Wendigo (11th)
{Not my gif}
Words: 3698
Originally posted to my Wattpad account.
Heat, burning and roaring pulsed through the air. (Y/n)'s tears were dried from her skin the minute they left her eyes- and her skin seemed to glow as the sweat flooded her pores.
Her arms stuck out, the hair upon them singed and burned as she held back a group of crying children.
"Don't move! Once it gets closer- don't move a muscle!" She warned, her voice quivering weakly. She could see the deranged soul ahead, creeping along a wall with slender, pale limbs. It snarled, arching it's back. If (Y/n) had wanted to, she could have picked out each and every one of it's vertebrae that stuck out from it's sickly pale skin. However, at the moment, she was more concerned about what the creature was circling- the Doctor.
He stood as still as possible, trying his hardest not to gasp for air as he inhaled thick, grey smoke. The man was scared- so scared of the creature that's eyes lit up with the flames around them. Wisely, he didn't even dare to move his eyes, despite the inner need to glance over to his companion and make sure she was unharmed.
But, before the Doctor could fear the sweat rolling down his face would give him away, the building around them creaked. The flames roared, the inferno and sparks flying up into the ceiling and dropping back down onto the floor. The creature wailed, looking up just in time to see a beam holding up the ceiling crash down onto it. It screamed and cried, long limbs smacking the floor around it until it died, body being burnt to ash.
The minute the creature was dead, the Doctor turned to his companion and the children she was protecting, and yelling with all the fury in his heart, "Get out! Now!"
No one dared disobey him, as everyone rushed past the searing heat of the flames and out the nearest door. (Y/n) stayed for just a moment, reaching her hand out for the Doctor. The minute he was close enough to snatch it, she tugged him out the door and into the snowy world outside.
Both the Doctor and (Y/n) faltered in their fast steps upon the cold air smacking them in the face. (Y/n) in particular froze on the spot, shock from the drastic temperature change forcing her mind into a place of confusion. The Doctor made a move to step around her, but the minute he saw her face he stepped back behind her, wrapping his arms around her figure and gently leading her farther outside.
"C'mon, we can't stop here," He whispered gently, face pressed against her hair.
As (Y/n) regained her senses, she couldn't help but look over in the direction of a crying child. It seemed that he too had fallen victim to the fire and ice, as he cried over his scraped knees and chin. His mother cooed over him, weeping as she cradled him in her arms and begged him to stop crying. Just in front of the two, (Y/n) could spy the back of a familiar figure-
"Doctor!" Clara turned, catching sight of the two huddled together. The Doctor stopped where he was, moving his hands gently up and down (Y/n)'s arms in an attempt to warm her as he watched Clara shuffle through the snow towards them.
"Are you alright?" Clara asked upon reaching them, reaching out a hand to (Y/n)'s shoulder. Without a lick of hesitation, she nodded.
"Yes," She replied, before asking, "How about all the people? I know the kids got out fine, but is everyone-"
A small, fleeting hope held it's place within (Y/n)'s heart. Desperately, she hoped that if everyone was safe, they could leave. But, before that hope could grow, Clara's immediate frown caused that dream to fall.
"No, there's still some people stuck down in the mines," Clara stated, now looking to the Doctor. "They couldn't get out before the creatures blocked the entrance. Doctor, they don't know-"
"Not to move," He finished for her, stopping his movements. "They're trapped, then, aren't they? Is it somewhere I could easily get to?"
"Yes," Clara nodded. "And if there's anyone who can get to them, I'm sure it's you. But, Doctor, what are they?"
(Y/n) turned in his arms to peak at his face. He looked down at her, wrinkling his nose and sniffling before meeting Clara's gaze again, "It's a sort of alien infection, like most of the outrageous diseases such as the black death and the zombie virus. It forces the entire body to change in order to survive the fungus that starts growing within all the valuable organs."
"So, it's a sort of parasite?" Clara asked, gulping at the idea. "Were those things human, Doctor?"
The poor man hesitated in his answer, simply replying, "No, it's an infection. There's a difference."
(Y/n) and Clara couldn't help but exchange looks. Both of them were thinking the same thing, but neither of them really dared to ask. Besides, they knew they didn't have to.
"Don't worry. There's no way you can catch it. There are special..." The Doctor took a second to seek out the right word, fingers drumming against (Y/n)'s back as he thought. "Conditions."
"What conditions?" (Y/n) asked, drawing the Doctor's eyes back to her own. His gaze flickered between the colour of her irises, before he furrowed his brows and leant forward, even closer to her.
"Don't worry. There's no way you're in danger of contacting the infection," The Doctor confirmed, without actually explaining the gruesome details.
"So, what do we call them, then?" Clara butted in. "The creatures, I mean."
The Doctor pondered for a moment, before saying, "Wendigo. We can call them wendigo, I suppose."
Brows still furrowed, the Doctor's green eyes turned to meet (Y/n)'s (e/c) eyes. They took a moment to observe one another, before (Y/n) gave him a soft, encouraging smile.
"So, what do we do now, space man?" She inquired, leaning into him as a harsh shiver ran throughout her body.
Discreetly gulping, the Doctor began his plan, "I need you and Clara to lead all the people here to the safety of the TARDIS. But first, I'm going to need you to tell me where the trapped people are, Clara."
Said girl didn't even wait a second to hand over her information, "If you enter the mines through the entrance by the lake, it should be a straight shot to them. They locked themselves inside some sort of smelting room. But- hang on, you don't plan to go by yourself, do you?"
"He better not be," (Y/n) suddenly snapped, pulling herself away from the Doctor's warmth. A frown covered her face as her eyes darted between his own.
"I'm not taking either of you down there," He stated stubbornly, his jaw twitching slightly.
With a small huff, (Y/n) grumbled, "You wouldn't be taking us. We'd be taking ourselves."
With a sigh, the Doctor frowned, reaching up to awkwardly pat her on the shoulder, "Well, I won't let you take yourself. Start gathering everyone up. I need to reach the others as soon as possible."
The Doctor looked deep into (Y/n)'s eyes, trying to relay a message in her mind of, "Don't push it," before he sighed again. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to (Y/n)'s forehead; wished Clara good luck; and was on his way.
Both his companions watched him go in utter frustration, both knowing that they couldn't leave the people on their on. Looking to one another, they got to work.
It wasn't until they were halfway to the TARDIS that (Y/n) felt a pull on her heart. She stopped where she was, a man behind her almost bumping straight into her. Clara stopped as well, turning to glance at her.
Concerned brown eyes looked over (Y/n)'s defensive stance, before her entire face softened, "Go on, then. I'll keep everyone going, I'm a tough girl. Just don't get yourself into trouble."
"Or hurt, I'm guessing?" (Y/n) lightly joked, uncomfortable with the amount of people listening in to their conversation.
With a grin, Clara nodded, stating, "Exactly! The Doctor would have my head. Now, go!"
A nod later, (Y/n) turned away from the group, shuffling as fast as she could through the snow. The wind whipped in her face, and the cold air stung her nose. By the time she reached the entrance to the mine, her lungs were on fire. Breathing in cold air was taking it's toll on her, and yet determination pushed her onwards.
Cautiously, (Y/n) entered the mines. She could feel the air around her grow old, taste the mildew of the earth. Bumps grew on her skin the farther she travelled down the hall. She could hear the wendigos in the distance, screeching and fighting.
Despite her nerves, she took off into a sprint. The Doctor was somewhere down here- he was far ahead of her, sure, but-
(Y/n) dug her foot into the ground, skidding to a stop and immediately freezing in place. Familiar, terrified green eyes connected with hers. He hadn't gotten as far as she thought.
There was one of the creatures, looming tall above the Doctor and the frightened people behind him. Another wendigo crept up beside it, drawing it's attention.
One of them snarled, baring it's yellowed teeth between it's old, cracked lips before leaping forward. The creatures both yelled as they met in a fight, throwing themselves over the heads of the people the Doctor wished desperately to protect.
Another wendigo seemed to appear, launching itself at the gangliest of the fighting pair, digging its teeth into its shoulder. (Y/n) wanted to use their moment of distraction to move closer to the Doctor, but the minute she took a step forward, the Doctor's eyes widened and he shook his head.
(Y/n) watched as the wendigos' fight grew closer and closer to the people- to the Doctor. One of them threw the other skidding across the floor, landing with a thump in front of the Time Lord. Dread coursed her body as she watched the Doctor flinch- catching the creature on the floor's attention.
Her heart clenched, her eyes stung from refusing to blink as she held the Doctor's gaze. She watched him gulp, and she knew he was planning something.
Fear joined dread in her body, pulling the string coiled around her heart even tighter. (Y/n) bit her lip, before mouthing to the Doctor, I won't let you.
His gaze hardened, yet he didn't bother to mouth anything back- he was already too determined. The minute this creature was out of his way, he was going to make a run for it. And for better or for worse, the wendigos would chase him.
At least, in his mind, it would give all the people a chance. But, before the monster below him had even leapt to its feet, he connected eyes with (Y/n). She had already recognised the glint in his eye, and she already decided he wasn't going to do it.
By the time his eyes connected with hers, his chest squeezed. The wendigo at his feet flipped itself over, scraping at the ground like a bull preparing to charge. The Doctor's stomach flipped and his breath left his lungs when he realised she was moving. Rapidly.
The wendigo in front of him snapped it's head in her direction, letting out a screech. The other two, having gotten into God knows what trouble, tossed each other around one more time before their attention was stolen from the fight.
"I love you!" (Y/n) cried, her voice hoarse and panicked. Her eyes were filled with fear as she locked them with the Doctor's, before whipping around and taking off. The wendigos chased after her, moving like bugs along the walls and catching up to her before she could even reach the exit.
Her limbs couldn't move fast enough. She pumped her arms as fast as she could, her heart drumming in her chest and her lungs desperately gasping for air.
(Y/n) heard the Doctor desperately scream her name, but her only response was the screech as loud as possible to keep the monsters on her tail. A wendigo appeared in the corner of her eye, it's pale bald head following her vision, forcing her adrenaline to skyrocket.
She could see the exit of the mines- the fresh, snowy air tempting- but then she spotted a corner leading to a whole different cave system. It made sense- that she should die in the mines. So, without a second thought, she turned and darted down into the dark.
(Y/n)'s heart broke the minute she saw one of the creatures leap for her. She could see down it's throat, hear the rip of it's teeth into her flesh, tearing away at her screaming body- before another wendigo leapt forward, carelessly tackling the other to the ground in front of her.
A short scream left (Y/n)'s lips as she dodged the long, flying limbs in the air. She smacked into the wall, crying out in pain before the adrenaline forced her to push away from it and launch herself back into action.
She felt a hand swipe at her, and refused to turn to see her attacker. Desperately, she spotted a large crevice up ahead.
(Y/n) didn't know what urged her to do so, but she darted towards it, screaming as a wrinkled hand reached out and grasped the back of her shirt. The claws tore right through the fabric, allowing her a lucky escape as she shoved herself into the fissure.
(Y/n) squeezed as far into it as possible, realising it was longer than she thought. She pushed through, the stone crushing and pinching her body as warm tears pricked her eyes.
One of the wendigos' slender limbs reached through the crevice, attempting to grasp at her, pulling at her hair and arm. It's claws scratched her arms, drawing blood and causing them to sting. The creature shoved it's face into the crevice, a mere couple feet from (Y/n)'s own young face as it snarled. Saliva flew and splattered along the walls of the crack, and (Y/n) cried as she forced herself over a particular sharp bump that sliced her cheek.
Another beast now, was squeezing itself into the crevice after her above the other. The growls and screeching was overwhelming, the tears streaking down her face. Startled, she noticed that they were moving faster then she was, their bare, thin bodies aiding them.
"No, please, no," Hopeless, (Y/n) begged, her voice cracking and discordant. With one final shove, she launched herself into another cave system, hurling onto the floor.
Groping the ground, she dragged herself along the dirt. Weakly forcing herself to her feet, she stumbled away, before planting herself against a wall, stifling her tears.
As one of the wendigo threw itself into the cave, (Y/n) bit her lip. She froze in place, closing her eyes so she wouldn't see what was happening.
Eyes still screwed shut, lip bleeding, (Y/n) could hear the creature's heavy, disgusting breath. It's very presence caused goosebumps to rise up on her skin, and it took all her strength to keep herself from whimpering as the second wendigo forced its way through the crevice. The two monsters screeched at one another, each sound a test as (Y/n) tried her hardest not to move.
Every nervous twitch her body made nearly forced her to break down. One of the creatures crept forward, unknowingly hovering right in front of its prey. It bent down, sniffing at the air in front of her.
Bloody slobber splattered against (Y/n)'s cheeks as the creature roared right in front of her, nearly making her jump and give herself away.
It's breath reeked of rotten flesh, and blood dribbled down her chin as her teeth dug holes through her lips. (Y/n) had no idea how long she was forced to stand, suppressing her own, violent shivers.
The other wendigo let out a high pitched shriek, suddenly launching itself at the one in front of (Y/n). Peeling her eyes open, she watched as they fought, tearing into one another viciously. Realising this was her chance, (Y/n) shoved herself back into the crevice. Once again ignoring her fears of the tight space, she shimmied her way through the hole, her hope flying high through the sky.
Carefully, she listened to the wendigos fighting, ensuring they never broke apart to pursue her. After a few seconds of struggle and burning arms, (Y/n) busted to the other cave. Tears of relief found their way down her cheeks, and she slid down the wall, burying her face in her knees and arms as she found the time to weep. Footsteps echoed down the hallway, grabbing her attention. Weakly, she lifted her head to see who approached.
"(Y/n)!" The Doctor called- but something about his tone confused her. He slid to a stop, his eyes darting between her and something behind her.
Lifting up a hand, the Doctor slowed his breaths, before calmly stating, "Don't move." It was then a soft, whining growl filled (Y/n)'s ears. The hair around her face moved as a long arm shifted to settle right beside her. The wendigo walked half way on the wall, halfway on the floor, perfectly framing the corner that hid her figure.
Freezing on the spot, she connected eyes with the Doctor. They stared at one another, purposely distracting each other so neither would risk moving.
(Y/n) watched in her peripheral vision as the gangly creature slowly moved over her, moving claw by claw, taking it's sweet time. The wendigo growled to itself, it's eyes glued to the Doctor, having seen his previous movements. He gulped, knowing it was stalking towards him, its predator like creeping unnerving him. In an attempt to distract himself, he tried to focus on the tears sliding down his companion's cheeks.
The beast lowered itself fully to the ground, seeming to continue to hunt. However, it passed right by the Doctor, slowly disappearing around the corner.
Neither (Y/n) nor the Doctor dared to move, even once the third wendigo was gone. Moments passed before the Doctor uncomfortably shuffled on his feet, letting out a slow, quiet breath.
His gaze softened on (Y/n)'s figure, but his jaw clenched. Cautiously, he took a step forward, reaching out a hand. The girl watched him carefully, before slowly heaving herself to her feet, the utter exhaustion wracking her body. She nearly fell, before catching herself on the wall and stumbling forward. Completely ignoring his hand, she latched onto his body, arms wrapped around his neck as she let herself completely fall into the Doctor's grasp. He locked his arms around her waist, holding her up as she silently cried into his neck.
The Doctor's gaze fell dead onto the dark cavern before him, waiting for her tears to stop. Several, agonisingly tense minutes passed before her tears slowed down.
She tried to pull away, but the Doctor kept her firmly against his body. So, instead, she leaned back to look him in the eye. The expression upon his face nearly killed her on the spot, causing her chin to quiver with emotion.
"You can't do that," He whispered quietly, eyes turning red despite his best wishes.
Nodding, (Y/n) whispered, "I know. I'm sorry."
The Doctor frowned and his brows furrowed as a tear snuck down his cheek, and he sniffled before burying his face in her neck.
"I could hear you," He suddenly stated. "I could hear you screaming and crying. You were so scared- never again."
(Y/n) laid a kiss against his hair, and carefully, he pulled away from her. Tears slowly made their way down his face, and he stepped around her to wrap her arm around his shoulders, in turn wrapping his around her waist. With that, he lead her out of the cave, supporting her tired weight.
When they returned to the TARDIS, the Doctor had to ward off all the people wishing to thank her. He refused to let go of her, even refusing Clara's offer to take her back to her room. The stubborn man was determined to do it himself. Then, he declared, he was going to patch up all her cuts, and take all the people home.
Shutting (Y/n)'s bedroom door behind him, he lead her carefully to her own bed. He let her settle down, before tucking her in himself. Without another word, he carefully sat down on the edge of her bed, one foot tucked underneath him. Silence enveloped the two of them as they took in one another's features, before the Doctor leaned down, hesitatingly cupping her face. It took him a moment to speak, as he steeled himself, refusing to let his voice crack.
"I could've lost you today," He whispered, eyes clenched tight. His thumb gently stroked her cheek, right below her bloody cut.
"I know," Quietly, she replied, lifting a shaky hand to rub his cheek. "You almost did."
He reached another hand up to clasp her cheek, still holding her close. Gently, she continued to soothe him, her hand moving to softly rub the back of his neck.
The Doctor refused to think about what he was doing, but he lowered himself closer, pressing his lips against hers. At first, she whimpered beneath him, pain coursing through her face as her bit lip was agitated.
But soon, she refused to allow him to move, holding him firmly in place once she realised what they were doing. They broke apart only for a breath, before connecting again.
It was a bittersweet kiss, the kiss itself sweet, despite the bitter pain coursing through her face, and the sour knowledge he had of her pain. The minute they broke apart, the Doctor refused to look her in the eyes, as he laid himself down beside her, shoes and all, cradling her body to his.
(Y/n) was covered in dried blood, sweat, and scratches; and she shivered in the Doctor's arms. However, despite his own knocked nerves, he couldn't thank enough gods for having this moment with her.
He was never going to let her go again.