Chapter 20:
Boredom called Normal life. That's the disease that plagues Team RWBY as they haven't travelled with the Doctor due to exams and prepping for the Vytal Festival as well as Grimm training. As much as they love fighting Grimms, travelling across time and space was a greater amazement and they have been missing it. However, even though they haven't been able to travel, they have been visited by the Doctor every once in a while, which made all four girls happy. Ruby, Blake, and Yang were beginning to see the Doctor as an older brother figure while Weiss...her feelings kept growing for the time lord. Meanwhile on the other side, the Doctor has been keeping an eye out for the troubling trio he confronted the other day as he knew they wouldn't take his warning but he well knew they were concerned of him being around.
The Doctor: Any luck Dalek Khan?
Dalek Khan: NEGATIVE! Without any clear cameras or identity information of them, it is hard to locate.
The Doctor: *thinks* Hmm, I'll have to go into the city and search around. However, that may take a while if they plan to blend in with the crowd now that they know I'm here.
Dalek Khan: Perhaps Team RWBY would know?
The Doctor: As much as I would like to tell them...I can't. They have too much going on right now, we haven't gone exploring for almost a week. Besides, I'm not willing to put them into a risky situation.
The Time Lord and Dalek were interrupted as they heard an alarm coming from inside the TARDIS. They run back in as the Doctor looked into the monitor where it shows a crack in the universe. The same one that brought him here in the first place.
The Doctor: Khan, are you seeing this?
Dalek Khan: I AM! Scans detect it is the same crack in which we've entered.
The Doctor: We need to get out there and find a way to prevent it from entering Remnant. My worst concern is it could be a Dalek fleet.
Dalek Khan: I AGREE!
The Doctor lifts down the lever as the TARDIS began to disappear from its usual area and off into space. Unknown to both the Doctor and Dalek Khan, someone was watching from the bushes as a girl with pink and brown hair came out in complete surprise as to what she saw. Grabbing her phone out, she sends a message to someone before deciding to make a run for it. Back at Beacon, that message is delivered to Cinder Fall who has been disguised as a transfer student alongside Ember and Mercury. She would be lying not to admit they were concerned for the Doctor being around and stopping them.
Cinder: Looks like Neo responded. *Opens scroll*
Neo: He really isn't human. He just went inside some police box and disappeared into thin air. Get it done before he returns at any moment.
This brought more complications for Cinder, the man who they were worried about isn't human after all so they needed to act fast on their plans.
Emerald: What is it?
Cinder: That Mad Man left with some transporting machine that can disappear into thin air within seconds. Neo just told me so let's keep an eye out and continue the plan.
Mercury: Soooo the chances of killing him are what?
Cinder: *sighs* That's why we need to act fast on our plan stupid! We don't know anything about him other than he's not human and he has some kind of advanced police box. He knows a lot about us, about Salem, about our plan to takeover Vale!
Emerald: She's right Mercury, what if we can't kill him at all?
Cinder: Doesn't matter right now, Let's. Go!
Out into the far reaches of space, the TARDIS began to approach the crack that appears in front of it as the Doctor and Dalek Khan scan and investigate this strange phenomenon.
The Doctor: Can we figure out if anything has passed through already?
Dalek Khan: SCANNING!...Doctor...
The Doctor: Oh no no don't tell me...
Dalek Khan: LIFE FORMS HAVE CROSSED THE CRACK! NOT DALEKS!
The Doctor: That's sort of good news. Your race would be our biggest issue but now it seems something already crossed. It could be anything: Cyberman, Zygons, Slitheen, Sontarans, anyone. Can we track where they have been located?
Dalek Khan: LOCATING!...LOCATING!...Remnant...
This was bad news. The ultimate bad news for the Doctor, the people of Remnant including his friends are already dealing with Grimms and Salem. They are not prepared to face whatever came through. All of a sudden, the alarm rang off again startling the Doctor.
The Doctor: WHAT NOW?!
Dalek Khan: THE CRACK IS CLOSING!
Eyes widen hearing that, the Doctor runs outside to see the crack of the universe closing once again as he stands there watching and not knowing what to do. A little bit after, he goes to the controls and sets course back to Vale before pulling the lever.
The Doctor: Khan, message Team RWBY that we are going to be out for a while. We are going to go track whatever came through and stop it before it does damage to this world.
Dalek Khan: UNDERSTOOD!
Back at Beacon, Class was finally over for the gang as they head back to their dorms, ready to head out for an important mission regarding Roman Torchwick.
Ruby: I can't wait to show you guys my stealth outfit! You're gonna love it.
Blake: We need to plan this properly and make sure it goes through. One mistake, one fatal error and it's over.
Weiss: I'm with Blake, we should split up into two groups and go to where we can get the most out of.
Ruby: I know where to go to.
Yang: I know a place as well!
Blake: Same here! Not good though, two groups for 3 locations. We have different scenarios we can think of.
Yang: Wait! Let's bring the Doctor into this. He always loves a good investigation plus we haven't travelled with him for about a week.
Just as the girls were going to answer, Ruby gets a notification from her phone only to reveal a happy gasp and jumps up and down.
Ruby: KHAN!
Blake: Wait! He has a number?
Weiss: No, I think it's the same number as the Doctor. He just probably communicated through there.
Ruby: Let's see, well this isn't good.
Yang: What did he say?
Ruby: He said, Emergency has occurred, The Doctor and I will be gone for the day!
Weiss: Did he say what the emergency was?
Ruby: No, he didn't.
Blake: I should be concerned. We are talking about the Doctor and Dalek Khan here dealing with emergency.
Weiss: We can talk with him when he returns. We must get ready for our own trouble with Roman Torchwick.
The girls went on to get ready for their mission today with their stealth outfits but their heads couldn't stop thinking about their time travel friends, especially Weiss.
Ruby: I know how we are feeling right now but let's get through first and kick some butts! We'll meet up tonight near Yang to go over what we found. *Pumps fist* Let's do this!
Blake: *surprised and alarmed* Sun!
Yang: How did you get up there?
Sun: Ah, it's easy; I do it all the time.
Weiss: You do what?!
Sun: I climb trees all the time! *Flips inside* So, are we finally getting back at that Torchwick guy?
Blake: We are going to investigate the situation... as a team.
Ruby: Sorry, Sun. We don't want to get friends involved if we don't have to.
Sun: Psh! That's dumb! We should always get friends involved! That's why I brought Neptune!
The four girls look outside to see the blue-haired hunter and partner of Sun greeting them as he stands on a very thin ledge circling the building under the windows.
Neptune: 'Sup?
Ruby: How did you even get up here?
Neptune: I have my ways... Seriously, though, can I come in? We're like, really high up right now.
Sun: By the way, where's your Doctor friend?
Yang: Oh! He had some stuff to take care of.
Sun: Aw man, was hoping he join as well plus getting to meet Neptune.
Blake: He's a Doctor, Sun.
Sun: Yeaaah, his appearance doesn't fool me. He may be called the Doctor but he's not one.
Ruby: *mumbles* He's a different kind of Doctor... AHEM! Alright, I'll go with Weiss; Sun, you can go with Blake. And Neptune, you can go with Yang since she doesn't have a partner. Everyone good?
Yang: All set!
Ruby: Then let's go!
Team RWBY alongside Sun and Neptune head out in their respective pairs for their mission back to focus mode. Meanwhile, at a empty city nearby a mountain known as Mountain Glenn, the Doctor and Dalek Khan have been looking around the entire area after a signal was detected around here before it disappeared.
The Doctor: This just doesn't feel right. A signal on a ghost town that suddenly disappears. Khan, have you gotten anything?
Dalek Khan: NEGATIVE! But, numbers of Grimms detected!
The Doctor: They couldn't interfere with the signal, can't they?
As the two discuss, from afar, something is watching both of them deep within the woods but it isn't just one, it's many of them. After looking around more around the woods, the Doctor and Dalek Khan proceed to head to the ghost town and investigate there.
Dalek Khan: Doctor! Your heart rate is increasing!
The Doctor: *sighs* There's so much going on Khan. That trio I told you about who I confronted, the crack of the universe reappearing again, and now this. This universe can't handle our universe's threats!
Dalek Khan: You must relax Doctor!
The Doctor: I can't. At least for right now, we need to find out what exactly came through because any aliens that came are dangerous to Remnant and its people.
The Doctor proceeded to enter a old building as Khan watches. He knows he's doing this to keep the legacy of the original Doctor alive but it's different when actually doing it and dealing with many conflicts. Khan sends a message to Ruby before going to a different building to investigate while both are still being watched from afar.
Back to Vale, Ruby and Weiss explore the CCT Tower as they begin to look for any clues and hidden information. They are seen walking down the path towards the building.
Ruby: Woooow! I forget how big the Transmit tower looks up close!
Weiss: You should see the one in Atlas!
Ruby: That was the first one, right?
Weiss: Correct. Atlas developed the Cross Continental Transmit System to allow the four kingdoms to communicate with one another. It was their gift to the world after the Great War.
Ruby: Oooh, look at me! My name's Weiss! I know facts! I'm rich! *snorts*
Weiss: Don't be a pest! Besides, the only reason we're here is because you like the tower so much! We could have just as easily made a call from the library!
Ruby's scroll rings as both girls stop walking and Ruby pulls it out to see another message from Dalek Khan.
Ruby: It's Khan again.
Weiss: What did he say? Should we notify Blake and Yang?
Ruby: Uhhh it says, We are at the location where the situation occurred and the Doctor seems frustrated. He is already dealing with another issue as well. I will keep you posted on our status.
Weiss: *sighs* Doctor...
Ruby: Do you think us not being much around with him is affecting him?
Weiss: I don't know really. However, I do think it could be a part of his PTSD from the Time War...
Ruby: I already sent a screenshot of Khan's message to Blake and Yang. Maybe once this is all over, we go with him and chat for a good while. I know comfort and being accompanied can help.
Weiss: I do think so as well. Cmon, let's focus back to our mission and finish this up. I'm very worried about the Doctor if Khan can't help him relax.
(HOURS LATER)
After looking through the old town completely, the Doctor found no sign of what could have arrived from the crack onto this place besides handprints. He thought they were old until his sonic screwdriver and Dalek Khan detected they were fresh and recent. While still disappointed he didn't find what exactly it was, he at least found that something is indeed here and lurking in the shadows of this dead town.
The Doctor: Khan! Let's head to Beacon and warn the girls of this place, perhaps they can inform Ozpin and Ironwood of this place to close it off.
Dalek Khan: UNDERSTOOD! Messaging Team RWBY!
As the duo enter the TARDIS and disappears, a Grimm is spotted crawling out of the forest and sniffing around for any food until it hears something behind it and the Grimm was long gone with nowhere in sight. Back in Beacon, it was a stressful and difficult night for the girls. Another fight with Roman Torchwick, this time using a high military armor known as the Atlesian Paladin and it was very difficult to stop him but they were able to even if near death. Unfortunately, Roman got away with the help of a girl named Neopolitan. Their ultimate plan to stop him was a near success yet costly errors gave them the defeat as their room was all quiet with none of them speaking until their phones rang at the same time.
Weiss: What the?
Yang: Is there more trouble?
Blake: Roman? White Fang?
Ruby: Calm down girls, it's Khan. *Opens scroll* Heading to you guys immediately, we have important info to share with you all.
Yang: That doesn't sound good...
Blake: I really have no time for this.
Weiss: We should listen! This is the Doctor we are talking about and if he senses something going on, it means it could be danger that is beyond our imagination. Do I make myself clear!
Blake: Yeah...whatever...
Soon, they heard the noise of the TARDIS approaching as all four girls looked outside to see the TARDIS floating in front of their window as the Doctor opens up the door.
The Doctor: Ah, Team RWBY- Oof, you've seen better days.
Ruby: Hehe...it's a long story.
The Doctor: Mine as well. Come in!
Carefully and making sure no one was watching them, all four get onto the TARDIS as it flies off into the night sky. However, someone did see what occurred and they knew this was more bad news for them: Emerald.
Emerald: Crap, Cinder's not gonna like this at all.
Back in the TARDIS, all four girls sit down as the Doctor pulls up his monitor screen then reveals the first image which is the crack in the universe shocking the girls.
Blake: W-What is that...
Weiss: Doctor? That can't be what I think it is?
The Doctor: It is. The TARDIS detected an unusual activity going on outside of Remnant and when we got there, there was the crack.
Yang: That's not good at all. If more cracks appear then our universe is doomed!
The Doctor: Possible but not likely Yang. This is the crack where Khan and I went through which led us to Remnant.
While Weiss remained concerned, the other three girls were left in shock knowing this just now. This mysterious portal is what sent the Doctor here to them, to their universe.
Dalek Khan: As I SCANNED the Crack, I detected Life Forms have passed through already before it closed completely-
Blake: It closed again?!
Ruby: Doctor, that doesn't sound like a good thing. If it's going to keep appearing, it means more of your aliens from your universe are coming.
Weiss: The Daleks...Oh god no...Khan, p-please tell me they weren't the ones that passed by.
Dalek Khan: NEGATIVE!
The Doctor: Which is the most important, if the Daleks were the ones to appear...Remnant would cease to exist...
When looking at Khan, the girls especially Ruby can already sense good in him and a trustworthy ally and friend. But thinking about his entire race, the Daleks, brings fears to them knowing they wouldn't stop until the universe is theirs and spare no mercy on the lives of millions.
The Doctor: When a signal was detected, we landed on Mountain Glenn. I believe some if not all of you have heard of that place?
Ruby: Yeah, we have!
Yang: It was an expansion of Vale... but in the end it was overrun by Grimm and fenced off from the rest of the city.
The Doctor: Figured cause there was a lot of them nearby.
Team RWBY: WHAT?!
Weiss: Doctor! You could have gotten yourself seriously hurt!
Blake: Was Khan even with you?
The Doctor: *chuckles* Yes he was, relax. Besides I got my Sonic Screwdriver with me and... they don't get close to me.
Weiss: Huh?
Yang: I'm lost.
Dalek Khan: A few have approached the Doctor BUT did not attack. They only stared at him and ran away. Same outcome against every Grimm he approached.
Yang: Wait! But I thought Grimms don't feel fear?
Blake: It's the Doctor's presence! It must be considering he's not human, plus we saw how he scared away a Nightmare Grimm.
Ruby: Which means all the Grimms know of him and react the same.
The Doctor: Could be. Now then, back to me. After hours of finding and searching almost nothing in the woods, we looked into the empty town and...
Weiss: What is it?
The Doctor takes a deep breath as he switches the monitor screen to reveal pics of the handprints on the walls which startled the girls as if they were hearing a ghost story.
The Doctor: We scanned these handprints and they appear to be recent.
Ruby: What...
Dalek Khan: After scanning more, these handprints are from what came through the cracks!
The Doctor: And whatever it is, it's still out there. That's what we wanted to share and hope you could talk with Professor Ozpin and General Ironwood about this area. Until Khan and I can find what it is, it's too dangerous for you and anyone else to be out there.
Weiss: You do have a point. But how can we convince them?
Blake: There's no way a crack in the universe and handprints on walls could make them believe this.
Ruby: It's simple. We can just tell them we found a massive increase in Grimm activity. Once it's Grimm related, they'll listen to everything.
The Doctor: You are right Ruby. Go with something they know they can believe, once they close it down for access, we're going to find whatever came through and stop it from creating chaos.
Weiss: If we are being honest Doctor, Grimm is already enough for all of us in Remnant. Aliens from the outer depths of space don't help at all.
Blake: Not to mention today...*rubs face*
The Doctor: *sighs* I take it things weren't good for the four of you.
Yang: You can say that again.
Weiss: We...embarked on a mission to stop Roman Torchwick who is a notorious criminal in Vale.
Ruby: We split up into teams of 3 since Sun and Neptune joined us. In the end, it was all chaotic and I think one of us...had it worse.
Everyone looks at Blake who keeps staring back at the floor knowing she'll need to explain one way or another. The Doctor approaches her and pats her shoulder as she slowly looks up.
The Doctor: You seem to have a rough history don't you Blake?
Blake: *eyes widen* H-How did you-
The Doctor: I have my ways. *winks* I believe it has to do with that criminal Roman and the White Fang am I right?
Blake: I...never thought it would be like this. To see Roman and the White Fang working together with only bloodshed and terrorism in their minds...I-…
She wanted to say more but she was afraid, distressed, sad, angry, and many more negative emotions.
Blake: Please take me back Doctor...I'm sorry...
The girls look at each other with concern as the Doctor accepts Blake's request and sends the TARDIS back to Beacon. In the end, it's been a difficult day for everyone and they didn't know how things are going to go from here. Once arrived, each girl bid their goodnight to the Doctor before jumping back in with only Weiss remaining on the TARDIS as the Doctor knows something is up.
The Doctor: Something you wanna say Weiss?
Weiss: *scoffs* You always know don't you?
The Doctor: Well...I'm brilliant after all.
Weiss: *breathes and turns around* Tomorrow is the Annual Beacon Dance...a-and I would like to ask you out to be my date for the dance...i-if you're okay with that...
A light blush appeared in the Doctor's face unlike Weiss whose face is flustered red from embarrassment and the feeling she has for the Doctor. Ruby and Yang continue watching while Blake tries to sleep even though she's also hearing as they all wait for an answer by the time lord.
The Doctor: Well...I rarely have any time to do ordinary activities with always exploring the universe, keeping people safe, and of course our little situation involving the crack.
Weiss: R-Right...*looks down* Hey, at least I got the courage to ask-
The Doctor: I wasn't done silly. A nice night of forgetting problems and spending time with you would be amazing. So, I'll gladly join you at your little school dance tomorrow. *smiles*
As if the room was lit with fireworks for Weiss as the Doctor said yes to going to the dance with her. She began to blush again as she hugged the Doctor by surprise, also catching him off guard.
Weiss: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Doctor! You won't regret it at all, I promise! I'll make sure to save us a dance as well!
The Doctor: *chuckles and smiles* I know Ice Queen.
Jumping out of the TARDIS and landing back to the room with her team, the girls except for Blake bid goodnight to the Doctor as he disappears alongside the TARDIS. A long day for the Doctor tomorrow but at least the night will be young for him and Weiss, he began to think that maybe he should take Weiss somewhere more special than a silly old dance. Looking at the photo that was taken with him and Team RWBY, he begins to realize these four girls are more than just his friends, they were beginning to be his family and he couldn't be any happier.
The Doctor: Alrighty then Khan, we got a long day ahead of us.
Dalek Khan: The long way out!
The Doctor: Exactly...the long way out! What do you say girl?
The TARDIS replied with happy electronic noises from its mechanics as the Doctor pulls the lever and head into deep space.
The Doctor: Alrighty then, off we go!
Back at Beacon within one of the dorm rooms are Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury talking alongside Neo with them. Emerald just told them the news that Team RWBY is with the Doctor which led to Cinder destroying a few things...
Cinder: Ugh! So not only is the Doctor still around, he's friends with that little red's team!
Mercury: I don't know about you guys but our chances at pulling this off keeps decreasing. Not to mention he's got a time travel machine.
Cinder: *breathes* No...We will not fall to some traveler and his huntress friends. Tomorrow is the dance and everyone is going to be there. If the Doctor is friends with Team RWBY that means he'll be there. You two will attend the dance while I complete the mission then I'll meet you two back there. Neo, you got a big task ahead of you.
Neo looks at Cinder with a mix of confusion and interest as to what she will do for tomorrow.
Cinder: While the Doctor is with his friends, try to break into his machine. If we can get it, it'll be very useful for us. *smirks*