Vol.2, Ch.18:
Underground, in caves long forgotten by mankind were walked upon the Cybermen as they continued their path to Haven Academy with the other half of the Cyberium is hidden. Ashad alongside Dr. Merlot survived the crash alongside three other Cybermen and to prevent further confrontation with the Dalek that attacked them knowing it'll slow them down, they proceeded to a hidden underground trail.
Ashad: The Dalek is far from reach. How it got here and confronting it will hold us back.
Dr. Merlot: We should be approaching Haven Academy by the evening of tomorrow. It's a very long walk from here.
Ashad: I am very surprised you still stand. Your fragile body still moving despite the plane crash and no rest like the weak.
Dr. Merlot: The robotic features I added to myself have been a part of survival and evolution. Part of my chest is mechanical to prevent any shots or stabs, and should something happen to my heart, I have a emergency cord to keep me running for little longer. Of course, people would consider me mad for that, but I like to see it as the future.
Ashad: Not enough. *Turns around* An upgrade like us will be much needed for you.
Dr. Merlot: Are you suggesting...I become one of you?
Ashad: More than that. Your knowledge of this world and your intelligence is what makes a perfect Cyberman. A perfect Cyber Controller. Your brain in an evolved body.
The mad scientist thought about this very well because he believed he would no longer be needed once the Cyberium was fully intact. He thought perhaps they would kill him but instead, he's being offered to become like them, to lead them, to be the brains of all Cybermen across Remnant. A smrik would appear in Dr. Merlot's face as he looked at Ashad.
Dr. Merlot: I accept the ascension.
Ashad nods and turns back around to lead the way through the underground tunnel as he felt the other half of the Cyberium calling out to him. Once it was to be retrieved, he would begin creating his army of Cybermen, end the human race, and confront the creator of Grimm, that is Salem.
Back at the house in which three of Team RWBY and Team JNR were currently under were having good laughs all over as it has been a long time since they had moment of peace and normality.
Yang: *laughs at Jaune* How do you lose your map at a time like that?
Jaune: Believe me, I've asked myself the same thing ever since.
Nora: Hey, but you made up for it, Mister Muscles! You shoulda seen this guy take a giant Grimm head on!
Jaune: I couldn't have done it without Ruby wearing it down.
Ruby: Uh, me? Did you see Ren during that fight? He was out of control!
Ren: I'm sorry, I may have lost my temper momentarily.
Ruby: No, no! Out of control as in "awesome"!
Ren: Oooohhh. *smiles* Thank you.
Everyone continued to laugh and enjoy their dinner while sharing more stories of their time away from each other. It was Weiss's turn to share her story and left her in embarrassment while others laughed.
Ruby: *gasps* You did not!
Weiss: *hides my face* Yeah, right in the middle of the party.
Yang: Please tell me you let that lady have it.
Weiss: Of course not! Even if I did really want to.
Nora: *crosses my arms* No way, I don't believe it.
Right next to Nora was a Boarbatusk which she noticed and was jumpscared to the ground as everyone else continued to laugh while Weiss makes it disappear. Once dinner was done and all were resting up, Yang went on to show her robotic arm which everyone found it great while Ruby stared in amazement,
Yang: It's not a replacement for the real thing, but I'll make sure to make good use of it.
Jaune: That's amazing.
Ren: Incredible.
Ruby: *holds Yang's arm* And it's just as strong?
Yang: Hm, sure is.
Nora: Wanna bet?
A loud thud was heard from the table as Nora positioned herself for an arm-wrestling match. Everyone was looking at each other in interest while Weiss wasn't fond of the idea.
Weiss: Nora, please, now's not the time-
But it was already too late as both girls from opposing teams were already wrestling in a close fight. Jaune and Ren cheering for Nora while Ruby cheers for Yang and watched on in shame.
Jaune: Don't let her beat you! You can do it! Come on!
Ren: You can do this! Show 'em what Team JNPR's made of!
Ruby: C'mon, sis! Aw, you can't lose to a girl in a skirt!
Weiss: You wear a skirt, Ruby.
Ruby: *shakes Weiss* Weiss, you're not cheering loud enough!
Nora: It definitely feels like the original, I'll give you that!
Yang: Yep. But, it does have some new features!
Nora: Heh, oh yeah?
Before anyone could even say anything, a loud click was heard before Nora is sent flying back to the wall making the room all quiet. Not even realizing she carried something in her hand.
Jaune: Did she... win?
Nora quickly regained herself wondering what just happened and looked at her hand to see Yang's robotic arm which had her scream in horror, letting go of the arm as Yang laughs placing it back on while the others watched in mixed expressions. After all that commotion, they finished cleaning up dinner and just sat down to relax.
Jaune: Gyah... We ate it all... Oh, I think I'm gonna be sick...
Yang: Easy there, Vomit Boy, I believe in you.
Weiss: Pfft. *giggles*
Jaune: Oh, we're doing nickname throwbacks now. Wonderful. *Walks to the kitchen*
Nora: I mean, the Ice Queen seems to like it.
Weiss: *looks at Nora then rolls my eyes* I so did not miss you people.
Nora: *gasps* Oh my gosh, she really does like it! What went and warmed your heart while you were gone?
Weiss: Hey! You make it sound like I used to be terrible.
Yang: Nah. Just a lot to deal with it once. *Sticks out tongue*
Weiss: Hmph!
Ren: It's been a long time. We've all grown in our own ways.
Ruby: You really think so?
Ren: Well, think back to when we were all at Beacon, would you say you ever did anything foolish or embarrassing? Or do you think you were perfect?
Weiss: Oh gosh. *Covers my face in embarrassment*
Yang: I may have been a little too gung-ho from time to time.
Ruby: Heh, you? I tried to 1v1 a Nevermore on the second day of school.
Jaune: Yeah, well... don't even get me started.
Ren: Well that embarrassment - that desire to go back and tell yourself not to be so stupid - that just proves you're not the same person you used to be. You're smarter, you're kinder, you're stronger, and you're not done growing yet. None of us are. *blinks*
Ruby: ...Yeah, turns out Ren gets real deep when he feels like talking. *giggles*
Nora: *stands up* Well, hold on, I thought I was pretty great in school!
Yang: Even at the dance? When you spilled punch all over yourself in front of-
Nora: *plays loud music on Yang* Yes, especially the dance! Thank you, Yang!
Qrow: How can six kids possibly make so much noise eating dinner?!
All the laughs from the gang came to a stop when they heard Qrow and turned around to see him and Oscar. Oscar gave out a small laugh as everyone knew it was time to get serious. On the second floor, Weiss and Yang were officially caught up on what everyone else knew and knowing that what Raven said was true after all.
Weiss: So, the Maidens. Magic. Salem. It's all true?
Qrow: Uh-huh.
Ozpin: Miss Xiao Long, is this more or less what your mother told you?
Weiss: For the most part.
Yang: You forgot something. You forgot to tell everyone what you did to Qrow and my mother.
Jaune: Uhh, what is she talking about?
Qrow: Oh, great. *sighs*
Ozpin: Hm, that's not a secret I thought she would give up so easily. Your mother must trust you a great deal. *Stands up* My ability to reincarnate, though a curse, isn't without a few key benefits. Much like the Maidens, I too possess a certain... "magical" power. Using this power, I was able to gift the Branwen twins the ability to "see" more, to move freely and be unburdened by their natural bodies. I... well... gave them the ability to turn into birds. *chuckles* Rather ridiculous sounding out loud, isn't it?
Ruby: Uncle?
Ren: You turned them... into birds.
Nora: Alright, now you're just messing with us.
Jaune: *glares at Ozpin* What else is new?
Weiss: He's telling the truth. We saw it. Yang's mom... changed, right in front of us.
Yang: Why would you do something like that? I mean, what is wrong with you?
Qrow: Yang, that's enough! We made a choice. We wanted this.
Ozpin: May I? Granting this power to them was no trivial task, and I can assure you it was not done frivolously. I required assistance in gathering information on Salem's plans, as well as searching for Maidens when their hosts became unclear.
Ruby: Okay, so, have you done this with others? Like General Ironwood? Or Professor Goodwitch?
Ozpin: As helpful as that might be, unfortunately, it is not that simple. My power is finite, and if I'm being honest, dwindling. The amount that I gifted to Qrow and Raven was, all things considered, rather miniscule. You see, centuries ago, I sacrificed a great deal of magic to four young women, who I hoped would use my gift for good. They were the first Maidens. *Looks at Yang* Miss Xiao Long, it was never my intention to lie to you. To any of you. There are just some matters that I prefer to... "play close to the chest". *Looks to Qrow* I believe that's how you phrased it?
Qrow: *chuckles* Yeah.
Ozpin: Everyone has a choice. The Branwens chose to accept their powers and the responsibilities that came with them. And later, one of them chose to abandon her duties in favor of her own self-interest. Now, all of you have a choice. If anyone wishes to leave, now is the time. There's no shame or disgrace in abstaining, only in retreat.
The room stayed quiet as everyone looked at each other then proceeded into deep thought. All was this and that on what to do after taking in Ozpin's words. Weiss stood there looking at her hands, she thought it would perhaps be best to explain her recent given powers, but Yang stood up getting looks from everyone.
Ruby: Yang?
Yang: If Ruby sticks around, then I will too. If there's one thing I know about her, it's that she somehow always knows the right thing to do. *Smiles at Ruby* But, if we're going to help, if we're going to keep risking our lives, no more lies. No more half-truths.
Ozpin: *smiles and nods* Understood.
Jaune: So... what now? I mean, what can we do?
Ozpin: Mm, that is a difficult question. One that I believe is best answered tomorrow.
Jaune: What do you mean?
Weiss: *stands up* I need to confess something as well! It's not a long-kept secret...but it's been a long-kept power...since the fall of Beacon...
Now all eyes were on Weiss but had a concerned look to it while Qrow and Ozpin looked at Weiss in confusion. Yang knew what Weiss was referring to as Weiss gave her the signal. Hesitant at first, Yang stands up and walks away from the others until she stops at a distant place. Activating her Ember Celica and aimed right to Weiss which startled everyone, Yang fired, and everyone went into panic mode as time proceeded to slow down around Weiss and unexpectedly, Ozpin. Weiss had her eyes closed but her hand was glowing yellow as the bullet completely stop midway, Ozpin watched in amazement as Weiss opened her eyes to reveal her golden eyes as the bullet flew back into Yang's weapon before everything around them was normal.
Ruby: Weiss?!...
Nora: Whaaat just happened?
Jaune: Y-Yang just fired! B-But I don't see Weiss hit or the bullet! *Looks around*
Yang: Look at her eyes.
Everyone looked and where in shock to see Weiss's eyes completely different. Qrow looked at Ozpin to question if it's maiden power, but Ozpin shook his head in denial. Weiss noticed and she was ready to confirm this was the time vortex.
Weiss: Guess it's my turn to let out the truth about me. I have powers, but they aren't what Ozpin knows about...so if they are not maiden, they are powers of the time vortex.
Ruby's eyes widened hearing this because the only peoplein the room that knows about the time vortex is her, Yang, and Weiss. Weiss went on to explain more about the Doctor to everyone and the day the Weeping Angels almost wiped out all of Beacon, she explained her side of the story, seeing Team RBY killed by the Angels, seeing Beacon fall, and for a short time being alone in all of Beacon with the Doctor.
Jaune: Y-You're saying...we died? *Holds my mouth*
Ren: So...how are we even alive? Here?
Weiss: That's the tricky part but I'll do my best to explain it as easy as possible. I pleaded to the TARDIS to help me find a way to defeat the Angels and revert everything before it happened. When she did, she opened up and I looked into her heart...and there was this massive energy unlike anything in Remnant. That energy is light, darkness, matter and energy all blend, divide, shift and change. It underlies the whole of Creation, touching the normal Universe only slightly. Its pathways are twisted, unstable and hard to follow. Alternatively, a journey of months in the Vortex might end in a shift of six feet and ten days in conventional space. It's called the Time Vortex.
Ozpin: Impressive. And you are saying that this power is inside of you?
Weiss: Not all of it anymore. At first, yes. I saw everything from past, present, future. Everything there is to life, time, and space. I used the time vortex to erase the angels from this world and reverse all that happened on that day. That's why, you're still here and why no one remembers it.
Jaune: *looks down* You're telling me...you can play with life and death, change it...why didn't you do it with Pyrrha?
Ruby: *eyes widened* Jaune.
Jaune: Give me a reason Weiss! If you can reverse time, if you can play God and change the lives of everyone WHY DIDN'T YOU! You could have erased Cinder and brought back Pyrrha! Penny! The people we lost!
Ren: Jaune get a hold of yourself!
Weiss: Believe me...if I could, I would. But...I didn't know I still had a portion of the time vortex in me because my memories were erased.
Jaune's eyes widened as well as Ren and Nora while Ruby and Yang looked at each other with sadness. Weiss always gets flashes when she remembers that moment and it hurts her.
Weiss: After reversing everything, there was one more Angel left. It grabbed me and began to absorb the time vortex while also draining my life. The Doctor was able to destroy it but as for me, it was already too late. From there, everything felt blurry and all I could hear was his voice. Next thing I know, I see a bright light then I'm back to life...that's when I saw him one last time before losing my memories...
The room remained silent after hearing Weiss's entire story about her power and what happened before. Ozpin felt a heavy burden in chest because in the end, these are just kids in a dangerous world. Jaune hearing this, took back his words from rage as he understands Weiss has something she doesn't have full control of, and she only got it out of desperation to save everyone.
Weiss: Believe me Jaune, if I didn't lose my memories, I could have done so many things to prevent what we dealt with...while I don't feel that heavy power in me. I believe that small portion is connected with my semblance which is why it's growing into my own power. It's not 100% I imagine but I'm far from fully having full control of it. I was, however, able to see him again, the Doctor.
Yang: I gotta confess as well, he came by to visit me not that long ago either.
Ruby: He really came to see us. And he handed us gifts!
Soon the silence of tragedy brought in gasps of hope and joy. The more they hear about the Doctor being around, the more it brings them the idea that they'll all be together and reunited once again.
Nora: Soooo does that mean that you and him are-
Weiss: *rolls eyes and smiles* Yes Nora. The Doctor and I are officially dating.
Jaws hit the floor with the sudden outburst from Weiss before it got filled with joyous screams from the girls as the three went on to hug Weiss, which she was happy and embarrassed about.
Yang and Nora: About time!
Ren: It...was too obvious you two had a thing for each other.
Laughs came out from the gang as the tension was finally gone while Qrow and Ozpin watched on. They know things won't be all too happy go from here but this is the future they want. Peace and Happiness.
Ozpin: My congrats to you Miss Schnee. As for everything we discussed, the road ahead is undoubtedly filled with hardships and peril. However, it's been far too long since you have all been together. Please, take tonight, enjoy this moment.
Nora: *gasps* Oooohhh. Raven? Qrow? They're birds! Cracked it!
Ren facepalmed while the rest of the gang laughed altogether at Nora just realizing about Qrow and Raven's ability. It felt good and heartwarming to have everyone back together. Well, mostly everyone as one person remains missing: Blake. She was in Menagerie, and about to meet up with Ilia under the night skies after finding a note earlier to meet with her.
Blake: Ilia?
Ilia: I'm here.
Blake: *pulls out Gambol Shroud* Ilia, I know you're scared, but you don't have to be. My family and I, we can keep you safe.
Ilia: I'm sorry.
Blake: You can make it up to me by helping us stop Corsac and Fennec.
Ilia: No. I'm sorry.
Before Blake could react, Ilia signals her hand out and Blake would be ambushed by a few White Fang members. One of lands on top of her which makes Blake drop Gambol Shroud landing in front of Ilia. Blake tried to reach out but was trapped in a silk of web from another faunus.
Trifa: I've got her.
Yuma: Well done, Sister Trifa - and to you, Ilia. *gives her Lightning Lash*
Blake: Ilia! What are you doing?!
Ilia: I tried to warn you, Blake. I'm sorry.
Blake: Don't tell me you're sorry!
Ilia: But I am. I am sorry it has to be this way, but you and your family are holding the Faunus back!
Blake: Because we're trying to protect people?! In what world do you live in where attacking the innocent is the right thing to do?!
Ilia: The same one as you! There's no such thing as innocent! There's no right thing to do! Only what's best for us! There's the humans that still hate the Faunus, and there's the others who stand by and let the hate happen! But you know what snuffs out hate? Fear. I don't like hurting people. But I'll tell you this...it's gotten us results.
Blake: Yeah, look where it's gotten you.
Ilia: We all have to make sacrifices for the greater good, no matter how much it hurts.
Blake: And you think killing me is really for the greater good?
Ilia: No, but getting rid of your family is.
Blake: *eyes widened in fear* You wouldn't! You can't! I won't let you!
Ilia: I know. That's why you're being sent to Mistral. To Adam.
Blake's eyes trembled in fear hearing his name and what their plan is. She struggled to rip free from the webs and almost on the verge of tears.
Blake: Ilia, please! You don't have to do this. This isn't you!
Ilia: Yes. It. Is! But I guess back then you were just too busy falling for Adam to notice. I was always jealous of the way you looked at him. *blushes and closes my eyes* I wanted you to look at me that way. *opens my eyes to reveal pink eyes* But we can't always get what we want! *reverts my eyes back to normal* Yuma, with me. You two, get her to the docks.
Trifa: Let's go, traitor.
Ilia and Yuma have already left as Trifa and the other faunus pull up Blake but she remains still. They hear a ringing noise before the webs rip apart on their own and their weapons get jammed. Blake used her Sonic Screwdriver to release herself and she wasn't alone.
Blake: Now!
Out of nowhere, Sun appears and knocks down the Faunus right next to Trifa. She tried to strike him with her blade but he quickly dodges it with his staff before Trifa gets pulled around by Blake and knocks her out cold. Catching a quick breather, she grabs Gambol Shroud.
Blake: Thanks for the backup.
Sun: Thanks for the invitation. You okay?
Blake: No. You heard Ilia, my family is in danger. Call the police and let's go!
Sun: Right!
The duo ran off heading back to the Belladonna's household knowing the threat had arrived and her parents wouldn't be able to hang on for long against the White Fang. The house was already in disarray and more damaged than their clash with the Slitheen. Hiding behind the table was Kali with two guards by her side, she grabbed a gun from a guard down and began to fire back at White Fang members.
Kali: Get out of my house!
As the firing from both sides continued, by the entry hall Ghira and other guards as well were fighting with more White Fang members. One of them tried to go for a drop kick but was instantly grabbed by Ghira and slammed through the wall. Seeing more guards arriving and helping out, he only has one request in mind.
Ghira: Go find my wife!
The guards nod and run off while others continued in helping Ghira. One White Fang member tries to snipe Ghira but a guard notice and takes the hit, falling limp near Ghira as he noticed. Ghira checks his pulse but none, which angered him even more as his claws grew out and roared at the White Fang members. As he began to fight more of them, more help would arrive which would be Blake and Sun as they helped in taking down the White Fang while Ghira knocked them down.
Blake: Dad! Where's mom?
Ghira: I'm not sure, I got ambushed right away.
Blake: Once we take down-
Ghira: No, go now.
Blake: But-
Ghira: You keep assuring me your friend isn't a complete waste of space! Let's see him prove it.
Sun: We got this, Blake. I've wanted to sock these suckers since the day we met!
Ghira: You'll have to get in line. Blake, GO!
Blake wanted to say more but the look from her father and friend gave her the confirmation that they got this together. She made a run for it as Sun and Ghira prepared for me oncoming attacks. Blake bursts through the hallway and enters one of the rooms where she sees Ilia once again with her White Fang mask. Ilia is shocked and pissed to see Blake still around as she pulls out her Lightning Lash while Blake pulls out her Gambol Shroud as they prepared to fight once and for all.
Not far from them, away from the chaos dealt with Ghira, Sun, and Kali was a room filled with piles of goo all around. All these goo had white fang masks or Menagerie armory while a loud crunch with a bit of squirting noise is heard before half of a body is dropped on the ground. The big creature growls as it makes its way to Blake and Ilia while having a metallic arm from scratch, wielding a weapon as well. The White Fang nor Belladonna's knew what was coming to them again.