Salem's Castle

(Y/N): "Prove I belong here"? What's that supposed to mean?

Salem: Exactly as it sounds...

Y/N followed the ghostly pale woman through the hallways of her castle to an unknown destination.

Salem: ...each individual in this castle had to prove their usefulness to our cause.

(Y/N): You know, you still haven't told me exactly what you want me to do or what this 'cause' even is...

Salem glanced over her shoulder.

Salem: I want you to help me save this world.

Y/N silently shrugged.

(Y/N): Of course you do...

Y/N's indifference wasn't lost on Salem, who raised an eyebrow.

Salem: This isn't the first time someone has asked for this?

Y/N sighed.

(Y/N): Not even close to the first time...

Salem: Interesting...

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

Y/N didn't notice, but Salem took a mental note of this recent discovery as they walked down the hall.

(Y/N): Hold on, why do I even have to prove myself? Aren't you the one to bring me here?

Salem: You do not need to prove yourself to me, this test is more for everyone else?

(Y/N): You mean the people I met yesterday?

Salem: Correct. As I said before, each person has had to prove themself useful to this cause, and they find it unfair that you have been accepted without having to go through such a test.

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

Salem glanced back at Y/N once more.

Salem: What is it?

(Y/N): I just didn't expect someone like you to care so much about the opinions of those who follow her.

Salem: And what did you expect?

(Y/N): I don't know... I mean... just looking at you, you don't look like the kind person to really care about that sort of thing.

Salem: Appearances aren't everything...

Salem stopped looked Y/N in the eyes, her own slightly glowing.

Salem: ...you of all people should know that.

Y/N stopped as well.

(Y/N): Okay, you've made your point.

Salem and Y/N once again continued to walk down the hallways and corridors of the large structure.

(Y/N): So... what exactly will I be doing on this 'test'? Is it an oral exam? Oh, a baking contest!?

If Y/N was expecting a reaction, he didn't get one. In fact, Salem remained expressionless as she continued to listen to Y/N continue.

(Y/N): This isn't going to be one of those metaphorical tests is it? Like... you're not going to make me have to pick the 'correct' chalice from a room filled with them are you?...

Y/N grimaced as he rubbed his neck.

(Y/N): I ended up picking 'poorly' twice... it hurt... a lot...

Salem: No, nothing like that...

Salem seemed unfazed by Y/N's comments.

Salem: ...this test is very straight forward in fact.

(Y/N): Yeah? Well, so long as I'm not launched into the air I don't mind...

Salem: You will not be launched into the air either...

(Y/N): That's good to hear.

Salem: You will, however, require these.

Salem handed Y/N the arm guards that was gifted to him by Ruby and her friends.

(Y/N): Hey! I had wondered where these went.

Y/N quickly fastened them to his arms.

(Y/N): Thank you for giving these back to me.

Salem: You are welcome...

(Y/N): Yeah, these are pretty usef- wait... what do you mean I'll 'require' these?

_____

_____

Meeting Hall

Mercury: What are we waiting for?

Mercury complained as he leaned against the large table in the center of the room.

Emerald rolled her eyes.

Emerald: Weren't you paying attention? We're here to see if that kid we brought in was worth the trouble.

In the large meeting hall where Y/N first met Salem, her followers were patiently waiting inside. Well, most of them were waiting patiently.

Mercury: Tch. That's stupid, we already know how good he is... he's not.

Watts: Could you please tell your... lackeys, to keep it down?...

Watts, annoyed by Mercury's complaining, looked away from his Scroll and looked at Cinder.

Watts: ...It is extraordinary irritating.

Cinder slightly tilted her head and glared at Watts.

Cinder: Then they may continue.

Watts grimaced as Mercury and Emerald chuckled to themselves.

Watts: Annoying little...

Hazel: Leave it...

Hazel's rough voice stopped Watts from growing.

Hazel: ...there are more important things to worry about.

The large man stood next to Watts but kept his gaze out the window.

Watts sighed and stepped closer to the window.

Watts: I will admit, I am curious about this young man. Though, given his initial impression...

Watts looked back down at his Scroll.

Watts: ...I'll keep my expectations low.

Tyrian: I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait to see the show!

Tyrian chuckled to himself and excitedly looked out the window.

Tyrian: I wonder how it will end?

Watts rolled his eyes and continued to tap on his Scroll.

Watts: Likely how we all expect it to.

Hazel: We won't know until it starts.

Tyrian rubbed his hands together.

Tyrian: Here's hoping for some blood-curdling screams.

While Hazel and Watts didn't seem too affected by Tyrian's macabre wishes, Emerald and Mercury visibly winced.

Mercury: Eugh... freak...

Tyrian smiled at the startled pair.

Tyrian: Aww, don't be like that, what's a day without some bloody violence?

Emerald: You realize you're insane, right?

Emerald looked disgusted at Tyrian, who only smiled wider.

Tyrian: Me!? Insane!? I'm only being true to who I am! You're the ones that resign themselves to their inhibitions...

Tyrian slowly began to approach Emerald and Mercury, whose fear and discomfort grew as he drew closer.

Tyrian: ...from my point of view, you are the one who is insane...

Visible fear showed on Emerald and Mercury's faces, which Tyrian seemed to enjoy.

Tyrian: ...you should really learn to listen to the dark voices in the back or your minds, it's truly liberating.

Cinder: Take another step, and I will 'liberate' your head from your shoulders.

Looking to his left, Tyrian found Cinder glaring at him--her eyes physically ablaze--with a darkened glass blade aimed at Tyrian's head.

Tyrian feigned fear and hopped back.

Tyrian: I meant no ill will toward them...

Cinder didn't flinch as Tyrian's smile returned to his face.

Tyrian: ...honest.

Cinder's disgust only grew as she looked at Tyrian's sadistic smile.

Hazel: All of you, calm down, it's starting.

Before things could escalate even further, Hazel saw Y/N walking out into the barren landscape.

Tyrian gasped in excitement and ran to the window.

Tyrian: Yes! Time for some violence!

After Tyrian left, Emerald and Mercury sighed in relief.

Emerald: Thank you ma'am.

Cinder dispelled her sword and started walking toward the window as well.

Cinder: Come.

Following their leader's orders, Emerald and Mercury joined Cinder by the window and looked outward.

Mercury: Heh. This should be good.

_____

_____

Outside Salem's Castle

Now outside, Y/N was able to get a closer look at the arid terrain.

(Y/N): Yeesh, you should really consider growing flowers or something, cause this place is super dead...

Looking around, Y/N noticed scattered pools of black liquid nearby.

(Y/N): I'm no environmentalist, but that...

Y/N pointed to the large puddles of black liquid.

(Y/N): ...does not look healthy.

Salem: I do not grow flowers here...

Turning around, Y/N noticed Salem standing on a ledge above him.

(Y/N): Right. What about the puddles?

Salem: Your test.

Y/N looked at the puddle and then back to Salem.

(Y/N): I am not drinking that stuff.

Once again, Salem didn't seemed fazed by Y/N's comments. Instead, she looked outward and narrowed her eyes. After a brief flash of red light from her eyes, a single Grimm Beowolf lumbered from behind a large purple crystal.

This particular Beowolf was different than the ones Y/N had seen before, it was larger and had more bone like protrusions and armor. Its head was more angular than the others and it's claws were significantly longer than the ones Y/N saw before.

(Y/N): 0_o The fuck is that!?

The spectators above shared Y/N's surprise.

Emerald: W-what is that?

Mercury: Is that a Beowolf?

Watts: Fascinating...

Watts looked up from his Scroll and looked at the unfamiliar creature.

Watts: ...a type of evolution?

Tyrian jumped up and down and laughed.

Tyrian: Hahahaha! This will be amazing!

Cinder and Hazel remained silent, both of them focused on the confrontation below.

(Y/N): Is... is that a Beowolf!? Why does it look so scary!?

The Grimm's eyes glowed bright right before it let out a terrifying howl, causing Y/N to cover his ears.

(Y/N): Ow! Why is it so loud!?

Seeing Y/N briefly stunned, the Beowolf began to charge at its prey.

The spectators above watched in anticipation as the Beowolf quickly closed the distance between it and Y/N.

Tyrian's smile grew wider and wider the closer the Grimm got to Y/N.

Tyrian: Yes! Yes! Yes!

Watts: This should be good...

Back on the ground below, Y/N rubbed his ear.

(Y/N): Augh... why does everything have to roar at me?...

Seemingly not noticing the rapidly approaching Grimm, Y/N nonchalantly picked up a small rock off the ground.

The Grimm's eyes glowed red as it leapt into the air and reeled its claws back to strike at the distracted person in front of it. The Grimm roared once more, as it thrusted its claws forward.

THWACK

Mid-strike, the attacking Beowolf abruptly flew backward and landed on its back a few yards back the way it charged, unmoving.

Emerald blinked.

Emerald: W...what just happened?

Emerald looked at the now still Beowolf and then to Cinder, expecting an answer.

However, Cinder did not answer, as she was confused as well. In fact, all of the spectators in the room were completely lost.

Watts: What? How did-? Why did it-?

Watts eyes darted between the completely fine Y/N and the now deceased Beowolf.

Tyrian seemed to be saddened by the sudden end.

Tyrian: W-what!? N-n-no blood!? No... no screaming!? Nothing!?

Hazel, who was also taken by surprise by the result, was the only person to notice that Salem didn't seem to react to the results.

Mercury: Was that his Semblance or something!?

Emerald: How should I know!?

Cinder did not know what to think, if anyone wasn't expecting this outcome, it was her. She was certain that she knew the extent of Y/N's combat abilities, the sudden end to the fight seemed to throw all of that away.

Down below, Y/N blinked at the dead Grimm and carefully approached its corpse. Curious, Y/N gave the unmoving Grimm a light 'test kick' to see if it actually was dead. When it didn't move, Y/N shot his arms into the air.

(Y/N): Wooo!

Tyrian: No! No! No!

Tyrian shouted at the window, even though his voice did not travel outside.

Tyrian: There was supposed to be more blood!

Watts: I'd have to agree with Tyrian, at least in a different way...

Watts rubbed his chin.

Watts: ...even if his abilities were grossly underestimated...

Watts condescendingly looked at Cinder, who grit her teeth in anger.

Watts: ...that was a surprisingly easy test.

Tyrian: Yes! I'll head down there!

Tyrian started to laugh as he started to imagine how he'd fight Y/N.

Tyrian: Hehehe... I'll give him a true test.

Hazel: It's not over...

Tyrian and everyone else looked at Hazel, confused.

Watts: It's not?

Hazel's attention was on Salem, who still had not moved from her spot.

(Y/N): That wasn't so bad. Did I pass?

Salem: No.

(Y/N): Yea- wait what?

Salem shifted her gaze toward something behind Y/N, causing him to turn around.

Y/N felt the ground shake beneath his feet.

(Y/N): Uhhhhh......

Something was approaching, something large.

Looking up in the same direction the Beowolf initially came from with trepidation.

THUMP

The shaking soon turned into separate thumps, implying heavy, large footsteps.

(Y/N): I don't like where this is going.

BOOM

With a loud boom an enormous claw, much larger than the entirety of the Beowolf, landed on the other side of the large crystal.

(Y/N): 0_o

The claw tensed and suddenly the head of an extremely large Grimm peeked around the corner. Three large eyes focused on Y/N, whose mouth was now hanging open.

With an audible growl, the enormous Grimm shoved the giant purple crystal out of the ground and onto the ground kicking up even more rocks and dirt.

When the dust cleared, Y/N looked up to see the monstrously huge body of an enormous Grimm, that resembled a large wingless dragon. It's body towered over six stories tall.

The enormous Grimm glanced at Salem before looking down at the lone figure that was beneath it.

ROAR

The large dragon Grimm let out an ear shattering roar right in front of the lone Y/N.

Y/N, now slightly drenched in Grimm saliva, stared in shock at the giant monster before him.

(Y/N): Are you kidding me!? That thing is-

Tyrian: -Amazing! Hahahahaha!!

Tyrian started to laugh uncontrollably.

The others in the room did not share Tyrian's joy. In fact, the others took a step back when the Grimm roared.

Watts: That's... that's insane...

Watts and even Hazel, were in shock in both the fact that, that creature was Y/N's test, and that such a creature existed.

Emerald and Mercury showed genuine horror at the sudden appearance of this large Grimm.

Emerald: W-what is that!?

Mercury: That... that can't be real, right!?

Cinder was more taken aback that Salem even had a creature such as that and decided to use it on Y/N.

While everyone reeled back in a mixture of shock and horror, Tyrian continued to laugh.

Tyrian: Hahahah!!! This was definitely worth watching!!

Salem shifted her gaze to Y/N.

Salem: That is your test.

Y/N slowly turned to look at Salem.

(Y/N): 0_0 Is it too late to ask for an oral exam?

Salem: Yes.

ROAR

With another ear piercing roar, the Grimm lunged at Y/N and opened it's gigantic jaw.

(Y/N): Oh fuck!!! Not agai-

Y/N fruitlessly brought his shield up as the large Grimm took a huge bite out of where Y/N was standing.

WIth very audible crunching sounds, the large Grimm chewed on the contents within its mouth before swallowing, seemingly killing the young man that was forced to face it.

Tyrian: Hahahahahaha!!!!

Tyrian laughed hysterically as the battle finished as quickly as it started.

Watts: Well then... *ahem* that was... quite illuminating...

Watts tried to mask his uneasiness but was doing poorly.

Mercury: That... that thing is on our side, right?

Emerald: It's a Grimm, right? S-so it has to be...

Emerald and Mercury were clearly shaken just by looking at the monster.

Cinder also looked at the monster in shock, mouth agape.

Tyrian: Hahahaha! Now that is an ending I can appreciate.

Cinder scowled at Tyrian.

Cinder: Would you stop laughing!? This is not funny!

Tyrian: How is it not!? Hahaha!!!

Hazel: Wait...

Hazel was, once again, the only one to notice that Salem still had not moved from her place, and shifted his gaze to the large Grimm.

Hazel: ...something isn't right.

Salem narrowed her eyes at the enormous Grimm before her, waiting for something.

Suddenly, the Grimm flinched like something struck it.

Mercury: What the hell is it doing?

The Grimm shook its head as if it were trying to shake something off, then it began to stumble around and violently shook, seemingly for no reason at all.

Salem raised an eyebrow as the Grimm leaned back on to its hind legs and let out a loud roar into the sky.

ROA-

CRACK

Mid roar, a loud crack sound resounded from the large Grimm. Suddenly, the light in the monster's eyes suddenly dimmed and the creature fell onto its stomach with a loud boom. When the large creature fell to the ground, a large cloud of dust kicked up into the air.

Watts: What... what's happened!?

Emerald: I can't see anything!

The large dust cloud blocked the vision of those watching from the castle.

Hazel: Just wait, the dust will clear.

Everyone, Salem included, waited with anticipation for the cloud of dust to dissipate.

When the dust finally cleared, the only thing everyone could see was the now lifeless corpse of the large Grimm.

Emerald: Is... is it dead?

Mercury: I... I think it is.

Watts: How could such a creature just... die?

Without warning, the Grimm's head began to twitch.

Emerald: *gasp* It's still alive!?

Hazel looked closely at the Grimm's twitching head.

Hazel: No...

A crack formed on the creature's solid bone forehead.

For the first time that day, a small smile formed on Salem's face.

The small crack suddenly burst open, throwing chunks of bone and gore into the air.

Cinder's eyes went wide as an arm shot out from the newly formed hole in the monster's head.

(Y/N): Oh my fucking god!!!

Y/N, covered in blood and chunks of gore, pulled himself out of the hole he formed in the monster's head.

(Y/N): Oh god... it smells awful...

Y/N looked at Salem, looking worse for wear.

(Y/N): Did I pass now?

Salem: Yes.

(Y/N): Wooo.... I'll be right there, I just need to vomit...

Y/N turned around and began to regurgitate his breakfast into the monster's open skull.

Above, the once doubtful and down right condescending spectators saw Y/N in a completely different light.

Watts: That... that shouldn't be possible...

Watts stared wide eyed at the youth that bested a creature that seemed invincible.

Hazel: At least now we know why Salem had an interest in him...

Tyrian stared silently at the young man and the giant corpse he stood upon.

Tyrian: ...Heh...

Tyrian let out a soft giggle.

Tyrian: Haha... Hahahahahahaha!!!!

That soft giggle soon turned into intense laughter, which caught Hazel and Watts by surprise.

Watts: What on Remnant are you laughing about now!?

Tyrian looked at his two compatriots with his usual wide maniac smile.

Tyrian: Now that, was a twist ending I can enjoy! Hahahahhaha!!!

While Hazel, Watts, and Tyrian were each impressed, fascinated, and joyous about the final outcome of the test, it was a very different story for Cinder and her group.

Mercury: What the hell!? How the hell long could he do that!?

Emerald: Wasn't he a non-combat student back at Beacon? How could someone like that do something like this!?

Emerald and Mercury could not believe what they just saw.

Mercury: How did we miss that!?

Mercury slammed his clenched fist against the wall in frustration.

Emerald: Wait, does that mean he wasn't even trying when we-

Emerald stopped mid-sentence when she heard a burning crackling sound coming from Cinder.

Emerald: C-Cinder?...

The window sill that Cinder rested her arm on crackled as she unconsciously summoned scathing heat from beneath her clenched fist.

Cinder no longer felt surprise or shock at the scene in front of her, instead it was replaced with seething rage. Fire burst from her eyes as she glared at Y/N as he climbed down from the corpse he made.

Cinder was not enraged by the fact that Y/N was still alive or that he managed to defeat the creature, instead she was furious at the realization that Y/N was apparently stronger than her. The fact that someone she looked down on so easily, was stronger than her caused her to feel indescribable fury.

_____

_____

Inside the castle once more, Y/N followed Salem back toward the meeting hall.

Salem: With this, your place here is ensured.

Y/N, still covered in blood and gore, shrugged.

(Y/N): Fantastic...

The large wooden double doors opened and the members of Salem's cabal stood in front to greet them.

Salem: Congratulate our newest member.

Hazel crossed his arms and nodded.

Hazel: Well done, kid. Well done.

Watts: Uh... yes... most impressive

(Y/N): Yeah... than-

Tyrian: That was phenomenal!

(Y/N): Ah!

Tyrian suddenly jumped next to Y/N and got uncomfortably close to the victorious young man.

Tyrian: Tell me, what was it like for you to claw your way through its brain?

(Y/N): What!?

Tyrian chuckled.

Tyrian: Was it warm and squishy? How enjoyable was it to feel it die?

(Y/N): Restraining order! Please!

Y/N leaned back to avoid Tyrian from touching him and looked at Salem, who glared at Tyrian, causing him to back off.

Tyrian: Oh! Hehehe... another time then...

(Y/N): Please no.

Salem then looked at the remaining three who had yet to congratulate Y/N.

Salem: Is there a reason why you are not congratulating our newest member?

There was an awkward silence as Emerald and Mercury looked at Cinder who was leaning against the scorched window sill.

Cinder looked at Y/N and visibly scowled at him.

(Y/N): Did... I do something wrong?

Salem: Yes. Is there something wrong with the strengthening of our ranks?

Salem stepped directly in front of Y/N, forcing Cinder to have to look her in the eyes.

Salem: Well? Is there?

Cinder looked away, frustrated.

Cinder: No, there isn't... Congratulations...

Cinder felt revulsion as she said this.

Cinder: ...Y/N.

Y/N peeked around Salem.

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

Salem glared at her rebellious subordinate for a moment longer and then turned to Y/N.

Salem: I also offer my congratulations, Y/N, you have done exceptionally well today. But for now, a bath and a change of clothes is in order.

(Y/N): Yeah...

Y/N lifted his arm to his nose and recoiled.

(Y/N): Eugh!! Yeah, I should take a bath.

Started to head toward the door; another chunk of Grimm matter flopped onto the floor as he did so.

(Y/N): Oh that's great...

_____

_____

Castle Hallways

(Y/N): Eugh... why is there always a giant one?

Y/N walked through the halls of the castle, back to his room, still covered in Grimm insides.

(Y/N): -_- Why can't they ever just stay small... and soft... and harmless....

Y/N sighed and turned right down the hall.

Salem: It is left, Y/N.

(Y/N): What? Oh.

Y/N turned around found Salem waiting for him.

(Y/N): You followed me?

Salem: I wished to discuss something with you...

Salem glanced down the hall Y/N was originally going to walk down.

Salem: ...it is a good thing that I came, you'd have gotten lost.

(Y/N): Yeah, I would.

The pair started to walk down the hall together.

(Y/N): Is Cinder okay?

Salem glanced at Y/N briefly before turning her focus ahead again.

Salem: She is simply surprised you passed your test.

(Y/N): -_- Glad to hear she was rooting for me...

Y/N sighed.

(Y/N): ...so you wanted to talk about something?

Salem: Yes, about... getting you home.

(Y/N): Yeah? You have an idea? Already?

Salem: Yes. Have you seen how you go from world to world?

(Y/N): You mean a magic circle?

This caught Salem's full attention.

Salem: Yes...

(Y/N): I mean... a magic circle isn't the only way I've been sent to different worlds, but it's certainly one of the more common ways...

Y/N looked at Salem.

(Y/N): ...if you're asking me if I know how to make them, I don't.

Salem: But have you physically seen them?...

(Y/N): Yeah, seen plenty.

Salem: ...and you seen how they're made?

(Y/N): Yep.

Salem: Then I believe I have a way.

(Y/N): And that is?

Salem: Your memories.

(Y/N): ...What?

Salem: By reading your memories, I will be able to create a way home for you.

(Y/N): That sounds good... and how are you going to read my memories?

Salem: By entering your mind.

(Y/N): No.

Salem glanced at Y/N, surprised by his response.

Salem: 'No'? I thought you wanted to find a way home?

(Y/N): Oh I do, but I don't want people entering my head... it's private.

Salem: I have lived for a very long time, you do not need to feel embarrassed.

(Y/N): Well, that too. I just don't want people inside my head.

Salem: It is your fastest way home.

(Y/N): Then I'll find a longer one, the answer is no.

Y/N glared at Salem, which--for some reason--slightly startled her.

The two people stopped in front of Y/N's room.

(Y/N): Now, thank you for steering me in the right direction and for looking for a way for me to go home, but I'd like to change.

Salem: I understand, take the remainder of the day to rest.

(Y/N): Thanks...

Y/N closed the door to his room, leaving Salem outside, who silently closed her eyes in thought and continued down the hall.

_____

_____

That Night

Meeting Hall

Cinder opened the double doors to the darkened meeting room alone. Stepping inside, Cinder noticed how the lights from the crystals and candles were strangely being dimmed. Looking forward, saw the cause for this strange occurrence.

Sitting alone on her seat, Salem slowly hovered her hands above the spherical head of the Seer Grimm.

Cinder took a deep breath and stepped toward her master.

Salem: Cinder... what brings you here at this hour?

Cinder stopped at the chair closest to her.

Cinder: I wanted to know... who he is.

Salem briefly glanced at Cinder and return the Seer in front of her.

Salam: An extraordinarily unique existence, that will prove to be invaluable to me.

Cinder grimaced at the answer.

Cinder: Then, how powerful is he really?

Salem: Ah... Envious are we?

Cinder: ...

Salem: Then I suggest you prepare to return to Beacon and complete your task there... then maybe, you'll have the power you seek.

Cinder: As you wish.

Before Cinder could fully turn around to leave, Salem stopped her.

Salem: Did you retrieve what I asked for?

Cinder: Yes.

Cinder walked over to Salem and handed her a small container.

Salem removed both her hands from the Seer and opened the container.

Salem: Excellent.

Salem held in her hand a familiar antler in her hand.

Cinder: It was easier than expected, seeing as how he was the one to greet us first. Though I am curious why you wanted this in particular?

Salem looked over the antler and gently placed it down.

Salem: A tool for later use.

Cinder: I do have one final question though... what happens when he figures everything out?

Salem returned her hands above the Seer and her eyes glowed a bright red.

Salem: We kill him. Now leave.

Cinder: Yes ma'am.

Cinder briskly walked out of the room, startled by the slowly darkening room.

_____

_____

Y/N's Guest Room

Y/N slept soundly on his bed, the room illuminated by only a few crystals.

(Y/N): ....*snore* Baaaaaaaaaaaacon~ *snore* Baaaaaaaaaaaacon~ *snore*

Not a sound was made as the room suddenly began to darken without cause.

The darkness seeming to encroach upon Y/N's sleeping form.

_____

_____ 

Author: 

My bad, I didn't hit the publish button :P