Vol.2, Ch.29:
The heartbeats were loud and clear yet soothing. They sounded like 4 knocks and yet it sounded relaxing. They did not get louder nor sound aggressive but were very peaceful. The heartbeats were heard and how it could make one sleep so comfortably until it quietly disappears. The heartbeats are of the two hearts of a time lord. As the soothing heartbeats never returned in the darkness of slumber, her eyes opened very slowly while her mind was barely able to wake up. Her eyes slowly were getting their vision in full awake mode as all she saw was the roof of a room.
Staring at the roof was Weiss Schnee who was still processing in waking up as she rubbed her eyes and sat up slowly to look around where she was currently. She spotted a normal size bookshelf, a reading table with a few picture frames, her dress, a holographic orb device- HER DRESS! A simple sight of a simple cloth rang the alarms across Weiss to wake up completely as she removed the blankets from herself, only to be seen wearing a night gown which caused her to sigh in relief and fall back to bed. Now that her mind was fully awake, she was remembering last night.
Weiss: That's right...we went on a date.
Weiss Schnee did in fact go on a lovely date with her time lord boyfriend known as The Doctor. A relaxing and lovely date as the two spent it on a crystal planet that surprisingly filled with life forms, but the planet was known for its majestic crystals and gems across the planet. The two found a place to eat dinner together, catch up after all that went down over a year, and the best part of their date was it began to snow, and the sight was to behold. The two ended their date with some nice hot chocolate and watching the stars right before Weiss slowly falling asleep.
She knew the Doctor doesn't sleep much at all as time lords have different system of body. 20 minutes of napping would turn out to be 8 hours of sleep for them and while she has never seen the Doctor sleep, this was the first time he takes a full sleep after being drained from everything that happened from the Fall of Beacon to Krall and the Void. She lastly remembers putting on a night gown from the clothes room in the TARDIS and falling asleep right next to the Doctor. She got up, styled her hair, and put her dress on again as Weiss walked out of the room and went on her way to find the main console room of the TARDIS. It took a couple of minutes and a few twists and turns until she made it to the main room and the Doctor was already there looking at the screen panel with Dalek Khan.
Weiss: Good morning Doctor! *Smiles softly*
The Doctor: Hmm? *Looks at her* Ah! Good morning beautiful! You are quite a heavy sleeper.
Weiss: It's been a while since I've gotten that much sleep...and peaceful one too. Morning Khan! *waves*
Dalek Khan: Good Morning Weiss!
Weiss: What time is it anyway?
The Doctor: 7 in the morning. Sorry if Khan and I woke you up, we are just scanning the universe to make sure everything is back to normal and no signs of any threats or missing planets.
Dalek Khan: We will go on a further scan later!
The Doctor: I just want to be sure everything is back as it should be and that we pulled this off.
Weiss: *places my hand on his cheek* I know. A Doctor should always be sure their patient is treated and healed. You're the Doctor and well...the universe is your patient. *Kisses his cheek*
The Doctor: Thanks Weiss. *Looks at the necklace* Never let it go huh?
Weiss: You kidding? *Holds it* This is the most beautiful thing I have...and it connects with the most special person to my heart.
The Doctor: Well, why don't you say we go on a breakfast date to start off the day. I know there's a good and quick breakfast place nearby!
Weiss: Can't say no to that or to you. *giggles*
The two exchange smiles and hold each other's hand as they exit out of the TARDIS in the early morning only to be stopped by someone in front of them. Their smiles gone for a confusing and questioning look to each other as Oscar was in front of them.
The Doctor: Good morning to you Oscar! What can I do for ya?
Oscar: Uh...I...I hope this isn't too awkward for you...but is there a way we could chat...privately...
The Doctor: You and me...or me and him?
Oscar: Both actually...
Weiss: Is anyone awake at the moment?
Oscar: J-Just Saphron and Terra! The others are still out cold.
Weiss: *looks at the Doctor* We can do something later instead. After all, I also got a busy day with the gang once they are up.
The Doctor nodded in agreement as Weiss gives another kiss on the cheek to him before leaving the farm boy and time lord alone as she enters the Cotta-Arc household. Oscar enters the TARDIS and looks around while the Doctor closes the doors.
The Doctor: So, who's going to talk first?
Right before the afternoon hits, everyone was now awake and enjoying their breakfast before starting the day heading to the Argus Military Facility. Their thoughts came to a halt when they heard the TARDIS arriving where it was as all teens look at the window to see Oscar walking out of the TARDIS with the Doctor and having a small conversation.
Jaune: You said they wanted to talk to him, do you know what it was about?
Weiss: Nope. But I'm guessing it's gotta be a deep conversation between a time lord and a reincarnated soul.
Blake: Perhaps it could be about what the Doctor told us of Salem being defeated. Maybe Ozpin wanted to know more?
Nora: Let's just open the window slightly and listen!
Ren: No Nora.
They spotted the two heading inside as everyone else zapped back to their original spots like they didn't see them chatting. The Doctor and Oscar make it inside as they are greeted by everyone. Right behind them was Dalek Khan to the joy of Team RWBY and amazement of this new alien to the others.
Ruby: Khan! You actually came out!
Dalek Khan: I was forced by the Doctor! I do not like it!
The Doctor: That's what happens when a Dalek evolves with emotions. Good morning everyone! Just came by to drop off Oscar before Khan and I head off.
Ruby: Duty calls as usual. *smiles*
The Doctor: Khan and I are gonna be travelling across the universe for the whole day, making sure everything is back in place. With the Void now contained, there shouldn't be any reason something would be missing.
Nora: A Void?
The Doctor bit his lip and closed his eyes for a moment. Team RWBY were the only ones that knew about what happened and while they were glad everything was back to normal, they needed to check on the Doctor to see how he was feeling mentally. Only he knows what he feels and that is fear and guilt because he could have stopped it sooner, he could have prevented Krall from going further but instead half of the universe was already gone before he was possessed by Krall and to know that Krall used his body to continue destroying the universe, it made him feel like he was the one doing it.
The Doctor: Perhaps for another time, I'll share it with all of you, but we do need to head off!
Saphron: Wait! Wouldn't you like some breakfast to take with you?
The Doctor: Hmm. *Looks at it* Don't mind if I do!
The Doctor would grab two slices of bread and spread marmalade on it for a nice, sweet sandwich and a cup of tea given by Terra. Little Adrian was looking up at the giant robot from his point of view as Dalek Khan looked down at the baby.
Dalek Khan: Hello little child!
Adrian let out a small giggle while The Doctor and Team RWBY watched with a smile. The Dalek has truly embraced the change and started over in a new universe after all that happened in the Time War. There are thoughts of what if Dalek Khan never changed or died in the Time War, how would the Doctor end up. Thankfully, they are grateful he is here, and he has changed for the better.
The Doctor: Well, we are off! *Kisses Weiss cheek* I'll see you guys later! Cmon Khan!
The time lord and dalek duo leave as they return to the TARDIS as the gang watched the police box disappear into thin air which still leaves them in amazement. They all had a good feeling that this will never get old and they would enjoy it every time.
Saphron: Did you guys know Weiss slept over with him last night? She came in early morning from being with him.
All Girls: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Weiss:*turns red* REALLY?! SHUT UP!
Jaune: *approaches Oscar* Everything okay?
Oscar: Yeah, just needed a good, long talk with the Doctor from both of us.
After breakfast, everyone went their own ways with Team RWBY and Team JNR alongside Maria, Qrow, and Oscar heading to the military facility. Team JNR weren't so sure about it after the first time didn't work but Team RWBY were very confident with all the information they had, the Relic, Ozpin, nothing could hold them back from moving forward.
Except for a pair of large gates that was slammed in front of them.
Yang: Come on! You didn't even hear us out!
Nubuck Guard 1: Our orders are clear: The Mistral-Atlas border is closed!
Nubuck Guard 2: Please!
Nubuck Guard 1: Have a good day!
Yang: But-
Both Nubuck Guards: A good day!
Qrow: Hey, if you don't wanna believe that I'm friends with Ironwood-
Both Nubuck Guards: General Ironwood!
Qrow: Yeah, General Ironwood, then fine. But look, we have Weiss Schnee with us and we're trying to get her home safely.
Both Nubuck Guards: Very well!
Guard Nubuck 2: You may speak with our commanding officer!
Guard Nubuck 1: We will fetch her at once!
Both Nubuck Guards: HUP! HUP! HUP! HUP! HUP! *Marches away*
Blake: They were... kind of-
Ruby: Super weird? Uh, yeah.
Maria: Hmm...
Oscar: What's wrong?
Maria: Well, I... may know this commanding officer...
Ruby: That's good, isn't it? If she's your friend, then maybe she'd be more willing to help us.
Maria: I wouldn't exactly call us... "friends".
Weiss: Acquaintances?
Maria: Not quite.
Blake: Colleagues?
Maria: Warmer.
Yang: Enemies?
Maria: That's the one!
Everyone: Wait, What?
Things went wrong...horribly wrong. They were able to meet with the commanding officer, Caroline Cordovin who instantly denied any access to the gang and ignored any of the information that they were trying to give and sent them out. The way back home was quiet as everyone felt exhausted and defeated.
Ruby: So... where are we going now?
Nora: Yeah, what's the plan?
Qrow: The plan? The plan just got shut on our face three times over. I'm going for a drink. *Walks off*
Ruby: Uncle Qrow, I really think we should try and come up with something... *watches him disappear* ...together...
Across the big universe, the TARDIS continued to pass through as the Doctor and Dalek Khan continue on detecting each planet has been returned to where it should be before the Void destroyed them. It brought a smile of relief for the Doctor to know that with the help of his team, the Original Doctor, and his future incarnations, they were all able to bring life back to the universe.
The Doctor: All is looking good. Just a few more spots then we can head back to Remnant.
Dalek Khan: They need our help more than ever down there!
The Doctor: I know. We are going to make it right now that they know Salem will lose. We have approached the next planet.
The TARDIS makes a full stop on another planet as the Doctor heads outside hoping to see the beauty of this planet but is instead met with dust, smoke, and ashes all over the area to his horror.
The Doctor: What?...No...Khan!
The Dalek exits out as well and is also shocked at the sight of this planet. They know this was not from the Void or else the planet wouldn't be here. This came from something else, this looked like an invasion and the horror was crawling up on the Doctor because it looked very familiar. He did not want to jump to conclusions yet but whatever caused this planet to burn broke him on the inside.
The Doctor: You don't think...
Dalek Khan: IT IS NOT POSSIBLE!
The Doctor: We must head back to Remnant now!
The duo headed back inside the TARDIS and made their leave from the devasted planet. Right before speeding off into the time vortex, they were being watched by an invisible ship and began their tracking of the TARDIS which meant big trouble was coming once again. The sun was beginning to set in Remnant and back at the Cotta-Arc house, Ruby sat at the backyard porch with no word or sight from her uncle.
Ruby: Ugh! Where are you?! *Throws my Scroll into the yard*
Maria: You know, I came out here to avoid the yelling. *Eats some fruit*
Ruby: Sorry. The others went to get food for tonight.
Maria: Why not go with them?
Ruby: I don't know...so much is going on that I feel like it's adding so much weight to our shoulders because of me. Even though the Doctor told us that Salem would lose...we don't know how or when it'll happen, and we couldn't get past the military today. I feel like I'm letting everyone down. *Looks down*
Maria: You know, you don't give yourself enough credit.
Ruby: Oh... *chuckles* Thanks.
Maria: That wasn't a compliment.
Ruby: Uh... what?
Maria: If I have to explain it to you, it will just defeat the purpose. But if you're tired of not knowing anything, how about we discuss those eyes of yours?
Ruby: Oh! *Stands up* Yes, ma'am, I would be honored!
Maria: Sit back down, for Pete's sake. Let's start with what you do know. Tell me.
Ruby: Uh... Silver-Eyed people are supposed to be legendary warriors. Or something. And at the Fall of Beacon, I turned a giant Wyvern into stone.
Maria: *exhales* Oh, boy.
Ruby: Look, if I already knew everything I wouldn't be asking for help! *Crosses my arms and huffs*
Maria: It's not your fault. I had my father to teach me, and even he didn't have all the answers. But what he told me makes sense, given what I've seen.
Ruby: Was he a Huntsman too?
Maria: It wasn't really an official title back in his day. I only knew him as an old soldier and an excellent teacher. I never attended one of those fancy academies of yours, but I scored higher on the license exam than any other Huntsman or Huntress that day.
Ruby: *smiles* You must've been proud.
Maria: Heh, he would've scolded me for showing off. He'd never been able to find much information about our abilities. Just legends of warriors whose eyes shone like mirrors, reflecting the light of the world onto darkness. He found so little, in fact, that it made him cautious. How could such powerful bloodlines be so rare? Unless something was actively seeking to destroy them.
Ruby: Salem...
Maria: I tried to keep my powers a secret, but as you know, it wasn't enough. I owe my life to my training, and my Semblance. At the end of the day, those are still your most powerful tools.
Ruby: What is your Semblance?
A lemon falls from the tree and is about to crash on Maria's plate of fruit until she catches it with her cane, without looking as well, which impressed Ruby and gave her a small clap of amazement.
Maria: "Preflexes"! A silly name I came up with. Hard to explain, but I can sense everything better than most and react to attacks almost before they happen. Combine that with my training and secret ability to turn Grimm to stone, or blind them, or vaporize them. And that's how you become the Grimm Reaper!
Ruby: So, how do I laser beam monsters with my eyeballs? OW! *Holds my head*
Maria: *smacks Ruby on the head with my cane* First, you stop thinking like that! I want you to think of all the times you've triggered your powers. What did those moments have in common?
Ruby: I... was scared, and stressed. Is it emotional? Like unlocking a Semblance?
Maria: It's emotional but more focused than that. Think, what is it you wanted?
Ruby: *clenching my hands* I wanted to protect my friends.
Maria: Precisely! It is the desire to preserve life which fuels the light inside you. And to make no mistake, it is light. Preservation is an extension of creation, or, at the very least, an enemy of destruction. The Creatures of Grimm were made by the God of Darkness, but your light comes from his brother.
Ruby: How do you know that?
Maria: I always knew how to use the light, but never why it only worked on the Grimm. Then, Jinn showed us her vision. Were you paying attention?
Ruby closed her eyes and thinks back to the visions Jinn displayed to her and her friends as the God of Light destroyed all the Grimm in the Land of Darkness. The God transformed into his dragon form and revealing his own pair of Silver Eyes which vaporized all of them.
Ruby: The God of Light... His eyes! *Stands up* Okay, where do we start?
Maria: Well, not here. The light will only work in the presence of Grimm. Meaning the only practice you'll get will be a trial by fire. But, what you can do is focus on creating a state of mind that you can tap into when you need it. Don't think about your light as a means of destroying evil, but as a way to protect the people of Remnant.
Ruby: But, that can't be right.
Maria: Hm?
Ruby: You said the light only reacts to Grimm, but... I used it during our battle at Haven. It reacted to Cinder.
Maria: Interesting... Perhaps there was something that you just weren't seeing?
Yang: RUBY!
Their conversation came to end as they heard the doors opening loudly with Yang running to her sister and Maria followed by Blake and Weiss who had a concerned look. Jaune and his team came downstairs as well worried by the sudden outburst.
Ruby: Oh, hey guys.
Jaune: What's going on?
Blake: It's Oscar. He's missing...
The eyes were widened across the rooms as Jaune and Ruby looked at each other concerned. With Qrow not responding to Ruby's calls and now Oscar missing, there was no time to waste as everyone got their things and headed out the door to look for their missing friends until they spotted the Doctor at the door as well.
The Doctor: Whoa! There's a thing called hello you know, what's the rush?
Ruby: Oscar's gone missing and we're going to find him. And if possible along the way, my Uncle Qrow. *Steps outside with the others*
The Doctor: I know where Oscar is at.
Everyone: You Do?! Where?!
The Doctor: I won't say. That's classified information between me and him.
Blake: Doctor! This isn't time for any games or tricks, this is serious-
The Doctor: And so am I! Plus, we have got bigger trouble that I need to share with the four of you.
Jaune: Maybe not now if you're not going to tell us where he is. *Looks at the TARDIS* What if we borrow your spaceship to find him?
The Doctor: The TARDIS? No! Can't you understand, if he went missing then it was his decision to go on his own.
Loud thuds were heard as everyone looked to see Nora charging to enter the TARDIS, finding ways to break in which the young time lord did not like at all.
The Doctor: OI! Stop doing that! You're gonna get yourself hurt and repaint the small damages you are leaving her.
He heard weapons clicked and swords slide out from behind as he took a deep breath of disappointment and turned around to see both Jaune and Ren holding their weapons in front of the Doctor while Team RWBY watched and thinking of what to do.
Ren: If you won't tell us where he is, then we'll have to force you to take us to him.
The Doctor: Why do people resort to threats first before any other options such as reasoning or a simple answer like understood. So please, put your weapons down and No, you won't use my TARDIS. I have bigger things to worry about and as for Oscar, only I know where he is and when he will be back.
Yang: *goes in front of the Doctor* Doctor, he's our friend and we would not abandon him if he's out there alone. Didn't you abandon us after the fall of Beacon?
The Doctor: I had my reasons but yes, I did. Do I regret it? Everyday. But eventually, I had the courage to come and visit each of you. Actions like that help us look back and realize we can be better. As we grow, as we change, we learn to improve, to adapt, to do so much more. The universe was in danger, and I made the decision to do it on my own...but not this time because I know my limits and this threat I can't do it on my own!
Everyone looked at each other as what the Doctor says is right, people change through their lives especially when events that stay forever in them affect them. Team RWBY knew that the Doctor needs their help and they will, but their minds had been made and he noticed.
The Doctor: I give you my word when I say that Oscar is alright. But, if you are desperate to go and find him when he could just pop back into the house when you least expect it then go ahead.
Team JNR began their search for Oscar while Team RWBY looked back at the Doctor who didn't have an angry look but an urgent one like a pleading look that he needs them this time.
Weiss: We won't take long! We promise!
Blake: Once we find Oscar, we'll meet up with you and talk about what happened.
Ruby: It'll be no time!
The four girls run off as well to look for their friend while the Doctor watched on as he heard footsteps behind him and turned around to see Oscar with a new look and bag of groceries. A sigh and a small chuckle from the Time lord came as he helped out Oscar.
The Doctor: I hope your little meditation time was helpful for the both of you!
Oscar: It was actually...thank you Doctor. On behalf of me and Ozpin. Where is everyone?
The Doctor: Ah. They went to go find you since they think you're missing.
Oscar: W-What?! W-We should tell them that I'm okay and back here!
The Doctor: No, let them have their little cat and mouse game. Let this be a small lesson to trust me when I say a guaranteed statement.
From the city of Argus to the deep forests of Mistral, a few miles away from Haven Academy, a Seer Grimm lurks in the forests looking for something...or someone. It continued its search until it stopped immediately and looked around. In the dark of the forests, loud metallic thuds were getting closer and louder. And from the darkness came out a Cyberman but not just any kind, it was the Lone Cyberman himself, Ashad.
Ashad: Another one to kill. *Aims my weapon* Parasite.
Before he could make the kill, the Seer displayed what looked to be a recorded message for the Cyberman to watch. Lowering his weapon down, Ashad got closer to the Grimm to watch the footage which revealed Salem from the other side.
Salem: This message goes to the lone metal warrior that killed one of my Grimm and Leonardo Lionheart. My name is Salem and I come with a united proposal that can give us both what we wish for. You know where to find me.
The message ends as the Seer Grimm awaited Ashad's response. The Lone Cyberman thought about the proposal very well and connected to his base to message them about the meeting.
Ashad: Ashad to Cyber Controller! Prepare our troops! We are moving to encounter the Grimm Queen.