The Master's head snapped to the side with the force. Bringing his hand up, he gently touched the spot she had made contact with. It was warm to the touch and stung.... He turned his head to look at her, his eyes fixed on her in a mixture of horror and anger. How dare she do something like that?! How could she strike him for telling the truth?! Did she really have to pay for striking him? Oh no, he didn't want this, he wanted someone else he could turn to. Someone else he could talk to.... But did he really need her? He could be alone.... he had been for so many years. What would be the difference now? Besides, he was never truly alone. Not with those drums inside his mind, never ceasing. Tormenting him.
Closing his eyes, he tried to collect himself. His breathing slowed, in and out through his nose, hand gently falling away from his face. But there was no silence. The drums were always present, they were always there.
His eyes opened again slowly. "I will forgive him. But my Doctor is not here.... My Doctor has grown, he has changed. Regenerated. My forgiveness will make no difference, he will continue to avoid me" he said, smiling slightly to himself. It wasn't an evil laugh, nor was it maniacal in any way. It was a smile of sorrow, sadness. "And what about you?" he asked, turning his head to look at her. "Do you forgive me?" he asked.