's trapped right now because he's not sure what might happen. His rage and darkness is always there, just under the surface. He does well enough to keep it contained most of the time, but if there's one way to break that open, it's harming the people he loves.
He will not stop, he will not rest, until he's made sure that everyone is safe.
A part of him knows he should want vengeance, he should take it. He should become the monster he's always trying to run away from. He would do anything, unspeakable things, for the ones he loves; he has. But it's Clara herself who brought him back from that, from the worst of the darkness. She reminded him of the man he wants to be.
Be a Doctor. And that's what he'll be. They've been given a chance here; for what reason, he doesn't know. Missy could have easily killed both Clara's, but it's a relief that she's sadistic enough to want the game extended, rather than the satisfaction of Clara's death. They're lucky she's just that unhinged. ]
Wherever you go, we'll always find you. You think you're clever, but you haven't won yet, and you won't. You never will. Play your game, go on, then. I'll be one step ahead of you.
[ Then she's gone and it's the most agonizing time of his life. It may as well be hours for the torment he feels, watching them both. Even the sight of her bleeding absolutely destroys him, though his more immediate concern is for his older Clara, drowning in front of him.
The moment he feels the restraints loosen, he's running towards both Clara's, knowing his future self will be close behind. ]
[The minute Clara draws blood is when the anger in the pit of his belly starts to boil. It's enough to make him jerk slightly in his chair against his restraints knowing that it's a futile effort. If it was just their wrists he wouldn't have hesitated to use enough force to break his own wrists if it meant getting out - but they have a vicelike grip on the both of them. He'd break major bones in his body, and then what?
All he can do is watch helplessly while Missy preens and struts around in only the way someone who knows him so well could. By the time she saunters off he's too furious to say anything unlike his younger self. Instead his fists are drawn tight, his fingernails cutting into his palms hard enough to draw some blood.
Just like his younger self expects he's running right after him and immediately running for the older Clara. The water is just over the top of her head now and he runs for the button. He can practically hear Missy's laughter in his ear when he finds it jammed into the floor because of course it is, why wouldn't it be?]
Move!
[He gives his younger incarnation just a moment to react as he reaches for his sonic and points it at the button. Sparks fly as the mechanism deadlocking it is forced out of its socket and the water mercifully begins to drain around Clara.]
[ One Clara can't see or hear, gag stuffed in her mouth. She had no idea who her kidnapper was but recognized her as the woman in the shop, the woman who gave her the Doctor's number to begin with. Then she'd seen her other self - her older self - and had more questions than she knew what to do with. But there wasn't time to talk - she'd been taken away first and strapped down to the wheel.
There'd been a resolve before it started, that no matter what happened she wouldn't scream or cry. But because she can't hear anything, when the pain comes it's searing and surprises her, making her do exactly what she didn't want. And then the pain comes again, and again. She can feel warm blood, she can feel the blades in her skin, and all her effort not to cry goes out of the window. She's terrified and has no idea the Doctors are even there.
The Clara in the tank could only look at them before jerking with an inhale, then another. She'd refused to talk to Missy, to do anything but glare. Knowing exactly what's about to happen, her heart breaks for her younger self, and for the Doctor. She had no idea the younger version of him would be there.
When she saw him, she'd gasped, and then water was filling the tank, making panic seep in. All that she could think was to beg them both to not give in to Missy. To keep going, to keep being the Doctor. Her Doctors.
The last thought she has is that at least her younger self is alive, and the Doctors will find a way to stop Missy. Just as her vision fades she sees them getting out of their chairs, and then there's nothing but black. ]
[ The terror that seizes his hearts is unlike anything he's felt in a very long time. If she dies in that tank, he's honestly not sure what happens. Her younger self is here, yes, but will she remain? He should know the answer to that, he's a Time Lord after all, but this is a strange paradox. She's always been his Impossible Girl, echoes of her out there in the universe, but there's really just one Clara and if she goes, what happens to every other echo of her? He doesn't feel afraid very often, but this is enough to panic him; any thought of harm coming to her or anyone he loves, absolutely destroys him.
Of course, he betrays nothing of that in his expression, save for the darkness to his eyes, the deep, worried frown on his face as he stands close to the tank.
For now, he's had to make a split second decision; the water is draining, yes, but she was drowning. The other Clara is wounded, but not mortally. He can't go to her just yet, not until he's assured her older self is safe.
He barely even notices his older self close by, but when the water's drained out, he looks to him, holding out his sonic to burn the glass as quickly as possible. ]
[Because itβs him, he knows what his younger incarnation is thinking even if nothing is showing on his face. He knows every single thought because heβs him and the people in front of them mean so much to them. To take their expressions at face value would be sorely underestimating how much Clara meant to them.
The Doctor turns his sonic towards the glass; with the two of their sonics working together the glass melts faster than it would have alone, but feels like an eternity. The minute the hole is big enough he pushes past through, rushing towards Clara to unlock her chains before carefully maneuvering her out of the tank.]
Check on your Clara.
[But he doubts very much that his younger self needs any prompting.
Knowing how much water she had taken on he knew he had no choice. His lips were on hers in a second while his fingers pinch her nose pushing air into her lungs in an attempt to get her to cough it out.]
[ When she comes out of the tank, Clara's skin is cold, her lips tinged blue, hair sticking to her cheeks. Dying is not what she thought or what anyone promised. No lights, no gates. She's aware though, and then suddenly she's sputtering again, trying to inhale and choking up water instead. Her body jerks and she instinctively rolls onto her side, trying desperately to pull air into her lungs.
The other Clara is conscious but shaking in pain. She hasn't been able to see, hear, or say anything with the gag in her mouth. All that she knows is the woman in the shop that gave her the Doctor's number strapped her here. There are knives in her body and she doesn't understand why or what's happening.
Only when the blindfold comes off and she sees the Doctor does she realizes this was done to her for the sole purpose of hurting him. Once the gag is out of her mouth, she tries to talk to him but finally beings to cry because she's relieved and there are knives sticking out of her arm, hand, and thigh. ]
Doctor what's happening, where are we? [ Somehow she manages to get two questions out, trying to keep it together. ]
[ As he works to get the blindfold off, he spares a glance for the other Clara, too, relieved to hear her beginning to make breath sounds again. He focuses back on his Clara; well, the one from his current timestream, would be more accurate. They're both his Clara. ]
I don't know and I don't know. Really, the least important things to address right now. You're hurt. It's better if you don't talk right now.
[ And he's frowning and worried. Her hands and feet are chained up, but he makes quick work of releasing her, using his sonic screwdriver. Any movement right now, any bit of jostling, he's sure will hurt, but it can't be avoided. He's also too worried and focused to be doing a very good job of warning her in advance. He's just trying to get her loose, into his arms, so he can get her back to the TARDIS.
The moment he's got her in his arms, though, he's more gentle, holding her steady.
Looking at his future self, and nodding to his Clara, he very curtly notes: ] Take care of her, find me later.
[ Neither of them is about to rush off anywhere, not with that dire parting warning from Missy.
Clara is hurt and bleeding in his arms, so there's really no time for more pleasantries, and he carries her as quickly as he can back to the TARDIS. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Let me guess. You got the same one?
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You shouldn't exist. I - we - we were supposed to die on Trenzalore. You shouldn't be here. How.
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[Ugh, this is like going toe to toe with a younger, more embarrassing version of himself.]
And if I told you, that would be a spoiler now, wouldn't it?
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Nothing like being annoyed with your future self especially because he's right. ]
Older and grumpier. So much to look forward to!
[ Said with dripping sarcasm. He's going to ignore himself now in favor of approaching the table, leaning in and noting the carelessly tossed bags of jelly babies. An old favorite. Not something just anyone would know about him. Not anyone who would lure him here, in any case. There's only one person he can think of, in fact.
Sure, he has many enemies, all of whom would be eager to bait him. They wouldn't know about his very particular preference for one very particular item, nor would they care. Cybermen, Daleks, Sontarans, Silurians...none would go to this trouble. Only on. ]
It's almost too obvious...
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That being said he notices the jelly babies a beat later than himself. Wandering over he extends a hand for the pack.]
It couldn't be.
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Making her way to the Doctors, the mask obscures her features, but perhaps the eyes will be familiar to at least one of them. She leans in close and presses a firm kiss to the older one's cheek, leaving behind a smear of black lipstick. Then, she reaches into his pocket and takes the sonic screwdriver and glasses, putting the latter on. She moves around to the other and drags a finger along his jawline, over the end of his chin, and back up the other side before pressing a kiss to the opposite side of his face from the other's. His sonic goes too, and then she casually saunters to the middle of the room as the lights go off and one spotlight sends a splash of light directly over her.
Finally, she speaks over the music. ]
Thank you for coming to my humble little show, Doctors. We're an upstart, so any and all donations will be welcome. One of you may be familiar with my work already. [ She unbuttons the top of the costume and strips it away, leaving her in the top half of a business suit, the mask, and the ridiculous pants. ] The other, not so much, in fact. I went so long without seeing you, I missed that face. But that chin, when I say yikes. [ She laughs over her shoulder into the dark. ] Am I right, ladies?
[ There's sauntering, a strut. A confidence. She has him now and there's nothing he can do about it. It's so thrilling. ] Annnnnnnnywho, I won't keep you waiting any longer, the show simply must begin. [ Pulling off the mask and wig, Missy's face is completely revealed and she tosses the entire mask aside. ]
Ta-Da! [ Both hands go in the air like a game show host. ] Are you surprised? Go ahead, old man, tell him my name. Go on. [ Her grin is absolutely feral, and she finally strips away the pants so that a skirt billows out of them and she's dressed comfortably for the show. ]
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No.
No.
NO.
This cannot be happening. This really cannot. ]
What have you done? Why are you alive? How are you alive??? You should be dead, you should have been dead...
Oh no. No, no, no. Gallifrey- and you-
[ No. Why???
He looks over to his future self with wide, wild, disbelieving eyes. ]
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Unlike his younger self though the Doctor is standing stock still like a statue.]
Missy.
[His voice is similar to a growing storm.] Enough with the theatrics what do you want?
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[ Looking between them both, she pops a few pieces of candy in her mouth and laughs. ] Now this is a threesome! Whadd'ye say boys, you, me, you? Handcuffs?
[ Leaning over to stare 12 in the eyes, she looks about as sane as she ever has. Which is to say: not at all. There's a small smirk before she finally shrugs, stuffing the rest of the jelly babies into his mouth. ] Well, killing Kate and Osgood was too 'hands off' for my taste. To really know I have your attention, I thought it might be prudent to see your face. Well, faces. There's nothing quite like the terror in your eyes when you realize what's happening. Really gets a girl going.
[ Hopping up, she claps her hands together and then walks around the table once more. ] I've taken the time to put together what I hope to be a thrilling show with audience participation. If all goes well, I might even take this show on the road. [ She rolls all her Rs dramatically. ] I have with me today not one but two special guests. All the way from different timelines.
[ Over the speakers, there's a low drumroll as Missy speaks. ] First, all the way from where you just left her: Clarrrrraaaa Oswaaaaaaald! [ She says it like an MC, the drumroll stopping. Another spotlight turns on to reveal a younger Clara, strapped to a wheel and already hanging upside-down, chained at the hands and feet, bound and gagged in a magician assistant's outfit.
The other Clara's torture is more personal and Missy picked what is, in her opinion, exactly the sort of eventual death the Doctor deserves to see. ] And to our right, a volunteer not quite bright enough to stop from being tricked STRAIGHT into a Dalek...the girl desperately in love with someone who can't love her back: Clara Oswald! [ There's fake audience applause; this spotlight reveals an older Clara, still in her pajamas and locked in a water tank. She's chained to the sides of the tank, not gagged. And she can very easily be heard shouting for the Doctor. There's nothing but fear in her eyes. ]
Now, I bet you're both wondering where the audience participation comes into play?
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He knows what she wants, what the Master has always wanted; his pain, his suffering. As slow and painful as possible. Don't give her the satisfaction, he thinks, and maybe he can talk her out of letting Clara go. Both of them.
It's a ridiculous notion, he realizes immediately. It's a notion that would require a sane individual, a chance for a reasonable discussion. They're the furthest from that with the Master; Missy.
Still, his first instinct, as always, is to offer himself to spare Clara. ]
Look at you, a mockery of a person. Killing people, hurting people, just to get me. You have me, you have both of us. You could keep us here until the end of time. Isn't that what you want? Me. Suffering endlessly. Don't you want to hear my screams? Let go of Clara, both of them, and take us. Torture us. As long and as often as you want. I'm sure you've thought of endless scenarios, neverending pain. You have us, trapped, two Doctors for the price of one, and you're not even going to take advantage of that? You are an idiot, you always have been.
[ He knows his bluff is ultimately a bad one. His own pain means nothing to him. Unfortunately, Missy knows that, too.
He's too distracted right now to think much about the remarks on Kate and Osgood. Both of them gone in an instant, at the hands of this sadistic lunatic. ]
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Did you have anything to follow that up with or do I have to hear it from you, too? You both already know what I want. Someone really should ask about the rules or I'll simply feel there are none and kill them both now. Start over again with a fresh pair. Aren't there more of her, sprinkled out there like a bad case of fleas?
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His mind churns trying to figure out a way to get Clara - both Clara's - out of Missy's twisted carnival games. But he can't. Not right now. They have to buy more time. His anger is brewing, Clara's fearful eyes and voice fueling it like a fire. But he still holds a hand out to touch his younger self's arm. Anger isn't going to help now. It would only serve to blind. At least that's what he keeps telling himself.]
What are your stupid rules?
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[ She throws the knife from hand to hand as she talks. ]
I'll ask a question, you'll answer. [ Stopping the knife movement, she walks to the two Clara's and stands next to the water tank ]. If the young one [ she stops to blow him a kiss ] answers incorrectly then - [ Missy turns and throws a knife just as the wheel has started to spin and pick up speed. It lands straight through the webbing between her thumb and second finger, her scream muffled by the gag. ]
If grandpa can't get it together, well.
[ The box the other Clara's in is really just a little bigger than a large fishtank - only big enough and tall enough to fit her. As soon as Missy steps on a button, water begins to fill rapidly from the bottom, so fast that it's filled in less than ten seconds. Clara is clearly frightened but before she can run out of air, the water begins to drain just as rapidly as it filled. Clara coughs and chokes and when she looks at both Doctors, she's fairly certain she's going to die, and it's clear on her face. ]
[ Missy catches the look and laughs with happiness. ]
Oh, which one do we think is going to die first? [ She looks at the Doctors. ] That was numero uno, by the way.
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But he knows neither Clara is dying anytime soon. No, she wants to drag out the torment. ]
The one with the ridiculous skirt, greasy hair, and terrible eyeshadow.
[ She didn't say he had to specify which Clara would die first. ]
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[It's said a little less dry than he would normally say it but this is hardly the right time to verbally butt pat himself. Not when he's watching Clara - his Clara - splutter and cough as wet hair clings to her cheeks. He can't even reach for his sonic to try and unlatch them from their chairs. He's never wanted to so badly to be able to move things with his mind until now.]
Surely you can just give us a pass for that one though? You know better than to not be specific.
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Second. [ She throws a knife that doesn't go into any part of Clara, but does cut her on its way into the wheel. Her scream is muffled but it still delights Missy even so. ] Are you suggesting we should skip the questions and go straight to getting on with it? [ She steps on the button to fill the water tank again and this time walks away from it, plucking another knife from her pockets and throwing blindly. This one lands in Clara's thigh; she's upside down, so the blood and her tears drip onto the floor. ]
By the looks on your faces, I'm guessing this isn't what you wanted?
[ Looking over her shoulder she watches as 12's Clara begins to panic. Just as she inhales that first lungful of water, Missy walks back to the tank and drains it. ]
Look at her, choking. Is this what you wanted, dearie? [ Sputtering and coughing, Clara looks between the Doctors and manage words. Don't let her break you. It's what she wants, she wants you to kill her. Don't. ]
[ Missy rolls her eyes. ] Why are your little friends always so bloody righteous? [ Another knife thrown and it lands through a palm. ] I'll tell you what. We'll continue our little game. Another time, another place. For now, you enjoy the rest of the show. I have plans. You know, you have little friends scattered all across this planet. I wonder, can you get to all of them before I do?
[ With that, she saunters out. ] Toodle-loo!
[ While Clara drowns, the other bleeds, and the chairs don't unlock for a full minute and twelve seconds. But they do. ]
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He will not stop, he will not rest, until he's made sure that everyone is safe.
A part of him knows he should want vengeance, he should take it. He should become the monster he's always trying to run away from. He would do anything, unspeakable things, for the ones he loves; he has. But it's Clara herself who brought him back from that, from the worst of the darkness. She reminded him of the man he wants to be.
Be a Doctor. And that's what he'll be. They've been given a chance here; for what reason, he doesn't know. Missy could have easily killed both Clara's, but it's a relief that she's sadistic enough to want the game extended, rather than the satisfaction of Clara's death. They're lucky she's just that unhinged. ]
Wherever you go, we'll always find you. You think you're clever, but you haven't won yet, and you won't. You never will. Play your game, go on, then. I'll be one step ahead of you.
[ Then she's gone and it's the most agonizing time of his life. It may as well be hours for the torment he feels, watching them both. Even the sight of her bleeding absolutely destroys him, though his more immediate concern is for his older Clara, drowning in front of him.
The moment he feels the restraints loosen, he's running towards both Clara's, knowing his future self will be close behind. ]
Clara!
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All he can do is watch helplessly while Missy preens and struts around in only the way someone who knows him so well could. By the time she saunters off he's too furious to say anything unlike his younger self. Instead his fists are drawn tight, his fingernails cutting into his palms hard enough to draw some blood.
Just like his younger self expects he's running right after him and immediately running for the older Clara. The water is just over the top of her head now and he runs for the button. He can practically hear Missy's laughter in his ear when he finds it jammed into the floor because of course it is, why wouldn't it be?]
Move!
[He gives his younger incarnation just a moment to react as he reaches for his sonic and points it at the button. Sparks fly as the mechanism deadlocking it is forced out of its socket and the water mercifully begins to drain around Clara.]
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There'd been a resolve before it started, that no matter what happened she wouldn't scream or cry. But because she can't hear anything, when the pain comes it's searing and surprises her, making her do exactly what she didn't want. And then the pain comes again, and again. She can feel warm blood, she can feel the blades in her skin, and all her effort not to cry goes out of the window. She's terrified and has no idea the Doctors are even there.
The Clara in the tank could only look at them before jerking with an inhale, then another. She'd refused to talk to Missy, to do anything but glare. Knowing exactly what's about to happen, her heart breaks for her younger self, and for the Doctor. She had no idea the younger version of him would be there.
When she saw him, she'd gasped, and then water was filling the tank, making panic seep in. All that she could think was to beg them both to not give in to Missy. To keep going, to keep being the Doctor. Her Doctors.
The last thought she has is that at least her younger self is alive, and the Doctors will find a way to stop Missy. Just as her vision fades she sees them getting out of their chairs, and then there's nothing but black. ]
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Of course, he betrays nothing of that in his expression, save for the darkness to his eyes, the deep, worried frown on his face as he stands close to the tank.
For now, he's had to make a split second decision; the water is draining, yes, but she was drowning. The other Clara is wounded, but not mortally. He can't go to her just yet, not until he's assured her older self is safe.
He barely even notices his older self close by, but when the water's drained out, he looks to him, holding out his sonic to burn the glass as quickly as possible. ]
Help me break the glass. Quickly!
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The Doctor turns his sonic towards the glass; with the two of their sonics working together the glass melts faster than it would have alone, but feels like an eternity. The minute the hole is big enough he pushes past through, rushing towards Clara to unlock her chains before carefully maneuvering her out of the tank.]
Check on your Clara.
[But he doubts very much that his younger self needs any prompting.
Knowing how much water she had taken on he knew he had no choice. His lips were on hers in a second while his fingers pinch her nose pushing air into her lungs in an attempt to get her to cough it out.]
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The other Clara is conscious but shaking in pain. She hasn't been able to see, hear, or say anything with the gag in her mouth. All that she knows is the woman in the shop that gave her the Doctor's number strapped her here. There are knives in her body and she doesn't understand why or what's happening.
Only when the blindfold comes off and she sees the Doctor does she realizes this was done to her for the sole purpose of hurting him. Once the gag is out of her mouth, she tries to talk to him but finally beings to cry because she's relieved and there are knives sticking out of her arm, hand, and thigh. ]
Doctor what's happening, where are we? [ Somehow she manages to get two questions out, trying to keep it together. ]
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I don't know and I don't know. Really, the least important things to address right now. You're hurt. It's better if you don't talk right now.
[ And he's frowning and worried. Her hands and feet are chained up, but he makes quick work of releasing her, using his sonic screwdriver. Any movement right now, any bit of jostling, he's sure will hurt, but it can't be avoided. He's also too worried and focused to be doing a very good job of warning her in advance. He's just trying to get her loose, into his arms, so he can get her back to the TARDIS.
The moment he's got her in his arms, though, he's more gentle, holding her steady.
Looking at his future self, and nodding to his Clara, he very curtly notes: ] Take care of her, find me later.
[ Neither of them is about to rush off anywhere, not with that dire parting warning from Missy.
Clara is hurt and bleeding in his arms, so there's really no time for more pleasantries, and he carries her as quickly as he can back to the TARDIS. ]