Volume 3, Chapter 6:
The Doctor remained in the TARDIS ever since leaving Atlas Academy and to kill time while trying to clear his mind from everything he discovered, he was enjoying a peaceful time reading a book and eating a bowl of chocolate orange candies. Dalek Khan hasn't been out from his room for a while as he told the Doctor he was going to fix his armor. It was all peaceful either way and it helped the Doctor mentally.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
Until the doors were knocked which confused the Doctor. He knows it's not Team RWBY since they just enter the TARDIS, so he goes to investigate who is knocking on the doors. When he opens it, he is met with the Ace Ops in front of him: Clover Ebi, Marrow Amin, Harriet Bree, Elm Ederne, and Vine Zeki. He knew these were Ironwood's lapdogs after seeing them trap his friends and take them to Atlas Academy.
Clover: We haven't formally met Doctor. I am Clover Ebi and these are my crew of Ace Ops. As part of the Ace Ops, General Ironwood, and the kingdom of Atlas, we wel-
*SLAM*
The Doctor had no time to listen to such bollocks from soldiers. He wasn't a fan of soldiers, military, or higher authority. The whole Atlas military was already giving him bad vibes, especially Winter Schnee. Pressing a few buttons, the Doctor pulled the lever for a few seconds before pushing it back up. He only travelled an hour later to avoid talks from people unless they were his friends. He sat back down to enjoy his book and his candies. Until the doors opened which brought a smile knowing those were his friends.
The Doctor: I was wondering if I was gonna...see...you...
Weiss: *poses and smiles* What do you think?
The Doctor witnessed his star sparkle bright with Weiss donning a new outfit. A pale blue sleeveless dress with a vivid blue shrug with a raised collar, puffy sleeves, and long navy-blue gloves. She styled her hair into a braid as well.
The Doctor: Oh my word...
Weiss: I'll take that as I look stunning.
The Doctor: Well, you have always been beautiful. The most beautiful star in the universe, you just sometimes find ways to shine. *Grabs her hand and kisses it* My lady.
Weiss: *giggles* We're in Atlas which is colder so decided to go for a change. Can't forget the most important part though *holds my necklace*
The Doctor: Knowing you, I know you'll have something up your sleeve when we go on our date. It's already been booked by the way, a lovely night date on the planet known as Titiana.
Weiss: I thought I told you that just being with you is perfect enough. You're making me feel bad for not knowing how to get back at you.
The Doctor: Oh Weiss Schnee, my precious white rose. We have all the time in the universe to take turns, but this date is a very special one and one you will remember.
The two share a soft kiss and hold their hands together. Their tender moment was ruined by a camera sound which embarrassed both the time lord and huntress as Yang snapped a shot of them kissing with Ruby and Blake behind her giggling quietly.
Yang: Saving that one for the memory book.
Weiss: YANG?!
Blake: You two are so cute together. Nothing but pure happiness. It's the oldest story in the universe, this one or any other. Two people in love, the love story of a life. *Looks at Yang and blushes softly*
The Doctor: Thank you Blake. I noticed all three of you changed your appearances as well. I like them.
Ruby: Thanks Doctor makes me feel more badass! *smirks*
It wasn't just Weiss who changed her style for the cold Atlas weather. All of Team RWBY changed their looks. Ruby donned a sleeveless top black and red lined lace-up corset over a white low cut long-sleeved blouse, a red pleated skirt that is split at the side with a small brown belted strap across the gap, and bright red shorts under it, black bracers on her arms, and black fingerless gloves. She even styled her hair to look spikier.
Yang wasn't too different from her previous outfit donning khaki overalls, a baggy, dark brown crop aviator styled jacket with fur trim around the neck, and an orange fabric on her neck. Of course, she never forgets her Sonic Sunglasses.
The big change was perhaps Blake, cutting her hair short to shoulder length which really suited her. She wore a purple sleeveless leather catsuit with attached boots and a long, white tailcoat.
The Doctor: Might I say you all look fantastic. Team RWBY 2.0. Blake, loving the new haircut
Blake: Thanks Doctor. I...wanted to try something new as a way of starting fresh. Ready to finally be me.
The Doctor: Certainly a magnet. *Signals to Yang*
Blake: Huh? *Looks at Yang and blushes* Y-Yang.
Yang: HYAAAA! SORRY! J-Just loving the new look. Hot- I MEAN FANTASTIC! R-Really REALLY suits you.
Yang covered her face from a massive embarrassment attack wishing she could be invisible while Blake was as red as a tomato and didn't know where else to look and covered her face as well. Ruby, Weiss, and the Doctor looked at each other and knew very well, Blake and Yang were in complete dumb love with each other.
Ruby: Where's Khan? I thought he be here with you?
The Doctor: He is. He's in his room fixing up his casing armor.
Weiss: Guess we all needed an upgrade. Even you Doctor, out with the leather jacket and in with the black frock coat. Meoooow!
The Doctor: Oh I'm still using a leather jacket. But I thought I change it up on different occasions.
Weiss: Either way, you are too handsome for this world.
Ruby: *whispers* I hope Blake and Yang can be this calm when flirting or else it's gonna be nonstop tease and puns.
The Doctor: So, how about a trip into the depths of space. I found a cool planet that's all water, but a huge kingdom exists under it. Or we can go visit Weiss's twin friend as well.
Weiss: As exciting and amazing as that sounds, we'll have to pause for today. General Ironwood has us working with Ace-Ops on securing the dust caves.
Ruby: First official mission in Atlas. BOOYAH!
The Doctor: *sighs* Yes, the Atlas top soldiers. They actually came knocking on my door, but I instantly closed it and travelled to an hour later.
Weiss: Doctor, is there something wrong? Ever since arriving to Atlas and getting with the others...you've been acting very distant. You even left midway through the conversation last night.
Ruby: Yeah, what gives? Was it Winter's attitude? I see a lot of similarities now with Weiss.
Weiss: HEY! But...if it's Winter that's bothering you Doctor, I can go talk to her.
The Doctor: *sighs* It's not just Winter. It's all of it. Ace-Ops, Mantle, Atlas, James Ironwood. All of it. Just seeing how they act, how they plan out their plans they displayed...it reminds me so much of the Time War...
Weiss: Oh Doctor...
Yang: Doc...why didn't you say anything?
The Doctor: If I did, they would listen but not act on it.
Blake: You don't know that.
The Doctor: Winter wanting to create TARDIS as weapon, already strike one. Them putting Mantle into deeper damage and bring Grimm in. Strike Two. Having their fleet and soldiers out there ready for anything but not helping the citizens most, Strike Three.
Weiss: And that's what happened in Gallifrey...didn't it?
The Doctor: The High Council of Time Lords were powerful authorities just like James and Winter. All they cared about was power and claiming to be at the top even during the war. I know James isn't him, but he sure acts like Rassilon the Lord President of the Time Lords, of all Gallifrey.
Yang: Jeez, just by the name he sounds intimidating.
Ruby: We've all been through a lot and Ironwood has gone through it as well. But we're sure he isn't like him and never will be him. Plus, he's got us to help out as well.
Blake: You know...it could help him if you told him about Salem's defeat.
The Doctor: Sometimes Blake...people can take an answer very differently. Like you four, filled with hope and relief that she will be defeated. Some...will be driven mad to do everything in their power to make it happen sooner.
Weiss: You don't want anything with them, do you? Because of all the trauma. So, why are you still insisting on helping?
The Doctor: *looks at everyone and smiles softly* Well, that answer is right in front of me obviously. I may not like the military nor want to do much with them, but this is still my home as well and I will still make a stand to defend these lives.
The four smiled at their time-travelling friend knowing that this is his home now and like them, they are all going in to stop Salem. They know the future is safe, they just need to do their part now. And once this was all over, Team RWBY were planning to go on more adventures with the Doctor without any setbacks. Their scrolls rang, which meant it was time for them to go on their mission.
Yang: That's our cue, see you later Doc! *Walks out*
Weiss: *kisses his cheek* Please don't go around doing anything reckless. We'll try to come back later, okay?
The Doctor smiled and waved at Team RWBY as they made their leave. Once the coast was clear, the Doctor pulled up the headline of his death to come and just sat there looking at it. He knew it was not going to happen now but it was slowly coming, and he needed to be ready despite being scared.
Team RWBY were on their first Atlas mission alongside Team JNR and Ace Ops to an abandoned dust mine to secure the launch site for the Amity Communications Tower. Heavy Grimm activity was detected alongside a Geist lurking around the mine. Before entering the mine, the girls used their Sonic devices to scan heavy dust energy from inside, they needed to be real careful when using their weapons.
Their expectations to prevent it was very low.
Ruby: GUYS!
Marrow: Crap!
The mission wasn't smooth sailing with a powerful Geist in the way and hidden Grimms appeared which as well they were expecting. Team RWBY were still rookies in this sort of stuff which annoyed a member of Ace Ops while the others tried to assist them.
Clover: Charlie, Bravo, you should be able to cut off the target at the heart of the mine. Qrow and I won't be far behind.
Harriet: Copy! *Looks at Ruby* Watch and learn kid! *Gets ready and speeds off*
Ruby: Whoa! Your Semblance makes you super fast, just like me!
Harriet: Very cool. Though, based on your reaction time, I'd say I'm a little faster.
Harriet speeds across the Grimm Beowulf before killing it completely. As everyone regroups and recovers, they all look for the remaining Grimm left, the Geist. Ruby felt a pebble fall on her shoulder which caused her to look up and her eyes widened.
Ruby: G-Guys...
Everyone else looks up to see the Geist in Petra Gigas form with Dust crystals attached to it as it falls and lunges onto the ground sending everyone back. Qrow and Clover arrive just in time to notice the giant form of the Geist as this battle was perhaps far from over...or is it?
Ruby: It added Dust to its body? How are we supposed to-
A loud noise echoed the entire cave as Marrow and Blake covered their ears while the others tried to look at where the sound was coming from and what it was. The loud screeching noise turned out to be an electric guitar. Playing a guitar version of the infamous "Doctor Who" intro and walking from one of the entrances was The Doctor himself donning his own pair of sunglasses and playing the guitar.
Harriet: You've got to be kidding me...
Yang: Even that's a surprise for us!
Weiss: DOCTOR! WATCH OUT!
The Doctor continued playing it out loud as the Geist Grimm makes a charge towards the time lord freaking everyone else out. And with one final note onto the guitar, the Doctor releases giant waves of pulses, disintegrating the Geist Grimm completely and killing it. Taking a bow, the Doctor looks at everyone who just stood there with mixed reactions to this sudden display.
Marrow: Dude! THAT WAS AWESOME!
Harriet: Serious question, what the hell are you doing?
The Doctor: Playing an instrument of course. Oh, and completing your little mission.
Vine: We appreciate the assistance, but we had it in control.
The Doctor: If in control you mean by almost blowing up the mines, then you're not doing a proper job. Not that far from here, there was almost an explosion that would have trapped you all in here. Any guesses who caused it?
Harriet: *looks at the teams* Okay, who was it?
Qrow: It could have been me by accident.
The Doctor: Incorrect. It was Harriet here. When she punched the Grimm on the wall and made their move, it caused a few cracks on the wall before a few pairs of crystals were removed from the top. Fortunately, I was here to prevent that.
Harriet: *eyes widened and grunts* Shit...
Weiss: Wait, you were here this whole time?
Blake: Why didn't you say anything? We thought you were gonna stay in your TARDIS!
The Doctor: I was. But I forgot to give something to a certain person before they left. *Walks to Weiss*
The Time Lord approached his girlfriend before pulling out a crystal rose which Weiss looked at it in awe for its beauty and nature while the others wondered how a rose like that exists. He placed it on her hair and winked at her before playing a guitar edition of "Pretty Woman" as he made his walk back to wherever he came from while Weiss was blushing red like a dust crystal.
Yang: Okayyyy that was-
Ruby: Cute!
Blake: Bit weird. The Doctor is always fun with us but not like this.
Weiss: How does it look on me?
The three girls giggled at Weiss's question because they all already knew she was looking beautiful as always and just how wholesome her relationship with the Doctor is. Ace Ops watched the time lord leave and wondered what his deal was. After confirming the mission was complete, everyone went back outside and noticed they had been in there for quite some time. They noticed the TARDIS there with the Doctor watching the sunset as at the same time, General Ironwood made his arrival.
Ironwood: Can I get the team leaders over here? There's something I'd like to discuss with you. You too, Qrow.
Clover: Duty ever beckons. You all hang back a second.
Ruby, Jaune, Clover, and Qrow all met up with Ironwood to go over some serious situations going on in Mantle while the others rest. Weiss was about to approach the Doctor until she noticed the Ace Ops approaching him first which was a big uh oh.
Marrow: D-Doctor. Sir! I know we must met and slammed the door in front of us but I really want to say how-
Harriet: Reckless you were in there! You had a Grimm come after you simply for playing your guitar at high volume!
Vine: Harriet.
Harriet: Then accuse ME of almost causing an explosion-
The Doctor: Well, you are causing another right now.
Harriet: SHUT UP!
Elm: Harriet, please calm down.
Harriet: Just because you're a fancy mysterious time traveler doesn't mean YOU have any higher power over us. We're Ace Ops! The best Atlas soldiers and team! We don't have time for friends! We have a job to do and that is to protect these people and these territories.
The Doctor: Wow! That was really quite a speech there Harriet, I'll give you my congrats. All right, I'll confess… I confess you're a bigger idiot than I thought you were. You're the classic example of the inverse ratio between the size of the mouth and the size of the brain. *smiles*
Harriet: FUCK! YOU! *Marches off*
Weiss: Doctor? What's going on? What's with this-
Ironwood: What?! Already? Here? No, it's fine. Let him land. I'll deal with him myself.
Everyone was caught by Ironwood's sudden reaction. More stress as he took a deep breath while Qrow tried to comfort his old friend.
Qrow: More Mantle problems?
Ironwood: No. This one's an Atlas problem.
An airship passes by and makes its landing; however, this airship had a specific detail and one that Weiss noticed and didn't like at all. The airship had the logo of the Schnee Dust Company and Jacques Schnee came out to the displease of Weiss, James, and the Doctor.
Jacques: So let me get this straight, James. In addition to this nonsensical embargo of yours crippling my business, you've also decided you have the authority to commandeer private property? When the Council hears about this, you will never-
Ironwood: Actually, I've already informed them. As this is now the site of a classified military operation, it didn't even require a vote.
Jacques: Didn't require a vote?!
Ironwood: You might want to brush up on Council law before you lose this upcoming election, Jacques. Now. I've allowed you to land here once as a courtesy. The next time, it won't be a friendly reception.
Jacques: Lately, you seem to forget who your friends really are. I'm going to get that Council seat, James, and maybe then, you'll- *looks at Weiss and eyes widened* You! You roped my missing daughter into these schemes of yours, too? How long has she been back in Atlas? Did Winter know about this?
Weiss: *approaches him* It was my decision to come here. Just like it was my decision to leave. Or have you forgotten all about that?
Jacques: If you think I'm one to forget anything, girl, then you've misjudged the man your father is.
Weiss: *angrily* Believe me, I know exactly the kind of man you are!
Jacques: Grr! How dare you speak to me that way!? I have half a mind to-
The Doctor: Half a mind to what, Jacques?
Jacques felt a chill from behind as he slowly turned to see the Doctor right behind him and with a look only a few have seen. Dropping all the kindness for this man, the Doctor already gave him a warning that he would not hold back on Jacques. This was Strike Two. Jacques knew this was a disadvantage against him, so it was time to pull the emotional trick.
Jacques: You know... your mother was devastated when you left. Didn't leave her room for days. You know how… she gets... when she's upset.
Weiss: Nice try. After all, she helped me to escape that place, she encouraged me to leave and to find what I needed to find. If you think that trick is gonna work, then you really are stupid.
Jacques: I'VE HAD ENOUGH WITH YOUR-
A sudden grab and punch sent Jacques falling to the ground as the others watched in surprise. This was the Doctor's action; it was him who punched Jacques as the Schnee father held his bloody nose while looking at the time lord with anger and fear. Everyone was witnessing a piece of what happens when the Doctor of Hope and Kindness drops what he represents. He may look human, but it was scary to see this display.
The Doctor: I am not one to make threats Jacques Schnee, but I am one to make promises and I promise you here and NOW, you have been in the Fiery pits of hell. And the next time we meet again, it'll be more than just your nose. Is that understood?
Jacques: *gets up quickly and holds my nose* You'll regret this. *Looks at Weiss* So these are the little friends you threw everything away for?
Weiss: *shakes my head* Not friends. *Holds Ruby and Blake's hands* Family.
Jacques got back up furiously while holding his bleeding nose and marched back onto this airship and making his leave. The Doctor looked at the gang with a soft expression before noticing an Atlas truck approaching them and inside was Winter Schnee as the Doctor turned back and walked inside his TARDIS.
Weiss: *chuckles* Oh, now you show up, Winter. You just missed father.
Winter: I wouldn't say I missed hi-
Their conversation was blown out when Penny arrived onto the scene ending Team RWBY flying to the ground as everyone's favorite girl arrived with joy and displaying a hologram that says "CONGRATULATIONS".
Penny: SURPRISE! *Looks around awkwardly* Uh, did we not start yet?
Winter: *sighs* Apparently, we haven't.
Ruby: *gets back up groaning* Start what?
Not long after, everyone gathered inside Amity Colosseum where Ironwood was standing in the center with a proud Winter and an exciting Penny. Qrow and the Doctor stood by the bleachers while Team RWBY and JNR stood lined up for Ironwood's announcement.
Ironwood: It goes without saying that this arena holds a significance to all of us. It's only fitting that we should be able to reconvene here. Now. When the world needs to be brought together more than ever. The road you traveled from our first meeting hasn't been easy. You fought for your school and your friends at Beacon. You fought for the world and the innocent at Haven Academy and beyond. You faced down terrors people can't even fathom. That's not the behavior of students. It's the behavior… of Huntsmen and Huntresses.
Each scroll of the gang rang as they pulled them out and watched in surprise as their scrolls identify them from Beacon Students to Huntsmen/Huntresses License. The Doctor picked up his scroll as well as it changed from Beacon Student to Special Huntsman License.
Ren: *shocked* Wait... what is this?
Winter: You are being granted your Huntsman licenses, today.
Ironwood: I know this is coming a little ahead of schedule, but Brothers know you deserve it. I only regret that I couldn't do something a little more ceremonious for the occasion.
Ruby: I- We… we're honored, General Ironwood. But you really don't have to do th-
Ironwood: Please. With the threat of Salem still out there and tensions rising in our Kingdom, I certainly could use more trustworthy fighters by my side. I should be so lucky to have all of you.
Ironwood congratulated them one more time before making his leave as Penny handed out cake and everyone began to celebrate and have a good time altogether. The Doctor watched on with a smile as he saw that despite people like Ironwood, Winter, and Ace Ops around, there are also good people who matter on continuing this planet's future.
Weiss:*approaches the Doctor and kisses his cheek* Hey.
The Doctor: Hello sweetie.
Weiss: You okay? You really seemed...off today.
The Doctor: It's...one of those days...but punching your father was a good stress relief.
Weiss: Idiot. *giggles* Look, I know it's been a busy day for us, a off day for you but...once the night is fully out, we can go out.
The Doctor: I'm glad you said that. I got a perfect place for all of us to explore and a nice restaurant for you and me to spend some time alone.
Weiss: *winks* It's a date.
The two continued to share a moment until the TARDIS doors opened and all that came out of it was big smoke that had everyone looking on in confusion, even the Doctor himself until he remembered what this was about, which he gave a small chuckle.
Yang: Hey Doc? Is that...normal?
The Doctor: Just wait.
A large shadow loomed over the smoke which was a bit concerning until the shadow got into a familiar shape Team RWBY knew. That shadow belonged to none other than Dalek Khan.
Dalek Khan: BEHOLD! THE NEWLY UPGRADED ARMOR OF DALEK KHAN!
And out came the Dalek with a brand-new upgrade. Gone with the gold armor and in with a dark red casing armor, yellow orbs all around the bottom, purple grading sections, and silver weapon platform that contained a claw instead of the plunger like claw and a Dalek Minigun blaster. He looked much like the Supreme Dalek but with upgrades to carry colors of his friends. This was Dalek Khan 2.0 as Ruby let out a huge gasp of amazement.
Dalek Khan: Ta-da!
Ruby: AHHHHHHHHHHH! *Runs to Dalek Khan* You look amazing! You look amazing! YOU LOOK AMAZING!
Dalek Khan: Thank you best friend.
Yang: Now that is a sick, badass, and much needed upgrade. Absolutely awesome all over Khan.
Blake: And you have parts of your armor in colors that represent us!
Dalek Khan: You four just like the Doctor, are my closest friends. My partners in crime. My armor was damaged and losing its color. I knew it be perfect to upgrade it and demonstrate that I am a different Dalek.
The four girls hugged their Dalek friend while the Doctor watched on seeing his family right in front of him. He couldn't have asked for anything else and he knew he needed to make time for them as his time was winding down. That is what was bothering him and that is what is made him realize their battle against Salem is getting closer and closer.