Salem's Castle

(Y/N): How do you tell what time of day it is here?

Y/N continued to gaze at the sinister landscape, trying to determine where he was.

(Y/N): Certainly isn't the strangest place I've been to...

A moment later Y/N heard a knock on the door to his room.

(Y/N): Wonder who that could be...

Y/N walked to the door and pulled the door open.

On the other side of the door stood a tall, muscular, middle-aged man. He had short brown hair and a well maintained beard. He wore a green coat with rolled up sleeves, and a black shirt and pants. His size and presence could intimidate even battle hardened soldiers.

The man shifted his eyes downward to meet their guest.

(Y/N): ._.

Large Man: (F/N) (L/N)?

(Y/N): Uh... yeah?

Hazel: My name is Hazel, and I can assume you have a lot of questions?

(Y/N): ...Lots...

Hazel: Then come with me, there's someone you need to meet.

Hazel turned and started to walk down the hall.

(Y/N): I don't know...

Y/N peeked out of his room and down the hall Hazel started walking down.

(Y/N): ...I'm not entirely sure if it's a good idea for an underage teen to follow a complete stranger.

Hazel glanced back.

Hazel: Kid, you woke up in a dark and eerie castle after being systemically sedated. Following me can't possibly make things worse.

(Y/N): You say that, but this isn't the first time this exact thing happened to me...

Hazel: You have something else you should be doing?

(Y/N): ...Right...

Y/N quickly caught up to Hazel and started following him through the large castle.

The halls, like his room, were lit by candles, the strange purple crystal, and whatever moonlight shone in from the windows. From what Y/N could tell, there were no electric lights at all throughout the structure.

(Y/N): This place is really spooky.

Hazel: You get used to it.

(Y/N): I assumed that Atlas would be more... I dunno... white and sleek?

Hazel stopped and looked at Y/N.

Hazel: This... isn't Atlas, kid.

(Y/N): ...it isn't?

Hazel: Do I look like an Atlas soldier?

(Y/N): I mean...

Y/N looked Hazel up and down.

(Y/N): ...you're... really tall?

Hazel sighed and shook his head.

Hazel: Just follow me.

(Y/N): ...Is the castle haunted?

Hazel: Ugh....

Hazel--now regretting volunteering for this--led Y/N toward their destination.

_____

_____

The massive wooden double doors slowly creaked open revealing a large meeting room. Large cathedral like windows surrounded the entire room, allowing those inside a panoramic view of the dark landscape. Like the rest of the castle, the enormous room was mostly lit by the outside light, candles, and the familiar--ominously glowing--purple crystals.

In the center of the room was a large elongated table made out of the strange purple crystal seen throughout the castle, around it were six chairs, seemingly made out of dead white wood. At the end of the table, opposite of the entrance, was a kind of throne made entirely out of the ominously glowing purple crystals.

Around the table in the center of the room were five individuals, three were directly sitting at the table, while the remaining two stood directly behind one. All five, however, looked at the door as they opened.

(Y/N): You have a very gruff voice.

Hazel: Ugh... We're here... finally...

Now entering the room was Hazel, with Y/N in tow.

(Y/N): Do you think you could growl? Cause you sound just like those monst-

Y/N stopped himself from asking his next question when Hazel stepped aside and allowed Y/N a good view of the room.

(Y/N): ...You guys aren't going to eat me, right?

Y/N looked at Hazel.

Hazel: Just get in here.

Y/N followed Hazel to the table in the center of the room. Everyone who was already there silently looked at Y/N, each of them gauging their new guest.

One was a slightly tanned middle-aged man, much slimmer than Hazel. He had short black and grey hair and a well maintained bushy mustache. He was the most formally dressed out of everyone there, with a fancy grey overcoat and pants, a maroon vest, yellow dress shirt, and a black tie.

The second, which sat directly across from the other, was definitely younger than the other and Hazel. His long brown hair was braided into a ponytail that hung from the back of his head. He wore a white sleeveless jacket and pants with leather straps holding it together. His jacket was left open showing his bare chest, with a few prominent scars on display. The most defining feature of this person was his scorpion tail that protruded from his back.

The last person sitting at the table, sat at the other end. This one, however, was familiar to Y/N, long black hair, amber eyes, and red and gold dress. Behind her were her two subordinates, Emerald and Mercury.

Y/N quietly followed Hazel to the table, still trying to take things in.

Hazel: Here.

Hazel pulled out a chair and gestured for Y/N to sit down.

(Y/N): Okay...

Y/N sat down and Hazel pushed the chair back in. Now sitting down, Y/N could literally feel the stares he was getting from the other members at the table.

With a faint grunt, Hazel sat down in his own chair, which was to Y/N's left.

(Y/N): ._.

A momentary awkward silence filled the room as Y/N sat uncomfortably in his chair. 

Scorpion Man: If it isn't the man of the hour~...

To Y/N's right, the scorpion Faunas was leaning out of his chair and giving Y/N a rather maniac smile.

(Y/N): ._.

The man giggled at Y/N's stunned look.

Tyrian: Oh! Where are my manners?~ I am Tyrian...

Tyrian stood in his chair and gave a deep bow to Y/N.

Tyrian: A true pleasure to meet you~

(Y/N): ._.

Y/N turned to his left and looked at Hazel.

(Y/N): Could we trade seats?

Hazel: No.

(Y/N): -_-

Tyrian: Aww don't be like that.

Tyrian's disturbing smile grew wider.

Tyrian: Once you get to know me, I'm not so bad.

(Y/N): ...

Y/N looked back at Hazel, who had not moved.

(Y/N): You put me here on purpose, didn't you?

Hazel: Yep.

Y/N shrugged.

Tyrian: Oh! I know what will make you feel more at home! Why don't we all introduce ourselves?

Tyrian sat back into his chair, chuckling as he did so.

Tyrian: You know Hazel...

Hazel grunted.

Tyrian: ...and myself, how about our good doctor?

Tyrian gestured over to the formally dressed man with the mustache.

The mustached man sighed.

Mustached Man: If it gets you to settle down then... very well.

The man looked at Y/N.

Watts: I am Dr. Arthur Watts, master of all things mechanical and cybernetic.

Tyrian chuckled.

Tyrian: If you lose anything... important

Tyrian smiled sadistically as he said the word 'important'.

Tyrian: ...or you just want a couple of improvements on your person, our good doctor is the man to go to.

Watts cleared his throat.

Watts: That's blunt way of putting it but, yes I can. As well as a whole magnitude of other services I can provide...

Watts eyed Y/N.

Watts: ...to those who deserve it.

(Y/N): Oh... ;_;

Tyrian: Last, but certainly not least...

Tyrian smiled to himself as he pointed to the last person sitting at the table.

Tyrian: ...then again, you may have already met.

Y/N looked at the final three people in the room, while the two standing behind her were basically glaring at Y/N, Cinder herself seemed uninterested in their newest guest.

(Y/N): Oh yeah, we've met before, or at least seen each other before. You three are from Haven Academy right?

Emerald and Mercury chuckled to themselves.

Mercury: Yeah, we're from Haven Academy, that's why we're here.

The sarcasm wasn't lost on Y/N.

(Y/N): Aw come on, I'm not psychic...

Emerald: Or very bright...

(Y/N): ;_;

Cinder looked at Y/N, a mixture of disinterest and scorn.

Cinder: I am Cinder, these two are Emerald and Mercury.

Cinder's two subordinates grinned at Y/N, sharing their leader's feelings toward Y/N.

(Y/N): Oh... okay...

Tyrian: Oh don't mind her, she's always had a chip in her shoulder...

Cinder glared at Tyrian, which made him smile.

Tyrian: ...but I think me and you are going to be great friends!

Looking around the room, the only person that seemed to remotely appreciate Y/N's presence was Tyrian, which seemed to be worse than if no one noticed Y/N's presence.

(Y/N): So... uh...

Wanting to move things along, as well get Tyrian to give him some space, Y/N noticed the empty throne at the end of the table.

(Y/N): ...who sits there?

That particular question actually got a reaction from the people in the room. All looked at the empty seat at the end of the table, Tyrian was the first to speak up.

Tyrian: That magnificent throne belongs to our mistress and divine saviour, the one who will save us!

Y/N turned to the rest of the people in the room.

(Y/N): Is there something wrong with him?

Watts: Too many to count...

Looking at the others, Cinder and Hazel seemed to share Watts' opinion.

Tyrian: Don't worry!

Tyrian seemed either completely oblivious or flat out just ignored the conversation and carried on with what he was doing.

Tyrian: You will meet her soon...

As Tyrian sad the the huge wooden doors began to open once again, this time however, everyone stood up from their seats.

Not wanting to be rude--or left out--Y/N stood up as well, slightly confused on what was happening.

The enormous doors swung open and stepping through was a singular adult woman. Her skin was a deathly pale white, red and purple veins ran the length of her arms and face, her eyes--much like the monsters of Grimm--glowed a crimson red while the sclera of her eyes were jet black, in the center of her forehead was a diamond shaped marking. Her hair was tied into a large bun with offshoots from which strange ornaments hung. She wore a long black robe with red designs that resembled eyes.

The atmosphere in the room tensed dramatically as the people around Y/N bowed respectfully to the mysterious woman. Even Tyrian--as strange and demented as he was--showed utmost respect to this woman.

Y/N, on the other hand, was completely lost on what was going on. Because Hazel was closer to the door--and he was big--Y/N couldn't quite see who just walked in.

(Y/N): What's... what's going...

Curious, Y/N carefully peeked around Hazel to see who entered.

The woman momentarily stopped at the entrance and examined the room. When her eyes briefly locked on Watts, Cinder, Hazel, and Tyrian, each tensed slightly and bowed. Eventually, her eyes stopped on Y/N, right as he peeked around Hazel.

For half a second, Y/N and the woman's eyes locked.

(Y/N): Ah!!! Ghost!!!!

Cutting through the rigid silence in the room, Y/N yelped in shock and jumped into Hazel's arms.

Hazel: What the-!? Hey!

(Y/N): You said this place wasn't haunted!

Hazel grunted and dropped Y/N to the ground.

(Y/N): Ow...

Tyrian: You disrespectful cretin!

Tyrian stepped from his seat.

Tyrian: You dare to disrespect our mistress!?

Tyrian seethed with anger as he shouted at Y/N.

(Y/N): So much for being quote-on-quote 'friends'...

Tyrian: You! You will fall to your knees and beg for her forgiv- *gasp*

Before Tyrian could continue, he recoiled in fear and took a few steps back, looking at something behind Y/N.

Confused on why Tyrian stopped, Y/N turned his head back toward the entrance to see the ominous woman standing before him.

(Y/N): 0_o

Pale Woman: Y/N, Correct?

(Y/N): Uh... yeah?

A moment later, a pool of darkness appeared beneath Y/N.

(Y/N): Woah.

Emerging from the darkness were elongated, bony, black arms that grabbed Y/N and pulled him to his feet.

Pale Woman: Welcome, Y/N.

Y/N wasn't the only one completely surprised by what was happening. Everyone looked in shock as this ominous woman gently helped the young student to his feet.

(Y/N): Um... thank... you?

The woman quietly sauntered to the empty crystal throne at the end of the table.

Pale Woman: Please, have a seat.

Still slightly stunned, Y/N and the rest of the members in the room sat in their seats.

The woman, now seated in her own throne, relaxed slightly in her seat and then looked at Y/N.

Salem: I'm sure you have many questions, but allow me to introduce myself. I am Salem...

Tyrian's sadistic smile returned to his face once more as Salem spoke.

Salem: I am the ruler of all that you see before you, as well as the orchestrator behind your escape.

(Y/N): Yeah... I was wondering about that, how... did I get here?

Y/N was still curious on both how he got here as well as where 'here' is.

Salem: I understand your confusion, Atlas had you sedated and planned to transport you to their kingdom. However, thanks to the actions of my subordinate...

Salem motioned to Cinder.

Salem: ...you were saved from a fate worse than death.

(Y/N): 'a fate worse than death'? Are you certain about that?

Tyrian growled but was stopped when Salem glared at the angered Faunas.

Salem: Atlas would not have treated you like a human being, they see you as nothing more than a piece of meat to be studied and dissected.

(Y/N): Oh.... well then...

Y/N looked at Cinder.

(Y/N): Thanks?

Cinder: Hmm.... you're welcome...

There was a hint of scorn in Cinder's voice as she responded to Y/N.

(Y/N): Right.... Okay then...

Y/N looked back at Salem.

(Y/N): Why did you save me?

Salem: I require your assistance.

(Y/N): My 'assistance'?

Salem: A bit vague--I know--but rest assured, it is fully within your capabilities.

(Y/N): ...Right...

Salem: You must be tired, Y/N, the sedatives in you have yet to fully run their course, so it would be best for you to rest for the time being.

Y/N rotated his arm, gauging how tired he really was.

(Y/N): Sure...

Hazel: Very well, I'll-

Salem: No, Cinder shall return our very important guest to his room.

Cinder looked at Salem in surprise.

Cinder: What? Why m-

Salem glared at Cinder, her eyes glowing slightly.

Cinder: V-very well...

Cinder got out her seat and told Emerald and Mercury to wait here.

(Y/N): Oh, I mean... if she doesn't want t-

Cinder: Come on.

Y/N got out of his seat.

(Y/N): Okay.

As the two left the room Salem spoke to Y/N once again.

Salem: Please, take the time to rest, Y/N.

Y/N glanced back to see Salem's eyes glowing slightly as the large wooden doors shut.

_____

_____

For much of the walk back to the guest room Cinder and Y/N remained silent.

While Y/N was curious about his surroundings as well as the ominous woman known as Salem, he was also curious about Cinder.

(Y/N): Y'know... I recognize you from back at Vale.

Cinder: I was undercover at Beacon to help break you out.

(Y/N): Oh... were your two partners also undercover?

Cinder: They are not my partners, they are my followers.

(Y/N): Is that why they don't sit at the big table?

Cinder looked at Y/N.

Cinder: Yes. We're here.

Cinder and Y/N stopped in front of the guest room.

(Y/N): Well, thanks.

Cinder: Sure. Be sure to take the time to rest, Y/N.

As fast as she got there, Cinder started to head back in the direction they came from.

After Cinder left Y/N opened the door to his room.

(Y/N): Beacon isn't the only place I recognize you from...

_____

_____

Returning to the meeting hall, Cinder angrily sat back down in her chair.

Salem: Cinder, now that you've returned I want a report from Beacon Academy.

Cinder grimaced but answered her leader.

Cinder: Everything has gone according to plan, despite a minor hiccup with the White Fang and local criminals, all the pieces are in place at Beacon.

Salem: Good.

Cinder's irate mood wasn't lost on Salem.

Salem: What is wrong?

Cinder: It's...

Cinder gently rubbed her neck and stopped herself from speaking. Understanding what Cinder meant, Salem glanced around the room at her other subordinates.

Salem: I see...

Salem could easily tell that her followers did not like her guest. Eventually the silence was broken when Hazel spoke.

Hazel: It's no mystery that all of us don't approve of Y/N.

Watts: I agree. Each person here has their uses, their own set of skills that can be used to further our cause, but this... child, has shown no valuable qualities that would be of use to us.

Tyrian: Yes, forgive my doubt my mistress, but that brat has no reason to be here.

Watts pulled out his Scroll and pulled up Atlas' reports on Y/N.

Watts: Unless we're talking about that fascinating energy within him, I can see no reason for his presence.

Cinder: Why him?...

Salem's gaze returned to Cinder.

Cinder: Why go through so much effort for one person?

Salem glanced at Emerald and Mercury, who agreed with their superior but tensed when they saw her gaze upon them.

Salem: I can understand all of your doubts. The amount of time and planning to simply retrieve a single child is indeed out of the ordinary...

Everyone in the room looked at Salem as it seemed she agreed with them.

Tyrian: Oh! Can we torture him?

Tyrian jumped happily in his chair.

Watts shrugged.

Watts: Don't be preposterous, we need to extract that energy source within him first.

Salem: ...however...

The room began to darken as a sinister pressure replaced the fading light. Every person in the room--save for Salem herself--felt a powerful instinctual fear grow within them. All recoiled in fear as Salem's shadow seemed to triple in size.

Salem: ...I don't remember needing your approval for my decisions.

Salem's eyes glowed bright as she glared at her impudent subordinates.

Tyrian: W-w-we a-apologize f-f-

Tyrian was unable to speak and trembled with fear as Salem's glare landed on him.

Salem: He is here because I wish him to be...

Suddenly, as fast as the darkness consumed the room, it was gone. Salem's followers could breathe again as the intense pressure subsided.

Salem: ...he will make an irreplaceable ally to us, and I do not want any of you to be rude to him.

Salem glanced around the table, each member--still out of breath and slightly trembling--nodded in acknowledgment.

Salem: Good.

_____

_____

The Following Morning

Y/N's Guest Room

Despite the rather menacing atmosphere of the castle itself, Y/N's room was very luxurious. Not only was it spacious but it even had its own connected bath, which Y/N used.

(Y/N): Ahh.... much better.

With a towel wrapped around his waist, Y/N looked back at his worn school uniform.

(Y/N): Yeah... I'm not putting that back on, I've been wearing it for like three days straight.

Looking around Y/N spotted the large wardrobe.

(Y/N): Hmmm.... I wonder...

Y/N walked to the large cabinet and opened it up to reveal a whole line of clothes.

(Y/N): Huh... what do you know?

Those clothes themselves were actually pretty normal, given where Y/N found them.

(Y/N): Hey, no goth stuff! I mean, Salem's dress if pretty and all, but I'm not wearing something that makes me look like I belong in the Addams family.

Y/N grabbed a simple shirt and pants with a generic grey coat.

(Y/N): This'll do...

After getting dressed, Y/N looked out the window once again. The barren landscape was the same, though it was a little brighter than when he checked yesterday. Y/N assumed it was because it was morning.

Another thing Y/N noticed outside were the small flocks of Nevermore circling in the distance.

(Y/N): Man... I can only imagine what it would be like to try and sell this place...

Like the other day, Y/N's sightseeing was interrupted when he heard a knock at his door.

Opening the door, Y/N found that it was Salem waiting for him.

Salem: Good morning Y/N.

(Y/N): Oh! Good morning... uh... ma'am?

Salem: You may call me by my name.

(Y/N): Okay...

Salem gestured to something outside.

Salem: May I come in?

(Y/N): Sure.

Salem quietly walked into Y/N's room and sat down on one of the chairs next to Y/N's table.

Salem: I see you found your wardrobe.

Y/N joined Salem and sat across from her.

(Y/N): Yeah, thanks for the change of attire, though I'm confused on how you knew my size.

Salem: It's recorded in the Beacon student database...

(Y/N): Ah.

Salem: As well as on the tag inside your school uniform.

(Y/N): Oh, that makes more sense...

There was a moment of silence as Y/N thought about his clothes.

Salem: You had questions, did you not?

(Y/N): Yeah, that's right! Okay... first question: Why are you being so nice to me?

Salem: Would you prefer I wasn't?

(Y/N): No! I'm just... curious on why you're treating me different than your other... uh... followers.

Salem: It is because you are immensely valuable to me...

(Y/N): I am?

Y/N unconsciously scooted the chair he was sitting on a bit further away.

Salem: I believe there is a misunderstanding.

(Y/N): ._.There is?

Salem: I am the one who brought you to this world.

(Y/N): Oh....

Another moment of silence filled the room as Y/N processed what Salem said.

(Y/N): Oh!... Why?

Salem: Like I said yesterday, I need your help.

Y/N raised an eyebrow.

(Y/N): So, you know who I am?

Salem: I know that you are more powerful than you let on.

(Y/N): Huh...

Y/N rubbed his chin and then looked back at Salem.

(Y/N): Look, I mean no disrespect to you or your... group... but is there anyway you could send me back? I'm kinda retiring from this whole thing.

Salem: I was hoping you could tell me.

Y/N looked at Salem confused.

(Y/N): Wait, you don't know? But you summoned me here.

Salem: I did not summon you, rather, I pulled you here.

(Y/N): Huh?

Salem: I felt your presence drifting through our world, and so, I pulled you here.

(Y/N): So you pulled me in like a fish from a river? Huh... guess that would explain why this particular summoning was so... explosive.

Salem: I apologize for your harsh landing.

(Y/N): Well, at least you apologized. But, is there really no way for you to send me home?

Salem thought for a moment and then looked back at Y/N.

Salem: May I see your arm?

(Y/N): Uh... sure.

Y/N stuck his arm out and Salem gently took it in her arms.

Salem: Channel your Aura.

(Y/N): Alright.

Y/N closed his eyes and concentrated on his Aura. Even though he had practiced back at Beacon Academy, it was still fairly difficult for Y/N to fully activate his Aura--which is to say nothing about his Semblance.

Salem intensely looked at Y/N's arm as the faint grey color of his Aura glowed.

Salem: Hmm....

Salem could clearly tell that Y/N's was different than those she'd seen before. Curious, Salem summoned her own dark energy to Y/N's arm.

(Y/N): Rgh...

Y/N's arm twitched slightly as the dark magics came in contact with his Aura. Moments later, however, Y/N's Aura began to shine slightly brighter, giving Salem a clearer look at it.

Salem: Interesting...

Salem noticed the faint distortion that Y/N's Aura suffered from. After a brief moment, Salem released Y/N's arm, the glowing instantly disappearing after losing contact with her.

(Y/N): Woah, that felt different.

While Y/N looked at his arm, Salem looked at her hands. She mentally smiled to herself when she saw the same faint grey distortion in the palm of her hand.

(Y/N): So, what did you find out.

Salem put her hands back on her lap and looked back at Y/N.

Salem: There might be a way, but  I require more time.

As she said that, Salem got to her feet.

(Y/N): How long is: 'more time'?

Salem: Not long, however, I would like you to come with me for now.

Y/N stood up and began to follow Salem toward the door.

(Y/N): Where are we going?

Salem glanced back and the confused teen.

Salem: We're going to prove you belong here.