Volume 3, Chapter 32:
Moments before the bomb went off from inside the Cyber Monstra, Ironwood watched from his office as the Cyber Grimm, Cyber Beasts, and Cybermen were all reacting in pain before being blown up on their own. This left him confused as to what's causing them to react like this until he noticed all the soldiers retreating back inside which slowly angered him until two Atlas Officers made their way in and saluted the General.
Ironwood: What's the report?
Atlas Commander: Sir, we have confirmation that Doctor Watts has escaped military headquarters with the assistance of Cinder Fall and a Cyberman. Many...many lives were taken by that Cyberman. We do have Jacques Schnee in custody-
Ironwood: I don't give a DAMN about Jacques Schnee. What about the other two?
Atlas Commander: *gulps* Sir, Branwen and Hill have...evaded capture. But we are monitoring every exit, so they must still be inside the compound.
Ironwood: Damn it! *Clutches my fist* Search everywhere for them. Do not return to this office until you have Qrow Branwen in custody!
Atlas Commander: Of course, sir.
The officers made their leave as Ironwood looked back at the window again and saw no sign of his soldiers out there but only the Cyber creatures and the Grimm. He needed to know what was going on and why they retreated. The only person he trusts and could answer honest was Winter.
Ironwood: *over comms* Winter, what's the status of our-
Bright flashes cut Ironwood as he looked back down and saw the Cyber Monstra blow up completely. The explosion creates an even bigger flash of light as Ironwood looked away from the brightness. On top of a building, Cinder, Watts, and Ashad watched the explosion with Cinder and Watts thinking about Salem while Ashad clutched his fist, seeing a portion of his army, his creatures, and the Cyber Controller, all gone now.
At the damaged Schnee Mansion, Weiss entered her room with dinner for Nora until she sees the explosion as well, her heart dropping at that moment with the dinner plate knowing her friends and the Doctor were over there. The others watched from the entrance with that same feeling Weiss felt about the others out there, only hoping they made it out.
The explosion suddenly reverses back into a small orb before vanishing completely as everything went silent with all that is seen being the smoke and debris around the area. The trench doors opened again as Winter and the Ace-Ops watched outside to see what was left of the battlefield. There was no sign of the Cyber Monstra nor any Grimm. All that was left were a few pieces of Cybermen and Cyber Grimm. Unknown to them, a figure is seen skipping away with the Relic of Knowledge beneath the smoke.
Winter: He did it...he activated the bomb and killed it...
Marrow: But did he make it out is the real question...
The two looked at where was once the Cyber Monstra, hoping to the Brothers Gods that the Doctor survived. Winter's scroll went off as she picked it up and answered the call.
Winter: Sir?
Ironwood: Target destroyed. Good work. But no time to celebrate. Return to the Academy at once. We've got a new problem.
Marrow: But...that wasn't us.
Winter: Then we can tell him in person. I'm pretty sure he already knows though...
Back at the top of the building where the three bad guys watched the smoke of where the Cyber Monstra was at once. They waited and tried to think of what to do now. Ashad was the first to speak out.
Ashad: My...army... My...race... My...creatures...
Arthur Watts: What will you do now, Lone Cyberman?
Ashad: *growls then walks back* I will check the remaining cyber factories and see if any have survived. The Cybermen will not die, we will only grow from here.
The Lone Cyberman disappeared in a flash of lightning leaving Cinder and Arthur Watts on their own. Cinder knew the only remaining ones in the Cyber Monstra was Salem, Neopolitan, Emerald, Hazel, Oscar, and the Doctor.
Arthur Watts: Has anyone responded?
Cinder: No.
Arthur Watts: Well, she'll come back. In the interim we need a plan.
Cinder: Plan? The plan hasn't changed. I'm going to rip the Maiden power out of Penny Polendina, because you're going to bring her to me.
Arthur Watts: *looks at her* I beg your pardon?
Cinder: You said in your message that you have control over Penny.
Arthur Watts: I said I had Penny under control, not that I could telekinetically force her to do whatever I want.
Cinder: What?...
Arthur Watts: I implanted a virus in her, you dimwit. She's on a set path now. At least, she should be. As much as I hate to admit it, there seems to be some part of her capable of resisting. *scoffs* Regardless, it's only the matter of time before her mechanical body succumbs to the virus. She'll open the Vault, then she'll destroy herself and our little Penny problem will be do-
Cinder had enough and grabbed Watts with her Grimm arm, pulling him towards her while he maintained a calm but angered expression.
Cinder: What do you mean, she'll destroy herself? How am I supposed to take her power if she's dead?!
Arthur Watts: You know, it's impressive that you haven't realized this yet, but I don't work for you! Not you and certainly not that time lady that is inside you! *chuckles* Please. You can't just threaten me like everyone else.
Something isn't right, Cinder. I feel it in him. Don't do anything stupid.
Cinder: Shut up! *Looks at Watts* You think you're so clever, don't you, Arthur?
Cinder then proceeds to stretch her Grimm arm past the edge of the roof of the building, still holding Arthur Watts as he growing more angry than scared but it didn't matter to her. She just wanted him dead now.
Arthur Watts: Salem sent you to bring me back-
Cinder: Salem isn't here right now, but I think we can still come up with a plan while she's pulling herself together. First, I'm going to watch you plummet to an unremarkable end. And then I'm going to burn a path directly to the Vault where I will wait to tear that magical puppet to pieces. *Lights my hand on fire* And take... what is mine.
Cinder...For once, listen to me-
A malicious and maniacal laugh burst from Arthur Watts, making him look like a complete psychopath which scared Cinder, even deactivating her maiden powers. She was beginning to understand that the voice knew something.
Arthur Watts: Oh, of course you are! Because that's just what you do, isn't it? *Dangles from her arm* And how has that worked out for you? You failed to fully bring Beacon down and didn't even think about stopping the Doctor! You were merely ripped apart into nothing by the hands of a Schnee who now has the power of TIME! You stormed into Fria's room, thinking you can take on Ironwood's top fighter and war machine. But you couldn't. And that machine became the Winter Maiden, not to forget, almost losing your maiden powers to the Doctor! Oh, and let's not forget your deal with Raven Branwen. Get all your enemies in one place so you'd have a shot at revenge. If only someone could have warned you against such a miserable idea. Oh wait, I did! But you pushed ahead and you lost it, when all you had to do was your job!
Flashbacks of all the struggles and failures Cinder went through her mind. She did not want to admit it but he was right, every time she had the chance, she lost it the moment she got cocky. Then another flashback appeared when she was found in the streets with no memory of who she was or where she was from until she was brought in by a very cruel woman and her two daughters. Bullied, tortured, messed with, the trauma and the scars that were inflicted on her.
Arthur Watts: You think you're entitled to everything just because you've suffered, but suffering isn't enough! You can't just be strong, you have to be SMART! You can't just be deserving, you have to be WORTHY! But all you have ever been, is a BLOODY MIGRAINE!
Cinder lets out a rageful scream as Watts was ready to fall and when he did, he didn't fall to the concrete floor. The fall wasn't even deep as he looked down and saw he was back in the roof as he looked up to see a distraught Cinder Fall before collapsing her knees as he fixed himself and got up. Cinder did not move at all nor looked at anywhere else but straightforward. Arthur Watts let out a smirk before leaning towards Cinder.
Arthur Watts: You poor broken soul...that is...if you have one. Listen to me very closely Cinder, Everything you think you know...is a lie.
He made his way to her ear and whispered something sacred that triggered Cinder to scrambling backwards while Arthur Watts only smiled and let out a chuckle. This terrified both Cinder and her time lord self at what Arthur Watts just whispered to them. They were too afraid to do anything at the moment but keep on looking at him.
Back in Ironwood's office, he had a bit of a relaxed mood as he formally greeted the Ace-Ops and Winter back, ready to move on to the next phase. Winter and Marrow shared glances at each other, wondering what the General needed.
Ironwood: It's about time. While we dealt a decisive blow to Salem today-
Winter: Sir...it was your bomb that blew up the Cyber Monstra.
Ironwood: My bomb?! B-But how on-
Marrow: The Doctor. We received a message with the word "Run" and moments later, the creature blew up.
Ironwood: I see. He stole the payload, adjusted it, and set it off inside the creature. Despite being a fugitive, he got the work done. Back to the serious issue, Cinder Fall and the remaining Cyberman attacked command and escaped with Arthur Watts. And that's not all we've lost.
Winter: Sir?
Ironwood: Qrow and Robyn have also escaped. Salem's creature was destroyed, but that doesn't mean we've stopped her. She will return and she will throw everything she has at us until there is nothing left. And we are perilously close to that already. I need the Winter Maiden, now. It's the only way Atlas can survive.
Atlas Officer: Sir! We are detecting non-military ships on radar, dozens of them!
Ironwood: Ships? Whose ships?
Atlas Officer: They appear to be Schnee Dust Company freighters, sir. They're heading straight for Mantle.
Ironwood: *looks over at Winter* Your sister... I see. They're trying to save Mantle. This has always been about Mantle, hasn't it? I need to make a call.
At the Schnee Manor, the sun was finally shining now that the dark clouds of the Cyber Monstra have disappeared. Everyone with the exception of Penny, Nora, and Klein all waited at the entrance, hoping the Doctor and the others made it out. They felt the wind then heard the wheezing noise of the TARDIS arriving which relieved everyone as they ran out to greet the rest. But that all came shattering to pieces as smiles disappeared and eyes of relief turned to eyes of fear when they saw Yang, Jaune, and Ren carrying the Doctor's motionless body with Oscar and Emerald walking out last.
Ruby and Blake felt like they were paralyzed, they never thought they would see their Doctor, their friend, their brother-like figure, motionless as tears began to fall. But it was Weiss Schnee who felt her entire world collapse, she couldn't move, speak, nor breathe as tears fell from her eyes as well. The one man that opened her heart, that made her genuinely smile, the one that helped her change into the person she is now, the one who showed her the stars, her love, her world, laying there motionless. She had seen the Doctor go through difficult moments but not like this. She never wanted to see this. She hoped it was a nightmare. She kept repeating to herself to wake up but it was all indeed real.
Weiss: DOCTOR! DOCTOR!
Willow: ON THE GROUND NOW! WEISS! *Holds her back*
Weiss: NO! NOOOO! *sobs* DOCTOR!
Ruby: *tears falling* WHAT HAPPENED?!
Yang: *sobs and trembles* T-THE BOMB...
Jaune: *sulks* The bomb...was moments away from blowing up and killing the Cyber Monstra...but the timer jammed up...the Doctor was the last one outside the TARDIS to fix it...and...
Blake: J-Jaune?!...
Ren: He fixed it...but he was shot from behind...by Dr. Merlot...
Jaune: I tried using my semblance to heal him...but nothing...
Tears fell from the four girls as they tried to tend the Doctor with even Willow calling for Klein to come down and help out as well. He wasn't moving. There was no pulse. No heartbeat. Nothing. The universe for a moment...went cold. Weiss was able to escape her mother's arms and fall on her knees right next to the Doctor. Her hands shaking, tears falling, this was the nightmare she did not want to come to life. Everything stopped for her as she looked at her hand and remembered...the regeneration she has in herself. It was from him to save her. Desperate to save him, it was time for her to return it and save him.
Weiss: I...I...I can s-save him...
Dalek Khan: IT IS RISKY!
Weiss: WHAT OTHER CHOICE DO WE HAVE KHAN?!
Ruby: YOU CAN DIE IF YOU GIVE IT BACK TO HIM!
Weiss: *looks down and sobs more* I need to do this...I need to save him...he's saved me...us...now we have to do the same...and save him...
Everyone all looked at each other, complicated thoughts, but ultimately came to an agreement. Weiss took a deep breath and was ready as her hand began to glow. She was going to give back his regeneration to save him.
Weiss: Open his shirt...
Yang moved forward and ripped the Doctor's shirt open until their eyes widened at a surprising reveal to them. The Doctor was covered with what looked like Cybermen metal, covering his entire chest area. It only meant one thing-
The Doctor: *gasps loudly* HAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! *Breathes heavily then looks around* W-Where...Where am I?
A group hug tackled the Doctor as he was back on the ground, still confused as to what happened and where he was until he noticed Team RWBY hugging him with tears in their eyes. He took a deep breath and returned the hug as possible as he could. The others sighed in relief and joy that he was okay, that he was covered all around which meant the blast just knocked him out.
Weiss: *grunts and lightly hits his shoulder* YOU! STUPID! ALIEN IDIOT! JERK! I HATE YOU! I HATE YOU! We thought...
The Doctor: *grunts and stands up slowly* Your words hurt more than the punches...*knocks on the metal* Cybernetic metal. Strapped it around myself to survive any hits from the Cybermen. Wasn't expecting them to be hard...
Blake: Easy, Doctor!
Yang: You gave us all a heart attack!
Ruby: We really thought...
The Doctor: I died? *sighs* It's gonna take a lot more than one Cyberman blast to get me. *breathes* We did it. The Cyber Monstra got blown up, Dr. Merlot and the Cybermen have been destroyed, Oh, and we got a new member.
All eyes went on Emerald who stood quiet and avoided contact but was also creeped out by another alien, bigger, and scarier, being right next to Willow. Everyone else glared at Emerald as they did not wish to welcome her.
The Doctor: Good heavens...what happened here?
Ruby: It's...a long story.
The Doctor: Noted. *Looks over at Willow and Whitley* Ahh, Willow Schnee- Whitely? *Sees the Ice Warrior* You. You're the Ice Warrior that protected Willow.
Shalka: Shalka is my name. *Bows* It is a pleasure to meet you, Doctor.
The Doctor: The pleasure is all mine. And thank you, for saving me back in Mantle and helping...my family.
Willow: I think what matters most right now, is that you kids are reunited and all okay. It's the one thing we need most before continuing everything.
The Doctor: She's right. We all need to rest for a bit, then we regroup and talk about what's next cause this is not over. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take this metal guard off and change this lovely outfit that got ruined.
Small chuckles came from the gang as the Doctor made his way back to the TARDIS. It all horrified them thinking he was dead after that blast, but it was relieving to know the Doctor was truly prepared for anything and survived.
Or so they thought...
Ren: Where's Nora?
Weiss: I'll take you to her.
Ren followed Weiss up while the others hugged each other and were happy to be reunited. Yang and Ruby shared a sisterly moment together with Yang giving Ruby a small spin hug.
Ruby: If we weren't crying thinking the Doctor was dead, I'd have tears right now seeing you again.
Yang: *smiles softly* I missed you too, little sis.
The reunion continues with Yang noticing Blake who looked down, unable to properly see Yang until she placed a hand on Blake's cheek, causing Belladonna to look up with a blush. Yang blushed in return as the two shared a soft smile and leaned their foreheads towards each other to share the tender moment.
Shalka: Dalek. You made it back.
Dalek Khan: It was not easy. But we were able to get it done.
Shalka: There's still more to fight. Will these humans be ready?
Dalek Khan: *looks at everyone* We will. They have us, they have their strong spirits, and they have the Doctor.
Back inside the TARDIS, the Doctor made sure the doors were closed and dropped the smile he displayed for a painful expression before falling to one knee. He removed the metal piece as it fell to the ground, and it was only one side, covering his front which meant he was truly hit in the back. Few more seconds of pain and trying to steady his breathing, the Doctor collapses once again the ground. This startled the TARDIS as she was about to call out for help until she noticed the Doctor slowly getting back up.
The Doctor: *grunts* NO!...I'm...fine...D-Don't call the others...I...had to lie to them...I'm sorry...
The TARDIS replied back with low noises that represent concern as the Doctor held on to the railing, trying to keep his balance but continues to heavy breath from the pain and exhaustion. He felt something inside of him, something burning, something healing, he knew what it was and looked down at his hand as it began to glow. This body was dying from the effects of the blast.
The Doctor was beginning to regenerate...
The Doctor: No...No No No No No! *Eyes widened* I'm regenerating! Nooooo! Stop that! NOT NOW!
His hands continue to glow as he stumbled around, trying to stop the process but it was difficult for him to focus. He wasn't ready, he didn't want to die, he didn't want to regenerate, he was scared, he didn't want this.
The Doctor: NO! Stop it! I won't! I'm not! STOP!
The struggled continued as he felt his body heating up more and the glowing continue which frustrates and scared the Doctor even more, it was building up anxiety and anger.
The Doctor: I WILL NOT CHANGE! *grunts in frustration* STOP! STOP! STOP! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Releasing all the fury in his scream, the glowing disappears as the regeneration stops completely while the Doctor holds on to the railing again. The TARDIS sent out more concern and fear for the Doctor's current state. He just got shot and now he just refused to regenerate.
The Doctor: *pants* I'm not...I'm not doing it!...I don't want to go...*looks at her* I REFUSE...to regenerate...I will not change...
The Doctor fell to his knees, feeling like he'll pass out again but gained as much strength possible to get back up. He's not going to go anywhere, he was staying, he'll be in so much pain but he won't stop.
The Doctor: I...can't just leave them...I don't want to...I...made a promise...I...have a duty of care...I WILL NOT REGENERATE!
Taking deep breaths, the Doctor slowly walked his way to the change room while the TARDIS looked on with a very worried feeling that this could go terribly wrong for her Doctor and could potentially kill him for real.
The Doctor: *pants more* I...I don't care...if I'm...a Time Lord...I'm not going to regenerate...Not now...NEVER...
Willow: Doctor?...
His hearts stopped when he heard that familiar voice and slowly turned around to see Willow Schnee, standing at the door with a soft and saddened expression. The Doctor could only share a look at her before looking down in shame.
Willow: I know...
The Doctor: Know what?...
Willow: Time Lord Regeneration.
His eyes widened completely and looked at her again while Willow continued to have the same expression. She slowly closed the doors of the TARDIS, for no one else to hear the conversation between her and the Doctor.
Back in Weiss's bedroom, Jaune continued to heal Nora with his semblance with little to no luck while Ren stood by the edge of the bed, both him and Nora not making any contact but it needed to be broken. Ren as the first to do so.
Ren: I'm...glad you're alright.
No response from Nora which rose the pain in him even more followed by a frustrated grunt from Jaune.
Jaune: Ah, sorry. No matter how much I boost you, they won't go away.
Nora: *Sits up slowly* Don't apologize. I got hurt doing what I always do, just another ditsy move from Nora.
Ren: Th-that's not true.
Nora: How would you know? We were supposed to be a team, but that didn't matter to you. When things went wrong you pushed us away. You shove people out so you don't have to feel things that are hard!
Ren: *looks down* You're right. I should be apologizing, to both of you. W-when we lost Oscar and things got difficult, I said terrible things. I've been so...angry, at myself. For not being as good as the Ace-Ops, for what happened at Robyn's rally, for losing the lamp. I thought if I just focused on working harder, getting stronger, that we...I, wouldn't fail. But, my biggest failing was as a teammate and as a partner.
Jaune: *looks between the two and panics* Ah ha! Ha ha! Uh...All water under the bridge, buddy! Ha ha! I'm uh...Gonna go see if Klein needs any help with Penny. *Speeds out of the room*
Nora: Ren, I just wish, I mean, why didn't you say anything? So we failed as a team, but we succeed as a team too.
Ren: I was the one holding us back. Not Jaune, not you. Me.
Nora: Well, you're wrong. All I do is make dumb jokes and smash things with a hammer.
Ren: *moves closer to Nora* What? That's not true. You put everything you have into what you do. You support everyone around you, you help without worrying about how it might hurt. And that's what I love about...
Nora: *eyes widened and looks at him* R-Ren?...
Ren: That's why I...I love you.
She heard him loud and clear but still couldn't believe it. Faint blushes appearing from both of them before looking away. Nora looked down at her hands and sighed.
Nora: When my mom ran from the Grimm and left me behind, you found me. We became Ren and Nora. But I realized on this mission apart, I don't know who "Just Nora" is. And if I'm ever going to find out, then I have to do it alone. Because I've always loved you, Lie Ren, and that pretty head on your shoulders seems like it's doing a lot better. But I still got to get mine sorted out before I can be the partner you need. Is that...okay?
Ren: *chuckles softly and smiles* It's definitely okay. *boops her nose* Boop.
Nora gave out a small giggle before returning the smile to Ren as the two rested their foreheads on each other, finally breaking the chains that held them apart and were finally ready to make it right, together.