Star Song Refrain Pt 2: The Universe Weeps

>The Master returns to his not-home to wait.
>He gets through the door and sees the daughter.
>”DAD!” She exclaims as she pushes that boy away from her. “I thought you were working or something... We were just studying”
>The Master thinks to himself, ‘You see? She doesn’t need you...’
>He feels a hot flash of anger, followed by a feeling of... surrender.
>As if a small lingering piece of old Anon finally lets go.
>It makes him laugh.
>Scootaloo looks more concerned at that then the expected anger.
>”Don’t fret my dear,” He says as the boy scampers away. “Daddy will be entertaining an old friend tonight... And I’d like to have you around.”
>She shows concern as she eyes his new attire.
>Oh the sight he must be. Fancy clothes, a feather from Rainbow Dash, a large lock of Rarity’s mane, and a slightly stained rabbit’s foot.
>She doesn’t question, just trusts her dad and wanders to her room.
>After grabbing the familiar horseshoe from Anon’s room, The Master sets the kettle on for tea.
>Just as it steeps, there’s a knock at the door.
>”Oh Scootaloo dear, can you get that?” He says as he prepares the cups. “That must be my good friend.”

>He comes out of the kitchen, The Doctor already in the living room.
>After setting the tea tray down, The Master does a slight flourish. “What do you think Doctor? You’ve always had a keen eye for fashion.”
>He nods, then softly says. “I like the colors.”
>The Master smiles, “Thank you, and might I say LOVE the bowtie.” He motions to the tea, “May I pour you a cup?”
>The Doctor shakes his head.
>”Oh Doctor, do you think this is some sort of trick?” The Master pours his own cup and one for The Doctor. “After all we’ve been through, do you really think I would try to end it with something as mundane as mere poison?”
>The Doctor remains silent.
>”Do you know what the worst part is?” The Master says, adding sugar and milk. “I never got to experience the firsts for myself... It’s like I’m driving a pre-owned model.” He smirks and takes a sip.
>Still, The Doctor remains silent.
>The Master narrows his eyes at his friend. “What’s wrong Doctor, no words? I remember how you ever so much liked to talk.”
>The Doctor drops his head and says quietly, “No.”

>The Master laughs so hard, he almost spills his tea. “NO!?!” He breaths and composes himself. “The mighty Doctor? The p0ny who could rout an army with a simple turn of phrase, or topple empires with a sentence?”
>Still, The Doctor remains silent.
>The Master sets his tea down. “Is it because you’ve finally lost? You’re finally presented with a no win scenario that YOU created for yourself?”
>Finally he speaks. “.....Yes.”
>”What did you expect?” The Master asks with a sneer. “That poor weak Anon would teach me the values of ‘love and friendship’? I’ll admit, even for you, that was misguided.”
>Again, the only words are, “Yes.”
>The Master continues, finishing his drink. “And now you’re faced with the worst possible choice. Me, or him. Do you sacrifice the loving family man for the psychopath? Or do you finish off the last of your kind for such a temporary being?”
>The Doctor raises his head, oh that delightful hurt look. “I... I can’t.”
>That makes The Master smile. “Can’t what? Can’t choose? Can’t act?”
>He sighs. “I just.... Can’t”
>The Master thinks for a moment. “Fine then Doctor, I will FORCE you to act.” He turns his head and calls out. “Oh Scootaloo, could you come here for a moment, daddy would like to see you.”
>He unhooks the horseshoe and keeps it concealed on the other side of his seat.
>The Doctor slowly shakes his head and pleads. “Don’t... Please don’t.”
>The Master stares coldly at him. “Then make me Doctor.”
>Scootaloo trots up and The Master brings her to his side. “I just thought you should know, You father loved you very much.” He whispers to her as he activates the blade....

>The Master’s arm shakes violently as his body strains against itself. Blade still at his side.
>He looks from the confused Scootaloo to his stationary arm. “What are you doing Doctor?”
>Still in his seat, The Doctor shakes his head. “I’m not doing anything... You’ve activated a VERY strong emotional response.”
>Scootaloo backs away, unsure of what’s going on.
>The Doctor sighs to himself. “You’ve just tried to do the one thing you never do to that man, and that’s hurt his child... You want me to say something to frighten you? Fine... He’s now fighting you, crawling out of whatever pit you threw him in to protect her. If that’s the case, I have 5 little words that if you know ANYTHING about me, will chill you to the core..... I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
>The Master’s eyes go wide and he howls in pain.
>In a flash, his expression changes. Anon looks around and speaks. “Scootaloo... please, RUN. He’s too strong... He’ll kill you RUN!”
>”No,” The Doctor calls out to the frightened filly. “If ever there was a time your father needed you, now’s the time... Help him, save him or you’ll lose him forever.”
>Scootaloo wavers for a second before turning to her father. “Dad... I don’t know what’s going on... but please don’t go. I still need you, I always will.”
>Another howling cry of pain as The Master re-emerges. “Once I’m done with him... You’ll be the first I ki.... AAAAAARGH!”
>”NO!” Anon cries out definitely. “He... He’s going to win and...” He glances to his still active sword, then back to Scootaloo. “I love you Scoots... I’m sorry.”
>Turning the blade inward, Anon falls off his seat, the tip piercing through his back.

>Acting, The Doctor rushes to his side as Scootaloo sobs in disbelief.
>He rolls his old friend over, the blade dissipating back into its horseshoe form. Anon opens his eyes, but it’s The Master once more. “He stabbed me... Again.” He says in a shaky voice.
>The Doctor nods. “But you can just regenerate....”
>The Master smiles, “But it will be the end of him.”
>The Doctor just nods.
>He closes his eyes and concentrates for a second before scowling, “He.... He won’t let me Doctor.” The Master looks up at his friend. “He’s killing me Doctor... I’m.... I’m scared....”
>It’s an unusual thing when The Doctor’s at a loss for words.
>A smile curls across The Master’s lips. “I understand.... I heard The Star Song for so long, but I finally understand.” He reaches up and puts a hand to The Doctor’s face. “Goodbye Doctor... I will miss our little games... And now I leave you... Alone.”
>Anon’s body glows “No.... Stop, I don’t want this!” The Doctor rages as The Master’s regenerations, his time energy, everything that made him The Master and a Time p0ny, flows into The Doctor..
>A small golden glow dances across the wound, sealing it. The only bit of regeneration energy Anon allowed himself to keep. The Doctor presses his ear to Anon’s chest, hoping.... But only finds a single heartbeat.
>When he opens his eyes again, all that remains is The Knight, The Father.
>”Did... Did I do it? Is he gone?” Anon asks.
>The Doctor nods, putting on a strong face.
>Anon sits up and looks himself over and to the still crying Scootaloo. “But the prophecy... The Song. You’re still alive.”
>The Doctor stands and shakes his head. “The prophecy’s fulfilled.... Anon, You killed the last of my kind, my only brother. No matter where I go in all of time and space... I will forever be alone because of you.... So yes, you have destroyed me.”

>The Doctor goes to leave. “See to your daughter and make amends with your friends. You’re a master of your own destiny now, do with it as you see fit.”
>He goes to leave, but Anon calls out. “Doctor wait....”
>Without turning to him, The Doctor says, “Anon, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way but.... I hope I never see you again.”
>With that he departs, head down staring at the ground all the way to the TARDIS.
>Pinkie Pie’s waiting for him outside. “It’s a meteor shower... But why’s it feel so sad?” She says, looking at the night’s sky.
>The Doctor looks up. “Pinkie,” He says with a sigh. “If you went anywhere at this time, you’d see the same thing. It’s the universe crying for me.... Because I’m all alone.”
>She puts a hoof on his back and smiles. “You’re not all alone silly, you still have me.”
>The corners of his mouth curl up slightly.
>”So Miss Pie,” he says softly, “Where to now?”