Vol.2, Ch.19:
Blake: Did you come in here to hide?
Ilia: I told you, I didn't want this.
Blake: But you're still here!
Ilia: I don't have a choice!
Blake: Of course you do!
From opposite sides of the room were Blake and Ilia in combat formation. Ilia wanted to finish this and finish her off, but Blake knows very well that violence isn't the answer, and this can be stopped from even more catastrophe. She takes a deep breath before lowering her weapon.
Blake: Just... stay out of my way.
Blake decides to turn around and focus on helping her family out. Ilia was not having any of this and made a full charge at Blake, only to strike her shadow illusion while the real Blake delivers a roundhouse kick that sends Ilia back. The two would finally lock blades against each other beginning the fight.
Blake: Why do you feel like we have to hurt people to get our way?!
Ilia: *grunts* Because it works!
Blake: That doesn't make it right!
Ilia: Stop lecturing me!
Ilia sends an electrical charge which knocks Blake's weapon from her hand, but she quickly moves away and behind the table trying to find her weapon again.
Ilia: Why couldn't you just leave?!
Blake: Because I run away too much!
Ilia jumps towards the table where she heard Blake but she wasn't there anymore. Hearing the click of Gambol Shroud, Ilia uses camouflage to avoid the bullets and go into hiding. Blake continued to look around for her and finding a way to have Ilia reveal herself.
Ilia: Quit taking potshots and fight me like you mean it!
Ilia appears again as Blake activates her weapon back into its blade form and both weapons collide once again while both girls try to gain the upper strength, but it's become more even.
Ilia: You used to see things the way I did! The way Adam did! If no one's going to do anything to stop the humans that attack us, then the only choice we have left... is to attack back!
Blake: You're wrong, there's always another choice.
Ilia pushes away Blake as she fires once again but Ilia deflects it with her weapon but notices it's jammed in place. Unable to activate it or move its gears around, she noticed what's on Blake's hand. Blake used her Sonic Screwdriver to jam the weapon temporarily and goes for another hard kick sending Ilia to the ground as Blake lands on top of her.
Blake: Ilia... please. You're a good person but you're making all the wrong decisions!
Ilia: SHUT UP!
Blake: Is this really what your parents would've wanted?!
Ilia: *stutters and panics* I don't know what else to do! *sobs* I don't know what else to do...
Giving up at the moment, Ilia stops resisting and sobs as Blake watched on with pain and guilt. Before she could reply, she noticed White Fang members approaching from the other room to assist Ilia. Fortunately, Ghira and Sun come in from where she entered to even things up a bit.
Ghira: Blake!
Blake: Dad!
White Fang Member: Give it up Ghira! Your time is over and Adam is the fu-
The three including Ilia, watched in horror as the speaker was zapped into a pile of goo onto the ground. Others couldn't react before they were blasted as well, leaving jelly liquid where the members once stood. Loud stomps came from the other hallway as the fire around the place was growing. The stomps got louder and louder as the shadow grew bigger. And out from the shadows and slowly walking through the fire was none other than the Slitheen himself, Corsac. They noticed the scars from their last battle alongside a mechanical arm and an alien weapon. They all stood up and in combat while Corsac laughed.
Ghira: Corsac.
Corsac: Surprised to still see me on this island Ghira? I wasn't going anywhere just yet.
Blake: You retreated and went into hiding like a coward!
Corsac: Nonsense young one. I was severely wounded and needed to get myself back healed. With an upgrade on my arm and a very deadly weapon, it's been a walk in the park so far here.
Corsac would be struck from behind by one of the White Fang's swords. He turned around to confront the attacker before grabbing him and ate half of his body in one chomp, horrifying the others.
Corsac: Nothing much better than a lovely dinner during a death battle. Menagerie fighting for their home and people. White Fang fighting for Adam. But the reality is whoever wins will still lose because of me!
Before any of the three could attack, Corsac charged and rammed all three heroes, sending them to crash on the walls while Ilia froze in horror at the sight of the Slitheen.
Corsac: Once I am done here with them, you will take me to Adam where I will finish him off clean. Perhaps I shall spare you...or use you as a new disguise. *growls*
As Corsac was about to reach Ilia, he gets pounded back by Ghira with full strength and dropping the weapon to the side. The Slitheen growled and roared at Ghira as he roared back in rage as the two fought it off. Blake and Sun would recover and join in as well to create a disadvantage for Corsac by surrounding him and striking him until he's on the floor. Using their semblances and weapons, it seemed like it was working at first until Corsac grabbed Blake and launched her towards Sun while returning to fight Ghira.
Corsac: You've come much prepared this time your highness.
Ghira: You got lucky last time. This time...it's different! *roars*
They clash once again while Ilia remains still in fear and undecided on what to do. She feels her hand grabbed thinking it was another Slitheen but turns around to see Blake as they both get up and run to a safe distance while Ghira and Corsac continue to fight.
Sun: What is SHE still doing here?
Blake: SUN! *sighs* Look, we need a plan to take down Corsac. My dad can't hold him for too long. *looks around and thinks* Up there!
Sun and Ilia look up where Blake is pointing towards a pillar that's cracking which leads up to the balcony. It was finally coming together what the plan will be, to have Corsac stand there and have the balcony collapse on him.
Blake: We need to get his weapon out of the way though. You saw what it did to the others. *Looks at Ilia* You can help us out...or you can leave. I won't chase you, but I do hope change is something to consider.
Blake and Sun made their charge towards Corsac while Ilia stood there thinking about her decisions. As Corsac chokeslams Ghira with his metallic arm, the wire from Gambol Shroud wrapped around his neck as Blake jumped on him trying to strangle the slitheen in weakening him. Sun uses his semblance to bring out his clones in ganging up on Corsac as well. As Ghira recovered, he made full speed to crash into Corsac has him crash into the pillar, causing it to crack more for the balcony to fall.
Ghira: NOW YOU TWO!
Sun and Blake got up to make a run for it but Blake's leg would be caught by Corsac's hand, pulling her back. The balcony falls but Ghira uses his full strength to hold onto it. Sun makes a run for it but Corsac grabs his weapon and aims towards Blake making the situation much worse.
Corsac: Nobody moves, or you'll see the princess turned into goo!
Blake: DAD!
Corsac: Provoke me,Kill me and I'll kill her. Or, we all get to live but I will take her with me to Adam. It was never about you or the White Fang. It has and always will be about the Slitheen.
The pressure was growing, Ghira and Sun did not know what to do with Ghira burly holding on the balcony now as Blake couldn't escape in any way from Corsac's grasp. It was a dead end or so they all thought. Lightning Lash appeared and grabbed Corsac's weapon as Ilia pulled it away.
Ilia: NOW!
Sun uses his weapon into its shotgun form and shoots Corsac which had little effect but released Blake at the same time. She runs back to the others as Corsac roared in anger but saw where he was standing. The four standing together as Ghira took a deep breath and released the balcony crashing on Corsac completely. Once the dust and smoke cleared out, all that was there was rubble. Hearing footsteps approaching, the group turned around to see guards and Kali entered the room with an unconscious Yuma.
Blake: Mom! *Hugs her tight*
Mother and Daughter share a strong embrace as the guards notify that the remaining White Fang attackers have surrendered which put this battle over. Outside of their house, a large crowd of Faunus gathered in concern for the Belladonnas as they appeared from the ruins. As more guards enter the house while a few aids the fighters, Blake steps out in front of the crowd to speak up.
Blake: Humans didn't do this. We did this: Faunus. We did this to ourselves. We are just as capable of hate and violence as the humans, but I don't think any of us would jump at the chance to point that out. So why are we letting Adam do it for us?! By doing nothing and staying silent, we let others speak and act in our place. And if we're not proud of the choices they make, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. This is the message that Adam Taurus will bring to the world if no one stops him. But we can stop him! You have to understand that all of you are looking for simple answers to a very complicated problem. And I can't give that to you. I don't know how to make hate go away, I don't. But I know that this kind of violence is not the solution. I understand that to ask you to leave your homes and protect Haven Academy is asking you to put your lives at risk. But that's what's at stake. So I'm going, and I'll stand by myself if I have to.
Ilia: I'll stand with you! If... if you'd have me.
Blake was caught by surprise by Ilia's sudden response as she stood right next to her. Sun gave a look of relief but many mixed to bad looks from the crowd knowing where Ilia was from.
Male Faunus: Isn't that the White Fang girl?
Female Faunus: I thought she hated the Belladonnas.
Saber: You're not going anywhere!
Blake: Let her come.
Saber: Huh? You're just going to forgive her? After everything she did?!
Blake: I am.
Ghira: *smiles* She's learned a lesson that evaded me until I was much older: That there is strength in forgiveness.
Blake: And kindness. All it takes for cases like these is to be kind. *Looks up at the stars then her family* It's what he taught me.
If there was one thing she will always remember about the Doctor, even if their last conversation wasn't in good terms, it would be the kindness he had and spread around. To her, he's the Doctor of kindness because he can see the universe and he can find a way to make it right, peaceful, home. As she looked onto the crowd, hands began to rise.
Male Ram Faunus: I'll go! *Steps forward*
Female Aquatic Faunus: I'll go too!
Various Faunus: I'll stand with you! I'll go! Yeah! Me too! Let's go! Yeah, let's go!
As more Faunus began to approach, one of the guards approached Ghira and Blake with a concerning look which worried them because they had a feeling where this was going.
Guard: Sir, we have to report that we approached the room where there is alot of rubble from what looks like the balcony crashed onto. It seems like something crawled out from there but there is no sign of the runaway.
The family looked at each other knowing Corsac once again survived and escaped. All they could hope was that the Slitheen would not return again to attack. But for now, their focus was on their quest to Haven to prevent Adam's next attack.
Ghira: We have about two weeks before Adam's attack on Haven. We're going to need shields, training, whatever we can do to protect as many people as possible.
Kali: We'll need transportation too. For everyone.
Blake: *smiles* I think I know a ship captain who owes us a favor.
(NEXT MORNING)
The sun was rising, the birds were chirping, nature was doing its routine, and the sky was a beautiful blue. Ruby embraced it all and enjoyed it despite not getting lots of sleep last night from all the fun and all the serious that occurred. Her view of the sky would be replaced by that of her older sister, Yang.
Yang: You're up early.
Ruby: *smiles* Hey sis.
Yang: Boop.
Yang lets her hair down around her little sister's nose to tickle her which Ruby giggles as she sits up and Yang sits down next to her. They enjoyed the rising sun and began their time of catching up considering they knocked out the moment they were going to last night.
Ruby: What are you doing up?
Yang: Can't fall back to sleep.
Ruby: Ah, me neither.
Weiss: Well, fortunately, coffee exists.
The sisters turned around with smiles to see their teammates and friend approaching them with cups of coffee. Weiss lowers the tray for Yang to grab and Ruby as well.
Ruby: No, please!
Weiss: Don't worry, I put in blasphemous amounts of cream and sugar, just for you.
Ruby: Oh yeah! Nice Weiss strikes again!
Weiss: *pulls her coffee away* I will pour this on you and it will burn.
Ruby giggled a bit nervously before taking her coffee as the trio enjoyed their morning drinks and the sunrise altogether. Ruby and Yang looked at each other with a smirk for the first thing they want to do.
Yang: So Weiss? Now that you and the Doctor are official.
Ruby: Did you two finally kiss?
Weiss: *spits coffee and coughs* YOU TWO! *Coughs more*
Yang: Whoops!
Weiss: *grunts and sighs* We really were that obvious to all of you huh?
Ruby: Jokes aside, yeah. Ever since the first day of Beacon and while you two didn't start off...great, it still came to be. And once he got his memories back, you two were able to connect more.
Weiss: *blushes and looks at my cup* You would think love at first sight would be just a fairytale. But the moment I got to be with him, it felt like we were already connecting. Even before we dated, we loved to hold hands and tease each other for fun. But I guess we weren't ready just yet to take the next step. Like you guys, he's also a reason for who I am today.
Ruby: *smiles* He made you realize you didn't need to be perfect, that you didn't need to follow standards that weren't your own, he was the first of many to break that wall you were in.
Yang: And in return, you made him no longer feel alone. Even with Dalek Khan by his side, you opened his eyes and hearts, connected well, and opened him up to all of us. I think that's why you two were already perfect from the start.
Weiss: Now you're just teasing us. *Blushes more* But...yes. We kissed, that night of the party.
Ruby and Yang: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.
Weiss: Shut Up!
The trio all giggled as they have truly missed this feeling, this team, this family. The three looked up to the sky and wondered where their dear Doctor is at right now. While it's been a few weeks for them, it could already be years for the time lord.
Ruby: You think he's okay?
Yang: He's the Doctor! I'm sure wherever he's at or whatever he's dealing with he's got this!
Weiss: Yeah, but he's not an unstoppable superhero from those comic books you two read. He also has his flaws, weaknesses, and limits. I just hope he's not doing anything reckless or risky. He'll get a hard slap across the face if he is.
Yang: I think you're right Weiss. With everything we saw with the Doctor all across time and space, this whole thing of magic, maiden, and all that other stuff doesn't seem...too weird now to understand. Plus, can't believe we're actually in Mistral.
Ruby: That's what you can't believe?
Weiss: I honestly wasn't sure if I'd ever see you two again.
Yang: Well, here's to defying expectations.
The trio clinked their cups together as they enjoyed their drinks. It got a little quiet for a few moments before Ruby brought up someone who she misses dearly and still feels like the team is not complete.
Ruby: I just wish Blake could be here with us.
Yang: Yeah, well, she made her choice.
Weiss: *looks at Yang confused* What's that supposed to mean?
Yang: Tsk! I mean she could've been here if she just stuck around. It's no big deal though. We'll be fine.
Ruby: Don't you want her here?
Yang: Why would I want her here?
Ruby: Are you still mad at her for leaving?
Yang: *scoffs* Oh, whatever gave you that idea, Ruby? No, I'm totally fine. I'm great.
Weiss: Hey, calm down.
Yang: *my eyes turn red* Don't tell me to calm down!
Ruby gained a startled expression at her sister's sudden outburst while Weiss kept a calm but concerned look. Yang realized what she's done as her eyes turned back to normal and her hands continue to shake. Not saying anything else, she gets up fast and leaves, leaving the White Rose duo worried for her.
Weiss: I'll go talk to her! *Walks back inside*
Yang was back in the room she slept in looking at the picture of the team altogether with her finger on Blake. She heard the door knock as she put the picture away and heard it opened but didn't wish to look up.
Yang: Look Ruby, I really don't want to talk about it, okay? Can you just leave me alone for a bit? *Looks up to see Weiss* Oh. Hey Weiss. *sighs* I know she's our teammate, but I'm not just going to change my mind. I'm sorry, I just... I don't think you know what it's like to be left. You have a giant family, recitals to perform at, dinners to attend. I didn't have any of that. My mom left me. Ruby's mom left too. Tai was always busy with school and Ruby couldn't even talk yet. I had to pick up the pieces. I had to keep things together. Alone. Weiss, if you have something to say, then say it.
Weiss: *breathes and sighs* When I was ten, my dad finally admitted to my mom that the only reason he married her was for the family name. *Looks down* It was actually on my birthday. He missed the big dinner, she got mad, he finally snapped. I think she already knew cause of my grandfather. Looking back, I think I knew too. But hearing him say it finally pushed her to not wanting to be with him. I'm not sure if anything has changed after the events with my grandfather that changed how my mom is now today but before all the time travel, it was separate lunches and dinners, opposite balconies at my recitals, a glass of wine here, a glass of wine there. Then, it was no dinners, no recitals, a bottle of wine here and... well, you get the idea.
Yang: I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have assumed.
Weiss: You're right though. I don't know loneliness like you do. I have my own version. And, I'll bet Blake has her own version too.
Yang: She doesn't have to be alone though. I was here for her. We all were! She chose to leave us.
Weiss: Why do you think she did that?
Yang: Hm?
Weiss: The entire time Blake was at Beacon, she was afraid to open up to people. She tried to keep her past separated from us. She tried to protect us. Eventually, those walls she put up came down. And the moment they did, the one thing she was afraid of actually happened. The universe proved her right.
Yang: No one blamed her for anything! If she had just talked to us, she would've known that! How could I be there for her if she doesn't let me? What if I needed her here for me? *Covers face and sobs*
Weiss: *puts my hand on her shoulder* I know it's not easy. I wish she hadn't left too. The only thing we can do now is be there for her when she's ready. When she comes back.
Yang: *lowers my hands* IF she comes back. *Sniffs*
Weiss: She will. Yang... You, Ruby, and even Blake are more like family to me than my brother or even my own father. I would do anything for you three, and I'm willing to bet Blake feels the same way. So, when she's ready, I'll be there for her. And I know we're not as close, but... I'm here for you too. *Smiles softly*
Yang would start to relax a little more as Weiss continued to comfort her. They both hear the door knock again as it slowly opens to reveal Ruby peeking in nervously but both girls noticed a giant shadow behind Ruby.
Ruby: Is, uh... everything okay?
Yang: *breathes and smiles* Yeah, it is.
Ruby: *sighs in relief* Ah good to hear that. I was worried it wasn't so...a friend came to visit by.
Ruby entered the room and moved to the side as the eyes of both Weiss and Yang widened at the surprise visitor that was behind Ruby. Weiss covered her mouth while Yang let out a huge sigh of relief and a smile. For the first time in a over a year, they are with Dalek Khan.
Weiss and Yang: Khan!
Dalek Khan: It is so good to see you again Yang and Weiss.
The two would hug their Dalek friend while Ruby watched on. Right after Weiss left to talk to Yang, Ruby stood outside for a little while but was growing worried until she was approached by Dalek Khan who to her was happy to see him okay.
Dalek Khan: Good to see you fully back Weiss.
Weiss: In terms of memories yes, but there's something also that you could scan now that you're here.
The Dalek was confused but proceeded with Weiss's order to scan her as he did and detected a strange act in her body. He detected her semblance and the time vortex merging but there was something else merging as well.
Yang: Well Khan?
Dalek Khan: Your semblance is being merged with the remains of the time vortex that stayed inside of you. There is however a third element merging but I cannot properly identify it.
Weiss: The Doctor said that no one, no human is capable of holding the time vortex because it can kill them. Why is it that it hasn't affected me with the small dose I have inside of me?
Dalek Khan: I believe it has to do with your semblance and the third element. It would not kill you instantly because you don't have the full of the time vortex. BUT, it could proceed as a slow sickness to kill you. Your body however, shows no signs and it's becoming a part of you now.
Weiss did not know whether to take this seriously or let it flow as time passes on. She received soft smiles from both Ruby and Yang as a way of reassuring her that she'll be okay, no matter what happens to her.
Dalek Khan: Since the three of you are here, we must talk about serious situations happening. One of them is about the Doctor.
Back at the Branwen tribe, Raven is inside her main tent sharpening her weapon until Vernal enters the tent in a bit of panic which Raven noticed, and she was beginning to have a feeling.
Vernal: Raven, we have a problem.
Raven: What is it?
Vernal: Salem's found us.
Raven: *eyes widened* Salem... okay.
Vernal: Four of her followers are waiting to speak with you.
Raven: *stands up* Right. We planned for this... Bring me my helmet.
Placing her helmet on, Raven took a deep breath and exited her tent to be confronted by four of Salem's followers: Cinder Fall, Arthur Watts, Emerald Sustrai, and Mercury Black. Bandits have also surrounded them in case the four were going to do anything reckless.
Raven: I don't recall inviting so many guests into our home. Either I'm losing my memory, *raises my voice* or you've all lost your spines!
Cinder: Don't be too upset with them, Raven. Your men simply recognized the power of a Maiden when they see it. *My eyes glow* Which is why we'd like to have a word with you.