Chapter 100:

A/N: Hey everyone! So it's the official 100th chapter, on chapter 103. I hope you are all doing well and having a good new year. Have a great day and enjoy the chapter. Rhino out.

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?????: "Hello again Topaz."

The humanoid grimm extends its right arm and a large amount of the black liquid falls to the ground. From the pool on the ground, a woman rises from it. Her white skin is detail with strange dark purple or black veins, and her eyes aren't normal. Her sclera is black instead of white, and her iris is a blood red. Her hair reminds Topaz of a spider, and a black gem adorns her forehead.

Topaz: "Salem."

Salem: "How nice of you to remember me. Ah, and the friends you care oh so much about."

Ariel: "Topaz?"

Topaz: "Stay behind me, she's dangerous."

Salem: "My, how rude of you. To assume one is dangerous based on the rumors you hear."

Topaz: "Assume? No, I know you're dangerous Salem. The grimm speak for that in and of themselves. That and the last time we spoke you had your little friend attacked me when you didn't get your way."

Salem: "Details. Now, I come here with a proposition."

Topaz: "I don't want to hear anything you have to say."

Salem: "Oh really? Not even if it concerns those little friends of yours over in Atlas?"

Topaz: "…"

Salem: "So predictable. Caring about others is a flaw you mortals all have."

Topaz: "That's rich coming from you Salem."

Salem: "Oh?"

Topaz: "Didn't you earn your curse due to the love you had for Ozma? Your unwillingness to accept the fact that we all die at one point or another?"

Salem: "Don't you DARE bring up his name! Wouldn't you do the same for those two girls you love oh so dearly?"

Topaz: "Their deaths would kill me inside, that much I will agree with you on, but I also know that trying to change a fact of life will never work."

Salem: "Oh please, those two pathetic gods won't ever step foot on this world again. How would they know."

Topaz: "They're gods, I'm sure they have their ways."'

Salem: "Who knows. Now, if you'll excuse me I would rather not take a spear to the chest."

Topaz: "What?"

Suddenly Salem's figure falls to the ground in a pool of the black liquid. Where she last stood a spear flies through and imbeds itself into the ground. Not wanting to lose the advantage, Topaz takes out the humanoid grimm before it has a chance to move. Once the black dust from it disappears, Alex lands on the ground next to Topaz, worry evident on his face.

Alex: "Are you all alright?"

Topaz: "Yeah, we're good."

Alex: "Was that…"

Topaz: "Yeah… it was her."

Alex: "Why was she here?"

Topaz: "She came to see me again, this time with a deal."

Alex: "A deal? Don't tell me you accepted it."

Topaz: "Of course not. But we were right, she's definitely targeting Atlas next."

Alex: "She told you?"

Topaz: "Not directly. When I told her that I wanted nothing to do with her proposition she asked even if it concerns the friends I have in Atlas."

Alex: "Well that isn't ominous or anything like that."

Topaz: "What do we do?"

Alex: "What can we do? For now, lets head back and let the villagers know they can return to their homes."

Topaz: "Alright, let's get moving then."

Making their way back towards where they left the villagers and Sara, the group makes quick time arriving at the villager's location after a few minutes. Once they broke through the trees to where the villagers were staying, they see Sara standing in front of them all telling them a story. Once they were visible, she stops and gives them all a big smile.

Sara: "You guys have finally returned."

Topaz: "Hey mom, yeah. We got held up by something, tell you about it later."

Sara: "Oh-kay?"

Old man: "You've all returned safely, thank the gods."

Topaz: "It's all good old man, we are used to this. Your village is safe, so you can all return to your homes and sleep soundly."

Old man: "Thank you, how can we ever repay you?"

Topaz: "Don't worry about it. We are happy to help give you all some peace of mind."

Old man: "You're all far too kind. Thank you once again, I hope you all have a long and successful life."

The journey back to Patch was quick and uneventful. The others bombarded Topaz with questions about Salem, and how he knew her.

Topaz: "When I was still at Atlas doing missions for Ironwood, I was sent to Menagerie to investigate strange grimm movements. When I got to where they were located, I encountered one of those humanoid grimm, and she spoke to me through it."

Scarlett: "She seems so interested in you based on the conversation you two had. Why?"

Topaz: "My silver eyes, my skin. It could be any number of things."

Neo: "Silver eyes aren't very common."

Topaz: "No they aren't anymore. From what I've heard its because of Salem hunting them all down."

The conversations continued all the way until they arrived at home. Exiting the truck, Topaz sees his mother approaching him with an irritated look on her face.

Sarah: "You talked to her again!? What is wrong with you?"

Topaz: "It was either talk with her or chance everyone getting hurt, so I decided on the less dangerous method."

Sarah: *sigh* "Fine, you're off the hook for now, BUT I don't want you talking with her again if you can help it."

Topaz: "Sure mom."

With a quick hug, Sarah turns and walks into the house. Following her in, Topaz is walking through the living room when the tv suddenly goes quiet. Looking over, he sees the strange colored bars and a message across the top. ATLAS EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM

Topaz: "EVERYONE GET IN HERE!"

With his shout, everyone of his friends and family rush into the living room.

Alex: "What's wrong?"

Topaz: "Check out the tv."

Sarah: "What? Oh."

After a few moments of the screen, suddenly Ruby's face is visible, catching everyone in the rooms attention.

Ruby: "Um, uh. Hi."

She takes a deep breath to compose herself.

Ruby: "My name is Ruby Rose. I'm a huntress. And if we've done everything right, then I'm talking to all of Remnant right now. Dr. Polendina can explain more later. But right now you all need to know that the kingdom of Atlas is under attack. Things are dire and we need help. But please try not to panic. This isn't some new enemy or invading kingdom. This is a force we've faced before. For centuries… Salem. The White Fang, Atlesian Drones, even the grimm themselves have all been controlled and manipulated by her in order to tear down the Huntsmen Academies. I know the idea of the maidens and relics seems, well… crazy, but I promise Professor Goodwitch of Beacon and Headmaster Theodore of Shade can verify all of this. They might even be able to help organize a way to fight back, but sadly, General Ironwood can no longer be trusted. We didn't have time to prepare for Salem, but now you do. Just because she can't be destroyed, doesn't mean she can't be beaten. If she really was unstoppable she wouldn't have acted with such caution until now. She knows we're a threat. So even if we… even if Atlas falls, you can't give up! I hope Amity tower will help bring us all together because in the end that's how we'll win-"

Ruby's image is suddenly cut off and replaced by the colored bars. The room is quiet for a few moments. Topaz squeezes his fist tightly, a frustrated growl raising in the back of his throat. A gentle hand is placed on his shoulder, so he turns and sees Neo looking at him.

Topaz: "Sorry, I-"

Neo: "You don't have to apologize Topaz. We all know how you feel."

Sarah: "Go Topaz, take your team and head to Atlas. We will look around here and see if we can find anyone willing to join the fight."

Topaz: "Right. Let's go guys."

…