Vol.2, Ch.28:
In the darkness, it's very rare to hear any noise, especially that of screaming and destruction. Alarms ringing, weapons firing, hope fading, so why could she hear it in plain darkness. Flashes came through her mind as she saw the fire, the fallen empire, people running before the last thing she saw was a familiar alien robot approaching her and next to her a portal. The last thing she heard...
EXTERMINATE!
A blast noise woke Cinder up completely as she coughed up more water before falling back on the ground trying to recover. As she continued to regain conscious, she looked around to see that she was in a cave. She wondered how she got there or how she was alive considering she was left to die at the hands of the Spring Maiden.
Cinder: W-Where am I?
In a cave you idiot, right below the Vault of the Spring Maiden. You left us to freeze and break into pieces. Fortunately, we landed in a pool of water, and I was able to take control to save our arse.
Cinder: Raven...*grunts* RAVen...*feels weak*
Can you not? You are still drained, weakened, and your powers don't work at all. Best solution would be to escape this place and start over.
Cinder: What even was that?
Pieces of the past, I am a time lord or should I say time lady after all. Those were the flashes of the war that wiped out our entire planet. We lost already and the goal was to survive, which I did and somehow, I ended up in this dump of Earth.
Cinder: Earth?
Nevermind that. Let's move on or else your lady boss won't be pleased.
It annoyed Cinder but the voice in her head was right. Salem perhaps already knows of the failure this mission turned out to be which frightened her but not the voice in her head. Using all the strength she has; she began to crawl in hopes of finding a way out and there she saw a bright light not far from her. Cinder continued to crawl as the light grew brighter as it was the exit to the cave.
Using everything in her power and energy, she got up and made the walk for it before collapsing again on the ground. But alas, she looked up to see grey clouds as it soon began to rain meaning she made it out, but luck wasn't on her side. Approaching her was a young woman holding a basket of fruit but noticed Cinder and came to help her out.
Woman: Gods, are you okay?
Big mistake.
Woman: Where did you...?
The woman looked in horror at Cinder as she grabs her with her Grimm arm and smirks at her next prey before activating her Fall Maiden powers. She could hear a sinister laugh in her head before making the kill.
Travelling through the city of Argus in a trolley, Team RWBY, the Doctor, and the rest of the crew looked around in amusement and were already enjoying being here while Team JNR, already being here was giving them the free tour.
Yang: It's a lot bigger than I thought it'd be.
Ren: It's actually one of the largest non-capital cities in all of Remnant.
Ruby: No way! But wait, wouldn't it be harder to settle something this big away from the main Kingdom?
Jaune: Well, it was, until Mantle showed up. Early settlement attempts by Mistral didn't go well. But colonists from Mantle were able to help them brave the cold climate and return for goods that Solitas couldn't provide.
Ren: The two nations worked together to create a hybrid city. While it falls under Mistral domain, Atlas keeps a military presence here to help keep the people safe and keep trade between the two nations steady.
Nora: Well, until recently...
The Doctor: Not as big as the Capitol in Gallifrey but still quite a big city.
Once the trolley made their stop, everyone got off but the gang except for Team JNR noticed something, they were back to where they arrived. The Doctor was the first to notice once he saw the TARDIS but they at least got to experience a good tour of the city. But now it was time to get back to work.
Blake: We should probably start looking for a ship.
Oscar: So Jaune, where have you guys been staying?
Jaune: Uh... *chuckles nervously*
Saphron: There you are!
Everyone looked over at where that voice came from and it came from a young blonde woman as she waved at the group. She also was holding a baby boy in her arms as Ruby was connecting the dots looking at her then back at Jaune before letting out a huge gasp of realization. Saphron is Jaune's oldest sister! And the TARDIS was right next to what seems to be her house, talk about coincidence.
Jaune: Hey, Saph *smiles and waves*
After greeting everyone, they were all inside and in the living room. Most of them sitting down and feeling comfortable while Weiss and Yang were too busy focusing on Saphron's baby and the Doctor speed reading through the books that were on the shelves.
Ruby: I can't believe I'm meeting your sister! I have so many questions.
Nora: Oh, I can give you the rundown later!
Jaune: Will you guys knock it off?
Saphron: What? I love telling stories about my baby brother. *Pinches Jaune's cheek*
Jaune: *groans* I am not a baby! That is a baby.
Jaune really released his frustration and embarrassment on baby Adrian who replies with a pouty face and crossing his arms which made Weiss and Yang love the baby even more for its adorableness while Blake grabs a picture frame which happens to be Jaune and all his siblings.
Blake: So Saphron, you're the only Arc living here?
Saphron: Yep! Moved the second I could. Jaune and I are the only two living away from home. *In a teasing voice* I guess he just wanted to be like his big sis.
Jaune: I, uh...
Saphron: Aw, you didn't deny it!
The two oldest siblings would get at it again and messing with each other playfully until the main door is heard opening and in came a dark-haired woman with glasses and carrying bags of groceries. Saphron went on to help her out and decided to introduce her to the group.
Saphron: Everyone, this is my wife, Terra Cotta.
Ruby: Hello!
Nora: Hey there!
Blake: Nice to meet you.
Terra: *chuckles* Why, hello there! Wow, quite a party, you weren't kidding. Hun, can I get some help please?
The lovely married couple approached the kitchen alongside Ren, Nora, and Jaune following them until Terra noticed someone and couldn't believe her very own eyes. Right in front of her was the Doctor as she quickly approached him.
Terra: Oh my god! It's you! You're the Doctor! *Shakes his hand*
The Doctor: Oh? Yes! I am. Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Cotta. *Shakes her hand*
Terra: Please, just Terra. Would it be alright to conduct a small interview once dinner is ready.
The Doctor: *shrugs* Sure. Why not?
Yang: Looks like someone is building up his fame?
The Doctor: Believe me when I say that I have no interest in that whatsoever. *chuckles*
It took about a good 20 minutes until the kitchen crew came back out with sandwiches while Saphron was grabbing more pillows and blankets for the gang to sleep for the night.
Weiss: And you're sure it's alright if we stay with you?
Saphron: Of course, we're happy to house Huntsmen and Huntresses.
Terra: You all risk so much to keep people like us safe. It's the least we can do. *Looks over to Qrow* Especially for such an elite Huntsman like yourself. Although, I will say I was surprised to learn you had students helping you. Is that even... legal?
Qrow: Uh, of course. Think of it as an extended training mission. Trust me, I was a professor. Even went to the same academy as them. Let me tell ya, these kids are way better than we were at their age. Well, not better than me specifically, but a lot of students-
Ruby: Shut up, there's food!
Everyone grabbed a sandwich except for Ruby who grabbed two and began their lovely dinner than just canned beans. As they were eating and chatting, Terra approached the time lord who finished up another book. He looked over at her and knew it was time to get some interesting questions from her.
The Doctor: Fire away Terra.
Terra: Thank you so much for this! Are you fine with the Doctor?
The Doctor: That's my name.
Terra: Just the Doctor? Doctor Who? To be more exact.
The Doctor: Well, I do love that nickname just to mess around with people.
Nora: How about Doctor Mysterio?
The Doctor: Oh what a lovely suggestion Nora! *Poses like a superhero* Doctor Mysterio! In reality, just the Doctor.
Terra: There have been many...theories of who you are and where you are from? Didn't you go by William Smith at some point?
The Doctor: Yes, due to an incident that led to me losing my memories temporarily. I forgot who I was, and I was rescued by Weiss and her sister Winter. General Ironwood came up with the name for me to use at Beacon Academy and have thought of keeping it as a disguise name.
Terra: Interesting. What about your origin place? You come from somewhere like Vacuo? Shade? Or one of the smaller islands?
The Doctor: None. See, I am not actually human. I'm an alien species known as a Time Lord and my home planet is called Gallifrey.
The entire house watched and listened to the Doctor's stories and his knowledge of time and space while explaining things he can do and can't do. It was an amazing thing to hear about a man who isn't from here or this universe. A man that simply crashed onto this planet and helped find his true purpose. Team RWBY were the proudest, not knowing that the strange space boy in Beacon would end up being someone really important to them. It was at that moment Terra asked a good question to the Doctor and he had a good answer in return.
Terra: What if one day you decide to leave or something were to happen to you? How would we know Remnant will still be in safe hands?
The Doctor: Because you already are, with and without me. I'm not here to be a superhero or a vigilante. I'm not here to be a king or a general. I'm not even here to be a God. I'm just trying to be a good man. A good man that's simple passing through, helping out, and learning. A good man that follows an important moral code which is for hope and kindness. And if I am not here one day, you got these amazing people around you: Huntsmen, Huntresses, and all of Remnant. Sometimes a little bit of hope and a little bit of kindness can bring something massive. That day when Beacon fell, the students were scared and felt defenseless because they had never dealt with anything like this before and they were just beginners in the open world. I simply told them it wasn't about winning this battle but doing what was important, evacuating the people. That's my primary goal as The Doctor.
Terra: Wow...just...Wow!
Ruby: No kidding! That was awesome!
Jaune: Such impact from that single speech.
Weiss: That's the Doctor for ya. *Smiles at him*
Terra was amazed by this successful interview with the Doctor before her scroll was buzzing and had to take the call leaving the room while everyone continued on enjoying their sandwiches.
Blake: Is everything okay?
Saphron: Oh, yeah, it will be. Terra's a technician for the town's relay tower. Unfortunately, the military's radar system is also housed there. *Baby talks at Adrian* Guess what's been on the fritz lately and who's getting falsely blamed.
Terra:*peeks in quickly* Me.
Yang: I just can't wait to get to bed. We've had a long, looooong day.
Ruby: By the way, *looks at Maria* How do you know so much about the Grimm? And in the tunnels, you knew exactly what to say to make me... to make my eyes do that. How?
Maria: *chuckles*Well, isn't it obvious, girl? I had Silver Eyes.
A spit drink from the boys except Ren and the Doctor and wide eyes expressions from the girls at the surprise reveal of Maria. This old lady once had silver eyes and now they were wondering who she was in the past. As they positioned for another story time, Maria laughed as she settled herself in.
Maria: Back in the day, I was known as a legendary figure that perhaps most of you know about. And that same fateful day I'm about to tell you, I met the Doctor who came to rescue me. I was formerly known as the Grimm Reaper.
Qrow looked at the old lady in shock and he was beginning to see it now. Maria shared her stories of how it began and all the journeys and battles she went on. She stopped for a moment and shifted her tone when explaining the next story, which would be her last time being the vigilante. She encountered a group of bandits lead by a Faunus named Tock. She went on as how quick and intense the battle went but as able to defend herself until her encounter with Tock. It was around this time of the fight that the Doctor was nearby.
*FLASHBACK*
Maria: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
A young Maria Calavera released a blood curling scream as she fell back to the ground and holding her face in pain after Tock slashed her eyes completely and blinded her. All she could feel was pain and the liquid that was her blood falling through her hands as Tock approached her.
Tock: It was a close call; I'll give you that. *Pulls her close* You know, the only reason my master wants you dead, is 'cause of your eyes. *laughs* But seein' as you ain't got 'em no more, you might be able to convince me to spare your life. *Pulls out my Saber* Well, I respect that, a fighter to the end.
As Tock was about to pull the final blow to Maria, the blind warrior feels her other sickle and clicks a button to activate a blade coming out and striking Tock from behind as she falls forward to the ground while her head rolls a little further. Maria kept screaming in sheer pain as she was alone and defenseless. She got the job done but at a grave cost.
She heard footsteps running to her and pulled her sickle once again in position to impale the oncoming person until she heard the footsteps stop and heard the young man speak. The Doctor arrived and looked around at the bloody mess which he disliked especially seeing Tock's decapitated head.
The Doctor: Please lay down your weapon miss. I am not here to hurt you.
Maria: W-Who are you?! AAHH!
The Doctor: I'm the Doctor and I was nearby until I heard your scream. I came down to see this...mess and saw you deeply wounded.
Maria: You...You sound too young to be a Doctor...
The Doctor: I am no ordinary one. Please, let me help you and clean up the wound. *Scans with my Sonic Screwdriver* A fatal blow to your eyes unfortunately.
Maria hesitated at first in dropping her weapon not knowing if she would trust a man she can't see. But she laid down her weapon which was the signal for the Doctor to help her. She then heard a noise that had never been heard before in Remnant as a mechanical wheezing noise was getting louder and louder until a loud thud silence it. Maria feels the Doctor helping her out and taking her inside to whatever she's in as the young time lord sits her down and places coordinates to a nearby medical place. Once he pulls the lever, they are off and the Doctor brought medical aid for Maria.
The Doctor: Once I spread this gel around your eyes, you won't feel any pain or sting from the slash and the cleaning.
As Maria was about to reply, the Doctor began to spread the gel on her as she felt a heavy sting and let out a painful grunt but in about 10 seconds, that pain was all gone. She still felt the Doctor cleaning her wound up but she felt no pain at all however, she could not see anymore.
Maria: W-What is this potion?
The Doctor: It's just healing gel. Got it from a wonderful planet full of plants, herbs, and a lovely friend of mine suggested it to me.
Maria: I'm sorry, did you say another planet?
The Doctor: Yep. I'm an alien and you are in my spaceship. Sadly, you can't see it but if you did, you would love it! So tell me Miss?...
Maria: Right...Maria...Maria Calavera...used to be known as the Grimm Reaper.
The Doctor: Lovely name Miss Calavera. Read a lot about you in a few articles and books. The vigilante of Remnant who could destroy Grimm with a single flash from her eyes. *realization* Ooooooh those cruel beings.
Maria: That's why I said used to be. Those bastards got me good...that girl got to me before I could even notice.
The Doctor: And I noticed you got her back as well...not really a fan of that.
Maria: *sighs* But now without my silver eyes, without the ability to see, I can't do much anymore...Eventually the reports will come out that the Grimm Reaper is gone...I'll be alone...weak... and unimportant...
The Doctor: Now where in the name of sanity did you get that? Who said you're not important?
Maria: Me! I-
The Doctor: I've travelled to all sorts of places, done things you couldn't even imagine, but you. Passing through, helping out, slaying Grimm, and going back to friends and family. I've never had a life like that. Not to mention, you've given many people hope despite being a vigilante. People will take inspiration from you and become huntsmen and huntresses to defend their homes and protects those they care for, and you know who's gonna be the reason for that, you. So don't say that you are unimportant because you're not! All you gotta do is keep going forward and keep going strong. Ah, there we go!
The wound was cleaned up, no more blood stains across her face, and bandages were wrapped around her eyes. Maria trembled a bit feeling the place where her eyes used to be. The Doctor could only watch with guilt knowing if he perhaps had been there sooner or closer, he could have prevented it. A few minutes later, the TARDIS made a full stop as the Doctor helped Maria out to a hospital as nurses attend her and bring in her to a room while the Doctor watched until she was out of sight and made his leave.
*FLASHBACK ENDS*
Maria: But I wasn't... I went into hiding soon after...
The room stood quiet hearing her story and how it came to a horrible end with the loss of her eyes. Qrow was the first to stand up and approach the old lady looking at her in disbelief and amazement as the others watched.
Qrow: I can't believe it. You... You're the Grimm Reaper, you were a legend! And then you disappeared...
Oscar: How exactly does a legend just disappear?
Qrow: You never used your name, never showed your face. Lots of us thought you were just layin' low. Eventually, we just came to accept that you were probably dead. But the stories about you, I based my weapon off of yours. I wanted to be as good as the Grimm Reaper.
Maria: Well, I'm nothing but a disappointment, so you're well on your way.
Blake: How can you say that?
Maria: Child, a Huntress is supposed to protect others to the bitter end. But after I lost my eyes, I only ever looked after myself. Even after my surgery, I was too afraid to fight. Afraid someone would find me again, finish what the others started. You shouldn't aspire to be like me, especially when some of you are clearly stronger already... It's... comforting, seeing that your generation seems up to the task of inheriting this world. I'm just sorry I didn't do more to leave it in better shape.
Ruby: *approaches Maria* Well, maybe you can do something now. Teach me to use my powers the way you did.
The Doctor: Maria...I was never the Doctor all my life. I had never thought of being the Doctor until the Original Doctor, the one I looked up to, the one who saved me gave up. There was a point where he reached a low level and gave up on that name but told me anyone can be the Doctor. I took it upon to continue his name across the universe even in this new universe and while it did take a while, I'm here. Now look at you, even if you got scared, gave up, and went into hiding, it didn't change the fact that your legacy inspired others to continue what you did just as I said when I first met you. You are not unimportant Maria, you are inspirational.
This brought a small smile from the once Grimm Reaper as all this time she believed she was a coward in hiding and no longer doing anything to stop the Grimm but now she saw a different point of view, not from her own but from others who became huntsmen and huntresses because of her and that sparked something inside of her.
Saphron: So, what's your plan for tomorrow?
Ruby: Well... *swallows my sandwich* We're trying to make our way to Atlas. We'll probably start with the military base.
Jaune: *looks at Ren and Nora concerned* So, we kind of already tried that, and... it didn't go... super great.
Yang: Come on, it couldn't be that bad...
Ruby: Only one way to find out tomorrow!
Blake: Perhaps the bigger the group the better. But I think for right now, we should call it a night.
Saphron: Terra and I will get the rooms ready for the night! Plus, little Adrian seems to enjoy the bedtime stories, so we'll be back in a bit.
Saphron leaves the room carrying a sleeping Adrian while the others waited in the living room and the Doctor looked at Team RWBY giving them a look of a needed talk. Nervous and reluctant at first, the four girls knew it was for the best and talked with Team JNR about what they have learned from the Relic of Knowledge with Salem and Ozpin's past, where they are now today, and of Salem's immortality.
Jaune: Everything we did was for nothing!
Ruby: Jaune...
Blake: That's not true.
Nora: Really? Cuz it sure does sound like it.
Blake: I, um...
Ren: If Salem can't be killed, then how are we supposed to win this?
The Doctor: By doing what you have been doing since the beginning, keeping Remnant and your people alive. I knew something wasn't right when they told me the same thing and I decided to clarify what they knew and what they didn't know.
Jaune: Andwhat would that be Doctor!
The Doctor: Salem is immortal, but she will be defeated. I saw it happen and it's a fixed point in time. Nothing changes what will become history one day.
All that anger and frustration from Team JNR disappeared in the snap of a finger to sudden shock. The Time Lord went on to explain that the Relic of Knowledge knows all but the future and that is where he came to finish the story.
The Doctor: We can't stop here and we won't. It's going to be a difficult road for all of us, it's going to take time for when that day comes, but as long as all of you know that Salem is going to be defeated, you need to keep that in your minds to continue from ever giving up.
Jaune: Well then, guess we still have a lot of work to do then to get there. *Looks at the Doctor* Thank you Doctor once again...for being here in times where we can't find the answer in a difficult situation.
The Doctor: You don't need to thank me. I'm only helping because the real heroes of this story are you guys. Don't stop running even when the odds are against you.
Once the rooms were ready and everything was all clean, it was lights out for everyone as the town of Argus slept under the beautiful night skies of the universe. All but one was asleep as the Doctor was back in his TARDIS checking on a few things and checking up on the TARDIS for any damage. He was very focused on this as he did not realize a pair of slim arms wrapped around him from behind, but a smile rose knowing who it was.
The Doctor: Shouldn't you be asleep by now, oh royal highness! *Chuckles and turns around*
Weiss: The royal highness seeks for her knight in shining armor. *giggles* I'm not that tired though and I wanted to be sure you weren't going anywhere.
The Doctor: I'm not going to disappear again like last time. Things are different now and we gotta stick together of course. I was only checking to make sure the TARDIS was still in good shape.
Weiss: Oh I see. Checking out the big girl over this one.
The TARDIS made a few noises before releasing a gust of air onto Weiss pushing her closer to the time lord while he chuckles by the sudden response from the TARDIS.
The Doctor: Alright you two, no fighting in here. And no fighting over me...never thought I would hear myself say that. You know...I was thinking about a lot of things...how one unexpected meeting led to this.
Weiss: I don't regret it. What was just me wanting to see what crashed through the trees of Beacon's Park led to me saving you and meeting perhaps one of the greatest things to come in my life.
The Doctor: I was unconscious, and you were giving me CPR. Would that count as our first kiss? *Winks and chuckles*
Weiss: Shut up you. *Giggles more and smiles* Since we're both awake and inside the TARDIS-
The Doctor: A date. Shall we go on our first official date as boyfriend and girlfriend? With the universe restored, there's so many wonderful places we can go to. Oh, I also need to do a full checkup to see that the entire universe is intact, and nothing is wrong...or missing.
Weiss: Then let's do both! Let's go see the universe for a ride then we go somewhere nice to relax and spend some alone time together. Cause here in Remnant and with the gang, there's no stopping from what we need to do.
The Doctor: Off we go then my lady.
The two share another soft kiss before the Doctor pulls the lever on the TARDIS and off they go. Off to space across the universe. While many adventures and many dangerous things were to come at them, this would only be the beginning for the time The Doctor and Weiss would have in the universe.