(3rd Person POV)

After the vision ended, all of Team RWBY and Kuraime glared at Ozpin, clearly pissed off while Qrow and Dairoku turned their backs to them... Artemis even looked away, with her arms crossed in a way that it looked like she was hugging herself with her eyes closed in frustration...

Yang: Salem can't be killed... you all heard her too... right?

Ozpin: I-

Yang: *angered* There was so much you hadn't told us! How could you think that was okay!?

Kuraime: And Malak... He's Salem's son... and you knew about him... Yet you didn't tell us... you didn't tell us when we came back from our failed mission...?

Ozpin: K-Kuraime-

Kuraime: *snaps* SHUT UP!!!

She pulsed an ominous aura as she snapped at Ozpin, tears flowing down her eyes... She just... sighed as the aura died down and she turned her back to him...

Kuraime: I thought Raven was just talking out of her ass... but no... she was right about you... should we really be trusting someone whose kept so much from us...?

Ozpin just dropped his head while Kuraime sighed in anger and began walking away...

Ruby: Professor... What is your plan to defeat Salem?

Ozpin: I... don't have one...

Finally snapping, Qrow yelled before punching Ozpin directly in the face, sending him straight into a tree.

Qrow: No one wanted me...! I was cursed... I gave my life to you because you gave me a place in this world... I thought I was finally doing some good...

Ozpin: *through tears* But you are!

Qrow: Meeting you... was the worst luck of my life...

Ozpin's eyes widen before he turned to look at Dairoku, who was still looking away...

Ozpin: Dairoku...

Dairoku: ... So everything we did was for nothing...?

Ozpin: No! That's-

Dairoku: All the sacrifices we made... everything we lost... was all for nothing...? Summer... died for nothing...?

That caused Ruby to look down in sadness...

Dairoku: My parents... they both died for nothing...? Amber... she dawned the responsibility of the Fall Maiden just to be killed for nothing...? Penny... she died for nothing... Athena... perished for nothing...? Pyrrha... my closest best friend... my Angel... the first ever lover... she died for nothing too...

Ozpin: I-

Dairoku: How many people died fighting for you...? How many family members lost their loved ones due to you...?

Ozpin: ...

Dairoku: Were we supposed to die for you too...? Were my best friends and sisters supposed to die for you... Was my fiancé... my Roselyn... my Ruby... Was she supposed to die for you too...?

Ozpin: Dairoku... I-

Dairoku: No... Stop... You know what...? I said when you came back that I would give you a second chance because I trusted you with everything I had... But now... I realized that I made a grave mistake for even thinking that... We didn't ask to take part in your impossible war... We're done dealing with your crap now... You shouldn't have come back Ozpin... You should have just left us alone...

Tears fell down his eyes as he looked at Dairoku completely shocked and saddened before looking down in shame...

Ozpin: ...Maybe you're right...

Ozpin returned the controls over to Oscar who immediately winces in pain and held his cheek from the punch.

Ruby: What happened...?

Oscar: He's... gone.

Yang: That bastard! Tell him we're not done yet!

Oscar: No, this is different! He's gone. It... It's like he's locked himself deep inside my head... our head...? I hate this! I want it to stop!

Weiss: He just left us!?

Blake: What are we gonna do now!?

Dairoku: THAT'S ENOUGH!

Everyone became quiet as they looked at Dairoku.

Dairoku: We need to get out of the open and find some form of shelter before either the Grimm that are definitely coming fast or the vicious weather makes us their next victims!

Dairoku walked over to Oscar and offered one of his wings to him which he grabbed onto as the grounded winged Faunus pulling him back on to his feet before pointing to his left

Dairoku: I saw a trail over there when Kuraime and I landed here and they normally lead somewhere. So let's pack up our things and move, now.

Yang: Dairoku, I'm not in the mood for-

Dairoku: Shut up or stay out here and die in the cold.

Weiss, Blake and Maria shared surprised glances from the Faunus' aggressive remark before Ruby spoke.

Ruby: He's right. Come on.

Everyone began to gather their belongings while a clearly upset Dairoku walked over to Artemis.

Dairoku: *sigh* How are you holding up after the big reveal?

Artemis: ...I feel like I should be asking you that, considering...

Dairoku: ...Yeah...

Artemis: ...I... understand if your angry at me as well... But... I assure you... after The God of Light explained Ozpin's task, I had no idea of everything else that transpired forwards... I'm... sorry...

Dairoku: Don't apologize Artemis, I don't blame you...

Artemis: *sigh*...I... I need some time to myself... *weak smile* I'll talk to you later partner...

She glowed before dissolving into a purple mist and retreating back into Dairoku's necklace... Hearing the sound of weak footsteps, Dairoku looked over to see Kuraime walking over to him, her eyes puffed and red while her cheeks were stained with tears...

Dairoku: ...Kuraime...

She said nothing and just shoved her face into Dairoku's chest... He cautiously grabbed her shoulders only to feel her trembling and to hear... sniffling...

Dairoku: ...Kuraime...

Her legs fell weak as she dropped to the soft snow on the ground... Dairoku caught her and tried to stand her up but his attempts proved futile as her legs continued to lose their strength... Sighing knowing that she's in no condition to move on her own, Dairoku slipped his prosthetic underneath the reaper's knees before resting his organic arm on her back and lifting her up like a bride. Dairoku looked at the girl in his arms as she slowly continued to fall apart... He then glanced over to the others, seeing Maria sitting on the back of Bumblebee as Yang pushed it, Weiss picking up dust cartridges and Ruby handing Oscar his cane as Qrow walked past them and took a drink... Then he looked back at Kuraime who, now emotionally exhausted, had a dull expression as she clung to the Winged Faunus holding her...

Dairoku's thoughts: I have to be strong for you all... I can't lose any of you... I promise... I will protect you all... till my last breath...

"ARE WE STILL REALLY GOING TO ATLAS?"
CHAPTER 3: BRUNSWICK FARMS

(3rd Person POV)

Team RWBY, Dairoku, Kuraime, Oscar, Qrow and Maria made their way down the path as the wind began to pick up speed quickly... Everyone dawned somber expressions and nothing but a few sighs were exchanged...

Qrow: *sigh* Doesn't look like this is gonna let up.

Blake: I just wanna get this stupid Relic to Atlas:

Weiss: Let's hope we don't have to walk all the way there.

Yang: *looks at Dairoku* I thought trails led somewhere.

Dairoku: Again, you're welcomed to turn back and freeze to death.

Maria: Do you have nothing better to do than to harass the poor boy?

Weiss: *looks at Dairoku* Could you scout from the skies?

Dairoku: Too risky in this weather. Even with my enhanced sight, I'd lose track for you guys too quickly.

Ruby: *looks at Kuraime* How is she holding up?

Dairoku: *sigh* She hasn't said a word since... You might have to take up the mantle of the Dual Scythe Wielding Reaper until she gets back on her feet... IF she gets back on her feet...

Blake: Speaking of enhanced senses... Do you hear that too Dairoku?

Dairoku fell silent, listening... He heard the wind blowing but... he could faintly hear squeaking... almost like a gate...

Dairoku: Yeah I do... We're close to something... Sounds like a squeaking gate...

Ruby: That's good right? It means we're near to some form of building.

Yang: *notices something* What's that?

Everyone looked ahead of them, only to see... the squeaking gate... but, it led to some form of Village labeled, Brunswick Farms.

Blake: Well... at least one good thing happened today.

Weiss: It looks abandoned.

Dairoku: No shit Sherlock.

Weiss just rolled her eyes at Dairoku.

Ruby: It's still better than this.

Qrow: Come on, I think we could all use some rest. Especially emo girl over there *gesturing to Kuraime*.

Everyone entered the yard of the village as Qrow swung the gate shut. They all made it towards the large building in the middle.

Ruby: *sigh* I don't get it. The empty towns I've passed through were all damaged or unfinished. But this place looks... fine.

They all walked up and stood on the porch.

Weiss: Maybe everyone left in a hurry, before things took a turn.

Weiss began to shiver from the frosty winds but Dairoku extended a wing to her and wrapped it around her shoulder, using his Aura and Semblance to produce heat that warmed the ex-heiress up. She smiled at him.

Weiss: Thank you Dairoku.

He simply gave her a nod of approval. Qrow began fiddling with the door knob only to realize it was locked.

Qrow: Hmm... Stay on Guard.

Everyone nodded as they equipped their weapons. Dairoku looked to Kuraime.

Dairoku: Hold on tight.

The only response he got was the tightening of her arms around his neck. Dairoku removed his arm that was supporting her back before he un-holstered one of Raising Moon's pistols from his legs. Qrow then kicked open the door as everyone rushed in armed and ready... until...

Maria: Close the door already! It's cold enough in here as it is.

Maria walked in the house as the Huntsmen and Huntresses eyed each other. A few second later, we closed the door as Blake and Oscar pushed a dresser over it to keep it closed.

Blake: I saw a chimney from the outside. Dairoku can you start a fire?

Dairoku: On it.

Weiss: Please, I'll look for some blankets.

Qrow: Yang, go with her.

Weiss and Yang started going up the stairs as Dairoku looked at Kuraime, who seemed to have a slight bit more motion than before.

Dairoku: Kuraime, can you at least stand? I can't exactly carry you forever...

Kuraime reluctantly lowered her feet to the ground as her legs barely held strong enough to keep her up. Dairoku gave her a very weak and slightly forced smile to at least try to cheer her up.

Dairoku: Go with Weiss and Yang. Afterwards, you can go back to clinging to me or Ruby... Deal?

Kuraime just... sighed before nodding slowly and following after Weiss and Yang... Dairoku sighed before turning to the fire place. He crouched in front of it as flames burned from his hand and then he hovered it over the fire wood, setting it aflame. In the mean while, Oscar and Maria entered the room.

Oscar: Looks like a study... or a library.

Ruby was seen walking up to a photo while Blake walked up to her in concern.

Blake: What do you think?

Ruby: Something doesn't feel right...

Blake: Let just look for some-

Suddenly two ear shattering screams could be heard from the upstairs from Weiss and Kuraime... Immediately recognizing the voices, Dairoku unsheathed Glacial from his wing and bolted up stairs.

Ruby: Weiss! Kuraime!

Ruby and Blake followed and Qrow soon after. When they got up, they saw Weiss, Kuraime and Yang on the floor with horrified expressions on their faces, the heiress and the reaper holding onto each other for dear life. Dairoku, Ruby, Blake and Qrow's eyes widen when they saw the horrific sight... Two bodies... decomposing within their bed...

............(Later...)

Weiss was seen sitting in front of the fireplace still shaken up as Blake walked over to her and wrapped a blanket around her, causing her to gasp and jump slightly but calm down realizing it was her Faunus Teammate. Blake just sadly looked at her before walking to a couch and sitting next to Yang. Ruby was seen comforting a still shaken up Kuraime by embracing her tightly and stroking the long black strands of her hair...

The sound of wind blowing was heard as the main door opened and closed again, as Qrow and Dairoku walked in both with layers of snow on top of them and the latter being in his Barbatos form. He deactivated it while using his Semblance to melt the snow on both him and Qrow before they addressed the distressed group.

Dairoku: It's the same in every damn house...

Yang: What?

Qrow: Bodies... In every bed in every home... It's like the whole estate just went to sleep and never woke up...

Weiss: Then we're... not staying here... right?

Dairoku: I mean unless you want to freeze to death out there or submit to a pack of Grimm before the cold gets to you, then be my guess. Though I wouldn't allow you since Celeste would literally kill me. Anyways, our best bet is to stay the night here...

Maria: Yup! Might as well get comfortable.

Yang: Yeah, fat chance.

Ruby: Okay then, let's do something. If this place wasn't abandoned, it might still have supplies we could use.

Oscar: Hey yeah, maybe even a car.

Qrow: Dairoku and I will do another sweep of the grounds. No one else goes anywhere alone. C'mon kid.

Dairoku nodded as Qrow turned to leave. He looked over to Ruby, seeing Kuraime cling on to her like her life depended on it.

Dairoku: Look after her for me Ruby.

Ruby: *nodded with a slight smile* Be safe.

Dairoku just nodded before his Barbatos Armor reactivated and he followed after Qrow. Then Blake stood up.

Blake: Yang and I can search the other buildings for vehicles.

Yang: *annoyed* Fine, whatever gets me out of this house.

Yang got up as she and Blake left for the front door. Ruby followed suit to close the door, temporarily leaving Kuraime and Weiss in the room. As she stood in front of the door, she looked over to see Weiss and Kuraime...

Ruby: *weak smile* Food always makes me feel better. Just saying.

She specifically looked at Kuraime when she said the last part, for she was usually the glutton of the group along with Nora. Ruby wanted so badly to see a positive reaction from her long haired best friend but sadly... the only reaction she got was a somberly nod...

Weiss: Right...

They three entered a dark room within the house. Ruby went to take out her scroll to shine a flashlight but Weiss stopped her before raising Myrtenaster into the air, sending out little Fire Dust pixies to ignite the candles, revealing a bar.

Weiss: There.

They three looked around only for Ruby to suddenly get a nervous expression.

Ruby: ...On second thought, maybe we should keep this room closed...

Weiss: Huh?

Ruby: I'm just... not sure how well my uncle's taking all of this... I'm more worried for Dairoku... The closest I've seen him like this was when his father died... I worried for the both of them...

After a slight moment of silence, it was broken by the voice of the reaper herself...

Kuraime: ...We all are...

Ruby looked at Kuraime, happy to at least hear her speak again before walking into the bar.

Ruby: Come on, we'll never make it to Atlas on an empty stomach.

Kuraime nodded and followed suit after Ruby but Weiss stood still and looked down.

Weiss: Ruby...? Kuraime...? Are we really still going to Atlas?

Ruby and Kuraime raised their eyebrows.

Ruby: Why wouldn't we be?

Weiss: I mean... you heard what Jinn said... If there's no way to Kill Salem, then what's the point in all of this?

Kuraime: ...I hear you...

Ruby: *concern* Guys...?

Weiss: *sigh* Sorry... I-I don't know what I'm saying... I'm just... really tired and I really, really hate this place...

She followed the two reapers inside to another segment of the room. Ruby and Kuraime shined their scroll flashlights within the dark room.

Weiss: Anything in there?

Ruby: *annoyed look* More alcohol... At least we'll never have trouble starting a fire...

Weiss: What's that?

They looked to the center of the room, where two metal doors were chained shut...

Kuraime: *annoyed* A wine cellar... Whoopee doo...

Suddenly, Ruby squealed and zipped over to her left, startling Weiss and Kuraime, the latter nearly dropping her scroll.

Weiss: What? What is it?

The red hooded leader of Team RWBY spun back around to her friends, with an adorable face and holding a can of beans.

Ruby: FOOD!

Weiss: ...Canned food?

Kuraime: Ugh...

Ruby: Oh trust me! You put enough salt on anything and it will taste just fine.

Weiss: Well, I guess it's better than nothing.

The three shared small smiles before picking up two cans each before making their way out of the Bar.

Weiss: But I still seriously hate this place...

Kuraime: Ditto...

Unannounced to them, as they left, the doors to the wine cellar creaked open before slamming shut...

END
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And there we go. Everyone is not taking this well, especially Kuraime, Qrow and Dairoku. Will this be the thing that makes Dairoku reach his breaking point? We'll see in time...