Volume 3, Chapter 17:
The room was silent but peaceful as lovely orchestra music played in the background while Fria enjoyed her cup of tea and spending some reading time reading one of her favorite books. However, she wasn't alone during this and was having a lovely time reading out with her book partner.
Fria: "To be sure we will," replied Aramis and Porthos, with admirable promptness and decision, as if that were the simplest thing in the world, "to be sure we will get you out; but meantime, as we are to set off the day after tomorrow, you would do much better not to risk this Bastille."
The Doctor: "Let us do better than that," said Athos; "do not let us leave him during the whole evening. Let each of us wait at a gate of the palace with three Musketeers behind him; if we see a close carriage, at all suspicious in appearance, come out, let us fall upon it. It is a long time since we have had a skirmish with the Guards of Monsieur the Cardinal; Monsieur de Tréville must think us dead."
That book partner of hers was none other than the Doctor himself. As it turns out, just like the fateful encounter with Maria, The Doctor also met Fria back when she was young and just became the Winter Maiden. Unlike Maria, however, their encounter was more of a walk around town than a serious situation. It was at the time the Doctor offered her a book from the TARDIS, one that doesn't exist in this world but certainly a keeper for stories which happened to be one of Fria's favorite books: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas.
Fria: At the same time, Aramis made his appearance at the other end of the street upon a superb English charger. Bazin followed him upon a roan, holding by the halter a vigorous Mecklenburg horse; this was D'Artagnan's mount. The two Musketeers met at the gate. Athos and D'Artagnan watched their approach from the window. "The devil!" cried Aramis, "you have a magnificent horse there, Porthos."
The Doctor: "Yes," replied Porthos, "it is the one that ought to have been sent to me at first. A bad joke of the husband's substituted the other; but the husband has been punished since, and I have obtained full satisfaction."
As they continued to read out the story, from the glass room above, Winter and Weiss watched on as Winter was amazed by the kindness the Doctor gives while Weiss could only smile at her Doctor always doing what he loves, spreading kindness. Less than 48 hours ago, they went through one of the scariest and difficult situations of encountering the Weeping Angels. Lives were lost and Winter was slowly being killed by the Angels. But with the help of the Doctor, they formed a trap that would trap the Angels in the lava of the volcano and saving the survivors. When they returned to Atlas Academy, Winter made the announcement that she was lifting the arrest of the Doctor, bringing joy to Team RWBY and their friends.
Winter: I always wondered what Fria meant when she asked if the Good Man was here and now, I know.
Weiss: Without causing ripples or time altering, the Doctor likes to visit the past, try to explore more of Remnant. That's how Grandpa knew of him.
Winter: Well not just that, to hear from grandfather that for a short time, The Doctor stayed to help them out on non-Grimm situations. As time passed, he never stopped thinking of the Doctor and he would eventually tell us stories about him though, you were very little to understand, and Whitley was just a newborn. He'd sit there in the firelight, telling tales of the Doctor, his eyes... shining.
Weiss: Now you're starting to see the impact he leaves. He's always had that big heart of his and...that's his thing, what he wants is to spread hope and kindness around Remnant and the universe.
Winter: I've noticed. The way you students went out to rescue others after Beacon fell. To see some people handle Grimm on their own without our help. It's like he removes the fear from people.
Weiss: He's come from a very difficult past. He doesn't want anyone or the universe to go through what he went through. That's why he's awlways pushing himself and running forward.
Winter: *chuckles* He's got my approval.
Weiss: I was hoping you say that at some point.
Winter: No, no. Not about what you told me. About you and him. Very surprised my little sister has found a charming man that makes her heart flutter.
Weiss: *blushes* Hey! S-Shut up! You're one to talk! Wasn't there a certain huntsman that caught your eyes simply because of the mistake he came to Beacon with a skirt.
Winter: *blushes* That's none of your concern miss!
The two sisters share a good laugh together as it has truly been a long time since they've felt this kind of sisterly bond, and they truly missed it. The moment was cut when Winter's scroll rang with a message from General Ironwood with a video message. As she opened it, both sisters felt their blood boil by the sight of their father, Jacques Schnee.
Winter: Well...speaking of ruining the fun.
Weiss: What is he doing?
Winter and Weiss looked at each other a bit worried as Winter clicked on the video and both watched the announcement by Jacques that occurred on the same night they were dealing with the Angels.
Jacques: If I'm elected Councilman, I've made it no secret I will be opposing General Ironwood and his senseless embargo that is crippling all of Atlas. It is my belief that these measures are not only reckless, but criminal. With no shipments allowed to enter or leave leave the kingdom, I know many are suffering. And my family has been weathering the same storm as many of you. Effective immediately, I am forced to shut down all nonessential SDC operations. If elected to office, I will make the changes necessary to fix what Ironwood has broken. I hope you ask yourself before the vote, can you trust anyone else to stop Ironwood? Will Robyn Hill be able to get your jobs back?
The video message ends as both sisters looked in shock and concern by this sudden announcement of Jacques Schnee and the actions he has already took. It didn't feel right nor something he would do but they knew well that he has started a chain reaction among voters especially with election later tonight.
Winter: I think… I think Father may have just provided the spark that's going to set this kingdom on fire.
Weiss looked down to see the Doctor helping out Fria and slowly walking her into the TARDIS as she understands that there is good that could bring such a spark of positivity but that there's also evil that could cause a spark of negativity.
The Doctor: I wish I could have done it when we first met but I'm usually in a rush. *Opens the doors* A long awaited welcome.
Fria: Oh...my...stars...*gasps and looks around* This...is truly unreal. How is it bigger on the inside than outside?
The Doctor: It's a bit complex and complicated but to put it simply, think of it as a small book but contains endless pages inside of it.
Fria: These people would do anything to have this sort of technology. I'm glad you have kept it to yourself.
The Doctor: Well, how else am I supposed to travel across all of time and space.
Fria: So I've heard from the stories by so many people around Remnant. Don't you ever get lonely though Doctor?
The Doctor: Not at all. I got my friends who I travel with most of the time.
Fria: Of course, and such a great feeling. But I mean as in aren't there other people like you to be exact?
The Doctor: Ah...*sighs heavily* It's very complicated actually...
One of the rare traits of being a Maiden in Remnant was the ability to sense a kind of emotional thought within a person and Fria could truly feel the loneliness of the Doctor being his own kind. She grabbed his hand in comfort.
Fria: I may not know much about you Doctor or where you are from, but I can sense your sadness of being the only one of your kind. I just wanted to say how sorry I am.
He didn't need to tell her about the Time War or Gallifrey long gone. He didn't even need to tell her that there are two more Time Lords here but with evil intentions unlike him. But she still knew that's the burden feeling he carries, and he could only give her a small smile in return.
Later in the day, Team RWBY and Team JNOR were continuing their training with different obstacles while Winter and Weiss sparred. Winter kindly invited the Doctor as well to join but he declined due to having an important meeting with the Judoon. What they didn't know was the meeting was with Willow Schnee as the Doctor met up with her in her secret room while accompanying the holographic display of the Judoon captain as they waited for another alien species to join the meeting via hologram.
Willow: These have been all if not most creatures in Remnant that landed between the past and the present. The Doctor is more on the department of all the species he's met and encountered across the universe.
Judoon Kon-Plo: This will assist us well in recognizing the planets and its inhabitants.
The Doctor: And of course, there's a few planets which different species live together.
Willow: Right. So not including ourselves or Weiss and her friends, Marrow of the Ace-Ops has agreed to join us right?
The Doctor: He has been a huge help in difficult situations, very compassion, kind, and doesn't have that soldier factor in him. He's more like us, just trying to protect your home and the people. Have you had any luck finding others who could join?
Willow: I have reached out to a few but they told me they were going to consider and answer back with a full answer.
The Doctor: What matters is we reached out and eventually, we'll have more who will join.
Willow: I think this revival of UNIT will be much bigger than my father's version. He had many people across Remnant part of UNIT but kept it small and secretive.
The Doctor: Well, mostly everyone knows the existence of out of this world beings, so I think it's time we take the next step. Kon-Plo, as a representative of Planet Remnant, I would like to register Remnant as part of the Shadow Proclamation with UNIT being a main partner in handling alien threats.
Judoon Kon-Plo: Hmmm. And who is the leader of the organization known as UNIT?
Willow: It used to be my father, Nicholas Schnee until his passing and disbanding the organzation. However, I will be reviving it and will become the next leader of UNIT.
The Doctor: If only your father could see you now. And if he is, he is very proud of his little Willow following in his footsteps while creating your own as well.
Willow: *smiles softly* Thank you Doctor.
The Doctor: *hears my Sonic beeping* Ah, looks like the next alien guest is here to join us for the meeting. Now, you probably won't see them as a trustworthy ally but believe me when I tell you that in a new universe, new chances, anything can be possible.
Willow and Judoon Kon-Plo stared at the Doctor with confusion yet interest as the holographic display of the invitee joined the meeting as the Doctor offered a welcoming smile to them.
Back in Atlas Academy, the huntsmen and huntresses finished up their training as James Ironwood walked in with Clover. Weiss and Winter finished their sparring match with Weiss once again outsmarting her older sister which Winter acknowledges that Weiss has become a much better woman and huntress than originally expected.
Ironwood: Clover wasn't kidding. You're really giving this your all.
Ruby: Well, we have to with the way things are going.
Ironwood: You are right unfortunately. With the recent discovery of the Cybermen creating hybrids with Grimm and a partnership with Salem. Things are starting to get a little busier than usual. Ren, how are you recovering?
Ren: Slowly. Stable. But a gash won't keep me down.
Yang: Just like Robyn who is much better and got a spine than Jacques Schnee.
Ironwood: Oh, I suppose so. Either way, this election doesn't bode well for our stability.
Ruby: It could be a chance to work with Robyn and get Mantle on your side.
Ironwood: The likelihood of that working-
Nora: She's right, you have to do something about Mantle. If you could get Robyn to trust you...
Jaune: I bet if you opened up to her she'd understand that you're being framed.
Ironwood: *sighs* Perhaps... but it will only work if she's open too.
Ren: I take it you're here for new mission assignments?
Clover: You could say that. The General and I want you to take the rest of the day to recuperate.
This surprised everyone as they looked at each other wondering if Ironwood actually meant them and not the Ace-Ops or someone that could be behind them.
Blake: You're...giving us a night off?
Ironwood: Ordering it. After tonight's election, we'll be waking up to a very different Atlas tomorrow. I need you rested and ready for whatever that may bring.
The two teams looked at each other and cheered for the day off as the higher ups made their leave. As everyone continues to rest up and talk about plans for later tonight, Weiss decided to pull up her scroll and message the Doctor wondering if he could take her somewhere as a date and to clear her head for a little while. Back in Willow's secret room, the Doctor got the message from his scroll and excused himself for a bit while the Shadow Proclamation meeting continued.
Weiss: Ironwood gave us the rest of the day off. Do you think we could somewhere nice and relaxing?
The Doctor: You are asking a professional of the best places in the universe. I'm going to take you out on a special date. Make sure to get ready when I pick you up.
Weiss: *nerd emoji* You make it sound like you have a cool car instead of the TARDIS.
The Doctor: I do have a cool machine and she's the TARDIS. Plus, I'm the King of Cool.
Weiss: *laughing emoji* Dork. I'll get ready and see you in a bit. Love you. *kiss emoji*
The Doctor smiled softly as he replied with kissing emojis in return before putting his scroll away and continuing with the meeting. He knew where to take Weiss and it was going to be the best date of their lives and a perfect place for some alone time.
An hour has passed as Team RWBY were back in the dorm room with Weiss continuing to watch live coverage of Election night while Blake and Yang were getting ready to go out and Ruby just laid in her bed thinking some inner thoughts.
Newscaster: We still have hours ahead of us, but as votes come in, it looks more and more certain that Robyn Hill will fill the open council seat.
Weiss: *scoffs and puts my scroll away* There's no way my father could've thought layoffs would do anything but hurt him. So why announce this the day before the election?
Yang: Just seems like a power play that backfired to me. Won't matter in a few hours though. *Jumps off the bed and goes next to Blake*
Ruby: Where are you guys going?
Blake: *fixes myself* Team FNKI invited us out dancing. Yang and I thought it would be good to get our minds off the election.
Ruby: I thought you said Team FNKI was annoying.
Yang: That's the best part about dance clubs. *whispers* I can't hear you.
Blake giggled as she continued to fix herself while Nora and Ren were at the door waiting for Ruby to join them as they were headed to Robyn's campaign party. If anything, Ren and Nora knew Robyn would be relieved to see them well after the Cybermen incident.
Nora: Ruby, come on!
Weiss: I still can't believe you're going to that thing.
Nora: Just because Ironwood dislikes Robyn doesn't mean we all have to. From where I'm standing both of them seem to be trying their best to help Atlas. As to who's doing a better job…
Weiss: *sighs* But a victory party?
Ruby: Eh. *shrugs* Invite's still open if you want in. Penny's gonna be working security. Unless you wanna join Jaune and Oscar since they are heading to the movies.
Weiss: No thanks. The Doctor is already planning to take me somewhere as well.
Laughter was heard from behind as Weiss turned around with Ruby looking at Blake and Yang having some fun with Yang trying to teach Blake how to dance. It's safe to say that if something were to go down tonight, it be the Bumbleby duo locking lips and holding hands.
Yang: *laughs* Oh my gosh, no. You gotta do it like this. *shuffles*
Blake: That's what I'm doing! *giggles*
Ruby: Well, I'll catch you guys later and have fun. *Waves and leaves*
Weiss waved back at Ruby left and not long after, Blake and Yang made their leave while continuing to tease each other. Weiss could only smile softly at the sight of her two friends in love with each other, yet they didn't know. Weiss was now by herself in the dorm room, waiting for the Doctor to pick her up as she made sure to get herself ready and wearing her formal dress from the "charity" night where she happened to reunite with the Doctor thus getting her memories back.
Weiss: *giggles* How is it he's always on time with situations yet so late for our dates.
As if she summoned him as the wind blows in the room while hearing that mechanical groaning noise with the TARDIS materializing in front of her. The doors opened as Weiss slowly made her way in like a princess entering a magical kingdom and in front of her was her knight in shining armor donning a red velvet coat, black vest, white shirt, black pants, and brown formal shoes.
The Doctor: Your carriage is here my lady. *Grabs her hand and kisses it*
Weiss: I am honored my prince. *Giggles and looks at him* Mmm stunning.
The Doctor: You left me stunned when I saw you with this dress that night at your mansion.
Weiss: Oh? *smirks* Are you saying my songbird dress is a favorite of yours.
The Doctor: Everything about you is my favorite, Weiss Schnee. So, ready for our luxury date?
Weiss: Always and it'll help me clear my head for a bit with everything going on.
The Doctor: Oh, you don't worry about that my dear. We've got all the time in the world. Off We Go!
The Doctor pulls the lever as the TARDIS dematerializes from the dorm room and off to the special date with Weiss as the two enjoyed each other's company but Weiss felt something off.
Weiss: Wait, where's Khan?
The Doctor: Ah! He had to meet up with the Judoon captain Kon-Plo and another alien species about uniting a universal protection.
Weiss: Whoa...Doctor, that's huge! That's going to be a massive help for you, for us, for the universe itself. You don't have to do everything on your own anymore!
The Doctor: Well, that won't ever stop for me because it's how it goes. But it will ease down the situations for me at least. We've already registered Remnant as part of the Shadow Proclamation which means it'll be under protective watch.
Weiss: I'm literally speechless...Wow!...*hugs him* Things are getting better Doctor and I know soon this battle will finally end and we can finally live in peace...
The Doctor: Little by little but you are right. So, Khan stayed behind to continue the discussions while we come to our special date.
Weiss: You keep saying special date. You never say the word "special" a lot unless it's huge.
The Doctor: That because *lifts the lever* It is.
The TARDIS made its landing to wherever the Doctor brought her as the young time lord walked out of the doors and approached a host to discuss a booked reservation which surprised Weiss even more. He was truly going all out on this date but she wondered why? Was it their anniversary? Was it Valentines Day for Time Lords?
The Doctor: They have our dinner table ready and it's in the most beautiful part of this restaurant.
Excited and curious, Weiss grabbed his arm as the couple shared smiles and made their walk to their table. Weiss watched in amazement as her eyes sparkled at how beautiful this place was. Truly it felt like a futuristic place, but at the same time it was natural like the most beautiful forest. The two approached a hallway filled with some of the most beautiful flowers as the Doctor let Weiss go which confused her until he gave her the nod to go look ahead.
She turned around and slowly walked to the outside part of the restaurant and her eyes like saucers at the sight in front of her. Two crystal towers with Aurora Borealis flying over it and the stars shining beautifully. A small gust of wind blew over the towers as it played out a interweaving melody that sounded like a song. She was amazed and filled with so much emotion as the Doctor walked next to her.
Weiss: Doctor! *Wipes tears* T-This is...the most beautiful place I have ever seen...I don't know if it's the wind or this place has me in tears.
The Doctor: Maybe both. *Holds her hand* This is the Singing Towers of Tatiana. A planet filled with the most exotic flowers and rare crystals which is why it looked like a crystal forest on our way here. Legend says that when this planet was discovered, those crystal towers were already there. The music you hear is when the wind blows through the cave system and harmonizes with the crystal layer, this creating perhaps the most beautiful song in the universe.
Weiss: Which we made it just in time to hear it. So majestic...and beautiful.
The Doctor: It's considered one of the eight wonders of the universe. Reservation takes years to reserve. The night we arrived to Atlas, while you and the others were exploring Mantle, I came here to book a special reservation for our date.
Weiss: *giggles* Now I see why you kept calling it a special date.
The Doctor: The Aurora Borealis also happened to appear once every 7 months. A starry sky full of colors and beauty. *Looks at her*
Weiss: *sighs* Now I really feel terrible. You planned all of this out, made a reservation, and worked hard for it...just to be here for a few hours...
The Doctor: Mmmm, I wouldn't think about that much. Like I said, we have all the time in the world.
Weiss continued to watch the beautiful sight in front of her while the Doctor continued to look at her. He still wonders to this day how a time lord like him happened to end up with a beautiful star like Weiss.
The Doctor: Crazy how the night can change. Where we were over a year ago to now.
Weiss: *looks at him* And I do not regret one single moment with you. You are one of the most important reasons I am who I am today and where I am. You were the first to welcome me with such kindness and your quirky intelligence *giggles* And you were the only person who could make my heart feel like this. I never thought I would end up here, in love with a madman with his blue box, exploring the wonders and beauty of the universe...while also getting to do it with you. All those beautiful memories of us, I keep them in my heart and I truly can't wait for what the future holds for us. I love you. I love you so much my Doctor.
The Doctor: *blushes softly and chuckles* Wow. You really beat me at that. Ah Weiss Schnee, where do I even begin. I came to this universe with just a police box and a Dalek with no knowledge or any idea what to do in a new universe. I ended up meeting you after you saved me and from the moment we both made contact, it's like I saw a star right in front of me. You have helped me become a better person and finding who I am. You have given me friends, a new home, and most importantly a new family. And right in front of me is the biggest most important piece to my two hearts and I could never regret all the moments we have shared. The future has a lot of things stored for us and this right here is only the beginning. Thank you Weiss, for being my girlfriend, my star, my universe, my everything, and I love you very much my Ice Queen.
Weiss continued getting emotional as she wiped more tears from her eyes with the Doctor giving her a kiss on the cheek as they knew this night was one to remember forever and there was more than what Weiss thought.
Weiss: I don't think I can let go of this place. It's too beautiful to leave so soon...I wish it could last a lifetime...
The Doctor: I thought I told you not to worry about that silly.
Weiss: A night here isn't enough...eventually we'll need to go back and focus on what's at stake.
The Doctor: Very much true Weiss but you're forgetting one thing. You aren't in Remnant, you don't need to worry or feel sad about being here for a few hours.
Weiss thought of what the Doctor was trying to tell her with all these wibbly wobbly clues until they were starting to come together in her mind: A special date, All the time in the world, the work he put in to make this date possible. She had an idea but didn't know if it was true, so it was time for her to find out.
Weiss: Doctor?
The Doctor: Yes, my dear?
Weiss: *breathes* A night in Remnant is for a few hours. All this planning and excitement for this date left me wondering...how long...is a night here in Tatiana.
The Doctor had the biggest smile on his face as he couldn't hide it anymore and Weiss felt her heart beating fast understanding what this meant. That time here is much slower than Remnant which meant one thing for the both of them...
The Doctor: A night here in Tatiana...is 12 years. *smiles*
It was true. It was very much true as more tears fell from Weiss while she remained speechless, unable to find the proper words. The Doctor pulled out his scroll to reveal only 1 minute has passed in Remnant since they left while they were already here much longer. It meant to Weiss that it wasn't going to be an ordinary night but a long night and with her Doctor. This was the Doctor's special date, and she couldn't be any happier.
Weiss: *sniffs* Y-You really mean...
The Doctor: Time is full of surprises. Both good and bad but always unexpected. We both could use a long-needed break and some alone time for the both of us. This was my surprise for you Weiss, a night here full of adventures, joy, and memories and it's gonna be a long night.
Weiss: *wipes tears and smiles* I'm so happy...that you are my world...
The Doctor: And I'm happy that you are my universe Weiss.
As the song continues and the beautiful night sky blooms, The Doctor and Weiss share a passionate kiss to share their love, enjoy their moment, and begin what is going to be a very, very long night. For The Doctor and Weiss Schnee were forever together, happily.