Vol.2, Ch.9:
Back in the ruins of Beacon, a few Atlas soldiers are inspecting the forest where one of the squad teams mysteriously disappeared. Not that far, a few were security for the airships to depart once daily protocol would end. Soon, the alarm rang on the ships as one of the captains checked to see unknown entity approaching them.
Airship Captain: WE GOT SOMETHING COMING OUR WAY! ENGAGE WEAPONS! MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!
And so the soldiers did, they prepared their weapons and positioned themselves for whatever would come out of the forest. All suspected Grimm but they weren't expecting loud, metallic foot stomps coming out of the forests and the soldiers were left in fear at the sight in front of them: The Cyberman.
Airship Captain: What the hell...FIRE! FIRE! FULL BLAST!
The soldiers were back to conscious and began firing at the Cyberman but none of the bullets were affecting them as they all stood still, waiting for the shootings to stop. The captain knew what was going to happen and tried to call back for retreat, but the firing wouldn't stop until each ran out of ammo.
Cyberman: Inferior Weapons were not effective. DELETE!
The Cyberman pulled out their arms which opened a wrist cannon and began to disintegrate the soldiers to ashes as the Captain ran back inside to call for backup.
Airship Captain: WE NEED BACKUP! WE ARE BEING ATTACKED BY AN UNKNOWN THREAT! THEY ARE NOT GRIMM OR HUMAN! MEN ARE DOWN AND WE ARE LOW ON AMMO! WE NEED BACKUP!
The captain turned around to close the ship but was too late when one Cyberman stood in front of him. The Lone Cyberman known as Ashad. He grabs the Captain by the neck and lifts him up as the Captain struggles to breathe while the other Cyberman and Dr. Merlot enter the Atlas airship.
Ashad: You are right about one thing Captain. We are not Humans.
Ashad snapped the neck of the captain with ease and dropped him outside of the ship as he closed it and prepared for takeoff. Dr. Merlot began to place the coordinates to Haven Academy where the other half of the Cyberium is located.
Dr. Merlot: The coordinates are set in. It will take us about a day and half to get there Ashad.
Ashad: All that matters is we get there to retrieve the Cyberium. I can begin my army once I have it.
Dr. Merlot: And with the evolved technology here in Remnant to match with your technology. Humanity will be seeing its final months ahead.
Ashad smirked at the thought of Humanity becoming extinct and converted into Cybermen as the airship begins to fly off and ascend the trip to Haven. Meanwhile, deep in the forests not long from the town where their clash with Tyrian Callows occurred, everyone was resting on the campfire with the addition of Qrow Branwen and Dalek Khan as Qrow finished up the story about the Maidens, but silence is all that came.
Qrow: Really? No questions?
Jaune: Of course we have questions. This is just... a lot to take in.
Qrow: *sighs* Sure, of course.
Ruby: So, these... Maidens... They're powerful fighters that don't need Dust to use magic.
Qrow: Yeah.
Nora: And there are four of them?
Qrow: Yup. Always.
Ren: Which means that, whenever one of them dies, the power transfers to someone - a female - that they cared about?
Qrow: Whoever was in their thoughts last. Important distinction. The best option is someone we can trust. Regardless, their souls become combined, in a way.
Dalek Khan: Think of it...as Time Lord Regeneration. They use it to save someone else and pass it on whenever there is someone special that needs to be saved.
Ruby: Time Lord regeneration?
Jaune: And that's what you were trying to do to Pyrrha... the night the tower fell. You were trying to turn her into one of them.
Qrow: The previous Fall Maiden, Amber, had been attacked. She was young, inexperienced. And her assailant, who we now know is Cinder, somehow managed to steal some of her power, but not all of it. We were afraid that if we didn't do something, the rest would go to her as well.
Jaune: *looks at him angry* So you forced it on Pyrrha?!
Qrow: We didn't force anything. We explained the situation and gave her the choice, and she chose. You were there, you heard her.
Jaune grew frustrated at hearing this and remembering what happened that night. So he got up, and marched off to clear steam while the others looked concerned for Jaune.
Ruby: That guy, Tyrian - why was he after me?
Qrow: Well...you definitely painted a target on your back with what you did at Beacon. I told you having silver eyes is a rare trait. And the fact that you were able to use them seems to have upset some very powerful people. Not many people know about the silver eyes. Those that do aren't very happy that one has surfaced. That's why I've been keeping an eye on you in order to make sure you were safe. All of you.
Ruby: What about you Khan?
Dalek Khan: After the events of Beacon and what happened to each of you, the Doctor told me to stay behind to guard you. BUT when each of you went separate ways, it became very difficult, but I chose to watch you over in case of danger that isn't Grimm! Your sister remained at home, but you didn't.
Ruby: Well, then, why not just travel with us? It seems like that would've been way easier.
Jaune: Your uncle was using you as BAIT!
Qrow: Look, I wouldn't put it like that - it's complicated.
Jaune: *looks at Qrow* What is all of this? Ruby's being hunted, the schools are being attacked, all for what?! What is the point of all of this?! Will you just tell us what's going on?!
Qrow: Would you sit down? You're stressin' me out, 'kid. Not many people are super religious these days. This world's been around for a long time, long enough that people have created dozens of gods. But if you believe Ozpin, two of them are actually real. They were two brothers. The older sibling, the God of Light, found joy in creating forces of life. Meanwhile, the younger brother, the God of Darkness, spent his time creating forces of destruction. As you can imagine, they both had pretty different ideas about how things should go. The older one would spend his days creating water, plants, wildlife. And at night, his brother would wake to see all the things that the elder had made and become disgusted. To counteract his brother's creations, the God of Darkness brought drought, fire, famine, all he could do to rid Remnant of life. Life always returned. So one night, the younger brother went and made something - something that shared his innate desire to destroy anything and everything.
Ruby: The creatures of Grimm. *Looks at Dalek Khan* It's like how you told me why your race was created. Only born for hatred and death.
Dalek Khan: Correct!
Qrow: The older brother finally had enough. Knowing that their feud couldn't last like this forever, he proposed that they make one final creation... together, something that they could both be proud of, their masterpiece. The younger brother agreed. This last great creation would be given the power to both create and destroy. It would be given the gift of knowledge, so that it could learn about itself and the world around it. And most importantly, it would be given the power to choose, to have free will to take everything it had learned and decide which path to follow - the path of light or the path of darkness. And that is how Humanity came to be.
Ren: But... what does that have to do with us?
Qrow: Well, that's the kicker. See, the four gifts to mankind - knowledge, creation, destruction and choice - aren't just metaphorical. Each of them exists in a physical form, left behind by the Gods before they abandoned Remnant, and each of them is extraordinarily powerful. If someone were to collect all four, they'd be able to change the world. That's exactly what the enemy wants. The Huntsman Academies were created to train generations of Humanity's protectors, but they also serve another purpose - guarding the Relics. When Ozpin's predecessor founded the schools, he built them around the Relics to act as a fortress. Not only would they be easier to defend, but they would constantly be surrounded by trained warriors. The hope was that hiding them would keep mankind from using them against itself... and, of course, keeping them out of her reach.
Ruby: Her. You mean Salem?
Qrow: That's right. Not much is known about her. Quite frankly, that's not what matters. What matters right now is that she wants the Relics, and if she gets them, it's not going to end well.
Dalek Khan: The Doctor has already confronted her.
Everyone: WHAT?!
Dalek Khan: He has explained to me that he destroyed a portion of Salem's territory and resulted in less creation of the Grimm. He attacked as a warning of him being around if she tries to do anything.
Qrow: Ha! Gotta admire the dedication this boy has.
Jaune: What he did could be really smart...
Ren: Or really stupid.
Nora: Or both!
Ruby: I think she now knows the Doctor needs to be taken seriously. Think about it, his first strike was when he defeated the Nightmare Grimm, second strike was during the Fall of Beacon, and now this attack being the third strike. That's what he wants, for her to see that he's going to be around and preventing her from moving forward.
Nora: Soooooo, what about this tank?
Dalek Khan: I AM A DALEK!
Ruby: *giggles* He's a friend of the Doctor annnd my best friend as well. He's an expert with weapons and we make a good team when fighting side by side.
Dalek Khan: That information is correct.
Ruby: Khan...did you know...about the Doctor not seeing us for 300 years?
Nora: HUH?! WHAT!
Jaune: 3-300?! That's too long for him. H-He should look like an old man or something?
Ruby: He's not human. Gotta remember that.
Dalek Khan: *lowers eyestalk* Yes. We have remained in contact, and I have advised him not to travel alone but he would not listen. He was...afraid of putting others in danger. He believes what he does is a one-man job.
Ruby: But that's not true. Yes...what we experienced with him was risky but that's our sort of thing now. *Looks at the others* I got to see him a few nights ago...and he looked better than the last time I saw him. He gave me this as well. *Pulls out my Sonic Screwdriver*
Dalek Khan: He lends to you a SONIC DEVICE?
Ruby: Yeah. It looks cool and it has helped quite a lot, especially with Tyrian's weapon. Even though I saw him better, his eyes showed that he is in pain of being alone and that shouldn't be his choice. Next time we see him, I'll make sure he knows it.
Dalek Khan: He had all four sonic devices for you and your team. He already gave yours and one to Yang. He was going to see Blake then-
Ruby: *eyes widened* Weiss...
Qrow: You sound concerned kiddo. What's wrong now with the Doctor and Weiss?
Ruby: *breathes and looks down* I'll tell you...
Soon, the TARDIS arrived at its next location and materialized not that far from its location. The Doctor stood still inside and took deep breaths for it was going to be the first time in 300 years, since the Fall of Beacon, since the events of the Weeping Angels, that he would see Weiss Schnee once again, even if it meant that she does not remember him at all. The TARDIS would make noises to check up on her Doctor and wanting to be sure if he can do this or not.
The Doctor: I have to. Will I see her? I don't know. I'll probably just leave it somewhere for her to receive it...*sighs*
Even after 300 years, he blamed himself every day for what happened to Weiss. For the danger he put her and team RBY in. That is why he made sonic devices for them, so that a part of him stays even if it meant never seeing them again. Grabbing the last gift box, he heads out of the TARDIS and begins to walk towards the Schnee mansion but notices a bunch of people walking in as well.
The Doctor: Hmm. A party. Definitely not much into that.
He decided to walk another way in and decided to use any back doors available. As he searched, he noticed cameras around and used his sonic screwdriver to shut them down temporarily. He was able to find a door and use his sonic to enter as well. Looking around, he can already feel the tone of this place: Emptiness and Lonely.
The Doctor: Either I find her...or drop it off somewhere for her to see.
The Time lord walked around quietly as everyone else was in the main hall room for the Schnee Charity Event. Weiss was in her room finishing on getting ready for the concert was she forced to go on to perform. She wasn't happy at all, but she had no choice. After a few more touches, she was ready to head off not knowing that a fellow idiot had just passed by her room. She opens the door which caused the Doctor to freeze and slowly turns around to see Weiss. And by the name of all stars and planets, she looked like a divine beauty that left him in awe completely. He tried to reach his hand out to her as she continued walking away like if he was going to lose her forever this time, but he held back.
The Doctor: *whispers* I miss you...
Looking at the door closing, he grabs it just in time and enters her room. He was a gentleman and would never break into a girl's room but just for today, he had a reason. He looked around the room and he felt it more like a cage than a home which broke his heart. He looked over to a desk full of books and notes as he checked it out and his eyes widened at the revelation. Books about the universe and stars, notes about space and time, then the jacket he gave to her on their trip to Fallswell Bay.
The Doctor: What are you still doing here?
He wasn't going to go into her personal belongings, but he looked at a photo of her and her team which brought a small smile from the Doctor as he pulled out his scroll and pulled up his favorite photo: Their date at the dance. He shook his head and got back into focus but something else caught his eye: A paper sheet with Gallifreyan writing which shocked the Doctor.
The Doctor: To her, this must be just simple drawings out of boredom but...No... she's writing my name.
It was all starting to connect the puzzle in his head. The time vortex pulse she released when Beacon fell and now this. Deep inside the mind of Weiss Schnee, his Weiss was still in there. Perhaps his DNA from his regeneration alongside the time vortex, and her semblance is merging which could explain this. He didn't know how to react. He only came to drop off the gift box, but he got so much more in return. The Doctor returned the drawings back, but a crumbled piece of paper rolled out.
The Doctor: Blimey Weiss! What secrets are you hiding that even you can't remember. *Picks it up and opens it*
Dear Diary,
I want to write my daily routine for today about a very special man. A man who isn't afraid of facing the world and yet brings so much joy and kindness all around. He's called The Doctor, a weird name but he makes it sound so cool. It also makes it sound like every Doctor in Remnant needs to find a new name. He looks about our age but is actually 200 years old. How is that possible? Would it be a problem if he dated a pretty 19-year-old? How does he stay young? Well, he says he's a time lord which is like an alien species. I don't even know; this is all confusing already. But my point is, there is so many amazing things about him. For starters, he has this time machine that looks like a old police box called the TARDIS which stands for Time And Relative Dimension In Space. It can travel anywhere time and space and I have seen it in person. We just went back in time to see my grandfather and my mom when she was a kid. He's a force not to reckon with, he always gets a plan and finds ways to outsmart the bad guys. Also, I think he may have created fear for the Grimm since they don't have any emotions. But I think the best part about him is his heart...well two hearts since he's a timelord. He always wants to spread kindness and hope wherever he goes and that really does something to a lot of people. It certainly did to me because I was not friendly to anyone here at Beacon including my team. I was a selfish brat and really just cared about myself. It wasn't until I met him and he alongside my friends saved me from the Nightmare Grimm that I realized I needed to be better, kind, and caring. Even when all the odds are against him, the Doctor refuses to give up. Beacon Dance is coming up soon and I really want to ask him to my date...and on that night, if all goes well...I want to tell him how I feel. I knew that I felt something strange when I met him, but they bloomed when I got to know the real him. Not William Smith. The Doctor. I love him and I am beyond grateful for the impact he brought to our lives, especially mine. Today, we are going to this planet where there will be a meteor shower. I can't wait for other adventures we'll be a part of.
Sincerely,
Weiss Schnee
Tears fell from the eyes of the Doctor looking at the letter she wrote from when she was travelling with him. He loved her very much in return, but it hurt him to know it did not last long as he remembered the final moments with her before erasing her memories. He folded the letter and hid it in his pocket as he found a good place to leave her gift box and made his leave. When he closed the door, he felt someone behind him and that meant trouble.
The Doctor: *turns around* A-AHEM! Apologies, I was looking for the restroom and I- Oh my word...
Willow: *smiles* It's good to see you again Doctor.
The Doctor: Little Willow. *chuckles* What a joy to see you here and well.
Willow: I've seen you so many times and you have yet to age.
The Doctor: Well, you have grown from a little hero to a great person.
Willow: How about we go for a walk around the place and catch up?
The Doctor: If it's no trouble at all.
The Doctor joins Weiss's mother as they begin their walk and without trying to stir the timeline, have a good chat about out-of-this-world activities. The sun was shining in Patch as Taiyang was watering the plants until he heard the door opened and look over to see Yang looking more active and having her robotic arm on as well which surprised him. She had a look of confidence and one that said she was ready to get back.
Taiyang: He really did give you enough motivation to get you back on your feet?
Yang: All of you did. It took a while, but I think the advice you and the professors gave me along with the Doctor's words is what gave me the mindset to start once again. What do you say old man?
Taiyang smirked and positioned himself for combat as well as Yang in return. He takes a fast swing which Yang blocks with her robotic arm and takes the moment the go for a surprise roundhouse kick. Taiyang dodges it by bending backwards then lunging back at her with a strong punch that sends her back. He takes a shot of a roundhouse kick to her, but Yang stops it burly with both hands then with a loud battle cry, sends him back and knocks him with her robotic arm. Holding his bicep, he gets up slowly trying to catch his breath.
Taiyang: Whoa, that thing packs a punch!
Yang: We've been at this for an hour. I get it, you wanna make sure I can still fight. *Clashes my fists* I think I'm doing just fine. *smirks*
Taiyang: You're close.
Yang: Oh, really?
Taiyang: You're still off balance. *chuckles*
Yang: What?! No I'm not! *Looks at my robotic arm* Honestly, I'm kind of surprised. I thought it would be just this huge weight, but it feels... natural. They did a great job with this thing.
Taiyang: I wasn't talking about your actual balance.
Keeping Yang distracted for a moment, her father goes for left hook on her that came in surprise and impact. Getting up fast, she positions to block another hook but Taiyang instead goes for a jab to her ribs. She tries the same move as well, but he blocks it and dodges all the kicks she sends. He goes for a sweep on her leg that brings her down and upsets her.
Taiyang: Although, that could use some work too.
Yang: Meaning?
Taiyang: *pets Zwei* I saw your tournament fights. During the Vytal Festival.
Yang: Let me guess. *Mocks an accent* "I was sloppy."
Taiyang: No, no, you were predictable. And... stubborn. And... maybe a little boneheaded. Do you realize that you used your Semblance to win every fight after the qualifiers?
Yang: *sits up and looks at him* So what? How is me using my Semblance any different than someone else using theirs?
Taiyang: *sighs and sits next to her* Because not everyone else's is basically a temper tantrum. Once you take damage, you can dish it back twice as hard, but that doesn't make you invincible! It's great when you're in a bind, but what happens if you miss? What happens if they're stronger? What then? Now you're just weak and tired! You've always been one to burn brighter than everyone else, whether it was with your smile, or, well, I remember your first haircut.
Yang: *chuckles* Dad!
Taiyang: *smiles and stands up* But you gotta keep your emotions in check. Keep a level head and think before you act. Your Semblance is a great fallback, but you can't let yourself rely on it. It won't always save you. *sighs* Obviously. You definitely have your mom's stubbornness.
Yang: Tsk! Oh, so now we can talk about her?
Taiyang: *looks at the tree and closes eyes* Well, as I have been informed, you're an adult now, remember?
Yang: *crosses arms* Well, sorry I remind you of her.
Taiyang: Don't be. Raven was great in so many ways - her strength, her ambition, her dedication to whatever cause she thought was worth fighting for. I'm proud of how much of her I see in you. But, I'm glad I don't see all of her in you.
Yang: Why?...
Taiyang: *looks at her* Your mother was... a complicated woman. Like everybody, she had her faults, but those faults are what tore our team apart. And... it did a real number on our family. You both act like the easiest way to tackle an obstacle is through it. That strength is all that matters in a fight. But if you just take a second look, then maybe you see... there's a way around as well. *Gives my hand to her* Come on - one more before dinner.
Yang returned a soft smile to her father before getting helped up as they positioned themselves once again. Taiyang goes with a left hook, followed by a combo of right cross and a kick. Yang blocks and dodges them all as she cartwheels, avoiding him, but Taiyang goes in front of her. Taiying throws a single punch and kick in which Yang rolls away before turning and charging at him. The father and daughter clash in the middle with their left hand on the other's right elbow, pushing against each other.
Taiyang: Heh. See? Alright! Now you're using your head instead of your—
Taiyang couldn't finish his sentence as Yang goes low with a leg sweep as he falls back. But she catches him before landing on the ground and both share confident smiles.