Vol.2, Ch.30:
In the Land of Darkness inside of Salem's castle, Mercury was focused on training and improving while Emerald watched on but was out of focus due to having a lot of things in mind, specifically Cinder. Cinder is a time lord, and she doesn't know it which meant Cinder was never real the whole time, only when the time lord lost her memories which makes her worry what will happen if Cinder remembers.
Emerald: I hate being kept in the dark like this...
Mercury: Yeah, Cinder was a pain, but at least she kept us filled in.
Emerald: Can I ask you something?
Mercury: You're gonna.
Emerald: Why did you come with us, the night Cinder and I found you?
Mercury: Why are you asking-
Emerald: Just answer the question.
Mercury: Just made sense.
Emerald: It made sense?
Mercury: All my life, my father trained me to be a killer, an assassin like him. And then moments after I killed him, you two showed up looking for someone with my exact skills. Just felt like it was meant to be.
Emerald: That's it?
Mercury: Hey, what's your problem?
Emerald: I mean, there has to be something you want from this, right?
Mercury: Salem's promised us everything. We win this thing for her, we'll be top dogs in her new world. What more do you want?
Emerald: I just... *sighs* Cinder was the only family I ever had. She cared about me, taught me things... But without her here and now knowing she's not who we thought she is, I don't know if what we're doing-
Mercury: Wake up already... Cinder doesn't care about you! She doesn't care about either of us!
Emerald: You don't know what you're talking about!
Mercury: You're in denial. And if you're gonna start having a crisis of identity or some crap... keep me out of it.
Taken back by his response and anger, Emerald marches towards him and goes for a few hits only for Mercury to dodge them all and grabs her fist.
Mercury: I'm sorry you didn't have a mommy that loved you, but I had a father who hated me! He never went easy on me! Every day of training was a beating. And when I unlocked my Semblance, he stole it with his! *Throws a punch and kick to Emerald* "This is a crutch!" "This makes you weak!" He told me I could have it back when I was strong. So I got strong, but I never got it back! I've had to work harder than anyone to get where I am. You may not like it here without Cinder, but I think I'm right where I'm supposed to be!
The two were about to continue to fight on until they heard clapping and cackles from someone who had been in the same room with them for who knows how long. Replacing his natural scorpion tail for a metallic one came Tyrian Callows which the two despised and behind him was the Master of Science and Technology, Arthur Watts.
Tyrian: Oh yes, the world is mean, and I'm a big, bad man now just like the others. *laughs*
Mercury: *growls* How long have you been standing there?!
Tyrian: All you ever learned was pain and violence, and now you're too afraid to leave it. Such a tragedy.
Mercury: You don't know me!
Mercury goes to strike and kick Tyrian, but he dodges it and kicks Mercury back. Tyrian then holds him down on the ground with his new tail at a short distance from Mercury's face. Emerald approached them and pushed Tyrian back while helping out Mercury
Emerald: Hey!
Tyrian: Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh. I want to tell you both a little secret. Your question is all wrong. *laughs*
Emerald: What?
Tyrian: "What do you want from this?" Children, please, if you're not loving what you're doing, then you're in the wrong field.
Emerald: So, what? Are you saying we should just leave?
Tyrian: *gasps* Oh no, no, no, no. *chuckles* You can't do that!
Mercury: Then what did you come here for?
Watts: Salem has asked us to meet back in the meeting room. We are expecting company that could aid us in getting closer to winning this and getting what we need.
Tyrian: To say farewell. There's been a change in plans. Her Grace must act swiftly if we are to prevail. If General Ironwood comes to his senses and calls upon aid from Vacuo, all may be lost for us! And so the good doctor and I are being sent to Atlas... to prepare.
Emerald: Prepare for what? And who's coming?
Watts: That's enough. We must not waste the Queen's time and you will find out eventually. Let's go.
Mercury and Emerald looked at each other in confusion before following the two men. Cinder was their first thought, but they could have instantly told them and they didn't which meant someone else was coming. It made them wonder who else did Salem had to work with her. Once they approached the meeting room, Salem was already there alongside Hazel.
Salem: Our new guests have arrived. They would be of good help in advancing our plans and preventing the Doctor from interfering.
Before anyone could speak, they heard loud thuds getting louder and louder. The scary part was that it wasn't just one but multiple marching at the same time. As it got closer, Emerald, Mercury, and Hazel recognized those noises and moved back a bit in fear because they knew what Salem contacted. Salem snapped her fingers as the door opened to reveal multiple Cybermen marching towards them and surrounding the entire room. It wasn't just a small group of these machines like their encounter at Mistral, it was an entire army of them.
Mercury: W-What...the...
Emerald: T-There's about 20...or more of these now...
Hazel: The leader found what it needed...and created more...
The last two Cybermen approached Salem and the crew which was Ashad and a Cyberman very much similar to the others but with two differences, its eyes had red LED around them, and a brain was in full display to the disgust of Emerald and Mercury.
Salem: Welcome to my temple. I am Salem, the Queen of Darkness and the creator of Grimm. I heard about you from three of my followers who were in Mistral during the Haven battle. And now I see you in person as I live and breathe.
Ashad: I. Am. Ashad. The first Cyberman to appear in this world and the general of my army.
Salem: A pleasure to meet you, Ashad. *Looks at the other Cyberman* And I'm assuming this is your second in command.
Ashad: This is the Cyber Controller. A loyal assistant of mine and the first follower of a new Cyber beginning. But you may have recognized him as someone else. Dr. James Merlot.
Salem watched in amazement while everyone else looked in shock at the new state of the mad scientist. All that is left of the mad scientist was now his brain that was displayed.
Watts: James...
Cyber Merlot: A pleasure in seeing you again Arthur Watts. And Salem, your grace, an honor to finally meet you.
Salem: I have heard of you Dr. Merlot. The mad scientist who experimented on my precious creations.
Cyber Merlot: A chance at evolution your majesty. As I have evolved into the next stage of humanity for centuries to come. All that was needed was Cyberium.
Watts: Cyberium...
Ashad: The formula and knowledge of all Cybermen to create. I retrieved the first half from him and the other in Haven Academy. Step out Lionheart.
One Cyberman stepped out from the army of Cybermen as the others watched in a mix of horror and interest at the sight of the former headmaster of Haven now a Cyberman before returning to the group.
Ashad: Rid of memories and feelings, the perfect soldiers for battle and the perfect formula for Humanity's evolution. We have gone on to create more from trapping inferior beings.
Emerald: You've gone to kidnap people and turn them into this?
Ashad and Salem both glared at Emerald who just stood back regretting what she just said. Salem looked at the army of Cybermen which brought a smirk and looked at the two Cybermen leaders.
Salem: Very well then Ashad. I'd say it's time we came to a deal that has us have what we want, and we both win in the end.
Back in Argus, the search for Oscar continued as no one had any luck finding the farm boy not knowing that the Doctor was right, and he was back at the Cotta-Arc house.
Jaune: Oscar!
Nora: Oscar?
Ren: This city's enormous, he could've gone anywhere.
Saphron: If you want...you could... stay in Mistral, get your licenses at Haven, and come back to Argus. There's a lot of good you can do here. I know your mission is important, but it's not like you're the only ones who can do it. It's not the only mission that needs doing. Maybe that's what Oscar has deep in his thoughts as well. I should go pick up Adrian from daycare. I'll let Terra know what's happened, and we'll meet you later. Good luck. *Waves and leaves*
Nora: Hey, there's a cafe over there. Why don't we get something to warm up?
Jaune: I'm okay. You two go on ahead.
Nora: You don't want anything?
Jaune: No...but thanks...
Ren and Nora shared sad and concerned looks for their friend before heading off to the cafe, leaving Jaune all alone. The wind blows as Jaune continues his search for Oscar and as he continues walking, he stumbles upon a painful sight in front of him. A statue of Pyrrha Nikos with a message inscribed onto the stone pedestal:
IN HONOR OF PYRRHA NIKOS, ONE OF MANY STUDENTS WHO FOUGHT VALIANTLY AT THE FALL OF BEACON
Jaune closed his eyes as a few tears fell from his eyes at remembering and missing his fallen friend, teammate, and lover. He wished he could turn things back and save her whether Beacon fell or not. She loved him and he did not realize it until it was too late. He wishes it could all be reversed but those words by the Doctor also haunt him, that even someone like him cannot reverse a fixed point in time. As he got up, he heard footsteps approaching and quickly wiped his tears while the woman, carrying a bouquet of red flowers placed them on Pyrrha's statue but what caught Jaune's eyes was how much she resembled her.
Red-Haired Woman: It's really beautiful, isn't it?
Jaune: Yeah... uh, why here?
Red-Haired Woman: She trained here, Sanctum Academy. Everyone was crushed when she chose Beacon over Haven. No one wanted to see her go, but... it was where she wanted to be. I'm just glad she was surrounded by such amazing people.
Jaune: *tears up again* She should be standing here...
Red-Haired Woman: She is. She understood that she had a responsibility... to try. I don't think she would regret her choice, because a Huntress would understand that there really wasn't a choice to make. And a Huntress is what she always wanted to be.
Jaune: Pyrrha never got the chance to graduate... But she was a Huntress. *Smiles softly*
Red-Haired Woman: *wipes a tear* Thank you.
Jaune smiled at her until he was called by Ren who alongside Nora found him at the park. As Jaune turned around, the woman was now gone as he looked for her but no sight. They catch up to him as they stand together and look at the statue of their friend and someone they considered family.
Jaune: I'm sorry. I've been a terrible leader, and a terrible friend, and I-
Ren: Jaune, this has to stop.
Nora: We... heard what you said to Cinder, at Haven. You're not being fair to yourself. We love you, just like we loved Pyrrha. We're teammates, family.
Ren: We don't want to lose you too.
Jaune: I think... I think she knew she wasn't going to win. That she might not come out alive. But... she also knew she was the only one that could try.
Ren: So she did.
Nora: Maybe we should too.
Jaune: Yeah, we should.
Nora: Pyrrha may not be by our side anymore, but we can fight like she is.
Jaune: And in a way... she will be.
Ren: We should check back in at the house. Come on.
The team make their leave to head back to the house but before so, Jaune turns back to the statue of her one last time with a soft smile as a maple leaf falls on her.
Jaune: Thank you.
As the three head back to the house, the spot Team RWBY with Ruby and Yang holding Qrow who appears to be out of it but slowly getting back up. Soon, Jaune's sister would arrive back with her wife and their precious child. Back to phase 1 on finding Oscar after no luck.
Ren: No luck?
Blake: No, you?
Jaune: Don't worry, we aren't going to Atlas without him.
Ruby: We?
Jaune: *looks at Saphron* Sorry sis, we won't be staying.
Saphron: *smirks at him* No you're not.
Terra: How about we get out of the cold?
As everyone agreed, they heard the door to their house open and all looked up to see Oscar back home and with a new fancy look that looks a bit like Ozpin's go to outfit.
Oscar: Oh, I was wondering when you'd get back.
Everyone: OSCAR!
Oscar's smile on seeing everyone turned into a look of panic when Nora and the other teens charged up and lunged at him for a massive group hug inside the house while the adults walked in. All smiles and laughs as Ruby help Oscar up.
Weiss: You had us worried sick!
Ruby: Are you okay?
Nora: What are you wearing?
Oscar: *smiles and rubs my head* Uh...
The Doctor: I did tell you *sips tea* I knew where he went and when he would come back.
Yang: And you didn't decide to let us know when he got back.
The Doctor: Well, none of you listened so I decided to let you go on your cat and mouse game while clearing the air as well.
Terra: Is something cooking?
Oscar: Oh, uh, yeah. I thought you guys would appreciate a hot meal after... spending all day looking for me, apparently. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be... me. But I did some thinking, and I do know that I want to do everything I can to help with whatever time I have left. That's why Ozpin and I went to talk with the Doctor in the morning, we needed some advice on what would be best to do.
The Doctor: Both were conflicted and scared. Oscar well...he pretty much said it and Oz...had to let out lots of guilt he had while also needing me to answer some important questions which I did. Once that was settled, I suggested to them to find a place of peace around Argus, spend all the time needed there until they were both in unison and ready to come back. It's...what I did after the fall of Beacon, made me the man I am today.
Ruby: Uh, combat gear looks good. *Sees Qrow going upstairs* Where are you going now?
Qrow: I don't want to get in the way of your celebration.
Ruby: You've been gone all day! Just sit with us.
Qrow: *sighs* Look, Ruby, I'm glad you kids worked out, uh, whatever all that was. But the fact is, we're not a single step closer to Atlas.
Jaune: Actually, I think I have an idea. But... it's sort of a "no-going-back" kind of idea.
Ruby: Well, let's hear it.
Jaune: With Cordo on watch, only Atlas airships have the clearance to leave for Solitas. So... we... steal an Atlas airship.
Weiss: That's not just breaking the law. That's... that's definitely worse.
Yang: How would we even get onto the airfield?
Jaune: That part I haven't quite figured out yet. But I-
The Doctor: Give me about...3 minutes. *Runs out of the house*
Everyone watched in confusion as the Doctor suddenly ran out until they heard the TARDIS leaving, which meant he was up to something only a smart time lord like him could do. While Nora and Yang both placed bets on whether the Doctor would return in 3 minutes or more, Qrow decided to oppose Jaune's idea.
Qrow: Okay, stop. Just... stop! Look, if this thing goes south, it's not something we can just fight our way out of. This is the Atlas Military we're talking about. *sighs* For your sake, just drop this.
Ruby: I want to hear him out.
Qrow: Ruby...
Ruby: I want to hear him OUT! I know you're trying to protect us, that you're afraid we can't do it, but right now, I don't really care what you think! Just because you don't have an idea, doesn't mean we're out of options! Oz hasn't been here to tell us what to do, but we still managed to get this far anyway. We've been in bad situations before, and we don't need an adult to come save us or tell us what to do. We just did it our way! And I say we do it our way. And if you think you can keep up with us "kids"... we'd be happy to have you.
Qrow looked at his niece with a shock and saddened expression as the others smiled in confidence at Ruby's determination. It brought their determination back in place as well. Suddenly, the Doctor reenters the house once again at literally 3 minutes.
Yang: Boom! Pay up tomorrow Nora!
Nora: Ugh! Not even fair!
The Doctor: The ship is ready for tomorrow. You won't need to steal one, just sneak in.
Everyone: HUH?!
Jaune: H-How did you do that? And at such fast timing too!
The Doctor: I'm an 800-year-old time traveler with a time machine Jaune. Besides, *pulls out identity badge* I got full "authorization" from General Ironwood to save us a plan to Atlas.
The gang closed in on the badge to see an actual confirmation from Ironwood of boarding the ship in the morning to Atlas. Their eyes widened when they see the badge change to The Doctor's fake identity as William Smith, executive council member of Ironwood.
Nora: IT CHANGED?!
The Doctor: All I did was travel back a few hours earlier and show them this badge that a flight is needed to lift off tomorrow morning. The authorization by Ironwood is fake by the way, but good enough to convince anyone it's true.
Ruby: You're saying that can change your identity to match the place AND includes fake confirmation? I need one of those!
Blake: Why couldn't we just travel to Atlas with the TARDIS? Wouldn't it make things easier?
The Doctor: Always safe to have a backup option. I may not be around when all this goes around considering i have my own issue to handle.
Weiss: Then before we plan out Jaune's idea and get some rest for tomorrow, *looks at the Doctor* You wanted to explain what's your situation?
The Doctor's face turned from a soft and caring smile to a concerned look which meant bad news for the universe and Team RWBY were getting worried as well. In the Land of Darkness, the proposal between Salem and Ashad were underway and it was looking like more bad news could come for Remnant.
Salem: You wish to turn humanity into your cyber warriors while I wish to eradicate humanity and takeover this planet. I'd say we could come to a very fair deal.
Ashad: It must be under both our approval. Here is my offer, I will assist in retrieving those relics and in return, you spare humanity for us to handle them. And we wish for half of this planet.
Salem: Hmm. I approve of the first but not the second just yet. You'll have to convince me that you truly want half of Remnant.
Ashad: Hmph! I can. Give me half of Remnant and I shall give you an insight of The Doctor. And I shall grant a gift to your creations.
Ashad displayed a small portion of Cyberium for others to watch and Salem was very pleased. A chance to evolve her Grimm for any humans or even the Doctor unable to stop them. A smirk appeared on her face as she raised her hand out to the Lone Cyberman.
Salem: It is a deal then Ashad. In return, I shall gift you a few of my creations for you and Merlot to experiment with as well. The future of Remnant is now in our hands.
The two shook hands confirming the deal. After the meeting was over, the Queen remained in the meeting room while Ashad and his Cyberman army made their leave. Once they were out of sight, Salem spoke to her true intentions.
Salem: Even advanced beings like those Cybermen can't function their brains properly. For them to think I would actually share my world with them.
Hazel: Then if I may your majesty, why did you make the deal?
Salem: We do need their help. Their weapons and evolution will be an advantage for us to take on humanity and the Doctor. As Ashad said, he knows about the Doctor and will gladly give information about him. Once the days of this world are over, then I will make sure there are no Cybermen existing either.
As the Cyberman approached the exit of the castle, the Cyber Controller approached the Lone Cyberman with a conflicting thought in mind about Salem, but Ashad was well prepared.
Cyber Merlot: She will try to destroy us once we complete her favor of retrieving the Relics.
Ashad: She will try, and she will fail. Once we have enough of our army and we hand her what she needs, we will begin our attack and end her life. Once the days of this world are over, then I will make sure there are no living organisms existing either. With the addition of giving her creatures to us to evolve, it'll backfire on her.
A poison proposal from both sides could bring trouble for them first before Remnant. And it was only the beginning of change coming to this world. Back in Argus, everyone finished hearing the Doctor's situation while looking at the destroyed planet image with saddened expression.
Ruby: It's like...no matter what we did, it didn't fix everything at all.
The Doctor: It did. But there's always trouble no matter the time or place. What worries me is how whatever attacked this planet left nothing at all but ashes and dust.
Weiss: You don't think it's-
The Doctor: I'm not going to jump to a conclusion just yet. It can be any alien species that could pull this off. Krall is dead and the Void is contained and locked away so it couldn't be that...
Saphron: This sounds pretty heavy and a lot. I didn't think there would be danger across the universe.
Nora: But if space and alien movies did prove one thing, there are bad monsters out there.
The Doctor: There is no such thing as monsters Nora. Just creatures you haven't met yet. There are some corners of the universe which have bred the most terrible things! Things which act against everything we believe in. They must be fought! They must be handled!
Yang: Then we got a full busy day tomorrow. Once we get to the ship and right to Atlas *looks at the Doctor* You will meet us there and we're going to find whoever is doing this. I don't know about you Doctor but it definitely looks like they are trying to get your attention.
The Doctor didn't think about that and now that Yang mentioned it, it could be that someone wants to get his attention so he could encounter them. It could be anyone who knows about him from this universe or something from his previous universe. One thing is for sure, they got his full attention, and he wasn't going to face them alone. And they were going to regret it.
That same hour of the evening within the Mistral Forest, a Mistral ship lands through as a young pilot opens up the door and jumps out waiting for her pickup. The young pilot however, transformed into a familiar figure that hadn't been seen for a while. With a new outfit and the hat that belonged to Roman Torchwick was Neopolitan herself. As for her pickup, it was none other than Time Lord and Fall Maiden, Cinder Fall. With a new outfit as well chosen by her time lord self and a cape to cover her Grimm arm, she approached the young criminal and inspected the ship.
Cinder: It should get us to Solitas. After that, you might want to try materializing yourself some snow boots.
She's loyal, trustworthy, and honorable for a companion. I like her and if you screw this up, I will use any remaining strength to eradicate you!
Cinder: Tsk. *Looks at Neo* She likes you and she thinks you are quite the companion.
Neo knew about Cinder's secret after encountering her, which led to a fight between them before arrangements were made. Cinder told her that she was a time lord and showed her the fob watch which almost led to her time lord self opening it. While Cinder was only working with Neo to get what she wanted, the voice in her head liked Neo as a perfect warrior to accompany with. Neo nodded her head as a thanks before using her semblance to turn the Mistral ship into an Atlesian ship in which both versions of Cinder approved.
Cinder: *smirks* You know, Neo, someone once asked me if I believed in destiny. And I'm happy to say I still do.