Vol.2, Ch.10:
The Doctor continued to walk through the mansion as they were catching up on normal things before going into timey wimey discussion considering it could have implications of time itself. Willow had discussed her life after encountering the Doctor for the first time; From becoming a journalist during her teenage and young adult years, her father Nicholas, her unfortunate marriage to Jacques, and her children. First Weiss and now Willow mentioning how bad of a person Jacques Schnee. He's glad he's much calmer and more mature than in the beginning because he would bring hell for Jacques.
The Doctor: Have there been any...strange creature or occurrences during your time growing up Willow?
Willow: Would you be surprised if I told you yes?
The Doctor: Actually, yes.
Willow: My parents and I had some encounters. Fortunately, not too dangerous like Dr. Pavel *sighs* Up until my first time going to the Vytal Festival. Father gave me permission go as a journalist for the tournament but there was another reason.
The Doctor was about to let her know of future events that have yet to occur for some including him until she opened her secret room and noticed files, pictures, notes, and other contents about creatures and phenomenon. One caught his eye, the Slitheen.
The Doctor: *looks at the picture* The Slitheen! I just recently encountered two of them.
Willow: I was following this case too. It happened in the Vytal Festival at Haven Academy. You told me that I couldn't tell you anything impacting but I can still describe what I encountered.
It was now coming full circle that this would happen in the future for him, but it already happened in the past for Willow. His future self-made sure to follow the rules of time without affecting it massively. A relief but a careful one.
The Doctor: I just encountered them in Menagerie. They were disguised as two brothers of the White Fang.
Willow: So, it was them! *Pulls up footage* I found this footage during the live coverage of the storm hitting over there. I noticed a dark smudge and when I zoomed it and cleared it up a bit, it was their ship.
The Doctor: And what about you when you encountered them?
Willow: My father and I noticed something was very off about the students in Haven Academy just as the festival was starting. He sent me to investigate and by some miracle, you were there as well. It wouldn't be long til they showed up, and there were many of them.
The Doctor: How much? Because I've only encountered two of them in Menagerie. One died but the other got away.
Willow: I don't have a specific number because many were disguised as professors and staffing.
This concerned the Doctor and made him think if perhaps Corsac found a way to send himself back in time. He remembered very well when he and Fennec mentioned other Slitheen ships that fell through the crack and that's when it hit him.
The Doctor: I might have an answer to that. When I dealt with them, one of them told me another ship of theirs fell through a crack in the universe.
Willow: Same way you got here.
The Doctor: Bingo! Which means that the other Slitheen ship fell in and landed in a different time of Remnant while this one landed in the present today. *Eyes widened* That means...other creatures have arrived to Remnant in the past or future as well.
Willow was going to question the Doctor to explain further until the door to her room opened, which startled both until it turned out to be her butler Klein who was bringing her tea.
Klein: I brought your tea that you ordered Madam Schnee. *Looks up and sees the Doctor* O...OH! It's you!
Willow: Ahem! Doctor, this is Klein. He is our butler and a very good friend.
The Doctor: Well, I do remember Weiss telling me lots of great things about him!
Klein: Oh my goodness! You're that alien we here about!
The Doctor:*embarrassed* Blimey, well don't go shouting out that I'm an alien. I already got my face all over the media enough. *Shakes Klein's hand*
Klein: *shakes The Doctor's hand* I just shook an alien's hand! What an honor!
The Doctor: *chuckles* I should thank you Klein. For taking care of Weiss and helping her become where she should be. Giving her kindness and having her open it even more.
Klein: Well, that's my duty whenever Willow is unavailable. I'm not just a butler, I am someone who cares for one another. By the way Willow, Weiss is performing right now. You may just make it in time to watch her second performance.
Willow:*sighs* Thank you Klein, but I will not watch my daughter do something she was forced to do.
The Doctor: Forced? Let me guess, Jacques?
Willow: He forced her to perform for the charity event but in reality, it's just to capture the attention to him.
The Doctor: Well... don't be surprised if I make it on the news for socking him in the face. Klein, I could go for Willow.
Willow: Are you sure Doctor? What about what you told me of her not remembering you-
The Doctor: Don't worry. I don't plan on sitting close, but in the higher seats instead. Lead the way Klein!
The butler nodded as The Doctor excused himself and left the secret room of Willow's. As she returned to looking onto the computer, it received an alert which meant something was caught that wasn't supposed to. She found the file that came from near Beacon and opened it to reveal something new, something terrifying, something cyber. She was left wide eye seeing the deleted footage of Cybermen attacking and hijacking a ship. She needed to notify the Doctor as soon as he returned.
The broken moon shined its beautiful light upon the main stage in which Weiss Schnee was finishing her first of two performances for the night. Klein led the Doctor through one of the doors and onto one of the balconies to avoid being seen by Weiss or anyone else. But all the Doctor could focus on was the person he loved and cared for as she sang in such a elegant and beautiful voice. As if her beauty and kindness wasn't enough while the Doctor sat down and listened.
Weiss: "I'm not your pet, not another thing you own.
I was not born guilty of your crimes.
Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore.
I won't be possessed,
burdened by your royal test.
I will not surrender.
This life is mine."
Weiss finished up her first song and bowed to the crowd as they returned with applause. Only two of them did not applause at all because they understood the song very well: Jacques and the Doctor. The Doctor knew very well she sang what she felt being in this household in the name of her father and it angered him. He saw Jacques and a young boy who resembled him. That would be Whitley Schnee as he gives a slow clap to his sister. After a few minutes of changing instruments, it was time for her second and final performance for the night as the violin started the performance, and everyone tuned in.
Weiss: "When you're alone, silence is all you know.
When you're alone, silence is all you know
Let in the noise and let it grow."
The Violins grew and the drums entered as the Doctor continued to admire Weiss as this song led him to remember many memories of their times together and moments, he holds close.
Weiss: "When you're alone, silence is all you see
When you're alone, silence is all you'll be
Give me your hand and come to me."
The music became impactful and beautiful as everyone listened in awe and peace to the song. But the time lord only continued to remember their adventures. In terms of days, they only hung out for a month or two, but out there in time and space, they were together for what felt like a year. He looked up once again at Weiss not knowing he was spotted by a Schnee.
Whitely: Oh dear father. Look at the balcony on the other side.
Jacques: *looks over and smirks* Oh ho! The biggest guest just arrived to our charity son.
Weiss: "When you are here, music is all around.
When you are near, music is all around.
Open your eyes, don't make a sound.
Let in the shadow, let in the shadow,
Let in the light of your bright shadow.
Let in the shadow, let in the shadow.
Let in the light of your bright shadow."
*FLASHBACK*
The two sat by the entrance of the TARDIS as they watched a recently created star with Weiss resting her head on the Doctor's shoulder. Perhaps her greatest view of all the travels in the universe would be watching a star born.
The Doctor: How long did you say you wanted to do this?
Weiss: *smiles softly* Forever.
The Doctor: Never say never ever. You gonna get tired of going back in time, seeing planets, fighting monsters, or even dealing with this silly old hag *chuckles*
Weiss: *looks at him and slaps his shoulder* You may be 500 years old but you are a teenager like me. Handsome one too. Plus, why would I ever get tired of this when there so much to explore. After all, you like my friends, made my life so much better. I don't regret a single thing.
The Doctor: I feel the same way as well Weiss. You, Team RBY, JNPR, and Dalek Khan.
Weiss: As long as it stays like that, we'll be okay and we'll be around space and time. Don't you think so Doctor?
The Doctor gave Weiss a smile that left her heart skipping a beat. She laid back on his shoulder once again watching the majestic view while holding hands together.
*FLASHBACK ENDS*
The Doctor has so many memories but those special moments with Weiss he keeps them in his hearts as he lets out a defeated sigh as he continued watching Weiss finish her song.
Weiss: "Let in the light.
Let in the light.
Let in the light of your sweet shadow.
Silence is all,
Silence is all around.
Silence is all,
Silence is all around."
The crowd went into thunderous applause as Weiss gave another bow in return for her performance. This time, her father and brother were applauding as well which she disliked. She felt a presence however and looked to the other side to see no one. The Doctor left the room as soon as possible before she could notice him. He already put her in so much danger, he didn't want it to happen again. As he walked, the was stopped by two people in front of him, two faces he was hoping to avoid not because of Weiss but the harm they did to her.
Jacques: You are him! The man they call the Doctor! Truly an honor having you here on our charity event. We are very glad you came along.
The Doctor: That's funny. I had to sneak in because I wasn't on the guest list.
Jacques: In which I apologize in return. We were unsure if you were around but I assumed my guards would have recognized you. This is my proud son Whitley and I-
The Doctor: You are Jacques Schnee. Head of the Schnee Dust Company.
Jacques: My goodness. Truly an honor for you to know about me.
Whitley: The party will begin very shortly in our other hall room. I'm sure you will find it elegant and important. The guests there will be in shock to see you around.
Jacques: AHEM! That is correct. You left a mark on what happened to poor Beacon. Imagine all those people in there who will thank you. All that gratitude, fame, attention. It'll scare more Grimm away and the world will rely on you even more. And where else to begin it than here!
The Doctor: And what makes you think I want that? Do you truly believe I'm that stupid?
Jacques: Nonsense! We are simply talking about the greater good of all Remnant.
Whitley: And the Schnee Dust Company. Our military and any specialist in weaponry like huntsmen and huntresses rely on us. Imagine how it can be with you doing us the favor of advancing it.
The Doctor could only give a slight chuckle, which Whitley found a bit unnerving, and Jacques found it insulting. The Doctor looked back at them with a calm demeanor as both father and son shook back a bit as the time lord walked right into Jacques's face.
The Doctor: None of this is for me. Certainly not for charity. You didn't know I was here and now you want to display me like I'm something worth. All of this is simply to boost yourself and all those greedy, brainless friends of yours that follow you. They see you as the perfect man of Remnant. But outside this fantasy world of yours, everyone knows who the real Jacques Schnee is.
Jacques: *glares at him* I be careful if I were you.
The Doctor: *chuckles more* Why is that? Oh, I have so many answers that could come from your mouth. Weiss told me so much things about you and you should be glad I'm a calm and mature person or else you wouldn't be able to Walk! If it weren't for me, Nicholas would never give a small portion of power to Willow. Hadn't it been for you playing the victim, you wouldn't even be here at all.
Jacques: How do you know about Nicholas? You never even met him and I'm sure that woman is telling lies.
The Doctor: Oh, I met him. *Looks at Whitely* And here you are trying to make this boy into an exact version of you so that when you die one day, Jacques Schnee will live on. Believe me Whitley, I would best advise you grow a pair and start becoming someone that isn't him.
Jacques: You...little BRAT! I give you an opportunity at the future of Remnant and I offered you friendship. Yet, here you are spitting on my face. WHO IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, DOCTOR!
The Doctor kept his calm expression which was beginning to frighten Jacques and Whitley as they had never confronted someone that gives a different aura and one that isn't human.
The Doctor: Believe me, you don't want to know who I truly am. There are just a few people who have seen what I can do and who I can become. I'll do my best to never see you again but, just know that it's a very small world when I am angry at you.
He still displayed that calm expression but the fire in his eyes were enough to have Jacques and Whitley understand. They were petrified like never before especially Jacques, and all the Doctor was be kind with his calmness. His expression changed when he heard familiar voice, one he wasn't hoping to hear.
Weiss: What's going on out here?
Not looking back but looking at Jacques, the Doctor walked off without saying another word. As he left, Jacques composed himself and walked away mumbling some very angry thoughts while Whitley looked at his sister with displeasure.
Whitley: Quite a friend you met at Beacon sister. *Walks away*
Weiss: Friend? *Looks over and follows* Hey!
The Doctor did not dare to turn around at the voice of Weiss but knew she was following him, so he picked up a bit of speed which she noticed.
Weiss: Hang on! *goes after him* They said you're a friend of mine, but I need to know who you are!
Weiss walked a little faster as the Doctor tried to figure out a way to escape. The idea of going back to Willow is no go knowing that Weiss has been there before. Weiss was close to approaching him until she lost a bit of balance on her heels causing her to fall but she never made impact on the floor. She opened her eyes to see arms around her and looked up to see the man she went after catching her from falling. The Doctor still avoided eye contact but felt his hearts beating from panic. Weiss gave out a small blush before standing up and fixing herself.
Weiss: Thank you hehe. Now then, *holds his arm* Mind telling me who you're running away and ignoring me. Certainly don't look like a friend I remember. No offense.
The Doctor: Uh, William Smith.
Weiss: OH! You were there the day after the Beacon dance! One of Ironwood's advisor right?
The Doctor: *sighs in relief* Yeah...I just came along with him. But, he said I'm cleared for the night if I want to head off.
Weiss: Sorry! It's been over a year, and we only met once. Not to mention, you let your hair grow out.
The Doctor: Yeah...haven't had time at all to cut it. Anyways, it was nice seeing you again! I'm gonna make my leave!
Weiss: O-Oh! Well before you do, wouldn't you like to go for a walk? You know...kinda escape from all this and have some time of our own.
The Doctor knew this was very risky. One wrongdoing that could have Weiss remember could be costly. But at the same time, she truly doesn't remember him besides their one small encounter at Beacon. Perhaps if he kept it low profile, it wouldn't affect any of them
The Doctor: Sounds already better than whatever your father is doing.
Weiss: I can promise you that already.
The duo walked around the garden while chatting about their daily lives, though the Doctor had to come up with anything just to keep Weiss off guard from suspecting. Fortunately, he's a time lord and smart. They were also quite a laugh throughout their walk together.
Weiss: At least you don't gotta deal with Paperworks everyday like your buddies.
The Doctor: Believe me, I would rather be sucked into depths of space than doing boring office stuff. How about you, your majesty? *chuckles*
Weiss: Cut it out! I'm not royalty! My old self would agree but the me now, eugh!
The Doctor: Oh come on! The heiress with such power and responsibility. Can do whatever you want!
Weiss: Oh ho! Look who's talking office boy!
The Doctor: *gasps* You did not!
Weiss: I certainly did! *smirks* Now go fetch me my scroll!
It's been a long time since either of them had this much fun and laughs. For Weiss, after a year of not seeing her team and isolated in her home; This was turning her night from sad and lame to joy and fun. For the Doctor, it was simply being with her once again. He grabbed a bit of water and splashed it on her which startled Weiss.
Weiss: *gasps* My dress! Ooooooooh you're for in it William!
The Doctor: Oh, I doubt that! A huntress on break for a year to be her majesty!
Weiss gasped even more before laughing as the two got in a little water fight. The Doctor was more careful and just tried to splash her face, but Weiss wasn't holding back. She saw an opening and ran past the Doctor, pushing him onto the water fountain, soaking him. It went all quiet as the two looked at each other before sharing another laugh together as the time lord got up.
Weiss: Careful! It's cold tonight! *giggles*
The Doctor: Very intentional from the Ice Queen herself. *Sits down*
Weiss: *sits next to him and looks up at the stars* I wish I could look up at the stars and feel them. Something about it just captures my eyes every time.
The Doctor: They are beautiful and full of life.
Weiss: Even when they burn?
The Doctor: Even when they burn. We're so lucky we're still alive to see this beautiful world. Look at the sky. It's not dark and black and without character. Stars, planets, life... Everywhere we look, complex magic of nature blazes before our eyes. *Looks at Weiss*
Weiss: It's all amazing. You...you really know your stuff don't you. *Looks at him*
The Doctor: I'm just an expert. You know, if you stare at one star out of billions...and stare at it long enough...
Weiss: All the others will melt away and it'll only be that star...
That is what they saw as they felt everything around them go dark except for the stars that were each other. Weiss leaned in closer as her mind was questioning what she's doing with a man she just met, but her heart said something else. As if she had known him for such a long time and the joy he brought to her. She closed her mind and let her heart do their thing. The Doctor's mind was in panic because his body was moving on its own, he knew the danger, the risk, the possibility that Weiss could be gravely hurt. But his two hearts didn't listen and instead, as if they told him that no matter the obstacles, they can never be separated.
It was just them at this very moment. The two stars coming closer to one another with the rest of the universe in pitch darkness and nothing in their way. One stopped for a bit, hesitating if this was okay. The other gave that firm signal that they welcomed it. The stars connected as The Doctor and Weiss shared their first kiss together. The kiss that will stay in the hearts of both time lord and huntress. The Doctor remembers their first kiss that would ultimately lead to Weiss not remembering him. But this kiss was different, it felt more relaxed and happier. Their passionate kiss bloomed for just a little more before separating to catch their breaths but stayed very close by their foreheads touching.
The Doctor: Found your star I presume?
Weiss: I did...and I couldn't have had it any better...my Doctor...
That moment shattered like glass when the Doctor heard her call his name. Her face had that confusing look why she said that but deep in her mind, the barrier was breaking apart and little bits of what is being stored away are coming out. Just as the Doctor was about to do something, they hear someone approaching and looked over to see Klein.
Klein: M-My apologies for intruding. Ahem! Miss Schnee, your father has asked for you.
Weiss: *sighs and stands up* Of course he did. *Looks over at William* Thank you very much William. For at least having me remember something good about tonight. *Kisses his cheek and smiles* See ya around hopefully! *Walks away*
Taking one last look at her, The Doctor clenched onto his chest feeling his two hearts beat faster than drums. But he knew he needed to make his leave. Once he got up, Klein stopped him with a concerned look.
Klein: I know you need to make your leave. Willow found something however. Security footage near the port of Beacon.
If he is telling him this, then it means serious trouble. The Doctor followed Klein as they both jogged back to Willow's secret room. He approached her and noticed a very worried look as the footage was playing on a loop. It started out normal, but his eyes froze wide when he saw the ambush and saw Them. He watched as they hijack a ship and head off with the current location of the hijack jet heading towards Mistral.
Willow: Doctor...what are they?
The Doctor: *eyes widened* Those...those are Cyberman...