Volume 3, Chapter 9:
The following chapter of A Gentleman in Remnant is inspired by the mind and characters made by WWE Legend, Windham Rotunda aka Bray Wyatt. May he Rest in Peace.
The single piano note played across the funhouse as it was dark, foggy, and almost quiet. The silence was not complete with the noise of roars, grunts, screaming, and clashing which would come from the trio of The Doctor, Weiss, and Marrow fighting off against the Fiend and while they had the numbers, the creature was difficult to stop. It was strong, fast, agile, durable, and malicious. The three were trying to recover while at the same time defending themselves from more attacks by the Fiend.
At one point, The Fiend was able to use a poisonous maneuver known as the Mandible Claw which poisoned Weiss before recovering by regeneration. Even with her Time Angel powers and her Sonic Myrtenaster, Weiss has had no advantage in stopping the Fiend as it reacted quickly to her attacks. Not even the bullet hits from Marrow's weapon would damage the creature so it came down to the only weapon remaining, the Doctor's mind.
Marrow: He's too fast! I can't even lay a hit or else I'm struck!
Weiss: Doctor! Anytime now!
The Doctor: Thinking! *thinks* How to stop something that is strong and fast- THAT'S IT!
Before the Doctor could give his solution, he noticed the Fiend lunging towards him with his monstrous claw but was stopped when Marrow speared the creature as Weiss gave a strong superkick to the Fiend's head and lastly, a double superkick by both Weiss and Marrow.
Weiss: That'll give us time to recover and regroup! What's the plan again?
The Doctor: That creature is very strong, very agile, and very fast. YOU have a special technique with time which means-
Weiss: I can use Time Lock temporarily to slow it down. It'll drain me but if it can take it down, let's do it.
The Doctor: Marrow and I will take turns landing a few hits and a few strikes with our weapons. Once he's weakened, use the time lock to finish it off.
Marrow: I've been wanting to crack a few moves since joining the Ace-Ops.
The three surrounded the Fiend as it quickly got back up growling more furiously and preyed upon the three fighters. Its eyes landed on the Doctor and charged towards him but was held back by a loud ringing noise from the Doctor's screwdriver which gave Marrow a chance to lay a few quick fist shots to the Fiend then blasting it with his weapon.
The Doctor: AIKIDO!
In a sudden surprise to both Weiss and Marrow, the Doctor used martial arts with striking both the Fiend's knees then a neck chop and followed by a German Supplex then a Claymore kick to the Fiend, putting it down again.
Marrow: WOOOO! I'm gonna be making a name for myself after this.
Weiss: Doctor...that was...
The Doctor: Venusian Aikido. *pants* A sacred and difficult martial art style I got to learn during my 300 years on my own. Marrow, one last move?
Marrow: Let's get it!
The Doctor: Weiss!
Weiss nodded as she concentrated and her eyes shined gold once again as the Fiend recovered but was placed in the time lock which froze it in time. The Doctor and Marrow made their tag-team finisher as the Doctor picked up the Fiend and Marrow pulled him down to the ground with a Dudley Death Drop, finishing the Fiend.
Weiss: Is he down for good?
The Doctor: Not sure but let's regroup in case it recovers!
The three got back together as everything went quiet. The piano stopped playing and there wasn't any noise that you could hear a pin drop to the floor. The three noticed and looked around their surroundings in case any more creatures were approaching. The fog picked up a bit before the Fiend disappeared in the fog, making the situation worse.
The Doctor: Back to back Now!
Giggles were heard from around the room and loud creaking noises as the fog was going down a bit, but shadowy figures appeared which the three noticed and had their weapons ready for what looks to be an ambush. However, what terrified them even more were the voices that were coming from the shadow figures.
Doll Yang: You guys playing hide and seek?
Doll Ruby: Can we join?
Doll Harriet: Marrow! Come play with us at the Funhouse!
Marrow:*shivers* Doctor...
Doll Blake: Cmon you three! They're waiting for us!
The Doctor: That's...not our friends...move back slowly...
The giggles got louder as the shadow figures were twitching and approaching the three survivors. As they got closer, they began to play a haunting lullaby that would scare the kids and give their parents nightmares.
Tick Tock goes the clock
And what then shall we see?
Tick Tock until the day
That Judgement Day is here
Tick Tock goes the clock
And all the years they fly
Tick Tock and all too soon
You and I must die.
Tick Tock goes the clock
We laughed at fate and mourned her
Tick tock goes the clock
Even for the Doctor
Tick Tock goes the clock.
He came and he kept them.
Tick Tock until the day
He returns home.
The figures surrounded the trio and as they got a better look, their hearts all dropped at the horrifying sights around them. The voices of their friends were in fact from their friends themselves now turned into horrifying peg dolls with different outfits that resembled toys and fairytale stories. They were no longer themselves but just giant, scary, withered dolls as the lullaby and giggling stopped.
Weiss:*shaking* D-Doctor...
The Doctor: I know...they did this to them...they're here...
The piano note played once again as a small light appeared from what looked like a door not far from the trio. The creaking noises were getting louder as footsteps were approaching and the piano note was being played faster and faster until the door opened and here they come...
(SHATTER by Code Orange)
One by one they all came out from the door: Exalted One, The Fiend, Abigail, Buzzard, Rambling Rabbit and the very last one to walk out with the lantern in his hand, Uncle Howdy.
You can throw it all away
When things break, things shatter
Keep it written on your face
The little details matter
Giggles came from the Peg Dolls as the sway to the music while the funhouse family continued to approach The Doctor, Weiss, and Marrow while Uncle Howdy swung the lantern with a grim smile on his face.
Only in me
(I am the coil, I am the spring)
Only in me
(I am the ghost in the machine)
Only in me
(Recount confession, give no release)
Only in me
(Only in me will your stain ever live to be)
Uncle Howdy: There you are! *laughs*
Die for me brother
(Know not what you've seen)
Love one another
(Know not where you've been)
Lie for me brother
(Know not what you'vе said)
Use me for cover
(Whеn things break, things shatter)
Uncle Howdy and the funhouse members were now standing in front of the surviving trio as they inspected the three but Uncle Howdy had such interest in the Doctor as he felt him different from the others. The Exalted One and Rambling Rabbit pulled out a wooden rocking chair as Uncle Howdy blew out the light in the lantern with everything going dark momentarily before the room was filled with fireflies to give a little light to the room.
Uncle Howdy: *sits down and chuckles* You three are very difficult but fun to catch. *Points to the Doctor* Especially you.
Exalted One: Reveal yourself and your surviving friends.
The Doctor: I'm the Doctor. This is Weiss and Marrow. They're my friends and so are Them! *Points to the peg dolls* What did you do to our friends?
Uncle Howdy: I love a good game of guessing. You think you can act brave and strong when you know you are outnumbered and overpowered.
The Doctor: If you're trying to get me to say that I am scared then you win cause we are terrified by all of this...by you...So answer my question, what did you do to our friends?...
Uncle Howdy: Your friends were in bodies built for combat, war, death...we have freed them into simple...and smaller bodies...*snaps fingers*
The Fiend and Abigail moved forward and displayed their puppets to where the trio saw another horrific sight. These puppets were carved and painted to look exactly like Ruby and the others. Abigail had Ruby, Blake, and Yang on her hands while the Fiend held Elm and Harriet. Abigail was the first to play with the Ruby puppet and they could hear her scared voice.
Ruby: Doctor!...
Yang: Weiss!...
Elm: Marrow!...
Harriet: Help...Us...
Blake: Save...Us...
Weiss: *points Myrtenaster at Uncle Howdy* Release my friends NOW!
Uncle Howdy: Sorry, but you're not in charge here. You don't command me. Isn't that your father's job to do when you're a very bad girl. *chuckles*
Weiss felt terrified yet hurt by this personal attack by Uncle Howdy as he signaled Abigail and The Fiend to return to the back alongside their puppet friends.
Uncle Howdy: We simply transferred their souls to their new bodies while we transformed their old bodies into precious dolls.
Marrow: *mumbles* Sick...
Exalted One: That white haired girl was killed by Uncle Howdy. How is she still alive?
The Doctor: Regeneration. Can't do much against her.
Uncle Howdy: But I can look into each of your souls and see the pain that rattles each of you. One still feels not welcomed, especially by his so-called partners. One still feels trapped in a maze she believed was free from a long time ago. And one will not admit he still feels alone even with his friends by his side.
The three were struck a nerve with Weiss and Marrow looking at each other understanding a little more of what bothers them but looked at the Doctor who did not look back at them. Weiss understood very well that it's the pain of being one of the last Time Lords with the Original Doctor back in his universe with no way to access or seeing him again. The other being Cinder Fall as everyone knows her but not who she truly is and perhaps the most difficult, The Master. The monster the Time Lords created and survived the Time War to end up here in Remnant. Uncle Howdy was right that even when the Doctor has her and their friends, that piece of being a lone time lord doing good remains.
Uncle Howdy: Marrow Amin, how does it feel to still be looked down on simply because you are a Faunus? No matter the time, no matter the evolution, the discrimination for Faunus will always remain. That is what Blake Belladonna felt when I sensed her pain. You try so hard to meet the expectations of your crew but deep down you know you will never be able to.
Marrow: It hurts...because it is true...the way the Ace-Ops look at me. How they respond to me...not as much trust like the others...it's all true...
Uncle Howdy: And Weiss Schnee, a princess who wishes to escape the haunting past of troubles. How does it feel to be despised by your own father who cares little to nothing about any of you? To be looked down on by your little brother, to be pushed away by your own big sister simply because she sees that you are not ready, that you are not like her. To not help your own mother clear her name.
Weiss: *tears fall* I...I...it hurts...
The Doctor: What is it you are trying to do Howdy? Because while the pain is spot on, it doesn't keep us down. Marrow is loved by many people even if they don't show it. Clover for example, he trusted you with his heart, he believed in you, and he was very proud of how well you were doing the work for all of this. Elm, I know she can hear me, always gave that protective but proud big sister energy. The person that laughs at every joke you make but that's what she loves, your way of making others laugh! That's Kindness and it's the best and most important trait everyone should have!
Marrow's low aura was beginning to shine once again to the surprise of Uncle Howdy and the Funhouse members. Uncle Howdy inspected the Doctor once again and felt that even with the pain that bothers him, he does not stop at doing what he knows is best.
Marrow: Yeah!...You're actually right! Clover did put his trust in me and Elm does laugh my amazing jokes.
The Doctor: Weiss! *Grabs her hands* You my dear, are loved and perfect just the way you are in our own eyes. You are smart, kind, hopeful, determined, strong, and so much more. Your mother is the happiest woman because her only importance isn't about clearing her name or strangling Jacques though I wouldn't mind doing it BUT the point is, she is happy to know her three children are okay and that one of them always gets back to her with love and happiness. Your grandfather was amazed by you and whether he'll figure out that you travelled in the past, he will still be happy and grateful for the young woman you have become and because of your mother. You also have ALL of your friends who are the light for you to always reach out to. You are never alone. Neither of you are.
Weiss: *smiles softly* Thank you Doctor...
Uncle Howdy: But YOU are, Doctor. You have your friends, your adventures, your new home, but you will never have anyone like you to stand by your side. I sense the fear, the guilt, the sadness that there are others like you but only for malicious purpose. It strangles you because You are alone in bringing good, in having someone like you be with you.
The Doctor: And you are right indeed...I may be one of the last Time Lords to ever exist and perhaps the only Time Lord in this universe with good hearts, good intents, care and kindness...and that's okay...even if it pains me. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Everyday...I'll keep running. I won't stop.
Uncle Howdy saw the Doctor's aura being of mix of darkness and light. He uses the pain and emotions to turn it into strength and motivation. He was truly different and special from the others.
The Doctor: But I can also play low level like you Howdy. How did it feel when they never came back and left you all in here alone, waiting?
Silence filled the room as Uncle Howdy and the Doctor locked eyes at each other until Uncle Howdy got up from the rocking chair. He slowly walked towards the Doctor until they met face to face. The Doctor knew very well he struck a nerve at Uncle Howdy but it was the right thing to do to get closer at what they want.
Uncle Howdy: *chuckles* You are a tough nut to crack. Maybe this will make you crack. *Snaps fingers*
The Doctor immediately turned around to see the peg dolls hold both Marrow and Weiss tight as The Fiend and Exalted One approached them with their own puppets of Weiss and Marrow putting the Doctor in panic.
Weiss: *grunts* DOCTOR!
The Doctor: Stop it! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!
Uncle Howdy could only laugh as the Exalted One began to speak a ritual chant as Weiss and Marrow's eyes began to glow white while the puppets levitated on their own. The Doctor tried to move but was left in a frozen state by Uncle Howdy as he could only speak and see.
The Doctor: LEAVE THEM ALONE! IT'S ME YOU WANT! STOP IT!
Marrow: *grunts* D-Doctor...*pulls out the paper* T-The names...Find them...
Weiss: F-Find them!...and Save us!...
The Doctor: NOOOOOOO! LET THEM GO!
Marrow throws the paper as Weiss used her last strength in her body make sure it landed in front of the Doctor before both bodies fall to the ground motionless as the souls of Weiss and Marrow were now inside the puppets. The Doctor was unfrozen and grabs the paper immediately as the peg dolls and the funhouse members were getting closer to him. He knew he was next and he needed to act fast!
Tick tock goes the clock
He cradled and he trapped them
Tick tock goes the clock
Even for the Doctor.
The Doctor: If I say their name, you'll stop! *Reads through the list* Dexter Lumis...No...Uh...Nikki Cross!...Cmon!
Tick tock goes the clock
The end is approaching
Tick tock goes the clock
Til Howdy gets the Doctor.
The Doctor: Joe Gacey!...Erick Rowan...Bo Dallas...Brodie Lee!...BRAY WYATT!
Everyone stopped in their tracks as the Doctor finally found the name he was looking for. He read the name once again and found an important detail that could stop all of this and change his friends back, the boy was still alive!
The Doctor: That's who you want to return! Bray Wyatt! And he is Alive! Uncle Howdy, I wish to make a deal!
Everyone looked at Uncle Howdy as he gripped his hands into a fist and a smile appeared on his face as the other creatures moved away and stood behind Uncle Howdy but he approached the Doctor.
The Doctor: I know what you want and you know what I want. I will find and bring Bray Wyatt to you and in return I want my friends back. All of them. Is that a Deal?
Uncle Howdy: *smirks and pulls out my hand* It's a deal! I will spare you to bring him back to us.
The Doctor hesitated at first but remembered to do it for his friends to come back. He shook Uncle Howdy's hand aggressively but Howdy pulled him closer which meant bad news.
Uncle Howdy: On one condition, you will only have one hour to find him and bring him once you exit the Funhouse. No TARDIS. No Friends. All alone on your own. Then we shall see if you truly are right about being alone. Fail to bring him, and we will come for you.
The Doctor took a deep breath and admitted he was scared about this. He needed to get this done fast or it'd be the end of him and his friends. He looked over at his puppet friends with determination.
The Doctor: I will get you back I promise! Wait for me!
Uncle Howdy: Run...RUN! *laughs*
And the Doctor did in fact make a run for it as he ran out of the funhouse as the door closed and ran out of Atlas Academy as fast as he could. The timer began on his scroll which meant he only has one hour to find Bray Wyatt, get him back, and save his friends. This was different from his past situations like the Oxthordol King or Krall because in this case, he had no one and his TARDIS was gone on its own from fear.
The Doctor: Think Doctor Think! How do I get down to Mantle?
He looked around the area for any remaining airships that were not in use then spotted a good one that wouldn't get much attention. He found a small Atlas cargo ship as he ran inside and used his Sonic Screwdriver to activate it. Just one problem, this was no TARDIS and it was going to be a bit difficult to pilot.
The Doctor: Been a while since I've said it but, Off I Go!
It was a bumpy ride down from Atlas to Mantle and in no way any better than the TARDIS. Whoever claimed it was better than a flying police box was bonkers. After about a good 20 minutes, the cargo ship landed in Mantle. With that ride taking lone, there were only 40 minutes left to bring Bray Wyatt back to the Wyatt Family. Looking at the paper Marrow had printed out; he was able to find where Bray Wyatt was and knew very well by the readings that he was an elder man. The Doctor either way made a run for it.
He ran as fast as he could halfway through the town and it burned him in exhaustion, but time was winding down as he now had 26 minutes left. The worse part was figuring out how to get back to the ship before time runs out. After a few more minutes of running and looking, he finally arrived at the retirement home that Bray Wyatt lived in. Gasping for air and fixing himself, the Doctor entered and made it to the receptionist desk.
Receptionist: Hello! To whom are you paying a visit today?
The Doctor: Bray Wyatt.
The receptionist looked at the Doctor puzzled but he wasn't here to waste time and gave her a serious look that he was really here to meet him. She nodded and made her way with the Doctor to Bray Wyatt's room.
Receptionist: No one has ever come to visit him. You are actually the very first person to do so.
The Doctor: Why has he not gotten any visits?
Receptionist: When he was moved away from the shelter that's now Atlas Academy, he was all alone. His parents died during a bomb raid and his brother happened to disappear, never to be found. No relatives came for him or adopted him, he was always in foster care until he got older then he was placed here. Not to mention, there's been stories that he's...very strange...
The one thing that pained the Doctor of this was that Bray Wyatt spent years with what Uncle Howdy got to him exactly: Loneliness. He looked at the timer and there were 12 minutes left. He felt both his hearts beating fast that if he couldn't get Bray to Uncle Howdy on time, it would be over for him and everyone he knew. They stopped at the door as the receptionist opened the door slowly as the Doctor walked in and noticed the room of Bray Wyatt looking similar like a swamp house. He noticed the patio and slowly made his way outside to encounter an old man with a fedora straw hat and a floral shirt sitting on a rocking chair and enjoying the fireflies while humming a song. This old man was the one behind the Wyatt Family, the Funhouse, for he was Bray Wyatt.
Bray Wyatt: Who goes there?
The Doctor: Hello there Mr. Wyatt. I'm the Doctor.
Bray Wyatt: You are quite an extraordinary being coming here to visit me Doctor.
The Doctor: You know about me?
Bray Wyatt: I can sense it. You are different from the others. You are special. But you are also alone. Just like me.
The Doctor: Look, Mr. Wyatt, I hate to interrupt this conversation, but I need you to come with me. It's very urgent and my friends are in dangers at the hands-
Bray Wyatt: Come, sit. Let's have a nice chat under the fireflies.
The Doctor: There's no time for-
Bray Wyatt: I said sit.
Large footsteps were heard behind the Doctor as he slowly turned around to see a large behemoth with a black sheep mask looking down at him. Perhaps the tallest than Rambling Rabbit or the Exalted One. He looked at the time to see there was 7 minutes left. He accepted defeat and sat right across from Bray Wyatt as the three were now at the patio.
Bray Wyatt: They won't hurt you. You have my word. Isn't that right Braun?
The Doctor: Who are they? They all see you as their creator, their savior, what exactly are you?
Bray Wyatt: *smiles* I am their creator. I am their savior. I am the one who holds the world in his hands.
The Doctor: You are no God.
Bray Wyatt: I never said I was. I am different from the rest. I walk in this world as myself. Just like you Doctor. Tell me about yourself.
The Doctor: *sighs* I am different from the rest. I'm a Time Lord. I walk in this world as an outsider trying to bring hope and kindness.
Bray Wyatt: The world isn't as fair, clean, or all pure like those little kids books. And sadly, it will never be. But if you walk among this world and spread your aura, you can make a difference. Tell me Doctor, what is your world?
The Doctor: Here. Remnant. All life that lives amongst the stars and across time and space.
Bray Wyatt:*chuckles* Not at all. Those are just priorities and adventures you have every day. We all have priorities and adventures. Try again.
The Doctor: *gulps and shakes* My home planet...Gallifrey...that was my home...my people lived there...and now it's all dust...I feel alone because there are no other Time Lord like me who just want to see the stars and travel across the universe...
Bray Wyatt: Wrong again.
The Doctor: What?!
Bray Wyatt: That is your fear. Your inner darkness. Your scars, trauma, nightmares. Think it clearly Doctor! What is your world?
The Doctor took another deep breath and closed his eyes, thinking it thoroughly. He removed that darkness in him. He removed those priorities and adventures he carries. He removed all of it and he saw his world: The TARDIS beaming bright as a way of waving to him and His friends- No! Family. He saw them all smiling and waving at him: Dalek Khan, Ruby, Blake, Yang, Jaune, Nora, Ren, Oscar, Penny, Sun, Nicholas, Willow, and the most important person in his world, Weiss. He stopped trembling, panting, his hearts relaxed for he saw his world in his hands. The most important people he has met in this universe and the ones who have stayed with him. The family he was given, the family he cares for deeply, the family that is HIS world.
The Doctor: My family...they are my world and I have my world in the palm of my hands.
Bray Wyatt: *smiles again* I am no God. I am no monster. I am simply a different man with his world in his hands.
The Doctor opened his eyes calmly, but it disappeared when the timer went out and realized he was back at Atlas Academy, back in the room where the door to the Funhouse was in front of him. He heard footsteps behind him and turned around immediately to see Bray Wyatt and the Black Sheep. The old man smiled at the Time Lord as he snapped his fingers and the door to the Funhouse opened as footsteps were approaching them. All the Doctor was thinking about was his world and he wanted it back.
From the darkness and foggy entrance, Uncle Howdy crept out of the Funhouse alongside the Wyatt Family who carried the puppets of the Doctor's friends while their actual bodies, now peg dolls were the last to exit as the room was now full. Uncle Howdy slowly walked towards the Doctor as the key piano note played once again until Bray Wyatt stepped in front and stared eye to eye with Uncle Howdy as the piano note stopped.
Bray Wyatt: I am home dear brother.
Uncle Howdy: There you are brother.
The two shared smiles and chuckles as the Doctor was able to sigh in relief momentarily as the rest of the Wyatt family approached the old man.
Bray Wyatt: *smiles* Nicola (Abigail), Joesph (Rabbit), Samuel (Buzzard), Jon (Exalted One), I am here. I'm home.
Exalted One: Welcome back dear friend.
The Doctor watched and understood now what Bray Wyatt meant by his own world in his hands. These were not creatures of the supernatural or monsters...they were the most important people in his life.
Uncle Howdy: We've waited.
Exalted One: For as long as time itself.
Bray Wyatt: It's been...years since we last saw each other...but I never forgot any of you. Every day I thought of you. *Looks at the Doctor* He brought me back.
Uncle Howdy: The Black Sheep has protected you.
Bray Wyatt: The only one who escaped the Funhouse and returned to me. You see Doctor, I am their creator and savior for a reason. I saved them by creating them...to save their lives. During the end of the Great War, my brother and I were alone...it was just him and I trying to run from the ruins of this world. We've encountered more children who had no one. They were left behind or those who protected them were dead. My brother and I took them in as we were found and taken here, the shelter...but I'd like to call it the Firefly Funhouse. We were given this room, and we made it into our own place.
The Doctor: It explains the drawings. The toys. The games. It was a safe place for all of you.
Bray Wyatt: A safe place. A fun place. A place we can call home. Things were not easy of course but I would always find a way to keep them following the buzzards and watching the fireflies.
The Doctor: One thing remains, how did they end up...changed?
The Doctor then noticed the Exalted One pass the ruby diamond necklace to Bray Wyatt as he stared at it then raised it up for the Doctor to see it clearly. He noticed encrypted writing as well.
Bray Wyatt: This amulet was given to me as a gift by our parents before we lost them. I did not realize the amount of power it contained until dark times came to the Funhouse.
Exalted One: The Funhouse was enough to keep us home. But it wasn't enough to keep us safe from the poor result of this world.
Bray Wyatt: When the "saviors" of this world was only focused on the war, people were dying. Starvation, sickness, dehydration, everyone here called out for help but those "saviors" only said the same thing, "Help is on the way".
The Doctor: And by my guess, it affected all of you...and you used the amulet to bring them back as who they are today.
Uncle Howdy: He saved us. He freed us. He brought us into his arms and showed us the world is no longer a safe place but here, it's the safest place for us.
The Doctor: What about him? *Points to the Fiend* You only called out the others by their names but not him.
Bray Wyatt: When I felt the power of the amulet, I wanted to know what it could do and would it be able to cure my brothers and sisters. So, I did it to myself first as an experiment and it resulted in creating a version of myself that contains all of my anger, dark thoughts, and other negative energy.
The Doctor: Which is why you are very calm and wise. And that's when you decided to use it on them.
Bray Wyatt: Change was necessary but what matters is that they would live and be free. I started with my brother, made him into Uncle Howdy then followed with the others. We were no longer suffering, in the dark, or forgotten no more. It did not stop there for the power of the amulet helped create the Firefly Funhouse. Our forever home. A place where we can live for all eternity and together.
Exalted One: Only one thing kept it from making it happen.
Uncle Howdy: They took him away. Away from us. We made sure this place would feel our anger and wrath for taking our brother away as we waited for his return.
Exalted One: And only one of us was able to go and protect him until the day would come that he would return.
Bray Wyatt: You did very well Braun protecting me. Thank you.
The Doctor: It's one thing to see how it began and what became of all of you, to see why the others looked at you differently, but to attack innocent lives that had nothing to do with this-
Bray Wyatt: Ahhhh. It would seem my presence not being here agitated you all.
Uncle Howdy: We waited for you brother. We believed whoever entered shall not be able to tell the tale. We just wanted to remain home and wait for your return to us.
The Doctor: Consider yourself safe because many believe it was just a myth of the horror this shelter was. One person wasn't the same from his incident with you all, but he remained silent.
Bray Wyatt: The Doctor has told me that he made a deal with you, dear brother. To bring me back home and in return, you give him back his friends.
Uncle Howdy: He is correct, and the deal is complete.
Uncle Howdy snapped his fingers as a bright flash struck the room momentarily before the Doctor looked behind him to see Team RWBY and the Ace-Ops back to normal and back in their bodies. He took a deep breath of relief as Weiss noticed him and ran to hug him tight. Ruby, Blake, and Yang followed for a special group hug for the Doctor. But the moment was shattered when gunshots were heard coming from outside the room getting the attention of everyone.
More gunshots were heard as the alarm went off, which meant something was happening. Ace-Ops were notified on their scrolls with an alert from Clover that Amoncio Glass was causing havoc trying to avoid arrest once again.
Marrow: It's Amoncio! He grabbed a weapon while avoiding arrest and is now shooting everywhere to avoid anyone getting to him.
Harriet: We don't have much time! Let's-
Bray Wyatt: Let him in.
Everyone looked over at the old man who had a grimm smile on his face as he looked over to his monster self and nodded at it signaling on what to do. The Doctor put his hand up for Team RWBY and the Ace-Ops to follow. They all looked over at the door as more gunshots were heard before Amoncio entered the room only to be confronted by Team RWBY and Ace-Ops.
Amoncio: YOU BRATS AGAIN?! *Points the gun at them* You won't get me this time! I'll just have you all as hostages and get myself out of here!
Uncle Howdy: There you are!
Amoncio heard his voice and looked over to his horror at seeing the Wyatt Family. He saw the old man but was left in a frozen state seeing Uncle Howdy and the others. He pointed his gun towards them but could not have the courage to shoot them as fear filled his body. The room went pitch black for a moment until the room was shining all red and slowly creeping up behind Amoncio was the Fiend.
He felt it and turned around only to be met with the poisonous Mandible Claw just as the Fiend slams him to the ground as the Wyatt Family watched in delight while The Doctor, Team RWBY, and Ace-Ops watched in horror. The Fiend laughed manically as Amoncio had foam come out of his mouth which was already tainted in black veins of the poison. Bray Wyatt held out his hand for the Fiend to stop as it did, and Bray Wyatt approached the dying Amoncio. He inspected him and pulled out the amulet as he had a grimm intention in mind as the Wyatt Family began to circle around Bray Wyatt and Amoncio.
Yang: What are they-
The Doctor: Don't. It's best we don't do anything but only watch if we can.
The ruby diamond within the amulet began to glow as Bray Wyatt whispered a ritual chant as the soul of Amoncio was released from his body and trapped forever in the amulet. At that same moment, the same piano note that gave chills to the heroes was heard as they saw a terrifying sight that could make one throw up. Amoncio's body began to twitch as Rambling Rabbit and Exalted One picked him up. There, they saw his face twitching entirely before it became disfigured then shifted into the face of a pig.
Bray Wyatt: Welcome to the Funhouse, Huskus. *chuckles*
You can throw it all away
When things break, things shatter
Keep it written on your face
The little details matter
The piano note continued as the door to the Firefly Funhouse slammed open. Rambling Rabbit and Exalted One were the first to return inside with the body of now Huskus followed by Buzzard and Abigail, then the Black Sheep and the Fiend, leaving Uncle Howdy and Bray Wyatt last as the fireflies surrounded Bray Wyatt as he was no longer an old man but back to his younger self as he and Uncle Howdy walked back together to the door but stopped to look at the Doctor with a genuine smile.
Only in me
(I am the coil, I am the spring)
Only in me
(I am the ghost in the machine)
Only in me
(Recount confession, give no release)
Only in me
(Only in me will your stain ever live to be)
Bray Wyatt: Thank you, Doctor, for bringing me home. And remember, you have your whole world in your hands. Don't lose it. *mumbles* Even...when your time ends...
Die for me brother
(Know not what you've seen)
Love one another
(Know not where you've been)
Lie for me brother
(Know not what you'vе said)
Use me for cover
(Whеn things break, things shatter)
The Doctor only nodded in return as Bray Wyatt bowed to bid goodbye while Uncle Howdy tipped his hat as the two brothers walked back together to the Firefly Funhouse before the door slammed shut and disappeared forever. The lights returned to normal as there was no longer a crack on the wall meaning it was over and the Wyatt Family are gone.
Ruby: ...What just happened?...
The Doctor was about to answer until he heard a familiar groaning mechanical noise as everyone looked over to see the TARDIS finally returning after running off for the majority of the day. The joy on Team RWBY's face as the doors opened to reveal a slime covered Dalek Khan.
Ruby: *gasps* Khan! What happened?!
Dalek Khan: I've...had a very long day...
The Doctor: We all did...*puts my hand on the TARDIS* Bout time you showed up scaredy cat!
The TARDIS made some loud noises as a way to argue back with the Doctor. The door to the room opened to reveal Vine and Clover running in as the rest of the Ace-Ops saluted him.
Clover: Where is he? Amancio was last spotted entering here with you guys!
Everyone stood quiet to the confusion of Clover, Vine, and Dalek Khan until they all looked over to the wall where the crack used to be as the two Ace-Ops members noticed it disappeared before the Doctor spoke.
The Doctor: You won't have to worry about him anymore.
*HOURS LATER*
Hours had passed as everyone was now resting outside of Atlas Academy after the long, horror day they had experience. They explained everything that happened to Clover, Vine, and Dalek Khan from entering the Funhouse to the departure alongside taking Amancio with them. Only one person was not with the others and that was the Doctor who was back inside the TARDIS.
Marrow: They were all creepy, but I think the Fiend was the most terrifying.
Yang: No way! Did you not see those behemoths that was Rambling Rabbit and the Exalted One!
Ruby: I don't know guys; Abigail was the ultimate queen of nightmares.
Harriet: How the hell are you gonna say that when you got a freaky bird like nightmare named Buzzard!
Blake: I think we're all in agreement that Uncle Howdy was the most terrifying.
Everyone: Oh yeah! Yep!
Weiss: Still...everything we heard from the Doctor since he talked to Bray Wyatt, it's scary but at the same time...it's sad...
Marrow: That man did unexplained magic just to save his family. That's something I never heard before and probably will never hear about it again.
Elm: Do you guys think...they're really gone?
Ruby: Who knows? A mystery that will never be solved. *sighs* I'm going to have trust issues with a piano.
Everyone: Same!
Clover: Seems a lot...and heavy as to what happened today with you guys but what matters is that we got the job done and you're all safe. *Pats Marrow's back* You did a fantastic job leading today.
Harriet: No kidding Clover. Marrow was focused and ready during all of this! He won't stop proving to us why he's one of us! *smiles*
Marrow gasped a bit but smiled at seeing his teammates applauding him and happy to have him around which makes him feel happy and relieved. Uncle Howdy was right about his fear but the Doctor was very much right on the truth of how Marrow was truly seen in the eyes of his friends. Team RWBY watched on then looked over at the TARDIS where their Doctor was inside and alone. The four looked at each other and nodded as they excused themselves from the Ace-Ops.
Inside the TARDIS, the Doctor was sitting on a chair playing a solo cover of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Elton John with his guitar as Team RWBY quietly entered the TARDIS and observed their time lord friend wondering what was going through his head. Only he knew what was going on with Salem, The Master, his death, and now everything that happened today especially with two things: Loneliness and his world. He felt a hand touch his shoulder which startled him a bit before turning around to seeing Team RWBY which brought a small smile.
The Doctor: I didn't even hear any of you come in! How much did you hear?
Yang: Enough to convince us that you deserve to be in a band!
Weiss: Is everything okay?
The Doctor: Well-
Ruby: You'll say yes but...we know something is bothering you, especially after today.
The Doctor: *stands up* Did you know today was the very first time that I truly felt scared being alone? You think surviving the Time War, being the last of the Time Lords, being gone for 300 years, Krall and the Void, or the Daleks invading Argus would be the most terrifying...and yet everything that happened today truly...truly...*looks down* Time was not on my side today, you were all hostages as puppets, I had no TARDIS, I felt like everything was against me and I had no one...
The four girls looked at him with saddened expressions knowing that today was perhaps one of his toughest days. What they did not know was how low his mentality was during the Funhouse and right now.
The Doctor: Then Bray Wyatt talked to me heart to hearts, he made me realize that the universe is big and full of many beautiful things but it's not my world. *Looks at them* You guys are my world and just that thought of not being able to save you, being alone in this situation was so hard for me...
Weiss: *holds his hand* Doctor, you are never alone and you never will be. You will always have us and much more lives that'll come to you all across time and space. I know that what happened was scary, difficult, and dreadful but whatever is holding you down in your mind needs to go away!
Ruby: You also forgot one important thing: You can't lose us easily just like we can't lose you. To me, Yang, and Blake, you're like that big brother we wish we have.
Weiss: And to me, you're the most amazing person in this universe who's the key to my heart.
The Doctor smiled softly at his amazing companions reaching to him and giving him the comfort he needed. He knows he still has a lot on his mind but to know this fear of loneliness will be conquered because of the amazing people in his life.
Blake: There's that smile we wanted to see!
Yang: Hey Khan! Get the coordinates ready!
The Doctor: Coordinates for what?
Yang: Anywhere. Everywhere. Time and Space. An adventure awaits us and I think we can all use a good adventure right now!
Ruby: Yang's right! Let's go on one! Your choice Doctor!
Weiss: *kisses his cheek* Like you say, Off We Go! The greatest team in the universe!
The Doctor smiled even more at the sight in front of him. His five friends that are now his family, his TARDIS team, his world. And he wouldn't ask the universe to change it. Putting on his coat, he already had a perfect adventure as Dalek Khan placed the coordinates.
The Doctor: Now imagine an era filled with pirates and lots of treasure across the planet...
As the Doctor and Team RWBY talked and looked forward to their next adventure, they did not see one of screen panels with a haunting image of what's come soon. The screen displayed The Doctor with his picture...
Tick tock goes the clock
The end of a Good Man is Near
Name: The Doctor
Date of Death: November 23, 2024
Time of Death: 7:12PM
Location: Land of Darkness, Remnant
Tick tock goes the clock
Til Salem kills The Doctor
Rest in Peace Windham "Bray Wyatt" Rotunda, 1987-2023
Fly high Windham and Thank You!