"You see, uh Kat, was it? You don't have any academic qualifications prior. So, letting you attend Arquebus Academy is out of the question" The principle spoke coldly and matter of flatly.

Spinning in his large brown leather chair to face the courtyard, he could see students walking to their first lectures of the early hours in the morning.

"However, if it were not for our fitness instructor who claimed you had potential and gave you a recommendation," The principal paused as he took a sharp inhale of air, "I would have refused you"

"Would have?" Kat spoke up as the principle swivelled back around to face her.

"Under the circumstances that you represent my academy for the athletic courses and complete the qualifications for said courses. I will permit you a chance to take basic and advanced classics in Mathematics, English and Science" A sly smirk on his otherwise pasty face.

This all but suggested he was only thinking of ways to milk Kat for every worth she had, even though there wasn't much, to begin with.

"Does that mean I also get my own dorm room as well?" Kat asked raising an eyebrow as she eagerly waited for a response.

"Why of course, and don't think too much of the academic classes. You are here mainly for the athletics course that the government of Hekseville have enforced"

Kat's eyes lit up with joy, the thought of her own living space that wasn't a pipe down in Auldnoir. Sure, she wasn't homeless, but she couldn't exactly say a pipe was her home since most people lived in houses.

"I understand you are an orphan, you grew up on the streets. I'm impressed you managed to survive this long. Let alone maintain such a physique that our fitness instructor praised your talent"

The old fox or rather the principal pulled out a stack of papers from the underneath a large birch desk. Handing Kat a pen he pointed to several different spots where Kat needed to sign.

"Finally, your signature here, here and here" Kat's handwriting was rather neat and even done in cursive which surprised the man.

"For someone who grew up on the streets, your handwriting is rather neat and legible" Quirking an eyebrow as he glanced at a rather nervous Kat.

"I practised on cardboard boxes that had been thrown out" Kat feigned a laugh.

She wasn't proud to be known as a 'street rat' to the locals of Pleajeune, but if it meant she got a better place to stay, food and a nice warm shower.

Then Kat would gladly be a poster girl for Arquebus Academy.

After a few minutes, the principal gazed up at her with a smile and extended his hand. "Welcome to Arquebus Academy Kat. I will have my assistant help you with the necessities before you start next week"

He scanned Kat's current attire, a white vest with caramel shorts along with some sandals. Kat may have just worn a sign saying "street rat" that probably would have been more appropriate.

"Thank you. I would appreciate that very much" Kat gave a nervous smile as she shirked away, the principal buzzing for his assistant who calmly and sophisticatedly sashayed into the room.

The assistant gave Kat a quick one over, before looking towards her boss. "Understood, I'll have the young miss all prepared up to code along with several spares and the sportswear"

Even the way she spoke sounded rather formal, almost autonomous.

"Thank you, now get to it. I expect you in class Monday. That gives you today and the weekend to sort everything out. Plenty of time no?" The fox spun the chair to face the courtyard as his assistant ushered Kat out of the room.

Kat stood and acknowledge what had happened, after being escorted to a private fitting room. She had her sizes taken, several spare uniforms washed and prepared ready for her within the next few hours.

Eventually, Kat was brought to her dorm room, a key placed into her hand.

The assistant had told her to hang her shirts, jumpers and trousers, whilst folding her sorts wear into the drawers.

Stepping into the room, Kat saw a simple layout.

A single bed, a bedside table with an alarm clock already set and a lamp, a wardrobe and chest of drawers as well as a desk all spaced evenly as to maximise space.

Falling back onto the bed breathing a sigh of relief. It was already the evening, but Kat still had things to do. Save them for tomorrow with the robotic assistant.

"Well, I guess I made it into such a prestigious academy. I wonder if I'll make any friends here?" Kat thought to herself before drifting peacefully off to sleep.

The following morning came around and Kat woke up around six in the morning. Knowing she wouldn't get back to sleep, Kat got up and decided to make use of the showers while they were hopefully empty.

Leaving her room with what little she had brought with her to the academy, enough to keep up basic hygiene, Kat made her way down the hall into the showers.

Making herself clean and brushing her teeth, Kat headed back and changed into what she called "horrendous" outfit that was the norm here.

Donning her uniform, a cream jumper with a red V-neck, the skirt was dark in colour murky grey with a red stripe at the top and red at the bottom.

Navy blue tights and burgundy pump shoes to complete her ensemble.

Kat didn't like the outfit all that much, she felt far too uncomfortable. Perhaps she could get used to it and the outfit was a small price to pay for a nice place to live.

She met with the assistant who dragged Kat through the different bookstores, buying the books Kat would need for her classes that didn't involve running around a field for two hours.

The two also made sure to stop by an apparel store for some more "appropriate" casual clothing, paid for by the assistant.

Kat had a few bags to carry herself, but she could manage this much. "Why did you buy me clothes?" She asked, watching as the assistant walked slightly ahead of her.

"I couldn't stand the sight of your out of uniform attire. I suggest you wear something with a bit more, elegant. You are a lady after all" Her response made Kat feel as if she didn't know what being casual actually meant.

"I appreciate the sentiment. Thank you" Kat's reply was honest, the assistant looked back at Kat for a moment.

"Did she actually smile for a second?" Kat's thoughts were interrupted when they arrived back at the dorms.

"Here is your student ID. You'll need it to get on and off campus. Don't lose it. Secondly, here is your timetable" Placing both items inside one of the bags.

"You are free to use tomorrow to do as you please. Explore the campus if you so desire. However, you carry the name and dignity of Arquebus Academy" Her eyes fixated on Kat.

"Do not do anything to discredit that name. Do. You. Understand. Me?" She spoke one word at a time as if to drill the message into Kat's head.

"I get it! I must be careful what I do when I'm outside of the campus grounds. If you excuse me, I have a date with my bed" Kat trudged back to her room.

After several hours, Kat woke at one in the morning, lazily looking around, Kat grabbed the rules and guidelines book she had received earlier today.

Turning on the bedside lamp, she began to flick through the book about leaving the grounds at night.

"We have a curfew? Are you kidding me?" Kat internally moaned at the strict rules of this institute but chose not to complain.

She stood up out of bed, walked over to the one window in the room, which was her only source of natural light.

Kat carefully opened the window trying not to make too much noise.

She took a few steps back and sat on the floor legs crossed.

The autumn breeze flowing and cooling her room.

As an ominous wind grew colder, Kat let out a heavy breath.

Silence fell and as Kat opened her eyes, thereupon the windowsill was a cat.

"Hello Dusty" Kat whispered.


I do not own Gravity Rush nor it's characters they belong to Sony and it's respective creators.

A/N: First time writing a Gravity Rush AU but gave it a shot.

Hope you all like this!

Let me know what you think