Volume 3, Chapter 19:
Arthur Watts wasted no time in landing a blow to the Doctor but blocked it and went for an intense double ear slap, striking Watts for a moment and making him lose a bit of balance which the Doctor took the chance to kick Watts to the ground. The Doctor then approached him, but Watts retaliated with a knee to the gut then a knee to the head, knocking the Doctor down for a moment.
Arthur Watts: I must admit Doctor, you have quite the combat skills for a very difficult fight. Then again, you were always a man of trickery and surprises.
The Doctor: *grunts* You...sound like you know me.
Arthur Watts: My dear Doctor, I know more than you think.
Watts was going to go for a finishing kick, but the Doctor moved aside then proceeded to flip Watts over and position himself in a headlock to try and take out Watts. The former scientist was not expecting this much combat and aggressiveness from the Doctor as underestimating him was Watts's biggest disadvantage in this fight.
The Doctor: Give it up Watts! There's no reason for this when Salem's future is coming to an end! And the kingdom will see what you did tonight! YOU rigged this for Jacques because YOU have something planned ahead!
Arthur Watts: *cackles* THERE'S THE DOCTOR I KNOW!
Suddenly, Arthur Watts moved himself then picked up the time lord, but the Doctor dragged him onto the wall and continue the headlock, but Watts let out a maniacal laugh as if nothing was working on Arthur Watts until he positioned himself to hold the Doctor and powerbomb him onto the ground. Both men collapse from the pain and trying to catch their breaths. Both looked at each other before charging and trading back and forth hits and blocks. The Doctor was shocked by how fast Watts is and able to block and hit back while Watts was surprised to see how quick and skillful the Doctor was.
Continuing the back-and-forth hits and blocks, Watts found an opening as he once again landed a knee strike on the Doctor's guts then another knee strike towards the Doctor's head, sending him back momentarily. Watts thought he landed the ultimate strike until the Doctor recovered in seconds and landed a hard headbutt which leaves Watts tumbling. The Doctor notices he's found an opening and spears Arthur Watts through the wall, leaving both men on the ground once again. Both were drained and bruised from the hits, but it was the Doctor being the first to slowly get up while Watts struggled to get up. The Doctor was about going for a Venusian Head Strike until he heard a mechanical slither and didn't see the prosthetic tail coming for him on time, getting struck and crashing through a few boxes and old wood.
Tyrian: *laughs* Not so strong or fast enough to notice me TIME LORD! *cackles* I'm going to have the absolute honor of bringing YOUR HEAD TO HER MAJESTY!
The Doctor's vision remained blurred by the sneak strike of Tyrian as he slowly walked towards the time lord, ready to finish him off until a hand grabs Tyrian's shoulder and gets a hard throat chop, leaving Tyrian on the ground gasping for air. The Doctor noticed and looked up to see Arthur Watts back on his feet and fixing himself up.
Tyrian: *gasping for air* What...are you...doing?!
Arthur Watts: No one and I mean NO ONE has permission to finish the Doctor but ME! Besides, our work is done, and we need to make a run for it. The Doctor's precious partner has arrived. *Looks at the Doctor* Everything you think you know Doctor, is a lie.
Helping Tyrian up, they made their way out as Weiss ran to the second floor and noticed the Doctor on the ground as she helped him out but noticed Tyrian and Arthur getting away. She could slow time and stop them, but she noticed the Doctor hurt and put her priorities on him first.
The Doctor: *grunts* I'm fine...You need to go after them!
Weiss: We will eventually, but you're mad if you think I'm leaving you like this.
Weiss helps him up as they slowly made their way out of the building, but rage was building inside the Doctor seeing the destroyed evidence and worry grew as well as to how Arthur Watts knew about him and why he was so desperate about it.
(THE NEXT MORNING)
Ironwood: Citizens of Mantle - Following the most recent double Grimm/Cybermen attack, a temporary prohibition of assembly is in place. There are to be no public gatherings of any kind. Please conduct your business and return to your homes before curfew. This is for your own safety.
The next morning the horror that struck during Election Night remained the same as people were fueled with anger after what happened and with protesting that Penny should be shut down immediately. To make things worse, despite fending off Grimm and Cybermen, 7 people went missing which meant they were taken away by the Cybermen which angered the Doctor even more. He could have helped prevent it but he was too focused on Arthur Watts. Now he was in Ironwood's office with Ruby, Nora, Ren, Marrow, Qrow, Winter, and Clover hearing about what occurred last night alongside Robyn and the Happy Huntresses stealing an Atlas truck.
Ironwood: This is the Worst-case scenario. More people are dead, 7 are reported missing, Penny's been framed, and somehow, Jacques Schnee is sitting on the council!
Clover: That's the second shipment for Amity that was hit today. It seems election night was the last push Robyn needed to go from hometown hero to full-on vigilante.
Winter: I'm afraid the problem is more complicated than that. Doctor, you said you confronted Arthur Watts and saw he was the one rigging the election system before destroying everything to avoid evidence.
The Doctor: Whatever he had in his weapon, it was enough for my Sonic to be useless trying to retrieve any remaining evidence. I fought him to bring him in, but Tyrian got in the way and escaped.
Ironwood: Doctor, you did the best you could and without this information, we could be in more complicated questioning. But now, it seems Robyn has emboldened our suppliers in Mantle. They're refusing to sell us provisions until the city is adequately repaired. With Robyn redistributing the goods her team has stolen, the Amity Project is completely stalled.
Ruby: But we're so close. There has to be some way we can finish the tower.
Winter: There is - declaring martial law.
Everyone except Marrow and Clover looked in shock by this sudden action that'll be taking place with the chaos that's ensuing out there. The Doctor could only contain his emotions and clinch his fist as the memories of Rassilon returned to his mind and that's what he remains seeing in Ironwood.
Nora: You're not actually considering that, are you?
Ironwood: What's more important? Establishing communications, unite the world? Or appeasing a few city blocks?
Nora: *emotional* Don't make it sound trivial when you know it isn't. You keep talking about how we just need a little more time, but you're not the one having to struggle.
Ironwood: *sighs and looks at her* We have all had to make sacrifices for the greater good. Mantle has had to bear a lot of the burden, yes, but-
Nora: They're bearing all of it! The longer this waiting game goes on, the harder each day gets for people down there and now you wanna send in more soldiers? You can't just force people to fall in line. If you do that, you'll just be trading all of these problems for the Grimm, for the Cybermen, for Salem herself!
Ruby: Please, General Ironwood. Squeezing Mantle this way… That kind of division plays right into Salem's hands.
The Doctor: Ruby is right. There was a saying by a good man...*looks at Winter* Who sacrifice his life but helped us in escaping a deadly threat in the Atlas volcano. He said we can save everyone if we can, but most times it's either lose everyone but save one or save everyone but lose one. Human progress isn't measured by industry, it's measured by the value you place on a life. An unimportant life. A life without privilege. The people who died last night, their values is your value. That's what defines an age. That's what defines a species.
All eyes were on the Doctor has he made a clear point and while Winter is always to follow Ironwood's thoughts and actions, for this one, The Doctor was in the right and she knows it because she remembers well of what transpired with the Weeping Angels.
Nora: *grunts in frustration* I am so sick of this! If we just told everyone about Amity, about Salem-
Ironwood: WE CAN'T! If we talk about Amity now, we risk Salem's forces, who we know are here, working to sabotage it. If we tell them about Salem now, we risk falling to the Grimm before we can reunite Remnant. *Slams fist on the table* We have to finish the tower. I want Robyn Hill in custody. We can offer her a deal if she gets Mantle to cooperate.
Clover: We'll figure it out.
Ironwood: Anyone not assisting with Robyn needs to focus on Tyrian and Arthur. Do I make myself clear?
Clover and Winter: Yes, sir.
Ren: Yes, sir.
Ruby and Nora were the only ones with no response as they still remained in shock by Ironwood's plans and aggressiveness then Ren's response to following Ironwood's order until their eyes landed on the Doctor who stepped forward as the room went silent.
The Doctor: No.
Ironwood: *eyes widened* Excuse Me?
The Doctor: I said No. And before you dare try to say anything or take actions against me, just know that I can do so much more than anyone in this room can. There was a man who was just like you James. A leader, a politician, a person many look to in search of answers, a soldier, a man who made a promise to keep his people safe. You know what happened? He went mad, he went hungry for power, he believed what he was doing was for the good of the people and he was so far off. And in the end, he went from protecting the people to doing what he thought was right and that caused the kingdom to fall. His name was Rassilon, and it's like seeing him once again. Those who know what they need to do is right, follow your heart and those who need to follow a man who is now using his power and army to lead the way, you better think about it well.
And with that, the Doctor turned around and made his leave ignoring Ironwood's call for him while everyone else watched silently and a bit terrified by this sudden change by the Doctor. Ruby and Winter knew this was not the Doctor speaking out to Ironwood but a survivor of the war that destroyed his home and eradicated his people. This wasn't just a warning but a chance to change minds and make the right choice.
Throughout the rest of the afternoon has been pretty quiet with the gang going in separate plans of action regarding Robyn, Tyrian, and Penny but the Doctor has stayed behind in his TARDIS to find any possible evidence that leads to the confirmation of Arthur Watts rigging the election system and clearing Penny of frame but he has had no luck. The way Arthur Watts acted with him in a mix of rage and excitement also left the Doctor wondering what Watts's deal was and how does he know little too more about him.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
The Doctor: Hmm? *Walks to the doors and opens it* Ah, Winter. Come to arrest me again?
Winter: At ease, Doctor. *Walks inside* I came to talk with you.
The Doctor: I'm assuming it's about earlier with my words to Ironwood.
Winter: Yes, and before I go into full detail, I truly agree with you. On everything you said. I've also been noticing the General acting...more intense and he's usually one to remain calm but it's been different.
The Doctor: When you have a person at a high and political position, power can get to them even when they deny it.
Winter: You mentioned someone named Rassilon. And you said you saw so much of him with the General.
The Doctor: I said what I said not to insult him or start something...but to keep you all cautious of him. If he doesn't change his act, it could get much worse and it could affect our plan to keep these people safe while dealing with Salem.
Winter: I know! I'm 100% with you so far.
The Doctor: *breathes* Rassilon was one of the reasons why Gallifrey, my home planet, burned to ashes and killed my people. I don't want Atlas nor Mantle nor all of Remnant to fall the same way because of one man with power.
Winter: It's amazing really. How you have the highest of power and can be the most dangerous threat to us yet that's not who decided to be and instead you're out there trying to keep people safe, give them hope, and share your kindness.
The Doctor: For starters, I never saw myself as a superior being or a god like alien. I've always seen myself as a normal guy making his way through the galaxies. But most importantly, I have an important saying that I think everyone including yourself needs to keep.
Winter: And what would that be?
The Doctor: Never be Cruel. Never be Cowardly. And Never Give In.
Winter: *chuckles lightly* Weiss did say you are one that wins battle with words. I think if you weren't an alien saving the universe and protecting his friends, you would be a best-selling poet.
The Doctor: *chuckles then looks at my hand* There's something I've been meaning to talk with you and your mother as well.
Winter: What's wrong with Weiss? Is she okay?!
The Doctor: She's perfectly fine Winter and I mean that in both ways. I think she's with Ruby checking up on Penny. Look, what I'm about to tell you will sound a bit...wibbly wobbly timey wimey...stuff.
Winter: What?
The Doctor: Point is, yesterday during everyone's day off before what occurred later in the night, I took Weiss on a date and truth be told Winter, we weren't there for just a few hours.
Winter: You still have me lost.
The Doctor: The place I took her for our date, time works very different. For what was only a couple peaceful hours, she and I were there for 5 years.
Winter: *eyes widened and stumbles a bit* 5...5 years...B-But she still-
The Doctor: Her powers have prohibited her from aging physically, but she is 24 years old in case you're wondering.
Winter: 1 year difference...Okay! Maybe this is a lot to take in but why are you telling me this?
The Doctor took a deep breath and prepared himself for the worst as he raised his hand in front of Winter and she noticed it: The ring. And she knew there was only one reason for him to have this ring.
Winter: *eyes soften* Y-You and Weiss...
The Doctor: Yes, we're engaged. 5 years there can really make a difference. Last year, well...two hours here before the attacks happened, I proposed to your sister, and she happily took it. Now I know the terms of marriage probably work differently here than back in Gallifrey so, Winter, your sister has been the most important thing to come to my life ever since she first rescued me after I crashed. She's been my universe and my light. And now, here I am to ask-
Winter: Yes.
The Doctor: W-What?
Winter: Yes, you have my approval to marry my sister. I can see it in her eyes and the way she talks about you, the way she is around you, it's all so clear just how much you mean to her. Sure, a bit of a heads up would have been nice but...you have my blessing to marry Weiss. Just promise me that you'll always love her and take care of her.
The Doctor: That's a promise I made to her the first time we travelled. I'm just glad to see her happier that you two are reconnecting once again.
Winter: We have, and I couldn't be any happier as well. I tried to move away from the family's name and reputation, but I didn't realize the consequences it would have which is leaving my sister on her own. Mother was focused on bringing father down and her own things as well which in today's time, she's been very busy protecting Remnant.
The Doctor: Little Willow, the most important hero to the Schnee family. Saved her father and helped us defeat the Slitheen.
Winter: Her and grandfather would talk so much about you and I just thought this was just a story of a madman.
The Doctor: Which I am. *winks* That's why your sister fell for me.
The two shared a good laugh up until Winter's scroll rang which she picked up and the Doctor noticed her face drop from a good mood to bad.
The Doctor: What's wrong?
Winter: *shows my scroll* Seems my father is inviting us to dinner at the mansion and wants the General to defend his position in the council.
The Doctor: I don't think I could take it well being in the same room as Ironwood and Jacques. I gave your father a pretty good sucker punch which is a rare thing for me to do.
Winter: So I've heard from Weiss, and I would like to thank you for that. I'll have to head back and report this to the General. Doctor, please be very careful with what you say or do against the General. You have free speech to speak out and I'm not saying you are in the wrong, but what any of us don't want is for him to turn you into an enemy. Just be cautious.
The Doctor: Fully noted. But, I also won't stop from speaking the truth when it is needed. Like I said before Winter...I'm not just someone who knows what a war and fallen kingdom looks like, I'm also one who has survived it.
And with that, Winter made her leave and bidding goodbye to the Doctor as he took a deep breath as the memories of the Time War returned to his mind and he just sat there quietly. Later that same night, Team RWBY with Oscar and the Doctor were in the dorm room discussing as well with Jacques Schnee invitation which raised some questions and concerns about all of this.
Weiss: Only my father would turn a hostile takeover into a fluffy PR move.
Ruby: On the news, he said he just wanted to break bread and hash things out. Maybe it won't be so bad? We do want the General to start opening up to these people, right?
The Doctor: I highly doubt that. *Crosses my arms* And I mean it to both sides.
Oscar: Yeah, but on his terms. Ironwood's going to be locked in a room at his rival's own dinner party. I know Jacques says he's happy to moderate, but all that really means is he'll be the one controlling the conversation.
Blake: Not hard to imagine how that's gonna play out.
Weiss: I still can't believe he won. Robyn was supposed to be the people's champion.
The Doctor: Until Arthur Watts rigged and pave the way for Jacques to win it instead.
Yang: You really think your dad might have something to do with Watts? With Salem?
Weiss: I think my father would do whatever it takes to win.
Ruby: And we should do the same.
Weiss: Meaning...?
Ruby: Well, no one knows your dad better than you, and out of everyone going tonight, I'd say you're the only one who could snoop around the house and not be questioned. If Jacques Schnee is up to something, I think we should know what it is.
The Doctor: I could assist as well. No one knows better at snooping through the system and looking for any hidden files than me. *Throws my Sonic Screwdriver playfully*
Weiss: *smiles then nods* Let's do it!
It was now late night as the gang alongside General Ironwood, Winter, Qrow, Penny, and the Ace-Ops stepped out of their vehicles and were right in front of the Schnee mansion. Team RWBY and Team JNOR knew the plan but no sight yet of the Doctor even though he said he was going to be a bit late.
Ironwood: Suppose we should smile for the cameras?
Winter: Sir, with all due respect, you'd have to pay me.
Everyone walked towards the doors with Weiss taking a deep breath and knocking on the door. It gave her a bit of relief knowing who's usually in charge of welcoming the guests, Klein. But her hopes were shattered when the doors opened to reveal Whitley Schnee, the youngest brother of Winter and Weiss.
Whitley: Good evening, everyone.
Weiss: Whitley? Where's Klein?
Whitley: *scoffs and smiles sarcastically* What an interesting way to say "Hello, dear brother, how have you been?" I'm afraid you won't find him here. He was let go. I can't imagine why.
Weiss's face dropped with guilt knowing that her father perhaps found out Willow and Klein were the ones that helped Weiss escape this place and fired Klein. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked back to see Winter giving her a reassuring look.
Whitley: General, exactly how large do you think our dining room table is?
Ironwood: I happen to know it's enormous. But most of my guests will be on standby in case the council requests additional eyewitnesses. Until then I'm sure they'll be happily celebrating your father's victory.
Whitley: For those of you joining us in the dining room, please follow me.
Once everyone entered, Ironwood, Winter, Penny, and Clover followed Whitley to the dining room while everyone else remained in the main room for standby. Ace-Ops and Qrow also went their own ways to walk around leaving Team RWBY and Team JNOR, but they were ready to commence the plan.
Weiss: The Doctor should be appearing any moment now. I'll be in touch.
Ruby: Good luck Weiss!
Yang: Keep us updated.
Weiss began to head up the staircases but was stopped immediately by Whitley who was right in front of her, which the gang knew was instant trouble.
Oscar: This might be a problem...
Whitley: Dear sister, I was hoping we could use this time to catch up.
Weiss: Oh-
Whitley: I have to know, why did you go through so much trouble to leave home, only to come crawling back?
Yang: Why won't this kid buzz off?
Blake: We need to do something.
Weiss: Whitley please-
Whitley: I see you found your friends, not as professional or higher up like I thought. And what about that hmm, Doctor you were chasing? Or did you get lost and ended up looking for other Doctors?
The Doctor: There may be a lot of good Doctors in this world but there is only person who can call himself The Doctor.
Whitley's mouth came to cost him for talking too much as he slowly turned around to see The Doctor standing in front of him. Weiss sighed with relief while the gang chuckled at seeing how the tables turned for Whitley. The youngest Schnee sibling stuttered for words as he was intimidated by the time lord's presence.
Whitley: I-If you'll excuse me...*moves aside and runs upstairs*
The gang shared some laughs at the sight that was in front of them while Weiss gave a thankful smile to the Doctor as the two linked arms and made their way up to the one room that could have special access to system across Remnant. The one room of the biggest security organization and alien tracking organization. The room of the newly leader of UNIT, Willow Schnee.
As the gang watched the Doctor and Weiss leave, their scrolls all rang alerting them into thinking something was going on until they opened their scrolls to see something new appear on their screens with the text CLASSIFIED ENTRY displayed as each of them looked at each other confused before Ruby was the first to open it.
Ruby: Huh? This...says Ruby Rose, Certified UNIT Member.