Vol.2, Ch.15:
He was surrounded with no other escapes around him and very soon, the humanoids would approach him. He could be eaten up or taken to their leader and as much as he wishes to go with the ladder, he wants to do it his own way. Looking around, the Doctor tried to connect any dots of getting out here. And then he saw it, a tangled rope hanging from one of the walls of the ship, then he saw a damaged engine as well that's releasing air, now it was starting to come all together.
The Doctor: Oh, I'm brilliant!
In quick pace, the Doctor grabs the rope then lands on top of the damaged engine as the humanoids all arrive but don't approach him as he has his sonic screwdriver on the engine.
The Doctor: Not one move! Or I'll gladly blow this up!
The creatures clicked and growled quietly as the Doctor watched and smirked. Of course, he wasn't going to explode the engine, but he was going to use it for something else.
The Doctor: Somebody really should know better. Anyone who can put all of this together and steal get my full-on attention, they should know better. Because you won't see this coming!
Activating his sonic, the engine lets out large gusts of air which sends the Doctor flying up and escaping the humanoids. He didn't know how high the rope will go but he certainly hopes it be close to where he needs to be. The Doctor successfully lands on one of the top floors and takes a breather before getting up and continuing his search. The figure once again watched from cameras, and he will admit that this Doctor is very clever and impressive.
Unknown Voice: I could easily kill you or have you captured, but you are very fun to watch. You are very close my little mouse.
This floor was clearer than the main base of the ship, less clunks of engines, less of a mess, and definitely no humanoids at the very moment. The Doctor continued to walk until he stopped for a moment and looked directly at the camera which surprised the figure a bit.
The Doctor: You have a choice: Come out, show yourself, or keep on hiding. What is this? Is it a ship? Is it a prison? No! Is it a weapon? Am I right?
He waited for a response but received none. The Doctor knew very well though that they were listening, they needed to understand who they brought in. The figure twitched his finger a bit as he heard the Doctor loud and clear for this was no cat and mouse game, this was a game of chess; The Doctor has finally made his moves.
The Doctor: Well? What's your next move captain?
By surprise, a portal appears out of nowhere as The Doctor inspected it and noticed the camera turning off which led him to smirk. This portal was the way to the main control room, where the one behind all of this is there. He was getting closer to ending all of this as the Doctor walked through the portal before it disappeared.
Ghira: Unbelievable!
Sun: Total garbage!
In the front room of the newly rebuilt Belladonna house, Sun and Ghira burst in as Kali watched on seeing the two bond without either of them noticing it.
Ghira and Sun: We can't let them get away with this!
Kali: *giggles* Well, at least you two can finally agree on something.
Blake: Guys. Everything's going to be okay.
It's been a week since Blake returned home, but it wasn't all relaxing as she hoped. They were watched by her once friend Ilia who was still part of the White Fang, Corsac and Fennec weren't exactly who they were as they were aliens in disguise known as Slitheen, then her last conversation with the Doctor. No word, message, or even a sign from him and it was eating Blake because of what he said. But now she wanted to make things different and fix them, starting with the White Fang. An hour passed by as she stood outside on the balcony watching the view of her home island until a guard approached her.
Menagerie Guard: Good evening, miss. Can I get you anything?
Blake: Just a little time to myself, if that's alright.
Menagerie Guard: Sure thing. Just call if you need me. *Walks inside*
Blake took a deep sigh and continued looking out at the view. She pulled out her Sonic Screwdriver that the Doctor left for her before hearing a faint noise that resembled the TARDIS as she looked around for any sight but nothing at all which brought her spirit down. If only she knew there was more weight to come.
Ilia: You need better security.
Blake: Ilia! *Points my Sonic at her*
Ilia: *raises hands up* Please! I-I just need to talk.
Blake: Talk...before I change my mind.
Ilia: *looks down* W-What were those things? The ones that looked like Corsac and Fennec...
Blake: They were called the Slitheen. Corsac and Fennec were dead for a while now. Those creatures ate them up and used their skins as a disguise...
Blake covered her mouth in disgust as those words that the brothers were eaten and their actual skin was used as a costume made her feel like throwing up. Ilia felt like throwing up as well hearing all of this, but she continued her conversation.
Ilia: W-What happened to them?
Blake: Fennec was killed...but it almost killed my father and Sun...Corsac escaped but he lost an arm during battle. All of this could have been different...if you didn't escape!
Ilia: Blake...
Blake: His words, his anger, his expression...it still haunts my mind because everything he said to me was right. DAMNIT ILIA, I TRUSTED YOU, YOU WERE MY FRIEND, AND NOW YOU ARE STILL BELIEVING IN ADAM?
Ilia: You have no idea what's coming Blake...I'm not here to fight, I'm here to warn you.
Blake: I don't need any warning whatsoever! When we go public tomorrow, they're not going to stand for any of it. And neither should you.
Ilia: Your plan isn't gonna work, Blake. Please... just leave Menagerie before it's too late.
Blake looked at her with a disapproving look while Ilia gave her a sad and heartbroken look. Blake only had one thing in mind right now and that was stopping the White Fang.
Blake: You're going to have to make me.
Ilia: I know...
Ilia put her mask back on and made her way out of the balcony and into stealth mode once again. Blake watched as she looked down in frustration and closed her eyes. She knew what she had to do but she didn't know how or if she had the full strength for it.
Blake: What...do I do...
Speeding through the forests of Mistral, which was soon to run out of gas, Yang continues her road on finding Ruby. She made a quick stop at a nearby fuel station to refuel Bumblebee up and herself as well. Removing her Sonic Sunglasses carefully and placing them on a special case, she heads inside.
Yang: One drink please.
Gas Clerk: Aren't you a little young to be drinking?
Yang: A water. It's hot out.
Gas Clerk: Ohhh. Sure!
As Yang awaited, she side-eye to notice a drunk man ogling her like a dog's special treat which she found creepy and annoying.
Shay: Are you telling me you're too young to drink? You look like a regular Huntress. And a beauty at that.
Yang: I'm good. Thanks, pal.
Shay: *walks to her and smirks* Seriously. Not too bulky. Not too lean. You're...
Yang: Just right. Yup. Like I said, I'm good.
Shay: And your hair...
The nerve of the old drunk man to palce his hand on her hair would be a mistake. Grabbing his hand, Yang twists it as she looks at him with burning red eyes before punching the daylights out of the dude with her metal arm. He falls right out the door as the Gas Clerk returns with her glass of water. Yang tries to grab it with her hand but notices she's shaking so she grabs it with her metal arm and drinks it.
Gas Clerk: This one's on the house. He's been driving me crazy. So, what brings you around these parts?
Yang: Thanks. And I'm, uh, looking for someone.
Gas Clerk: *chuckles* Not too many people come out here. Too far from the Kingdoms. Only person worth notin' around here is... well, Ra—
Yang: Raven Branwen. Thanks again. *Stands up and walks out*
Gas Clerk: N-now, missy! You don't want to go messin' with bandits! They're a world of trouble!
Yang: So I hear.
Yang thanks the man again before heading out and putting on her sonic sunglasses before noticing the drunk dude standing up but struggling as he spits out his tooth but ignores it.
Shay: Hey, girlie!
Yang: Seriously? This isn't over?
Shay: I heard you're... looking for someone. Heh.
Yang wasn't the only one searching for someone around here. Back at Haven Academy, Lionheart was on desk as he awaited a fellow partner to appear to do their report together. In comes Arthur Watts with the Seer, the same creature the Doctor gave his first and only warning to Salem.
Watts: Are we ready?
Lionheart nodded as Watts gave the signal to the seer and began its transmission that would lead to Salem back at the land of darkness. The red mist of the Seer disappeared, and Salem would be on the view alongside Cinder.
Lionheart: Your Grace, are... you there?
Salem: Hello, Leonardo. Do you have something to report?
Lionheart: Of course, ma'am. I would not waste your time, if not.
Watts: I'm still just so fascinated by this creature. Cinder dear, are we coming through? *Taps the Seer* Can you see us clearly? Well, as clearly as you can.
Cinder: Tsk! Shut... up.
Watts: Oh goody, you've recovered. Quite a performance I heard with trying your powers recently.
Salem: Your report. What is it?
Lionheart: I've... I've found the Spring Maiden.
Salem: Is that so? Well done. Arthur, had I known how useful you'd be in expediting this process, I would've sent you long, long ago.
Watts: As much as I'd love to take credit, ma'am, I can't say that either of us are to thank for this development. I guess you could say, a little birdie told us.
Salem: Explain.
Lionheart: You see, ma'am, Qrow Branwen arrived at Haven Academy earlier today. He believes Spring has taken residence with his sister's tribe.
Cinder: Is... the girl... with him?
Watts: Yes, Miss Rose was in attendance.
Cinder was annoyed at the mention of Ruby, she wished to kill her on sight and burn her to crisp. Her thoughts went pitch black however, when she heard that noise again, the drums. The drums were loud and clear but no one else heard it but her and it was annoying her. Those drums were the heartbeat of a Timelord hearts and Cinder would lose conscious for a moment.
Salem: And you know of the tribe's location?
Lionheart: Yes ma'am! But you have to hurry! Qrow is already at odds with my-
Cinder: WHERE IS THE DOCTOR? Forget the maiden! Forget the girl! All eyes should be ON HIM!
This caught everyone's attention with the sudden change in Cinder's attitude. The words that came out of her mouth left them questioning what her deal was. If only they knew very well.
Cinder: You serve of nothing Leonardo! And Watts, you claim to be ahead of everyone and the smartest...yet you have no clue of The Doctor or how to stop him!
Salem: ENOUGH!
But Salem saw it right in Cinder's eyes. Her apprentice was not in there at this very moment. She felt it and saw it in those eyes that someone else was right in front of her. Cinder regained consciousness and stood quiet for her actions and words. She refused to look at anyone, but Salem was already speculating that there is more in Cinder than anyone even Cinder herself knows. She decided to get back into focus of the report.
Salem: Leonardo, do you remember the first time we met? I remember. I remember your fear. But, since that day, you've been extraordinarily brave. I won't forget all that you've done for me. Do not forget everything that I can do to you.
The Seer releases one of its tentacles, wrapping it around Lionheart's neck as he begins to struggle for air before Salem makes a gesture to release him.
Salem: Cinder, you and your team will meet with Doctor Watts, and together, convince Raven Branwen that the survival of her people depends on her cooperation. Once you have Spring under control, escort her to the Relic and contact Hazel. The White Fang was promised the destruction of Haven, and they'll have it once we have what we need.
Watts: Understood.
Salem: Not you, Arthur. Tyrian's in need of a new tail.
Watts: What happened to his old one?
Cinder: Guess.
Watts: The silver-eyed girl? *bows* It will be done.
Salem: Good.
The transmission came to an end between the Seers as Salem stands up to look at Cinder as she looks back with an unhappy and uncomfortable look.
Salem: You're free to speak your mind.
Cinder: I don't understand. Working with bandits? Keeping Ruby alive? What's the point? We're strong enough to take what we want by force!
Salem: Never underestimate the usefulness of others. Take Leonardo; he was one of Ozpin's most trusted, and yet now... *chuckles* You will have the power I promised you, when the time is right. But remember that it comes with a cost. If Ruby Rose has learned to harness her gift, then you must take care to protect yours. There's only so much I can do to aid you. But I wasn't talking to you my child.
Cinder: Huh?
Salem: I was talking to the one who caused your sudden outburst.
Before Cinder could say anything, she began to feel very light and dizzy before everything went pitch black in her mind. Salem watched as Cinder rose her head and looked at Salem with a cocky smirk then a giggle.
Salem: So you are the one causing trouble to Cinder.
Cinder: Me? Please, if anything she's been the one causing me problems. *Snaps neck and cracks my arms* It has been...such a long time and this body feels beaten. That girl will kill me before I even come out.
Salem: And who exactly might you be?
Cinder: Wooooow! Cutting to the chase already, where's the fun in that. Then again, you look like you lost that centuries ago. Would it help you focus if I extracted some of your vital organs and made a lovely soup?
Salem: I will not ask a second time!
This version of Cinder only chuckled and skipped around the room to mess with Salem. Salem will admit that this is very surprising to see and for her apprentice to not know this is something to watch.
Cinder: I feel like she's trying to crawl out again into the light. Ugh! She's such a mood killer. Well, I guess before I go I'll say this to you Salem, Cinder Fall isn't real...THIS is the real me...She however is only a disguise that took over for too long. I...am...the-
Her mind went dark and blank once again as Salem observed her apprentice return to full mind. Whoever it was that was inside Cinder, she best keeps them locked away because she knew very well, she would try to outsmart her and be the one to take over Remnant.
Cinder: *holds my head* Fuck...Forgive me, my master.
Salem: There is no need for that Cinder. But we must focus on growing your strength, physically and mentally.
It was about nighttime now, but everything was all pitch black for Weiss Schnee as she began to slowly wake up and regain consciousness from the impact she had taken earlier. She felt she was on a hard ground and felt something off as well, her hands were tied up with a rope then noticed she was locked inside of a cage. She looks around to see the two bandits guarding the cage.
Bandit Two: *chuckling and woos* Well, well, well, look who's awake.
Weiss: Wha... what's going on? Where am I?
She was soon approached by a young woman, little older than her, short brown hair, icy blue eyes, and she had a tattoo of a bird rising from flowers on her left arm. She also carried Weiss's Myrtenaster and Sonic Screwdriver. Weiss stands up to look directly at her, eye to eye.
Vernal: You know... I never thought I'd see a Schnee in this camp.
Bandit One: Vernal!?
Weiss: *glares* What do you want?
Vernal: Straight to the point. I like it. We don't normally deal in trafficking people, not really worth our time. But, once we realized we had a Schnee, *points Myrtenaster at her* that changed.
Weiss: You're going to ransom me back to my father, is that it?
Vernal: It's a shame you're a Schnee. You'd probably do quite well around here.
Weiss: I would never sink to your level.
Vernal: Just keep quiet and cooperate and you'll be back in your mansion before you know it. *Walks away* Don't make this complicated.
Weiss: What's going to make this complicated is when my sister finds out I didn't make it to Mistral. You know my sister, don't you? Winter Schnee? Special Operative of the Atlas Military? She's in Mistral now, and when she hears I'm missing, it won't take her long to find me - and you.
This brought a huge outburst of laughter from the bandits, including Vernal as Weiss looked around concerned and suspicious that something wasn't right.
Weiss: What's so funny?
Vernal: *laughs and looks at her* Oh, I don't know if it's more funny or sad, but you're clearly out of the loop. Your sister isn't in Mistral anymore. No Atlas personnel are in Mistral anymore. General Ironwood closed the borders and recalled all his little troops and tin cans. No one is coming to rescue you.
Vernal once again walked away as Weiss closed her eyes in defeat and disappointment on hearing this news. As Vernal walks, she takes a look at the Sonic Screwdriver and while inspecting it, she activates it which jams all weapons and unlocks the cage Weiss was in. Weiss saw the opening and smirked.
Vernal: W-What the- HEY! SHE'S OUT!
Before the two bandits could react, Weiss slide tackles one of them to the ground while headbutting the other one, sending him out cold. Weiss tried to escape but was surrounded entirely by the tribe. She looked around for any opening but instead was confronted by Vernal.
Vernal: We can do this easy and have you walk back in...or the difficult way but, I wouldn't mind harming a Schnee. *smirks*
No weapons, hands tied up, this was an unfair disadvantage for Weiss as the tribe began to cheer and laugh for her struggle fight with Vernal. It wouldn't stop Weiss, whatever it took, as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Vernal charged right at her but time went very slow as Weiss opened her eyes and saw Vernal about to kick her. With everything around her at a slow pace, she placed both hands on Vernal's foot, stopping the impact but for everyone including Vernal, Weiss stopped it at such fast speed.
Weiss: Too slow. Now, it's my turn.
She thought she had a disadvantage here against Vernal but instead it was the opposite, for time itself was on Weiss's side as she pulls a slow Vernal and blasts her with a spinning kick. Everyone's eyes widened at the sudden speed of Weiss as she threw Vernal like a rocket and crashing. That's when they saw it, Weiss's eyes were glowing gold and panic was beginning to ensue. The ropes disintegrated as her hands were now free, Weiss looks around to see if anyone dared to approach her. She looked around to see fire blasts from Vernal's weapon approaching her but Weiss simply placed her hand out and reversed the blast shocking everyone even more.
Bandit One: WITCHCRAFT! SHE'S A WITCH!
Weiss turned around being caught by that sudden outburst before getting knocked out cold after being struck on the neck. No one cheered, no one knew how to react but could only look at Raven Branwen who was the one that knocked Weiss out cold. Vernal and another bandit picked up Weiss before throwing her back into the cage.
Raven: Did you slack Vernal?
Vernal: N-No Raven...she...she was too hard to spot.
Raven: What do you mean by too hard to spot?
Vernal: Like...she would disappear into thin air then appear again to knock me down. And...she reversed the blast from my weapon.
Raven: *looks at Weiss* Keep a sharp eye on her. She does something like that again, kill her before she reacts.
This was no maiden power. Raven knew that very well from what she learned about them. This was something else, something that isn't normal in Remnant. Whatever the Schnee heiress had, it was something beyond their expectations.
Back at their temporary home, the gang was all resting up for a new day approaching. JNR resting in the living room while Ruby was in her room chatting with Dalek Khan after he updated her on the Cyberman situation.
Ruby: Could it be possible they have gone into hiding until they are repaired?
Dalek Khan: It is possible. However, a human was with them which means there is an alliance.
Ruby: A human? What did they look like? Did you identify them?
Dalek Khan: Identity was scanned, his name is Dr. James Merlot.
Ruby's eyes widened in fear, the mad scientist her and her team faced last year and dealt with his mutated abominations of Grimm was now with the Cyberman. This was massive bad news because of Merlot's intelligence. Down in the living room, a knock is heard on the door which caught JNR's attention. Jaune is the first to get up and open the door to see young Oscar Pine.
Jaune: Can I... help you?
Oscar: Um... yeah. Is there a Ruby Rose here?
Nora: *stands up and glares* Why?
Oscar: Well...
Qrow: I found him!
JNR looked at each other awkwardly as Qrow entered the house completely drunk and out of his mind. Qrow stumbles completely but just lands on the couch as he laughs and snorts.
Oscar: I think her uncle could use some help.
Ruby: Dr. Merlot can be a very dangerous asset for the Cybermen. He knows his stuff for technology and considering he wanted to mutate the Grimm with advanced weaponry, this is looking bad. Where are you exactly?
Ruby's scroll rings again as Dalek Khan sends her a pinpoint location of where he is at. By the looks of it, he's a few hours away from her but at least they're on the same part of the kingdom. She sends her location in return.
Dalek Khan: You are 3 hours, 12 minutes from my current location.
Ruby: If you can't find the Cyberman or if they are coming to us, come back with us cause they won't see our surprise attack coming.
Nora: RUBY!
Jaune: Ruby, we got a problem.
Ruby sighed at being called down while having this conversation with Khan. She messages him goodbye and proceeds to head downstairs but does not want to tell the others what she was doing up there exactly.
Ruby: What is going on out there?! Can't a girl read her comics in peace? *Looks at Qrow and facepalms* Qrow, did you get drunk again?
Qrow: Maybe. *Burps and chuckles*
Ruby just sighed even more at the sight of her uncle adding more stress to her. Oscar observed the red hooded girl for one specific reason, her silver eyes.
Oscar: Oh. You have silver eyes.
Ruby looks at Oscar in surprise as he said that statement exactly like someone she hasn't heard from in over a year. She looked over to Ren and Nora who really didn't know what to say at all.
Ruby: Who... are you?
Oscar: Uh... Well. My name is Oscar Pine.
Qrow: *chuckles* Wait for it...
Oscar: But you probably know me as... Professor Ozpin.
The entire gang gasped, confused, shocked, not really knowing how to react or respond to this sudden reveal. Qrow chuckles more before raising his fists in the air.
Qrow: HA! HA! I did it! *Falls off the couch and onto the floor*
Nora: *gasps* Ooh!