"We live for the night's decor, it reveals what we dream of"

-Twenty One Pilots

O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O~O


VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE READ THIS

I have changed the rating from T to M for mature. It's better not to risk it, there will be a scene later on in this chapter that might be a little... much. As a relatively new user on this website I am not sure if this will cross the line between M or MA. Lets just hope this goes well. - Sept. 27, 2018.

Vi and her team stood behind on of the door off to the side of the stage. They were waiting patiently as Ozpin addressed the crowd of new hopefuls. From they sounds of it though, it was less of a motivational "believe-in-yourself-and-you-can-do-anything" speech and more of a hard truth "Not-all-of-you-will-make-it" kind of speech. Vi preferred the Commander's speech, if she were being honest. Still nothing beat the sense of self confidence out of you better than a cold, hard but honest speech.

"It is up to you to make the first step. Before we end, I would like to introduce to you some special guests from far away," That was their cue.

"You guys ready? Vi asked them in their native language. They were all dressed in full battle gear, with a slight shine to them. They had polished their weapons the night before in preparation for this event. Even though most of the students wouldn't be staying more than one or two years at Beacon, it was still important to make a lasting impression on those that would.

Indi looked bored and disinterested, "Let's just get this over with," she said.

Lav huffed out air from behind her face mask as she gave a nod.

Tee grinned, showing off her pearly whites, and gave Vi a thumbs up.

Vi pushed the doors open and confidently walked to the middle of the stage, followed by her team. Their armor clinked and clanked as they walked and she could have sworn the tile tiles under them threatened to crack under their weight. They stood in the middle of the stage and faced the crown of Huntsmen hopefuls with a strong, confident stance.

"It is our honor to introduce you four very special individuals. Vioh Lette," Vi stepped forward and bowed to the crowd before stepping back in line. "Indi Goh," Indi stepped forward and gave a lazy salute to the crown before stepping back in line. She smirked underneath her mask though as she spotted more than a few blushes in the crowd, mostly from boys and a few girls. "Laveh Ender," Lav stepped forward and pounded her right fist to her chest, Shiro still clinging tightly to her arm, before steping back in line right after. "and finally, Tee Ehl," Tee stepped forward, bending towards the crowd with her left hand behind her back and waving her fingers at the crowd. She then stepped back in line, with Dear Hecatelia jostling slightly with every step.

"These four have come halfway from around the world to be a part of Beacon Academy's... "Cultural Exchange" program this year. They come from a Kingdom who was cut off from the rest of the world a very long time ago and only recently had the means to reach out. As a sign of trust and good faith they have sent over the daughter of the Emperor himself," Ozpin gestured to Vi, who was smiling and waving at the awe stricken crowd, "and three of their best warriors," the three girl's backs straightened up at their introduction, making them seem even taller and more imposing than they already are.

Even with the veil covering her eyes, Vi could clearly see Ruby and Jaune with their mouths hanging wide open. She could only imagine what they were thinking upon hearing the news.

Ruby couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had made friends with the daughter of an Emperor! Royalty! Yang looked in confusion at her baby sister's face.

"What's up, Ruby?" Yang asked in concern, "you look like you've just met royalty."

She was promptly ignored as Ruby just stared in shock, she must have passed out on the spot. Weiss was more than a little skeptical about this whole announcement though. A whole Kingdom she'd never heard about? Impossible. There must be something going on here. She was not alone in her suspicion as Blake looked up from her book and narrowed her eyes at the team on the stage. Most of the people there seemed to buy the story but she was a little more hesitant. Blake had studied numerous maps and history books in her time with the White Fang and she had never heard of such a place.

Ozpin cleared his throat to get everyone's attention again. "From hence forth, they shall be known as Team VILT (pronounced Vylet). The team has volunteered to take part in tomorrow's initiation to clear up any doubts about their skill." They had discussed a few things with Ozpin before the orientation began, he was hesitant in allowing them to participate in the Initiations at first. After a bit of reasoning and arguing though, he relented and allowed them to participate. The whole team was thrilled about finally being able to get some practice again. The Grimm of this world didn't seem so tough, maybe on the level of small monsters like the Jagras or Shamos in terms of difficulty.

"With that, I leave you in the hands of Ms. Glynda Goodwitch," Ozpin said, stepping to the side. Team VILT followed him off stage and out the other door.

"You will gather in the ballroom tonight. Tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed," Vi heard the blonde bombshell say said as the door shut behind them.

"Professor Ozpin, may we stay with the other students in the ballroom tonight?" Vi asked.

"I don't see why not. What about the rest of your team?" The team shared a glance with each other.

"Too crowded," Tee said, shaking her head.

"Too noisy," Indi said.

Everyone turned to Lav to get her opinion on the subject. There was a beat of silence before she pointed to Shiro on her arm. The poor bug seemed restless somehow, even with her perpetually expressionless face she seemed to give off an uncomfortable aura. The usually stoic bug was constantly moving her mandibles and shifting her legs up and down Lav's arm when they would usually be locked in place. It must be molting season again for the poor thing. She must have been trying so hard to resist the urge to scratch herself.

Since Shiro was of the Psuedocath branch of the Kinsect family she didn't molt, she shed her scales and replaced them with new ones. It wasn't really a pleasant experience for the Kinsect... or anyone else for that matter. The scales were tiny and could easily end up being inhaled, which was dangerous since it could easily explode if gathered in one spot. The Psuedocath was a one of the most dangerous of Kinsect families, not because of sharp carapaces or pointy horns, but because its potential to not only damage the outside of a monster but also the inside of one. Still, more than one Hunter had been rushed to a healer because of internal burns from a shedding Psuedocath. It was best to not let Shiro near any people for a few days.

"I guess I'm on my own again," Vi muttered as they made their way back to their room.


Night had long since fallen in the world of Remnant, the moon hung over Beacon Academy. Everything was still that night, not a cricket to be heard, a creak of the floor boards, the howling of the winds. It was as if everything in the world had decided to go to sleep on this one night. Oh, how the moon did shine ever so brightly on this still, silent night.

All was silent, and that's just how Blake liked it. No pompous princesses, no annoying blonds and no awkward red heads. Just her, her candle and her book. She sometimes wished she could just crawl inside the book and lock herself between it's paper and printed ink. Where none of her worries and problems could follow her and she could be someone else for a while.

Blake's peace was interrupted when she heard the tell tale sound of foot steps steadily growing louder. She looked up from her book and spotted the annoying blond and the awkward red head from earlier this morning. 'Don't talk to me. Don't talk to me. Don't talk to me,' Blake chanted in her head as she tried her best to seem like she wasn't paying attention to the approaching duo.

"Hellooooo!" The blond one said while waving at her.

'damn it.'

The red head was being forcibly dragged along by the blond one, who seemed to have no difficulties at all pulling the resisting girl towards her. The blond finally let the red head's wrist go when she deemed that the were close enough. The red head roughly pulled her hand free and crossed her arms over her chest, childishly pouting and turning her back to the big boobed blond one.

"I believe you two know each other!" The blond one said confidently while putting one of her hands on her hips. Blake sighed internally. She would indulge these two in a little bit of chit chat, if to just get this whole ordeal over with.

"Aren't you that girl who bumped into Schnee this morning?" the amber eyed girl asked, a little irritated. They were cutting into her Blake time. The red head turned around and outstretched her hand for a hand shake.

"Uhh, yeah! My name's Ruby," she said.

'I think that's enough chit chat for them.' Blake thought as she returned her eyes to her book.

Seeing the girl wasn't going to move from her spot any time soon Ruby brought back her hand and scratched her head. There was silence between them as Ruby began to sweat as she ran out of things to say. 'What do I do?! What do I do?! What do I do?!' Ruby silently panicked.

At the same time Blake was repeating something in her mind too, 'Go away. Go away. Go away. Go away.'

The palpable awkwardness was interrupted by a knock on the door. "I'll get it!" Ruby said, taking any opportunity to get out of that situation. She rushed over to the wooden doors, making sure to step as lightly as possible over the other sleeping students. Rub opened the door and stuck her head out to see who was outside... Only to have her vision blocked by something soft and squishy.

The sensation wasn't bad actually, in fact it was quite pleasant. It was like lying your head down on warm pillow. She lingered there for a moment longer to enjoy the sensation, if this was a prank it was one of the best Ruby ever fell victim to. Ruby pulled her head back to see... boobs.

Ruby's face went crimson and steam was practically blowing out of her ears as she looked up to see... Violet. She looked different without her armor on but Ruby recognized the bright red fang like markings on her cheeks. And her lips. Ruby could never forget those soft looking lips that were curved into a gentle smile

"Deary me! You people are much more forward in this Kingdom. Usually we wait till the fifth date to engage in something like this," Violet said as her the corners of her lips curled up into a gently smile, with a hint of mischief. She had not known the young red head very much but Vi could tell that they were going to be best of friends in no time. "Well? aren't you going to let me in? It is rather chilly out here in the hallway."

Ruby nodded her head slowly and deliberately, her eyes still staring at Vi's face. Most likely she was still dazed, the poor thing. Ruby stepped aside, giving Vi more space for her to enter. Vi entered to see an impressively large room with many rows of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. There was a staircase to her right leading to a veranda of sorts. Large windows lined the walls, giving the students an excellent view of the night sky outside.

Ruby led Violet over to where Yang was still trying to get the black haired girl into a proper conversation. Whether Yang chose to ignore it or she was simply that oblivious, the ravenette was sporting a tick mark near her temple as her fingers twitched in irritation. The girl was praying at this point for anything to make the annoying blond one to go away.

Blake's prayers were half fulfilled when the red headed girl returned with someone in tow. The girl wore dark blue pajama pants with star patterns scattered around the fabric while her shirt was black with a large moon decorating the front. The girl was tall too, several inches taller than her. The girl's bangs were cut in an impossibly straight line just above eye level while her side locks were cut in the same way ending roughly at her cheeks. The rest of her silky smooth violet hair flowed like a curtain ending just above her shoulders. Violet was a strange color for hair, even more so if it was natural. The girl's eyebrows were the same color so they must have been natural, how odd. On her cheeks were two bright red fang like markings and between that were soft light pink lips curled up into a smile. What attracted Blake's attention most though, were her eyes.

Those deep violet eyes drew Blake in. There were so many emotions trapped within those dark purple orbs, pain, sadness, guilt, regret. But there was also curiosity, happiness, hope and a child like wonder that Blake had scarcely seen before.

Yang whistled in appreciation as Ruby and her reached them. "Woah sis, who's the hotty you brought with you?" Yang said as she grinned.

"I am flattered," Vi said as she pinched her imaginary dress and curtsied, "My name it Vioh Lette of Astera, but you may simply address me as Violet," she said.

The four girls, Yang, Ruby, Blake and Weiss, who was eavesdropping while pretending to be asleep, were stunned to silence.

"So that's what you look like under the armor, me likey," Yang purred as she looked the princess up and down approvingly. Damn did Yang love being bisexual, this way she could appreciate the male and female anatomy.

"Yang!" Ruby cried, finally being snapped out of her daze when she heard what her elder sister said. She just said that. In front of royalty! Oh Gods, what if she got offended? What if this was the the cause of a war between their Kingdoms? Ruby would have to fight in the war! She didn't want to die!

Violet giggled, "You are not so bad yourself. Yang, was it?" she said as she outstretched a hand. Yang grinned and shook it eagerly. Violet looked to her left and locked eyes with piercing amber orbs. Those eyes gave off a familiar aura. There was a primal quality to them, like she was staring into the eyes of of a Felyne. She recognized those eyes, they had the same apathy as the black haired girl from this morning.

"Ah, you're here too then," Violet said with a smile. "You have my thanks for helping my friend here," she gestured to Ruby, who still had a light dusting of pink in her cheeks, "this morning. Might I have the honor of knowing your name?" she said turning to the amber eyed girl.

Blake blinked once, then twice before she got up. "Blake," she said with an calculative look on her face, "Blake Belladona. Excuse me for saying, but I have a hard time believing you are who you say you are," this wasn't normal. Entire Kingdoms don't just appear out of nowhere like that. Especially if they didn't appear in any history books or maps. It's not a well known fact but the White Fang had a healthy store of history books and geographical maps. History books, to remind them of the injustice dealt to her kind and maps for tactical strategies.

Blake hated what the White Fang had become. Hated it to the very core. If they wanted the Faunus ever be treated as equals to Humans, committing acts of terrorism weren't the way. Adam's actions weren't helping the White Fang, he was just proving the Humans right. That they were nothing but animals. If the Faunus ever wanted to be on equal ground then they had to prove that they were worthy of it and more. To the point where even the most hateful of humans had no choice but to accept them as equals. Adam's way breeds only hate, hate and more hate, destroying any chance that peace could ever be achieved.

Blake was brought out of her dark thoughts by the sound of laughter that sounded like the tingling thousand tiny bells.

"Excuse me," someone said from behind Yang. The blond one stepped aside to reveal the white haired girl from earlier that morning. She wore a light blue dress that ended in the middle of her thighs with frill at the hem. Her hair cascaded smoothly down her back as if it were a frozen waterfall just now thawing in the spring. "Forgive my eavesdropping but I couldn't help but agree with... her. How do we know you aren't just lying to us?" she said while sending a glare towards Blake, who returned it in kind.

Vi may not have seen it but using her Spirit she felt it instead. A tiny twitch coming from the amber eyed girl's bow. How curious.

"Ah yes, you are Weiss Schee, correct?" to which the white haired girl nodded. "Well. I am not surprised you would think so," Violet said, pulling out a book with a bunch of leaflets sticking out of it. She flipped through the book quickly, the girls catching glances of drawings and scribbles, until she stopped at a folded page. Violet unfolded the page to reveal a map. In the center of the parchment was a large island, or continent. Surrounding the Island/Continent was a crude drawing of stormy clouds, in the water were spirals of varying sizes meant to represent whirlpools.

"Our land sits in the middle of an eternally raging storm," she said, pointing to the clouds. "Whirlpools of immense sizes and creatures living down in the depths make journey by sea impossible. Our balloons are not strong enough to penetrate the fortress that are the clouds."

"Wait, balloons?" Ruby asked a little confused. They had stopped using balloons as a mode of transportation a long time ago because it was slow and most importantly, unsafe. They were easy pickings for Nevermores up in the air.

"Yes. You see our people are not as technologically advanced as yours. Compared to the wonders you have here, our technology might be considered a bit... primitive," the princess explained.

"How did you make it here then?" Yang asked. It was hard for her to imagine what her life would be like without all the things she had now.

"With a lot of luck and determination," the princess said while pumping her fist. She chuckled at their deadpan reaction. She then pointed to west of the map, "There is a narrow current here that just big enough for a small boat to use to cross through the storm, and because it is in a whirlpool zone not many beasties like to hang out there," she explained.

Vi had a look of utmost calm in her face but she felt bad lying to these people. Granted most of the things she said were technically true. Her and the team all agreed that this was the story they would go with when they were asked. It was the easiest way rather than telling the people that they were from another world. No one would believe them. The others would thing that they were all loonies.

Blake studied the map as the princess continued to explain a few more things to the other girls. In the southwest corner was a green patch with a drawing of what looked to be a giant tree with characters from a language Blake couldn't recognize. Next to it, in the south east corner, was a patch of brown with more letters. There was a ring of jagged mountains smack dab in the middle of the island/continent with a light-ish purple patch in the middle of it. In the northeast corner was a lava zone of some sorts with a small picture of a volcano spewing out lava onto the land. In the middle of that lava zone was huge pillar of white that seemed to glow. The more the princess explained where she came from, the more plausible her claim of being from a cut off Kingdom became. There was a question burning at the back of Blake's mind though, and the answer to that question would solidify her view of the princess from there on out.

"How do you treat Faunus in your land?" The amber eyed teen asked out of the blue. Everyone quietened down after that, wanting to know the answer too.

The princess put her thumb and pointer finger on her chin and looked up to the ceiling in a contemplative manner. They had not discussed that question, she had to come up with an answer, quick.

"We do not have Faunus where I come from." That news shocked the four girls. No Faunus? How could that be? Just as Blake was about to speak the princess raised her hand to stop her, she wasn't done speaking. "We do not have Faunus but we have something similar," she said, "we have the people known as Wyverians." The purplette flipped to a page that depicted a man and a woman with pointed years and digitigrade legs with three fingers and a thumb on each hand. They were wearing long elegant robes befitting someone of a high social ranking. The man had a pipe clenched between his lips and the woman held a fan to her nose.

"We have lived in harmony side by side with Wyverians for as long as anyone can remember." The princess said. "Although I'm sure they can remember more than the average person, they can live for hundreds of years after all." That particular piece of information shocked the four other girls. Hundreds of years? Nothing but Grimm came close to living that long here. Ruby couldn't imagine what it would be like to live fore that long. Having to experience all of your friends and loved ones die in front of you until you were all alone. A shiver ran up Ruby's spine at the mere thought of it.

The princess lowered her head and shook it slowly. "It is a great shame how the Faunus people are treated here. Such cruelty and animosity towards ones sister species. No one deserves to be treated in such a way. And because of what? A tail or an extra pair of ears? Pointed teeth or different colored eyes? It sickens me to the core how some humans here can be so... monstrous. To think someone is beneath you just because they are different? What an utterly foolish thought." The princess bowed her head to hide the resentment she had in her eyes and the deep scowl that looked so out of place on her fair face. People who acted high and mighty just because they had power were high on the list of things she disliked.

Violet's mother would always say to her, "The strong are given strength to protect those who cannot protect themselves." Violet strived to embody what those words meant. She was strong, she knew that. It was because she was strong that she had a responsibility to use that strength to protect her precious ones and those so needed help.

Blake's opinion of the princess grew exponentially after her little speech and she nodded in agreement with a smile on her face.

Ruby, Yang and Weiss were stricken silent by the passion and intensity in her voice. She had really driven home what she thought on the subject. A bead of sweat dribbled down the side of Weiss' face as she replayed the speech in her head. She had already made a bad impression with the apparent daughter of a monarch this morning, now Weiss had to hear how passionate she was about the the treatment of Faunus. It didn't seem like she knew of the controversy surrounding the Schnee company yet so there was still a chance to form good relations with the princess now. She had to do damage control immediately.

"Your highness, I would like to ask for your forgiveness on how I acted towards you this morning. Had I known who you were I would have kept my emotions in check," Weiss said, breaking the silence that was engulfing the group. The princess looked up and giggled into her hand.

"None of this 'Your Highness' business," the princess said, "I insist you call me Violet. That goes for the three of you too." She looked to Yang who gave her a cheesy grin and a thumbs up, Blake gave her a single nod, and Ruby... did not respond. Her silver eyes were fixated on the fkoor apparently deep in thought. Violet smirked as an idea crossed her mind. "As for your apology. I will only accept under one condition," she said.

"Anything!" Weiss replied enthusiastically.

"You have to apologize to her too," the princess said, pointing to Ruby who was snapped out of her thoughts when everyone's eyes turned on her.

Weiss' enthusiasm vanished immediately. "Very well," she said with a resigned sigh. "Please forgive me for how I acted toward you this morning." Weiss looked to the princess who nodded in approval.

"I-I-It's no problem, really! It was a little bit my fault too for being so clumsy..." Hm... Maybe she did have some maturity after all... for a little girl.

Vi's eyes scanned the room they were currently in. Most of the students were already asleep. She giggled when she spotted Jaune snoring peacefully away in his blue onsie, clutching a small brown plush toy close to his chest. Her eyes stopped upon a girl with deep red hair sitting on the windowsill gazing out into the night sky. Her crimson locks were tied back into a pony tail, she wore a red tank top with golden edges at the hem and matching red pajama pants with golden flames climbing up from the leg openings.

Vi didn't know why she did what she did next, it was like her body was on auto pilot. She got up and said "You should all get some sleep now, it is a big day for you tomorrow," she then walked off without waiting for a response.

The girl's looked at each other before shrugging and doing what they were suggested to do. The princess was right, plus it was getting a little late. Yang Ruby and Weiss made their way back towards their respective sleeping bags while Blake blew out her candles and unfolded her own bedding.

The stranger noticed Vi walking towards her and turned her head towards her. Vivid green eyes locked instantly with violet eyes and they stared for what felt like eternity. There was so much emotion behind those green eyes, Violet was enraptured by their soft glow sharp color. Violet saw empathy, curiosity, hope but she also saw a deep seeded loneliness, as if she never knew a real friend before. She saw struggle and strife and pain hidden behind a smiling mask.

"Lovely night," Vi greeted, to which the stranger gave a stiff nod, never taking her eyes off of own. "I am Vioh Lette of Astera, but you may call me Violet." Vi did a curtsy once more. "Might I have the honor of knowing the fair maiden's name?" she asked.

A light dusting of pink coated Pyrrha's cheeks as she suddenly found the floor very interesting. She had never been called a fair maiden before, especially not to her face. She was well aware of who the girl currently standing in front of her was. She was the supposed princess from earlier that morning, from orientation. While Pyrrha didn't outright disbelieve in her story she didn't completely buy it either. She believed that there was a lot about the world they lived in that they didn't understand, who was she to say that the purple princess was lying?

"Pyrrha Nikos. You don't know who I am?" the amazon asked. She didn't want to sound high-and-mighty but most of everyone knew who she was already. She had difficulty making any friends because of her status as the winner of Mistral's Regional Tournament for four years in a row. Their were either too intimidated to even approach her or only wanted to get close to her for her celebrity status.

"I know some things about you, some but not much," the princess replied. A cloud passed over the moon, obscuring its light and darkening the room even further. Pyrrha's hope wavered a little when a thought crossed her mind. What if the girl in front of her was was just like any other person? Only wanting to get close to her to cash in on some of her fame? She didn't seem like that kind of person though.

"Come now, a frown doesn't suit such a pretty face," the princess said, taking a seat in front of the red head, "tell me. What weighs so heavy on your mind?"

"I-I-It's nothing," Pyrrha replied, her face turning even redder, once again averting her eyes from the girl.

Night had long since fallen over the world of Remnant, the moon hung high over Beacon Academy. Everything was still that night, not a cricket to be heard, a creak of the floor boards, the howling of the winds. It was as if everything in the world had decided to go to sleep on this one night. Oh, how the moon did shine ever so brightly on this still, silent night.

"Pyrrha Nikos," she heard the princess call her name. Pyrrha looked up and just as she did a gust of wind outside blew the cloud out of the moon's path. Violet looked almost ethereal under the alabaster moon. Silvery rays of soft light bounced off of her smooth delicate pale skin. She saw the reflection of the stars and the moon outside of the window in her violet eyes, as if she were staring into pools of still water. Her lips looked soft, as if they were crafted from the fluffiest of clouds. Her hair fell smoothly down, around her shoulders, not a single one out of place. Pyrrha swore she could hear her heart beat in her ears. It was beating fast, and hard, and loud. The world seemed to slow down as the princess began to speak. At that moment the princess' voice completely enraptured her, as if it were contrived from years of painstaking labor to find the perfect voice to fit this individual. It was all she could focus on.

"I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the both of us. Rest well, friend Pyrrha. It is a big day tomorrow," Violet said before she got up and walked away, expertly stepping over sleeping students.

"Yeah... You too..." Pyrrha said softly as she watched the violet haired princess disappear into the darkness of the room. The lights must have been turned off for a while now. Pyrrha placed a hand over her chest to feel the rapid beating of her heart. Why? Why was it beating so fast?


Vi opened her eyes to see that she was no longer in the ballroom. She was currently standing in the middle of a clearing in the forest under the moonlight. Fireflies lazily drifted to and fro around the clearing with no clear purpose. Their thoraxes blinked on and off at intervals, giving the illusion that there were more than there really was. Rushing water could be heard from the nearby stream. She was dressed in a light sleeveless purple ball gown with multiple layers of frill. Her arms were wrapped in crimson red gloves that reached till her biceps with matching glittering red high heels. Large blue gems cut into a diamond decorated the back of her hands as golden inlays crawled up the length of her gloves like vines on a tree trunk. A golden circlet wrapped around her head with a single sapphire gem sat in the middle of her forehead.

She knew this place, how could she not? This was where it happened. Where she made her biggest mistake.

Two young girls, one being 15 years old and the other being 17, burst through the thicket to the right of her, laughing and playing. No sound came from their happy smiles or their heaving chest. Not a single peep was heard from the two girls, even as their lips moved up and down as they talked. One girl hand a head of silky smooth violet hair and matching eyes, the other had short, wavy green hair with matching eyes. One girl had a long stick which she held with both her hands, the other held a flat board on one hand and a short stick in the other. One girl swung her stick while the other blocked or dodged. One was born into royalty one day destined to take the throne, the other was the daughter of a handmaid, destined to serve the royal family. One was Vioh Lette and the other was Jay Dee.

Jay was the daughter of Vi's mother's personal handmaiden. They had been together since they were babies and they were inseparable. They both may have been born from different backgrounds but they grew up as sisters. You would never see one without the other, always causing mischief and headaches for everyone near them, especially Vi's father. They did everything together, studied together, laughed together, trained together. It was Jay who inspired her to put up with the stuffy nobles, it was Jay who helped her realize what she was being groomed to become, it was Jay who inspired her to become a Hunter.

They both had plans to enter the Hunter's Academy together. They both wanted to be world renowned Hunters respectively. They both wanted to help each other reach their goals. They both pushed each other to their very limits... but only one of them would see their dreams come true.

"How long has it been?" Vi didn't even bother to turn around, she just kept watching the girls play fight. She knew who this was.

"Too long," she replied. Vi's heart ached as tears slid down her cheeks and dripped onto her dress. The tears felt hot, like scalding water on her skin. Her hands trembled but remained clasped in front of her in a regal manner. Vi bent her knees, smoothed her dress and sat down onto the grass. She felt a familiar weight press against her back as the person leaned on it, sitting while facing the other way.

The figure sighed a deep heavy sigh, one filled with sadness and grief. "We've been over this a million times, I don't blame you for what happened," The person wrapped their arms around Vi, barely managing to encircle her as the person pressed their tiny body against hers.

"You don't... but I do," Vi spotted red glowing eyes in the very edge of the clearing, watching the two girls along with her. Vi jumped to her feet and ran towards the girls just as a juvenile Nargacuga burst through the thicket and rushed them. The girls noticed the monster gunning for them and tried to run away. They opened their mouths to scream but still no sound was heard, just the heavy pounding of The Swift Wyvern's paws on the forest floor. The girls ran as fast as their legs could take them while the Nargacuga jumped from branch to branch right behind them.

Young Vi heard a hiss and turned her head in time to see the Nargacuga swing its tail in their direction, sending a volley of razor sharp scales heading straight towards her. Vi closed her eyes, expecting to feel the sting of the blades slicing her skin open but it never came. She slowly opened her eyes... to see Jay standing in front of her head bowed down and facing the young princess. The young princess' eyes widened with horror as she saw the blood dripping from the multiple razor sharp scales sticking out of her best friend's back.

Scalding hot tears dribbled down her cheeks as Jay collapsed into her arms. Jay's sudden weight caused the young princess to fall flat on her ass, still clutching her pseudo sister tight. Vi couldn't comprehend what was happening in front of her. Nothing was making sense! How cold this have happened? Her whole world shattered right in front of her

The Nargacuga jumped down from the tree it was perched on and slinked its way closer to the two girls, its paws making nary a sound. Still, Vi didn't respond to it. Not even when the monster was mere meters away from her. She didn't react when the monster lunged at them, intent on mauling and maiming them. She didn't react when a Hunter wielding a Hammer smashed into its side mid-flight, sending it soaring into the trunk of a tree. She didn't react when two more Hunters along with the first one gave chase to the monster as it tried to flee.

She did react when she felt a warm, familiar hand cup her cheek. That hand, that had guided her through so many trials and tribulations, that had helped her set so many pranks, that helped her study for her tutor's harsh tests, that held her hand when she was scared. That hand that was now covered in blood. "I'm sorry," she heard Jay speak quietly into her ear, "It looks... like I can't... complete our... promise together." Jay gently pushed herself off of Vi, green eyes met violet eyes. With a lot of effort Jay put on her gentle, caring smile and said to her, "Promise me... you'll... be the... best you... can be..." and with that Jay drew her last breath and slumped over, entering the arms of the Goddesses.

Something snapped inside of Vi. She looked up to the stars, where the moon floated lazily in the sky. The Hunters returned, having successfully repelled the Juvenile Nargacuga. They approached the young princess to try and comfort her and get her out of the forest. They were within arms reach of the girl when they felt an immense weight suddenly pressed against their chests, bringing all of them face first into the forest floor. It was as if a Jhen Mohran had suddenly appeared out of thin air and landed on top of them. The pressure got stronger the nearer they got to the princess, who was still facing the night sky with tears escaping the corner of her blank eyes. She was still clutching the body of her handmaid. The young princess seemed to the the epicenter of where the strange oppressive pressure was coming from.

The lead Hunter dredged up every ounce of Spirit he could control under the monumentally tremendous pressure he was under. He got on all fours and, with great effort, crawled over to the young princess. He put two hands onto her shoulders and pulled her into a hug. The Hunter's lips moved up and down to form words but no sound came out. The pressure started to dissipate after a few minutes letting the other Hunters back up onto their feet. Just as suddenly as the pressure appeared, it was gone. The young princess had fallen unconscious.

The lead Hunter cradled the sleeping princess in his arms while another Hunter did the same for Jay. Blood was still dripping from her wounds, more so now that the scales had been removed from her back. The handmaid would always be remembered for her selfless deed, she would be ensured a burial befitting one of royal blood. Her name would be etched onto the Wall of Heroes, alongside some of their history's greatest heroes. She would never be forgotten.

The older Vi watched as the Hunters made their way back to civilization. Tears streamed down her cheeks, this wasn't a dream nor was it a nightmare. It was a memory, her greatest shame, her biggest failure. Arms wrapped around her torso once more, "I would do it again in a heartbeat, you know."

Vi turned around to face the same girl who had just gave her life for her. She was the same, minus the wounds. She had to crane her neck upwards just to look Vi in the eyes. "I know you would... I just wish it didn't have to be you," she said yet no matter how resolute her words sounded, even to her own ears, she couldn't help but doubt them.

"Come now, we both know you're too nice to wish this on someone else," Jay said while shaking her head. "I made my choice, And though I may just be part of her Spirit, still lingering within you, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I don't regret it. Not one bit." She reached up to grab both of Vi's cheeks and pulled her head down to eye level. She looked deeply into the princess' eyes, "I can't move on until you do." she softly whispered.

"I can't move on... I'm sorry..." Vi replied. Hot tears were still streaming down her cheeks. She'd had this exact same conversation hundreds, if not thousands, of timed before.

Jay sighed and leaned in so that their foreheads were touching, "You can't keep doing this to yourself forever," she said as she started to float upwards, to join her rightful place among the stars. It was time. Time for them to part once more, time for Jay to once again join the pantheon of heroes. Vi tried desperately to hold onto her had as she floated higher and higher, lifted up by some unknown force. It was as if Mother Moon had come to collect her child once again. "I will always be with you, sister. But, you need to let me go," she said as three fingers were all that kept her from that tapestry in the sky.

"No!" Vi screamed, "No! Don't leave me alone! Not again!" She held on as tight as she could to her sister's two remaining fingers still in her grasp. She was leaving... again. Vi would be all alone once more.

"Silly girl, you are never alone." Just before the final finger slipped Vi bolted awake and panted heavily. A thin sheen of cold sweat layered her skin as she tasted her salty tears on her lips. Morning had risen but none of the other students were up yet... that is until a loud bell rang to wake everyone up. She heard series of groggy groans and whiny complaints from some of the Huntsman-hopefuls. After that beeps started to fill the room as everyone got a message in their scrolls.

It read, "Your initiations begins at 12:00 am. Please prepare yourself." Quick and to the point. If there was one word other than "Big" to describe this Academy then Vi would have chosen "Efficient."

The princess got up folded her sleeping bag and went to prove herself today.


Author's notes

(Please Read)

Firstly, this chapter was officially finished on 12:33 AM, September 30, 2018. In all honesty, this chapter should have been finished, like, three days ago. I've been swamped with work, especially in Chemistry. Lots to do, lots to do. That being said, I would be remiss not to apologize for the delay anyways.

Secondly, Reviews are GREATLY appreciated and welcomed. If there are any discrepancies that you would like to discuss with me regarding lore, spelling or grammar mistakes or anything else, please feel free to PM me and we can discuss things civilly.

Thirdly, I have read the guidelines and raised it in response to the death but I don't know if it'll be enough. Here's to hoping nothing will happen.

Fourthly, initiations begin next chapter. Keep in mind that I am by no means an experienced writer, so if the fight scenes are hot garbage then I apologize in advance.

Character Info Sheets:

Name: Vioh Lette

Height: 6"5

Gender: Female

Occupation: Hunter, daughter of the 99th Emperor, healer

Affiliations: The Empire, The Hunter's Guild, The Fifth Fleet, Leader of her own hunting party

Titles: The Sapphire Star, Her Highness, Vi (pronounced Vee)

Equipment: Xeno'jiiva Alpha set (maxed), Empress Sword "Styx" (Health augment), Moon Pendant

Skills: Proficiency in all weapon types except the Hunting Horn, great advice giver, potion maker, cooking

Personality: Easy going, motherly, fun elder sister, critical thinker, leader, serious when she needs to be, will do anything to protect the ones she cares about


Name: Indi Goh

Height: 6"3

Gender: Female

Occupation: Hunter, Guard for Vi, Fashionista

Affiliations: The Empire, The Imperial Princess (Vi), The Hunter's Guild, The Fifth Fleet, Member of Vi's hunting party

Titles: The Crimson Wolf, The Bloody Flurry, Bodyguard of the royal princess, Indi

Equipment: Odogaron Aplha set (maxed), Sin (Affinity Augment), Sun Pendant

Skills: Proficiency in the Dual Blades, Fashion, Art (Drawing),

Personality: Calm, collected, Apathetic to most things, fashionista, only cares about her team, over protective of Vi


Name: Laveh Ender

Height: 6"4

Gender: Female

Occupation: Hunter, Guard for Vi, Musician

Affiliations: The Empire,The Hunter's Guild, The Fifth Fleet, The Imperial Princess (Vi), Member of Vi's hunting party

Titles: The Silent Hunter, Kinsect Queen, Arial Ace, Lav

Equipment: Deviljho Alpha set (maxed), Bad Wing (Health Augment), Water Pendant

Skills: Proficiency in the Insect Glaive, Kinsect nurturing, Athlete

Personality: Stalwart, unemotional, Apathetic, only cares about her team, over protective of Vi


Name: Tee Ehl

Height: 6"1

Gender: Female

Occupation: Hunter, Strategist, Poet, Guard for Vi

Affiliations: The Empire,The Hunter's Guild, The Fifth Fleet, Member of Vi's hunting Party

Titles: The Blood Red Bookworm, Knowledge Seeker, Tee

Equipment: Dante's armor set (maxed), Dear Hecatelia (Affinity Augment), Earth Pendant

Skills: Proficiency in Charge Blade, Quick Learner, great teacher

Personality: Eager to learn, knowledge seeker, only cares about her team (and knowledge), over protective of Vi


Name: Jay Dee

Height: 5"6

Gender: Female

Occupation: Handmaid to Vi, elder sister figure to Vi

Affiliations: The Imperial family

Titles: Sister, maid

Equipment: N/A

Skills: Cooking, cleaning, laundry, making the bed, hair styling, all the things maids do

Personality: Fun elder sister, loves playing with Vi's hair, loves teasing Vi, loves giving advice to Vi, loves helping people