Lake of Grimm

Bubbles floated to the top and popped on the surface of the enormous black tar-like lake. At the edge of the lake the black tar on the surface began to swirl until something slowly rose from its dark depths.

The viscous liquid dipped down before a shape began to rise out of the lake. Two glowing red eyes pierced through the fluid as a large claw roughly clung to the rocky ground. The large Beowolf Grimm growled as it crawled out of the lake.

The Grimm quickly shook the remaining black liquid off of its body, before slowly walking away from the lakes edge.

Soon, multiple swirls began to form at the edge of the lake, and following them were more Grimm. The black lake began to birth dozens of Grimm from its murky depths, all of which began to leave the lake and march toward the world at large.

As one particular Beowolf reached for the surface, another swirl in the lake formed behind it while it was climbing out. The swirl, however, kept getting larger and large, much larger than the ones the Beowolves were creating.

Suddenly, without warning, something grabbed the Beowolf's hind leg and roughly began to pull the monster back into the lake. The wolf yelped in shock as it miserably clawed at the rocky ground of the shore. The yelping drew the attention of the other Grimm, who turned to look as the Beowolf was abruptly pulled back down to the lake.

There was a brief silence as the other Grimm curiously looked at the whirlpool on the surface of the lake. In place of the Beowolf that was pulled under, a smaller Grimm like arm burst from the lake and grabbed onto the lake's edge. The arm was jet black with bone like protrusions sticking out from the forearm.

As if by instinct, the surrounding Grimm took a few steps back from the arm as, whatever it was attached to, began to surface. Soon, a second Grimm-like arm emerged from the lake and clutched onto the shoreline. Slowly, a figure began to emerge from the lake, instead of growling however, the sounds the figure made sounded more human-like.

Completely covered in the black liquid the humanoid figure pulled itself out of the lake and began to breathe slowly as it laid on the ground. Growls came from the surrounding Grimm as they carefully approached the atypical creature from the lake, until the figure's head suddenly looked up. Each and every Grimm froze in place when they saw two glowing red eyes from behind the dripping black liquid.

The figure slammed its hand onto the rough rocky terrain and lifted itself off the ground. Still covered in the black tar, the figure got to its feet and stared at the fear-gripped Grimm before it.

The other Grimm flinched back as the new Grimm creature before them exhaled loudly. The creature's torso was covered in patches of bone that mimicked scars that stood out against its jet black skin. Its head, appeared human save for its jagged jaws that were completely black. Its eyes glowed brighter as it took a huge breath in.

The Grimm around the creature began to flee as the creature roared into the air.

Grimm (Y/N): AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

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Beacon Academy

Ruby: Aaah!!!

Ruby shot up from her sleep, covered in sweat and breathing heavily. The young Huntress-in-training looked around her dorm room in a panic for the monster she just saw. When she didn't see anything she realized where she was and breathed a sigh of relief.

Now sitting up, Ruby wiped the sweat from her forehead. Fortunately, Ruby's teammates had already left for early classes so none of them heard her abrupt awakening.

Ruby: It was just a dream...

This was the first time Ruby had dreamed about something like that, and so vividly. The Beacon student took a deep breath and started to get ready for the day, still slightly shaken by the dream she had.

After getting dressed Ruby exited her dorm room and locked her door. Before heading out, Ruby looked down the hall toward Y/N's room. After sighing, Ruby headed off to school for the day.

_____

_____

Mid-day

Beacon Academy Courtyard

Walking about the busy courtyard, the headmaster of Beacon Academy, Professor Ozpin, sauntered about the front entrance to his school.

Beacon Student: Hey Professor Ozpin!

On occasion, some students would greet their headmaster as they headed out to enjoy the Vytal Festival in the city.

Ozpin: And a good day to you...

Ozpin would always smile at the students.

Ozpin: Be sure to enjoy yourselves.

The students' faces would always brighten when they heard their professors hear this, which in turn made Ozpin smile.

Ozpin eventually walked toward the edge of the cliff that Beacon Academy was on and looked toward the city. The headmaster could see the different parades and parties that filled the streets of Vale. Ozpin found solace in the joy and happiness of others when things were worrying him, this was no different.

Glynda: Ozpin...

Joining Ozpin on the cliff was Glynda, who walked and stood next to him.

Ozpin: Glynda...

Glynda joined Ozpin in looking over the city as the Vytal Festival continued.

Glynda: Despite all of the celebration going on...

Glynda glanced at Ozpin.

Glynda: ...here you are, brooding.

Ozpin smiled.

Ozpin: Is it really that obvious?

Glynda smiled back and looked back toward the city.

Glynda: Seeing all those bright smiles from the students and citizens... it makes everything we do worth it.

Ozpin: It's why I come out here, to remind myself why I'm doing this...

Glynda waited a moment before turning to Ozpin.

Glynda: I know this might ruin the mood, but... have you heard anything?

Ozpin: Nothing.

Glynda shrugged.

Glynda: Is there really no trace?

Ozpin: None whatsoever, the ship disappeared over the ocean.

Glynda: Have you sent-

Ozpin: I've already sent Qrow to investigate the area around the crash as well as keep his ear open for any rumors.

Glynda sighed.

Glynda: Then I guess there really is nothing we can do but wait.

Ozpin: Hence the reason you found me here.

The two professors turned to face the city once more.

Glynda: At least the city has settled down since the breach a few days ago.

Ozpin: Yes, it has...

Ozpin glanced toward the horizon to see the colossal floating stadium for the Vytal Festival Tournament approaching the city.

Ozpin: (whisper) ...and that's what concerns me.

Glynda didn't hear Ozpin as he stated his worry.

_____

_____

Beacon Academy Training Hall

Yang: Haaaaaah!!!!!

BOOM

The entire building shook as another explosion detonated inside the reinforced training hall.

Landing on the opposite end of the arena, Blake gracefully landed on her feet and readied her weapons.

Stepping out of the smoke caused by the explosion, Yang smirked as she cracked her knuckles.

After a brief moment, the two teammates charged each other once again.

While Blake and Yang fought, Ruby and Weiss were having their own battle.

Ruby: Woaaah!!!

Ruby quickly dashed along the wall as Weiss launched fire balls at her fleeing opponent.

Weiss: You can't keep running you know!

As the fireballs exploded against the walls of the training arena Ruby smirked as Weiss let down her guard to taunt.

Ruby: If you want!

Thinking quickly, Ruby used the recoil from her scythe to suddenly propel herself toward Weiss.

Weiss gasped and quickly slammed her sword into the ground to project a large shield in front of her.

Ruby was unfazed by the sudden barrier and began to quickly spin in the air turning herself into a large flying circular saw, careening toward Weiss.

Outside, students and staff alike could hear the explosions as the training hall shook. Eventually, however, a group started to approach the trembling building.

Back inside, Ruby and Blake stood next to each other as they stared down their opponents, Weiss and Yang.

Ruby looked at her partner.

Ruby: Ready Blake?

Blake loaded dust into her weapon.

Blake: Always.

Yang slammed her fists together.

Yang: Ready to finish this Weiss?

Weiss brought her rapier to her face.

Weiss: Of course.

Ruby: Let's go!

Yang: No mercy!

In one final charge, the four Huntresses-in-training rushed each other at full speed.

BOOM

With another, much louder and larger explosion, the mock battle came to an end. Standing tall as the winner was... no one. All four students were sent flying in different directions and each of them landed hard onto the training hall's floor.

Ruby: Ugh....

Weiss: Hrgh....

Blake: Ohhh......

Yang: That... was....

Yang jumped to her feet.

Yang: ...awesome!!!!

Ruby sighed as she laid on the floor.

Ruby: Speak for yourself...

Weiss: Yeah, not all of us have a Semblance that's literally powered by being hit.

Weiss stumbled to her feet.

Yang: You guys are being babies!

Blake: Maybe we should tone down our fights...

Blake sat up and rubbed her head.

Yang: Why?

Blake pointed up as a chunk of the ceiling fell and shattered on the floor.

Yang: ....oh.

The girls reconvened in the center of the hall.

Yang: So, what's next?

Yang cheerily smiled, excited for the next batch of sparring.

Weiss: Let's think of something that won't destroy the building.

Yang scratched her head.

Yang: ...like what?

Weiss shrugged.

Ruby giggled.

Blake: You'd think you would have figured out Yang doesn't do "soft and gentle".

Weiss rolled her eyes and looked at the destroyed part of the ceiling.

Weiss: Clearly...

Ruby: We've really improved! At this rate, we'll be the winners of the Vytal Festival in no time!

Weiss and Blake smiled and agreed with their leader.

Yang: Hey Ruby, you think we're stronger than Y/N?

Ruby: Stronger than Y/N? Hmmm.....

Ruby thought back to when she saw Y/N fight in the tunnels beneath Vale.

Ruby: Uhh.... maybe?

Yang: "Maybe"? Really? Even after all of that?

Yang gestured back toward the arena.

Ruby: I don't know, it's not like I really some him... "fight" fight back down in the tunnels.

Yang: Aw, really? Man...

Yang slammed her fists together.

Yang: ...I can't wait till he gets back, I'm gonna kick his ass!

Ruby: Yaaang! We promised we'd be nicer to him!

Weiss pouted and looked away.

Weiss: You promised...

Yang shrugged.

Yang: Fine... We'll make him teach us how to fight, and then kick his ass for lying to us!

Ruby brought her palm to her face and shrugged.

Blake: Maybe Y/N needs protection from us...

The girls' discussion was interrupted when the doors to the training hall burst open. All four girls watched as Atlesian soldiers began to march into the training hall.

Yang: Hey, what's going on here!?

After eight Atlesian soldiers marched in they formed two columns and made room for the two people they were escorting.

In front was a dark-skinned girl with navy blue hair and blue eyes. She wore a blue beret with a white button up shirt and a blue skirt, she had black elbow length gloves with white thigh highs.

Yang, upset by the sudden intrusion, marched toward the girl and glared at her.

Yang: What's the big idea!? You're interrupting ou-

The girl cut off Yang's shouting and showed her, her Scroll that displayed the training hall reservation list.

Atlas Girl: It is now one o'clock exactly. As you can see your time with the training hall is now over.

Yang: U-uh...

Yang's anger was replaced with surprise when she saw the time and the reservation list.

Atlas Girl: As you can see, we have reserved use of the training at this time.

Following close behind her, the Ruby, Weiss, and Blake, joined their teammate.

Blake: You said "we"?

Penny: Salutations!!

With looks of silent surprise, the four members of RWBY leaned around the girl in front of them to see their familiar orange haired friend.

RWBY: Penny!?

Penny cheerfully smiled and waved at the four girls.

Penny: A pleasure to see you all again!

Ruby: What are you doing here?

Penny: Why else? To train for the tournament!

Atlas Girl: Ms. Polendina, may I remind you that we're on a very tight schedule.

Penny: May I have one minute to speak with my friends?

Atlas Girl: Hmm...

The girl thought for a moment and then looked at her watch.

Atlas Girl: Very well, one minute.

The girl gestured toward the Atlesian soldiers and proceeded into the training hall, followed by her escort.

After making sure they were far enough away, Penny smiled.

Penny: Hello everyone!

Ruby: Penny! It's good to see you again!

Penny: And I, you.

Yang glanced back toward the Atlesian entourage that led Penny to the training hall, all of which were looking in surprise at the chunk of the ceiling that was on the floor.

Yang: Who was that stick in the mud?

Penny glanced at her escort, who were now trying--in vain--to move the chunk of ceiling.

Penny: Oh them, she's Ciel Soliel, she's here to watch over me during the festival!

Ruby: Is she your friend?

Penny: My friend? Umm....

Penny glanced once more at the group of soldiers just as another chunk of ceiling fell onto one of them.

Penny: She's like Blake...

Blake perked up when she heard her name.

Penny: ...if Blake was ordered to spend time with you.

Ruby and Yang: So like Weiss?

Penny: Precisely!

Weiss: Hey!

Blake giggled at the answer Penny gave.

Yang: You're entering the tournament?

Penny: Affirmative!

Yang smirked as she cracked her knuckles.

Yang: Then you're going down!

Penny had a horrified look on her face as she took a step back.

Penny: Did I do something wrong?

Yang, realizing Penny didn't really understand what she meant, tried to clear things up.

Yang: No! No! You're fine! I was just taunting you, we're entering the tournament also.

Penny: Ohhh....

Penny then instantly returned to her positive self.

Penny: Then you are also going downward!

Yang could only smile at Penny's attempt.

Yang: Y-yeah...

Ruby: Hey Penny, could I ask you something?

Penny: Of course! Anything for my friend!

Ruby: Have you... heard anything about Y/N?

Penny tilted her head.

Penny: Y/N? Oh! You mean my boy friend!

Weiss, Blake, and Yang: What!?!?!?

The three team members had looks of complete disbelief and shock on their faces.

Ruby: It's not like that!

Ruby quickly jumped in to try and clear up the misunderstanding.

Ruby: She means he's her friend that happens to be a boy!

Penny: Correct! My first boy friend!

All three girls sighed as they finally realized what Penny meant.

Penny: And I'm sorry Ruby, I haven't heard anything about Y/N.

Ruby: Okay...

Ciel: Ma'am! Your minute is up!

Penny looked behind team RWBY to see Ciel tapping her watch, behind her the Atlesian soldiers were trying to help their trapped comrade from underneath the chunk of ceiling.

Penny: That's me, I gotta go!

Ruby: Alright, good luck!

Yang: Bye Penny!

Blake: Don't overwork yourself.

Weiss: What do you mean that girl back there is like me?

Ruby and the rest of her team waved and began to walk out of the hall.

Before they left, however, Penny turned back around.

Penny: Don't worry Ruby, Y/N will turn up in no time! Thanks to the incredibly high bounty placed on him!

All four members of RWBY stopped where they were and turned to face Penny.

RWBY: The what!?!?!

_____

_____

Beacon Landing Pad

Landing at one of the many landing pads for Beacon Academy, one of the many shuttle airships landed gently.

Stepping off were various students from the different academies from around Remnant. Among the crowd of students exiting the ship were the three false-students from Haven Academy.

In their school uniforms once again, Cinder, Emerald, and Mercury made their way toward the academy.

Mercury: Rrrgh! Stupid...

As he walked, Mercury would occasionally hit his left leg.

Mercury: Stupid malfunctioning leg.

Emerald: Hitting it isn't going to make it work you know...

Emerald glanced and smirked at her struggling companion.

Mercury: Shut up! I'll be able iron out the glitches once we get back to the room.

Emerald rolled her eyes and looked toward her leader.

Emerald: What next?

Cinder: Next?...

Cinder rubbed her neck lightly before she angrily looked forward.

Cinder: Next, we finish what we came here for.

Emerald and Mercury: Yes ma'am.

After the events with Y/N, Cinder and a new sense of conviction flowing through her. The embarrassment and defeat she sustained from the now dead teen reminded Cinder what it felt like to be powerless and weak, a feeling she hated with every fiber of her being.

Cinder: And there will be no mistakes this time.

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Salem's Castle

Arcs of arcane energy burst from the dark castle and crashed into the surrounding landscape. The arcs of grey energy exploded when they made contact with ground and sent large pieces of rock and crystal into the air, even the wandering Grimm weren't spared from the destruction wrought from the energy bursting from the castle.

Salem: Rrrrrgh!

Inside her castle, Salem channeled all of the arcane knowledge she understood to activate the magic circle she replicated from Y/N's memories.

Orbs of different types of magic orbited around the circle and connected with its center. With both her hands outstretched, Salem's magic connected with the circle in an attempt to activate its trans-dimensional properties.

Salem grunted in struggle and anger as she used her magic on the magic circle.

Salem: Rrrrrgh!!! Gah!!!

The magical ritual came to a sudden halt when Salem threw her arms back.

Panting, Salem angrily glared at the inert circle before her.

Salem: I...

Salem raised her arms once more.

Salem: ...will not be denied!

Once again, Salem blasted the magic circle with her magic, and immediately after the destructive arcs of energy burst forth once more.

The magic circle only flickered and fizzled as Salem poured her magic into it, much to her frustration.

Salem: I will understand it!

Angered, Salem increased the magical power flowing through it. This time, however, the magic circle began to glow and the symbols began to rotate.

Smiling to herself, Salem watched as the magic circle began to activate. Soon, the pale witch began to hear a faint humming sound and sparks--seemingly from nothing--began to appear in the space directly above the center of the circle.

Salem: Yes...

Before long the sparks turned into a small tear and then grew in size. Through the tear Salem witnessed not just one, but many images of landscapes she knew were not of Remnant. The images before Salem cemented her desire to gain the ability to travel between worlds.

Pulling her arms back once more, Salem was pleased as the portal remained and began to stabilize. Now relaxing, Salem slowly began to approach the portal to get a better look at the different worlds she was seeing flash by.

Salem: An infinite number of worlds...

Salem slowly outstretched her hand.

Salem: ...now within-

Salem's thoughts were cut off when an incredibly sharp pain flew through her hand the moment it came in contact with the tear in reality.

Salem: Gah!!

Salem recoiled in pain as she grasped her hand. Taking a closer look, it appeared as though her hand hand been burned. The pale witch grimaced and glared at the portal.

Salem: Hm...

Salem outstretched her hand once more, this time, ready for the incoming pain.

A burning sound could be heard as Salem forced her hand through the portal.

Salem: Grrrrgh!!!

Salem could only feel pain throughout her hand the further she attempted to reach.

Salem: I am no stranger to pain!!

Salem grit her teeth and forced more and more of her arm through the tear. Just as she thought that she was making--incredibly painful--progress something strange began to happen. Opening her eyes she saw her arm begin to glow a faint grey, and then, it looked like was glitching. Similar to watching a 3D movie without the glasses, different colors of her arm began to flicker outward from her own, the pain seemed to increase.

Salem: Gaaaarraaaaagh!!!

Suddenly, the portal abruptly closed, Salem stared in shock at her now missing arm.

BOOM

A second later, the magic circle exploded into an amalgamation of varying arcane energy. A large portion of the castle detonated as massive chunks of the structure were sent flying into the air.

As the massive chunks of her castle crashed into the ground, a bright line shone and Salem opened her eyes.

Her consciousness now returned, Salem looked at her now regenerated arm in displeasure, ignoring the incoming side of her castle.

Seconds before the piece of her castle crushed her, Salem extended her arm. Defying all laws of physics, the massive piece of her home came to a sudden halt, frozen in the air. In fact, all of the pieces of Salem's castle suddenly froze where they stood.

Salem: Was it not enough?

Her focus still on her arm, Salem snapped her finger and all the chunks of her castle began to slowly float back to where they once were.

In a matter of seconds, Salem's castle began to reform itself to before the explosion that damaged it.

Once her castle was repaired, Salem exited the room she drew the magic circle. Putting her arm back down, Salem began to slowly walk through the halls of her home.

Salem: The magic is fundamentally different from the magic of this world...

Salem thought about her latest failure to replicate and use the trans-dimensional portal.

Salem: I suspect I did not absorb enough of Y/N's abnormal properties...

Once more thinking about the young teen that she had struggled just to pull into her world, Salem recalled her time in Y/N's memories.

Salem: ...and I did not obtain the secret he used to kill a god...

Salem silently cursed herself in frustration of her missing knowledge.

Salem: I shall attempt once more tomorrow...

Having decided to discontinue her experiments for the day, Salem started to walk back toward the meeting room.

Salem: I will seek out a status report from Tyrian, the Spring Maiden must be-

Salem suddenly came to a stop in the middle of the hallway next to a large window. In surprise, Salem looked out the window and toward a familiar direction.

Salem: Impossible...

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Author:

There seems to be some confusion with this chapter's beginning. It was a dream.