Chapter 27:
Weiss: Wait No! I take that back! I...I don't know really...
Vine Weiss: I feel what you feel Weiss. Even if I'm half human, half plant, we are both connected so I know that it wasn't a full yes, you are very conflicted.
Weiss: *sighs and looks down* He made this promise that as long as I was with him, he would be okay. But almost every time we travelled and there's been danger, I've been at risk. First week of travelling, we went through so much danger, and we almost died from a solar wave on our first trip. I feel like at some point something goes wrong, it'll happen to me...yet he's been there when the risk happens saving me. He's an idiot who doesn't care about risk yet he's a good man. I'm so conflicted right now.
Vine Weiss: Then why not *thinks* take a break. From all the travelling into space and time. It wouldn't hurt and you would get some time for yourself as well. Doesn't mean you want to stop seeing him plus after what happened between you two, it's best to say that you need some distancing to clear your heads.
Weiss: *blushes red* W-Wait?! Just because I told him that I loved him doesn't mean-
Vine Weiss: Cmon you dolt! I literally feel your emotions. You love him very much and he makes you very happy.
Weiss: Well, he did until recently. That argument we had...he wasn't the person I thought I knew this whole time. It was a much worse argument than the one we had at Beacon before I was infected by a Grimm. I never felt this hole in my heart with him since I was trapped in that nightmare...where I almost killed him...
Vine Weiss: I felt his pain, his conflict, his confusion, his doubts, and so much negative emotions bottled up inside his head.
Weiss: Then why doesn't he tell us? We could have helped him and avoided that outburst!
Vine Weiss: *sighs* Weiss, what I'm about to tell you could affect you and your team, as well as the Doctor.
Weiss: How do you know that? And what exactly are you talking about?
Vine Weiss: Before we got separated, I connected with the Doctor's mind and saw so much more than the Time War...I also saw-
Right before she could explain to Weiss about the prophecy the Doctor was given by the Sylphs, they heard a familiar mechanical noise and turned around to spot the TARDIS arriving to the relief of both Weiss's. Team RWBY at long last were reunited as Ruby opens the door.
Ruby: Weiss! And Weiss! *Hugs both* I'm so glad you're okay!
Weiss: We are too Ruby! Where are the others?
Yang: Over here!
Weiss looks down at Ruby's red cloak to see a small Blake and Yang which left her shocked at the sudden situation.
Weiss: Uh, what exactly happened?
Yang: We're small! That's what happened!
Vine Weiss: Seems they were sprayed by a veilflower. Attacks a predator by shrinking them to a smaller size.
Blake: Keep forgetting you're not entirely human but a plant species.
Vine Weiss: I can help you two out, hang on!
Grabbing the small Bumbleby duo, Vine Weiss grows a small patch of vines, placing both girls onto them, and closing up the patch which concerned Ruby and Weiss.
Ruby: Wait! They'll suffocate in there!
Vine Weiss: I know what I'm doing dolt! *winks*
Vine Weiss's eyes began to glow green as well as the vine marks around her body as the patch grows into bigger size leaving Ruby and Weiss in awe as the patch opens to show Blake and Yang back to normal size which was a relief to them.
Yang: OH! So good to be back to normal! *Hugs Ruby*
Blake: That was incredible Weiss! You really are getting used to the new body.
Vine Weiss: It seems I'm gaining new abilities with this body. Evolution at its finest.
Weiss: Now we must find the Doctor! There's a monster out there who trapped him somewhere.
Dalek Khan: ALERT! SCAN DETECT UNKNOWN LIFE BEING GROWING FROM THE GROUND! PREPARE WEAPONS!
Ruby: Blake! Yang! Grab a pair of energy bullets from Khan! They'll be a big help!
Both girls nod and look at the energy bullets made by Khan before grabbing them and inserting them into their weapons at thorn like gremlins appear from the ground. Almost like an entire army sent by the Oxthordol King which meant he was close.
Weiss: Weiss, get in the TARDIS. You'll be safe in there!
Vine Weiss: *eyes glow green* No way! I'm here to fight and defend my home and my friends!
An army of Thorn Gremlins against 4 huntresses, a plant human hybrid, and a Dalek. The creatures charged at their targets as they fought back. Their advantage was both a double team and full-on scale teamwork with both Weiss's working together, Blake and Yang, and Ruby and Dalek Khan.
Dalek Khan: KEEP FIGHTING! THE TARDIS MUST BE PROTECTED! THE DOCTOR MUST BE FOUND!
Yang: These bullets are much effective...and better. I LIKE IT! *Screams and keeps blasting*
As they continued to fight, Vine Weiss had an idea and placed her hands to the ground as it glows green to release her own flytraps as they chomp down on the gremlins.
Weiss: Smart but it's no use! They keep coming out and multiplying!
Blake: That's not the only problem, LOOK!
To their concern, they noticed the dead corpses of the Gremlins growing into new bodies and multiplying from broken limbs. Then both Weiss spot something in the far back approaching slowly: the Oxthordol King.
Weiss: This isn't going well...
Yang: WHAT IS THAT?!
Vine Weiss: Pretty much the King of these creatures and the top Predator of this planet.
Ruby: Khan, right now would be a good time to think of something.
Dalek Khan: I can set off a bomb BUT it is too risky and could destroy half of life on this planet.
Weiss: Then we keep fighting until it gets out of hand! We get inside the TARDIS and track the Doctor to his pinpoint!
Vine Weiss: You guys go! I'll handle these and a long-awaited fight with him!
Weiss: You can't be serious?!
Ruby: He looks too strong, and you aren't at your full potential with your body!
Vine Weiss: It's a price I'm willing to pay to protect my friends!
Ignoring the rest of her friend's remarks, Vine Weiss charges towards the Oxthordol King as she releases vines from the ground to attack him but only to be ripped easily as he smirks at the fragile plant form.
Oxthordol King: You certainly aren't the one I'm going for, but I wouldn't mind ripping you piece by piece.
Vine Weiss: If you think you're gonna win this battle then you are mistaken. Your time as the top of our planet is over! *Screams and charges*
She may not be powerful or strong like the Oxthordol King, but she is fast and agile which helps her dodge his attacks and go for a few sneaky hits on him. Vine Weiss found a new purpose now that she's evolved: Protect her friends and save her world!
Yang: She's giving us time! We should head back into the TARDIS!
Weiss: We are NOT leaving her!
Blake: What other choice do we have? We are getting outnumbered!
Ruby: We got to keep going! Team RWBY doesn't back down nor leave anyone behind!
Weiss smiled at her leader knowing she was on her side and putting her full trust to Ruby. To think she hated her and wasn't fit to be a leader when they just began Beacon but that all changed, Weiss now knows she was wrong, and she was glad because she couldn't do what Ruby had done with their team.
Ruby: Khan! Are you with us?
Dalek Khan: ALWAYS!
Yang: Well, can't say no to more challenges! BRING IT ON YOU GREMLINS!
As they all continued fighting back, Vine Weiss continued to take down the Oxthordol King despite receiving some critical hits and her healing factor is going slow. She knew she needed to be more careful and fight more wisely.
Oxthordol King: *chuckles* This planet is already mine. All your species are nothing but food to me. Once I can create more evolution of us, other planets will be consumed, and we will be the superior race of this universe.
Vine Weiss: *pants* Even...if this kills me. I'm going to make sure I bring you down with me! No more being food to you, no more hiding away, I'm fighting for everything, and you are going to die!
Vine Weiss dodged another hit by him as she turns her vines into sharp blades impaling the Oxthordol from behind then going for two more strikes in front on his chest.
Oxthordol King: PATHETIC LITTLE RUNT! *Slashes Vine Weiss*
The fighting back was short lived as Vine Weiss falls back to the ground with a slash on her stomach as she bled green and was on the verge of death with her healing factor slow.
Oxthordol King: I would kill you here and now! But you heal so slowly that by that time, your original creator will be mine! *Walks to Team RWBY*
Vine Weiss: *eyes widen* NO!
Being outnumbered even more, the King had his eyes set on the Schnee huntress as he prepared his blade for the kill. Just as he was going to go for the final blow, a large energy pulse erupts sending everyone back and destroying the Gremlins completely.
Ruby: What was that?...*pants*
Time Lord Victorious: Well well well. Seems like I made it on the brink of time! Well...time is on my side either way.
Team RBY: DOCTOR!
He ignored their calling for him leaving them confused while Dalek Khan and Weiss knew something was wrong with their time lord friend.
Time Lord Victorious: You did well. Quite well holding them back but playtime's over. It's time an adult handled this.
Oxthordol King: So, you escaped my nightmare illusion. I'm surprised!
Time Lord Victorious: Because you never had the faintest idea how we are. Besides, the demons in me didn't torture me...they helped me realize my full potential.
Ruby: Doctor?
Blake: What exactly are you talking about?
Time Lord Victorious: That's not my name. The Doctor...is dead. Has been since the Time War.
This shocked everyone, seeing a different person in the form of their friend but soon their worries grew onto them knowing this was bad. Vine Weiss saw him, and her eyes fell seeing that he was consumed by the negative he held for so long.
Oxthordol King: So you have finally come to accept that you aren't a hero. That you aren't a Doctor but a nobody!
Time Lord Victorious: I never was him. I pretended to be someone I'm not and that's when I realized I was being held back. Now...I am at my best and my full power, those illusions you gave me sure did help. Now I...am...the Time Lord Victorious.
Weiss's eyes were widened considering she mentioned that name to the Doctor and now that's what he calls himself. Right now, in front of her wasn't her the man she saved at Beacon, became friends, travelled across space and time together, and fell in love with him. He was now someone different and she begins to think it was her fault.
Ruby: That's not true...You are the Doctor! You save-
Time Lord Victorious: Shut Up Ruby. The adults are talking.
Yang: HEY! Don't you dare talk to my sister like that!
Time Lord Victorious: Hmph, kids. Big mistake bringing you along. Anyways, I'll give you a choice: Surrender and never show your face around here...or Die!
Oxthordol King: *laughs* You! Asking me to surrender or perish? You still don't understand what I am and what I am capable of. You can't-
BOOM!
Everyone eyes widened at witnessing their friend kill someone with his Sonic Screwdriver. No hesitation. No remorse. Straight to kill and nothing was left now of the Oxthordol King. He turned around with a smirk and waited to hear back from the others.
Time Lord Victorious: Aren't you going to thank me? I just saved your lives and not a single thanks?
Dalek Khan: WHAT HAPPENED DOCTOR!
Time Lord Victorious: THAT IS NOT MY NAME!
Weiss: YES, IT IS! Whatever is happening to you right now is an influence by what the King did to you, but this isn't you!
Time Lord Victorious: You're one to talk Ice Queen. Last I remembered, we were in this same situation as you in that nightmare world of yours. Just one difference: You were being controlled while this is who I am. Just one more thing to do before we leave.
He pulled out his sonic screwdriver once again and pointed it at Vine Weiss as she's still recovering but still weak to move. She wasn't surprised by this sudden act by him as she knew everything she saw in his head. It was too late to bring him out of the darkness, so she was ready to meet her fate.
Time Lord Victorious: Don't worry my dear. This will be quick and painless.
She closed her eyes as the Time Lord Victorious adjusted his sonic device, only to be blocked in front by Weiss, which he displeased.
Time Lord Victorious: Out of the way Weiss.
Weiss: No!
Time Lord Victorious: I have this at full blast. Anything that meets death becomes a fixed event. You are basically asking to be killed.
Weiss: Then do it.
Team RBY: WHAT?!
Ruby: WEISS NO!
Yang: ARE YOU CRAZY?!
Blake: DOCTOR STOP!
Weiss: I want to see if he truly has the nerves to do it. If I'm not important to him anymore, then why should he hesitate. I. Dare. You. *Gets closer*
The Sonic Screwdriver was now pointing directly at her as the Time Lord Victorious looked right at Weiss and she was not bluffing one bit. How the roles are reversed now compared to a few weeks ago in the eyes of Team RBY.
Weiss: I know you won't do it. You wouldn't hurt me one bit and you would hesitate as well if you were actually going to kill the other Weiss. You know why? Because whatever is making you who you believe to be, there is still kindness in there. You made a promise to me that I was going to be okay as long as I'm with you. Because of my team and because of you, I have gotten better not just as a huntress but as a person. You know what that is, it's called kindness because where there is kindness there is hope!
He still kept his sonic screwdriver directly at her for a moment even after what she said but, in the end, he takes a sigh and puts his sonic screwdriver away. He looked at her once again before walking back to the TARDIS. Weiss was relieved he didn't kill her plant counterpart, but she saw in eyes that there was still a glimmer of who he is, who he is to them, and that is the Doctor that saves people.
Time Lord Victorious: I will return you all back to Beacon. I don't want questions nor complaints so let's go.
However, this new personality of the Doctor bothered Team RWBY. It wasn't that long ago they saw him as their kind, calm, and helpful time lord. Now he sees himself as some kind of powerful being.
Yang: Why did you kill him? I thought that wasn't your kind of style unless it was Grimm.
Time Lord Victorious: *stops and turns around* I killed him because there was no ther way to stop him. He won't be reasoned with, he won't work with us, all he wanted was more power. But what is a king to a God. I've held back for so long since escaping the Time War that I didn't realize the potential that was in me. I'm not just a survivor when I have all of the time lord's powers AND time is in my hands now.
Blake: You really think that? Doctor you are wrong! Whatever got to your head is holding you down, you don't need to be this Time Lord Victorious. It's not who you are!
Time Lord Victorious: You don't know me. None of you do. I stopped pretending and grew up as I should. As we all know, this universe isn't a comic book or fairytale where there are happy endings everywhere.
Weiss was about to take back those words from him until Vine Weiss grabbed her hands and signaled a no. Putting her other hand on Weiss's cheek, she passed on what she wanted to say earlier of what was in the Doctor's mind and Weiss saw everything. The prophecy of the Sylphs telling what will happen to Team RWBY, the universe in trouble, the Weeping Angels, Cinder Fall, and so much more. It was beginning to make sense now and perhaps she was wrong, but she can see it. He wasn't pushing them away because he is the Time Lord Victorious as he calls himself, he was doing it to protect them from himself and the dangers of the universe.
Vine Weiss: *whispers* He thinks he's the cause of what will happen to each of you. By pushing you away, he thinks you'll be safe.
Weiss: But he doesn't have to do this alone. We can help him, protect him just as he's been with us.
Vine Weiss: All that weight on his shoulder, the emotions, the trauma, and anything else negative. It's consumed him into now being the Time Lord Victorious, but this is only an act of how he's treating you.
Both looking at their time lord friend with a different view knowing he's simply lost in the darkness of his head. The ground began to shake which got the attention of everyone before hearing a screeching roar.
Oxthordol King: YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE ME!
Time Lord Victorious: Time to go. *Enters the TARDIS* NOW!
Team RBY and Dalek Khan looked at each other before entering the TARDIS without saying anything as Weiss follows but noticed her vine counterpart staying behind. Time Lord Victorious notices and proceeds to go to them.
Weiss: Cmon Weiss, we have to go! We can take you to Remnant or a safer planet that fits your environment.
Time Lord Victorious: She won't.
Weiss: Huh? No, No I'm not gonna leave you behind and face whatever is coming.
Vine Weiss: *smiles and holds her hand* Weiss, this is my home, my birthplace. I can't just leave it and have the Oxthordol King consume it. Now that I have evolved and am still gaining abilities to become stronger, I can protect my species and others as well. I can save my home.
Time Lord Victorious: We have to go now Weiss.
Weiss was conflicted, she wanted to stay behind and help her counterpart fight off what was coming but at the same time she wanted to bring her with them, somewhere safer. Holding back tears, she hugs Vine Weiss as she returns the hug.
Weiss: *sniffs* P-Please take care of yourself...I better see you alive the next time I come!
Vine Weiss: *giggles* No promises. But thank you Weiss Schnee for giving me life, for helping me become who I want to be. I do hope to see you again someday and hopefully at a better time.
Weiss bids goodbye one more time before running back to the TARDIS while the Time Lord Victorious has a moment with Vine Weiss giving her a cold look, but she was not fazed by it.
Vine Weiss: Drop the act Doctor. I know why you believe you are this instead of who you actually are.
Time Lord Victorious: This. Is. Who I-
Vine Weiss: Just shut up. I know what you feel and I saw what is keeping you in the dark. I do hope that soon, you'll be able to pass by all this and reach the light once again. You ARE the Doctor, and you always will be. All I ask in return are two favors: Don't travel alone and Be Kind.
The Time Lord Victorious just stayed quiet but deep inside, she was right about being in the dark but at the same time, knowing what he is capable of does not worry him about what's to come. The laws of time are his after all. He only replies with a sigh before handing his Sonic Screwdriver to her.
Time Lord Victorious: Keep it. In case your powers aren't strong enough to defeat him, this will help you in finishing the job.
Vine Weiss: *looks at it then holds it tight* Until we meet again Doctor.
Time Lord Victorious: No more. The Doctor is-
Once again, he was interrupted by her but this time with a simple kiss on the cheek. The same spot where Weiss gave her kiss on their first night of travelling. This shook him as she returned a smile and proceeded to stand her ground at the sight of a thorn-like serpent with a familiar crown on its head. It was a different form of the Oxthordol King. He returned to the TARDIS as he prepared for takeoff while Team RWBY all watched from the windows Vine Weiss unleash her powers and fight the Oxthordol Serpent.
Ruby: We could've helped her...and we left her behind.
Yang: Grr. THIS IS YOUR FAULT BASTARD! *Shoves him*
Time Lord Victorious: Why does it matter so much to you? It's not our business and she decided we leave. That it was her battle.
Blake: Ugh! Why are you being so different now! I get it, Weiss told you the truth you needed but that's in the past now! You are becoming so arrogant with this new persona that's not even you.
Time Lord Victorious: Says the girl who hides herself with a simple bow on her head. You don't ever decide what I need to know or do. All of you are humans, but me? I'm the God of Time!
Yang: Don't you dare speak to Blake like that!
Time Lord Victorious: Nobody talk to me. No human has anything to say to me TODAY!
The TARDIS became quiet as Team RWBY were left stunned by this sudden outburst from their time lord friend or now their former. And that's how it stayed until they once reached back to their dorm room at Beacon. Blake and Yang gave a cold look at the Time Lord Victorious before exiting out of the TARDIS. Ruby looked at him with concern before looking at Khan who gave her a reassurance look which helped a bit before leaving as well. Weiss was the only one left and all she could do was give a sad yet hopeful look. When he looked at her in return, his cold stare softened, and he looked down from her as if he felt shame. Slowly going to him, she held his hand.
Weiss: I know...things are tough right now...I know you are only doing this just so we don't fall into danger anymore. Just know...that I'm sorry for what I said...and don't lose hope. I think it's for the best we take a break from all this. But just know that I will never let go of you. Okay?
He didn't say anything back at her nor look but she knew he heard and that's what mattered. Weiss began to walk out before looking back at him as he still kept his head down. After she walked out, the TARDIS doors closed and began to dematerialize. Looking at the time to see only 10 minutes have passed in Remnant, the four girls decided to use the remaining 20 minutes to let out steam and try to relax. Back in the TARDIS, the now Time Lord Victorious only had one thing in mind: Who is the other time lord in this universe.
Time Lord Victorious: Dalek Khan, please pilot the TARDIS while I go look for some things.
Dalek Khan: Understood.
After Khan took over, the Time Lord Victorious decided to go somewhere where he couldn't be seen or heard. After finding a spare room, he fell on the ground and let out a painful, heartbreaking scream. Meanwhile back at Beacon, Cinder Fall was back to normal after the events earlier of hearing the Schnee heiress talk about the time lord. One thing she hasn't said to anyone was that ever since the Doctor arrived, she began to hear whispers in her head which was driving her mad.
Cinder: *breathes and stands up* I need to know who he is and WHY am I so obsessed with him.
Her thoughts stopped when she felt those whispers again but this time coming from the closet. She got her weapon ready as she slowly approaches the closet and opens it only to find nothing except for a few things brought in by her, Emerald, and Mercury. Then her eyes laid on a certain object, a small box which she grabbed and opened it to reveal a silver pocket watch with a note as well.
Cinder: "Only Open It in Near Death Situation" What will this even do though? *scoffs*
Cinder places the pocket watch back in the box and buries it in the back of the closet where no one else will know except for her. It was no ordinary pocket watch as it had writings similar to that of Time Lord writing.