Are you there? asked the Doctor.
The Song came to him right away now, recognizing the illumination of his mind in the darkness. It felt so much like the Tardis that its very presence soothed him. Its very existence kept him from diving into the darker thoughts and memories of his own mind.
The Doctor thought about this. There must be many beings that were frozen or turned to stone. Why was this the only voice he could hear? This universe had a strong link with Earth, and 20th century Earth species did not have telepathic abilities. Perhaps this was another stranger. Another traveler trapped in Jadis' spell.
I know what it's like to be alone, said the Doctor. He gave a small sigh. She knows, too. Perhaps she's right. Perhaps we are the same.
But the song seemed to wrap around the Doctor, just as the Tardis had after the war. It played away the bad memories, vanquished the Dalek fleets from his mind, distracted him from the memory of Rose that still tore at his hearts. It played him away from the despair that lurked in his soul—the despair that reminded him so much of Jadis.
You are not the same, the Song seemed to say. You will never be the same.
You say that now, said the Doctor. But if you knew me outside of the blackness, you would be able to see what I really am.
And so would you, said the Song.
