Beacon: Team CSMN's Room

Three figures had bedded down awaiting word which was promised to come. These figures were Cinder, Emerald, and Shade. Cinder had been the one to orchestrate a devastating attack on Beacon and Vale while Shade and Emerald, for their own reasons, had helped her.

Cinder was a woman with ashen-black hair, bright amber eyes, and red painted fingernails. Her attire consists of a dark red, off-the-shoulder mini dress with yellow designs. She also wore a black choker, and a gold loop earring.

She has glass, high-heeled shoes, and a jeweled anklet on her right leg. On her upper back, in the keyhole of her dress, she has a black tattoo of what appears to be a pair of high heel shoes placed sole to sole forming a heart shape inside.

Emerald was a young woman with medium-brown skin and dark-red eyes. Her hair is a light mint-green cut with a straight fringe and bangs, as well as two locks on each side. She wears two bronze-colored rings on her middle fingers as well as a pair of high-heeled shoes.

Her attire consists of a shallow-cut crop top, white pants and brown chaps that end at her calves. She also has an overlong belt, twice wrapped, where she keeps her weapons. Dual revolvers with long, curved blades.

Finally, there was Shade the assassin. He had spiky, silver hair, wore a dark blue, long sleeved shirt with matching pants, and a crimson red vest with a matching mask. A saber was strapped to his back and around his waist he had several pouches.

Shade sat on the ground meditating while Emerald sat on a bed far from the windows as outside one would only see the Grimm and Golems which had completely taken over the grounds. She wanted no part of that. Cinder sat on her bed smirking while she played with her power.

Things had been rather silent between this trio as they had been holed up for days, but that was about to change as a Grimm entered the room slightly spooking Emerald considering the Grimm and Golems kept their distance from Cinder.

This Grimm was a Seer. A Grimm with a small, spherical body covered by bone-like plates. It also had red tentacles ending in white, bony spikes and a single eye. The Grimm made this strange clicking sound as it floated into the center of the room.

A feminine voice addressed the room. "Cinder, you have done well. If I had known you didn't have an escape plan, I'd have informed Calem to bring you with him. Do not fret, for I have sent someone to retrieve you and your companions. He should arrive by the end of the day."

Cinder nodded. "Thank you, mistress Salem."

The seer then left as Cinder turned to Emerald. "Emerald, I believe I am feeling rather hungry. I believe it is your turn to go to the food storage to get us some food."

Emerald may fear the Grimm, but she would do anything for Cinder without question. "Yes ma'am." She got off the bed. "I'll go right away."

Shade stood up. "Considering this is the last food run we'll have to make; I'd like to accompany her." He looked at Cinder. "Two people can grab more than one to the point that it could be a much more bountiful meal."

"Granted." Cinder smiled. "You two are to go and retrieve as much food as you can."

"As you wish Cinder." Emerald stated.

Shade said nothing more as he grabbed two packs, one for him and the other for Emerald, before leaving with the girl.

Beacon Grounds

Emerald and Shade walked through the grounds passing by the Grimm and Golems wondering the grounds. A massive and monstrous Grimm shaped like a Golem, Gigaton, was frozen in place. Emerald didn't like to be surrounded by these Grimm.

So, it was rather fortunate that Cinder had ordered them not to attack, but that didn't stop the Grimm from looking at them. Emerald eventually turned to Shade. Their latest companion was a compete mystery. Sure, he was more amicable than Mercury, but she was curious.

"You're some master assassin, right?" Emerald asked getting his attention. "Able to slip in and out of places with ease to kill any target?"

"That is correct for the most part." Shade nodded. "Since becoming entangled in this eye-opening experience, my track record has gone down rather significantly,"

"I know why I stick by Cinder, but surely there's more to your reason for sticking." Emerald stated. "Most anyone hired through money would have abandon ship the moment things got to this level. You haven't, why?"

"I am not most hires Ms. Sustrai." Shade stated. "When I am hired for any job, no matter length, I am loyal to my employer as long as I am payed. I do not fear death even at the hands of my employer thus why Cinder continues to pay me as opposed to killing me.

I am a valuable resource, but I do not doubt she will kill me the moment my usefulness runs out. My days are numbered, but I will continue to be loyal until that day arrives. I have no regrets with the life I lead." Emerald was shocked to hear how casually Shade spoke of death.

"You may think of my words as you wish, but this is the life I lead. Rather, it was the life I fell into. I am conditioned to do this with the only way to end this being my employer releasing me. None have, so I move from employer to employer."

"What do you mean by conditioned to do this?" Emerald asked.

"It was the lab I was taken to and experimented in." Shade stated. "Despite killing them all, their last will lingers within me to this day. Enough about me Ms. Sustrai. What of you? What's your stake with Cinder?"

Emerald looked to the ground before sighing figuring she might as well just tell him. "My mom was Jade Sustrai, master thief of Vacuo, while my father is renowned Huntsman Qrow Branwen. My mother died giving birth to me while my father didn't even bother to learn I existed.

All my life I've been nothing to everyone. I've had to survive alone until the day I met Cinder. She's shown me how strong I can be and took care of me where no one else would. That is why I am loyal to her, and why she can use me as she sees fit."

"I see." Shade nodded. "I will not question your dedication but do be careful moving forward. Cinder may put on the guise of a charismatic leader, but deep down there is a beast which hungers for power. If I were you, I'd revaluate how willing I am to die."

Emerald was deep in thought as the two silently entered the storage room. Emerald looked back at the Grimm as her fear was steadily on the rise. This caused the Grimm and Golems to move around the cafeteria. They left room for the two to leave, but that was starting to close.

A Little Later…

Shade and Emerald had gathered plenty of food and were just about to leave when the assassin held out his arm. "You're fearful, aren't you Ms. Sustrai?"

"Why?" Emerald asked causing Shade to usher her forward. "Oh, that's a problem."

Outside the small building there were Golems and Grimm that were itching to charge them but struggling to do so. Cinder's orders were strong, but it appears it was not strong enough to overcome the fear the Grimm prayed on.

"My Semblance isn't going to work on them." Emerald looked to the Assassin. "What do we do?"

"The moment we step outside, all hell is going to break loose." Shade took off his pack and gave it to Emerald. "You need to put that on with your other pack and get on my back. I'm getting us to Cinder."

"Are you sure you can do it?" Emerald asked.

Shade got into position. "Not completely, but do you have a better idea?" Emerald said nothing as she threw the other pack on and jumped on his back. "Hold on tight to my shoulders because I'll need my hands free."

A group of Beowolves howled as the Golem's and Grimm had enough. Shade burst forth from the storage room and lept back onto its roof as the Grimm and Golems smashed into the building. The building was not going to last long.

Shade leapt off the roof just managing to make it over the mobs, but those in the back instantly turned to face him. The assassin was off booking it down the path back to the dorm rooms as the mobs followed.

Shade drew what remained of his kunai and shuriken before imbuing them with lighting dust from his body as the first wave got close. "Hold on tight!"

The assassin jumped forward high into the air while flipping upside down. Emerald wrapped her legs around his chest preventing her from hanging off as Shade threw all his metal weapons into the mobs.

The weapons pierced through several Grimm or into the ground strategically before creating an arc of lighting dust that wiped out the first wave giving them breathing room. Shade took full advantage of it as he landed and continued running.

The assassin finally made it back to the dorms but didn't ease up in the slightest as he continued running while the mobs busted through the doorway hunting the two of them. Emerald gained her bearings and drew one of her guns.

She kept a solid hold and began firing behind them at the swaths of enemies on their tail. This worked to keep a good lead as Shade took the stairs three at a time. He finally made it to the hallway only to see Cinder standing there.

The Grimm entered the hallway before seeing Cinder. This was like a collective message telling the mobs to leave. They did just that leaving the two companions of Cinder alone. Said leader of the trio then walked back into the room.

Shade looked back at Emerald who was relieved. "Alright, Ms. Sustrai we are safe." He nodded. "You can get off now."

Emerald realized that she had gripped onto this man for dear life, as her life had depended on him given how much there was to face, and immediately let go landing on her feet. "Of course." She started walking to the door but looked back at him. "Thanks."

Emerald walked into the room. Shade spared one last look back at the stairs before following her and closing them in.

End of the Day…

The trio were still waiting in their room when the door opened. Shade withdrew his saber prepared to strike down the person if they were an enemy. With how much there was to contend with, it was unlikely, but it was his job to deal with potential threats.

The door opened and in stepped Arthur Watts. A former Atlas scientist. He was a tall, middle-aged man with a slim build and slightly tanned skin. He also has short black and gray hair as well as a mustache and green eyes.

He wore a gray overcoat with yellow linings, a yellow dress shirt, and a black necktie. His pants are the same color as his overcoat. His yellow-buttoned undercoat and finger-less gloves match his cordovan shoes under which he wears yellow socks.

"Halt, who are you?" Shade asked.

Arthur raised an eyebrow before looking to the Fall Maiden. "Really now Cinder, did you not tell your underlings what I look like?" He shook his head. "If I were you, I'd keep them in line."

Cinder smirked. "Oh, Watts. I didn't tell them about you because I was hoping Shade would accidently remove that head from your body, but I suppose we can't have what we want."

"Quite." Arthur now ignored the two of them as he focused on Cinder. "I must say, I'm impressed you didn't screw up, but personally I believe the queen should have sent me along. After all, she does know of the silver eyed warrior.

If I'd have been here, all the loose ends would have been dealt with. Eliminating the Mimicry reincarnation, the silver eye warrior, James Ironwood, and Qrow Branwen. I guess that was all just too hard for you."

"I succeeded where it maters Arthur." Cinder stated. "Salem and Calem will see that."

"I suppose we'll see Cinder." Watts turned around. "Now come along and bring your lackies. I have an airship waiting outside programed to return us to Nefastus."

Cinder reluctantly followed Arthur with Shade and Emerald following her.

Nefastus (Grimm Lands): Pool of Corruption

Calem, a young man with white skin and black veins, entered a chamber containing a huge pool of black liquid. His eyes were black with red irises, and his hair was smooth while its colors were white with sky blue tips. A black cloak with vein like designs was over his shoulder.

His attire consisted of a black cargo pants with red lines downs the sides and a long-sleeved black shirt with red trim coupled with a pair of black boots containing metal in the souls. Finally, he had a sheathe around his waist containing twin, black katanas with red handles.

Calem looked at the liquid with a smile before whistling to call in two Seers. These Grimm were holding two young men, leaders of their dead teammates, whom Calem had knocked out. A necessity considering, they have been quite the handful. They'd even killed his favorite seer.

The first of these young men was Ichigo former leader of Limit. He had spiky, orange hair, peach skin, and brown eyes. His attire consisted of a white T-shirt and blue jeans with a large kyber blade strapped to his back. The second was Chrome former leader of MERG.

He was slightly below average height with a lean, toned body. He had long, dark green, and spiky hair with matching eyes. He wore a high collar, sleeveless indigo shirt, green pants, and boots. On his back he carried a large indigo and green long sword that looked like a cross.

Calem approached the boys before slapping them across the face hard enough to wake them up. "Good morning gentlemen!" The boys saw who was in front of them and immediately tried to break free; however, this was difficult considering how weakened they were.

"Sorry if you find your current accommodations rather poor, but you two did attack me upon waking." He shook his head. "There was no other way to get the two of you here other than my good boys which now hold you."

"What the hell do you want with us you bastard!?" Ichigo yelled.

Chrome angrily, but calmer, added. "Where are our teammates?"

"Your teammates." Calem stated. "Like Snow, I killed all but Sasuke thinking he has some merit for entertainment down the road."

Both boys were shocked.

"No way!" Ichigo shouted. "You're…"

"… lying." Calem chuckled. "After killing Snow, you think I would lie about the deaths of others. What purpose does that serve? I already proved I'm stronger than you eight. Then, I proved I'm stronger than you two? That was only necessary since you two fought me.

Still, I gain nothing from a mere lie while standing to gain much from the truth. Whether you want to accept it or not, I killed almost everyone on your teams. Before you ask, I did it all for entertainment. What entertainment? Well, that remains to be seen."

"What do you want with us?" Chrome asked.

"Again, it's all about entertainment." Calem walked to the edge and stared down at the black liquid. "I plan on taking you two in to finish of the second team I'm making." He laughed joyfully. "It remains to be seen if you'll stick with me or betray me. Oh, the possibilities."

"We aren't going to join you jack ass, so you may as well just get this over with already!" Ichigo shouted angrily.

"You are right in saying you wouldn't joined, but that's only with who you are now." He turned from the pool. "You two can't see it from where you're held, but what lies just past me is the Pool of Corruption named by yours truly. Before I renamed it, it was the Pool of Darkness."

"Corruption or Darkness." Ichigo stated. "What does it matter?"

"Allow me to spin you a tale." Calem stated. "Long ago, this world was a world of magic. The people of this world had two gods. The Gods of Light and Darkness. Each had their own pools they could allow those they deemed worthy to take a dip in.

Darkness never choose anyone because he was neglected in favor of his brother. That was probably for the best. Both pools are chalk full of powerful magic. Given certain test done after they left, by me, I have found what one can gain.

Evolved semblances, second semblances, imbuing your weapons with magic, giving you magic weapons, and/or a simple change in clothing. The difference was what each pool could do on the inside. The Pool of Corruption accentuates a person's worst trait and could kill you.

In fact, it could be used an effective poison, but there is potential for a cure even if someone doesn't have access to the Pool of Purity or, as it was known, Pool of Light. Speaking of which, the Pool of Purity accentuates a person's best traits and heals all aliments.

Given enough time, someone with their own magic could find a way to imbue themselves with eternal youth. Not immortality meaning you could die by other means, but impressive none the less. Now, you two are about to take a dip in the Pool of Corruption."

"That's bull!" Ichigo shouted in disbelief as he found a little more strength to struggle. "You're just going to make us suffer by drowning us!"

Chrome was a different while also similar story. "You're a scumbag." He joined Ichigo in struggling once more. "How many people have you killed throwing them in there?"

"Oh, there's a 100% death rate, but not for the reasons you think." Calem walked past them. "I couldn't very well let the successful cases get away, but don't think this means you will be destined to be villains." He looked at the seers. "Throw them in."

The two leaders continued to struggle as Calem walked to the exit. As he walked out, he heard two distinct splashes before the Seers exited behind him. The true Grimm wasn't focused on them instead it was one a ship approaching the nearby castle.

"Perfect." Calem thought. "Attending a meeting should be the perfect amount of time for those boys to either die or emerge. Once they emerge, I can work on making them compliant."

Nefastus: Castle Meeting Room

After arriving, Cinder, Emerald, and Shade were led into the meeting room to wait for Salem and Calem. To pass the time, Shade and Emerald decided to have a look around only to stop at the window and stare in horror at the ichor which spawned newborn Grimm. So many Grimm.

Tyrian, a male scorpion Faunus, popped up in between the two underlings. He was pale with gold eyes and brown ponytail braided to resemble a scorpion's tail. He wore a white sleeveless jacket with leather belts strapped to it and white pants.

His jacket is left open, exposing his bare chest, which is crisscrossed with scars. His arms are covered with purple bandages and leather vambraces. He also wears leather boots and his shins are covered by knee guards.

"Isn't this just a lovely sight from our god and goddess?" Tyrian laughed crazily. "All those Grimm, and the benevolent ones always allow me to have fun with them." He looked at Emerald and Shade. "Dr. Merlot has only made things that much better as he works to…"

An old man, Merlot, stood up from his seat at the table. He had disheveled gray hair, mustache, beard, and prominent eyebrows. He also had a robotic, glowing red eye and right arm with red inner circuits. His attire consists of a gray jacket with a high collar and a red shirt underneath.

"Tyrian, remember what Calem ordered." Merlot reminded. "If you are to continue helping me with my research, you do not blab about it."

Tyrian walked away from Shade and Emerald. "Do forgive me doctor as I am just glad to have new playthings." He retook his seat at the table. "Considering our God's people are off limits, I just figured…"

"My people are off limit as well Tyrian." Cinder snapped her fingers drawing the pair to her side from the window. "You best remember that."

"Oh, I do not remember either of the benevolent ones mentioning that." Tyrian laughed. "Look at you Cinder. You suddenly get some power and think yourself equal to them." He shook his head. "That is blasphemy if I ever heard it."

Arthur smirked as he put his elbows on the table. "Why yes Cinder, do you suddenly think yourself better than Calem and Salem just because you got some power?"

Cinder clenched her fist. "That was not what I was saying."

As they were arguing, Shade sized up a rather silent member of this group, Hazel. He was a tall and muscular middle-aged man with short brown hair, a beard, and hazel eyes. His attire was a two-tone olive-green coat over a black 3/4 sleeve shirt, and a large belt.

His pants are black, with a pouch strapped to each pant leg, and his boots are brown. The doors began to open and everyone who was sitting stood at attention as Calem and another figure walked into the room.

This second figure was the Queen of the Grimm, Salem. Her skin was deathly pallor with deep red and purple veins that ran up her arms and face. The sclerae of her eyes are black and her irises red. Her attire consists of a long, black robe, and she has white hair, formed into a bun.

Salem carried herself with dignity while Calem smiled. "It has been quite a while since we were together. The new faces are just a bonus." Calem took his seat on the chair closest to the doors. "You know, seeing them make me think I should start including Simon in these things."

Salem made it to her chair. "I hate to interrupt, but I believe we have some opinions to set straight."

"Quiet, though do go easy on them." Calem smiled. "In my opinion, we shouldn't let our dear Cinder become to egotistical. Sometimes, you need people to take you down a peg or two. It does wonders."

"I will keep that in mind." Salem nodded as she sat down. "That said, you have been rather incessant in digging at our Fall Maiden. Pray tell, why is that Watts?"

Arthur bowed. "I apologize, but I am not particularly fond of Failure."

"Watts, I think you need to take a step back." Calem shook his head. "No one battle should ever be expected to accomplish everything. If that were the case, the Great War wouldn't be remembered as well as it is to this day."

"Indeed." Salem stated. "Cinder achieved much. Even though Calem lent his aid, he did so under Cinder. This means Cinder eliminated two teams which could have caused trouble, took out Vale's CCT, removed Ozpin for now, and became our Fall Maiden."

Calem chuckled. "Now, we have all the time in the world to acquire Vale's relic, so don't sweat it. If you're concerned about anything, we'll likely rectify it by assigning proper task to you guys. After all, we are all on the same team."

"On that note, Cinder shall remain here to train in her powers under my supervision as well as that of Shade and Emerald. She was lucky not to have been near the silver-eyed girl; otherwise, the scarab which allowed her to steal the powers would have injured her." Salem stated.

"On the note of the silver-eyed girl, Tyrian you're going to take my children with you to hunt them down. Team SLVR needs to get out there, and I believe you will do a splendid job keeping them safe." Calem added.

"Merlot, you shall continue with your experiments on the Grimm while Arthur will go meet with our informant in Mistral to hunt down the Spring Maiden." Salem continued. "Take Elfman and Ivory as back up."

"That leaves you Hazel as I have business to conduct here on Nefastus." Calem finished. "Head to Menagerie and meet with Adam Taurus. The bull got us a meeting with his leader. Make sure Sienna Kahn joins us because the White Fang can be quite useful."

Salem stood. "With our combined efforts, Haven shall fall next."

With that proclamation from their 'goddess', Tyrian began to cackle like a maniac.