The Celestial Remnant, Ch04: Awakening

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my original characters and works; all other characters and worlds belong to their respective owners. I'm just playing with them.

Betad by Mike God of Lore, Beans, priapus, Marethyu, Old man of the mountain, Malcolm Tent

The Celestial Remnant

Chapter 04: Awakening

– Professor Ozpin –

Akari awakening such powerful magic, with witnesses, was both an incredible opportunity and also a problem. The Beacon Initiation was streamed to the other students, it was something of a harmless tradition. There were very few deaths in the Initiation because the teachers were also watching the streams and deployed around the forest, ready to assist in the worst-case scenarios.

This meant that most of the student body had already seen Akari's awakening and before he could put a stop to it, it had also ended up online. James had already messaged him about it, and it was inevitable that Salem and her minions would also discover the rapidly-spreading video. 

He couldn't suppress it, and with Salem's minions having shown the ability to steal magic, it was inevitable that Akari would be even more of a major target for them than his eyes had made him already.

"I take it that you know why you are here?" Ozpin asked, the faunus boy (maybe) blinking at him.

"Because I froze the forest," Akari agreed, stating it with such casual ease. "Am I in trouble?"

"Oh, most certainly not. I am hardly going to punish a Huntsman for killing Grimm, after all. I do have some questions, however," Ozpin replied easily, giving him a reassuring smile. "These Ice powers, have you ever used them before?"

"No," Akari replied, a momentary silence filling the room. "They're new." 

He was a man (probably) of few words, but Ozpin just nodded.

"You aren't the first to develop such powers, which is why I have called you here. You may very well be the strongest, and you certainly had the most public awakening. I'm afraid you've become a target, my friend, because there are those who will want to either use or slay you," Ozpin explained grimly. "In addition, you also have Silver Eyes. Most would have missed it, but on the recordings, I noticed you used them to purge Miss Schnee of the Grimm poison. Have you used them much?"

It was surprising that they'd had awoken so early, but between his Silver Eyes and his magic, there was no doubt he would have risen to very near the top of Salem's list. 

"...not really. Grimm seem to target me more when I do," Akari admitted, shrugging. Ozpin nodded, unsurprised. 

"They are a gift from the God of Light; it is no surprise that creatures of darkness would hunt you," Ozpin explained, watching his young student just nod easily. Akari's history was a mystery and one he intended to solve. Where had Akari come from? "There are those who would see the Grimm win, cultists essentially, and they have recently attacked someone with similar powers to yours, leaving her in a coma. I fear they will target you as well."

Akari just nodded, still seeming unconcerned.

"...ok?" Akari agreed. A man (?) of very few words.

How does one politely ask if someone is hiding their gender? Perhaps a young orphaned Akari found themselves facing some unwanted attention from an older man and decided to pass for a man. It would answer one of his major questions and confirm that Akari was indeed a Maiden. Akari's features were fairly feminine, and he wore robes that would easily hide his breasts if they were bound. 

"As it stands, you are safe in Beacon. I've been discussing the matter with a friend and ally of mine, and we have come to a decision. We will be getting a transfer from Atlas, who will be joining your team, along with a very talented specialist who will be assigned as your bodyguard," Ozpin explained.

He'd originally planned to have Lie Ren become Akari's final team member. The young man had done exceptionally well and shown that he had the heart of a Huntsman by deciding to risk his position in Beacon and his life to protect the injured Mr Arc, but James had had a different idea. 

Penny Polendina would be his final team member, and Winter Schnee would serve as a bodyguard for the young magic user. Both could be trusted with the secrets that would inevitably come out. 

Lie Ren would get his chance, however. He had too much potential to just be given a fail and let go due to a situation where there was no right answer. If he'd left Jaune, he would have failed because it would not be the kind of behaviour Beacon expected of its students, but by taking Jaune, he'd greatly hindered himself. Fortunately, James had been more than happy to take a transfer to Atlas Academy.

"Okay," Akari agreed, his face still completely blank. 

…that was it?

"So, I passed?" Akari asked after a moment, making him blink before he burst out laughing. Had he passed? He'd slain two powerful Grimm, frozen an entire forest, killing hundreds of Grimm in an instant, all while sparing every single other student, and then got told that he was going to be hunted… and that was his concern?

"Yes, you most assuredly did," Ozpin agreed, amused despite the serious situation. "Welcome to Beacon, Akari."

"Nice."

For the briefest second, Akari's blank expression changed to show a tiny, fleeting smile. 

"So, is that everything?" Akari asked, making him nod.

"Yes, for now at least. I should let you get to your team, both have expressed a certain concern for you. Miss Schnee was rather panicked when she woke up, and you weren't there," Ozpin lightly teased.

"Mhm," Akari replied. "Later, Headmaster."

Rising, Akari just turned and walked off, having said his piece. What an interesting young man.

Probably.

– Akari –

100cp granted, 100cp total.

Feats Achieved: Slay the Nevermore (50cp), Slay the Chupacabra (100cp), Complete Initiation (100cp), Gain Salem's undivided attention (250cp). 600cp total.

Salem. So that's who is coming for me? Ozpin seems to know more than he's saying, but oh well. The important thing is that I passed, and sure, the newfound fame is unexpected, but I can work with it. Ghira said I was representing our people, so surely the better I do, the better it is for us?

Hm.

Feat Achieved: Drive Sienna Khan to Drink (100cp), 700cp total

Meh.

[Artifice] - 300cp, 400cp remaining

You have a gift for the creation of powerful magical items. As True Artefacts, their magic won't ever run out, or at the very least won't run out for a very long time. What you can make is limited to your knowledge, your imagination, and your resources.

[Fairy Fountain] 400cp, 0cp remaining

Hidden away in various areas of the world, the fairy fountains are

the homes and sanctuaries of all fairies, sacred places few others ever set foot in. Now, you will find one of these fountains connected to your pocket dimension. The waters within will cure all ailments and heal all wounds, as well as give off an aura of peace and tranquillity, letting all know that this is a sacred place not to be tarnished with violence. You will even find a number of fairies have made themselves at home here, willing to obey the master of the fountain.

Huh, neat.

I have a genius idea.

– Ozpin –

"Ah, Akari. Was there something you forgot?" Ozpin asked, making Akari pause as he considered his words.

"I can probably heal the person who got attacked," Akari finally said, making him blink.

"I'm sorry?" Ozpin asked, blinking.

"The one in a coma, I can probably heal them," Akari explained again. "Got something new."

"I'm sorry," Ozpin repeated. Akari hadn't even seen Amber. "Can you explain a bit further? What do you mean you got something new?" Ozpin asked, making Akari shrug.

"My powers give me new stuff sometimes. Isn't that how the other ones work?" Akari asked, tilting his head curiously. 

"It is most certainly not," Ozpin replied, but Akari just shrugged.

"Okay, weird," Akari said, as if he was not the weird one. "Anyway, I just got a healing fountain in my pocket dimension. Claims it can cure all ailments and heal all wounds," Akari explained patiently. "So, wanna try and heal them?"

Pocket Dimension?!

"I would like to see this fountain before we attempt such a-" Ozpin started, pausing as Akari just waved his hand and a rift formed next to him. 

"Okay."

…oh fuck it.

Getting up, he approached the portal curiously before he shrugged. If this turned out to be one of Salem's traps, he'd congratulate her when he reincarnated for the surrealism involved.

Entering the rift, because it was truly one of those days, he immediately shuddered with pleasure at the sheer magic in the air. It genuinely felt like a place that was saturated with the power of the God of Light, a sense of calmness and serenity that he hadn't felt in a long time overcoming him as he looked around the beautiful forest glade, in the centre was a deep pool of water that shimmered with magical power. Small blue-winged orbs of energy flew around the waters, approaching them hesitantly before circling them curiously.

"What are these?" Ozpin asked, watching as they circled Akari excitedly.

"Fairies, apparently. Cute," Akari explained, watching one land on his finger for a moment before it took off. "So, healing water?"

"Hm, I do believe that your power was correct. This place is saturated with magic in a way that I haven't felt in a long time," Ozpin agreed, making Akari nod. "We should probably test that- what are you doing?!"

He watched Akari, dumbfounded, as Akari calmly pulled out his umbrella and stabbed himself in the hand with it, his aura deliberately down as the sharp blade pierced his skin. Akari didn't even make a sound, watching the blade go through his hand.

Then, equally calm, he walked to the pool and placed his hand in the water. Rising up, he looked at where the large hole had been. 

"Works," Akari helpfully added, giving him a thumbs up with the same hand he'd just idly pierced. Oh Gods, Akari was going to drive him mad, wasn't he?

It was only his many years of experience that stopped him from screaming in frustration as he pushed his glasses up slightly with a smile.

"So it does," Ozpin agreed easily, smiling at the young enigma. After a moment of thought, he made a decision. Nothing they were doing was helping Amber, to the point where he was looking at the newest batch of students, wondering if any of them could take her place when the time came. Could he really not try this?

He owed it to Amber to try.

"Well then, shall we see just how powerful these waters truly are?" Ozpin asked, making Akari nod easily.

"Sure."

Akari truly was a mystery, but his power was undeniable. The fact that Akari's first action upon getting this magical location was to bring it up as a way to heal another was a good sign of the good nature behind that blank face.

– Glynda Goodwitch –

Watching as Ozpin lowered Amber's comatose body into the pool, she watched with eager but confused eyes. Akari stood next to her, watching one of the 'fairies' flying around his head, seemingly uninterested in the proceedings.

What was Akari? He was no mere Maiden or Silver-Eyed Warrior (as ridiculous as that sentiment would have seemed under any other circumstances); this was beyond anything that she or even Ozpin had ever seen before.

Her gaze was torn from Akari, who was now spinning in place, trying to follow the fairy, as she heard the sound of a feminine gasp.

Snapping her head to Ozpin, she watched with wide eyes and hope in her heart as Amber's eyes opened. Her friend looked around in confusion and shock as Ozpin smiled down at her.

"O-Ozpin?" Amber asked, moving out of his arms and looking down at the pool she was now standing in, coming up to her waist. Ozpin was equally submerged but was clearly unbothered by the wetness.

"Welcome back, Amber. You have been sorely missed," Ozpin said with a smile. "I expect you have questions?"

"Where are we? What happened to my attackers? I remember seeing Qrow, but then- I passed out; I felt like something had been torn from me…" Amber whispered, looking over at Akari, who just waved idly. Amber, seemingly still in shock, mechanically waved back.

"To begin with, we are in the Fairy Fountain that we used to heal you. Our young friend, Akari, gained access to, or perhaps created this place with his own magic. Your attackers unfortunately managed to escape with part of your Maiden powers," Ozpin explained, guiding her from the waters as she blinked.

"I felt that, but my powers feel fine. What do you mean created this place?" Amber asked, making Ozpin chuckle.

"I do believe the life giving waters of the fountain have even healed your very powers, and as for the second part? I genuinely don't have a clue," Ozpin admitted with a wide grin.

"It just does that sometimes," Akari added 'helpfully'. She genuinely couldn't tell if he thought he was actually being helpful or if he was messing with them, but seeing Amber awake once more, she honestly didn't care.

"Well, thank you, Akari," Amber said, gathering her thoughts. "I owe you deeply."

"You're welcome. Can I go now?" Akari asked, making Ozpin chuckle again.

"You may, though perhaps we should all leave the fountain before the portal closes and locks us inside," Ozpin pointed out, making them all move back to his office. It actually saddened her to have to leave; the tranquillity was very enjoyable.

"Bye."

Turning and walking out of the office, Akari didn't look back once. A very abrupt person, but given what he had done for them, there was much he could get away with.

"He seemed nice, now what is he?" Amber asked, making Ozpin chuckle dryly.

"That is exactly what I am trying to work out. I have my theories but very little to go on so far," Ozpin explained, stroking his chin.

"Well, don't keep us waiting. What's the theory?" Amber asked, her impatience showing as Ozpin smiled at being badgered by her.

"I believe Akari is somehow, in some way, linked to the God of Light. Whether he is blessed, a child of the God, or perhaps even his reincarnation. I do believe that he has some connection with the vanished deity. I just cannot confirm how or why. By all knowledge, the God of Light should not have returned until my mission was complete; I simply do not understand why He would intervene in such a way. Do you know what Akari means?" Ozpin asked with a dry smile, getting no answer. "It's from an ancient Mistralian language, and it simply means 'Bright', though it wouldn't be inaccurate to translate it as… Light."

Glynda went still, wondering if Ozpin could be right. 

"So… we have a baby God?" Amber asked, making Ozpin shrug. 

"It is only a theory, but the power of that fountain felt undeniably like that of the God of Light. I mentioned your situation, and not five minutes later Akari had willed the solution into existence. Those Fairies are alive; Akari's power made living, sentient creatures," Ozpin shrugged. "I do not know how this came about; believe me, I wish I did, but that is my best theory so far. It would certainly explain the immense power he showed upon gaining his ice magic."

"Wait, what?" Amber asked, making Ozpin smile.

"Ah, of course, you weren't awake. I could explain, but why don't you just take a look out of the window," Ozpin offered, sipping his drink with a smile. Amber moved over to the window that Ozpin nodded at, which overlooked the forest. Glynda couldn't help but chuckle at Amber's baffled expression, knowing all too well that she looked the same.

"Oz, Fria couldn't do that in her prime and she's better than any of us," Amber said, shock in her tone as she stared out at the frozen forest. She wasn't wrong; the Winter Maiden had been by far the strongest when she was in her prime, but even she would struggle to freeze an entire region like that.

"Oh, I'm well aware of the power that would be required to do such a thing," Ozpin agreed. "Beyond any Maiden, certainly, which was my first suspicion… though I do still want to confirm that Akari is indeed male."

"...so, when do I get to hunt down the assholes who ambushed me?" Amber asked, moving on as she clearly had no idea how to handle that.

"I believe it will be better for you to remain on the school grounds for now. We need to ensure you are at one hundred percent, and I suspect Salem's agents have a new target, so having you around to deter them will be invaluable," Ozpin explained, Amber's look going from rebellious to determined. Amber would hate being told to stay in the school, but protecting her saviour was another matter entirely.

"If that golden-eyed bitch even tries it, I'll gut her. I won't go down so easily this time," Amber swore, hurt pride and anger clear in her tone at being ambushed. 

"Quite. Firstly, however, Qrow saw little of your attackers. I believe one of them was using their Semblance to muddle his mind, so I'd like you to tell me everything you remember about them," Ozpin requested, making Amber nod with a frown on her face, starting to describe her attackers as best she could. 

– Akari –

I am a genius.

Why?

Because if Amber is alive and well, she goes back to being a target, and that takes some of the heat off my back. Plus, it helped to reveal my powers to Ozpin, who clearly knows some shit about magic. It turns out that just shrugging and saying 'my power does that sometimes' is indeed a way to get out of being questioned over where I got a pocket dimension. 

I don't want to have to put in the effort to hide all my new things, especially given how… noticeable [Widow's Guidance] was. So, I just say, 'Yeah, it does that sometimes,' and shrug when they ask for more information.

Even better, I saved the Headmaster and Professor Goodwitch's friend, which should give me some wiggle room going forward. 

Feats Achieved: Join Ozpin's Inner Circle (100cp), Save Amber (200cp), Gained Glynda Goodwitch's Respect and Gratitude (100cp). 400cp granted.

Huh. My fountain paid for itself. 

Neat.

[The Honed Edge] - 100cp, 300cp remaining 

With just a bit of time and polish, you can restore any blade to its true sharpness, as if it were just crafted. Rust and tarnish can also be removed easily. Your tools and weapons are always in the best shape. Some effort does need to be put into this care, of course.

Neat, my Kasa-obake needs a lot of maintenance.

[Portalist] - 400cp, 100cp needed.

Vilete once knew the secret for making portals that were capable of spanning interplanetary distances, and now, you know that secret as well. You have the knowledge and skill to be able to craft portals between different locations in space. Something within the range of a city can be done 'freestyle', using only your own Aura, though you may need to charge up energy beforehand. Longer-range portals would need anchors and magical foci, but you know how to craft such very easily. Through practice and study, the range of your personal portals and permanent portals can both expand, with personal portals eventually reaching intercontinental distances, while your permanent portals could eventually reach between stars.

Huh, I could just make a portal back home. Neat. I don't have a choice, but I would have locked it in any way.

Heading towards my team's room, I smile to myself at the realisation that we missed the big, over-the-top ceremony. We don't even have a Team name yet since we haven't gotten our fourth member yet, but that ceremony sounded like a pain.

"Akari!" Weiss says, jumping off her bed as I enter the room. "You're okay! You were taking so long. Are you in legal trouble for freezing the forest because I can get my family lawyers to bury them in-"

"I'm fine. I'm not in trouble," I cut in, making her blush as she stops rambling.

"I- well, yes. Of course, you're not; how could they punish you for such a fantastic showing?" Weiss mumbles, giving me a shy look. "I never got the chance to say this, but thank you, Akari. You saved my life, of that I'm certain. I am indebted to you, and you'll find that the gratitude of a Schnee goes far," Weiss swears with a proud look, making me blink at her confidence.

Nora gives me a wave from her place on one of the four beds, but she seems rather subdued. I don't know her that well, but she doesn't strike me as a quiet girl. 

"Which bed is mine?" I ask, moving on to what matters as Weiss blinks. "Also, you're welcome, but I'm sleepy."

"Ah, of course you are; you've had such a hectic day. You can take whichever bed you wish, honestly, I should speak with the Headmaster about getting y- us a more fitting room," Weiss says, drifting off into mumbling. 

I take that as my cue to move to the bed in the corner; I like corners and fall face-first onto it.

– Weiss Schnee –

Honestly, this room was far too small for them. She was a Schnee and it didn't take a genius to realise how big a deal Akari was going to be. The wave of power he'd unleashed was bigger than any she could find a record of. It was something out of myth, not reality. 

And he'd done it to save her. Her cheeks heated up, sitting on her new bed (she had wanted the one in the corner, but Akari picked that one; did the pillow he was currently laying face down on top of smell like her?). 

Akari said something, but he hadn't bothered to lift his face, so his words came out muffled, forcing him to turn and repeat himself.

"We're getting a fourth teammate, some girl called Penny from Atlas," Akari said, lying on his back as he turned his head to face them. His doll-like face remained expressionless, beautiful features drawing her attention as she took in his lack of expression. 

"Another Atlasian? Well, I don't know her, but it will be nice to have someone else from home. Atlas Academy has very high standards, so I'm sure she'll be good enough for our team," Weiss explained, proud of her home.

"Hm. We're also getting a bodyguard because Oz thinks someone might try to kidnap me," Akari explained, and Weiss nodded. It was good to see that Ozpin was taking this so seriously. "You probably know her. Some specialist called Winter Schnee."

"Wait, Winter is coming to Beacon?" Weiss asked, her eyes widening. Oh god, she was going to be the victim of so much teasing. "W-well, she is one of the best; she's a Schnee, after all. My sister is a wonderful choice, and she will easily stop any such attempts against you."

"Sister, huh?" Akari said. "Nice."

"Do you not have any siblings?" Weiss asked, curious to learn more about her saviour. He just shook his head.

"Orphan," Akari explained blandly, making her wince slightly. She had noticed that he never used a second name; did he not have one? It wasn't unusual for orphans to make up their own but did Akari just never bother?

"Same here," Nora added, making Weiss jump. She'd almost forgotten that Nora was even there. The ginger was being strangely silent for a girl who couldn't shut up during the initiation. "Lost mine to the Grimm."

"I don't even know what happened. I was just found outside Kuo Kuana as a kid," Akari explained, shrugging.

W-why were they bonding?! She had a rough childhood as well-

Her brain kicked in, reminding her that being a sheltered princess with neglectful parents didn't compare to two people who'd lost their families before she could try and insert herself into the conversation.

"W-well, I do believe that we should discuss who should be the team leader. Unlike the other teams, we haven't had our team leader picked by Professor Ozpin, so I think we have the opportunity to decide amongst ourselves," Weiss said, preparing her arguments for why she should be the leader (despite Akira's amazing power). 

"Not it," Nora cheered, perking up slightly.

"Not it," Akari agreed. "Looks like it's you, Weiss."

"Oh. Hmph, I'm glad you see reason; I assure you that I will lead us to greatness," Weiss promised. "Thank you for your trust."

"You'll do great," Akari praised, giving her a thumbs up.

"We have faith, Weissy," Nora agreed.

– Akari –

Leaders have to do paperwork, right?

– Nora Valkyrie –

Leaders have to do paperwork, right?

Watching as Akari started to get changed into his pyjamas (turning Weissy bright red as he took off his top), Nora laid down on her bed and mentally sighed. Ren wasn't going to Beacon. 

She almost wanted to leave herself, but after a talk, she'd agreed not to throw this chance away. They weren't exactly loaded, and this scholarship was a brilliant chance for her, but Ren had lost his spot by helping some fucking idiot who came to Beacon with no Aura and nearly died. If he weren't in a coma, she'd track down this Arc and break his knees herself.

Ren should have been on their team, but instead, they were getting some Atlesian chick, and Ren was going all the way to Atlas himself. This would be the first time they had been separated since the attack on his village; they'd done everything together… and now he was going to be in another Kingdom.

The promises of constant scroll calls didn't make her feel much better as she stared at the ceiling. At least Akari and Weiss seemed nice, even if Akari was clearly a freak of nature. A good one, but a freak all the same. It was fine; she liked weird things.

– Ruby Rose –

Lying on her bed, she smiled up at the ceiling. She still didn't understand how the entire forest had frozen over like that, but she'd learnt that her new friend was apparently responsible… was he going to be too important to talk to her anymore? She hoped not.

Well, at least her team was nice! 

Team RPBY (Raspberry) was officially going to be taking Beacon by storm. She got her big sister, the really nice Pyrrha and the cool Blake. Sure, Blake was kinda a loner, but that was fine; introverts unite!

But still, Akari was amazing; how had he done that? Was that his Semblance? It seemed way too strong. Falling to sleep, Ruby dreamt of adventures with her new team and friend.

— Bonus Scene — Sienna Khan

What the actual fuck.

She'd expected the next word from Beacon to be that Akari had passed with flying colours, showing off his training and talent to the racists of Vale.

Looking at the picture of the Emerald Forest, completely frozen over, she stared at it in sheer bafflement. Had Akari hidden this power from her this whole time? No, it was impossible. She'd watched the video a hundred times over; Akari had seemed just as surprised as everyone else as he'd unleashed that ice age. 

This was new; he'd awoken a new power, and he'd done it in the middle of the Beacon Initiation, where the entire world got to see. 

Fuck. She should have seduced Akari, dragged him into her bed and left him too drained to leave Kuo Kuana. Instead, she'd let her golden ticket wander off to the other side of the world, where he was thoroughly out of her reach.

No, this wasn't the end. Akari was beyond her at the moment, but he would return to Menagerie in time, and she still had her ways. This was good; the entire world was looking at a Faunus as the new strongest. Who cared about the Invincible Girl and her little tournament wins when Akari had just frozen an entire forest, killing all the Grimm inside without hurting any of the other students?

Plus, he'd done it to save a Schnee. People were saying that it was his desire to save his new partner that had awoken this power, loving the forbidden romance angle, and that would just make him seem less connected to the White Fang. That was good; if he could replicate it, then he would be in a position to make some real change. Akari might just change the world; she just had to make sure it was in the right way,

She just had to make sure he didn't forget where he belonged and who his people were first. She was well aware that every Kingdom would be salivating over him, but he was one of them, and she wouldn't let them sink their claws into her soaring star.

A call made her jump, turning her attention to her scroll. Adam? Ah, he'd seen it as well and knew they had to solidify the connections that Akari had with them.

"Adam, I take it you've seen it as well?" Sienna asked, covering her confusion and shock well.

"I did. Blake is in Beacon; I saw her in the background of one of the posted clips. Permission to go and retrieve the traitor?" Adam said, his tone angry as she stared at her scroll in pure bafflement.

"Adam, and I mean this with all due respect… Do you think I give a singular fuck about Blake?! Leave her; I told Ghira and Kali we'd let her go; she's not worth the trouble," Sienna ordered, wondering once again if Adam had been dropped on his head as a child. "Akari is what matters, you know, the guy who just froze an entire forest."

"To protect a Schnee," Adam replied, and right then and there, she made up her mind. Adam was not suited for leadership if he couldn't see past his hatred and look at the bigger picture.