Vol.2, Ch.26:
He struggled but continued, running through the black pool as the Doctor tried to get closer and closer to the light that keeps growing every time he makes a move. Hearing the Original Doctor reach out to him, hearing Team RWBY there to rescue him was just enough to get the young time lord motivated to keep going. No matter how many times he got pulled back, he kept running forward.
Meanwhile from the outside, Team RWBY tried to fight Krall without harming the Doctor with their own safe combat, distract Krall with a fake weapon strike and aim to punch or kick. The 12th Doctor continued to find the solution to stop this Void as it continues to move towards the portal to his universe. That's when he caught the orb with his eye. An orb that looks very familiar to the one he used to freeze Gallifrey into a pocket universe.
12th Doctor: That orb! I need to get it; it could be the device that'll contain the Void!
Yang: We'll try to give you an opening!
Krall released another wave of his power onto the crew, only to be blocked again by a force shield created by Weiss. She made a strike only to be vaporized once again which startled everyone until Weiss regenerated again. They all noticed Krall is being more protective of the orb than himself which meant that was the ultimate key to stopping all of this.
Ruby: Weiss can't keep making shields for us and sacrificing herself while we keep doing the same tactic. We need to get a step ahead.
12th Doctor: Killing 2 birds with 1 stone. We need to contain Krall while retrieving the orb!
Weiss: *thinks* I got one idea. I'll buy you guys a few seconds!
Opening her wings that appeared from her back as her eyes glowed which shocked the Doctor, Weiss makes a full speed right at Krall and places both hands on his head as everything goes to black between them. Remnant Doctor continued going forward as he approached the light, only for it to be a large crystal wall.
The Doctor: No...*looks at it* This is the way out but just how deep is this crystal? *Punches it and grunts in pain* It's just like Azbantium.
The difficulty wasn't just only that the exit from Krall is a thick crystal that could take years to break, time was running out and there was no way to break this faster or find another way. To make matters worse, the black liquid began to form hands across the liquid floor as it tried to drag the Doctor once again. He escapes a few but more keep appearing and begins to drag him down. Struggling to rise up and escape from these ooze-like hands, the feeling of defeat was hitting the time lord once again. But a faint voice was reaching out to him, a voice that would be in his two hearts. He looks up to see a golden illusion of Weiss reaching out to him. Grabbing her hand, he is free from the ooze that was pulling him down.
The Doctor: Weiss?...
Weiss: Doctor, there's not much time left, and I can't keep Krall in stable for too long! You need to find a way to beat him!
The Doctor: *looks at the crystal wall* That's the only way! But I don't know if I have the strength or time to do it. Weiss, just grab the orb and leave! It'll destroy the Void and Krall ending all of this!
Weiss: NO! We are not going to let you die! We can't let you die without knowing you are loved by so many, and so much...and by no one more than me.
The Doctor: Weiss, you and I, we know what this means. We are ground zero of a black hole that will engulf all reality. Billions on billions will suffer and die.
Weiss: I'll suffer if I have to kill you.
The Doctor: More than every living thing in the universe?
Weiss: What is there left of our universe when there is almost nothing...Remnant's gone too...
His eyes almost lost the flash of life hearing this. They now lost their home world because he wasn't there. Their universe on the verge of death because he was not able to stop this on time. The place shook violently as Weiss's hands were beginning to disappear, which meant Krall was fighting back. She continues to slowly vanish as she looks at her Doctor for one last message in hoping he can believe in himself.
Weiss: Doctor... Get up, off your ass, and save us!
He reached out to her, but she was now gone once again. The black liquid was beginning to go after him once again while he stood there not doing anything or reacting. But finally, he slowly looked up at the crystal wall and approached it knowing what he must do!
When Weiss entered stable mode with Krall, the 12th Doctor reached for the orb and secured it. He began to pull out his Sonic screwdriver to figure out how it works because the moment he does, he's going to end this before more trouble comes. But the stable mode did not last long as Krall regained consciousness and launched Weiss onto everyone including the old Time Lord as he drops the orb and rolls back to Krall.
Krall: ENOUGH! You truly thought you were going to win even with a different Doctor when you'd already lost?! Your home planet and now universe, reduced into atoms and nothingness. I've ran out of patience with you all so now, I'm going to finish you off ONCE AND FOR ALL! Oh, and if you think you can summon your precious time machines...
Krall displays a holographic video of the humanoid surrounding both TARDIS. Then, they saw the Void was approaching the crack of the universe meaning it was all lost once again. Team RWBY would die with nothing else for them and the 12th Doctor was not giving up but he knew that time was not on his side this time. Inside Krall, the Remnant Doctor was staring at the crystal wall, readying both hands, and took a deep breath.
The Doctor: Time for a story. The story about a lost boy.
The Doctor made two punches with both hands which resulted in nothing but continuing forward.
The Doctor: A young boy rose up one day to see his kingdom, his home in flames by the enemy, and his loved ones were all gone!
Another set of punches and this time, a small crack appeared in the crystal wall which sent a shock to Krall as he held his chest momentarily.
Weiss: What was that?
12th Doctor: It's the Doctor! He's fighting back! He's going to need a bit of support! Try to weaken Krall while the Doctor continues to break free!
The four girls nodded and landed a few hits on Krall while dodging his strikes and Weiss blocking his chances of vaporizing them before another shock hits him. The Doctor continues to punch the crystal wall as the crack is slightly bigger. He looks back to see the black ooze trying to get a hold of him but he does not quit!
The Doctor: The boy was alone and lost until a good man came to him and guided him away from the fallen kingdom he once called home!
One punch but the ooze grabs him again and pulls the Doctor but he lets go immediately and lands a charging punch to the crystal making the crack larger and deeper.
The Doctor: When the Good man left, the boy was on his own with one companion and a time machine! He was lost, scared, confused, but he did not plan on giving up! He beagn to learn to strive forward on his own!
Another set of punches to the wall as Team RWBY continue their fighting tactic then the 12th Doctor sends a sudden pulse of energy from his Sonic Screwdriver sending Krall down.
The Doctor: Then one day, the lost boy lands on a brand-new world. A world full of magic, good, and evil. And from there, the boy began on his journey!
After a few more punches, the crack was more visible meaning he was not far from breaking the wall despite the ooze trying to trap him multiple times and both his hands bleeding and in pain. As Krall got up, they all noticed the fractured crack on his chest which meant their Doctor was fighting and not giving up.
The Doctor: He's met some amazing friends, fell in love, but also found enemies. The boy was following the steps of the good man and doing what is good. He spread hope and gave kindness to those in need. He has seen things that he could not believe! But at some point, trouble came for the boy and his friends and he fell from it. But it didn't take long for him to continue...going...FORWARD!
More punches onto the crystal wall and it was halfway broken. Just a few more sets of punches and the wall would break, freeing the young time lord and stopping Krall.
Krall: You...*grunts* Little- AHH!
Weiss: Cmon Doctor! Cmon! *Kicks Krall*
The Doctor: The lost boy without a home, without his people, went wondering what his identity was, who he truly believes he is! No...MORE!
Another set of punches as Krall screams in pain as the crack on his chest grew across his body. The others stopped and watched knowing this was now between the tyrant and the time lord. The tyrant was now scared at facing death, knowing there is no way out of this and pleaded with the boy.
Krall: STOP IT DOCTOR! I'll give you what you want! I'll spare you and your friends! JUST STOP! DO NOT DO THIS!
The Doctor: The lost boy found his answers to many of the questions he had when he left his home! But most importantly...he found who he is! He is no God! He is no Hero! He is no Vigilante! The Lost Boy is simply himself doing good! That Lost Boy is ME!
Krall: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
The Doctor: AND I. AM. THE DOCTOR! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
With all his remaining energy and strength, the Doctor lets out one last scream and one last punch to the crystal wall as everything began to shake around him as everything went to a bright light. The cracks appeared all over Krall as he let out a scared and painful scream before exploding to pieces as everyone ducked for cover. As they slowly got up, they couldn't see much of the smoke that was created by Krall's brutal fate. They slowly walked closer to the figure that remained on the ground as they heard the figure regaining consciousness.
It was the Doctor. He has returned to his body and saved himself from being erased from existence as Team RWBY looked at their time lord friend with emotions of joy. The Doctor noticed his hair was cut to his normal look but was wearing Krall's outfit to his confusion and dislike.
The Doctor: Blimey! What the hell am I wearing?
Team RWBY: DOCTOR!
Before the Doctor could even look up, he was tackled by the group hug from Team RWBY. Relieved, Happy, and emotional seeing him alive and reunited with them as he felt those same emotions and thoughts as well, returning the group hug. The precious gift of being a family. The 12th Doctor watched on with a smile as the Doctor looked up and rose to see the man who he thought he would never see again.
The Doctor: Doctor...
12th Doctor: *smiles* It's so good to see you again young man! You haven't changed much since I last saw you and yet you have grown.
The Doctor: You have...and you seem to look better now than when we last met.
Suddenly, the ship began to shake violently getting everyone's attention and the alarms rang loudly. Both Doctors knew what this meant as Remnant Doctor grabbed the orb while the 12th Doctor whistled loudly as both TARDIS appeared in front of them. A noise of metals crushing and ripping was heard as everyone rushed in and soon both TARDIS left the ship that was now being consumed by the Void. The humanoids scattered around as one by one, they would be turned to ashes and the ship was no more. The Serpent Void without a controller has gotten out of control and became a much more dangerous storm.
One of the remaining planets left, the two TARDIS land as Remnant Doctor, now changed to his original outfit, walks outside to observe the Void alongside the Original Doctor. Both pulling their Sonic Screwdrivers and giving a small compliment about each other's screwdrivers began getting a full read on the void while Team RWBY watched.
Ruby: This is so cool! The Original Doctor and Our Doctor! The Teacher and his apprentice!
Yang: I never thought we would actually see this happening!
Blake: Well, we have bigger things to worry about. So, I would suggest we talk more about it later.
Weiss: *walks to both Doctors* What's going on?
12th Doctor: The Void is now an uncontrollable storm which means it's much worse than when Krall was controlling it.
The Doctor: You know how a storm reacts when it gets stronger. This is pretty much it which means our time to stop it has reduced. It's already destroyed the ship and the humanoids as well. It'll tear anything in its path.
12th Doctor: Not to mention, we can't let it cross through another universe.
Yang: Okay, what do we do then?
12th Doctor: I made a full scan of the orb before Krall launched Miss Schnee at us. The orb is like a Pandorica box! You know, like those stasis cubes? A single moment in time, held in a parallel pocket universe. It happened to me before and wasn't a pleasant feeling. The universe never existed until I was freed from it and was able to make it right.
The Doctor: *thinks* Do you think that with two TARDIS, it could be enough strength to contain the Void and shut it for good.
12th Doctor: It's not high but it's also not a 0% chance. We just need to plan it right and execute it perfectly!
Dalek Khan: The probability of succeeding is 43%. We were not able to slow it down or stop it when we tried to approach it!
12th Doctor: *looks at the Doctor* So, Dalek Companion?
The Doctor: Long story. Like the Doctor said Khan, better than zero.
Ruby: There's just one problem...Remnant...
Blake: We can stop the Void, but it won't bring our home planet back...
The sudden shift of the group went from despair to sadness with The Doctor holding the orb tight and trying to think of anything possible. He looked at the four girls who were heartbroken and traumatized by everything that happened. Because Krall possessed him, he did not know they lost their home and all the people they cared for.
The Doctor: Is there any possible way we can bring the planets and stars that were destroyed?
12th Doctor: If there was, I would have suggested it already. All we are really doing is contain the Void from destroying the remaining source of life in this universe and preventing it from crossing to the next. The damage is unfortunately done. The only best and safe option...would be to move from this universe to mine.
Yang: A new universe...guess it wouldn't hurt to start over...start somewhere anew...
Ruby: It won't change anything though...
The young time lord thought hard about it as he looked at his friends who were already watching the void coming but their eyes were already that of defeated and emptiness. He knows there must be a way to fix all of this even if it's risky. Every universe deserves a chance at a future.
Future...
Present...
Past...
Time Travel...
The Doctor: *eyes widened* OH! OH! BRILLIANT!
The sudden outburst from the Doctor caught everyone's attention as he ran back inside the TARDIS. Team RWBY got up and joined the 12th Doctor and Dalek Khan in wondering what if their Doctor figured something out. He ran back outside walking like a madman and jumping around.
12th Doctor: Just a thought, you really need to say what got you excited before jumping around. Then again, that's sort of my thing as well.
The Doctor: I was able to hear you say killing 2 birds with 1 stone earlier when you guys tried to rescue me. We can do that again and the answer is right in front of us! TIME TRAVEL!
Ruby: Is...this a cry of madness?
12th Doctor: In most cases yes!
The Doctor: We CAN contain the Void AND bring all life back to this universe. Remnant especially.
Weiss: You're saying that it's possible?
The Doctor: Yes it is! Using our two TARDIS, we can dive into the deep center of the Void as we are going back in time! However, as we do that, the orb will absorb the Void as we head back in time to the moment each planet was about to be destroyed. Think about it, the moment we go back in time and pulling the Void with us, it'll change history and the Void will no longer be in the moment it was supposed to be!
12th Doctor: OH! OOOOOOOHHHH! I SEE WHAT YOU ARE GOING FOR! SAME STUNT THAT I DID A WHILE BACK!
Both Doctors were now cheering in excitement and success until Remnant Doctor stopped for a moment wondering what the 12th Doctor meant by pulling off the same stunt and only if he knew that the Original Doctor changed history for an important moment in their lives.
Gallifrey.
Blake: B-But isn't that risky. Wouldn't that kill us entirely?
Weiss: It could permenantly send us back in time and won't there be two copies of all of us?
12th Doctor: No one will really understand it unless you're a madman and a time lord like us two! Wait, but will it be enough with just our TARDIS.
The Doctor: *looks at Team RWBY then at the Doctor and winks* Spoilers.
The 12th Doctor knew what the young time lord was referring to and understood why he ran back into the TARDIS. For a young time lord who had no experience of any of this, he was proud to see the young boy he rescued becoming someone important to this universe. The 12th Doctor now knew that this universe has their Doctor.
The Doctor: Well Doctor? Shall we begin?
12th Doctor: Let's Save the Universe Doctor!
After getting back in and preparing to go full steam ahead, the two TARDIS were now flying directly at point zero of the Void which is the center of it as Remnant Doctor had the orb locked and ready while Team RWBY assisted with the controls while also having the Original Doctor on the line.
The Doctor: Doctor, how's the forecast looking?
12th Doctor: Looking clear! We need to pull it off exactly at the moment we are going to travel back. No setbacks. No waiting.
Weiss: Doctor! If one TARDIS wasn't enough to stop the Void especially with my powers, how is two going to be enough?
The Doctor: *looks at them* You four trust me, right?
Weiss: Always! And we don't plan on leaving your side again!
Ruby: You betcha!
Yang: Duh!
Blake: Without question!
The Doctor: That's all you need to know that this IS going to work!
Dalek Khan: The probability of success is a low 4%. The calculations alone would take hundreds of years to plan it perfectly.
12th Doctor: Dalek doubting a time lord to succeed. No surprise there!
The Doctor: Well, there's a small twist to that Khan. The probability is higher because I made a few calls around the universe.
Ruby: H-How?
Weiss: Most of the universe is gone! How are there any survivors left from the Void?
The Doctor: *smirks* I didn't say from this certain part of the timeline.
One of the panels detected multiple incoming which shocked the girls as they checked out what was the alert and their eyes bulged at the unexplained that's happening right now. The 12th Doctor got the same alert and chuckled in return.
12th Doctor: Heads up Doctor, you got company!
Remnant Doctor expanded his communication as out of the darkness, another TARDIS appeared following the route of the Original and Remnant. Inside was an old, Scottish man wearing a purple scarf and black Panama hat.
Remnant Doctor 2: This is the Doctor reaching out to the Doctor! Heading your way!
Another TARDIS appeared from the darkness and soon more followed as well, all heading towards the center of the Void with all holding a copy of the orb. The next one is an adult Scottish woman with red eyes and grey round glasses.
Remnant Doctor 3: This is the Doctor also reaching out and following in route!
The next being a young man with orange hair and in navy blue velvet frock coat, white dress shirt with a high collar, loden grey high-waist trousers, floppy battleship black cravat, and double-breasted waistcoat of silver paisley-brocade.
Remnant Doctor 4: This is the Doctor speaking. Calculations are locked in and set!
The next incarnation was a dark skin, grown male adult with a velvet red frock coat, black vest with gold decoration style, and a buttoned white shirt.
Remnant Doctor 5: Also the Doctor reaching out, awaiting the order!
The next one was a young woman about the same age as the current Doctor with black hair in ponytail, brown fedora hat, and steampunk goggles hanging from her golden eyes.
Remnant Doctor 6: It's the Doctor, the orb is prepared and ready!
The next incarnation happens to be an older man wearing a navy-blue trench coat with buttoned up white shirt, black dress pants, and a pocket watch.
Remnant Doctor 7: This is the Doctor reaching out to the first Doctor! Proceeding as planned!
The next Doctor also was an older man with grey hair, grey mustache and beard while also wearing a burgundy frock coat with black collars, a single-breasted waistcoat of velvet red.
Remnant Doctor 8: The Doctor here calling out to the other Doctors nearby! Circling in on the Void!
Another young incarnation of the Doctor slightly older than his current appearance with a black frock coat, black hoodie underneath, white buttoned shirt with slim black stripes, and black pants.
Remnant Doctor 9: This time we make it right Doctor! Just this once, we break the rules!
The next incarnation was a middle-aged male wearing navy blue velvet suit, purple buttoned shirt, a black bow tie, and black dress pants while looking at his pocket watch.
Remnant Doctor 10: Doctor, all of you. This is the moment that begins where we become in our timeline.
The second to last incarnation of the young time lord happens to be a young man as well incorporating a grey shirt, black tie and grey long overcoat. He also includes a long black jacket and a grey blue scarf.
Remnant Doctor 11: RIGHT! Let's get it done altogether Doctor!
Team RWBY could not believe their eyes and ears hearing different voices from coming each TARDIS that appeared. They all were approaching the Void and were locked and ready to save the universe and reversing all the damage even if it meant breaking the rules of time.
Dalek Khan: 13 TARDIS detected!
Ruby: Doctor...are these others-
The Doctor: They are all me. Future incarnations of me...*smiles softly* All...12...
The final incarnation of the Doctor approached to let the final and most important message to each incarnation. She wore a velvet red buttoned shirt, black vest, and a long, black hooded trench coat but the most notorious detail from this young incarnation was her silver eyes.
Remnant Doctor 12: Doctor, past and future. Today, the Universe lives. Today, EVERYBODY LIVES!
12th Doctor: We are locked right into the center of the Void Doctor. Now or never!
The Doctor: Okay. *Breathes* Doctors, we're ready. Team RWBY, you better hang on.
The four girls positioned themselves to brace for impact as one by one, each Doctor pulled their levers of the TARDIS and speeded towards the Void with the Orb activating.
The Doctor: OFF. WE. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
All 13 TARDIS made full speed ahead towards the center of Void as all of them flew into the endless dark of the serpent black hole until a shining bright light was glowing from inside the Void. Soon, the bright light flashed across the entire universe, and everything went silent.
What felt like hours of being knocked out, Team RWBY slowly woke up and regained consciousness once again as the four got up and looked around to see everything intact and their Doctor still there but with a big smile. Once they were all up, they noticed the orb has contained the Void into a small storm and frozen in time.
Blake: The Void!
Weiss: Doctor! D-Does that mean...
The Doctor: Go ahead and look outside. *smiles*
The four girls ran outside of the TARDIS to see the most beautiful view in front of them. That view was the universe back to normal and saved with Remnant not far from their sight. The four cheered and embraced each other with emotions that the Doctor succeeded in bringing the universe back and their home. Both Doctors come out of their own TARDIS to look at the accomplished save they pulled before each member of Team RWBY went on to hug them. Remnant Doctor returned the hug happily while the 12th Doctor just accepted the hugs despite not being much of a hugger. The planets and stars were all back where they belong and just as one of the incarnations promised, the Universe lives on.
Ruby: You two actually pulled it off! *Laughs in excitement*
The Doctor: WE pulled it off Ruby. All of us together.
Yang: Wait, where did the other Doctors go?
12th Doctor: Back to their respective timeline which is all set to occur in the future. But this very moment was the most important moment for the Doctor. The only moment where all of them come out of their timeline to help. Of course, it's not entirely good to have two of the same people in the current timeline but I am sure that time itself allowed it for this one important chance.
The Doctor: Couldn't have said it better from the Original you might say.
All of them share smiles as the four girls go a little further to watch the view of other planets and stars across the universe but there was still one thing in the way, the crack in the universe which both Doctors were observing.
The Doctor: The crack between both our universe. Is there way to forever close it?
12th Doctor: Yes there is. You broke through the universe to this one which left an opening. I can close it once it's my time to return back. Which is actually right now!
The Doctor: So I guess this is it then? The last time I'll see you, Doctor. Better than in the dying days of Gallifrey.
12th Doctor: Yes because there won't be an opening to travel back. You can still come but you'll have to leave them and this universe for which I know you don't have the heart.
The Doctor: No I do not. Besides, I'm already adjusting well here, finding a new home...*looks at Team RWBY and Khan* And a new family.
12th Doctor: As it should be for you, my boy. But always keep in mind that never say never. After all, I am the Doctor...of War but You, you are the Doctor of Hope and Kindness. *smiles*
The Doctor: I learned from the very best. No one is perfect and I learned that in a very difficult way. But now, being the Doctor is what I want to do and what I believe is right.
12th Doctor: Exactly. And when the universe is always in need of help from danger, that's where we come in.
The Doctor: One more thing...before you leave Doctor...Gallifrey...
12th Doctor: Nothing has changed, even after the Time War. Sometimes, despite what you try to do to change it, even a small change in history; It won't change immediately. But as I said before, Never say Never.
Remnant Doctor wondered what he meant by Never say Never but it was filled with hope because in his mind, it either meant Gallifrey could one day be rebuilt or the most unlikely scenario that Gallifrey was saved. Hopefully one day, he can trutufully have the answer. The 12th Doctor looked at his watch and knew it was time to leave.
12th Doctor: It's my time now to leave, my boy. If Time and life does us both the favor, I hope we can meet again. Do keep this to yourself coming from me, Never be cruel or cowardly.
The Doctor: Always try to be nice but never fail to be kind. And...thank you Doctor...for saving me. I didn't get the chance in the Time War so I'll say it here.
12th Doctor: You don't need to thank me my boy. It's my Duty of Care. All i truly hoped was that somewhere out there in the universe, you were doing okay. Well, Team RWBY it was a pleasure meeting the four of you and keep a good eye on him. He still has a long way to go.
Weiss: We will!
Ruby: It's a promise we keep to the heart!
12th Doctor: Thank you. *looks at Dalek Khan* Change is good and sometimes unexpected. Hope it stays that way Dalek.
Dalek Khan: Of course! A new start for me and for my friends.
12th Doctor: Friends? I think it's safe to say you're on the right path for a Dalek. *looks at the Doctor* The Universe is now safe and back to how it should be, full of life. But I should like to know once again, how are you Doctor?
The Doctor:*looks around and smiles* I'll be alright. I'm home.
12th Doctor: Then whatever happens from here on out, whatever you decide, *takes out my hand* Good luck, Doctor.
The Doctor: *shakes his hand and nods* Goodbye Doctor.
After shaking hands, the 12th Doctor bids goodbye to the others as he walks back to his TARDIS. Before entering, he looks back at Remnant Doctor with a reassuring look in which the young time lord replies with another nod. The original Doctor enters in and makes his leave as the TARDIS dematerialize in front of the others. Remnant Doctor watched on as he feels both his hands being held by Weiss and by Ruby with Blake and Yang joining along as well. They all look up to see a small shine from the crack of the universe as the 12th Doctor goes through and closing the crack forever.
Yang: Is it over?
The Doctor: Yes, the Doctor was able to seal it off completely meaning nothing can come through anymore. I'm sure however, that plenty of strange creatures crossed through but we'll be ready.
Weiss: Are you really okay with that? You won't be able to see him again or return to your universe.
The Doctor: What makes you think I have plans to return? I'm here, I'm staying, and I got my family here with me. All five of you and that to me...is already the best thing I could ask for.
They all share smiles with the Doctor as they look at the universe knowing that the future is bright and will be here for a very long time. As the 12th Doctor previously thought, this universe was now in safe hands now that they have their Doctor. And it is only just the beginning.