I step into the circle, the atmosphere suddenly charged with tension. The air feels different now—heavier, like it's holding its breath. I can feel everyone's eyes on me, waiting. Watching.
The Guardians-to-be have gathered in Celestial Haven for one reason: to bond with a star. This ancient ceremony has been performed for eons, but today feels different. Today, I'm here. And I'm going to change everything.
Raven's voice breaks the silence. "Akame, you look way too confident. What if the star you get is just some flickering ember, huh?"
I roll my eyes, not even bothering to look at him. "Like that's gonna happen. I was born for this. Just watch."
As I take a deep breath, the ceremonial altar hums with power. The stone glows faintly, pulsating with the energy of stars long forgotten, and ahead of me, other students are called one by one, stepping up to the altar, awaiting their star bond.
Raven leans over, muttering under his breath, "Wouldn't it be hilarious if you bonded with a dud?"
I smile. "When my star ends up being the shining the brightest don't come running to me for help"
Above us, in a chamber high within Celestial Haven, the real Guardians watched in silence. Their eyes, filled with the weight of battle and the knowledge of the cosmos, followed every movement below, particularly those of us about to bond with stars.
Zaire, the strongest of them all, leaned back in his chair, casually observing the proceedings. He had the look of someone who had seen this ceremony countless times before but was still amused by the arrogance of youth. His voice, though lighthearted, carried power. "Look at these kids. All puffed up like they're about to conquer the universe."
Seraphine, sitting next to him, remained calm and focused. Her eyes traced the movements of the students, each detail being noted as she assessed who might be worth their attention. "There's always one who stands out," she said, her tone steady. "The rest… well, they tend to fall in line."
Down below, the ceremony continued, the air thick with anticipation. Each step I took closer to the altar felt monumental, like I was stepping into my destiny. I could almost feel the stars waiting for me, eager to see who would prove worthy of their power.
From above, Jasper watched closely, his gruff voice cutting through the quiet of the Guardian's chamber. "Who do you have your eye on?" His gaze shifted between several students, his experience able to pick up on subtleties most wouldn't notice.
Zaire chuckled, glancing at me. "I bet Akame thinks he's already won. That kid's more confident than I was at his age. But… there's something about him."
As I approach the altar, I catch my reflection in the smooth surface of the stone, and my heart pounds. This is it. All of the training, all of the waiting—it all comes down to this moment.
Orion, the most enigmatic of the Guardians, spoke up from his position by the window. His voice was calm, measured, like the stars themselves. "Confidence is one thing. But recklessness can be fatal." He glanced down at me again, his expression impossible to read. "Let's see if he understands that before it's too late."
Seraphine nodded, her attention briefly moving to me as well. "He's a wildcard. The Supernova Star isn't forgiving. If Akame bonds with it, the potential is limitless… but so is the risk."
The Guardians' eyes remained trained on us as we moved forward, the intensity of their scrutiny never wavering. They weren't just watching—they were evaluating, scouting for those who would one day stand among them or fall before they ever had the chance.
Zaire leaned back again, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I like the ones who think they can take on the universe. Those are the ones who push limits, break the rules. Maybe that's exactly what we need."
Jasper grunted, his rough demeanor masking a hint of respect. "Yeah, until they break themselves."
"But we all break," Zaire said, still watching me. "It's how you pick up the pieces that matters."
I take another step toward the altar, the weight of the Guardians' gaze heavy on my shoulders, but I welcome it. I'm ready to show them exactly what I'm made of.
As I step up to the altar, the weight of the moment finally hits me. My heart's pounding, but not from fear. This is it. The moment I've been waiting for. I can feel everyone's eyes on me—some curious, some doubtful, but it doesn't matter. I was made for this.
The ceremonial guide steps forward, their voice calm but heavy with meaning. "Akame, son of the stars, step forward and place your hand upon the altar. Let the stars choose."
A smirk pulls at my lips. This is the part where they realize I'm different. I stride forward, placing my hand on the cold stone, feeling the faint pulse of ancient power beneath my fingertips. For a second, nothing happens. The air is still, and I can hear the soft murmurs behind me. Doubt? Maybe. But it won't last long.
And then—BOOM!
The ground beneath me trembles, and a shockwave pulses outward from the altar. The sky above twists, the stars themselves shifting and rippling like they're alive. The energy in the air changes, sparking and crackling around me like static. I feel it building, coiling, and tightening inside me.
Suddenly, I hear a voice—not out loud, but inside my head, booming and chaotic. "You are reckless. Unstable. But we are alike, you and I." It's wild and powerful, like a storm on the brink of tearing everything apart.
Before I can react, it happens.
A column of light explodes down from the sky, engulfing me in an inferno of energy. It's overwhelming, like I'm standing in the heart of a star that's about to go supernova. Every inch of my body burns, the heat searing from the inside out, but I don't flinch. I won't give them the satisfaction. This is mine to control.
The force surges through me, raw and untamed. My mind races, trying to grip onto something, anything, as the energy overwhelms me. The world around me blurs, the roaring fire in my chest the only thing I can feel. I'm not afraid—I'm alive.
The power thrums through me, pulsing wildly, erratic and dangerous. My veins feel like they're filled with molten energy, ready to explode. I can barely hold on, but at the same time, I don't want to. This power—my power—is absolute chaos, and it feels right.
As the energy starts to settle, I realize I'm still standing. The blinding light begins to fade, and I feel it—like the eye of a storm, the Supernova Star has chosen me. But this isn't just power. It's chaos, pure and untamed. A force capable of destroying everything in its path.
And I'm at its center.
I open my eyes, my body still thrumming with power. The Guardians and the other students are watching, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. Even Raven and Somuchi look stunned.
I smirk, feeling the chaotic energy still coursing through me. "Told you Raven," I mutter under my breath. "Strongest in the universe."
As the light fades and the ground stops shaking, I can still feel the pulse of raw energy inside me, like a firestorm ready to burst. My body hums with power—wild, chaotic, and unrestrained. I steady myself, the adrenaline pumping through my veins, but even as the world around me stills, I can sense that everything's changed. The Supernova Star is mine now, and I feel… unstoppable.
For a moment, there's just silence.
I glance around, expecting people to look away, but no one does. Everyone's staring at me, their mouths hanging open like they just witnessed the impossible. The other students, who were so eager a minute ago, now seem hesitant to step up to the altar. Even the Guardians, standing tall and stoic above, are whispering to each other, their usually unreadable expressions betraying hints of shock. Yeah, that's right. Take it all in.
Raven's the first one to break the silence, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "Well, damn, Akame! Guess we don't have to worry about you bonding with a dud after all."
I roll my eyes, but I'm smirking. "Told you," I say, and my voice feels bigger than usual, filled with pride. "Stronger than anyone in the universe."
But as the words leave my mouth, something feels… off. A jolt of energy surges through my arm, and before I can stop it, a crackling spark shoots from my fingers, fizzling into the air. I clench my fist, trying to keep it under control, but the power inside me—it's like a storm I can't fully contain. My hands twitch, and for a second, I wonder if this is what it means to bond with chaos itself.
Before I can figure it out, one of the Guardians steps forward, their face tight with concern. "Akame, your star… It's unstable," they say, their voice cold and serious. "The Supernova Star is volatile. You must learn to control it—or it will consume you."
Consume me? I nearly laugh, shaking my head. They don't get it. "I'll handle it. Just give me time."
The Guardian watches me closely, their eyes narrowing like they're trying to figure out if I'm bluffing. "Time is a luxury you may not have," they warn.
I just shrug. "I'll make time."
I turn to walk away, feeling the energy of the Supernova still pulsing under my skin, the chaos swirling inside me like a caged beast. I can handle it. This power—it's everything I've ever wanted. There's no way I'm letting anyone tell me what I can or can't do with it.
But just as I'm about to head down the steps, I feel her eyes on me.
Lunar.
She's standing there, watching me from the edge of the crowd. Her silver hair gleams in the fading light, and her arms are crossed, like she's sizing me up. Unlike everyone else, there's no shock in her expression—just this icy, calculated look, like she's already dissected everything about me.
For a second, our eyes lock, and I feel something. Admiration? Competition? I don't know. But I do know one thing—she doesn't scare easily. That much is obvious. She turns and walks away without saying a word, disappearing into the crowd.
I smirk to myself. Fine by me. If she thinks I'm going to back down or lose control, she's in for a surprise. This star, this power—yeah, it's unstable, but so am I. Chaos is where I thrive.
Let them watch. Let them doubt. They have no idea what's coming.
As Raven steps up to the altar, I can feel the excitement radiating off him. This is his moment, the culmination of all his hard work and relentless enthusiasm. I can't help but grin as I watch him. "Alright, Raven, show us what you've got!" I call out, trying to inject some lightness into the charged atmosphere. "Just remember, whatever star you get won't be nearly as good as mine!"
Raven shoots me a quick glare, but the corners of his mouth twitch upward despite his attempt to look serious. "Yeah, yeah, just watch me!"
He places his hands on the altar, and the air around us crackles with anticipation. The moment he touches the stone, a soft glow pulses beneath his palms, and I can see the determination etched on his face. I lean forward, unable to contain my excitement.
"Come on, Raven! You got this! Just imagine the epic star you're about to bond with!" I shout, a mix of encouragement and teasing in my voice. The crowd buzzes with energy, and I can feel the hope flowing through us all.
As he closes his eyes, the glow intensifies, swirling around him like a gentle breeze. I hold my breath, watching as the altar responds to him, resonating with a power that feels both ancient and new.
"Dude, if you end up with a flickering ember, I'll never let you live it down!" I joke, my voice echoing through the clearing.
But just then, the light erupts in a blaze, engulfing him in a brilliant glow. For a moment, it's blinding, and I shield my eyes, heart racing. When I look again, my jaw drops. A magnificent star materializes above him, dazzling and radiant, illuminating the entire clearing with colors that dance like fireworks.
Raven's eyes fly open, wide with disbelief and joy. The energy swirls around him, forming a connection that seems to pulse with life. He's bonded with a star!
"YES! YES!" I shout, my voice mingling with the cheers erupting from the crowd. "Told you! You did it!" My excitement is infectious, and I can't help but join in the celebration. Raven's laughter rings out, a sound filled with exhilaration and pure happiness.
As the brilliant light begins to fade, he stands there, breathing heavily, his face glowing with triumph. The star hovers above him, radiating a warm light that matches the joy in his eyes. I can't believe it—he really pulled it off!
Raven turns to me, a grin stretching across his face. "Did you see that? I did it, Akame! I actually bonded with a star!" His voice is a mix of disbelief and elation, and I can't help but laugh.
"Of course, I saw it! I mean, who wouldn't? The whole city probably felt that explosion!" I say, still buzzing with energy. "But let's be real—whatever you got, it's not going to shine nearly as bright as mine!"
"Shut up!" he retorts, laughter bubbling up from him. "It's way better than a flickering ember!"
The crowd rushes to congratulate him, clapping him on the back and showering him with praise. I step back, watching the scene unfold, feeling a swell of pride for my friend. Raven has proven himself worthy of his place among the stars, and I can't help but feel inspired.
As the celebration for Raven settles, my excitement morphs into anticipation for my best friend, Somuchi. I know how much she's been looking forward to this moment, and I can't help but feel hopeful for her. After all, I might have joked about having the best star, but deep down, I know Somuchi deserves something incredible.
"Alright, Somuchi, it's your turn!" I call out, clapping her on the back as she steps up to the altar. She looks determined, her expression a mix of focus and a hint of anxiety. I give her an encouraging nod. "No pressure, but I expect you to get something awesome. Just remember, even if it's not the best star, you'll still be the strongest Guardian out there."
She glances back at me, her usual stoic demeanor cracking for a brief moment. "Thanks, Akame. I appreciate it."
Somuchi places her hands on the altar, and a hush falls over the crowd. The energy in the air shifts, charged with hope as everyone watches. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, silently rooting for her.
"Just focus! Even if you end up with a dud, you'll just take them down with your bare hands, right?"
A small smile creeps onto her face, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, right. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
As she closes her eyes, the altar begins to glow faintly beneath her palms, pulsing rhythmically in sync with her heartbeat. I hold my breath, the anticipation building as the light around her intensifies.
But then, just as quickly as it began, the glow flickers, stuttering like a faulty lightbulb. My stomach drops.
"Come on, Somuchi, you can do this!" I urge, my voice strained with concern. "You've worked hard for this. You got this!"
But the light dims further, sputtering until it finally extinguishes completely. Somuchi stands there, her hands still resting on the altar, her expression blank. A heavy silence blankets the clearing as reality sinks in—she hasn't bonded with a star.
The crowd murmurs softly, their cheers falling into a hush as they witness the moment. My heart aches for her, and I can see the disappointment wash over his features. She pulls her hands away from the altar slowly, as if the weight of the moment is crushing her.
"Somuchi…" I say softly, stepping forward to comfort her.
She shakes her head, a resigned smile barely masking the hurt. "It's alright, Akame. I didn't expect much, anyway. I'll just keep using my martial arts. I don't need a star to prove my strength."
"You're right!" , my voice rising slightly. " You're the most skilled fighter I know. This doesn't define you."
She looks at me, her expression firm yet sad. "I appreciate it, really. But I've got to find my own way, and that's okay."
Raven joins us, concern etched across his face. "Somuchi…you're still really strong, you don't need a star bond."
"Yeah," I add, forcing a smile to lift the heavy atmosphere. "Besides who needs a star when someone is as strong as you"
Somuchi chuckles softly, a glimmer of her usual determination returning. "Thanks, guys. I'll be alright. Just… give me a moment."
As she steps away from the altar, I can see the pain in her eyes, but there's also a spark of resolve that makes me believe she'll be okay. She's always been a fighter—both in spirit and in the martial arts.
I watch her, feeling a mix of pride and sadness. Today may not have gone as she hoped, but I know this isn't the end for Somuchi. She'll forge her own path, just as she always has. And I'll be right there alongside her, ready to face whatever challenges come our way.
But as the crowd begins to shift their attention, my heart races again, this time for the next person stepping up to the altar—Lunar. I'm curious to see what kind of star will choose her.
Lunar strode confidently toward the altar, her expression a mask of cool indifference. Each step resonated with a quiet power, her teal hair flowing like a shadow behind her. The vibrant colors of the stones pulsed softly, as if in sync with her aura. She had a presence that commanded attention, and the crowd seemed to hold its breath in anticipation.
When she reached the central stone, I could see the flicker of something beneath her cold facade—perhaps nerves or anticipation. She stood before it, her sharp gaze locked onto the surface, as if willing the power within to awaken. The air around her crackled, charged with energy, and I could feel the pull of the cosmic forces gathering, swirling with potential.
With a deep, steadying breath, she placed her palm against the stone.