(Short little intermission chapter.)

Ruby opens her eyes and finds herself in a dark void. She looks around to find nothing, but the sound of eerie classical music reaches her ears.

Baxterbro

Music

"This is creepy." Ruby mutters as she follows the music towards its source.

Ruby keeps walking through the dark void and finds a figure, with large wings, sitting at a table in the distance, a single candle on the table. Next to the figure is a table with a record player.

"Come, my dear Apostle." It's Salem sitting at the table. "Have a seat. It's been so long since we've seen each other."

"...Okay." Ruby walks over and sees Salem, drinking some wine, while also naked.

Ruby blushes and looks away as she sits down.

"Ara Ara~" Salem smiles. "What's wrong my dear~"

"W-Why are you naked?" Ruby asks.

"Why shouldn't I be? This is my realm and I can enjoy what I want." Salem takes a sip of her wine. "And I've recently come to enjoy the classical music of your world."

Ruby looks at Salem with a raised eyebrow. "You've been looking through my memories?"

"Well, you are my creation dear, so I thought I'd take the liberty at looking. I found so many interesting things. The things you call Television, is one of my favorites, able to watch anything you want with the click of a button." Salem swirls her wine. "I found the idea of it amusing. Then I stumbled into classical music, so I brought it here and added a better tone to it."

"You've made it creepier."

"So I have." Salem just smiles at Ruby.

"Why have you brought me here?" Said Grimm girl asks. "I'm a busy person."

Salem sips her wine. "Oh, I know dear~ I just wanted to spend a little time with my one Apostles."

"One?" Ruby mutters to herself.

"And I do have to say, you've been doing a very good job. Clearing those labyrinths is amazing to watch. Do keep collecting those vials filled with Grimm water, it'll be beneficial to you, and to me?"

"How?"

"Fufufu~ You'll learn soon my dear."

"You're being very cryptic." Ruby states.

"All with a purpose my dear~" Salem says. "'Can't reveal all the cards', as mortals from your world say. Now I have been enjoying watching you kill and kill. Especially that Demon girl. So very... brutal." She shivers in pleasure. "I much enjoyed watching it~"

"Thank you?"

"And do keep spreading the Grimm Pools, its good to bring back your kind. We'll need them."

"We'll?"

"All in due time my dear~" Salem smiles, and suddenly Ruby starts to flash. "Oh, it looks like your waking up."

"Will I see you again?" Ruby asks.

"Soon, my dear, soon. Now keep doing what your doing, and make your Goddess proud."

Ruby flashes away, leaving Salem by herself. She smiles as she takes another sip of wine. Then holds her hand up and a crystal ball appears. "It's time my sweetheart~ You may begin the plan."

"Yes, Mistress." A female voice echoes from the ball.

"Oh, do bring one of your girls with you, you'll need them. She's very strong."

"I shall, Mistress."

"Good~" The ball disappears from Salem's hand. "This world shall be mine once again, then maybe Ruby's world too. Hehehe~ It's all coming together."

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05-01-2023