Vol.2, Ch.20:
Watts: Little late to run and hide. You've been on our master's list for some time, so you must understand that we cannot allow you to slip away.
Raven: I know all about your master, but I don't believe we've met.
Mercury: We're the guys you should be afraid of.
Raven: I doubt anyone should be afraid of you.
Mercury: Oh yeah? Tell that to-
Cinder: Quiet!
Raven: Hmm, that's what I thought.
Cinder: I'm...*twitches a bit* Cinder Fall. This is my associate, Arthur Watts, and my disciples, Emerald and Mercury.
Raven: Two children you've tricked into following you, a disgraced Atlesian scientist, and a Fall Maiden with a surname so appropriate, she probably picked it herself. Something tells me you've got more than a slight case of egomania, is that about right?
Watts: Technically, I was also a doctor, but I must say, the rest was spot on.
Cinder: Aren't you perceptive.
Raven: It's what's kept me alive.
Cinder: I'm afraid the only reason you're still alive is because you have something our master wants. Of course, if I'm wrong...*holds a small flame on my hand*
Pathetic. You are truly nothing without power.
That voice won't stop bothering her and Cinder couldn't do anything about it in front of these people. For days now, she felt like she's been losing control of her mind and body to this voice but once Salem gets what she needs and she has the maiden powers, she will erase that voice. Raven watched unamused and decided it was time to bring out the Spring Maiden. She calls her over which turns out to be Vernal.
Cinder: So, this is the long lost Spring Maiden. Prove it.
Raven and Vernal looked at each other as Raven nods in which Vernal sighs and closes her eyes. She holds her hands out as the wind starts to pick up unexpectedly. The blue sky turns gray as clouds cover it, leaves blow in the wind as Watts, Mercury and Emerald cover their faces and thunder would be heard next, while Cinder smiles in amazement as she watches the Spring Maiden unleash her power. Few moments later, everything is back to normal as Vernal opened her eyes.
Raven: Vernal has done well under my guidance. I'd take that into consideration before you try anything.
Cinder: Raven, I won't underestimate you, so please don't insult my intelligence. HA! Your intelligence? Now you're just making me laugh. There is a slim chance you and your Maiden could escape today, but if you know our master as well as you claim to, then you know you could never truly escape her. But we come bearing an olive branch.
Watts: The Maidens are merely a means to an end. Salem's true desires are the Relics locked inside the Huntsman Academies. Come with us. Allow Vernal here to unlock the Relic of Knowledge, and all previous acts of defiance against Salem will be forgiven. *Whispers to Raven's face* It's the best deal either of you are going to get.
Raven: You talk as if walking straight into Haven will be easy.
Cinder: That's because it will be. Headmaster Lionheart is loyal to Salem. And now, all we need is the key to the vault. You're not the only one to turn your back against Oz, Raven.
Raven: *grips my sword* I'm not helping Salem, I'm not helping Oz! I don't want a part in any of this!
Cinder: That ship sailed when you chose to harbor a Maiden. But if you come with us to Haven, we'll leave you, your tribe, and your little secret to live out the rest of your lives squabbling in the wilderness. We just... need... the Relic.
Raven: I need time to think this over.
Watts: You don't have time. Tonight, Haven Academy will be destroyed by the White Fang. You're going to choose now.
Raven: Backed me into a corner, huh?
Cinder: So, are you with us, or against us?
Raven: *removes my helmet and looks at them* Agreements like these are built on trust. And forgive me for saying, but I don't trust a single one of you. You're going to need to give me more.
Watts: You are in a poor position to negotiate.
Raven: I want my brother dead.
Cinder: *raises my eyebrows* Qrow?
Raven: That's right. He knows I have Spring. And if I help you get your Relic, he's going to become a problem. I have enough problems to deal with. Qrow doesn't trust me, but he does trust Ozpin's other lieutenants. If Leo really is loyal to you, then you can order him to invite Qrow into an ambush. He arrives at Haven, we take him down, you get your Relic, and we all leave happy.
Cinder: Now this is a proposition I can get behind.
Watts: Alright ladies, let's pause for a moment. We have one objective - retrieving the Relic of Knowledge. Now Qrow Branwen may be on our list of individuals we would very much like dead, but he's not going to go down without a fight, and he's not going to fight quietly. Our advantage here is just as you said - we walk straight into Haven, no resistance, no one the wiser. A battle with your brother throws that all out the window.
Raven: He's good, but not that good. All of us against him? It'll be over in a heartbeat.
Emerald: But it's not just him. He has the students with him. He has Ruby!
Cinder: He certainly does.
Watts: If we leave that school a bloody mess, we will draw the attention of the authorities! The Kingdom will be on high alert, and the White Fang's attack will be ruined!
Cinder: Then we wait. We wait until the full moon. Leo invites Qrow and his little fighters to Haven the same time Hazel and Adam arrive with the White Fang. As soon as the battle is won, the White Fang demolishes Haven, and any evidence we may have left behind is lost along with the school.
Raven: And what of the man they call the Doctor?
That name struck chills at the three except for Watts. They all know very well what he did in Beacon, while they succeeded in getting the maiden powers, killing Oz, and leaving Beacon in ruins; The Doctor made his mark, eliminating all the Grimms in Vale and leaving his presence known for all of Remnant including Salem.
Cinder: He...
You have no idea how to stop him, when he's coming, and what he will do. It'll be over for us the next time he's here.
Watts: He has not been spotted recently. No sign or reports of him across Remnant, that is all I can say. So, Deal or No Deal.
Raven: Then, Salem leaves my people alone. For good.
Cinder: You have yourself a deal. *Extends my hand*
Watts: *grabs her hand* Wait. Don't think I don't see what you're after. If this falls to pieces over your grudge with a child, I will not be taking the blame.
Cinder: *glares at him* Then what are you worried about? *Slowly burns his hand*
Watts: *chuckles with dead eyes* You will obey me.
Cinder: *pulls away fast and grunts* Fly back home and tinker with your machines. And tell Salem she'll get what she wants and more. *Reaches for Raven's hand*
That look, that response...No...It couldn't be...
Raven hesitated at first before ultimately shaking hands with Cinder, completing the deal. Things were getting heated and picking up for what is to occur tonight at Haven Academy.
Back at the temporary house of Team RWY and the others, the preparations have begun for meeting with Professor Lionheart at Haven Academy. Dalek Khan however, reported to everyone about the Cybermen that are still lurking across Haven after disappearing from the plane crash. Giving them a short, detailed description and a hologram model of the Cybermen, this would be trouble for the gang if they are spotted first before reaching Haven. But something bigger was on the mind of Ruby, Weiss, and Yang: The disappearance of the Doctor after Dalek Khan informed them of the TARDIS sending out an emergency call and no contact from the time lord.
Yang: We're all worried. I mean- It doesn't make sense for the Doctor to just disappear and the TARDIS return to Remnant on its own.
Weiss: We don't even know what happened? We...We need to act now on this Haven situation then find the TARDIS and see if we get more insights of what happened to him...*shakes a bit* I-It can't...be like this...he said he would return...he said- We need to find him Now!
Ruby: *holds Weiss's hands* Weiss...look at me. Breathe. I'm worried as well just like Yang and Khan. But if we go into panic and don't do what we need to do, we won't get anywhere. The Doctor, wherever he could be in trouble but I'm sure he's doing everything in his power to hold the enemy down.
Yang: *looks at Khan* What about the crack? How much time do we have?
Dalek Khan: It is slowly expanding but if we don't find the Doctor and resolve all of this within 1 week. Universes will collide and create an imminent apocalypse.
Ruby: This is our battle. And out there is our chance to save our world. We need to make this right! Together! One misstep will bring us down and it'll get harder for us. Everything needs to go as planned. Once all this is done, we are going to find the TARDIS and bring the Doctor home.
Weiss could only return a soft smile but hid that scared and concerned thought. She knew something was wrong and it was much worse than anyone thought it was. As the others left for the living room, Weiss remained alone in the room and held the necklace tight. She closed her eyes and felt something but very weak. She felt a cold breeze, dark aura, and saw a tiny spec of light in that darkness. She opened her eyes again gasping and wondering what that was but she heard her name being called and left the room.
Unbeknownst to her, that feeling she felt wasn't just a strange feeling but her connection with the Doctor. He felt it as his eyes opened a little more feeling her but did not see her nor hear her which kept him in the dark liquid that was slowly absorbing him. He wasn't the only one who felt that connection, the man possessing the body of the time lord felt it and gave out a smirk, Krall.
Krall: Psychic Connection. A strong one as well. *Looks at the scan of the universe* Remnant. *smirks*
Ozpin: I would like to once again give my thanks to Dalek Khan for giving us the insight on these Cybermen that are in Haven as well. Of course, meeting with Professor Lionheart wasn't going to be an easy task, this just adds a bit more challenge to it if we confront them.
Jaune: Khan, you didn't actually explain why they are here. Do you know why?
Dalek Khan: They are looking for a cybernetic source that is here in Haven known as the Cyberium. A matter of cyber life that can turn any life being into a Cyberman like them.
Qrow: Great! The More the Merrier.
Ruby: What are our chances of encountering them? You said they disappeared after their trail stopped right?
Dalek Khan: CORRECT! I have no current scan of their location but they will not hold back on destroying this place just to find the Cyberium. Our chances of encountering them are 90%.
Ozpin: Then let's not complicate the situation even further. Let's stick to the current plan which is to meet with the professor tonight at Haven. If they do show up and chaos ensues, you six will follow Dalek Khan into getting the people out to safety while he fights them.
Weiss: We still won't let them have the Cyberium. Knowing what it can do to humans, we will not lose any lives to those machines. Only thing we can do is destroy them for good.
Yang: Well, guess it's time to get ready! Let's do it!
Hours passed and the day was almost over as the moon shined on the quiet city of Haven. The students, Qrow, Ozpin/Oscar, and Dalek Khan all arrived at the academy. They enter the building as they are greeted by Professor Lionheart who is acting a bit different than last time.
Lionheart: Why hello. Thank you for... coming. There... seems to be more of you than last time. *Nervous chuckle* W-What is that robot?
Ruby: He's not a robot. He's our friend and partner in crime, call him Dalek Khan!
Qrow: Eh, you know what they say, "The more the merrier". So what's going on with the council?
Lionheart: Why... did you bring your weapons?
Qrow: What? Leo, we're Huntsmen. You okay?
Lionheart: Of course! Of course, sorry. Just haven't had my evening coffee.
Qrow: Look, it's nice to see you, but we got work to do. Are we getting support from the council or not?
Yang: Mom?
Qrow's eyes widened at hearing Yang's single response as everyone looked over to see a Raven flying by. Qrow tries to shoot it but the Raven dodges it and flies behind Lionheart as she transforms to her human self.
Ruby: Raven...
Nora: They... they really are magic...
Raven: *takes my mask off* If you're going to shoot me, shoot me. That was insulting.
Qrow: What are you doing here?!
Raven: *walks down the stairs* I could ask you the same thing. You've been scheming, little brother. Planning to attack your own sister.
Qrow: Leo... what have you done?!
Lionheart: I...
Raven: Leo did what any sane person would in his position - he looked at all the information he had in front of him, assessed the situation, and made a choice. And it seems you all have too.
Qrow: *grunts* You have the Spring Maiden!
Raven: I do.
Qrow: Then hand her over and let's work together! We can beat Salem!
Raven: All that time spent spying for Ozpin and you still have no idea what you're dealing with. There is no beating Salem!
Ruby: You're wrong. We've done things that most people would call impossible, and I know the only reason we were able to do it is because we didn't do it alone! We had people to teach us, people to help us, we had each other. Work with us. At least I know we'll have a better chance if we try together. Please. *Reaches my hand out to her*
Raven: *scornfully* You sound just like your mother.
By quick reflex, Raven draws out her weapon and creates a portal with her semblance. From inside the portal, a fireball comes out and hits Ruby which sends her back to the ground as Yang and Weiss run to help her. The source of the fireball was none other than Cinder Fall as she walked out alongside Emerald, Mercury, and Vernal as they lined up with Raven. Everyone brought out their weapons to prepare for battle.
Cinder: Hello boys and girls.
Ruby: *glares at her* Cinder...
Mercury: C'mon guys, is that any way to greet your old friends?
Qrow: Everybody, stay calm.
Suddenly, the doors opened behind everyone for a large, bulky, middle-aged man to enter which worried Oscar as the man closed the doors. His name was Hazel Rainart.
Oscar: Oh no...
Hazel: The White Fang is prepping demolition and securing the school grounds. No one's getting in, and no one's getting out.
Outside all around Haven Academy, bombs are being placed around campus and the CCT drawing back to the similar events that occurred in Beacon. Adam watched his fellow followers continue their task.
Adam: Once the charges are set, move back to perimeter watch. Tonight, Haven falls. *Grins evilly*
White Fang Member: This should be the last of them on this side.
White Fang Member #2: Let's report it back to the Boss before- WHAT THE?!
The group placing the bombs all turned around to be ambushed by something bigger and stronger as they tried to fight it off, unable to reach out to Adam as well. Back inside, Hazel walked to Cinder's side as it was looking to even up. As Cinder was enjoying this, her eyes would not leave the Dalek. She felt those thoughts reach out to her, but they weren't the usual.
If you wish to get what you want and LIVE! Let them be you fool. That Dalek right there is not one to mess with, especially if he's with the good guys! He can finish all of us in a matter of seconds! Don't be an idiot Cinder because you will regret it.
Weiss: This was all just a trap?
Ren: It appears so...
Qrow: Raven, tell me... how long have you been with them?
Cinder: Aww, don't take it personally, little bird. Your sister was a recent addition. The lion on the other hand... Entrance into the Vytal Festival was a real treat, Leonardo's been sending Salem all sorts of information for a very, very long time. Isn't that right, professor?
Lionheart: *looks down* Stop it...
Qrow: It was you... you sit on the Mistral Council. You had information on every Huntsman and Huntress in the Kingdom, and you gave it all to her?
Lionheart: I-
Qrow: I couldn't find any of them, because you let her kill them!
Cinder: Aw now, don't beat yourself up about it, Lionheart, I'm sure Tyrian and Hazel would've found them on their own eventually.
Jaune: What is wrong with you...? *Tears fall* How can you be so broken inside... to take so many lives, and then come here and rub it in our faces like it's something to be proud of?!
Nora: Jaune...
Jaune: ALL WITH THAT DAMN SMILE ON YOUR FACE!
Qrow: Everybody, stay calm!
Jaune: I'm gonna make you pay for what you did! Do you hear me?!
Qrow: Kid!
Jaune: WELL?! SAY SOMETHING!
Cinder: *smirks* Who are you again?
Before Jaune could lunge forward, Dalek Khan stepped in between with his weapon ready as his eyestalk targets all of Cinder's crew and he could finish them in less than a minute.
Dalek Khan: MAXIMUM WEAPON CHARGE! YOU WILL SURRENDER OR BE EXTERMINATED!
CINDER! YOU WILL DIE HERE! WE WILL ALL DIE HERE IF YOU DONT FIND A WAY TO ESCAPE THIS! DONT FIGHT IT!
All except Raven and Hazel stumbled back a bit after the Dalek's sudden warning and Emerald and Mercury were there when they saw what this alien can do in matter of minutes. Suddenly, loud blasts and shouts are heard from outside until one White Fang member is sent crashing through the wall startling everyone except for Dalek Khan as he detected the source of assault.
Dalek Khan: They are here.
Everyone watched as one by one, loud metallic footsteps were entering the main room as well. After the first three marched in, the last one entered slowly with his appearance much more different than the others. Cinder's crew watched in concern by the sudden appearance of them, but the gang all knew what they were, especially the girls and Khan.
Team RWB: CYBERMEN!
The four Cybermen inspected everyone in the room as Dr. Merlot walked in as well, making his presence known to everyone who was in disbelief and couldn't believe he was a part of the Cybermen.
Lionheart: James?...
Dr. Merlot: Good to see you again Professor. *Looks at the teenagers* And it has been some time since I've last seen you all. Surprised?
Ruby: Of seeing you alive? No.
Yang: Working with them? Yes.
Dr. Merlot: I bring to you the next evolution of mankind itself. I am only a follower but he on the other hand, is the one that started it all.
Ashad: Primitive beings with your weak weapons. Let us pass through to retrieve the Cyberium and we may just spare each of you.
Mercury: I'm sorry, the Cyber what?
Ruby: You're not going to get it! You will not convert any lives into your own creations like you did to those soldiers!
Ashad: Emotions have tormented you all of your life. Corrupted you and weakened you all. But you will be set free. This will soon be your liberation.
Dalek Khan: You will not SUCCEED!
Ashad: The Dalek!
Cybermen: You will be eradicated! You will burn! And the human race shall be Cybernetic!
At the same time, The Cybermen fired at Dalek Khan which is dissolved by his shield and Jaune lunged to attack Cinder, but she reacts on time to block his attack. The battle for Haven and for the future has begun. Ruby leaps into the air to assist Jaune but is grabbed by Emerald's chain.
Emerald: You're not getting near her.
Yang notices and rushes to her sister, only to be met with Mercury as Ruby continues her fight with Emerald and Jaune against Cinder.
Mercury: Hey there, Blondie. I'm thinking you owe me an apology for my leg, don't ya think?
Yang activates her Ember Celica and lunges towards Mercury. The Cybermen threw large surroundings at Dalek Khan while trying to blast him until his shield is deactivated. Fortunately, Nora comes with the assistance in destroying anything going to the Dalek. One Cyberman aims at her, but she blocks it with her hammer and gives Dalek Khan an opening to blast it. Meanwhile, Raven draws her sword out knowing there's no escape from her brother but only has one request for her second in command.
Raven: Take out the heiress. Don't bother wasting your power, keep her down from using Hers. *Clashes with Qrow*
Qrow: Running away was one thing, but this... you've crossed the line!
Raven: Sorry, brother. Sometimes family disappoints you like that.
Qrow: We're not family anymore.
Raven: Were we ever?
Qrow: I thought so, but I guess I was wrong.
As the siblings continued their fight, Vernal walked towards Weiss which she noticed resulting in both ladies drawing their weapons out and ready to fight.
Vernal: Let's see what the Schnee name really means.
Weiss: I'm more than a name.
Vernal: *smirks* Hm, prove it.
Weiss activates her glyph and charges towards Vernal. Ren is covering for Oscar as he crawls upstairs while Nora continues in aiding Dalek Khan with the Cybermen who have had no luck in deactivating the shield. Ashad knew one fatal hit from the Dalek will kill them.
Ashad: DOCTOR! I will need your assistance!
Dr. Merlot: On it!
Dalek Khan: Help the others! I will continue to fighting them.
Nora: Got it!
Hazel: I don't wish to fight either of you.
Nora and Ren met face to face with the behemoth of Hazel who cracked his neck and knuckles while the two positioned themselves to fight him, even if it'll take heavy hits.
Ren: Nor I you.
Nora: But we will if you're with her!
Hazel: Very well, then.
As the all-out battle continued, Lionheart watched from the second floor until he noticed Oscar across from him and began to approach him as the professor began to back away in concern and fear.
Lionheart: Young man, I don't know who you are or what you think you're doing, but for your sake, I suggest you leave. Now. I'm warning you! That's enough!
Lionheart brought out his weapon and switches it to active mode while Oscar draws out the Long Memory to the surprise of Lionheart realizing his old friend is somehow still alive.
Lionheart: *eyes widening* Ozpin?
Oscar: Not quite.
Oscar charges up forward as his strike attacks put Lionheart on the defensive position while blocking or dodging most of them. Lionheart avoids another strike but is caught quickly by Oscar and swings the professor down the steps. He jumps down to continue attacking and eventually gets to strike Lionheart once again.
Lionheart: This can't be... I knew you would be back, but... you made it here! You found Qrow! How?
Ozpin: Leo... what happened to you?
Lionheart: Wait. You can't have had this form for long. You're... not really Ozpin right now. Boy. Child. If I deliver you to Salem, she'll have to be pleased with me, and I can finally get out of all of this! I can finally be free! *Stands up and charges at Oscar*
Oscar: What do we do? (Ozpin: Fight.)
Oscar followed the same idea as Lionheart and charged at him, clashing their weapons once again. Across the hall, Weiss leaps around her glyphs and dodges hits from Vernal's weapons. With her attacks coming at full speed, Weiss is unable to attack back fast or use her time vortex power, that is what Vernal is trying to do with these fast attacks as Weiss lands on an opening spot.
Weiss: Fast strikes to keep me down and prevent me from using my powers like I did to you last time. Admitting to being scared?
Vernal: *grunts* Don't think I'm going to let you take the easy way out!
Weiss strikes her Myrtenaster down to the ground summoning an ice wall then tries to summon Arma Gigas, but a large beam goes through both and destroying them as Vernal uses one of her weapons to send Weiss flying back. Not far, Jaune crashes on the ground but gets up immediately to clash again with Cinder.
Cinder: *chuckles* I'm starting to remember you, you're the dense one that can't tell when he's out of his league.
Rageful, Jaune continues to strike Cinder as much as possible, but she continues to dodge them all with ease. Ruby notices but can't do much as Emerald keeps coming after her as well.
Ruby: Why are you doing this?! Salem's-
Emerald: I don't care about Salem! But I owe Cinder everything. You want to fight her that bad? Be my guest.
Emerald moves back and activates her Hallucination Semblance which creates a wall of fire and Cinder emerges that gets the full attention of Ruby. But she could not see that it was all fake once Cinder's form disappears and Emerald trips Ruby. Dalek Khan notices his friend in trouble and proceeds to blast Emerald, but she nearly dodges but trips on her own. Quickly turning around, he gets another opening and blasts a Cyberman that kills it with its head exploding. One down but three more to go unknown to the Dalek that the mad scientist was preparing something.
Dr. Merlot: ELECTRICAL CHARGEREADY!
Ruby watched as everything went slow for her and it was beginning to go all wrong. The odds were against them, her friends can't hold on for much longer. Weiss is losing speed in dodging Verna's attack but gets one strike at her and lands back on the ground, attempting to summon again but Vernal gets by quick and prevents her from doing so with a fatal shot to her back. Vernal appears again with a smirk in front of Weiss and lands a deadly attack that depletes Weiss' aura and breaks her Myrtenaster in two pieces. Weiss lets out a pained scream as the blast impacts her and sends her down on the ground out while the two pieces of her sword landed in front of Cinder as she looked at Jaune with an evil grin.
Cinder: Are you going to let her die too?
Jaune: Stop messing with me!
Cinder: If that's what you want...
Cinder would ignite her scimitar into all flames and tries to strike Jaune finds a way to dodge it barely. Ruby notices this and takes her back how it all happened that night, the night Pyrrha died. It was coming altogether again driving her to a low point until she heard something else behind her and it broke her even more.
Dr. Merlot: NOW!
Ashad: DIE!
Ashad released a heavy electrical surge onto Dalek Khan which disables him completely. Unable to move or defend, Ashad and the Cybermen activate their weapons once again and send full fire onto Dalek Khan as his friends watched in horror of his armor being pierced through and destroyed. The Dalek crashes onto a wall with no response at all. Dalek Khan fell in battle as Ruby's tears began to come out. The others in shock as well but for Ruby and Yang, to see their close friend dead tore them. However, Ruby's eyes were beginning to glow white as the same white energy was being released.
Ruby: NOOOOOOOOOO!
The loud scream was heard all around before Ruby is knocked out unconscious by Emerald. But a bit of damage was done as Cinder falls onto the ground holding her arm in pain. Jaune wastes no time and aims his sword to finish her here and now. As she looks up, she only sees the blade right in front of her, but Cinder just moves out of the way as Jaune misses and trips. She got up, angry, and pinned Jaune down with her heel.
Cinder: Did you think you actually had a chance against me?! You?! You're just a failure with a death wish.
Jaune: *struggles* If I die... buying them time, then it's worth it. They're the ones that matter...
Cinder watched around as Jaune's friends were desperately fighting but falling. She looked over to see the Cybermen approaching the fallen Dalek as mist came out. She saw Emerald holding Ruby as she was regaining consciousness. But then she saw Weiss struggling to get up and with no weapon and no aura. She looked down at Jaune with a death smirk and he felt that fear.
Cinder: You think so?
Cinder moved away from Jaune as he tried to catch his breath but saw Cinder slowly approaching Weiss and creating a spear covered in flames. Emerald grabbed Ruby's head and made her watch as well. Qrow was pinned by Raven but he could only see what Cinder was about to do.
Jaune: No... NOOOOOOO!
Cinder launched the spear as Weiss slowly got up but gasps in shock as she felt the sharp weapon go through her abdomen as she slowly looked down. Everyone stopped and watched in shock as well. Cinder noticed their reactions but she wanted much more, snapping her fingers, Weiss was burned into ashes in a matter of seconds to all her friend's horror as her body would disappear into dust just like Pyrrha.
Weiss Schnee fell in battle...
...or so they thought?