Remnant
For many, the night sky in this particular moment could be considered both beautiful and extremely soothing, the cracked moon in the sky illuminated the dark corners of Beacon Academy, there were no monsters to be seen, the soft wind acted as a lullaby, creating the perfect harmony for a good night sleep...
It was a perfect night...
For Ozpin this was the beginning of his nightmares...
From within his dazed state, he felt a well-known shiver in his body, something he hadn't felt in a long time, the chills ran through his spine as he walked towards his end, the demons of the past were out again, hunting him down on this beautiful night, he walked slowly through his beloved academy, feeling like a weak animal, the prey of a bigger predator...
He knew this feeling...
He remembered in his younger days when such feeling used to bring him joy and excitement, he remembers running towards the danger with a smile on his face... He was young and stupid...
Now the only thing he could feel was dread... He needed to hurry... If he was right each passing second would only make it worse... He really wanted a cup of coffee... The only thing he brought was his cane... He wouldn't need it, though... He wasn't crazy enough to fight the Devil alone... It was just to feel less nervous...
He walked towards the monument in the country yard, around him, he could see strange shadows dancing in the darkness... There weren't Grimms... But something more sad and dangerous... It was the past...
He walked slowly until he saw the monument... And the shadow of a man studying the statue... Ozpin could feel every fiber in his body screaming for help... After so many years... He was back... Dark memories flooded his mind as he watched the figure hum a song... Ozpin cursed his luck... But, Oh well... He was never lucky, to begin with... Lady luck always seemed to despise his mere existence... Sighing in defeat he walked towards the monument...
-Has age finally make a move on you, my dear Ozpin? - The figure spoke without looking back - It took you a while to come here... I remember when you would run as fast as you could in order to meet me.
Ozpin thought about his answer carefully... And then he remembered it didn't matter anyway... He already knew the answer... All of them... So he might as well be honest.
-I didn't want to come... - Ozpin answered quietly.
-Quite honest - The figure hummed - I see you have matured since last time... I'm proud of you.
-Whatever... - Ozpin groaned, he really didn't want to be here - What do you want?
-Don't be impatient - The figure said slowly - We have all the time in the world...
Deep inside Ozpin shook in fear, he looked around and realization fell on his shoulders, the world itself was static, he could see a few petals of a rose in the air, unmoving, the wind was gone and a deadly cold filled the environment... They did have all the time in the world... As long as he wanted...
-You have grown old, Ozpin - The figure continued - When you were young you could easily realize the small things...
-This isn't small...
-At least for me is.
Ozpin was growing impatient... He wanted to leave... But now he was trapped here with him... He should have stayed in bed...
-What do you want?
-Ah! Always eager to help me! I'm glad that part of you hasn't changed.
-I just want you to be gone as soon as possible.
-As you wish... - The figure said finally turning around, he was a young man with dark eyes wearing some old-fashioned clothes - I didn't come here just to say hello... Ozpin, I have a warning for you... Prepare for war.
-Wha... Is that a treat?
-No... Ozpin... I'm doing this just because I'm fond of you... Prepare for war...
-You are fond of me? Where have you ever showed your affection for me?
-I'm doing it right now.
-You are treating me.
-I'm warning you.
-Then... Be more specific... Who's the enemy?
-I don't know
-You don't know? What is that supposed to mean? You always know...
-Come on, Ozpin... At this point, you should already know that a perfect god is impossible... I'm still the closest thing... But even I have flaws.
-I... I don't understand... Why are you telling me this if you don't know?
-Ozpin... Who am I?
-What does that...?
-Who am I?
-You... You are... The Outsider...
-And I am...?
-...Neither good nor evil...
-Then... I am...?
-...A god...
-And what does a god want?
-... A god... Seeks for amusement...
-Correct! I'm glad you still remember... Ozpin... I've seen your story begin and end many times... You are amusing to watch... I have simply decided to make it more interesting... Besides... The darkness that lurks behind your back is getting stronger... And... "She" will make her move soon... And I'm afraid you are not ready for it.
-"She"? What do you...? No... It can't be her...
-But it is... - The Outsider smiled coldly - You always knew "she" wasn't done with this world... "She" is growing more powerful with each passing day... And your power alone won't be enough to defeat "her" this time... You have prepared your allies for this moment... But none of them is ready for what's coming.
-What do you mean?
-Your destiny has changed... Your story is no longer yours alone... There are new actors in this play... And I'm not sure if your allies will be able to handle the changes.
-What kind of... "Changes" are you talking about?
-There are several outcomes in your story, Ozpin, maybe I'm wrong and everything will continue normally... Or maybe your enemies and that witch are playing with powers they cannot even dream to understand... Their stupidity will doom Remnant.
-What do you mean? Possible outcomes? This doesn't make any sense...
-Maybe the Rose was corrupted by the fear a long time ago... And now... She walks carrying the Harbinger of Doom in her silver eyes... Or maybe... The Prophet of the Void is finally strong enough to defy my will... And he will strive to conquer and consume this realm... Or perhaps... - he said smiling wickedly - I will finally grow tired of your story and make it more... Interesting
-The harbinger of Doom? The Prophet of the Void? None of that makes sense... And besides... Aren't you supposed to be the Master of the Void?
-It's just... A problem child... You don't know him...
-A problem child? Just a problem child?! Last time I checked, the Void was filled with more than just problem children.
-I can't deny that...
-Then... I want a name, at least...
-If that's what you want - the man sighed - His name is Malzahar, he is a powerful mage that has found a way to meddle with my will... He is now in control of many creatures of the Void... Three of them are extremely exceptional... And he wishes to consume this world...
Under any other circumstances, Ozpin would have laughed for the first time in years... But now... All he could do was tremble in both fury and fear.
-And what am I supposed to do? - Ozpin growled trying to control his fury.
-I told you, these are "possible" outcomes... none of this is real until it happens... Well... There is something that will definitely happen...
-And what is that?
-One of my most powerful servants will appear in this world in a few days... He will be the key for every situation you might find yourself into... And he is also the reason I can't see your future, Ozpin.
-How is that even possible?
-Ozpin... Do you remember the days you spent with me? Do you remember what I promised you that day?
-How could I forget? I recall that day every night in my nightmares.
-Then... Do you remember what I promised you back then?
-You... You promised the secrets of the universe...
-And nothing more... Do you know why the moon is cracked? Or what are the Creatures of Grimm?
-We still don't know why the moon is cracked... Sadly we have no means to study it closely... And about the Creatures of Grimm, we believe...
-Those are the convenient lies you chose for your friends and allies... You know the truth, Ozpin...
Ozpin looked shocked as he remembered the old days... He cursed his destiny once again...
-The moon... The moon was cracked by Aurelion Sol when he tried to destroy Remnant... And the Creatures of Grimm are the shadows of the Titan of the Dark Star...
-Correct - The Outsider clapped - Never forget the truth, Ozpin... You are the only one who knows the truth... And that gives you the right to decide the destiny of Remnant.
-I still don't understand...
-What if I told you the creature that will help you is more than just a simple Voidling?
-More than a simple Voidling? I don't understand...
-Do you remember how I used to tell you the secrets of the universe as stories? Which one was your favorite story?
-My favorite story? I believe it was the Titan of The Dark Star being defeated by... - Ozpin's face became pale as the horror filled his being, The Outsider chuckled at the sight - Impossible...
-Ah! But that's what I do... The Impossible...
-The Titan is dead... But he can't be... How could you...? What have you done? What have you done to the Supreme Arclight?!
-He chose his destiny... But that's another story for a different time... You should be happy, Ozpin... You will finally meet your hero after all these years.
-I didn't want any of this... - Ozpin said slowly, trying to control his voice - This is terrible... How can he help me...?
-Ozpin... He might be the answer for your problems...
-Wait... "Might"... Why "might"? What are you hiding?
-He might be the answer for your problems... Or maybe he will be the end for your enemies, your friends and everything else... It wouldn't be fun if it were too easy... But I suppose not giving you some sort of help can be unfair as well... I will change his appearance in order to suit this society... If humans can't even stand the sight of a Faunus I'm afraid a Voidborn has fewer chances...
-Is... Is that all? Is that all the great help you will give me?
-No, I have four pieces of advice for you... One: He has a soft spot for children, So appointing him as a teacher might be the best course of action...
-A professor? That's impossible, he is not even a Huntsman and...
-I can assure you his combat skills are quite competent - The Outsider interrupted - Two: He loves books... Maybe you can distract him in his free time appointing him as the librarian... I'm sure you can even show him your private collection for more material... Three: He's rather inclined to approach troublesome women and happy when swayed by them... I'm sure dear Glynda will fulfill this role marvelously... But, I must say I rather have the eldest daughter of the Schnee family by his side, I feel you can manipulate her with more ease... But if you feel both of them will fail, maybe you should consider the young maidens... There are some exceptional individuals in this new generation... But of course... It would be a forbidden relationship... But I have always liked the drama...
-Are you insane?! I can't possibly involve any of my students in this mess!
-It was a suggestion, don't be so dramatic... And for last... Four: He drinks his coffee with four sugars and cream... And that is all you need to know...
-That... is completely useless! How am I suppose to control a creature of such power with this stupid... I'm not really sure what are those... But...
-Ozpin - Suddenly the voice of the Outsider sounded distant and low, it made Ozpin shiver in fear - You should not underestimate your abilities... You were my pupil not long ago... I taught you everything you need to know in order to control this world... And it's time to show me proof I did not make a mistake choosing you over "her".
Ozpin tried to speak but he couldn't, the words seemed to be stuck in his throat, he could only open and close his mouth in shock.
-Look, Ozpin - The Outsider continued - "She" is playing with powers "she" can't understand... And "her" actions will bring damnation to this world... When you left me I was sure you would handle everything on your own... But this is different... Something has changed... You can't defeat this evil on your own... And I'm afraid your current allies aren't strong enough... Before I decided to help you, there was one single future for you and everyone else in Remnant... Death - The Outsider stared into Ozpin's eyes, but he was petrified and his eyes showed nothing but fear - You are amusing to watch, Ozpin and I can't allow your story to end this way... I believe he is the answer you need... You just need to control him... With that being said... I hope you can orchestrate me a great show, Ozpin... One last clue, If you want to know what future awaits for you, you should head to the city and look for a place called "From dust till dawn", I'm sure that's a good place to start... Good luck - The Outsider said before he disappeared into the darkness of the night.
The flow of time returned once again... But Ozpin remained motionless with his face twisted in pain... The future looked bleaker than it did this morning... His only hope was a monster that could destroy everything before the war even started...
Well... At leats Glynda my kill him tonight... Ozpin knew by experience how dangerous the huntress was when bothered in the middle of her beauty sleep... Ah... He should have made some coffee after all...