Blood.
Blood below me.
Blood above me.
Blood around me.
Blood within me.
That was the only thing I knew. The only thing I was taught. And the only thing I ever cared about.
My name is Velvet Star.
My date of birth is April 1st, 1978. I was born to the assassins Magenta Star, and Violet Star. Both are high-quality assassins, and shapeshifters.
At least my father, Violet Star, is full blooded. My mother is only three-quarters, but that's mostly shapeshifter so it's irrelevant.
I don't ever remember having love for my parents. I certainly had respect, but love? I don't think so.
But they taught me how to walk, talk, function on my own, and even to shapeshift, so I guess I owe them that much. My father was a Canis Shapeshifter. He had the abilities to turn into dogs, jackals, wolves, and hyenas; species of that caliber. My mother was a Felidae Shapeshifter. She had a much broader variety of forms to take, with her animal family being the core of her species, that species being felines like lions, panthers, lynxes, and even small domestic cats.
But I was born with my father's power.
But, that's enough of that. Let's give some insight on what my life was like when I was born.
As normal, I don't remember much of it. Learning how to talk came easy for me. My parents never baby talked to me, they'd be beaten for it.
I was also labeled as… extremely intelligent for a child my age.
Even when I was four and was only beginning to grasp words, I could already read, speak, and write as if I was ten, maybe older.
This is what gave me my future status in the clan.
Oh right, the clan…
My clan. My family. The one who taught me the importance of wearing blood on our hands like they were marks of courage.
The Star Clan.
Based in Wakkanai, Japan, the northernmost city, the Star Clan was a family of assassins. This is why blood was so important. When we kill, we smear the blood all over our hands, arms, and face. The more blood you spilled, the better your mission. And you were killing anything, and anyone, by five years.
The better your skills, and the more you killed, the higher your status was in my clan. But none could take the highest of status, which could only be obtained by your lineage.
The leader, the chieftain, the god.
The White Star.
This was the first conversation that I can clearly remember. I believe I was three years old when I heard it. It was between my mother and father late at night, when they believed me to be asleep. They spoke in hushed whispers, making it clear that they did not want anyone hearing what they were discussing.
"We can't leave, Magenta. We'd be followed, and slaughtered."
They had a plan to leave, and my best guess was it was the Clan.
"I know that! But are we just going to let them do as they please? Blue Star is really starting to piss me off! He keeps saying that if your daughter continues to speak like she does, and it only gets better, she'll be The Shadow!"
The Shadow. A high title, second to the chieftain. The Shadow was the name given to the betrothed of the future chieftain, playing off the fact that the wife of the Chief was merely in his shadow. And apparently, even when I was three, I had a high chance at becoming this… shadow.
"I know, Magenta. But if we just wait it out, we can try and teach her to maybe reject the teaching of the Star Clan-"
"She's too smart for that Malcunas, you that!"
Malcunas. I only heard this name once, but after digging through files many years later, I learned that this was the name my father was born with. I knew later on that he wasn't Star Clan blood. He was a slave.
Enslaved by the Clan to keep his life after attempting to seduce my mother into leaving the Star Clan, a feat you never attempted. At least, if you cherish your life.
"So then what? What would you have us do? Wait it out? Try and sneak away. White Star is always watching, and if not he, then Blue Star is."
Blue Star… under his watchful eye, no one got away with anything. Blue Star was the right hand of our chieftain, White Star ⅩⅩⅢ. Blue Star was said to have the eyes of a hawk. He saw every tiny movement made by every one of the clan, and every single thing was reported to White Star.
"I don't know… I don't know…"
My parents were desperate to escape. Why I still wasn't sure. Why would we leave? Was it so bad that I become The Shadow?
Their conversation ended after that, both never coming to a conclusion.
It was the first conversation I could remember, and then my memory became more clear as the next year passed by.
My first memory with clear setting, voices, and faces, was of my father. It was late winter, but the snow still stood tall throughout the village. Being so far north, the snow remained for many months after winter had technically ended. It was -9 degrees, so we weren't getting rid of that snow anytime soon.
But even in the harsh winter air, the only covering we were permitted to have was a thin coat and boots. In my clan, it was the survival of the fittest. If you couldn't fight the cold, we weren't worthy enough to fight for the clan and our mission.
The cleanse the world of the evil.
At least, that was what we were told as clusters. And the word cluster is what a young star was called, so that's what the young children in my clan were called.
My clan and their ridiculous space puns…
But my first real memory was my father and I out in one of the many sparring circles. Freshly cleared of the snow with a thin sheet of ice underneath it, it provided an extra challenge to us. Learned how to defend ourselves and fight while keeping our balance and footing.
He was teaching me very basic defense forms, all of which I had to perfect while keeping my balance.
"Remember Velvet, your core is both your strength and your greatest weak point. There are thousands of ways an opponent can strike you and take you down in an instant just by hitting your center alone. You must use it to fight, but protect it all at once!" He shouted, the wind howling over us.
I nodded in turn, tucking my arms close to my sides to prevent anyone from hitting me, and to get into a fighting stance.
My father, or more commonly known as Violet Star, lowering himself into a stance.
"Now, hit me!"
I snarled, digging my heel into the ice and launching myself forward, my fist drawn back. I took a swing at his side, but he quickly threw his arm in front of my fist, blocking my attack and using his knuckles to dig into my side.
I left myself open, with my fist still against his arm, my left side was completely exposed, and he still had a free hand, and either one of his knees should he use them. I was sent flipping through the air, the horizon and the sky twirling around me.
But I was able to gain control of myself at the last second, and escape my dizzying fall, landing firmly on my feet. My head was throbbing and my vision wavered due to the dizziness, but I shook it from my head as Violet Star launched at me.
He threw his left foot out to try and offset my balance, but I flipped out of his way and used his extended knee to propel myself forward and land a swift punch on his jaw.
He coughed for a second, sputtering momentarily before using his free hands to grab me around my waist and throw me backward, slamming my head into the ice.
I felt the world go dark for a second before a high pitched noise rang in my ears, my vision now blurry due to the blow to the crown of my head.
I flipped around sloppily, scrambling back to my feet to and getting into a weak fighting stance to defend myself, despite not being able to see or hear well.
"Tsk, tsk. Velvet Star, you must maintain protection. Both of your attacks left your center wide open, therefore, I was able to subdue you. Even if your second attack did land a successful hit, you won't be able to fight anyone or succeed at any missions if you-ACKHG!"
My father was always a blabbermouth. He would lecture and lecture and lecture me on how to fight. But the true way to learn was to do, not tell.
While Violet Star droned on, I noticed that he had left his center wide open. I took it as a moment to strike. Before he could notice me move, I launched into the air straight towards him, lifting my foot and delivering a blow to his solar plexus.
The weakest point at the center of the body.
As my father crumbled to the ground in a pathetic heap, I stood up slowly. I straightened myself up, trying to seem bigger than I was at a measly four years old.
"One shouldn't talk when they fight. It distracts the mind."
But luckily, I was pretty articulate for a child my age. I could speak as a middle-aged child could, and often used it to impress other members around me.
There were a few other members watching me at the moment, all staring at me in slight awe at my sudden attack.
Then, someone began to clap.
At first, I was going to snap at whoever was clapping. We never clapped genuinely here. If someone was clapping, it was condescending and insulting, applauding a massive failure.
But my bite died on my tongue when I turned to see the leader of the clan walking towards me.
White Star ⅩⅩⅢ. Our current reigning Chieftain. He was tall and intimidating, with long white hair pulled back into a messy ponytail and stark red eyes. He was covered in battle scars, showing his victories and strength to all that saw him. His most famous one was the one in his left eye, were it was gouged out by a Grim Reaper. In his left eye's place was a gaping hole filled with nasty, horribly healed flesh and skin. But despite his scar, he had never lost a fight.
When he came towards me, I immediately dropped to one knee and threw my right fist over my heart.
He laughed.
"Now, now Velvet Star, no need for such formalities. Stand."
His voice was deep and commanding, rumbling like a pair of hammers on a drum. I obeyed, and stood instantly, my shoulders back and chest out.
My father was still on the ground, blood leaking from in-between his teeth.
"Violet Star, I'm almost disappointed that you would make such a simple mistake. Talking does not benefit a fight. And because of your mouth, you lost to your four-year-old daughter. Guards, take him away, he needs to be taught this lesson once more."
Two assassins that were standing behind White Star marched over to my father. They both flanked his sides and seized him by his arms, yanking him up to his feet. Violet Star made no attempt to stop them, weakly standing and walking with them as they led him away.
To re-learn a lesson was a disgrace to one's name. My father was about to be thrown into a sparing circle with some of the best assassins and beaten over and over until he won a fight.
It was safe to say I wouldn't see him until later that night.
"Now you, Velvet Star."
I snapped to attention, sucking in a breath through my nostrils as he spoke to me.
"I'm very pleased with your progress. You've shown to not only be the most skilled of the young clusters, but you've also proven to be the most ruthless. You made no hesitation to strike down your father when he dropped his guard. If this were a real fight, he would probably be dead."
I made no attempt to thank him for the compliment. We could be shown affection and given compliments, but it was rude to accept them verbally. All I did was nod.
White Star grinned, walking forward slowly. He stopped a few feet from me, leaning down and patting me on the head.
"Don't be afraid to accept my compliments Velvet Star. That's a privilege I feel you've deserved."
I nodded, "Thank you Chieftain."
His smile widened, "That's more like it. For such a small child, you really are quite articulate. Mind telling me how you know so much?"
I shook my head, "My parents never baby talked me. They spoke to me normally, and I have a desire to knowledge. By teaching me early on, my parents fueled that desire."
Never mind speaking like someone in middle school, I spoke like an adult. White Star nodded, patting my head once more.
"Very good. An assassin should be strong in the mind as well as the muscles. I think you are ready to start your training in battle strategy. Blue Star."
A man from the crowd rushed forward, skidding to a stop next to White Star.
Blue Star was skinny and gangly with messy black hair and wild blue eyes. He was often underestimated by his targets for a scared, timid man. But what he lacked in physical strength, he made up for in speed. Blue Star was White Star's right hand man, always at his beck and call.
"Yes, oh Glorious Chieftain."
I rolled my eyes. He had a knack for called White Star exuberant names to score some good points with him. Many of us found it obnoxious.
"See to it that Velvet Star is moved up and placed in battle tactics." White Star took a glance at me, and leaned a bit closer to Blue Star.
The Chieftain began to whisper, and my acute hearing picked up on their words.
"And also, add her to the top of the list for potential Shadows for my son."
My eyes narrowed. My chances at becoming The Shadow just increased tenfold.
Now all that was left to do was the evaluation.
All candidates for The Shadow were evaluated and tested to see which would benefit the Clan the most, and would mostly likely bear the best heirs.
If I were to become The Shadow, I would be married at ten.
"Now Velvet Star-"
I snapped from my internal thoughts at the sound of the chief's voice.
"-I don't want your parents ways to stunt your growth. If they tell you anything that you think might cause delays in your training, come to me immediately, and I will have them dealt with. While your parents aren't the most… loyal of Stars, you are by far, the best of the best. I don't want that to change. Besides, your shapeshifter blood could come in handy. Do I make myself clear?"
I nodded, "Crystal."
He smiled, patting my head once more before walking away.
I sighed, feeling the tension leave my chest.
Blue Star popped into my vision, smiling slyly with his clipboard in hand.
"Come little star cluster! We mustn't keep our Chieftain's orders awaiting! Your training in battle tactics begins now!"
I nodded, following him as he skipped off, humming pleasantly to himself.
The eyes on me made my skin crawl. People that were around stared at me wide eyed and whispered to each other, their eyes darting between each other and me.
"I've never seen a cluster so young get such high praise from the Chieftain before…"
"I'm betting she'll be The Shadow. There's no doubt."
I didn't look up.
My training in battle tactics went well. Most of the clusters in that branch were at least five years older than me. Many of them made snide comments to me, saying that a cluster of my age wasn't fit to be in this high rank.
So the instructor pitted me against all of them.
And I beat every single one of them into a bloody pulp.
As I watched my last victim limp away, blood dribbling down his chin, Blue Star wandered over to me. He had a big, cheek splitting grin on his face, bearing his teeth at me happily.
"Well done miss Velvet Star! Despite what the other students said about you, you've proven to be as amazing as your Chieftain said you are! I'm certain you will become The Shadow, and please our glorious ruler!" He spoke boisterously, waving his arms around in a dramatic fashion as if performing in a play.
I snorted.
"Please, don't speak like that. What I do is for our clan, not to please any one person."
Blue Star reeled back slightly, the grin disappearing off his face in a fraction of a second. He seemed almost offended at my statement.
"Wha- Why what do you mean by that young cluster? You don't do this for the Chieftain's approval? There is no greater reward!" He shouted at me angrily, his blue eyes narrowing vehemently at me.
I looked back up at him, my focus unwavering.
"The greatest reward for our clan, is to know that by striking a kill, we have made the world a better place."
Blue Star opened his mouth, as if ready to snap at me. But no sound came out. It was as if he suddenly began to ponder what he was about to say. His lips snapped shut, and his eyes darted down. After about a minute, his usual coy smile returned.
"Why, what a gracious pledge. For the good of the world, how brave, how noble! Come now Velvet Star, you must return home. I'm sure your father will still be a while…"
I nodded, watching him spin on his heel and walk away. I followed behind him closely, ignoring the stares from the other members as we made our way to my home.
It was a quick walk. Our village wasn't too big, and there wasn't a lot of us here.
Certainly, we were the largest group of the Star Clan, but that was solely because we were at the heart. The Star Clan has bases all over Asia, and we were known around the globe.
People have tried to take us down, but none have succeeded. It was one of the few things I didn't understand. We were curing this world, why did it seem like the whole world was fighting back?
I would later on find out why…
"Here we are Miss Velvet Star! Your humble abode!"
I was brought away from my thoughts, seeing Blue Star gesturing boisterously to my home.
My mother was standing out front, her brows furrowed in concern.
"Velvet, where's your father?" She asked, her dark, brown eyes staring down at me harshly.
I looked up at her, facing her gaze, "Father was struck down, by me. He's relearning his lesson."
My mother, Magenta Star, bit her lip in fear. I walked into the house past her, hearing her and Blue Star begin to speak to each other.
I took off my training belt and hung it up on the wall. Our home was small, only being comprised of three rooms. There was the living space, my parents room, and my own. A small table sat in the center of the room with three pillows around it, and a fireplace at the end of the wall. I walked over to it and loaded some logs into it, picking up some charcoal and withdrawing my knife.
I smacked the rock a few times, sending sparks flying into the logs. After a minute, the logs were burning gently.
I removed my shoes and placed my feet in front of the fire. I sighed, feeling the warmth crawl over my feet.
I heard my mother come back in, moving the curtain door back over the entrance. She walked around and sat down on her knees next to me, folding her hands over her lap.
"So… your father is being retaught?"
I nodded, curling my legs up to my chest.
"Yes. Father was talking on and on during training. I took it as a moment to strike," I explained.
Magenta Star pursed her lips, her brows furrowing in what appeared to be anger.
"You… struck him?"
I nodded.
"It doesn't seem very sporting…"
My eyes narrowed, and I stared up at her vehemently.
"Fighting the enemy isn't about making sporting. If you have to fight dirty, to win a fight, then you fight dirty. The biggest mistake anyone on this planet can make, it letting their enemy talk. When they talk, their mind is elsewhere and it distracts them from their task at hand. This is why when your enemy decides to make the mistake of speaking their mind to you, you strike. Or as my mentor said, 'Get'm while he's monaloging'."
Magenta Star snorted, the corner of her lips turning up. I rolled my eyes, remembering how my other classmates had laughed at the obvious joke. But I didn't laugh. It was a simple command and common sense. If they talk, they get distracted. And if they get distracted, you attack.
Fight won.
"Anyway, your father should be home soon. Hopefully his injuries aren't as severe as last time," she voiced, her hands worrying together. I rose a brow.
Last time? This had happened before? How many times? If you had to retaught a total of three times, you deemed a liability, and executed.
Magenta Star looked over at me, her eyes reading my face. She turned to her hands, her eyes narrowing.
"Your father had to relearn a lesson when he joined the Star Clan. The lesson was that he was to never doubt our abilities. His name was bestowed, and he was beaten near to death, as a test to see how long he could last."
I looked back at the firepit.
I knew that my father had a life before the Star Clan. The only reason he joined the Star Clan was because of my mother. They met secretly, fell in love, all of that cliche junk.
I had heard that he tried to convince her to leave, and that's why he was forced to join the clan.
"I see…" I murmured, staring at the orange and red fire flickering in the pit.
Silence followed.
My mother then asked me a rather… peculiar question.
"Velvet… does it bother you?"
I rolled my eyes, "Mother, you're going to have to be a bit more specific."
"That. Right there. Your fluency." She interrupted, her eyes widening in worry. I rose a brow. Why would my abilities to speak fluently be a problem. I figured they were a blessing.
That's what everyone else said anyway.
"How would my ability to speak be a problem?" I inquired, sitting up slowly. Her eyes shot down to her feet, her lips pursing in thought.
"You are the only child I have ever know you can speak so well at your age. You're only four, and yet you speak as if you were my age, or even the Chief's. Doesn't that… upset you? You didn't get to learn with the rest of your clusters…" She asked, her brown eyes boring into me.
I shook my head.
"Mozart was writing fully orchestrated operas at four years old. How is my ability to speak fluently any different?" I asked.
Magenta Star lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.
"I… I'm sorry for assuming you'd be displeased in your gift…"
I shook my head, turning to my feet.
"Don't be. It's a common thought of adults when they see a child who's might could surpass their own. They feel intimidated."
We remained silent for the rest of the hour, the crackling fire the only sound in the room.
It was near midnight when my father returned.
"Get'n there you lousey swine!"
Magenta Star and I whirled around to see the curtain of our home ripped open. Violet Star was thrown into the room, the table toppling over as he slammed into it. He was covered in deep, purple bruises, and blood was seeping from his mouth. He looked up at use through two, swollen eyes.
"Violet!"
My mother rushed forward, quickly pulling him into her embrace, resting his head in the crook of her neck.
"Magen… ta… I'm sor… sorr-"
"Shh, my love. Don't apologize to me…"
I scorned at them, the cheesy scene making me feel nauseous.
"Velvet Star."
I looked up, one of the guards that had returned Violet Star staring hardly at me. I stood up.
"Yes sir?"
He jerked his head, gesturing to windy outdoors.
"Come with us. Chieftain White Star wishes to speak with you."
My eyes widened. The Chieftain? Why?
I stood up, dusting off my pants and walking over to them. I looked over my shoulder to see if my mother was going to say something.
But her focus was solely on my father, whom she was cradling in her arms. I turned away.
When we stepped outside, the cold air slammed against me. I felt a shiver wash over me, but refused to let it show.
The guards closed the curtain, walking in front of me and leading me through the dark night towards the home of the Chieftain.
As we walked, my head was spinning. Why did the Chieftain want to see me? Had I done something wrong? I don't think I have.
Was this about The Shadow?
It was a high possibility, that I was about to be named The Shadow. Blue Star, and even the Chieftain himself had said my chances of being The Shadow were high.
Maybe they had already made the decision.
We walked for about ten minutes through the village. All the houses had their lights turned out and curtains closed, as most of the clan was now asleep. The only people out and about were night patrol guards, or those being punished.
I saw a few people being lead through the snow in chains with nothing but a pair of pants and a dirty tunic. They shivered violently, their fingers and feet cleary suffering from frostbite.
But my attention was drawn away from them when we approached the Chieftain's home. Of all the houses, his was the largest. Fully constructed from wood and brick, the glassed windows, an oakwood door, and even a metal gate. Most of our clan lived in huts, and the lucky high ranking members lived in cottages, or log cabins.
The guards approached the gate, the two guards at the gate opening the entrance.
I felt my throat get tight as we walked up the wooden steps, a slight pang of nervousness creeping up into my chest.
When the guards opened the large, grand door, they pushed me inside and closed the door behind me.
I felt the warm air crawl over my skin, and couldn't help but stare at the interior.
It was fully furnished decorated. Paintings hung up on the walls, carpets lined the floor, and even flowers decorated the tables.
I took a few steps forward, my eyes wide in wonder.
"I see you like my home."
I jumped slightly to hearing a deep voice call out to me. I turned to see White Star walking out from one of the hallway, a glass what appeared to be sake in his hand.
I dropped to my knees, my fist going over my heart.
"My Chieftain."
He let out a hearty laugh, shaking his head. He walked over to me, reaching down and grabbing my arm gently, pulling me to my feet.
"Come now Velvet Star, there's no need for that. We will be family soon, no more bowing to me."
I rose a brow, looking up at him with confusion.
"Family?"
He nodded.
"Of course. I wouldn't let such a young, promising assassin such as yourself go without a noble bloodline."
My heart pounded in my chest. Was he really going to say what I think he was about to say?
"Come, have a seat Velvet Star."
He guided me over to the couch, sitting me down against the cushion. He took a seat next to me, placing his sake on the coffee table.
"Now, you're probably wondering why I called you here so late."
I nodded silently.
He grinned, "After your father relearned his lesson, I realized the true potential you had. While I did tell Blue Star to put you at the top of the list for potential Shadows and put you into a more advanced course, I was astounded to hear that you had bested all of your classmates on the first day. Along with your fluency and strong intellect, you are truly one of a kind Velvet Star."
I felt my ears burn, a sense of embarrassment washing over me.
"Thank you, my Chieftain."
He smiled, patting me on the head.
"Which is why, I want to tell you something. And for you to meet someone. Come on out, my son."
I looked up at the hallway entrance.
A young boy walked out, dressed in pajamas and big slippers. He had bright, white hair and fluorescent green eyes. He had dark, tanned skin, and a huge grin on his face.
"Is this her Dad? My girlfriend!?"
I wanted to vomit.
White Star nodded, turning to me with a bright smile.
"Yes, it is. Velvet Star, I would like you to meet my son, White Star ⅩⅩⅠⅤ. Our future leader, and your betrothed."
I heard my heart pounding in my ears, and my vision blur.
This is what started it all. My betrothal to White Star.
The main event, the lead to the biggest revelation of my life.
EYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
IT'S HERE!
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the first chapter of A Star's Revelation! Sorry that it's a bit late, life is a bitch and so is school :(
So let's talk, shall we? Our first chapter is set around the beginning of her life, and I mean almost the very beginning. Velvet was completely fluent in speaking at four, kinda like how Mozart was super skilled in music at the same age. I kinda based it off that.
We meet many important characters right off the bat, those being Velvet's parents, the Chief, the chief's right-hand, and White Star. And yeah, all chieftain's are name White Star. They aren't very original.
Now, I wanna talk about names in the star clan. We've seen Blue Star, Magenta Star, and even Violet Star. The names of a member of the clan are based off two things. The color of their soul's character (like how Maka's is orange, Soul's is silver, ect.) and just the word star. So Velvet's soul character is... well, Velvet.
The only people exempt from that is the Chieftain, who is always named White Star despite their soul's color.
Also, let's talk about the whole Shadow dealie. So Velvet got named The Shadow right in the beginning. I didn't want the first chapter to be too explanation-y, so I decided to have her named Shadow right in the beginning.
Also, while this is being written in first-POV, is it being told by Mifune. Kinda like how in TDW, is was in first person, but it was being read by Kid.
Welp, that's all I gotta say for right now! A Star's Revelation is updated every Saturday at 5 pm Tokyo time (+9)!
NEXT TIME:
Velvet has been named The Shadow. It's only been a few months, and she's now five, but Velvet is having difficulty with White Star. Since Velvet is all work and no play, White Star is displeased with her, and threatens the life of her parents should she not act how he wants her to. What will Velvet's response be, or will she have one at all?
Find Out Next Time: March 9th!
~HUGS ALL AROUND~
P.S.: There's gonna a buncha time skips in the beginning. Mostly over a few months or maybe a year until we get to her age in TDW. Just an FYI