Vol.2, Ch.22:
Ruby: We need to take the Relic to Atlas?
Qrow: That's what Oz said.
Weiss: *looks at him and sighs* You've got to be joking...
Nora: I mean, bright side, we finally get out of this house!
Qrow: Well trust me, I'm not crazy about it either. And without the Spring Maiden here to seal the Relic back in its Vault, it's our best option.
Ren: Atlas may be the safest kingdom we have at the moment, but their borders are closed. General Ironwood called everyone back.
Qrow: Eh, not everyone. *Activates my Scroll* The city of Argus is a ways north of us and it's the primary trading port between Anima and Solitas. They've got the largest Atlas military base outside the kingdom. There's no way they'd leave it abandoned, and if we play our cards right, I think there's a good chance we could convince them to escort us straight to Ironwood.
Blake: I mean, we do have the missing Heiress to the Schnee Dust Company.
Weiss: Ex-Heiress, actually.
Yang: True, true. But if there's a chance of reward money, I say we go for it.
Weiss: Ugh...
Ozpin: Hopefully the first option will suffice.
Qrow: Glad to see you're feeling better.
Ozpin: Likewise, and while I'm sure we could all use more time to recover, I'm afraid time is of the essence.
Blake: Right, as long as that thing's out in the open, its power could fall into the wrong hands.
Jaune: Speaking of, what does it do exactly? Qrow never really told us.
Ozpin: Of course. *Holds the Relic as it grows* The Relic of Knowledge has a wonderful, and incredibly dangerous ability. Its user can ask any question, and the Lamp will provide an answer. *Places it on the table*
Ren: Intriguing...
Blake: That's incredible...
Ozpin: Indeed. However, it's not without drawbacks. The Lamp cannot tell of events that have yet to happen, and it will only ever answer three questions every one hundred years.
Yang: Well, I guess that's not so bad. Adds a lot of pressure though.
Nora: Then let's put it to a vote! *Zips around the room at fast speed* What should we ask first? Oh! Can we ask for more questions? CAN WE ASK FOR MORE QUESTIONS?!
Ren: *facepalms* They're not wishes...
Ozpin: *chuckles* I'm afraid you won't be able to ask it anything at the moment. The questions were used before I sealed it away.
Ruby: Well, at least now we know what it is. And we'll be sure to keep it safe!
2 weeks have passed since then and since the events of Haven Academy. The White Fang surrendered, Adam escaped, and Cinder Fall was dead. One news that definitely caught attention was the sudden disappearance of Professor Lionheart. But despite everything that occurred, it was time to continue the trip onto Atlas now as the entire gang were at a busy train station in Mistral.
Qrow: It's been two weeks since the attack on Haven. The official report states that the plot to destroy Mistral's CCT Tower was thwarted by Ghira Belladonna and the Faunus militia group from Menagerie. A Huntsman and some students coincidentally visiting the headmaster were also able to lend some assistance. Unfortunately, Leonardo Lionheart disappeared while trying to defend his school. And those responsible for organizing the attack managed to escape. As I'm sure you can guess, there's a lot more to this report than I'm willing to say in this letter. But for now, what I'm trying to say is that we're on our way to Atlas, James. There's a good chance we'll get there before this letter does, but in case we don't, I need you to know that we're bringing a lot more than bad news with us. See you soon, Qrow.
Qrow placed the message onto the mailbox before being accidentally bumped by Ruby who's rushing in excitement.
Qrow: Hey, what's with the running?
Ruby: And what's with the standing? It's almost time!
Ruby used her semblance to speed through the heavy crowd and a few minutes later, approached her friends with a big grin and something behind her back which gave everyone confused looks. She let out a joyful expression revealing a gift bag.
Weiss: What an absolute waste of time-
Yang: What did you get me?
Ruby: You'll have to wait and see! *Sticks out tongue*
Yang: No fair! *Tries to grab her*
Nora: Oh, I can't believe we're taking the train to Argus! The beautiful northern coastline... You really think it's too early for beach season?
Ren: *daydreams then shake head* Unfortunately, but we will be one step closer to Atlas.
Weiss: *sarcastic* Well, I'm glad you're all excited. But I don't think you appreciate the trouble I went through to leave Atlas.
Ruby: I know you're worried, Weiss, but trust us. Team RWBY won't leave your side for a second! I promise.
Weiss returned a small smile to Ruby before they heard footsteps approaching them and everyone saw two Huntsmen approaching the gang, specifically the girls.
Dee: No one's gotta be worried with us around.
Nora: Aaaand you are?
Dee: Why Dee and Dudley of course. The Argus Limited's very own Huntsmen. We'll be keeping everyone safe as we pass through Grimm territory.
Dudley: But for a generous tip, we can make sure your passenger car gets extra special attention should things get dangerous.
The girls all gave unamused looks at the cocky huntsmen before Qrow decided to step into the frame and get rid of these bozos.
Qrow: Yeah, I got a tip for ya. Buzz off. Looks like Mistral's really scraping the bottom of the barrel these days.
Dee: Hey! You're talking to a-
Qrow: *holds my huntsman license* A professional Huntsman, right. Well, it seems one of you heroes left the staff entrance to the caboose wide open. It'd be a shame to lose your job before it even started.
Dudley: I... I didn't do it!
Dee: *scoffs* Come on, dummy.
The two cocky huntsmen made their leave as Yang and Ruby were still displaying silly faces at them. Everyone then sighed in relief as Qrow Branwen once again saved the day.
Oscar: You know sometimes the burden of saving the world feels overwhelming. But then people like that come along and make me grateful that it's our jobs and theirs. (Ozpin: I do hope those weren't Beacon graduates.)
Weiss: I was this close to saying I am happily taken by someone who is 10x smarter and better than the two of them combined.
Ruby, Yang, and Nora: Oooooooooooooo! Weiss looooooves the Doctor!
Weiss: *turns super red* SHUT UP!
Jaune: Not to...ruin the moment but...any word from Khan?
Ruby, Weiss, and Yang looked at each other before shaking their head to Jaune's question.
*FLASHBACK*
As everyone continued to observe the Relic of Knowledge, Dalek Khan entered the living room which caught the attention of Team RWBY for the most part as he needed to discuss something urgent with them.
Dalek Khan: I have some information to share.
Ruby: What is it Khan?
Weiss: Did you find him? Please tell me you did.
Dalek Khan: *lowers eyestalk* Negative. It is concerning the Doctor has not reached out nor has a location to be found. However, I was able to track where the TARDIS is located.
Blake: You found the TARDIS?!
Dalek Khan: Not its exact location but *displays a holographic map* It was located within the mountains of Northern Mistral. I assume you have all heard the TARDIS recently when you thought to be your imagination?
Team RWBY: YES!
Dalek Khan: It was not your imagination. The TARDIS connect with those who have travelled with and have had contact with the Doctor. It is an emergency call which means something wrong happened, it is damaged, and the Doctor is nowhere in sight.
This brought the room quiet for Team RWBY and JNR who knew very well the Doctor would take risks and do what is right but for him to disappear into thin air and no sign of him at all was concerning. Weiss held her necklace tight and closed her eyes.
Nora: But...can't Weiss look for him with her new powers? I didn't process most of her explanation, but it has to do with time itself, right?
Weiss: That's only if I had all of it inside of me but at the same time, it would be slowly killing me. No human can withstand basically all the knowledge and power that is time itself.
Dalek Khan: A small portion like Weiss had kept could harm anyone as well. Her semblance was being absorbed by the time vortex and was mutating which it is becoming her own power. To add the last piece, the Doctor has a set of regeneration, all time lords do. He removed one regeneration which had never been done and passed it on to Weiss.
Yang: Which makes her immortal right?
Dalek Khan: INCORRECT! Knowledge of Time Lord is very difficult to understand for any species, especially humans. My race has been enemies with the Time Lords for centuries to understand the knowledge of them. It would be best for the Doctor to explain himself about regeneration. Weiss Schnee has its pros and cons.
Weiss: Yeah, I figured. Getting impaled, turned to ashes, and shot twice in the chest.
Dalek Khan: You will still go through pain, minor or massive. But the regeneration cells will reconstruct and heal you completely. You can no longer get sick; you can no longer die for the time being unless you pass the regeneration onto someone else or return it to the Doctor. There is another con to this. You are unable to age physically from now on.
Everyone: What?!
Dalek Khan: In terms of years, you will still age normally but in terms of appearance, the time vortex slows your aging but now with regeneration, you will remain in this state for years to come.
Weiss: So, what I have inside of me...basically keeps me like this and alive for decades?
Nora: This is hurting my head.
Yang: I'm with Nora on this one. This is a lot to take in.
Weiss: Basically...If I'm...100 years old, I'll still look like this. I can no longer get sick, lose my aura, or even die with regeneration. Think of it as a very long second chance.
Nora: Well, I for one think that there should be a name for your new power cause calling it Semblance, time vortex, regeneration merge is too much!
Everyone nodded in agreement as they all came to think about what Weiss's new power name should be while Weiss and Dalek Khan continued thinking about the Doctor.
Ruby: Time Angel!
Weiss: Huh?
Ruby: Whenever you go full power mode, your power creates these illusions of wings. So, why not call it Time Angel?
Weiss: Time Angel. *thinks* Yeah, I like it.
Dalek Khan: I must make my leave and search for the TARDIS. Once I have it located, I will come to you, and we will go find the Doctor!
Ruby: Just be careful Khan! The sooner we can get the TARDIS, the sooner we can bring him home.
*FLASHBACK ENDS*
Yang: Considering he only detect it's in Northern Mistral, it's gonna take him a little longer to find it.
Qrow: So, you kids ready to go? Bike all loaded up?
Yang: Yep!
Weiss: Just waiting on Blake. As usual.
Not far from the group, up on the walkways, Blake was having a conversation with Ilia while Sun watched from a few feet.
Ilia: I still don't feel like I deserve the freedom you and your family granted me.
Blake: *smiles* Well, you're going to have to get over it, Ilia. Saving Haven had a huge impact on how Faunus are seen in Mistral. Now it's up to you all to take the progress and keep running with it.
Ilia: Right. The White Fang may have been a failure, but with your father starting up a new movement, I've got more faith than ever before. *Hugs Blake tightly* Thank you, Blake, for everything. *Tears up* I wish you didn't have to go.
Blake: *hugs back tightly* I know, but my team needs me. We're going to track down the people responsible for the attack on Haven and the fall of Beacon.
Ilia: *giggles* Always trying to save the world.
Blake: More than you realize.
Ilia: Hey, I know your parents already saw you off, but where's-?
Sun: Sun? Oh, he's right here! *Approaches them* You didn't think I was gonna miss your big send-off, did you?
Neptune: *appears behind him* Hey Blake. He definitely overslept and absolutely almost missed this. Now would you hurry up? Need I remind you we have our own trip to plan? *Looks at Ilia leaving* Oh, I didn't know Ilia was gonna be here. I'll, uh, I'll give you two a moment. *Walks to Ilia* Hey, almost didn't see you there, 'cause, you know, the camouflage?
Blake: *sighs and deadpans* Wrong tree...
Sun: He'll figure it out.
Blake: So, you're really going to Vacuo?
Sun: That's right! Seeing you reunited with the rest of Team RWBY really made me realize something - I'm like the worst team leader ever. Me and the boys were cool with a little hiatus, but we gotta make up for lost time. Shade Academy's not dealing with any problems like Haven right now. Plus, that means I can show the guys around my old stomping grounds!
Blake: I have to admit, I think I was kind of getting used to having you around.
Sun: I go where I'm needed! And... you don't need me anymore.
Blake: *frowns* Well, when you say it like that, it sounds sad.
Sun: *puts my hand on Blake's shoulder* Look... despite the drama and the fighting and the numerous attempts on my life, I had a lot of fun! But you're with who you're supposed to be now. *Looks down at our friends*
Blake: *looks down and smiles* Sun... I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough. I'm still-
Sun: You're still working a lot of things out, I know. But you can do it with them. And in the future, who knows? I've got a feeling you haven't seen the last of me. *Takes out my fist for a fist bump*
Blake: I certainly hope not. *Kisses his cheek and waves goodbye*
Neptune: *sighs* I don't know, man. It just feels like you're letting her go.
Sun: It was never about that, brainiac. Besides, now that your leader's back and hardened from battle, I've gotta focus all of my time into getting you boys ready for the wastelands!
On the train heading to Atlas, they pass by the snowy countryside of Mistral as Team RWBY were in their own room doing their own things and getting used to finally being back together. Ruby was playing her video games while Weiss was inspecting her new Sonic Myrtenaster, Yang was reading a magazine, and Blake was watching the view of outside.
Ruby: All right, girls, I think it's time for an official team exercise. Who wants to play video games?
Yang: *chuckles* I mean, if you want me to kick your butt, yeah sure. Let me grab my scroll.
Yang gets down from her bed as she walks over to reach her bag only to be helped out by Blake who came in fast as the White Rose duo looked at each other hoping nothing would go wrong.
Blake: Here, let me help you with that! *Hands her bag*
Yang: *sighs* Blake, you don't have to that.
Blake: *looks down* I don't know what you're talking about.
Yang: I'm fine. We're gonna be fine. It's just gonna be a bit before things are back to normal. But... I am glad we're all back together. *Smiles softly*
Blake: Yeah, okay. *smiles*
As the four went back to doing their own thing, Weiss had to interrupt the moment in wondering what Sonic devices were they given by the Doctor. Especially after seeing a shocking revelation about hers.
Weiss: He actually found a way to place an endless supply of dust in here?!
Yang: Is there anything he can't do? He gave me Sonic Sunglasses that help in getting information, scanning any possible threats approaching, and watching movies as well.
Blake: I never thought he would be able to create a Myrtenaster and turn it into a Sonic as well. *Pulls out mine* I guess I have a special feature as well but haven't found it yet.
Ruby: *shows mine* I wonder what mine is. Ooooo what if it's a mini-Dalek gun!
The room went quiet as the four thought about him. The Gentleman that came to Remnant with a Blue Box. No one knew what he would bring and for them, he was already a part of their family.
Blake: So Weiss, you said that your mother changed completely after our little trip?
Weiss: You would be surprised at how one tiny change in life can bloom into something big in the future. My mom in this new timeline is the opposite of who she was before anything with the Doctor involved. It makes me happy because while I didn't get to experience it, I was no longer alone in my home, I had my sister, my butler, and now her.
The four girls would go on to share their recent encounters with the Doctor and how some things have changed because of him. Blake's story was perhaps the heaviest to take in for the three with the situation of the Slitheen and how her last conversation ended with the time lord. For them not to have bad thoughts again about him, Ruby decided to lighten it up.
Ruby: You know, for a doctor, he doesn't suit up like one...or act like one *giggles more*
Yang: Does he actually have a degree on being a D octor? *laughs*
This let out a few laughs from the four girls as they heard a knock on their room and looked to see Qrow at the entrance which brought a smile to the sisters.
Qrow: How touching.
Ruby: Oh hey, Uncle Qrow! Yang and I were about to start playing, you wanna play too?
Qrow: *chuckles* Kick your butts? Sure.
Suddenly, a large jolt causes the train to shake and puts everyone into panic as they begin to scatter in fear across the train which the five noticed.
Blake: What was that?
Weiss: *activates my Sonic Myrtenaster* Exactly what it sounds like.
Blake: Just my luck.
Qrow: *looking out the window and grunts* It's not yours... grab your weapons!
Once the others grabbed their weapons, Team RWBY followed Qrow as he proceeded to climb a ladder that takes to the roof of the train as they noticed the two huntsmen from earlier fighting off Grimm. The large jolt from few minutes ago was the arrival of a big Grimm, the Sphinx as it roared loudly causing more panic from inside. As the five got up, they saw an unfortunate sight as Dee was taken away by the Manticore and possibly killed. Weiss notices Manticores from behind and uses her powers to vaporize them but more of them were beginning to show up.
Weiss: This is gonna take a while!
Blake: What's the plan, Ruby?
Ruby: Don't let anyone else die!
And so, Team RWBY and Qrow charged forward to fight off the Grimms. It's been a while, but the four girls have not missed a beat, especially with their combo moves. Using Time Angel, the golden illusions that represent wings came out from Weiss's back as she took a deep breath before making the leap which caught the attention of a few Manticores: Weiss was actually flying, and a chase of cat and mouse began.
Ruby: I KNEW IT! *Blasts a Manticore*
Yang: She is...
Blake: ...actually flying.
The battle continued on the train for the most part while Weiss continued having the other Manticores chase her. She already had a plan in mind, and this was only a trick for the Grimm. As two of them approached her, she placed her hands on their backs as Glyph symbols appeared and she ignited with ice spewing out of the Mnaticores and killing them.
She noticed the others coming at a faster pace but were caught by the loud noise of blasters. Qrow and Weiss both saw what was happening, someone activated the defense systems on the train and were using the turrets. The problem is that'll attract the Grimm to where the passengers are at. Weiss lands back on top of the train as Team JNR alongside Oscar arrived to the commotion.
Nora: Why is it always something?!
Oscar: How can I help?
Qrow: You can get that idiot to shut off the turrets. They're just drawing the Grimm toward the passengers!
Oscar: Right! *Runs to Dudley* Stop! You've gotta shut the turrets off!
Dudley: Are you crazy? No way! *Kills another one* Yes! Another one down!
Oscar: Stop! We have to lure the Grimm to the back.
Dudley: What does it matter if they're dead? *Shoves Oscar to the side* Where are they going?
Oscar: TUNNEL!
Dudley: Huh?
Dudley turns around to see a tunnel approaching as Oscar jumps back inside. Dudley follows but his arm gets caught trapped before a loud snap is heard and a loud scream. Team RWBY, Team JNR, and Qrow all head back in to see Oscar attending a severely injured Dudley.
Qrow: I said, turn those damn things off! *Picks up Dudley and slams him into the wall*
Dudley: *groans in pain* Those things are keeping us alive!
Qrow: Us, sure, but they're putting the passengers in danger!
Dudley: I'm the one they hired for this job, okay?! I'm in charge here!
Qrow: Forgive me if I'm not exactly reassured.
Dudley: Get off me!
Qrow: Look, if you bozos had been doing your job instead of shaking down passengers, maybe we wouldn't be in this-
Ruby: Please just shut off the turrets.
Jaune: Trust us, we know what we're doing.
Jaune began to use his semblance to heal Dudley's arm as Dudley gives in and shuts down the defense systems. Ruby and the rest of the gang began to plot their next plan.
Nora: Ren, could you use your Semblance to mask everyone on this train? With the guns off and emotions hidden, they might lose track of us!
Ren: Hm, I never attempted to affect this many people.
Ruby: Well, you've never had Jaune's help before.
Weiss: He could amplify your Aura!
Qrow: Yeah, that's an alright plan.
Nora: Don't look so worried, Ren. You can totally do this!
Ozpin: I'm afraid there's one complication... The Grimm are also attracted to this. *Holds the Relic of Knowledge*
Dudley: What's that?
Qrow: None of your business. Oz, are you serious?
Yang: Why wouldn't you tell us that?!
Ozpin: I-
Ruby: It doesn't matter right now. Every second we're on board this train, we're putting everyone else in danger. Get the passengers to the front cars, you'll still mask the emotions and kill the turrets... we just can't come with you. If we cut the back cars with us and the Relic on them, we can deal with the Grimm. You just make sure the rest of the train makes it safely to Argus.
Jaune: *looks at Ruby then sighs*Only if you'll promise you'll meet us there.
Ruby: *nods and smiles* I promise.
The plan was in motion as JNR were moving the passengers to the front part of the train as Team RWBY, Oscar, and Qrow moved to the back side and headed back out to the roof where they would be approached by Grimm once again. Ruby gives the go-ahead signal as Blake cuts the train and Ren uses his semblance to cloak the train until it disappears from the crew's sight. Weiss closes her eyes as they turn gold again and lets out an energy pulse once again vaporizing the Manticores and now the Sphinx is the last one standing.
Ruby: We need to ground it!
Blake: On it! Yang!
Yang makes a full speed ahead and slides under the Sphinx as Blake passes on Gambol Shroud around the Grimm's waist for Yang to hold. Weiss goes on to use her glyphs and freezes the creature's wings as Ruby and Qrow charge forward with their weapons to slice the creature in half, killing it. But before it can die completely, it throws one last fireball and destroys the rails as the train derails and falls off.
Weiss: HOLD ON!
Concentrating, Weiss uses her powers to time freeze everyone as her wings surrounds them as a shield while the train crashes in the snow. Once the train stops completely, Weiss releases everyone again as they wondered what just happened while Weiss pants from exhaustion.
Ruby: Weiss! *Approaches her*
Weiss: *pants* I'm fine...Ruby...just exhausted...I guess my body still hasn't fully adapted to it yet...
Ruby helps Weiss as everyone walks out of the train. If only they were to know that they aren't alone.
Qrow: Is everyone okay?
Yang: I'm fine.
Blake: Yeah.
Maria: Still alive! That sure was a close one, huh?
Everyone looked back at the train to see an elderly woman approaching them, her name is Maria Calavera.