Vol.2, Ch.1:
1 YEAR LATER
It has been a little over a year since the Fall of Beacon and things have changed since then. Some for good and others for bad. The bad, more Faunus discrimination grew after hearing the news of the White Fang being a part of Beacon's downfall. It was becoming much more difficult for Faunus people to live in peace, and some were driven to return to Menagerie. The government as well has been held accountable after the speech given by Cinder Fall with many pointing fingers at their leaders, especially James Ironwood but he simply ignored and continued doing his part. But there was also the good and many took upon it, some areas have welcomed peace and unity with the Faunus, new people decided to take the role of being a leader and leading their hometown against Grimms, White Fang, and even corruption. Like those who were felt fear from Cinder's speech, many gained hope from the Doctor's speech. They all saw what he did that day and for a while, there were reported sightings of him around Remnant but that was months ago. Those who believed in him didn't lose hope or felt lost when he left, they decided to continue what he did. So now there remained two questions ever since his disappearance: Where is he now and who is Doctor Who?
Only those who knew the Doctor knew very well who he was and where he was from. The Last of the Time Lords after Gallifrey burned in the Last Great Time War...or so they thought. She heard something very familiar, and it was bothering her. She kept hearing these noises that are like drums crashing in her mind until she decided to open her eyes and look around to see nothing out of the ordinary and the sound of drums was gone. Her name was Cinder Fall, and she is also a time lord like the Doctor, but she doesn't know it. It was the very reason she avoided death at the hands of Ruby Rose with the release of her silver eyes.
Watts: You hear that? Silence.
Cinder looked in front of her to see an older man who she despised very much as he despised her, and his name was Arthur Watts. Next to him was a big, muscular middle-aged man named Hazel and next to her was a pale, young man with gold eyes and a brown ponytail braided to look like a scorpion's tail.
Watts: I've half a mind to thank the little girl that bested you.
Tyrian: If I were you, I'd hunt her down. Find her and, well, she took your eye, didn't she?
Cinder looked at Tyrian with annoyance while he cackled at her. Cinder tried to speak but only manages to make quiet exhaling noises as she is still recovering from the wounds she got. She calls over for Emerald as she leans in to hear her.
Watts: Pathetic. Why did you even—
The sound of heavy metal doors being opened caught everyone's attention as they stood up and awaited her arrival. Her name was Salem, the Queen and creator of the Grimms. The name that brings fear into the hearts of many. She passes by everyone as she sits in her seats and the others follow as well.
Salem: Watts. *Looks at him* Do you find such malignance necessary?
Watts: I apologize, ma'am. I'm not particularly fond of failure.
Salem: Then I see no reason for your cruelty towards young Cinder. She's become our Fall Maiden, destroyed Beacon Tower, and most importantly, killed dear Ozpin. So I'm curious, to what failures are you referring?
Watts: Well, the girl with the Silver Eyes. And...The Doctor.
Hazel: Yes. We've dealt with their kind before. How is it that a novice was able to best one of us? And unable to find any clues of this strange man who wiped the entire Grimm infestation at Beacon.
Watts: My thoughts exactly. Even without her new power, it should have been effortless.
Salem: It is because of the Maiden's power. Make no mistake, Cinder, you hold the key to our victory. But your newfound strength brings with it a crippling weakness. Which is why you will remain by my side as we continue your treatment. As for...him, I have had my creatures keep an eye out on him but he's a tricky one. He won't be much of a problem if he hasn't appeared for months. Dr. Watts, you are to take Cinder's place and meet with our informant in Mistral.
Watts: Very good.
Salem: Tyrian, I want you to continue your hunt for the Spring Maiden.
Tyrian: *snickers* Gladly.
Salem: And Hazel, I'm sending you to the leader of the White Fang. Adam Taurus has arranged the meeting. The boy continues to prove loyal. Ensure that Sienna Khan feels the same.
Hazel: As you wish.
Cinder brought up a finger for Emerald to approach her and speak into her ear for a concerning question to Salem as Salem observes.
Salem: Speak, child.
Emerald: She wants to know... What about the girl?
Watts: *scoffs* What about her? Seems to me that this is Cinder's problem, not ours.
Cinder slams her fist onto the table and glares at Watts, who grins at her in return. She hated him that once his services weren't needed, she will be ready to burn him to crisp.
Salem: That's enough. Tyrian?
Tyrian: Yes, my lady?
Salem: Spring can wait. Find the girl that did this to Cinder.
Tyrian: *giggles and claps* With pleasure my queen. *Looks at Cinder* An eye for an eye!
Salem: And bring her to me.
Tyrian: Huh? *Groans disappointedly and pouts for a second* Aww
Salem: Because of your efforts, Beacon has fallen. And Haven will be next.
As everyone stood up to prepare for their missions, the tentacle like Grimm slowly crept into the room and appraoched Salem as she welcomed it.
Salem: And what do you have for me, my precious creature?
The creature went into silence before letting out a recording left by him, The Doctor. Everyone's eyes but Watts and Salem were in shock hearing the young man leave a message for Salem and with no fear at all.
The Doctor: You know where your creator is right? Tell her that I have a message for her and her goons. Tell her this, If you think because you won, I am weak, that we are weak, then you understand very little. If you were any part of watching what I did to your creatures and what my friends did to your apprentice, and you're not afraid, then you understand nothing at all. So, for your own sake, understand this. I am the Doctor. I'm coming to find you, and I won't stop.
As everyone listened, a ginormous explosion hits the Land of Darkness startling everyone except Salem who stands up with ease and looks out the window as everyone else does. They noticed Grimms retreating and others burning as a good portion of the place erupted into flames.
Salem: This isn't Remnant's weapon. This is much more, and he has begun his next move.
Near the flames, a figure stood there as Salem looked back at him. They all followed her glare and looked down to be in shock that the Doctor was there. He caused the explosion as a warning to Salem. For everyone, this is a threat they can't look down on but for Salem she found her chess opponent. The Doctor looks back at them before turning around and walking through the flames and disappearing out of sight once again.
Hazel: Who knows how much he burned up...the damage could be bad.
Tyrian: We should go after him and FINISH HIM!
Salem: *puts hand up* NO! This is simply a game of chess between him and I. He made his first move, now it's my turn. *smirks*
The TARDIS now travelling through the vortex of space and time head to its next location while the Doctor sits in a chair with a recorder from the control console of the TARDIS.
The Doctor: Doctor Blog #150, I have made a recent return to Remnant after being gone for 100 years. For them it's been about 6 months since I was last there, but I left my message clear for the creator of the Grimms named Salem. Permanently left an area of her place destroyed so there won't be any way of recovering that area. Knowing her, it won't be long til she plans her next move. From there, it's been the usual travelling across planets, keeping an eye out of different species of this universe, and fending off against bad ones.
Ever since the fall of Beacon, the Doctor has been on his own travelling across the universe. He decided to return to being the Doctor and no longer the Time Lord Victorious as he began to figure out his purpose from that day forward. He remained on giving hope across the universe so when dark times come, people don't need to be afraid.
The Doctor: It's been some time since the crack of the universe opened; I hope it stays that way but at the same time, it's concerning. As if one day...it'll open and something terrible will come. BUT who am I to say that. Another concerning thing is the second prophecy the Elder Sylph has given me about this Void of Destruction. Travelled through the depths of the universe and have yet to find anything. It's not easy...to deal with three big threats: Salem, The Crack of the Universe, and the Void. So what makes it different this time than the last time when I gave up being the Doctor...I tried to be someone else instead of myself. I'm still figuring it out, finding myself and accepting, but I go out here now wanting to spread hope, kindness, confidence, and change. Never be cruel and never be cowardly.
As the Doctor was about to finish his blog, he looked over to see a picture frame he kept of Team RWBY and Dalek Khan with him during one of their adventures. While in Remnant it's only been a year since they last saw him, it's been 300 years for him. The Doctor was now 515 years old, 516 in a few hours but it's been so long since he's had someone with him, since he last saw his family altogether before everything happened. He decides to change the location of the TARDIS for a new location; He needed to see someone.
The Doctor: It's been quite some time since I last saw them. Maybe I'll pay a visit...eventually. I hope they've been doing alright.
Back in Remnant within a small town outside of the kingdoms, the mayor of that small town greets and shakes hand with a girl with silver eyes and a red hood: Ruby Rose. She was accompanied by Jaune Arc, Lie Ren, and Nora Valkyrie who have been travelling together for these last few months as they are taking a long walk to Haven. But first, they just finished saving a small town from Grimm infestation.
Mayor: We truly can't thank you enough.
Ruby: Just doing our job, sir.
Mayor: That Geist had been plaguing our village for weeks. We were beginning to wonder if we'd have to relocate.
Ruby: Well, we are on our way to Mistral. You could always come along with us if you don't feel safe.
Mayor: Ha. I take it you're not from these parts. Anima is a large continent. I'm afraid our people would never survive the long trek to Mistral. It may be safer in the Kingdoms, but we prefer our way of life.
Ruby and Team JNR looked around the small town noticing and observing the peaceful feeling it brings as they look to people buying fresh produce from a cart, chatting on open balconies overlooking the roads, and generally going about their daily lives peacefully.
Mayor: I just wish we could pay you more.
Ren: Our previous arrangement is more than sufficient.
The group bows respectfully to the mayor as they begin to head off before Ruby notices a mural on the wall. Smiles seeing the history of this small town, but something caught her eye that wasn't normal, and they widened when she saw it: The TARDIS.
Ruby: W-What...Uh, Excuse me! What's that Blue Box drawn in the back?
Mayor: Ah yes! This mural is to represent the great people who founded this place, the great people who protected and helped our town to become what it is today, and those that left an impact. That blue box was drawn recently because of the mysterious man they call the Doctor.
She held in her tears but felt the lump in her throat as she remembered him dearly. Not a day went by when Ruby looked up to the stars thinking about him, hoping that they would reunite one day.
Mayor: When a foreign marketer came for our usual swap market, he told us about what occurred at one of the kingdoms and how the Doctor helped the huntsmen and huntresses in saving the people of that city. How he wiped all the Grimms in a matter of minutes. Then a few months ago, he was here and stopped a pack of Beowulf Grimms. We took it upon us to realize he's no ordinary man from here but someone from the stars.
Ruby and JNR head to a blacksmith shop where Jaune is getting his armor upgraded while the others wait outside, it was at that very moment Ruby released her tears as the others noticed and quickly approached her.
Ruby: Oh Doctor...still going around giving these people hope. *sniffs*
Nora: *hugs Ruby* We've all seen it ever since he was with us at Beacon when he just got his memories. I know you miss him dearly Ruby.
Ruby: Heh. I miss him a lot. You should have seen the things he's done and what he is capable of. Such a big heart too. I'm just worried how long it has been for him since he last saw us.
Ren: A year can impact people differently.
Ruby: Believe me Ren, I think it's been more than just one year for the Doctor.
The door opens as the trio look at Jaune with new armor, modified sword, and upgraded shield as well which was approved by all three.
Blacksmith: He cleans up alright, don't you think?
Ren: He certainly does.
Nora: I still think a grenade launcher would've really brought the look together.
Ruby: Nothing's gonna stop Team RNJR now!
Nora: Team JNRR!
Ren: Still not a color.
Jaune: It doesn't matter what we're called. As long as we're together.
Blacksmith: You kids sure you won't stick around? You've been really good to this town.
Ruby: Sorry, but we've got another mission.
Nora: Make it to Haven Academy, no matter what.
Ren: We've heard the next village over has a working Airship.
Blacksmith: Mmm, no way to know for sure. Scroll signals were weak enough out here back when Beacon Tower was still up. Haven't heard from Shion Village in a while.
Ruby: Well, there's only one way to find out.
Ruby and Team JNR wave to the blacksmith as they reach the exit to the town before Ruby looks at the mural one last time with the drawing of the TARDIS as she smiles softly hoping one day, she'll see the Doctor again. The four head off not knowing they are being followed from the forests by an unusual creature. That creature would be a Dalek and his name was Khan. And from the skies above, a Crow watches the group as well and that Crow was Qrow Branwen, Ruby's and Yang's Uncle.
Jaune: Food?
Nora: Check!
Jaune: Water?
Nora: Check!
Jaune: How about ammo?
Nora: Locked and loaded! Thank you, Schnee Dust Company!
Jaune: Got the map?
Nora: Ren's got it.
Ren: No, I don't. You have it.
Nora: Wait, what?
Jaune: Guys, please tell me you're joking.
Nora: Uh.. heh-heh-heh.
Jaune: Guys! Guys? Guys...
Nora: Nope.
On the other side of the world, where the ocean covers most of the part, a boat on its way with passengers on board and one of them being a Faunus with a black bow on her head: Blake Belladonna. She stared out at the ocean alone, paranoid, conflicted, and hurt. She looked behind her to watch two kids laughing and playing around, which brought a small smile.
Captain: Traveling alone?
That sudden voice spooked Blake as she turned around to where the voice came from and nearly pulled out her weapon until she realized it was the captain of this ship. At ease, she placed her weapon back.
Captain: Now, now, no threat here. Just here to chat.
Blake: *rolls eyes* And why is that?
Captain: Well, not many people travel by boat on their own. It can be quite a lonely voyage. But I found those that do tend to have the more... interesting stories.
Blake: *looks away* Maybe it's just... better for some people to be alone.
Captain: *laughs* Maybe, but with your paranoia, I think a few friendly faces wouldn't hurt.
Blake: Who says I'm paranoid?!
Captain: *chuckles* No one, dear, no one. I'll leave you be.
The captain makes his leave as Blake watches for a moment before looking back at the ocean. Then something hit her as she grabbed the bow and unties it from her head, looking at it one last time.
Blake: Won't be needing this.
She lets go of the ribbon as it falls on the water and she walks away but not before thinking she saw a familiar figure. One that resembled a certain time lord. She quietly followed the figure and when she got close to inspecting, she noticed it was a different person. She sighed, believing it was him but at the same time relieved because she knew if he were to see her again, he would not be happy. From the oceans of Remnant to a home in Patch where inside was a blonde girl who was laying there in the couch of a quiet and empty house. Her name was Yang Xiao Long. She was bored as she just laid there doing nothing. Until she decided to get the remote to the television and turn it on to watch anything to her interest. First channel was a news broadcast of Beacon Academy.
Reporter 01: ...with no end in sight. Try as they might, the local Huntsmen and Huntresses can't seem to get a hold of the situation of restoring Beacon Academy.
She changed the channel and another news broadcast.
Reporter 02: ...though the fail-safes have supported wireless communication within the kingdom, the loss of the CCT Tower continues to prevent contact with the outside world. Talks with Atlas officials regarding repairs have so far—
She changed it once again in hoping of something better, but it was another news broadcast.
Reporter 03: ...Vale council voted this week to continue to ban any air traffic that does not have a direct correlation with evacuation. The council has made it clear that they feel—
It was irritating her because that's all that was on tv, and she simply want to forget about it. She didn't want to remember anything about Beacon. But the next one caught her attention as she rose to listen.
Lisa Lavender: Multiple rumors continue to circulate as to who was behind the attacks at the Vytal Festival Tournament. While no one knows for sure, officials have confirmed that high-ranking White Fang member, Adam Taurus was present for the attack. Any and all attempts to bring him into custody have been met with brutal force—
She turned it off as it was too much for her. Those memories of him hit her like PTSD and it was best not to watch. She laid back once again until she heard the door open and looked back.
Taiyang: I'm home!
Yang: Hey, Dad.
Taiyang who is Yang's and Ruby's father has arrived home but is carrying three boxes with two bags hanging from his forearms. He used his foot to kick the door to close it fully.
Taiyang: Guess what came in today!
Yang: What?
Taiyang: I can't wait for you to try this.
Placing the other bags and boxes in the other room, he comes back with a long box as he places it on the table in front of Yang which confused her.
Taiyang: Well?
Yang: It's... for me?
Taiyang: For you and you only.
Yang removes the lid off the box to reveal a robotic right arm. Yang looks at it, wide-eyed but they looked soulless as this made her more depressed and displeased.
Taiyang: Brand new, state of the art Atlas tech. You know, I thought I was gonna have to pull some strings, call in a few favors, but you earned this one all on your own, kiddo.
Yang: *looks up* Huh?
Taiyang: Before I could even talk to him, General Ironwood already had one of his top scientists working on this, for you. He wanted me to tell you that you fought admirably. You should be proud of yourself. Well? You going to try it on?
Yang didn't have the courage to try it on. She never wants to touch it, use it, or even look at it. It brings her bad memories then looked over at where her arm once was.
Yang: I uh... I'm not feeling too great right now. Maybe later?
Taiyang: *sighs and rubs neck* Well... alright.
Yang stands up and walks up the stairs to get some time alone. She pauses halfway the stairs and looks at her dad who returns an encouraging smile to her.
Yang: Thanks, Dad.
She makes her way up as Taiyang placed the lid back on the box and turned on the TV. But the news broadcast was no longer about Adam Taurus, it was about the Doctor as Taiyang remembered meeting the time lord who was with his girls a year ago.
Lisa Lavender: While the mysterious person known as the Doctor who once went by William Smith hasn't been publicly seen since the Fall of Beacon Academy; Reports have come out of possible sightings including one of a strange noise caught at a nearby village
The audio was played which revealed the mechanical groaning noise of the TARDIS being heard. From her room, Yang heard it loud and clear as she stared into the sky wondering where he has been and where he has gone now. Someone else heard those noises but in her head. They kept getting louder and louder until she woke up at an instant and looked outside from the window of her room to see Atlas airships passing by. She didn't know what that noise was until she heard a knock on the door.
Weiss: Yes?
Her name is Weiss Schnee, the most important woman who saved Remnant and no one including herself remembers it. Even after a year later, those noises and flashes in her mind continued to appear. But for right now, she saw her butler named Klein enter the room.
Klein: Pardon the interruption, Miss Schnee, but your father wishes to speak to you.
Weiss: *sighs* Thank you, Klein.
She looked at the sky one last time as she felt like she knew something or someone before heading out of her room. From Remnant to another planet, the TARDIS has materialized and landed on a planet filled with nature as the Doctor walked out to observe the peaceful and gorgeous view of the planet. As he looked around, someone was already behind him, and he felt it.
The Doctor: *chuckles* Loved what you have done with the place your majesty. *winks*
Behind him was a young woman who looked familiar to Weiss but was covered with vines around her body and flowers surrounded her hair with a long ivy dress. She was Weiss in a way, but she was also half plant, and she was now the queen of this planet.
Vine Weiss: It's been some time, Doctor. You wanted to chat?
The Doctor nods as he approaches Vine Weiss, and they make their way to their meetup place for an important discussion.