AN: After watching the preview for the FFVII remake I decided to renew my love for the classic games. I have to say, FFVIII's love story beats out Twilight's (50 Shades had a hand and ruined it). I apologize to those that did enjoy the original but it seems that I have lost interest in writing for that category. I hope that you can find interest in this new story. This focuses on the FFVIII realm with minor elements from the other FFs and a few minor original characters of mine.


The Princess of Light

Prologue

March 3rd, 1998: Shumi Village, Trabia

The sun was up and the air was chill as daylight cast a glow on the snowy Trabian village. In a small but homey cottage sat a petite child in front of her vanity combing her long raven locks. A small smile graced her features as she stood, twirling in her light blue dress. She glanced in the mirror with her large brown orbs once last time, she thought to herself, 'I wonder what Selphie is up-'

"RIIIINOOOAAAA!" the bright, young and cheery girl in question shouted, bounding into the room wearing a soft yellow dress. Shining citron green eyes like her mother and short auburn hair, a colour she inherited from her father, bounced lightly as she twirled around her adopted sister. "Mom told to me to come get you for breakfast!"

Rinoa giggled, "Is that all?" Selphie rolled her eyes playfully and grabbed her hand, tugging her out the door.

"C'mon sis Mom and Dad are waiting." Making their way to the kitchen, the two girls ran down the hallway with Rinoa stumbling a bit attempting to keep up with Selphie.

"Hey Selph, wait-"

"SURPRISE!" Mr. and Mrs. Tilmitt chimed from behind the table. In the center held a birthday cake with 10 candles surrounded by fruit.

"Happy birthday sis!" Selphie grinned, hugging her. Rinoa smiled, hugging her adopted sister in return.

"Make a wish sweetheart" Mrs. Tilmitt bent down to guide the birthday girl towards her cake.

She smiled up at her adoptive parents giving them a hug as she buried her face in her moms shoulder with the smell of vanilla and rose water comforting her. Thinking back to the day she discovered she was adoptive, her eyes glistened with the tears that sat on the rims of her eyes.

'I Wish I knew more about my real parents.' She blew out the candles.

Born Rinoa Heartilly Caraway to Fury Caraway, former leader of the Caraway Clan of Water Demons and Julia Heartilly, famous singer and last pure Sorceress of the Heartilly Clan. They died just hours after she was born. Suffering at the hands of Ultimecia's followers, her parents sacrificed their lives to keep her safe.

Birthdays had always been a sore spot for her being that it was reminder as to why her parents were not alive. However, Mr. and Mrs. Tilmitt were kind to her, taking her in when she was a baby. Giving her love and care even though they were expecting a child of their own at the time. She thought of them as her own parents and had always called them her 'mom' and 'dad'. It was the perfect disguise to save her from the same fate as her parents at the hands of Ultimecia.

Afterall, who would think to look for her in a family of Tree Nymphs.

Trabia was a Northern country populated by earthen creatures, particularly sprites of the variety. Earth Faeries, Gnomes, and Tree Nymphs just to name a few and as she grew older, she realized she was different.

As their mother cut the cake, their father made his way to the front to pick up the mail. Placing a slice in front of each of the girls, their mother joined them at the table with steaming mug of coffee. Homemade cake was a special treat for the girls that their mother made on special occasions. For they did not live in luxury like most families of their kind, they all preferred to live in small quiet villages, where they could be in tune with the earth.

Breaking the silence, their father placed a letter in front of their plates. "You both received a letter today." A proud smile graced his features. Rinoa stared at the envelope, picking up the letter with delicate fingers. The letter was addressed to her specifically, with a small circle logo at the top left corner with intricate patterns of the sun, moon and stars, it had a green turtle, blue dragon, red phoenix, and white tiger placed around the circle.

Carefully breaking the wax seal, she unfolded the letter.

Dear Rinoa Heartilly,

I would like to inform you that you have been accepted at

Celestial Academy of Elemental Sorcery. Attached, is a list books and equiptment required.

Term 1 begins September 1st, we await your reply no later

than August 1st.

Yours sincerely,

Edea Kramer

Headmistress of the Celestial Academy of Elemental Sorcery

Rinoa and Selphie squealed in unison.

March 17th, 1998: Balamb Garden, Balamb

Garden Military Academy hovered above the east town of Balamb, training students to become SeeD mercenaries. An elite school for boys with purebred blood. It was filled with Vampires, Werewolves, Shape Shifters, and other night demons alike.

The cafeteria was filled with boys dressed in their navy blue cadet uniforms consisting of a jacket and pants lined with gold and the school emblem resting on the left breast pocket.

"Happy birthday Chicken-wuss!" A blond headed boy cackled, placing his food tray on to the cafeteria table next to a sullen looking brunette.

"Shut up, Seifer!" A spikey blonde with a tattoo on the side of his face replied, and shook his fist at the boy.

"Relax Zell" A redheaded boy with a ponytail and cowboy hat smirked at his friend, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Seifer's just being… Well, Seifer."

"So, an asshole then" Another spikey headed blonde commented.

"Ah cram it, Chocobo Head" Seifer huffed at the blonde boy on his other side and turned to his other side, glaring "and wipe that smirk off your face Puberty Boy."

"Whatever."

ATTENTION STUDENTS, THIS IS YOUR HEADMASTER. COULD SEIFER ALMASY, ZELL DINCHT, IRVINE KINNEAS, SQUALL LEONHART AND CLOUD STRIFE PLEASE COME TO MY OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.

Zell quickly stuff the remaining two hot dogs on his plate in his mouth and jumped from his seat as the 4 other boys got up from theirs, grumbling. Exiting the cafeteria, they made their way towards Headmaster Cid Kramer's office heading to the lifts and discussed upcoming classes along the way.

As they stood in front of the lift a bell rang once, and the doors opened to revealing a tall man with spiked black hair. With his arms crossed above his chest he smiled at the group of boys and stepped back as they piled in.

"Hey Instructor Fair" the boys greeted one after the other.

"Call me Zack, guys. We're not in class yet."

"Are we in trouble?" Zack chuckled at Zell, patting him on the back.

"I'm taking you boys on your first Training Mission."


So what do you think? Feedback is welcomed, but please be nice. Reviews are much appreciated!