{A/N: Okay, here is the long awaited chapter. I plan to start posting again since I have more time on my hands again. So looking forwards to working on this again. And by all means please comment and let me know what you think. Anyway enjoy.}

{3rd POV: Unknown Location, (Time: Unknown)}

We open up in a large spacious area that outstretched towards the horizon with no end. Mountains could be seen in the distance, along with several tree roots across the ground. Across the night sky floated several temples, and buildings both destroyed while also falling into decay, held only in place by some unknown gravity that didn't affect the rest of them, while others were held by the same tree roots that sprung from the ground. However what really dragged the attention was a large tree that had been split down the middle, by a large sword with several chains binding both the tree and sword together, along with a light that slowly faded in-and-out from it.

Silence befell the field, that is until it was finally broken. Across the battleground the sounds of weapons clashing, and guns frying could be heard, while the ground shook. The night sky sparkled with the vastness of the stars as the sounds came to a slow but abrupt end, before just as quickly coming back.

We then cut to the battleground as we see team STRQ charging Salem, all weapons drawn. While at first glance it had looked as if they had a fighting chance. That was quickly broken as one swipe of her blade forced team STRQ to get blown away. Tai and Summer, not wanting to give up then balanced each other and charged back at her.

Summer weapon in hand used her semblance to then charge directly at her with great speeds. While Tai ran after her, preparing himself for another confrontation against the Queen.

Salem, taking notice of their coordination could only smile. She couldn't help but find all of this thrilling. And so not wanting to back down from the two of them, she stabbed her blade to the ground and walked forward. Her expression, while calm, didn't falter under Summer and Tai's charge, meeting them head on as Salem is then revealed.

"Know then-"

"Come." Salem said, stopping in place and lifting up her right arm in an inviting pose.

As Summer got close she leaned her weapon back in the hopes of landing a strike, but just as she was about to slash at her, Salem quickly ducked underneath her attack meeting Summer gaze and taking notice of her silver eyes.

While Summer passed her, she used her weapon and stabbed it against the ground, forcing herself to turn back towards Salem while picking up even more speed, but she wound up missing in the end.

Once Summer had passed Salem, she turned away from her and turned to face Tai. Tai tried several punches along with kicks in the hopes of landing at least one, but Salem being herself put both her arms behind her back and closed her eyes. She then started avoiding his attacks, while blocking his punches with her kicks, before jumping up in the air as Summer's attack had almost connected with her body.

After landing Salem then used her left leg to press down on Summer's weapon against the ground making it get stuck. She then quickly grabbed onto Summer's face and forced her eyes shut preventing her from using them, while Tai then tried to land an attack. However just as he was about to land a hit, Salem quickly placed Summer in front of his attack which made him stop.

Salem couldn't stop herself from smiling at them, before then pushing Summer against Tai and landing a strong leg kick that sent the two of them flying back with strong force, and forcing a cloud of dust from behind Salem.

Ozma taking notice of Summer and Tai created several energy barriers to try and cushion the nook back, whoever just as soon as their bodies connected with the barriers they quickly shattered upon impact making the two of them drop and roll across the ground, before then coming to a stop in front of Ozma.

"Are you two okay?" Ozma said, getting close to the two of them and placing a hand on Summer's shoulder, while then helping Tai.

The two, still surprised by her strength, looked back at him and nodded, before then getting up again ready for another round.

After putting her foot down Salem brushed off the dust from her clothes with her left arm, she stared at the three of them from a distance.

"Is that all?" Salem said, opening her eyes and meeting their gaze. "And here I was expecting to see more from the two of you-."

Just then Salem was then cut off, as the cloud of smoke that was behind showed two figures quickly came out of it, which dispersed the clouds and revealed both Raven and Qrow. Despite the two of them flanking her from both sides, Salem predicted this and simply took several steps backwards as their joint attack only made the two of them miss. As their weapons connected with each other Salem then took that same opportunity to then grab the two of them from the back of their head and slam their faces against the ground. She then while still holding on to them picked the two of them up before releasing them to the ground. Qrow shocked his head and in desperation quickly picked up his weapon and tried to slash at her. As he slashed away at Salem, it was then that his weapon was slapped to the side with one of Salem's arms, seizing the moment she then quickly got close to his face, and landed a strong punch across his stomach that knocked the air out of him.

The attention is then turned to Raven as she shocks her head, while the world around her calm down. Just before she could do anything Salem had already turned her attention towards her, out of desperation she too had tried to slash at her, but when she did Salem ducked underneath her attack. She then grabbed on to Raven's right leg and lifted her up and brought her down, slamming her face against the ground again.

Salem while still holding on to Raven's leng then turned to Qrow who was already making his way towards her, but just as he got close Salem quickly used his own sister as a weapon and slammed the two of them with each other. Salem then stepped back and snapped her right figures which created several small red spheres that as soon as it connected with Raven and Qrow exploded sending the two of them past Summer, Tai and Ozma.

"Come on little birdies. Do better." Salem said taunting the team, as she stared at team STRQ.

Salem waited as she noticed that the rest of team LIZN was nowhere to be seen. It was then that she quickly moved her head to the side as a single bullet rushed past her face. Taking notice she quickly turned to face Summer, as she had her weapon in its gun form pointed directly at her.

"Was that it?" Salem said, tilting her head to the side, with a look of disappointment. "You call yourselves Huntsman." She chuckled before responding again. "Is that really all you can do?"

After getting up, team STRQ all look at each other and nod, before then turning to look at Salem again. Salem smiled while still leaving both her arms behind her back. Just then Summer used her semblance to charge at her again.

"Predictable." Salem said, as she prepared to grab her again.

However just as Summer had gotten close a portal opened up in front of her, before another three opened up behind Salem surrounding her.

"Oh?" Salem said, slightly surprised by this.

Salem saw as from the portals behind her, Tai and Qrow stepped out of them preparing an attack, while in front of her was already Raven weapon in hand and preparing to slash at her with Summer.

However Salem was quick to think of her next move and leaned her body back, which made Summer miss her attack and stopping with her weapon leaning over her body. Taking this as her opportunity Salem then used her two arms to punch both Tai and Raven across their stomachs, while then delivering a kick to Raven's stomach. As the rest of them tried to catch their breaths, Salem then turned to Summer's weapon and held on to it with both arms and lifted both Summer and her weapon up and spun her around forcing all four of them to get spun around with each other and getting pushed back again this time landing inches away from each other.

Summer, who was quick to balance herself, turned to gaze at Salem and tried to use her silver eyes, but before she could do anything it was too late. Salem had already opened up a small portal and grabbed Summer's face, preventing her from opening her eyes.

"I don't think so." Salem said, her tone calm and relaxed lifted up Summer before then bringing her down against the ground. She then placed her leg on the back of Summer's head preventing her from looking at her. Making her silver eyes useless. "You think I wouldn't notice what you had planned. I know about your eyes and what they can do. So good luck with that."

As Salem applied more pressure to Summer's skull, she quickly jumped away from Summer as a group as several ice chunks quickly passed her at great speed. It was only after landing that she had noticed both Layla and Zahra already rushing her.

"That's it." Salem said, still with that ever present smile.

Once close Layla turned her weapons to their dagger forms and started slashing away at Salem, while her sister, Zahra followed after her weapon already in hand. The two pressed on in the hopes of landing just one hit at her, but to them Salem was too experienced in all of this. If they wanted to win they had to make better plans and so after Zahra had stepped back, Layla turned her daggers into their fan modes and swiped in front of her which created a gust of fire in front of Salem.

"Not bad."

As the two sisters stepped back they took notice as Salem then stepped inside the fire and right past it, right in front of Layla. Salem then clenched her fists and leaned her right arm back, but just as she was about to land a punch, Zahra quickly stepped in front of her sister and turned her weapon into its shield form which took most of Salem's punch, but wound up pushing the two of them back. Not relenting Salem followed after them and kept on punching away at Zahra's shield. Noticing that her sister was in trouble Layla created a large purple barrier around them, but all that did was stall for a small amount of time as Salem simply kept on hitting the barrier with stronger punches and enough force that it made the barrier crack.

"Is that all!" Salem said as she kept on hitting away at the shield and not relenting for anything. "Come on. Your mother and father put up much more of a fight than this. Don't you dare give up!"

Just then the sound of a shotgun blast was heard which sent Salem flying away from the girls, but not because of the blast connecting, but mostly because she had jumped back in time. While both Ivary and Yang followed after her. Yang using her gauntlets propelled herself forwards at great speed, while Ivary with her semblance pushed her body to its limits, getting faster. Yang leaned her left arms back after getting close to Salem, only for it to then miss by having Salem grab on to it and grab on to the back of Yang's head and slamming her face first to the ground after landing.

She then started backstepping as Ivary kept on pressing her attack with great speed. She swung her hammer in the hopes of landing at least a single hit at her, but Salem wasn't about to lose to someone like her. And so after Ivary was about to swing at her again, Salem quickly grabbed onto the weapons handle stopping Ivary, while at the same time making the two of them stop in their place. The two stared at each other, while Ivary kept on trying to push her weapon directly at her which made the ground crack, but Salem could only smile at her.

"And here I thought that you wanted to save (Y/n)." Salem smirked as she stared at the young girl.

Gripping on to her weapon, Ivary found herself getting more agitated. "STOP! TALKING! ABOUT! HEEEEER!" She shouted as she stared at Salem.

"Hehe, then do something about it." Salem taunted her, with a smile that never faded.

Getting agitated by Salem's words, Ivary shouted before then pushing her weapon over her head which did release Salem's grip on it, and then slammed it right in front of her, but just as it was about to connect Salem moved her body to the side which made the hammer slam across the ground creating a slightly larger crater. Salem then placed her leg over the grip which prevented her from moving it.

"My turn."

Salem said, as she then leaned her left arm right in front of Ivary's face, and created what looked to be a wind-like sphere that had a small flame on the inside. After releasing the blast Ivary took the full brunt of the blast, but thanks to her semblance it only made her get pushed back before then coming to a stop. Not giving up she then quickly brushed it off and started charging at her, while Yang after getting up shocked her head and stepped into the fight again.

As Salem prepared herself to take the two of them, she was quickly surrounded by a whirlwind of roses that obstructed her view. She then turned to look at the floor and noticed a glyph had spawned underneath her.

Meanwhile as Yang and Ivary stood back, the whirlwind froze solid in place. After landing both Ruby and Blake stood next to Yang and Ivary as they noticed Salem encased in ice.

"Did we do it?" Weiss said, as she stood behind her team.

It was only then that her question was answered as the ground shock, and the ice cracked, before then fully breaking and releasing Salem.

"I guess not." Yang said, preparing herself.

With her eyes closed Salem cracked her neck, before then reopening them again. Despite her smile they could notice the faint anger in Salem's eyes.

"You all speak of victory." Salem said. "When this fight has only just begun."

As the rest of the girls all locked at each other, they all nodded before then turning to face her again. This time the one who had started was Ruby, quickly using her semblance to dash directly at her. Once close she then started spinning her scythe around before then slashing at her. She slashed at her legs, arms and even her head in the hopes of landing a single hit, but all that did was make Salem avoid her two previous slashes, and then grabbing on to her weapon with one arm.

"Nice try."

While holding on to Ruby's weapon, Salem then took notice of Weiss in the distance, as she had started making several glyphs behind herself. Quickly making her next move she then reached her arms towards Ruby's hood and forced it over her head. She then spun her around and flung her at great speed towards Weiss which upon colliding with each other shattered the rest of her glyphs and pushing the two of them past their teams.

Taking this moment to attack Yang, Blake and Ivary all charged at her. Blake was the first to attack as she fired several shoots at her, only for them to miss. Blake then got close to and started slashing at her. Salem then counted by trying to land several kicks at her, only for Blake to then counter by backing away and turning one of her clones into ice that froze Salem's leg in place.

Quickly freeing herself Salem then turned to Yang already preparing her next punch by leaning her right arm back. When Yang had gotten close she stopped which did surprise Salem at first, but then started to throw several punches at her. Salem blocked and counted with her own punches and kicks, which counted Yang's own attacks. Not relenting the two matched blows for blows, each mimicking each other and canceling each other out in the process, it was only then that as Salem was about to counter with another punch her arm was wrapped by a ribbon and pushed it away from Yang, forcing Salem to go on the defensive with her free arm.

While blocking Yang's attacks, Salem noticed that the ribbon had come from Blake who kept her distance. Salem slightly smiled to herself, as she then turned her arm towards the place that Blake was standing and created several pillars of ice, between the two of them. After blocking Yang's next attack, Salem then grabbed onto the ribbon and wrapped it around Yang's waist and started running around the pillars of ice forcing Yang to get tangled around it with Blake. After stopping Salem then pulled on to the ribbon which forced the large pillars to fall on them, engulfing them in a cloud of cold dust, but as the smoke cleared she noticed that the two had been saved by both Ivary and Ruby.

As she prepared to start the fight again, Salem stopped as she noticed that behind her several rocks had been flung directly at her. Turning her attention to them, she lifted her right arm to them and created a barrier that took the full brunt of the attack. It was then that she noticed that the attack had come from Glynda, already preparing her next attack by using her semblance to create several projectiles and launching them at her.

"You really are a good mother. However."

Salem said, quickly turning to her and planting both her arms to the ground. The ground then started shaking before several large wood spikes erupted from the ground behind her and started rushing at Glynda. Glynda however gripped her weapon, and used her surroundings to create a large shield that took the attack, but as Salem's attack kept coming it eventually forced that shield to break, making Glynda get pushed back and hit a tree. Despite the pain Glynda slowly got up and shook her head before then using the tree to leverage herself. She gripped her weapon, and then turned to look at Salem again, while Salem could only admire the woman that wouldn't give up.

"I'm not giving up!" Glynda said, pointing the tip of her weapon towards Salem. "I WON'T LET YOU HAVE MY DAUGHTER!"

"Good." Salem said, her smile turning to admiration. "I WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY!"

It was then that just as Salem was about to charge at Glynda that she jumped back as her attention was directed at Ivary who had started her attack again. While Salem kept on blocking and dodging Ivary's attack, she couldn't help but feel that something was wrong with her, but she couldn't put her finger on it. Having had enough Salem then straightened up her figures and slashed at her, which shocked everyone. However when Salem's attack connected it was then that she noticed as Ivary's body quickly shared like glass, and from it stepped back Neo.

"What?"

Surprised by this a shadow loomed over her, it was then that she noticed that over her was Ivary already preparing her attack while she slowly started landing. While she did want to go after Neo, Salem quickly turned her attention towards Ivary and much like Glynda lifted up her right arm towards her and created a barrier between the two. However that was when she had failed to notice something important, and that was that as soon as Ivary's attack connected with Salem's barrier it created a shock-wave that pushed everyone back. By looking at Ivary's face, Salem could only make out anger.

"STOOP TOYING WITH US!"

Salem's eyes then widened as the barrier then shattered right in front of her, and then tried to stop her attack with one arm, but as soon as her arm touched Ivary's weapon it quickly contorted her arm and snapped her bones, which also tore the glove she had.

As Ivary's attack continued it got past Salem, and slammed against the ground which much to the surprise of everyone shocked the ground and forced a large crater. As the cloud of smoke engulfed the area, from it Salem quickly jumped out of it and landed on top of a building. Everyone then gathered in one spot while Salem started catching her breath.

"Please give up." Layla said, as she then pointed one of her daggers at her. "And give (Y/n) back!"

"You can't hope to win against all of us." Said Glynda, with a determined look in her eyes.

"Hehe." Salem chuckled as she stared back at her broken arm. "You people are something else! However, you forgot one thing."

It was then that as she stared at everyone, that her arm twisted and snapped back into place, while also healing any and all injuries she had suffered from Ivary's attack.

"You have got to be kidding!" Yang said, surprised by the fact that she had quickly healed from Ivary's attack.

"Anyone have a plan?" Said Weiss, slightly also in shock by what Salem had done.

Ivary stepped forward while then pointed her hammer at her. "I don't care how many times you heal. I'll just beat you down again and again." She then raised her voice at her. "Until you finally release (Y/n)!"

"That's right!" Zahra said, walking next to Ivary, gripping her weapon with both arms. "If you think that this will be enough to stop us. Then you have another thing coming."

Layla then walked after her sister. "That's right. We're not giving up."

Neo then stepped forwards. "That's right. So give up while you still can."

Glynda then stepped behind them while also gripping her weapon. "I would rather die, then to just give up here! And leave her to you! You girls ready?!"

"RIGHT!" The rest of the girls shouted as they all got into a fighting stance.

Team RWBY, team STRQ and Ozma then stepped forward while also preparing to fight again.

Salem, surprised by their unbridled determination couldn't help but be shocked at first, before then lightly smiling to herself.

"You people are something else. Hehe." Salem said, as she then turned to look at the sky. "If only back then it was like this... Okay then."

Just then when Salem had snapped her figures the blade that had been stuck on the ground shock, before then breaking free from the ground and with great speed darted towards Salem's arm.

"Fine then. I won't be holding back anymore." As she spoke, she swiped her sword to the right which then created several swords identical to her own manifested behind her. "If you think that you've got what it takes. Then I'll give you everything I've got."

As she pointed the tip of her blade towards the sky, several clouds manifested themselves covering the dark blue sky. The clouds then emanated electricity from them, while several tornadoes formed themselves in the distance. As the world shock everyone prepared themselves. That's when they notice Salem's eyes. They all froze as they noticed a familiar look to them, one that they knew all too well.

It was then that as they stared at her eyes that even more weapons manifested themselves, but while (Y/n) had the abilities to summon said weapon these had a darker tone to them, with several red veins across them.

"Isn't that?" Ivary spoke with a hint of shock at her tone.

"Scarlet Summons." Layla and Zahra spoke at the same time while also staring back at her.

"Know then."

Just then when Salem spoke everyone got into a defensive stance. All preparing each other for what was about to come.

"Here we..." Salem said, as she then pointed the tip of her blade at them and quickly dashed towards them. "GO!"

It was then that as the sound of lightning bolts chock the earth everything fell into silence as we then transitioned to the real (Y/n) walking across a long endless hallway with Aria still on her back. It was then that they took notice of a large red door in the distance. While they did find it strange (Y/n) had stopped in her tracks and locked over her shoulders directly at Aria. Aria turned to her and stared at the door, before then looking back at (Y/n) and giving her a reassuring nod.

After reaching the door they came to a stop. They noticed that the door had no way of opening it. (Y/n) placing Aria on the floor stared at the door, and for a single moment she could hear the sound of angelic music coming from inside.

"Is this it?" Said (Y/n), placing her left arm on the door

Leaning close to the door Aria closed her eyes, and as she did, while faint she could feel the presence of someone inside.

"Yes." Aria said, placing a hand on her chest.

Staring at the door they noticed that it had several strange looking symbols that couldn't be understood by the two of them. Nevertheless (Y/n) pressed her arms against the red door, and started to slowly pry it over. While at first it didn't make a sound or move, it was then that as she kept on pushing that the door had finally started to slowly open up. After finally opening up the singing came to a stop, which did make the two girls uneasy, but they still had to press forwards.

"Let's go." Said Aria, walking passed (Y/n).

As the two walked inside the red door closed behind them, plummeting them in total darkness. Inside that darkness the silence was palpable, that is until it was finally broken.

"So you've come..." From the darkness a female voice spoke. "I've been waiting for you."

It was then that after the voice spoke that the room started getting illuminated by several flames that acted like a pathway forward. The two of them walked forward as they took notice of that same voice singing a hymn that was wonderful to listen to.

After coming to a stop they noticed that it was a woman singing. Looking around (Y/n) and Aria took notice that the room had been littered with all unique kinds of flowers and roses, from small to large ones. To them they looked wonderful, even beautiful.

They took a moment to stare at the flowers and roses, before then turning to look at the woman again that sat on her throne.

"That song brings back memories." Said Aria, as she stared back at the woman with a faint smile.

After hearing Aria's words, the woman stopped her singing and came into full view of the two girls. The Grimm Queen, Salem.

"Yes, well." Salem spoke, her tone sounding more warm and loving. "When you have lived as long as I have. You must have something to keep the memories of the past still in check."

Stepping forward past Aria, (Y/n) stared in shock at Salem. "You..."

Turning to look at (Y/n), Salem could only lightly smile at her, a smile that almost looked to be filled with regret and sadness.

"It's been a long time (Y/n). Looks like you've finally woken up from your slumber."

"Yeah, a slumber you placed her in." Aria spoke.

"...I know." Salem apologized as she looked back at Aria, before then looking back at (Y/n).

For a moment Salem stared at the two girls. But then closed her eyes and took a deep sigh, while standing up from her throne. After standing almost like in an instant she had made her way right in front of the two girls. While it did surprise the two girls at first, Salem stared at the two of them, before then gently bringing them in a loving embrace.

"I'm so glad that I could see the both of you." She said, bringing the two of them close before then releasing them. "If only one last time."

After turning around Salem walked over to the flowers. Aria with her hands on her chest walked close to her and spoke in a hopeful tone.

"Mother... Please you have to stop this. If you keep this up you will-" As Aria spoke Salem quickly cut her off.

"Die?" When Salem spoke, Aria didn't respond back to her, and looked away with a sadness in her eyes. Meanwhile Salem kept on speaking. "That is the plan. But not before I finish Ozma. Once he is gone, only then will my hatred vanish."

"Please just stop!" Aria raised her voice, while Salem simply stared at the roses with a warm smile. There was a calmness to her expression. "For the longest time you kept on blaming yourself for what happened with him. But I never blamed you, or him. So please can't we all just stop."

"You know that I can't do that." Salem said, standing up. While walking over to them the girls noticed that in her arms she was holding two flowers. She then placed said flower on (Y/n) hair, before then doing the same to Aria. "Once I'm gone. You will be able to take over this body. Giving you a new life. Giving you a new future in my new world."

Aria clenched her fist before then responding to her. A look of sadness could be seen over her face as she turned to look at Salem. "You know that it's impossible. My soul perished a long time ago. Even if you wanted to bring me back, the dead stay dead. And that is how it should be."

"I know. But I won't give up."

Aria stared at her mother's eyes, and while others would notice a faint madness in her eyes. Deep down she could tell that her mother was sane. Her words spoke with a kindness that she was all too familiar with, while also exuberating a warm love. Like the love of a parent to their child.

Salem stared at the two of them before then locking eyes with (Y/n). "I'm sorry." She said, turning her once smile to a look of sadness. "I'm so sorry for everything."

"What are you talking about?" Said (Y/n), confused by Salem's words.

"The reason for your suffering. All the pain you had to endure." Salem said, placing a hand on her chest. "It was all my fault."

(Y/n) didn't respond, still confused by her words. Salem on the other hand turned away from them and started speaking to them, while walking over to her throne.

"By now you've seen it haven't you?"

Salem said, as the image of the culmination of all the Maidens combined into one flashed across her mind. Having shared a mind Salem saw the Monster, while turning to look at (Y/n).

"That Monster. The culmination of all the Maidens. All their hatred, pain, regret, all of it is on me and me alone. So please don't hate them for it."

"What are you even saying?" Said (Y/n) walking past Aria and only stooping when just inches away from Salem.

"...A long time ago. After losing Aria, I placed a curse on her making her soul be revived in a new body. I had hoped that with this curse she could have lived a normal life with other people. But as time went on Ozma as the king hunted down all the Maidens. Every time she died, her soul wound up passing on to the next Maiden's body."

It was then that right in front of them stood several bodies, all former Maidens.

"As the years went on. All their hatred and malice, along with any negative emotions passed on to the next Maiden. Their negative emotions affected the people around them, to the point that most if not all tried to kill them. Or worse."

"I-I don't get it." Unable to accept her words (Y/n) shocked her head. "What do you mean?"

Just then a pain coursed through (Y/n) mind giving her a strong headache that forced her to her knees. While on her knees she started to remember all the pain and sadness from her past. The pain she had to endure at the hands of her former family. Images of the time Summer started beating her up flashed across her mind, but as she stared at them she noticed that next to her stood the Silhouette of a Maiden that cried tears. While Summer spoke, what came from her voice was the girl's voice.

"Why US! WHY MUST I be the one TO BEAR THIS BURDEN ALONE!"

The illusion of Summer then vanished as Tai then took her place, along with another Silhouette in the same tone.

"MAIDENS! STOP OUR PAIN! KILL HER! KILL THEM ALL!"

The voices while in pain, made (Y/n) tear up. After Tai vanished, two more took their place this time being Qrow and Raven, along with two more Silhouette that spoke at the same time.

"Our PAIN! IS unending! OUR TORMENT will NEVER END! Kill! kill kill! KILL US!"

They shouted as they screamed in pain while they vanished and another set of people took their place this time being Ruby and Yang, along with two more Silhouette. The Silhouette showed tears that never ended by the looks in their eyes. Much like the previous Silhouette, these ones spoke at the same time.

"WHY DID THIS WORLD TURNED AGAINST US! AFTER WE GAVE EVERYTHING FOR IT! SO WHY MUST YOU BE THE ONE TO BEAR THIS BURDEN WHEN YOU'VE HAD LOVING FAMILIES! IT'S NOT FAIR! IT'S NOT FAAAAAIR!"

As the Silhouette shouted to her, they quickly vanished, returning everything back to normal. After the pain had stopped (Y/n) while still on her knees, could only tear up. The pain that ran across her body stabbed her across her heart in a way she couldn't explain.

"For years I tried to remove the curse. But as time went on it started to take on a mind of its own. Taking on the burdens of each Maiden it bore." Salem stared back at the two girls, after Aria had walked close to (Y/n). "That's why. If you have someone to blame. Then I will take that burden alone."

As everything fell silent (Y/n) calmed down and stood up from the floor. She couldn't think of anything, as everything from her past flooded her mind all at once. Salem on the other hand stepped back and waited for the two of them to respond.

"You okay." Said Aria breaking the silence between all of them.

"...Y-Yeah..." (Y/n) nodded back to her, but one look at her face said otherwise.

"Aria." Salem spoke, her voice garnering Aria's attention. "All you have to do is turn around and walk away from this. And when all is done. You will be able to live a normal life in the new world."

Aria stared at the floor before then looking back at (Y/n) who was staring at the floor deep in thought. Snapping (Y/n) out of thoughts Aria gently held on to her hand.

"Please we have to end this. Your friends, and family are all fighting to bring you back."

"...."

"You can't just give up after coming this far. Please I can't bring myself to go back after coming this far."

"I'll ask you one last time." Just then Salem spoke. "Turn back. That is all you have to do. After that once I have vanished everything in this world you will be able to live a normal life."

As the world around (Y/n) fell into silence the only thing that greeted her was the void. She slowly started to close her eyes as the world around her started to sink into nothingness.

"Look at you still as weak as back then." Just then a voice spoke. "So just give in."

It was then that as the world froze standing behind her back to back, was another Silhouette, but unlike the others this one was different it had a similar look to herself.

"All will be fine. I'm sure that you won't mind losing your friends."

"My... fri--ds..."

It was then that in front of her stood the Silhouette's of her friends, deep down while she couldn't remember them, she could still tell them apart. However because of the Silhouette words it only made the world around her grow darker and her eyes sleepy.

"That's right, close your eyes. Go to sleep and never come back. You will lose everything, including your mother."

"Mo--m..."

Just then another silhouette this time taking the form of Glynda appeared in front of her. (Y/n) slowly reached out towards her only for the Silhouette to then vanish.

"Just give up... Everything will be fine..."

As the Silhouette spoke more voices joined her.

"DON'T GIVE IN!"

Just then all voices fell silent, while another more familiar Silhouette stood in front of her. Taking on the form of Saya.

"Sa--ya."

As Saya floated right in front of (Y/n) she quickly held on to (Y/n)'s shirt and brought her close to her face.

"Don't you dare give up! Your friends are fighting for you! Your mother is fighting for you! So don't you dare GIVE UP!"

Just then as the two Silhouette's vanished, for a brief moment in that void (Y/n) saw Glynda standing in front of her with a warm smile, before then vanishing like the other two.

"(Y/n)!!"

It was then that Aria's voice spoke which snapped her back to the throne room. (Y/n) looks at Aria, who simply stared up at her.

"You okay?" Aria said, a worried look could be seen on her face.

(Y/n) stared at her for a moment before answering her question with a simple nod. She then turned to look at Salem, who had already taken her throne. Reaching to touch her chest she waited for a moment before bringing it close to her face, when she opened her palm it was then that it materialized. The necklace that Salem had given her. She stared at it for a moment before then smiling to herself.

"For the longest time I hated my family." (Y/n) told herself, while Aria and Salem stared back at her. "I hated the way they treated me. I even contemplated if life was even worth living... That is until I finally realized something."

Salem's eyes slightly widened as she stared back at her. "Did you get your memories back?"

(Y/n) lightly smiled and shook her head. "No. But deep down I always felt that something was odd. I only thought that they hated me for just being me. For just being born. But all this started with this curse. And sure despite you being the one to place it on me, I can't bring myself to hate you. But I can't let you hurt the people closest to me."

Salem stared in silence.

"What I'm trying to say is." She scratches the back of her head. "Thank you."

"You're thanking me?" Salem said, confused by her words.

(Y/n) nods her head. "Yes. Like you said you made this curse order to protect Aria. If it wasn't because of "it" I would have never met the rest of my friends." As she closed her eyes for a moment an image of Glynda ran across her mind, while the illusion of Glynda smiled back at her before then fading away, making (Y/n) to open her eyes with a warm smile. "I would never have met Glynda. The woman that both saved me, and turned into my real mother. So thank you for placing this curse on me. Mother."

Aria, surprised by her words, stared at her, before then remembering Lili. It was then that despite the curse she couldn't help but smile. She nods for a moment before then responding.

"If it wasn't because of you. I would never have been able to see Lili. I would not have been able to talk with her, and our team. And so despite our past I still love you all. So thank you, Mother."

"You two... So I take it that you've made up your mind?" Salem stood up from her throne, with a hint of happiness.

"Yes."

It was then that the world around them started taking on the form of a broken down chapel with no end in sight. Its windows cracked and broken, while the moon eliminated the inside. Across its decrepit walls several female statues stood, while others rotted away.

"Are you sure that you want this? Your friends, your mother, all of it will lie in ruin one day."

"That may be so. But I won't give up."

Salem smiled as she stared at her. "Will it be worth it then? Just to see me dead?"

"I don't want to." (Y/n) clenches her fist. "But by the looks of things you won't be changing your mind. And so if doing so will bring an end to all of this. Then I-" (Y/n) shook her head before correcting herself. "We have to be the ones to finish it."

"(Y/n)..." Aria said, as she stared up at (Y/n).

"I see." While staring at (Y/n), Salem's tone changed to one of anger, while still having a hopeful smile.

Salem stared at the statues before then taking notice that they were all former Maidens.

"Look around at these decrepit statues. They were made to immortalize the former Maidens that gave up their lives for the greater good. To honor their memories. But can you even name them?" She scuffed at the idea, while also crossing her arms. "No one can. Not anymore. So tell me. Who will remember them, when they are gone? Who will remember us, when we are gone?"

Salem walked forward as both girl's prepared themselves to face her.

"Don't worry." Aria said as she stared up at (Y/n). "I'm with you."

(Y/n) stared down at her before then nodding to her. While Salem spoke up as she then stopped halfway across the room.

"You two are still nothing but children. You don't understand that what I do is greater than all of us. When I am done, no one will ever fear anything in this world. For I will create a new world. And in that new world you will be the only ones to rule it. That is worth everything."

"Mother." Aria spoke up, staring deeply into her mothers eyes. "Will make sure that doesn't happen."

"Even if what I'm doing is for the greater good? For your sake?"

"That may be so. But you are also doing this for your own sake. So that you can break the curse the gods placed on you." She sighs to herself before responding again. "Regardless, I still love this world, even in this lifetime, or the next one."

"...I see. So tell me, my children. What is more important?"

"That should be obvious, Mother. Defeating you and putting an end to this pointless war. That's what we came here for."

As the chapel fell into silence Salem let out a silent sigh to herself while turning the cheek.

"How disappointing. I was hoping you two would have been a little more obedient." Salem said, her words calm as ever. She stared at the floor for a moment before then looking back at the two girls, while her eyes glowed a menacing red. "It looks like I'll just have to teach you some manners, my little troublemakers."

Just then as her words rang across the chapel, both girls prepared themselves. It was then that they felt it, a strong surge of menacing aura coming out of Salem's body. While her aura did make the two girls a little nervous, they stood their grounds and took on fighting stances.

"Don't worry you two." Salem said, tilting her head to the side with a smile. "This little nightmare won't last long."

It was then that as they stared at Salem from the bottom of her dress a puddle of black tar-like substance that slowly engulfed her before then being completely consumed by it. For a moment nothing happened, that is until it started bubbling, and when it finally came to a stop the puddle concentrated itself into a sphere. The sphere floated for a moment before starting to crack. It was then that they took notice that as Salem stood out from it, the girls noticed that she had changed.

While her skin was still the same, her hair white hair had become longer reaching down to her knees, while a spiked black crown hovered over her head. Opening her eyes they glowed a menacing red, while her expression showed a smile. Her clothes had changed with a twisted black bodysuit with several openings along the side, with matching clawed gloves and boots. While on her back spread two great wings, which emanated a dark aura around them. It was then that while Salem hovered over them with her wings spread, she spoke in a menacing, but kind tone.

"Don't worry my sweet children. I'll be sure to tuck you in and kiss you goodnight."

The world around them fell into silence, as Salem's aura could be felt across the chapel. Despite Salem's aura being felt by the both of them a cold sweat ran down their faces, but they weren't about to back down. Salem's expression darkness while still smiling as she stared at the two of them.

"Don't fret. When I'm done, you both will forget all about this. And live on in my new world."

As Salem's aura shook the chapel, both girl's prepared themselves to face Salem. The world around them darkened as everything falls into silence. It's then that we transition back team LIZN, and RWBY as they could be seen running across the battlefield as Salem started fighting against team STRQ.

We see that just as Salem had jumped backwards several glyphs took her place. The glyphs came from Weiss as she had tried to freeze her in place. When Salem had landed she stepped back, while a large chunk of ice took her place. Taking that as her opportunity with one swing from her blade she slashed the ice, by the side and kicked it back at Weiss with a single strong kick.

Just as the ice was going to hit her, Yang quickly ran past her and fired several shotgun blast to it. Which broke it, but as the ice faded they didn't notice that as the ice broke several weapons had already been flung at them with great speed. While some of the weapons had broken through they started hitting Yang to the point of almost pushing her back, but lucky for her, Weiss had made a barrier right in front of them which only blocked some of them.

Seeing this Salem ran across the battlefield as Ruby and Summer ran after her, while weapons rained across the battlefield. Despite the two of them using their semblance to keep up with her, Salem was faster than them. It was only then that she stopped in place and jumped back, which forced Ruby and Summer to dash past her.

Turning to look at Weiss and Yang, Salem smiled as she waved her arm at them which then made the weapons emanate a faint red, blue and green glow. It was then that while the blue weapon froze the rest of the glyph, the green weapon pierced through it and took on the form of a large tree branch, while the red weapon at great speed got stabbed right in between the two girls which then made a large explosion that pushed the two girls apart.

Salem then turned her attention back to Ruby and Summer as the two of them started attacking her. She ducked and blocked their attacks, while taking notice that behind them was already Zahra and Neo already prepared to attack. And so as Ruby and Summer both stepped aside Salem quickly placed her blade in front of her in a defensive stance. While the joint attack of the two girls started pushing her back. Despite it all she couldn't help but smile.

"That's it. Come on."

Just as they were about to push Salem even further, Salem gripped her sword and stood her ground like a stone that couldn't be moved, which forced the two of them to get flung over Salem. As Neo landed on the floor, she didn't have time to take notice that Salem was already standing in front of her. Salem held her weapon with both arms while leaning it back, and quickly slashed at her.

For a moment Neo stared in shock as she looked at Salem, but just as her blade connected with something it was quickly pushed back. Surprised by this Salem took notice that it came from Zahra, as she had used her semblance to harden to skin while standing in front of Neo.

While still surprised by this, Salem stepped back. But just as she was about to land, she hadn't noticed that Layla, Raven, and Qrow had already closed the distance between them.

Salem slashed at Qrow first, but as soon as her weapon was close she felt as the ground around her gave way leaving a large crater. As the three of them did a piercing attack, Salem blocked both Raven and Qrow's attack, while moving her head to the side, nearly avoiding Layla's attack. While Salem snapped her finger she created two small glyph's, she then with one arm held on to Qrow's weapon, while the small glyph's sprouted several arms that held Raven, and with Layla in place, however much to her surprise they quickly broke free and kept their joint attacks.

Seeing them Salem turned to block Raven's attack, while leaving Layla free for an attack. Salem, unable to use her arms, thought of the next best thing, and just as Layla's weapon was close to her face, she quickly moved her head to the side and used her teeth to bite down on them, stopping Layla's in place. Meanwhile the snapping from before had called several weapons around them, which were already dashing towards them, but just as the weapons connected with them a green shield had manifested itself around them, which deflected the weapons and encasing them in a green sphere. Looking past Raven and Qrow, Salem had taken notice that Ozma had created the shield.

"Tch."

After bringing Layla close to her face Salem quickly headbutted her, while then releasing the other two and creating a water vortex that pushed the three of them inside, along with several weapons across the battlefield. Inside the vortex the weapons slashed at them before then spotting them out of it and forcing them to crash against the ground.

As the vortex vanished they took notice as around her she could already see several other large buildings already heading for her. Not one to back down, Salem dashed forward and as she got close to the buildings she quickly slashed at them. Slashing across them she noticed that Glynda was already sending several other buildings directly at her, deep down she couldn't help but smile at the woman. She then used the building to push herself word, but when she did she was quickly pushed back. Looking down at her leg she had noticed that across one of them was Blake's ribbon, unable to have time to take it off, she was quickly brought down. Lucky for her, while she started landing down she had grabbed one of her blades that floated across the battlefield and stabbed it across the ground, when she landed Blake took notice that Salem had only landed on one knee. Releasing the blade Salem then pointed her entire arm at Blake, which she used to create a small fireball, she then released it, but when she did the fireball only missed Blake's face by a mile.

Meanwhile in Salem's vision she could be seen staring at Blake and preparing the fireball only for her vision to get moved to the side. Her face was dragged across the dirt before then taking notice that it had been Ivary, who had saved Blake at the last minute.

As Ivary kept on dragging Salem across the ground, she quickly stopped and pushed inside one of the buildings and against the wall. Ivary then started hitting Salem to the point that her body was being dragged inside the building's sturdy walls, while then slowly coming to a stop. She took a breather before then taking a look inside the hole.

"Wh-"

Ivary didn't have time to finish her words as the hole then exploded releasing Salem and pushing Ivary outside of the building, before then being grabbed by Glynda who had used her semblance to catch her and bring her down. After being placed to the ground Ivary dropped to one knee, as the rest of the ground surrounded her and Glynda, while Ozma created a large green dome protecting them from incoming attacks.

Zahra, taking a deep breath, stared at her sister. "Hey, sis can't you use that guardian power thing?" She said, trying to catch her breath.

"Even if I wanted to. I would need time."

Ruby turned to look at her mother. "What about the silver eyes? Can't you just use it. After all, Lili said that it would be useful against her."

"I would. But she knows about my eyes. And the moment I try to use them, she will do everything in her power to try and stop me."

"Damn it! Then what do we even do?" Said Yang as she stared at the building.

Meanwhile Salem after coming out of the building she quickly brushed off the dirt that was across her clothes before then turning to look at the ground. Taking a look at Ozma's barrier she couldn't help but smile.

"Oh, aren't you full of surprises today, Ozma. If you think that little barrier will be enough to hold me back. Then you are sorely mistaken."

Just then as soon as Salem had snapped her figures the floating weapons all stopped in place and pointed themselves directly at the barrier.

"You can stay there all you want. But for how long will that last."

As Salem's words spoke true, she swiped one of her figures at the barrier which then made one of the weapons dash towards the barrier. When the weapons made a physical impact with the barrier it split the ground under it, forcing the ground to crack. While at first the barrier held its ground, it didn't take long before it had started to show several cracks across its outer shell. It was then that as she started pretending to hear musing, Salem started acting like a conductor that loved to play musing. Every time she moved her arms more blades kept going one after another, while the rest of the group simply kept thinking of a plan.

As everyone stared at the cracks that formed across the barriers, they started thinking of a plan. All fell silent as everyone tried to catch their breaths.

"I have a plan." Just then Raven spoke, while everyone turned to look at her. "But for it to work. We need to get close to her. Can you trust me?"

Ivary stared back at her, and then back at Salem while gripping her weapon. "Not like we have much of a choice."

Meanwhile as the group started listening to Raven, Salem started intensifying her moves which made the weapons go even faster. One after another the weapons picked up a speed that only made the barrier crack one after another. It was then that all weapons had stopped in place and synchronized each other to attack at the same time, and when they did the shear force of the weapons made the barrier shatter, while engulfing the place in a cloud of smoke.

"Ready!"

"RIGHT!"

Salem with a calm look on her face waited for them to make a move. While from the inside of the cloud of smoke she could see several of them all charging at her, she could only see some as they charged at her.

"One last ditch attempt to finish me.... Hehe..." Salem told herself, while they charged at her. While staring at the group she outstretched her arms to the side, almost welcoming them to try. "Then by all means come! I welcome you all!"

After getting close the first to attack was Glynda, flinging several stone buildings at her, while Ozma used his own magic to protect everyone from Salem's attack.

As the buildings got close with one swing of her blade Salem slit the buildings down by the middle. While the buildings parted past Salem, it was then that as they fell from the inside Salem took notice as from them came out Ruby, Summer, Zahra.

Not having the time to counter she quickly blocked Ruby and Summer's attack, which pushed her back, while Zahra with her greatsword then joined in preventing Salem from moving. While being held in place by them, several glyphs formed around them which then created several chains that quickly wrapped around Salem's arms and legs.

"Oh?"

While looking up at Ruby, Summer and Zahra. Salem could only smile at they're futile efforts. It was then that as they kept her in place several of the weapons across the field turned to them, but just as they were about to charge at them they were quickly shot down by both Yang, Blake and Yang.

"FINE!"

Getting slightly fed up with them, Salem mustard up her magic and made the ground spew several large tree vines that pushed her upwards, while pushing Ruby, Summer and Zahra away from her, while at the same time breaking her from the chains. When the vines stopped Salem pointed the tip of her blade to the sky, which made all surrounding weapons appear behind her swirling in a vortex of red magic. And just as the energy had gathered she pointed the blade at them which made a chaotic mess of magic across the battlefield.

After landing Ruby and Summer use their semblances to dash past the magic, and weapons while then gathering behind Zahra as she turned her greatsword into its shield form protecting them. While Weiss used her glyphs to protect both herself and them.

We then cut back to Salem as she turned her head to the side only to notice as Tai, Qrow and Neo had already made their way up towards her. Despite it all she didn't move from her spot, it was only after Qrow had gotten close that she bowed her head fords, while he swiped his weapon inches away past her head. Qrow stumbled trying to catch his balance, but Salem quickly kicked him, making him stumble to the ground.

She then turned around meeting Tai's punches, with a simple block from her blade. Tai tried to deliver several punches and upper cuts, while then trying to slide his legs underneath her legs in the hopes of making her fall to ground level.

However not only did this not work it also failed in the most wonderful of spectacles as Salem had already predicted this and quickly held his leg with a firm grip.

"My turn."

After speaking Salem then lifted up Tai with a strength that was unbecoming of her, before then bringing him down and smashing his face against the tree branches from left to right, over and over, while Tai's eyes showed that he had passed out from the impacts.

While still holding on to Tai's leg, Salem then turned to look at Neo who had stopped in her place. For a moment Salem stared at her, before then lightly smiling at her and quickly vanishing into nothingness. Before Neo had time to see what she had done, Salem quickly held her across her neck and lifted her up inches away from the ground. She then slowly started applying pressure across her neck, whoever just when she did she saw as Neo's body quickly shattered. Looking across the battlefield Salem took notice that in the distance Neo could be seen next to Glynda and Ozma as she tried creating several illusions.

Back to Ozma he could be seen slightly tired as his body slowly started to weaken from both the fighting and Salem's fusion with (Y/n). Seeing her in the distance he took a moment to catch his breath, but that was all Salem needed for her to then appear right in front of him. His eyes widened, while Glynda and Neo both tried a counter attack, but even that was futile as she then with one single swing from her blade upwards slashing him at such a quick motion that it pushed Glynda and Neo away from him.

While staring at Salem, Ozma's arms go limp, and his body remains still. Salem took several steps away from him as Ozma then noticed a slash across his chest as Salem's blade had slashed right past his defenses. He stared at her before then coughing out blood from his mouth and dropping to his knees, while Salem stared him down. Her smile is a sign of victory towards herself.

Seizing the moment Salem then tried to Slash at him again, but just then it was countered by Ivary's hammer as it had come down at her. While Salem had managed to dodge her attack at just the right time, she saw as Ivary pressed on her relentless attack at her. It was only then that after leaning her hammer back that Salem countered with her blade. Which only wound up making the two get pushed back, and dropping both weapons away from them. Despite this Ivary pressed on using her own fist she leaned her arm back, before then connecting with Salem's face for the first time.

Surprised by this Salem for a moment stood in shock, while then noticing the blood that ran down the side of her lip. She couldn't understand why she was bleeding from a single punch, despite the fact that she already knew about Ivary's semblance, but nevertheless while Ivary dashed at her, she saw as she prepared her next punch. It was then that Salem clenched her arms and just at the same time the two of them connected a punch with each other. While Ivary expressed a look of anger, Salem expressed a look of happiness. As they continued with their punches back and forth, despite Ivary having the greater strength Salem matched her strength with her own.

"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT IN TAKING HER DREAMS AWAY!" Ivary spoke as images of back when (Y/n) was young flashed across her mind. "WE STOOD BESIDE HER AFTER EVERYTHING! AND IF YOU THINK THAT I--NO WE WILL LET YOU HAVE HER! THEN YOU HAVE ANOTHER THING COMING!"

It was then that after connecting with another punch that the two pushed each other back. After stopping Salem's wounds slowly healed up, while then staring at Ivary with a look of anger.

"Shut up. You know nothing about me. What could a child like you know of all the pain I had to endure in this lifetime!" She said, staring Ivary down. "Tell me? How could a child like you understand any of this!"

For a moment the two stared at each other while the battleground fell silent. It was then that in the blink of an eye that the two punched each other again, but this time Ivary quickly ducked underneath Salem's punch and counted by punching her across the stomach. Which then made Ivary continue her relentless punches.

"I REFUSE TO GIVE HER UP! TO THE LIKES OF YOU!"

Ivary said, continuing her attack while she spoke, with each punch connecting with Salem's body, which only kept pushing her back.

"I WON'T HOLD BACK! NOT TO YOU, OR LILI! I WANT TO PROTECT THE PATCH SHE WALKS! I WANT TO BE IN A FUTURE THAT SHE LIVES ON! AND WHEN THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME TO BID HER FAREWELL! WE WANT TO BE RIGHT THERE BY HER SIDE!" Still left in shock Salem froze as Ivary then leaned her last punch to the back and prepared to deliver one last punch. "DIDN'T YOU FEEL THAT SAME WAY! ABOUT THEEEM!"

After Ivary's punch connected with Salem's face. Thanks to Ivary's semblance she had punch Salem with a punch so strong that it had forced Salem to relive memories of the past. Memories of a much happier time, a time when Aria wasn't the Maiden, of a time when she had good friend that had given up their lives for the new future. And a loving smile that stared back at her.

After snapping back to reality Salem balanced herself, and re summoned her blade to her hand, while then stabbed it across the ground and stooping in place. For a moment she smiled to herself as the memories of the past only made her smile with an expression of sadness that ate away at her.

"Ah, that right... Back then she was happy..." As she spoke she gripped the handle of her blade, while Ivary could be seen charging at her and picking up even more speed. "However...!"

Just then as everyone started running towards her, Salem gripped her blade with both arms while holding it upside down and lifting up over her head.

"IT'S ALREADY TO LATE! FOR ANY OF THAT!"

Ivary, unable to stop her attack, tried to slow down, while Salem's blade emanated strong magic energy that was felt by everyone. And with that same magic after plunging it to the ground it shook the ground. The ground violently shook with a pulse that then pushed everyone towards her, while then releasing them in a large explosion that sent everyone, including the field of weapons flying away from her while plummeting everything in a cloud of smoke.

While the clouds slowly settled Ivary could be seen several feet away from her. While she wanted to say that she was fine, her body said otherwise as she could be seen on one knee, while holding her right arm in pain as blood dripped down from it.

Meanwhile Salem's body emanated a strong aura that felt more like steam as it could be seen from her body. But still held her blade with both arms, while trying to catch her breath. She stared at Ivary, for a moment before then calming down and taking a deep breath to calm herself.

"I won't deny it. You are strong." Salem said, as she relaxed her body. "However, you are still only a weak child. Compared to someone like me."

Ivary calms her breathing before then speaking up to her in a tone that expresses exhaustion.

"You're right." She said with a weak smile. "I'm not as smart as Layla. Or be as hyper as Zahra. Or be as good looking as Neo. Or even be as special as (Y/n)." Despite the slight pain she then stood up. "I don't need all of that! Because no matter what... I will not give up. We will save her."

"...Your words are quite commendable." Salem said, pointing the tip of her blade at her. "Then by all means. Let's see how much you can drag this fight on, when I'm only getting started."

Ivary smirks to herself, while she stares at Salem. Confused by this, Salem spoke again.

"And what is so funny, child."

"So you haven't noticed it?"

"Noticed what-"

Just then Salem's eyes widen as footsteps are heard running towards her. As the world around her slowed down, she took notice that it was Raven, but that wasn't what shook her, it was the fact that Summer had hidden herself behind her. In the hopes of trying to back away from them, she tried to step back, but when she tried a green barrier was made, looking her inside with them.

In the distance Ozma could be seen being held by Neo as he could be seen creating the barrier, while his arm trembled.

Meanwhile inside the shield Salem in one quick motion tried to stab the two of them with her blade in the hopes of finishing the two of them. However Raven not wanting to give up Raven opened up another portal behind Salem, while letting Salem's blade plunge her across her stomach. Raven coughed blood as she then held on to Salem's blade. That's when Summer had landed right behind Salem, while her eyes emanated a faint silver glow. That's when Raven quickly kicked Salem back, disarming her and creating another portal to teleport her and the weapon, far from what was about to happen.

Salem, still in shock, stared back at Summer as the world around them slowed down. That's when everything around them got engulfing in a blinding light that made everyone cover their eyes.

As the light subsided the world around them was silent, as the cloud slowly kept vanishing. From inside the cloud of smoke Summer dropped to her knees as she tried to catch her breath. She looked over to her team in the distance, tired from all the fighting, before then taking a deep sigh of relief as looks to the ground and closed her eyes.

"Was that all?"

Just then a voice spoke up. While Qrow ran towards and Tai followed right behind her, a silhouette slowly formed itself behind her. Summer briefly opens up her silver eyes for a bit, while looking up at herself when suddenly, Salem revealed herself already creating another blade and with one quick motion slashes at her eyes, permanently blinding Summer.

Wanting to continue Salem then tried to slash at Summer again in the hopes of killing her, however when she did another portal opened up right in front of Summer and from it came Qrow already holding on to Summer. But just as he was about to get away, out of anger Salem slashed at them.

The two then landed inches away from Salem and in front of Tai and Raven. Everything was silent for a moment, before Summer screamed out in pain, her eyes bleeding. While Qrow lands next to her, a look of pain is seen on his face as blood drips across the floor as it is revealed that he had lost both of his legs in the process of saving Summer.

Salem out of anger stared back at the group, while everyone still in shock stared back at her.

"Why didn't that work?" Ozma spoke in a weak tone.

"If it wasn't because of this body. I would have been finished. Know then-"

Just then when Salem took her first step, something strange happened. Her heart pulsed, to the point that it made her drop down to one knee, while holding her chest and taking deep calm breaths.

"Wh-what is going on..." Salem told herself as she held her chest in pain. "Don't tell me... Could it be them... No. NO! Why know!"

Staring back at team STRQ out of anger she prepared to charge the rest of her magic into several of her weapons in the hopes of finishing them for good.

"Die!"

She then pointed her finger at them, which then launched all of them at the team. They all closed their eyes as the weapons slowly charged at them with great speeds. While the world around them fell into darkness. Silence befell the group only for the weapons to then get deflected far from the team.

"Sorry that I took so long everyone."

Layla voices spoke, as she stood right in front of team STRQ. Salem on the other hand stared at her as she noticed her new look. A look that she was already familiar with.

"Oh, so you've finally decided to show your true colors, Guardian." Salem smirked as her wounds healed. "Still with that said. When did you...?!"

While staring at Layla's new look Salem contemplated to herself when did Layla have the time to use this power. That's when she took notice that during her fight with the rest of the team, that she was nowhere to be seen.

"Ah, I see. So while I was fighting the rest of your friends you took that chance to use the power of your mother."

Unsheathing her weapon Layla stared at Salem, with a smile that was mostly warm.

"Please understand. I don't hate you. But if I have to put my life on the line for (Y/n). Then I will." She said pointing the tip of her blade at her.

"Hehehe... I see." While closing her eyes Salem couldn't help but smile at the group that would do anything for her daughters. "I won't deny that you, and your friends are one of the best families (Y/n)'s ever had... Whoever."

Just then while everyone kept their focus on Salem they noticed a dark red aura started to swell around her body, while then opening her eyes revealed red flames coming from them.

"The Maiden's power." Layla told herself as she prepared to face her.

"Since you've all proven to me that you can handle me when I'm holding back. Then I will do you the honor of facing me in my full splendor." As she spoke, she extended her left arm towards Raven, it then took but a moment for the weapon in her stomach to then leave her and make its way towards Salem, which she then grabbed and pointed the tip at Layla, while her body emanated the Maiden of the Summer's power. "Now, come and learn whose wrath you have brought down..."

"Hehe..." Layla could only laugh to herself as she stared at Salem's overwhelming power. "I should feel honored then. Thank you for taking me series, Salem."

Salem smiled back at her. "You won't be able to defeat me with strength alone... So please make this interesting for me, Layla Otohime."

While Salem and Layla stared at each other, their auras manifested from their bodies, while everyone else stared at the two of them. The tension between the two was palpable to say the least, but they had to make this count. And so while everyone fell silent the two of them attacked each other, which then froze everything in place.

....To Be Continued.

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{A/N: Okay that should be it for now. I plan on making this a two-parter since it took a while, and I still have much to put. I also plan on updating the old chapters. So yeah, I will be working on the next chapter, on Friday or Saturday that is usually my free day. Anyway, with that said that should be all for today. Have a nice day and take it easy everyone.}