Chapter Text
The Doctor couldn’t believe everything that had happened; the Master being resurrected; the drums being real; Rassilon trying to come back; the whole of Gallifrey appearing above the Earth; the Master helping him; Wilf in the radiation chamber.
He could have done much more if he had more time. But time is never that kind. Not even to a Time Lord. He despaired what would have become of him had he stayed. “At least Wilf is safe,” he thought to himself as he was stumbling to the TARDIS. Coming at a rest at the console, he let out a sigh. “A few more trips left in you?” he asked out loud, then smiled slightly when her lights flickered in response.
His first stop was Donna’s wedding. He couldn’t come too close of course; his own fault. But giving the winning lottery ticket would have to do. Second was Martha and Mickey, they really should be more careful. He won’t be there to save them next time, after all. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
He hoped the best for them, out of everyone. They deserved happiness.
Next up was Sarah Jane, that was the least he owed her. An actual goodbye - instead of abandoning her. And not even in the right place, at that. Then one last meeting with Jack. He hoped Jack knew how sorry he was. Even if he would never say so out loud.
With a heavy feeling in his hearts, he put in the coordinates for the last trip. London, January 1st, 2005. He couldn’t cross his own time stream, but he could go back to before she met him. Rose Tyler, the one that mellowed out his ninth face. Even now when she doesn’t know him yet, she was still so kind and bright. Seeing her again put pain in his hearts. And then the radiation pain made itself known again, as well. Letting her go one last time, he went back to where he parked.
The old Ood couldn’t help it, hm? Had to go and rub salt in his wound. Even though the song was beautiful in its own right. It was heartbreaking to know he couldn’t run from his fate anymore.
This would really be it.
His foot almost caught on the TARDIS threshold at the thought. He staggered and grabbed the handrail. Yanking himself upright and stumbling to the controls. As the TARDIS whizzed off into orbit, he could feel the regeneration energy burning his cells away. He couldn’t help but feel angry at his next self. Why couldn’t he stay? Wasn’t he allowed more time? The burning felt excruciating through his whole body. It started at his toes and made its way up.
He felt tears welling up in his eyes and willed them back, muttering a teary, “I don’t want to go.” He leaned his head back, losing all sense of self as the burning energy consumed his whole body. Burning away all he was and would be.