Written for the Marathon Competition (yellow/fear)

Around him, the city burns. The shadows give way to brilliant flashes of yellow and orange. Screams fill the air, and the people's fear is contagious. Even Rory can feel it.

His emotions are still so strange, not always on par, but the fear sinks into his body. "The Great Fire of London," he remembers. "Always hated that lecture in history."

He rests a hand on the Pandorica. "Amy," he whispers.

The heat rages, tickling his plastic flesh. He doesn't know how much longer his body can hold out. The Doctor told him that he is not immune to fire, and Rory has no intention of learning firsthand just how much heat his body can take.

"Hold on, Amy," he says. "I've got you. I've got you."

He wonders if she can hear him in there. When she wakes, will she know that he's waited, that he's done everything he can to protect her? Will he even know? Will he be there when she wakes?

Again, fear snakes it way through his insides. He may never see Amy again. The closer the surges of heat get, the more he worries. He could melt away, and then who would be there to protect her.

Rory doesn't know if his Nestene body can produce adrenaline, but he feels some sort of rush, followed by a renewed strength. He pulls the massive box along with a new determination.

A few passersby pause to look at him. The Last Centurion, the folklore calls him. Those who survive will have new stories to tell.

Time seems to slow down. He doesn't know how long he walks, but it feels like years. But he doesn't stop, not until Amy and the Pandorica are far away from the burning city.

Only then does Rory allow himself to rest. He slumps to the ground, his hand on his sword, his head resting against the box.

Amy is safe again. This should calm his nerves, but he notices the vague dents in his arm from where the fire got too close. He is not invincible. There may come a day when he can no longer stand guard by the girl he loves so dearly. But he has lived to fight another day, and he will do everything in his power to live many more. Whatever it takes, whatever the cost, he will protect her.