Chapter Four: A New Day
"Oscar. Wake up."
Oscar opened his eyes to see sunlight glinting through cracks in the barn roof.
"I'm not dead?" He said quietly, confused. Dried blood was caked on his clothes.
"I used my aura to strengthen yours. You lost consciousness again." The voice said.
Oscar struggled into a sitting position, wincing as he did so. He looked down at his grazed hands. Rippling green energy swirled around the cuts, healing them before his eyes. His eyes widened. "What on Remnant?" He whispered.
"I've accelerated your healing as much as I could but you will need to rest for the next few days. "
"I can't, I have to work." Oscar tried and failed to stand, gripping the ladder for support.
"Don't try to get up yet."
Oscar slumped down on the floor, looking slowly around the barn. He picked up a thin yellow strand of straw and twisted it in his fingers, watching as it slipped through the layer of green energy. He lifted a hand and ran it through his hair, feeling the swelling on the back of his head go down unnaturally quickly, leaving only a smear of dried blood as evidence it was ever there.
"What is going on?" He whispered, voice hollow. "What in all of Remnant is happening to me?"
"I-" The voice sighed heavily. "Perhaps I should start again."
Oscar glared at the floor. "What else can you say?" He forced the words out, trying to act strong and angry. He failed.
"Will you listen to what I say this time?"
Oscar nodded half-heartedly in reply.
"Good. For thousands of years I have walked the surface of Remnant, reincarnating in the body of a like-minded individual each time I died. I was cursed to this fate by the gods for failing to stop a powerful evil."
Wait, thousands of years? The gods are real? What 'powerful evil'? Questions spun around Oscar's head and he brought a hand to his forehead in confusion.
"In my latest from, Professor Ozpin, I was headmaster of Beacon Academy. I was killed when Beacon fell." His voice was measured, as calm as if he was simply describing yesterday's weather.
"Now, our souls are combined. Over time, they will merge, and you will gain access to all the skills, memories and techniques of our former lives."
"Merge?" Oscar whispered, his voice shaking slightly. "What do you mean?"
"Our auras are combined. Right now, I'm making a conscious effort to keep both our minds separate. Once you are older and more experienced our souls and minds will fully combine."
Oscar shuddered. "Does that mean..." he trailed off, looking down at the straw-covered ground. His hands twisted in his lap and he tried again, whispering tentatively. "What will happen to my mind?"
"Think of it this way Oscar - my mind and memories will be added to yours. You're not going to lose yourself, don't worry." He reassured Oscar. His tone was soft and patient, and a little too like the one Dean used to pacify the old farm dog before he put her down.
Oscar's skin crawled. I don't want to trust you, he thought, not brave enough to speak aloud, but I don't have a choice.
There was a drawn-out moment of silence while Oscar tried to stop shaking. Then he took a deep, shuddering breath. "I believe you." He said. "I don't want to, but I do."
"I'm glad. It will make the transition smoother if we can trust each other."
Abruptly, the green energy flowing over Oscar's skin faded. "Is that supposed to happen?" He asked, brow creasing in worry.
"Try to stand up now."
"Okay..." Oscar said doubtfully. One hand curled tightly around the ladder for support, he slowly shifted his weight onto his knees. "It... doesn't hurt." He muttered, surprised. Growing more confident, he stood up fully. His limbs ached, as did his throat and chest, but there was no pain. A small, shocked smile settled on his face. "Thank you." He whispered.
The voice was silent for a moment. Oscar had the feeling that he didn't know what to say.
Then, he spoke. "Try to walk now."
Hesitantly, Oscar took a step forward, letting go of the ladder. Reassured by the newfound strength in his legs he walked across the barn, heading for the mirror in the back corner.
"How on Remnant..." He marvelled at his clouded reflection. The red and purple bruises that had marked his skin were gone, and the swelling on his neck had all but disappeared. Just the pale, jagged scar remained. Slipping the length of bandage out of his trouser pocket, he looped it around his throat. A loose end hung free and he tucked it in. The ghost of a smile settled on his face.
"I'm glad you're feeling better." Ozpin sounded like he was smiling.
"How long was I out?" Oscar asked, still studying his reflection in bemusement. He was in dire need of a wash - as were his clothes - but he looked and felt miles better.
"You were unconscious for several hours. It appears to be just after sunrise."
"Okay..." Oscar said, glancing around for ideas. "What next?" He looked into the cracked mirror, directing his question at Ozpin.
"Do you want to stay here?"
Oscar turned away from the mirror and brought a hand to his forehead. "This again?" His voice rose in frustration. "I've told you, I'm not going to Haven! I'm not uprooting my entire life to follow the orders of the voice in my head!" Shoulders shaking, he curled his hands into fists.
"This isn't an order. I'm asking you. What do you want to do?" Ozpin encouraged.
"I-" Oscar sighed heavily, unclenching his fists. He looked down at the straw covered floor. "I don't know what I want."
"Do think that you're happy here?" The question was carefully neutral.
"I'm happy most of the time, I think..." He looked down. "I'm better off here than out there, it's too dangerous and... I'd be alone."
"You wouldn't be alone Oscar. You never are. And do you truly think that here is the safest place for you? You could have died last night." Ozpin's voice rose, a hint of worry showing through.
Oscar opened his mouth to argue, but the words died in his throat.
"Please, Oscar. Do it for the sake of the world, if not for yourself."
"I..." Oscar looked into the mirror, staring deep into his own eyes. "I don't really have a reason to stay, do I?" He whispered. The silence that followed answered him perfectly. A single tear traced its way down his cheek as he straightened up, taking a deep breath.
"Alright." He said softly. "I'll do it."
