(Volume 6) Mythical Rose (Indomitable) (OLD)

Chapter 4: The Apathy

(3rd Person POV)

After everyone had returned into the house, WBY, Kuraime, Oscar and Maria were in the living room while Ruby and Dairoku sat on the stairs, the latter sitting up on the flat area while leaning against the wall. She looked up at him in concern before looking over to her uncle who was sitting next to the window with his legs propped up and with an alcohol bottle in his hand. She got up and walked over to him.

Qrow: Storm's cleared up for now. We should be able to leave by morning.

Ruby: That's good.

Qrow: No... I don't have a good feeling about this place... especially with me around...

Ruby: *concerned* Are you... okay...?

Qrow: *scoffs* Sure. Tell everyone to get some sleep. I'll wake you guys up just before sunrise.

She looked down before walking towards the living room where Oscar was talking to Maria.

Oscar: It's a diary?

Maria: The head of this household, Bartleby. Apparently, he and several other families founded this little settlement to try and live on their own. It sounds like it worked, at least for a spell.

Oscar: Grimm?

Maria: Just one of many hardships. Slowed down their farming, made everything harder... It's a shame, really... He seemed like quite the ambitious fellow, always thinking of new schemes to overcome the odds.

Then Ruby, chimed in.

Ruby: Hey guys, Qrow said we should get some sleep. We're gonna head out early tomorrow.

Blake: Thank goodness...

As everyone got ready for bed, Maria began grumbling to herself as she went over to a rocking chair.

Maria: Hmph, the last thing you'll catch me doing is letting some kid tell me what to do...*mocking* go to bed!

Ruby just shrugged and smiled before walking back out where Dairoku was. When she got to him, he was still on the steps, not moving an inch, looking down with a serious expression.

Ruby: Daiku...?

Dairoku: *slightly turns head to face her* Oh, hey Ruby...

Ruby's thoughts: He didn't call me Roselyn or Little Rose... This seems all too familiar to me...

Ruby: Qrow said we should get some rest.

Dairoku: I heard ya...

Ruby: Are you... okay?

Dairoku: *weak chuckle while frowning* Yeah... I'm good... Just want to be alone for a while...

Ruby: Daiku...

Dairoku: Go catch some sleep. I'll join you soon.

Ruby: You sure...?

Dairoku: Positive...

Ruby: ...Okay... Goodnight... I love you.

Dairoku: Love you too...

She turned and made her way back to the living room while Dairoku just sighed behind her...

(Ruby's POV)

As I got in the living room, I realized that Kuraime was walking towards where I just came from... I had a feeling she was going to talk to Dairoku, so... I decided to eavesdrop on them. N-Not that I'm worried she'll do something with him, I'm just... curious is all...