(Dairoku's POV)

Ruby: Just hold on Uncle Qrow.

Currently, me along with the rest of Team RNNJRR and Athena were walking along a path, hopefully towards Mistral. Neo and Ren were up at the front, the latter having his Stormflower ready while the former was looking at the map that she saved. Jaune and Ruby were carrying Qrow on a makeshift stretcher with Celeste and Athena by his side; Athena was using some of her power to stabilize Qrow long enough until we reached Mistral. Nora and I hung behind, with our weapons out.

Qrow: Tai... she's not coming... Tai...

Athena: The poison's making him hallucinate.

As we walked, I suddenly felt a jolt of pain in my chest and I fell to my knees, using Glacial to support me.

Nora: Dairoku!

She hurried over to me as the others looked behind them to see me kneeling and panting heavily, before I began coughing up some blood. Neo rolled up her map and Ruby and Jaune gently set down before they all ran over to me.

Ruby: Dairoku are you okay!?

Ren: What happened?

Me: *pants heavily* I... I don't know... I just suddenly felt... weak...

Neo: *turns to Athena* What's wrong to him!?

Athena: Hmm... My guess would be that this was a side effect from the Barbatos Mini-Evolution he went through and he forcefully activated Barbatos when his body had reached its limits.

Me: Man... No wonder I felt like shit all night... Speaking of evolutions... I never tried to evolve Barbatos so why did it...

Athena: I would usually say that it forced itself to evolve but I think your emotions triggered it to evolve, just like how you woke me up the first time you went bat-shit crazy.

I just sighed and looked down... I looked up at Ruby, only to see her really upset and worried... I promised her I wouldn't evolve Barbatos and risk killing myself but, I just can't stop it... If I was to transfer Barbatos to someone else, I'd have to be literally dying... And there's no way in hell she'll let that happen... I'll just need to try my best to stop these evolutions for forcefully happening... Wait... why do I feel like because I'm resisting, it's becoming more forceful...? I was pulled out of my thoughts by Qrow coughing.

Me: Well, it's not enough to keep me down... I'll just need to remember not to activate Barbatos after my limits. Qrow's the one in need right now, so let's get him some help first, then we can start worrying about me.

I did my best to smile at them and it sorta worked as Ren and Nora began to move over to Qrow. Neo and Celeste looked at me worriedly before walking over to him. Ruby was very reluctant but she knew I was right and began to follow them. Jaune just looked at me, but I just got up and began walking along with the team, ignoring his presence for now... I can't believe him of all people would talk to me about Pyrrha in that manner... He knows how much I cared about her and how much I would be affected by her death, especially since I saw her die in front of me... so why would he say that... I guess he wasn't thinking but... ugh...

"THE NUCKELAVEE."
CHAPTER 10: TEAM RNNJRR; KUROYURI

(Dairoku's POV)

We continued along the path in our same formation; just with Celeste walking along side me and Nora, making sure to support me if I fell weak, which hasn't happened since the first, yet.

Me: Athena, how's Qrow doing?

Athena: Bad. My Nullification is slowly wearing off...

Ruby: How much farther?

Neo: Hmm... The map says we should be coming up to Mistral soon but I don't know how soon.

Me: That's not good enough. Qrow needs a doctor now.

Nora: We've got to be close to something.

Thankfully, we haven't run into much Grimm since the previous night. Ren suddenly holstered his Stormflower and began running towards a fork in the road. Neo saw this and folded away her map before running up too and Nora did the same, leaving me and Celeste to watch our six. From where we stood, it seemed like the left path went down a field while the right went up a mountain.

Nora: Hey, hey! This sign says Mistral!

Neo: At least we're getting closer for a sign to be here.

Ruby: Does it say how close?

Ren: No, and it looks like the path takes us up through the mountains...

Ruby and Jaune set Qrow down and began moving up to them while Athena stayed with Qrow, to keep him alive. Celeste and I followed behind.

Me: That's not a good idea... Qrow in his current condition can't traverse through the mountains.

Ruby looked at her uncle worried then at me, seeing that I had a grim expression. Trying to find a glimmer of hope, she looked back at the sign.

Ruby: Okay, well how about this place?

She pointed to the left side of the sign.

Ruby: Kuro... Kuroyuri? Can we get help there?   

Ren: That village was destroyed years ago.

Neo: Hmm... So that's why it's not on the map anymore...?

Jaune: Possibly.

Me: We'll there isn't a better option right now. We can't take Qrow through the mountains because he'll most likely die before we even reach Mistral.

Ren: It will take too long.

Nora: Dairoku, Celeste, can't you two just fly Qrow to Mistral?

Me: That's too risky. With the speed that we'd be going at, wind will be reopening his wound and infect it. At that point, he'd already be dead. And besides, I'm not even sure if I can use Barbatos right now.

Our attention was grabbed Qrow began to cough violently again, and this time, Athena suddenly panting heavily. Celeste and I ran over to her in worry

Me: Athena!

Athena: D-Don't worry... I'm fine... Just tired is all... I won't be able to nullify the poison any longer.

I sighed...

Me: It's fine. You can take a rest now. You deserve it.

Athena: *smiling slightly* Thanks... son...

She began glowing blue before she became a blue mist and retreated into my necklace. I stood back up as Celeste stayed kneeling next to Qrow, and looked back at the others.

Ruby: Maybe Kuroyuri had a doctor! Maybe we can scavenge for medicine.

Ren: We're not going to find anything! We just have to press on!

We all fell silent, hear Ren's sudden outburst...

Jaune: Ren, why are you acting-

Nora: We can split up. Ren and I can cut thought the mountains while you guys take Qrow around through the village.

Jaune: No, we're supposed to stick together! We can keep each other safe

Nora: We don't have time for safe! If we make it to Mistral, we'll bring back help! If we don't, at least we'll have a better view of the land! Up there, we can see if there's somewhere else we can go!

Me: Nora has a point...

They all turned to look at me, with Nora smiling.

Me: But, if we're going through with this, I'll go with you. Since Athena can't nullify the poison in Qrow anymore, I can go with the two of you. If we come across some really dangerous threat, I should be able to temporarily activate Barbatos to quickly deal with it.

Ruby: If you're going with them then so am I-

I looked at my little rose and put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her mid-sentence.

Me: As much as I'd love for you to come with, especially since you and I had just reunited, Qrow needs you more than you need me right now.

Ruby: But-

I silenced her by leaning down and pushing my lips against hers. She jolted from shock but quickly melted into it. When we separated, I pulled her into an embrace and gently caressed her hair.

Me: I promise that we'll come back in one piece... that I'll come back to you...

She was understandably hesitant but she returned the embrace and slowly nodded into it.

Ruby: Okay... You better keep it...

I smirked as we pulled away from each other.

Me: Yeah, I will.

Seeing Ruby's confirmation, Jaune gave in and walked over to Ren before pulling him into a hug, which he returned

Jaune: Okay... Just take care of each other.

Nora: We always have

Ren nodded in agreement to Nora's statement. Then I briefly looked at Jaune, him returning the gaze but I quickly looked away from him; from the corner of my eyes, I saw him look down. I looked over to my two sisters before walking over to them and pulling them both into a hug.

Me: Keep safe you two.

The both returned it warmly.

Neo: Heh, no promises.

Celeste and I chuckled at her response, one similar to what I usually said to my father and uncle. When we broke the embrace, I looked at them, then at Ruby.

Me: You guys watch each other's backs.

They nodded before I looked at Jaune again; I just said two simple words to him.

Me: Protect them.

Jaune looked shocked at me acknowledging him but before he had a chance to respond, I looked towards Ren and Nora before nodding and the three of us began dashing towards the mountain roads.

(3rd Person POV)

As the trio dashed towards the mountain path, Ruby and Jaune picked up Qrow's stretcher, Ruby up front and Jaune at the back. Celeste and Neo un-holstered their respective weapons before taking their positions around Ruby, Qrow and Jaune, Celeste being slightly ahead of Ruby and Neo slightly behind Jaune.

Ruby: They're gonna be fine Jaune.

Neo: Yeah, especially since big brother and Athena are with them.

Jaune: You don't know that. Besides, shouldn't you three be worried for Dairoku? I mean *looks at Celeste and Neo* he's your brother. *Looks at Ruby* and he's your boyfriend. Just because he has Barbatos, doesn't mean he'll be in any less danger than us.

Celeste and Neo looked somberly down as Ruby looked back in front of her, saddened. Then Neo looked up and spoke.

Neo: Believe me when I say that we are deeply worrying for him Jaune and it's guaranteed that Ruby is too, if not more than Celeste and I. Having the Beast of Vengeance in him has, just as Qrow said last night, painted a major target on his back, especially for Bale. I've first hand, seen Dairoku fight Bale and she had everything to counter or straight up overpower Dairoku. So yes, we all are very, very worried for his safety...

Ruby: But... I know he'll be alright. Kuraime told me once that she trusts Dairoku and his decisions with every fiber in her being; Penny and Pyrrha told me the same. Dairoku said he fights for the people who cannot or can no longer fight and for the people who have been taken from us and he said that he will not stop until he's succeeded and has fulfilled the wishes of the people who we've lost... So because of that one reason, I KNOW he'll be alright, even if he has Bale and Salem after him.

Celeste smirked and looked back at Ruby and Jaune before nodding and giving a thumbs up.

Neo: That's right.

Jaune was amazed as the amount of faith and hope that his three female comrades had in the Phoenix Faunus but then he frowned and looked down, a wave of guilt hitting him. The girls noticed this and looked at him strangely.

Ruby: What's wrong Jaune...?

Jaune face saddened when Ruby mentioned Pyrrha's name and why Dairoku continues to fight. All that did was remind him of what he said to Dairoku the previous night, about him not being able to save Pyrrha... He couldn't hold it in any longer and took a deep breath, he had a feeling the huntresses-in-training would absolutely despise him for what he said, since two of them were sisters of Dairoku and the other was the love of his life. When he released the breath, he struggled to look up at the three girls...

Jaune: Ruby... Celeste... Neo... I... I messed up really bad...

............................

The wind blew at a high pitch like whistling from the high altitude as Ren, Nora and Dairoku walked along the stony ledge, that latter further behind the two

Ren: We never get the easy path, do we?

Nora: Easy's no fun anyway. You okay?

Ren: *Nods* Mmm, and you?

Nora: I've got you here, don't I?

Dairoku barely was paying any attention to the duo in front of him as he scanned the area, seemingly sensing something... His left eye dimly glowed a deadly crimson as he narrowed his eyes slightly.

Athena telepathically: You sense something too, huh son?

Dairoku's thoughts: Yeah... Something doesn't feel right... I'm sensing two things, a life force that seems... dangerous and demonic... and some familiar power... similar to the one I felt at Beacon when I fought...

Nora: Heeellllloooo! Remnant to Bird Brain!

Snapped out of his thoughts, Dairoku shook his head and looked back ahead of him to see Nora waving a hand in front of his face as Ren looked at him in concern.

Dairoku: O-Oh! W-What?

Ren: Are you feeling okay Dairoku?

Dairoku: H-Huh? Oh... Yeah, it's just... something doesn't feel right...

They stood in silence as the wind blew but something caught Dairoku's attention, echoing howling wind. He looked behind Ren and Nora to see an opening the terrain structure. He quickly made his way towards the entrance and like he thought, as soon as he stood in front of the opening, a strong gust of wind hit him, causing his long pearl white hair and coat-tails to wave even more.

Dairoku: Yo! There's wind blowing out of this cave!

Ren and Nora made their way over to Dairoku, only to be hit by the same gust of wind.

Nora: Think it might lead to the peak?

Ren: I suppose there's only one way to find ou-ah!

A piece of fabric hit his face, cutting him off and causing him to struggle to get it off. Nora began giggling with her mouth covered while Dairoku chuckled and shook his head.

Ren: Yes, yes, very funny.

He looked at the fabric that he had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting only to go still.

Nora: Hey, what's wrong?

Ren: This is the symbol for Shion Village.

Dairoku: What?

Nora: That's the village where we found the Huntsman...

Athena: Judging from our current position, I'd say we're weeks away from there by walking standards. Aka, motherfucking far.

Dairoku: ...And you complain about my swearing...?

Athena: Oh Hush you my Son!

They were interrupted by Ren suddenly dropping the fabric and running into the cave.

Nora: Ren wait!

Stopping at a circular room-like dead end, Ren took a good look at what was there as Nora and Dairoku, also taking in the horrific sight.

Nora: Oh my gosh...

What was there, were weapons scattered everywhere, either propped up or on the ground. Ren crouched down and slowly lifted up an arrow, that seemed all to familiar to him. Then they saw something bone-chilling... a large hoof print with it slightly filled by the black liquid from the Creatures of Grimm... Seeing the hoof, Ren and Dairoku immediately knew what it was...

Dairoku: No way... A... A Nuck-

Suddenly, Dairoku felt a powerful presence approach fast. Equipping Glacial Blaze, he turned around to see a purple slashing arc rapidly approaching him but he countered it by supercharging the dust in Glacial, and sending an ice arc at it, colliding with it and exploded in a bright blue and purple explosion. Ren and Nora quickly turned around and equipped their weapons as they saw a shadowy figure, holding a black scythe with green lining and purple energy coursing through it.

???: Oh my! You managed to block it! Impressive Dairoku!

That voice, one of a female was all too familiar to Dairoku...

Dairoku: Bale...

Ren and Nora's eyes widen from shock upon hearing her name but Athena quickly intervened.

Athena: No. That's not Bale... But it's Bale's host. Am I right?

Bale's host began to laugh as Dairoku glared at her.

Bale's Host: Ding, ding, ding! Correct answer dear Spirit of Wisdom!

She slowly stepped out of the shadows, to reveal her true self... a figure Dairoku was all too familiar with... His eyes widen as he stared at the feminine figure in front of him in disbelief, long red hair in a ponytail, amber colored eyes, a fair complex and a intricate battle-dress with phoenix feather-like tips...

Dairoku: L-Lauren...!?

Lauren: Hey there darling! You missed me?

Dairoku: H-How!? I saw you die right in front of me!

Lauren: Oh you can thank the Grimm Queen for that.

Dairoku's thoughts: Grimm Queen?

Athena telepathically: I think that's Salem...

Lauren: Yes, I'm talking about Salem darling. After you let me fall into that chasm, I was lying dead until she came along and offered to heal me and make me stronger, so long as I work for her. So here I am!

Ren and Nora looked to Dairoku only to see mixed emotions on his face... He seemed happy that his former 'friend' was alive but angry that she is now his enemy... Lauren narrowed her eyes, taking a look at the trio until realizing something.

Lauren: Huh? Where's the girl with the silver eyes? Wait... Don't tell me... *begins grinning* She's with your sisters, the failure that can't fight for shit and the injured Huntsman, Qrow, isn't she? Oh what a shame... I wished to capture both her and you darling myself but, it seems like your little rose flower will encounter my beautiful pet instead.

Dairoku's eyes widen further.

Dairoku: What!? What do you mean... No... No, no, no, NO! You don't mean you sent... IT to Ruby!

Lauren: Oh yes I do darling! The one Grimm, responsible for multiple village destructions, including Shion and Kuroyuri...

Ren's eyes widen in great shock before...

Lauren: The Nuckelavee.

Suddenly, Ren lunged at Lauren in great rage, gripping his Stormflower tightly.

Dairoku: Ren! Don't!

Ren ignored his call and continued on his way towards Lauren. She sighed and rolled her eyes before Ren swung both of his blades down on the young lady. Not moving, she held up her scythe in front of her, causing Ren's blades to collide with its handle.

Lauren: *yawn* Lame.

She then drove a powerful kick right into the stomach of Ren, sending him flying back towards Dairoku and Nora's side.

Nora: Ren!

Lauren slowly began to approach the trio but Dairoku quickly stood in front of Ren and Nora as his cannon popped out of his prosthetic arm and pointed it at Lauren.

Dairoku: Go! Get to Ruby and the others and warn them!

Nora: But we can help!

Dairoku: Not against Lauren! Only I can match her in a fight! Just get to Ruby and the others and make sure that the Nuckelavee doesn't touch them! GO!

Hesitantly, the two began running towards the exit of the cave, Lauren just watching them run by without a care in the world. When they got out of sight, Lauren turned back to Dairoku, smirking as a thing golden aura formed around her.

Lauren: Finally, we're alone together darling!

Dairoku: You know, I'm taken so stop calling me that already.

She frowned.

Lauren: I know... Which is why once I take her and you back to Salem, I'll make sure that us two will spend some... 'quality' time together so that you may regain your feelings for me!

Dairoku sighed and shook his head.

Dairoku: Weren't you the one who told me not to sulk forever if you were to die and that I should move on?

Lauren's eye twitch slightly.

Lauren: Well I certainly am not dead.

Dairoku: You might as well be. The Lauren I knew and had feelings for died saving my life.

Lauren: Oh I remember that day... We were only students at Sanctum Academy... You, me, Pyrrha, Celeste and Kuraime were really close... but you and me were the closest... we had a happy relationship until that day... the day you failed to safe your one and only love.

Dairoku bit the inside of his lips out of anger... Lauren's death affected everyone from their little friend group but it affected him the most... Not only because she was the love of his life but because he was too weak to save her... Just like Penny... Just like Pyrrha...

Dairoku's thoughts: Athena, how long can I use Barbatos for in my current state?

Athena telepathically: Around 60 minutes at most, but please be careful Son, she's way more powerful than you. The only way for you to win is by some miracle or by exhausting her.

Dairoku's thoughts: Then that's what I'll do.

Dairoku: Enough of this Lauren! I love Ruby Rose and only her. Yes I was in love with you but after you died, I had to move on and move on I did. So stop holding on to the past and accept the present. I'll give you a chance; please, leave Salem's side and come back to Celeste, Kuraime and I.

Lauren's hair bangs hovered over her eyes, shadowing them but then she began to giggle, and soon... that giggle turned into maniacal laughter.

Lauren: AHAHAHAHAHA!!! I know you love that silver eyed girl... which is why I'm going to take pleasure... on Killing her slowly and painfully right in front of you... So that once again, we can be together!

That did it for Dairoku as he snapped.

Dairoku: BARBATOS!!!

Lauren gleefully jumped upon seeing the Beast of Vengeance appear behind Dairoku and slowly transform him into his armor.

Lauren: Yay!!! Finally!!! BALE!!!

The three headed golden dragon erupted from behind Lauren, slowly transforming her, into her armor...

There they stood... Barbatos and Bale, twin swords and scythe in hands...

Lauren: Don't feel sad if I get blood on my beautiful Euthanasia.

Dairoku: Oh trust me... It won't be me who will be bleeding...

As the two stared each other down, not making a single move and tightly gripping their respective weapons, they heard the bone chilling and nightmarish shriek of the Nuckelavee in the distance...

END
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Finally I posted this! Sorry for the delay! This Chapter went through many changes so yeah... Next chapter will be the finale. Oh and Lauren, her scythe's name is Euthanasia if it wasn't obvious enough.