Volume 3, Chapter 21:

People of Mantle continued to either riot and protest against Atlas's military officials or meet up at the bonfires to warm themselves up not knowing the dangers that lurk in the shadows. But in each bonfire trap, there were also those who were gonna get the people out to safety. The Cybermen were about to approach and kidnap more people until everything suddenly slowed down. No one was moving, not even the Cybermen as an angelic figure was in the skies using her powers to slow time down for a few minutes.

Weiss: NOW!

And out of the shadows came Team RBY who each blasted the Dalek bullets towards the Cybermen and killing them instantly. Weiss landed carefully and released the time lock from exhaustion as the people noticed the Cybermen corpses that laid there which was close to causing panic.

Ruby: Everyone, get to the nearest shelter and stay inside there until the coast is clear. Mantle is being ambushed by Cybermen and they are using the bonfires to lure you in.

Yang: We'll have you covered, Go Now!

The people thanked them before making a run for it to shelter without any massive panics as the four girls regrouped.

Blake: That's two down. The Doctor already handled the bonfire by his side.

Weiss: Which means Team JNOR and Dalek Khan are still handling- Huh? *Picks up my scroll* A message from my mom...with a file?

The other three got close to Weiss while she opened the file to reveal the Doctor handling the bonfire trap before stopping suddenly then making a run for it which worried the girls. Weiss knew something was wrong with how the Doctor acted and found the unmute button but when she clicked it, their hearts dropped at the noise of the heartbeat of the time lords. They knew very well who was trying to get the Doctor's attention, which meant he was here in Mantle.

Ruby: Guys...

Yang: That's...That's The Master...

Blake: *gasps* And he's trying to lure the Doctor in!

Weiss: Riots, Cybermen, Grimm, Arthur Watts, and now The Master. This is getting out of hand. What do we do then?

Ruby: *thinks* Khan, I'm sure he won't have any problems considering his new armor and weapon. The three of us will help Jaune and the others, you try to find the Doctor as soon as possible before The Master gets to him. If we are in the clear, we'll meet up with you.

Yang: The Doctor is too focused on him and that's what The Master wants. You have to stop him.

Weiss: *nods and displays my wings* Be careful!

The three nod as Weiss and Team RBY went their separate ways with Weiss trying to track where the Doctor is running towards. As the clanging of the heartbeat got louder like drums, The Doctor knew he was getting closer to him and needed to stop him before he begins his own chaotic destruction upon Remnant. The Doctor approached an empty alleyway in which the noise came to a stop. He looked everywhere but saw nor heard anything.

The Doctor: I know you're here! This is a different universe unlike our usual. Bet you weren't expecting me to be here as well! *Looks around* You and I aren't the only time lords left, there's one more here as well. Show yourself and let's settle this without any bloodshed. Show yourself, Master!

No response was frustrating the young time lord until one of the nearby shops had a television turned on with a static screen which caught the Doctor's attention as he carefully got close and waited for what was to come. The static screen turned pitch black for a few seconds before it began to display images of himself, Team RWBY, Dalek Khan, Team JNOR, Pyrrha, Penny, Willow, Nicholas, and all the friends he has made along the way before turning pitch black once again and a text appeared on the TV.

The Master: Doctor.

The Doctor: Master.

The Master: Looks like we both got each other's attention. I can hear you and see you from where I am.

The Doctor: *looks around and scoffs* Where are you then?

The Master: I am everywhere. Just like Kilg%re mentioned. I see everything, I hear everything, I am the one who watches all.

The Doctor: Only a coward like you would hide and not come to me, face to face.

The Master: Perhaps it is that we are not ready yet to formally meet in person or perhaps we already did, and you just didn't see it. All the faces you have met in the past and present and it didn't occur to you that perhaps one of them was me.

The Doctor: I've had my suspicion ever since knowing I was not the last Time Lord in existence. Are you working with Arthur Watts and Salem?

The Master: Salem is all talk but no act. Just because she controls those beasts and is immortal, she claims she is a GOD! But she is not. Eventually, when she knows of my existence just like Cinder Fall being a time lord, she will become more inferior than us. As for Arthur Watts, he is just a Dead Man Walking.

The Doctor: What do you mean by that? What have you done?

The Master: There's still a chance to make peace between us, Doctor. For once, I'm offering a chance. Join me. You, Me, and Cinder, we could be Masters of this universe! We could become true Gods!

The Doctor: No surprise there. You are in a brand-new universe and instantly plan on taking it over. That's not going to happen as long as I'm around and I have my friends by my side. You, however, are alone.

The Master: Perhaps. But I know much more than you, Doctor. Time can be a trickery for all of us. My time is just beginning while yours is coming to end.

The Doctor: *stiffens and looks around again* How the hell do you know that?

There was no text response coming from The Master which frustrated the Doctor once again. How does he know about his death to come during the War for Remnant. No one else knew but him.

The Doctor: MASTER!

The Master: Nothing more enticing than seeing you lose control. So many terrible things are coming for you Doctor, and eventually we will meet face to face and you will be very surprised.

The Doctor: SHOW YOURSELF NOW!

No response came again from the TV but instead a countdown appeared with only 10 seconds counting down. He looked around and just noticed dust barrels around that were temporarily cloaked. It was a trap for the Doctor, and he easily fell for it as he tried to find a long-range escape while the countdown reached its final seconds. He took a breath and closed his eyes preparing for the inevitable.

3...

2...

1...

BOOM!

The dust barrels went off causing a massive explosion around the empty alleyway as the Doctor awaited for the flames to consume until he felt something landed in front of him and covered him as shelter. He opened his eyes slowly to look forward and see Weiss hugging him tight while protecting themselves with her wings while the explosion continued to pass through until all that was left was smoke and flames.

Weiss: You...Idiot! Don't ever do that...again...*looks at him*

The Doctor: *sighs and smiles* Thank you, Weiss. *Stands up*

Weiss: *stands up* Was it him?

The Doctor: It was The Master, but he set me in a trap and didn't show up in person. *Rubs my face* I was so close Weiss! I was SO CLOSE!

Weiss: Doctor, Stop! That's what he wants, for you to crack so he can find a way to defeat you for good. You can't let that happen. You have to stay focused and strong. He sees you how we do, he can't do anything! But you have to stop giving yourself in the open!

The Doctor: There's so much going on at once. It feels like this entire thing was a setup from the start.

Weiss: We'll figure this out eventually, but we need to get back with the others and finish off these bonfire traps.

Taking a deep breath, The Doctor nodded in agreement as the two made their leave to help the others. The situation escalated into a much worse one as the Cybermen disappeared after their traps were destroyed but the panic that was caused and the rage by the people against Atlas have now brought in the Grimm to attack the city. And while it did sound terrible, Grimm was an easier threat for the Huntresses and Huntsmen to handle with soldiers getting the people to safety while the main gang handled the creatures. However, in that moment, large holographic screens were displayed across the city with the screen displaying Robyn Hill using her Truth Semblance on James Ironwood.

Robyn: Atlas, Mantle. I know you're scared. I'm here with General Ironwood, and we have a message for you. What he has to say may sound unbelievable... but it is all true.

Ironwood: An ancient and terrible evil lies outside of our Kingdom. It was responsible for the destruction of Beacon, the attack on Haven, and for the recent attacks on Mantle. This powerful force goes by the name of Salem.

Ruby: *smiles in relief* He's doing it.

Ironwood: Salem seeks only to divide us. To turn us against each other. If she can incite hatred in us, then we will lure in the Grimm and destroy ourselves.

Robyn: Salem herself does not work alone. Her minions have invaded our very city.

Ironwood: Arthur Watts and Tyrian Callows. These men are the ones responsible for the recent murders in Mantle and for sabotaging the heating grid. But we cannot let ourselves give in to fear and panic. That is what she wants! Instead, we must unite, and fight back, together. Every single one of us!

Nora: He listened. He listened to the Doctor's words and showed that he's truly protecting the people!

Ruby: *smiles then looks over* Weiss! Doctor!

Weiss: Are you guys hearing this as well?

Nora: We sure are! Looks like he remembered your words, Doc.

The Doctor: For now. The question is can he keep his promise?

Ironwood: This, my friends, is why I was forced to divert resources from Mantle - for the Amity Communication Tower. *Displays Amity Tower* Amity Tower is now completed and ready to launch. It will re-establish all global communications because the safety of every citizen is imperative, the council and I have decided to evacuate everyone in Mantle to Atlas. I am withdrawing all defenses from Amity in order to assist with repelling the Grimm in Mantle.

Robyn: We must put aside our differences and band together to defeat this threat. I fully support General Ironwood's plan.

The message came to a full end as the citizens of Mantle cheered and gone was the fear and panic that happened minutes ago. The gang watched and sighed in relief while the Doctor remembered his familiar approach when Beacon fell and the motivation he gave to the students. All it takes to change a situation from worse to better is Hope.

Back at the location where Arthur Watts, Tyrian, and Ashad were, the two men were now pissed at the sudden revelation by Ironwood feeling like their entire plan has gone to collapsing while Ashad remained still, thinking, plotting.

Arthur Watts: The Colosseum remodeling was a communications tower? How did James get this past me?

Tyrian: *furious* The Grimm should have destroyed our enemies, not made them friends!

Arthur Watts: *thinks* Hmm, Wait. *chuckles* Our tin soldier's heart has cost him his mind. We need to keep their attention on Mantle for as long as possible.

Tyrian: *smirks* You want more chaos than a Grimm invasion?

Arthur Watts: If anyone on Remnant could deliver that, wouldn't it be you?

Tyrian let out a sinister cackle and was about to response until Ashas grabbed him by the throat and pointing his weapon towards Arthur Watts as he had enough of Salem's pets fooling around.

Arthur Watts: What is the meaning of this?! Let him go!

Ashad: I could easily snap his neck and that smile off his face like a twig in seconds. You have continuously plotted your plans only for it to fall short and continue to plot again. You humans are inferior for a reason.

Arthur Watts: We can't just keep following yours and simply kidnapping people for your psychotic experiments.

Ashad: Hmph. Now I truly see why Salem looks down on all of you. A pity to not complete her favors as she wants it. *Tightens my grip*

Arthur Watts: ALRIGHT! ALRIGHT! What is your plan Ashad?

Ashad: You do what you must and reach the tower. I will handle the people of this wasteland. And YOU *looks at Tyrian* Will be our bait. Always a step ahead.

Arthur Watts was not a fan of the Cyberman's idea but if he knew what needed to be done, he would continue as Tyrian gave up and nodded weakly before Ashad dropped him. Ashad pressed a button on his arm with a signal reaching out then jumping to the ground to commence his plan while Arthur and Tyrian watched on.

Ashad: Today, shall be the beginning of the reckoning.

Back to the gang, they were helping Ace-Ops alongside Penny in getting people to safety and transported to Manta airships until Ashad's signal was detected by Team RWBY and The Doctor's Sonic devices. They all looked at the Doctor as he tried to investigate it but his serious look was enough to know what it meant.

The Doctor: Ashad...

Yang: That signal from him? That means bigger trouble.

Harriet: How so?

Blake: Their work here is not done yet.

Weiss: Nothing we can do against the Cybermen if we already know how to deal with them.

Weiss spoke too soon as the ground began to rumble causing more people to panic once again and make way to the airships while the defenders watched a portion of the ground crumble. Their eyes widened at a new horrifying sight of a new hybrid of Cyber Grimm. Cyber Beasts were the first to crawl out then came out Cyber Beowulf, Cyber Death Stalker, and a Cyber Lancer followed by the regular Grimms.

The Doctor: Looks like Ashad and Salem have been busy.

Blake: They've...created more hybrids.

The Doctor: And it won't be long til Cybermen appears *thinks* Which means Ashad is nearby.

Weiss: Ohhhh No! Don't you even think about it!

The Doctor: Weiss-

Weiss: I'm coming with you! You almost got yourself killed trying to get to The Master. You are putting yourself on suicide watch with the Cybermen! You need to slopw yourself down!

The Doctor: *rubs my face and sighs* You're right...

Weiss: Anyone else wanna join?

Yang: Love to.

Blake: But we got bigger things to handle first!

Ruby: You just be careful please!

Dalek Khan: INCOMING CYBERGRIMM!

The horde of CyberGrimm made their attacks as Team RWBY and Dalek Khan fought them through. Weiss flies up to the sky in her Time Angel form and wipes out both Grimm Lancers and Cyber Lancers, but more were still coming. What she and no one else realized was that The Doctor was gone once again and alone.

Weiss: *grunts* DOCTOR! *Charges at the Grimm and CyberGrimm*

Approaching one of Mantle's factories, Ashad made his way in and marched up to the highest floor of the building while watching the outside view of the battle between the heroes and his creations alongside Salem's inferior creations. Soon enough, not even the immortal Salem would be powerful to stop him and the Cybermen race. As he made it to the top floor, he noticed the door was open and marched his way in, trying to track the intruder.

The Doctor: Ashad, The Lone Cyberman. I've heard the stories and at last we finally meet, face to...half-face.

Ashad: And You are the Doctor. Funny. This dark age keeps on surprising me. You're not as primitive as I expected.

The Doctor: Well...you certainly took away the fun of introducing myself to you.

The Time Lord and Cyberman stood across from each other and walked around without removing eye contact. The Doctor observed him and definitely looked like he was unfinished at the last minute but was still left in a tough shape despite the rusty details.

The Doctor: You're not as cyborg-y as I expected.

Ashad: You've met my kind before?

The Doctor: You could say that. I've learned about you and encountered a few ever since the Dalek Invasion in Argus. How did that go by the way?

Ashad: You appear courageous, but your vital signs betray a heightened state of anxiety.

The Doctor: Or as I like to call it, Tuesday. *Observes him* Interesting look. What happened to you? They get bored halfway through or something?

Ashad: I am complete enough to serve my purpose. *Aims my blaster at him*

Ashad tried to fire and eliminate the Doctor here, but his weapon once again jammed until he heard the ringing noise and looked across to see the Doctor waving his Sonic device, causing Ashad's weapon to be of no use at all.

The Doctor: Mmm. Bit embarrassing. Time hop to this universe, building your army, and experimenting took a lot of juice. Now you're fresh out. Why exactly are you working with Salem?

Ashad: To eradicate this universe of the inferiors and reimagine it as our own. We made a deal; She would keep half of this planet to hers and the other half to us.

The Doctor: Surely, she asked you to retrieve something and give it to her to continue that deal?

Ashad: The relics of this planet and the powers of the maidens.

The Doctor: And how can you be so sure that she'll keep her promise? Or how can she be so sure you'll keep your promise?

Ashad: We both have the same purpose in mind: Conquer and Recreate.

The Doctor: You lots are always wanting to try being Gods. Doesn't that ever get tiring cause it sure does for me!

Ashad: You irritate me. *Marches towards him*

The Doctor: How very human. Still feel things, then? No inhibitor yet.

Ashad: I do not need to be stabilized! *Swings my arm at him*

The Doctor: *dodges the swing and moves away fast* Where are the civilians that you kidnapped?

Ashad: To converge. To evolve. To ascend. Just...like...us! *Punches through the wall* In death we are transformed, improved, updated, as you will watch and learn.

The Doctor: *dodges again* I've faced the darkest of evil and the cruelest of minds. I thought by now, they ran out of ways to make me sick. Hello again.

Ashad: Humanity is inferior. Cybermen ARE SUPERIOR!

Ashad finds an opening and lands a rib crushing hit on the Doctor that causes him to fall back on the ground and in pain as he coughed out blood for the first time. He knew a simple, quick regenerating would heal his broken ribs, but he must be more careful now and avoid death. Getting back up while still in pain, The Doctor uses his Sonic Screwdriver to send an energetic pulse towards Ashad in hopes of slowing him down, but instead, Ashad absorbs it as his body begins to recharge.

The Doctor: You've figured out how to manipulate the elements and create an extremely sophisticated and probably unlimited external power source. Not good.

Ashad: *smirks* Much better.

Once fully recharged, Ashad aimed his weapon toward the Doctor and began to fire away as the Doctor made a run for it and closely avoiding the hits from Ashad. He made a run for the floor below until a flash of light appeared in front of him and Ashad struck another blow to the Doctor's ribs.

The Doctor: *coughs out more blood* That's...new...

Ashad: You are clever. But not strong or fast enough to take us down! *Swings my arm*

The strong metallic piece made a painful contact with the Doctor which sends him flying down and crashing onto a set of stairs, putting himself in more pain and danger. Ashad was enjoying this and slowly made his walk down the stairs while the young time lord struggled to recover and get back up. He needed to escape, find a way out or to use something that could damage Ashad.

Ashad: You might be different from the human race, but you are still inferior like them.

He grabbed the Doctor, lifting him up and landing another hard strike that puts the Doctor down. His regenerative factor, trying to heal the broken parts but they were taking a while as the Doctor pulls out his Sonic Screwdriver to aim it towards Ashad but the Lone Cyberman steps on the Doctor's hand and slowly trying to crush it causing the Doctor to scream and grunt in pain. Taking one last look at the beaten-up time lord, Ashad points his weapon right at the Doctor, ready to finish him off.

Ashad: Do not worry. Your death will be quick. Your friends and the people you protect will become just like us, and your healing ability will be of good use for us. Salem will enjoy seeing your corpse in front of her.

The Doctor took a deep and painful breath as he did not stop trying to figure a way out even when near death and he hoped there would be something that could come at an instant to spare him a few more minutes. He said his prayers...and they were answered when something crashed through the wall and tackled Ashad through another wall. The Doctor gasped for air and tried to watch what had just happened but could only hear the noises of Ashad fighting someone...or something.

Getting up with all the strength he has at the moment, The Doctor tried to get a closer look but just missed a few blasts that went through the walls. That's when he noticed one of them was Ashad's blast and the other was something else. The fighting between both brute forces continued as Ashad tried to fend himself but his opponent was slightly faster and able to land his hits on the Lone Cyberman then pinning him on the wall with both hands on Ashad's neck.

Ashad: *grunts* You...are not...One of them!

The Doctor carefully peeked inside, and his eyes widened at what came through saving him and attacking Ashad. At first glance, it looked like a cyborg. Instead, it was a behemoth slightly taller than Ashad and all armor throughout its body that looked like scales similar to any reptile. It was biomechanical as he heard familiar click like growls. It was no cyborg like Ashad, it was a reptilian humanoid. It was the figure that Willow Schnee described protecting her when she was lost in the mountains during the Great Blizzard.

Holding the Lone Cyberman by the neck was none other than an Ice Warrior.

An Ice Warrior was here...In Remnant!

Ice Warrior: I. Am. Lieutenant Shalka. I. Am. An Ice Warrior!

Ashad grunted more until he used his electrical transport to escape but the Ice Warrior held on, and both were transported to the top of the factory once again. The Doctor wanted to stay and watch but his condition wasn't 100% just yet and he was expecting a very angry Weiss Schnee. But there was one thing that made his decision, Willow Schnee. He saw through the files back at the Schnee Mansion that ever since being rescued and taken care of by him, she's been looking for him. She had eyewitnesses and sightings labeled as well. Feeling his body slowly healing, The Doctor made his way up and hoped they wouldn't transport somewhere else or much worse... making this factory collapse.