The air filled with words being fired back and forth, arguments storming the room inside of Atlas Academy. To think from a small object of black glass to fall, would now lead to this. But quickly interrupting the heated arguments, came red tentacles springing from a Seer. In moments, from that Seer, brought upon a projection of none other than her… Salem.

Salem’s piercing crimson eyes cut through the dim light, and a wave of malicious power radiates from her like a suffocating blanket. Her pale skin and blank colored hair flowed in sync with her black-and-red gown blending into the shadows around her.

— The people of Atlas have suffered enough. She says with a soft, mocking smile, her voice dripping with ancient menace. — Surrender the Staff and the Lamp to me, and they needn’t suffer any further.

James Ironwood stood cautiously, if not severely frightened. But before things could escalate, Ruby stepped forwards, straightening her posture and staring valiantly towards Salem’s apparition.

— Enough! We’ve seen what you’re capable of. The lamp showed us. Everything. Ruby continued staring ahead towards Salem, even forcing Salem’s feigned smile disappear.

It wasn’t until much later where finally, you joined the rest of Team RWBY. All you walked into, in much contrast to what you heard, was Ruby crying on her knees, and the rest of Team RWBY around her.

— Nothing will stop me. Not even you. Salem said at last, turning to you upon noticing the new entrant.