(Yang's POV)

So, there I was in Dairoku's room, changing his IV drip; surprisingly, I barely was having any issues using my one arm... Doesn't mean I like it though... When I was finished, I took another look at him... He lost a lot of weight and his pearl white hair had grown quite a bit... The feathers on his wings have also been quite ruffled... I'm honestly surprised that he managed to survive after the amount of blood he lost compared to me...

It's sad to think that he's lost his ability to fly naturally... A winged Faunus that couldn't fly... that concept is rather... depressing. But the more I think about it, that Barbatos form he took has the ability to fly; maybe he could just use it? But at the same time, he probably wouldn't be able to keep it up forever... It might be more efficient for him to use another method of travel... I just sighed and turned to leave his room, while whispering to myself,

Me: You can make it through this Dairoku.

After leaving Dairoku to do his thing, aka nothing, I went down to the living room and turned on the Television. When I turned it on, all the news was talking about was The Fall of Beacon, Atlas' situation, the White Fang... Adam Taurus... He was Blake and Tyros' old partner...? I could see why they got away from him... He's completely mad... Ugh, I shouldn't be thinking about this... I turned off the Television as I heard the front door opening and a very familiar voice filling the room... Dad.

Dad: I'm home!

I broke my neck backwards, only to see my Dad, coming in with a bunch of boxes and bags. I did my best to smile as I greeted him.

Me: Hey Dad.

Dad: Guess what came in today!

As he walked in, the door closed and I gained a slightly confused expression.

Me: What?

All he said was,

Dad: I can't wait for you to try this.

Confusing me further... 

Dad: So, how's Dairoku?

Me: *sigh* You know, same old, same old.

Dad: That's sad, something came for him as well. His uncle got them for him. But since he still isn't awake, we'll save those for later. Right now...

He walked up to me, holding a white box that had the Atlas Emblem on it... he put it on the coffee table in front of me and waited...

Dad: Well?

Me: It's... for me?

Dad: For you and you only.

I slowly opened the box, only to be shocked to see... a prostatic arm... coated in a shining titanium with the joints coated in a dark gunmetal...

Dad: Brand new, state of the art, Atlas tech. You know I thought I was gonna have to pull some strings, call in a few favors, but you earned this one all on your own kiddo.

Me: Huh?

Dad: Before I could even talk to him, General Ironwood already had one of his top scientists working on this, for you. He wanted me to tell you, "you fought admirably. You should be proud of yourself." He even got had one made for Dairoku as well.

That peaked my interest a little.

Me: Really?

Dad: Yeah, though he's sorry he couldn't do the same for his wings... Well, you gonna try it on?

I just downcast...

Me: I uh... I'm not feeling too great right now... Maybe later?

He frowned at my response...

Dad: *sigh* Well, alright.

I slowly got up and made my way to the stair case... I might as well check up on Dairoku.

Me: Thanks Dad. I'll be in Dairoku's room if you need me.

And I continued my way, leaving my dad with a somber expression...

"I'LL KEEP HER SAFE, NO MATTER WHAT...; PHOENIX'S HONOR."
CHAPTER 4: SHATTERED; RECOVERING

(Dairoku's POV)

My eyes slowly opened upon feeling a bright light hit my optical organs. When I fully opened them, I was confused and surprised to see that I was... in a grassy field... with a bright blue sky and white puffy clouds...? Where was I...?

Me: Umm... Is this what Heaven looks like?

???: Oh! You're finally awake!

That voice startled me. I reached for my weapons but realized that I didn't have them...

???: Oh sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!

Then I recognized the voice...

Me: Wait a minute, you're that female voice that I've been hearing since I unlocked Barbatos' Kaiser mode.

???: Ahh, I'm delighted to know that you remembered! Wait there, I'll come to see you in person.

Me: Wait, what do you-

Suddenly, a bright golden light shined as a strange, snake-like figure descended. As I shielded my eyes from the light and squinting my eyes, I realized what it was... A Blue Chinese dragon with golden eyes...

Dragon: Hai!!!

Me, still slightly startled and shocked stared at it or her... in awe

Me: Umm... Hi there. Are you the voice in my head?

Dragon: That's right! Oh...? I sense conflict coming from you... Is my appearance threatening in a way...?

Me: Um, I wouldn't put it like that... It's just, it's kinda a weird concept that I'm talking to a dragon, don't you think?

She seemingly pondered for a second before giggling nervously.

Dragon: Ah I see your point. May I take a form that you're more... comfortable with?

I tilted my head in confusion before the same blinding light appeared again. Shielding my eyes, I managed to catch a glimpse of the dragon silhouette, morphing into something more humanoid... a very familiar humanoid...Wait...

The light died down and there she was... Ruby... but her hair was white like mine, she had a left golden eye and a right blue one... She was wearing a white T-shirt with a heart on it with black short-shorts...

Ruby?: Is this better?

Me: Um... I-I don't...

Ruby?: Oh! I'm so sorry! I don't know what I was thinking! I shouldn't have taken the form of your future spouse. Allow me to take a more... warming form.

Me: W-What...?

She interrupted me again by that same bright light. After a while, it died down and I was surprised to see a familiar female figure... She had light rose-gold hair with silver eyes and three pairs of white angel wings... She wore an all white dress, with the same sun-shaped necklace I have... She... looked like my mother... minus the two extra sets of wings...

Mom?: There! I'm sure you recognize this figure! Hopefully, it sits with you better. Now, on to the introductions! Drum roll please!!!

Me: Wait... What?

Suddenly, the sound of a drum rolling was heard... What the hell is going on...

https://youtu.be/P_1tcJjQWmg

Mom?: *hovers in the air* Wonderful Gentleman! I am, the glorious Spirit of Wisdom, Athena! *twirls in the air like a ballerina*

I had... a dumbfounded expression... She lowered herself to my level and got up close in my face.

Athena: Or, you may know me as, Barbatos, The Beast of Vengeance.

That even confused me further...

My thoughts: SHE'S Barbatos??? THE Barbatos??? Well... she certainly isn't what I expected...

Athena: I heard that!

I jumped slightly.

Athena: *pointing to her head* Our minds are linked you know.

Me: I'm sorry... It's just that when I hear the title, Beast of Vengeance, I expected... someone more intimidating...

She pouted and looked up at me; oh yeah, did I tell you she was shorter than me? Like Weiss' height...

Athena: Take that back! I'll have you know that I'm plentiful intimidating! Hmph!

She crossed her arms and looked away, seemingly annoyed... or at lease she tried to...

Me: Uhh... Sorry...?

Athena turned around and looked me in the eyes...

Athena: Hmm... Are you REALLY sorry???

...

Nope.

...

Me: Um... yes I am...! Honest!

She squinted her eyes, causing me to sweat drop... She then sighed and backed away.

Athena: I suppose I could let you off the hook, just this once.

I sighed in relief... and began looking around the place.

Me: So Athena, where are we...?

Athena: We, my handsome host, are inside our souls.

Me: Our souls...?

Athena: That's right! Think of it a safe haven, a place you'd want to go to run away from reality. The only problem is that only your conscience can be brought in here, so your physical body is still in the real world and vulnerable.

Me: Speaking the real world... what happened after everything at Beacon?

Athena snapped her fingers, changing the scenery around, showing me Beacon... in ruins... It felt like Mountain Glenn...

Athena: After you lost conscience, that red hooded spouse of yours managed to freeze that giant Wyvern Grimm right on top of Beacon tower. The problem is that the Grimm isn't dead... in fact it's just petrified and is now attracting more Grimm to the school. The Schnee and your friend with the really long hair went up to Atlas, the former being trapped by her father.

The scenery changed again, to Atlas... There I saw two perspectives; a sad and lonely looking Weiss, practicing a song... the other perspective was Kuraime... She was in outside the Schnee manor, walking with Raiku, Crystal, Octira and Skye... Something was strange about Kuraime... she seemed more... talkative than usual... and she wasn't eating her sweets like she normally did...

Athena snapped her fingers again, changing the scenery to a boat... that had Blake, Tyros and Sun. Blake seemed... conflicted, nervous and anxious... While Tyros was trying to keep her calm and Sun was being... well, Sun.

Athena: The belladonnas and their monkey 'friend' are currently on a boat, going to Menagerie. Blake, I think her name was, ran away after the Fall of Beacon but her brother trailed her and then the monkey trailed him. She's seemingly wanting to sort things out with her family.

She snapped her fingers again, changing the scenery to the Rose/Xiao Long residence... where I saw Yang... doing house work but she was missing her right arm... Her expression was... god... Her usually bright and lively Iliac eyes were... almost lifeless and... filled with dread...

Athena: Her name was Yang, correct? She's currently trying to recover from... her trauma and unfortunate, loss of her limb... So far, she isn't doing so good...

Then she snapped again, showing Ren, Jaune, Nora, Neo, Celeste and... Ruby... in the continent of Anima... Heading in the direction of Mistral...

Athena: And finally, your Spouse, Ruby Rose, your sisters, Neopolitan Rein and Celeste Rein and your friends, Lie Ren, Jaune Arc and Nora Valkyrie are currently on a journey to the Kingdom of Mistral and Haven Academy, in hopes of saving it from the same fate of Beacon.

Me: Ruby... you idiot... What if something was to happen to you guys...?

Athena: Oh don't worry my son. Little do they know, they're being watched over by a certain Crow.

She snapped again, showing Qrow killing Grimm and watching over the group. I sighed in relief to know that they'll be safe...

Me: So, what about me? Where am I...?

She snapped once more, for the scenery to change to a room, with me lying in the bed, unconscious, topless and missing my right arm... The stranger thing was that, in my... o-our souls, I had my arm...

Athena: You are currently seeking refuge in the Rose/Xiao Long residence.

Me: I'm at Ruby's house?

Athena: That's right! During the Fall of Beacon, you lost your arm and you suffered a fatal wound on your back which will hinder your Wing movements; you won't be able to fly naturally again...

My eyes widen... I felt... devastated... I couldn't fly anymore...

Athena: But fear not. If you transform into your Barbatos form, you can fly, just for very limited times.

Me: Oh... Wait...! What about Pyrrha!? Is she alright!?

Athena suddenly gained a somber expression... She reluctantly snapped her fingers, replaying something... It was on Beacon Tower... when...

Pyrrha was shown, kneeling in front of me, hugging me as Cinder shot the arrow, straight through her heart through her back... Ruby who was in the back ground and I's eyes were widen with shock and horror...

Ruby: ...

Me: ...P-P... P-Pyrrha...!?

Pyrrha gasped for air as she slowly looked at me, with an apologetic smile on her face... before her last words...

Pyrrha: ...I-I'm... Sorry...

And just then, Cinder placed her hand on Pyrrha's head as she glowed orange, causing Pyrrha to disintegrate into dust right in front of them and that dust got carried away in the wind as her head band fall to the ground...

Me: N-No... Y-You have to be joking right!?

I snapped my neck to Athena, who only looked down, her wings slouching downwards as well... Her body language gave me a good enough answer... unfortunately... My eyes burnt as tears welded up in them...

Me: She... She promised... She promised me! That... That we'd become... the ultimate Huntsman and Huntress duo... She promised me that she'd always... be there for when I needed someone to talk to... She... she promised that she'd always be there!

My legs gave way as I fell to my knees, sobbing...

Me: First... my mom... then my dad... and now... Pyrrha...? Why... why must this always happen...?

I felt a warm sensation around me. I only then realized that Athena was hugging me, trying to sooth me...

Athena: It's alright. Let it all out... I'll be here for you.

I... didn't know what to do anymore... So I accepted her embrace and cried uncontrollably into her shoulder as the scenery changed back to its grassy field... Pyrrha... Why... Why must you be taken away from me too...?

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

After a while, I calmed down... I was still hurting, and I probably will be for a long while... but, I'll fight three times as hard now... for Summer and for Pyrrha and Penny too... Athena released me from her grasp and put her hand on my shoulder.

Athena: Are you feeling alright now?

Me: Better... Thank you Athena.

I gave her a small smile. She gave me a cheeky one and a thumbs up.

Athena: Heh, no problem! Now, I think it's time for you to awake, don't you think?

Me: Huh? But I still have questions.

Athena: I know. We can talk telepathically and since your thinking about going after your spouse, we'll talk during the trip.

Me: Huh. Alright then. Again, thank you for staying with me Athena... I needed that...

Athena: Heh, anytime! You are like my son in a way and a mother's job is to be for her son at any and all times!

Me: Heh... Yeah. Well, time to wake up.

Athena: Good luck!

I gave her one last smile before everything turned white...

(3rd Person POV)

Yang was making my way to Dairoku's room, with Zwei in toe. As she creaked open the door, she prayed that he'd be awake this time but she was having major doubts... She thought he was probably still asleep... When she fully opened the door, her eyes widen and Zwei barked in excitement... She couldn't... believe it... Her prayers came true... Dairoku was sitting up in his bed, looking out of the window... He slowly turned to her and looked shocked for a second before smiling.

Yang: D-Dairoku...?

Dairoku: Well, fancy seeing you here Goldilocks.

Tears filled up her eyes quickly as she ran over to him and pulled him into a hug.

Yang: YOU'RE AWAKE!!!

He just chuckled weakly and patted her back. Zwei was running in circles, barking victoriously. Then they heard the voice of Tai, approaching.

Tai: What's going on-

When Tai entered the room, he saw Dairoku awake and smiling.

Dairoku: Hey there Tai.

Tai: *smiling* Well, I'll be damned.

Dairoku: So... how long have I've been out for?

Yang broke the hug.

Yang: A year.

His eyes widen...

Dairoku: EEEEEHHHHHHHHHH!?!?

Dairoku's thoughts: A year!? You never told me anything Athena!

Athena telepathically: Well you never asked!

Tai: So, how are you feeling Dairoku?

Dairoku: Um... weak, tired... really freakin hungry...

Tai: *chuckles* Well that makes sense, since you were in a coma. I already cooked up dinner but before that, I got some stuff for you.

Tai quickly left the room while Dairoku tilted his head in confusion before looking at Yang.

Dairoku: What is he talking about?

Yang: He brought home some stuff, both for you and me. I got an arm...

Dairoku: Wait really!? That's awesome! Why don't you have it on?

Yang: Well...

Before she could answer, Tai came into the room, holding two boxes, one of which is significantly larger than the other... Yang got out of the way as he moved a table in front of Dairoku's bed, before placing the boxes on it. One of which, the smaller one was white and had an Atlas Emblem while the other, the larger one, was silver, almost like a case... Dairoku cautiously opened the smaller one and his eyes widen... It was a gunmetal prosthetic arm, somewhat similar to the one Yang got.

Dairoku: Who...?

Tai: From General Ironwood. He wanted me to tell you that "You've fought admirably and that you should be proud of yourself". He had this one made specifically for you, has a cannon built into it like your destroyed gauntlet. He said that you should be able to use your Semblance through it as well.

Athena telepathically: Well damn! You've turned into Bucky Barns!

Dairoku's thoughts: Wait... Who?

Dairoku: Wow... I... I don't know what to say... *glances at the larger box* Who's the other one from?

Tai: You're uncle.

Dairoku: Lucifer?

Tai: He said that you might need those for the future.

Dairoku reached over to the silver, 'case' and unclipped it before flipping it open. He gasped a little, seeing what was inside... His Glacial Blaze... completely repaired...

The left Gauntlet of Dreadful Sins, the one with the whip... but... it had Pyrrha's Akoúo shield stuck to it... the shield had a combined version of Pyrrha and Dairoku's Emblem on its face...

(Just imagine a miniature version of Pyrrha's shield on it)

Then, there was his father's Raising Moon... In their pistol modes... all fixed up... with multiple Dust Crystals on the side...

And finally, a strange looking object...

Athena Telepathically: Well, that's quite the arsenal!

Dairoku: He repaired them... all... Huh? *Notices the strange object* What's that?

Yang and Tai looked at the object, the former being equally confused while the latter looked surprised.

Tai: Well, let's just say that that is something your mother had.

Dairoku: Really...? Wow...

Tai: So, are you gonna try on your arm now?

Dairoku: No, not yet. I feel like I should at least get back some of my muscle before I put it on.

Tai: Ah, makes sense.

Dairoku: So... did you say there was dinner?

(Dairoku's POV) Major time skip!

So after weeks and weeks of eating and working out, I finally put on new arm and honestly, it felt completely natural... almost as if it was a part of me... Yang, still haven't tried on hers which was disappointing, I guess she was still trying to get used to things. I decided to try some target practice, both with my arm cannon and my father's Raising Moon; I was a bit rusty, but still could hit the targets. I tried sparring with Tai and, damn this arm is STRONG and I'm not exaggerating at all... Though I was slightly physically weaker, I held my own against Tai. I tried using my wings but their movement felt really... limited and stiff... I tried flying and obviously couldn't but, I figured out that I COULD glide, just not gain altitude. I tried on my one Dreadful Sins gauntlet which was slightly heavier due to the shield but, the weight was actually really comfortable... It honestly felt like a part of Pyrrha was a part of me now... I also tried out Glacial Blaze and they felt the same, just slightly heavier. Their Dust mechanism still worked, thankfully...The one thing I was kind of worried about, was if I'd still be able to holster Glacial Blaze on my wings and thankfully, I could still. I came to a conclusion that I'll mostly be using them as my close ranged weapons and Raising Moon and my cannon arm as my long ranged ones. As for the strange object that was supposed to be my mother's, well, let's just say it's fucking awesome... I also talked with Athena. I never told Yang or Tai about her but they'll know eventually. Athena was helping me with gaining back my muscle and she told me that I could use Barbatos to travel but I'll have to deactivate it for while before I reactivated it again.

Finally, today was the day that I'd be going after Ruby, Celeste and Neo; the three of them are going to be in some trouble when I find them. I holstered Raising Moon in gun mode on my thighs, my mother's item on my lower back and Glacial Blaze underneath my wings. Then I made sure my new arm as tightly secured and then put on my Remaining Akoúo Sins; that's the name I decided to give my Dreadful Sins with Akoúo. I told Tai and Yang my decision and they were understandably worried but they knew I could handle myself; besides, I secretly wouldn't be alone as I'll have Athena to guide me. I was in my room, putting on a new outfit that Yang got for me; it was similar to my old one, still with a hood, just more streamline and the right sleeve was cut short for my mechanical arm. Speaking of my arm, I decided to spray paint parts of it red and I also had gun holsters on my thighs for Raising Moon. I also had on the sun-shaped necklace aka Barbatos and I had on the bracelet Neo got me for my birthday, on my left hand.

Other than the essential supplies, I had the card Ruby got me for my birthday in my bag along with the Photo Velvet sent me of Ruby posing with Crescent Rose. Lastly, I was carrying the case my weapons came in with, mainly so that I can carry extra Dust Crystals for Raising Moon. Now, with everything, it was time for me to go. Tai had left already but told me to take care of his daughter. I found Yang who was sitting with Zwei, in the living room.

Me: Yo Goldilocks!

She turned around while Zwei ran up to me, slightly sad; she still didn't try on the arm...

Me: I know. I'll miss you too little guy.

Then Yang walked up to me.

Yang: So, you ready to go?

Me: Yup. Though before I leave, I'll like to visit Ruby's mom. You wanna come along?

Yang: Sure thing.

With that, we left the house, along with Zwei and towards Summer's Grave... I've actually been here a couple of times while I stayed here... After a while of walking, we finally arrived... Just like the first day I came here, before the Vytal Festival Tournament started last year... It was just as beautiful with the sunset behind it... Yang and I stood quietly at her grave, until I broke the silence...

Me: Hello again Summer Rose... I remember the last time I spoke to you like this; the Vytal Festival Tournament was just beginning... So much has happened since then... some good, some bad... I kept my promise to you and fought twice as hard in the tournament, even managed to evolve Barbatos. Its power, is truly amazing...

Athena Telepathically: Oh, please, praise me more!

My thoughts: Oh shut up.

Me: Ruby's teammate Weiss Schnee and my adopted sister, Celeste actually became a couple, heh. Oh and my biological sister Neopolitan actually came back to me... She's not here now but I'm glad she's back on my side... Mine and Ruby's relationship's gotten a lot stronger too. That's all the good things I can think of right now... Last year, Beacon was attacked and the tower fell... A lot of people were injured... Yang lost her arm... I lost my arm and my ability to fly naturally... But, that's nothing compared to the two losses we've all suffered... Penny Polendina and Pyrrha Nikos... Penny wasn't a real girl, in fact she was an android, but she was more human than some people...  She was just killed to make a statement... Pyrrha on the other hand... died taking a blow that was meant for me... She was my best friend since my childhood... she was kind, sweet, caring... really strong... really apologetic and determined... I still blame myself for her death... I still think sometimes that I was too weak to save her...

Yang put her hand on my shoulder.

Me: But... I know that she wouldn't want me to blame myself... In fact, I know she'll be happy that she sacrificed herself because she knows that that is what made her a true Huntress... Anyways, I better be off now... I'm going to Mistral to find your daughter and make sure she doesn't do anything crazy or stupid, heh... Don't worry... I'll still keep my promise to you... I'll keep her safe, no matter what...; Phoenix's Honor...

I then turned to Yang who was actually smiling... I haven't seen that in a while...

Me: That goes to you too Yang.

Yang: Thank you Dairoku. I'll trust her safety to you.

She pulled me into an embrace which I returned... After a while, we separated and smiled at each other. I then crouched down to Zwei and pet his head.

Me: Heh, you too buddy.

He licked my face causing me to chuckle. Then I turned back to Yang.

Me: Well, this is goodbye for now. Thanks for taking care of me.

Yang: Anytime. Now, go get my sister.

Me: Heh, yeah I will.

I waved to her before I jumped off the cliff, shouting...

Me: Barbatos!

When I transformed, the red stream jetted out of the wings and I began flying out in the horizon... My first plan was to take a boat to Anima and take it from there... As I soared through the golden skies, I saw red and white rose petals flying next to me... Looking over, I saw her again... Summer Rose... smiling at me...

Summer: Good luck Dairoku.

And she blew away into the wind...

Me: Thank you Summer... Alright Ruby, Celeste and Neo, you all better get ready cause when I find you, you'll be in BIG trouble.  Let's go Athena!

Athena speaking through necklace: Yeah! Let's move!

END

That is basically Dairoku's hair in Vol 4-6.

That is his new outfit but add a hood.
———————————————
There we go! Chapter 4 is done! Dairoku is on his way to find Ruby, Celeste and Neo! I hope you guys like Athena as a character and love Dairoku's new look. Btw, that object that is Dairoku's mother's won't be revealed until Volume 5 but feel free to take guesses on what it is! Anyways, I'll see y'all in the next chapter!