Sparrow Saga: Book 1 - Time Lady Sparrow

Chapter 5: The Song That Echoes

The TARDIS hummed softly, the familiar sound filling the air with an aura of anticipation. Mickey leaned against the console, his heart racing with the knowledge that the Doctor and Rose would soon be together again. This was it—the moment everything changed.

Rose stood nearby, her phone pressed to her ear, excitement bubbling in her voice. "Mum, I know, I know! I'll ask him. Just a second!" She switched to speaker mode, a mischievous grin lighting up her face. "Doctor! Mum wants to know if you can come over for tea."

The Doctor's voice crackled through the speakers, tinged with reluctance. "Oh, I don't know, Rose. I really should—"

Before he could finish, something inside Mickey stirred. A song he had seen in a fan-made video suddenly burst forth from his lips, his voice unintentional but melodic, echoing in the chamber of the TARDIS.

"In the heart of time, we roam,
Across the stars, we call it home.
With light and shadow intertwined,
We find the truth that's undefined."

The words flowed from him, the melody familiar yet distant, as if he were channeling something ancient and profound.

Mickey glanced at Rose, who stared at him wide-eyed, and then back to the console. The Doctor had paused, a palpable silence hanging in the air.

"Is that... Gallifreyan?" The Doctor's tone shifted, curiosity piqued. "How did you—"

Mickey continued, losing himself in the music, weaving the next lines into the fabric of their reality.

"Through the ages, our paths align,
A dance of fate, a thread divine.
Together we conquer, we rise, we fall,
In the echoes of time, we answer the call."

As the last notes faded, Mickey was met with silence, and then the Doctor's laughter filled the space—a warm, genuine sound that made Mickey's heart swell with unexpected pride.

"Okay, fine! I'll come over," the Doctor said, his voice lightening. "But only if you promise not to start singing again!"

Rose beamed at Mickey, a smile of gratitude and excitement lighting her features. "Thank you! You won't regret it!"

Once the call ended, the Doctor turned to Mickey, a curious glint in his eyes. "What was that song, Mickey? I've never heard it before."

Mickey shrugged, playing it off as if it were no big deal. "I don't know. Just something stuck in my head."

What was he even saying? Mickey thought, feeling a thrill of vulnerability wash over him. The last thing he wanted was for the Doctor to think he had some secret knowledge about Time Lords or Gallifreyan culture. He didn't want to raise any questions about the fob watch either, still hidden in the back of his mind like a puzzle he wasn't ready to solve.

The Doctor studied him for a moment, clearly intrigued but choosing to let it go—for now. He's different, the Doctor mused, the gears in his mind turning. Mickey's come a long way. It's impressive, really. I wonder what's behind that newfound confidence.

As they made their way through the TARDIS, the Doctor felt a renewed sense of curiosity about Mickey. A fob watch? It's been ages since I've seen one. He glanced sideways at Mickey, who was busy adjusting the controls, seemingly nonchalant. But why would he have one?

In that moment, Mickey caught the Doctor's gaze, and something flickered between them—an understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the journey ahead. Mickey wasn't the same person he had been when Rose first dragged him into this world. He was stronger, more resolute, and perhaps even a little mysterious.

The Doctor couldn't shake the feeling that Mickey was hiding something—something important. But then again, everyone has secrets, don't they? The Doctor thought. I'm not one to judge.

As they arrived at the coordinates Rose had provided, the TARDIS shuddered gently, a reminder of its living essence, its ability to bend time and space. Mickey could feel the excitement in the air, the thrill of adventure just around the corner.

The Doctor stepped out first, his characteristic confidence evident as he gestured for Rose to follow. "Ladies first!"

Mickey lingered a moment, taking in the familiar hum of the TARDIS around him. He felt a swell of determination. No matter what comes next, I will protect those I care about.

And with that resolve, he stepped out into the world, ready to face whatever awaited them.