Here we are at Chapter 124. Time to see how Yang's group make it through the Monstra horror house and the evils that lurk within. I do not own RWBY or Tales of Berseria. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 124. Enjoy.

Chapter 124: Witch

The war for Atlas continues without end. The Atlas military continue their defense against the onslaught of Grimm unleashed from the bowels of the Monstra. Though the Atlas military have the edge in technology and weapons, the Grimm have the edge in sheer numbers. And as more soldiers begin to fall, the tide slowly turns to the Grimm's favor. Even as they get cut down, Salem's forces continue to to be replenished by the Monstra. Inside one section of the huge Grimm, Yang and her friends finally managed to make it inside, though it wasn't easy getting through, even with Lailah's help and Winter dropping them off close to the Monstra. The group stop to catch their breath before moving on with their objective.

"Everybody okay?" Yang asks.

"I'm good. But, we'd best not linger for too long," Ren replies.

"I have to agree. What we just went through is only a prelude of whatever dangers could be lurking within this enormous beast," Lailah notes, looking completely fine unlike the others.

Jaune nods, "Lailah's right. We have to get moving. Winter gave us a window, but you heard what she said. We don't have long. We have to find Oscar and get out of here before the bomb arrives,"

"Yeah, and then they detonate it with us still inside it. One question, though: how will we even find Oscar? This thing is enormous. It'll be like finding a needle in a... giant whale – why did we think this was such a good idea?" Yang asks.

"I think... I might be able to help," Ren turns back to them. "I can sense spikes in people's emotions. At least, I think I can. It happened on Winter's ship. I could see a physical manifestation of their emotions in a way. That's how I knew about them. If I focus my aura, I can keep it up,"

This surprises the group, except Lailah, a little, "Wait, when could you start doing that?" Jaune asks.

Lailah smiles, "It means that your semblance is evolving Ren. Originally you could only mask emotions, making it harder to sense them. But, now you can sense them in a more outward focus. It shows how much further you've come now after remembering what truly matters,"

Ren smiles back, "Thank you, Lailah,"

"Does that mean you can lead us right to wherever they're holding Oscar?" Yang asks.

Ren holds his head as he focuses in, "I can sort of tell where they are, but not who. It feels like they're in the same area in this thing, though. They're further in. I can lead the way," Ren gets ready to walk ahead, but Jaune stops him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, you don't have to strain yourself here. You're not alone. I can help. We'll do this together," Jaune says.

"Ren, remember that you're not alone in this. You can rely on your friends. That takes true strength," Lailah adds.

"...Right, good thinking. Thanks, you guys," Ren replies.

Jaune points finger guns at him, "Right, then lead the way, Ren," making Lailah giggle, and Yang roll her eyes.

The group move on ahead, keeping their eyes and ears out for any signs of Oscar, but also for anything that is NOT Oscar. They've been in dark, empty places where any enemy could be hiding behind almost anything around them. But, that pales in comparison to the fact that they're INSIDE a giant Grimm, where even the walls and the floor they're walking on are practically alive. It's almost like they're watching a horror movie, and they're the cast of said movie. They keep turning their heads everywhere, wondering if the piece of flesh next to them would suddenly come out and grab them and pull them in to a disgusting demise.

While Yang is scared, she notices Lailah composed as always, "Are you doing okay?"

Lailah nods, "Yes, I'm quite alright,"

Yang glances back around them, "It's just... Look at where we are. I'll be honest, it's taking everything I've got in me to keep from freaking out, but... You don't look the least bit scared or worried. Like you're taking a stroll through the park. How are you so... calm in all of this?"

"Because I have hope. Hope is the one thing we have left when all else is lost, and sometimes hope is all we need to succeed. As long as we have hope, then all is not lost. There will be risks, there will be losses, and there will be things that frighten anyone, but... as long as we have hope, then there is ALWAYS a chance to claim victory," Lailah explains.

Her words actually help Yang calm down, "You know, I can see why Laphicet would choose you to help protect his world. Truth be told, back when you were... Pyrrha, I was amazed by you. Your skills, your smarts. But, also because despite your little celebrity status, you were always so nice, to anyone... It really hurt when you were gone. I know that you're not Pyrrha, at least not anymore, but it really is nice to be working together again,"

"I did miss all of you, but my time in this world had come and gone. However, I believe in my heart that you won't fail. That's why when the time comes for me to return to my new world, I will be fine leaving, knowing that you'll all be here to save Remnant. Salem may have an army, just like Ironwood, but at the end of the day, they both stand alone, because they have lost their hearts. They don't understand what is truly important, what true strength is. Not like you and your friends do," Lailah places a hand on her shoulder.

"Thanks... Lailah," Yang smiles. Yang then gets a thought, "So, I've been wondering, but... what exactly can you do now, that you're a Seraphim, I mean?"

"Well, Seraphim are basically like spirits, and as I said before, we can see into people's hearts, to get a feel for their true feelings and intentions. It's not like we can tell when they're lying or something like that, but we do have a greater attunement to their emotions. Seraphim also possess abilities that allows them to heal others, or to fight, and sometimes, those abilities are related to different aspects of nature or the elements," Lailah explains.

"Like... those flames you made before back in Anima?" Yang asks.

"Yes. As you saw, my elemental affinity is fire. But, not purely for it's power, but also for it's ability to light a path through the darkness. Maotelus told me that one day, the one destined to save Velvet's world will appear, and that I will be there to aid them in their journey, teaching them all they need to know in order to perform their duties. This person is known as the Shepherd," Lailah explains.

"A Shepherd? Like those guys that herd goats?" Yang raises an eyebrow.

"Shepherds guide those that are lost, and protect those under their care. The term is actually more spot on than you think. It's kind of like your sister, Ruby. As a Silver-Eyed warrior, she has powers that no one else in this world could ever hope to possess. One destined to lead the life of a warrior, and save the world from darkness. The two roles are quite similar," Lailah explains.

Yang stares ahead, "...You know, on our first day at Beacon, when Ruby was feeling nervous about being moved ahead two years into Beacon, she said that she wanted to just be a 'normal girl with normal knees'. I told her that she was special... I never thought she would be this special though,"

"Ruby has surprised all of us in many ways. As has Velvet. But, it's not just them. Each of you is special in your own way, and when you all work together, the accomplishments you reach are breathtaking," Lailah says as they move deeper into the Monstra.

…

Outside the City, beyond the battlefield, Innominat watches the carnage, basking in the despair that reeks off the bloodshed.

"Yes... So much despair... Though, it is nothing like the despair Velvet once showed so long ago. Soon Velvet Crowe... Soon, I will make you fall into despair again, and this time you will not escape it. Only then will I devour you," Innominat looks between the Monstra and the Atlas military fighting. "Ah, humans... so destructive... so weak. And Salem, you wish to end it all... Why when you have the gift of immortality? It is of little consequence. Once you have all the relics in one place... I will take them... and then I will devour YOU as well. Then nothing will stop me,"

…

Back inside the Monstra, Yang and her friends continue their search within the belly of the beast (no pun intended) to find Oscar, keeping an eye out for anything that is not Oscar, but will definitely be an enemy. As they travel, Jaune is using his aura to amplify Ren's as he uses his semblance constantly to track Oscar down.

"You know, I've seen a lot of crazy looking Grimm since Beacon, but this thing may just take the cake as the scariest, aside from that giant Hound," Yang notes.

"The only good thing about this particular Grimm is that it isn't something that Salem can create so easily. Yes, she created it, but to create one this size, and with its inner workings and abilities, it takes a long time and a lot of power to produce. Once we leave this place, and the Atlas military set off the bomb, it should destroy it, and take a huge piece off Salem's side of the chess board," Lailah notes.

Just then, Jaune and Ren hunch over as they get a little tired, "Hey, you guys' okay?" Yang asks.

"Yeah, I'm just getting a little tired, but I can keep going. I'm good," Jaune replies.

"I'm sorry. I'm masking and tracking at the same time, so I'm using my aura up faster than normal," Ren replies.

Jaune waves it off, "No, it's okay. It's not your fault. This was my idea, remember,"

"Perhaps you need a minute to gather your strength?" Lailah suggests.

"We don't know how much longer we can keep this up," Jaune notes.

"Alright, then let's try this. Ren, give masking a break for a moment. Just give me an idea direction to go down and I'll scout ahead for you guys. I'll be back shortly to let you know if it's clear," Jaune says.

"Thanks. That sounds like a plan. I think you should be good if you keep going straight. We should be heading that way for a while longer," Ren points ahead.

"Alright, I'll be back. Just, stay out of sight until then," Jaune then races ahead to do some scouting.

"Well, at least you guys being friends again takes the sting out of impending doom," Yang jokes.

"You know... You don't have to hide your fear with jokes. It's okay to be afraid and admit it," Ren says.

Yang eventually smiles, "Good... At least, I'm not the only one that's scared,"

"It's okay. After all, I'm scared too," Ren looks back in Jaune's direction. "We're all scared, but that in itself isn't a bad thing. But, Jaune. I don't sense any fear in him. He honestly believes that we can do this. And I guess, that helps me believe so as well. It's not just him. I can also sense your emotions, Lailah. I've never once sensed any fear, despair, or turmoil from you. To be honest, it's both a little amazing and weird,"

Lailah giggles, "Well, because I know you all are here. That's why I know that Remnant will be safe. Even if things are bad right now, I know they will get better in the future. Because of all of you. That's why I can move forward without any fears,"

Yang sighs, but smiles, "Okay, then count me in as well,"

They notice Jaune running back towards them, a look of worry in his eyes.

"Quick, hide! Ren, mask us, now!" Jaune leads them onto another hallway off the path, and Ren masks them as Jaune holds out his shield in front of the group.

Jaune glances around the corner to see a Seer Grimm floating down the pathway in their direction. The Grimm floats on by and hasn't noticed them, but the group do notice Ren having a hard time keeping them masked with his semblance. He's reaching his limit. Seeing his current state, they get ready to fight. Just as the Seer floats by, Ren's aura gets depleted and his semblance deactivates, and alerts the Seer to their presence.

"We can never catch a break," Yang mutters and then jumps to punch the Seer into submission.

However, the Seer manages to release out a scream throughout the Monstra, and other Grimm appear just as Yang takes the Seer out. Lailah takes out her cards and throws them at a few Grimm, setting them on fire. One Beowolf tries to attack her from behind, but she makes a card shield behind her to block it and then makes the wall explode to burn through the Grimm. Ren fire off his pistols to kill a pair of Grimm. Yang jumps up and smashes her fist down on another, and Jaune finishes it up by slicing one Grimm in half. Though there are no more Grimm around them, they can't celebrate since they know that their window just became a whole lot smaller.

"Okay, well stealth and subtlety is out of the question. Time to go with Plan B," Yang notes.

"What's plan B?" Jaune asks.

Yang cocks her weapons, "Charge straight into danger and hope we don't die!" she says in a cheery voice.

"I'd prefer the 'don't die' part," Jaune says.

Ren nods, "We keep moving forward... No matter what,"

"Let's go then. We have to hurry," Lailah adds.

The group continue moving through the meat corridors of the Monstra. A few moments later, they walk right into Hazel... with Oscar standing behind him. The group instantly draw their weapons.

Oscar runs in front of Hazel, "Wait, stop! It's okay. Hazel freed me," he stops them.

"Oscar, but... what?" Jaune wonders.

"Hazel broke me out and is trying to help me escape. He's not our enemy," Oscar defends Hazel.

"But, why would he do that? You remember what he did at Haven, right? Why should we trust him?" Yang asks as she steps around Oscar to glare at Hazel.

"Because he's just like us..." Ren says, getting their attention. "He's scared... but he also knows the truth," his words calm them down.

"You know... You know what Salem's true goal is now, don't you?" Lailah asks, seeing the answer in his eyes.

"Well, I think these kids can help you find your way out. I'll go back for your cane and the relic," Hazel turns to leave, but then stops and turns back. "Go back, take the second left, and then the third right. It'll lead you straight to a side exit of the Monstra. Hurry, before she realizes what we're doing," and then he leaves.

Deciding that escape takes precedent, the group follow Hazel's directions and make their way out of the giant Grimm. They race through the corridors of its body and after a few tense minutes of running, they finally see the outside, having come to the left side of the beast's body.

"We're almost out!" Oscar exclaims.

Lailah glances back, "Let's hope Hazel can make it out okay,"

They've nearly reached their goal until the Monstra suddenly shakes and roars, stopping their advance.

"Um... was that good... or bad?" Yang worriedly asks.

Oscar widens his eyes, "...Oh no... It's her,"

The Monstra screams in pain, and then suddenly a part of the fleshy wall behind them explodes, scattering the group. From the dust emerges Salem who glares between Oscar and the others. Oscar tries to make a run for it, but Salem grabs him and pulls him in close.

Salem leans close to her ear, "And just where do you think you're going?"

Ren makes the first move by firing off his pistols at her. However, the bullets have little effect and Salem sends a blast of magic at him, causing him to jump out of the way. Salem then throws Oscar to the side before Lailah throws a few of her cards at Salem. They explode and deform Salem's body, but she fixes herself in mere seconds. Yang jumps in and makes several punches on Salem's body after she reforms and then jumps back before pulling the trigger, causing the timed rounds to explode, leaving Salem's body broken and contorted. However, that is hardly a concern for someone who is immortal. Salem reaches out and grabs Yang's arms with some black ooze from her hand. She starts to pull Yang in, but Lailah conjures a large fireball and throws it at Salem, burning the witch. This frees Yang from her grasp and she runs around to rejoin the others. Even though she's screaming, Salem manages to scatter the flames with her magic and then sends another blast of magic at Lailah. Jaune moves in with his shield to defend her, but the blast knocks them both back. Yang jumps in to land another punch, but Salem easily catches it.

"Leave them alone!" Salem looks back to get hit in the chest by a magical blast from Oscar.

Salem looks pissed as she throws Yang into Oscar and then conjures up red magic circles beneath everyone. Grimm arms pop out and pin everyone either onto the floor or to the wall, preventing them from retaliating. Salem then walks up to Lailah as her first victim.

Salem conjures a black sphere of energy in her hand, "Well, I certainly don't remember you. You must be another singularity like Innominat and Velvet Crowe... Now then, what did you do with the lamp?"

"And how would I know?" Lailah remains defiant.

Salem brings a black ball of magic close to her face, "It's... missing," she hisses.

"Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you. You won't have your way, Salem," Lailah stares right into her eyes, not a hint of fear in them.

Seeing that Lailah won't work, she turns to the others, "Where... is it?" Salem glares at them. She uses her power to lean Oscar up while still keeping him pinned and sighs as she walks towards him. "Look how you've diminished. How you've lessened yourself. And for what? These children? This ruined world?" she stands before him and then grips his head with her hands, squeezing him. "Why do you keep coming back?"

"Why do you?!" Yang yells, getting her attention. "All of this endless death... because something bad happened to you a long time ago? You don't get it. This isn't a fairytale, and no one gets the fairytale ending that they want," Yang rants as Salem approaches her. "Everything I've lost. Every person I've lost... is all because of you," Yang stares into her eyes as Salem stands before her.

"And who is it I have taken from you, girl?" Salem asks.

"Summer Rose, my mom," Yang replies.

This piques Salem's interest, "Hmph. Her again," she smiles as she leans down close to Yang.

"Your grace," Salem looks to see Hazel join the party, standing near Emerald.

"Ah, Hazel. I've found our guests..." Salem walks up next to Lailah. "It seems this one may be of interest to us. Take the boy back to his cell. I have work to do with this one," Salem brings her hand closer to Lailah's face.

"Yes, of course," Hazel walks past her, seeing the defiance in Lailah's eyes, not seeing any fear in them. He looks at the others before he stands next to Oscar. Hazel picks him up by his collar and then pulls him in close. "No more Gretchens, boy," he whispers before dropping Oscar to the ground and handing him his cane, and then starts walking towards Salem.

"Where. Is. The. Lamp?" Salem demands.

"You won't make me betray my friends or humanity," Lailah retorts.

Salem is about to torture her, but then Hazel blindsides her with a punch to the head, sending her flying back. Salem uses her magic to create a tornado beneath her feet and corrects herself in mid-air. This also frees the others from her magic circles. Hazle then rips off his shirt and starts pulling out Dust crystals.

"Go now!" Hazel yells before stabbing six Dust crystals into his body, giving himself a huge boost in power.

"Hazel," Hazel looks back to see Lailah staring at him sorrowfully. "I'm sorry,"

Hazel gives her a reassuring smile, "Go. Help the others," and then turns to face Salem.

"So, you've decided against vengeance for your sister after all this time," Salem smirks

Hazel cocks his fists, flames emitting from them, "I'm doing what Gretchen would've done!"

Salem charges her magic and fires blasts of energy at Hazel. Hazel runs and jumps around the blasts as he gets closer to her. He fires off three fire blasts at her. Salem moves to dodge them, and then counters with another magic blast at Hazel. Hazel dodges the attack and then jumps above her, fusing two Dust crystals to create a large, spiked boulder of rock and fire. He smashes the boulder down on her, sending her to the ground. Hazel crashes on top of her and starts pounding away, but Salem creates another glyph to have more Grimm arms grab him and hang him in the air while she recovers again. Yang and Lailah watch on before Jaune gets their attention.

"Come one, everyone out!" Jaune points the way, making them move ahead, but notices one of them is missing. "Oscar!"

Oscar looks back at him, "She'll just come after us," he replies and readies his cane.

Back in the fight, Salem is fully healed and fires off another magical blast at Hazel, but he uses a hard-light Dust crystal to block the shot. Salem grabs Hazel and throws him into the wall. He tries to get up, but she grabs his head and smashes it into the floor again and again. Off to the side, Oscar starts drawing power from his cane. Salem notices this and charges at him, but Hazel quickly gets back up and grabs her from behind, keeping her pinned in a bear hug. Salem conjures up another glyph to wrap Grimm arms around Hazel's legs, arms, and even his neck. But, Hazel then breaks a fire Dust crystal in his mouth, sparking flames that consume the both of them. Salem screams from the fire, but Hazel holds on and stares at Oscar.

"...Do it," Hazel says.

Gritting his teeth, a sadden Oscar nods and pulls the trigger on his cane. A magic sphere forms around him before he unleashes a huge blast of power all at once that engulfs the area in a bright light that engulfs everything.

And that's the chapter. Yang and the others managed to find and rescue Oscar with Hazel's help, but Salem finds them and Hazel is forced to sacrifice himself to give Oscar the chance to temporarily stop Salem. Now that they are out, and the Lamp is missing, what will Yang and her group do now? What about the others? Until then, please Read and Review.