Chapter 1: Just Another Day in Victoria
I was so looking forward to a normal afternoon.
I had just finished my field assignment for the Victorian Royal Guard Academy and was heading back to my dorms.
However on my way back I stumbled upon a group of girls beating up a younger girl in an alley. They looked like your typical bullies though they were pretty aggressive as the victim was bleeding from her forehead.
I let out a small sigh as I walked over to deal with them, looking at the victim of the abuse I could see black crystals on her arm, marking her as an infected.
Honestly I feel most of the violence against the infected is stemmed from misconceptions for example, Oripathy isn't actually contagious from person to person but the general populace would have you believe otherwise.
One of the bullies noticed my presence and raised her voice.
"Hey little miss get out of here, this doesn't concern you"
"Little miss? You fuckers look about the same age as me"
I replied as I undo the strap that was keeping my sheathed katana on my back.
I'm not going to draw it of course but I do need something blunt to beat these lassies up with.
"Well for the record I'm 15 years old so if you girls are actually like 20 or something then maybe your comment from earlier may have made sense"
And no reply from the bullies. It seems they also stopped wailing into the little girl.
Getting a better look at her now I see its a Caprinae with long silver hair. As for the bullies they're a bunch of Felines just like me.
"Okay you're asking for it now"
Says one of the bullies who looks like the leader, you know the typical imagery of a trio.
They draw bladed weapons such as kitchen knives and a scalpel.
Yikes these assholes sure went all out. What were were you going to dismember her corpse after you you were done? That's kinda grizzly, and a terrible idea if you know what happens when an infected dies.
Anyways one of them lunges towards me with a knife, I evade it and hit her in the back the head with my sheath.
A loud thud reverberates the alleyway from the impact.
Yeah I don't think these fucks have had a single ounce of combat training in their life.
The bullies continue to have at me, slicing away as I respond with kicks and hitting them with my sheathed katana.
It doesn't take long for them to look like they're giving up as they groan in pain from me repeatedly whacking them.
"Alright you fuckfaces now scram! Next time I will draw my sword if you do this shit again"
I give out an empty threat as I have no intention of actually ever drawing my sword for these goons but maybe next time I'll rough em up so much they'll need an ambulance or something.
Brushing aside my long white hair from obscuring my vision I help the little Caprinae up.
"T-thank you…miss…."
"It's Yui. Yui Shirogane."
"Yuuuu….eee…..Sh-Shiirrr-"
"It's Higashinese, I don't expect those that are used to the Victorian tongue to pronounce it that well"
And from a little kid for that matter.
"Just call me Yui its fine"
The Caprinae meekly nods.
Geez her face really is a mess, She's even struggling to see out of her left eye cause of all the blood that spilled over it.
*Sigh* Fuck me I'm going to be so late today…
"So kid, since you're not looking too hot why don't I take you to a hospital to treat your injuries"
"….thank….you…."
The little kid replies as she wraps her arms around my hand.
It seems she feels like clinging to me.
"So…what's your name?"
I'm curious that's all.
"Stella"
That's…kind of a cute name.
XXXXX
Since I expected to be waiting a while in the hospital wing I ripped some cloth from my uniform to at least stop Stella's bleeding.
I looked up at a nearby clock to see that its just past 6.
Yep my teacher is going to be so pissed at my tardiness.
"Is something wrong?"
Asked Stella, probably cause she saw my look of concern when I looked at the time.
"Oh it's nothing don't worry about it"
"…Ok…."
Another 10 minutes of waiting and it was finally our turn.
The nurse did her thing properly treating her injuries and Stella and I took our leave, now the Caprinae had wrapping of white bandages around her forehead.
"I'm sure your parents are worried so you better get back now"
I said as I kneeled down to speak at Stella's height.
"Um…my parents…I don't have any…"
Eh?
"…Oh…I…."
Shit I don't know what to say or even what to do next.
"I suppose…I could find a place for you"
I say nervously and Stella's expression seems to brighten up, it was the kind of face enough to melt the coldest of hearts.
XXXXX
So my big idea about where could our little Caprinae could stay, well I was thinking here…at the Victorian Royal Guard Academy more specifically in my dorm room since I was lucky enough to be one of the few students not to have a roommate so they'll be plenty of space for Stella.
As for the other details like how the Academy is going to react to me wanting to shelter some kid from the streets and an infected to boot, well…I was never one to think that far ahead.
Arriving at the gates of the Academy there weren't many students around as it was nearing curfew.
I'm still dreading having to face my teacher due to how late I am today…
Hmm? I can hear a voice…and it ain't one of joy
And speak of the Sarkaz here she comes.
"You've got some nerve showing up as late as you are!"
Yep that's my teacher, well at least one of them since students here are taught by multiple teachers for different subjects much like regular schools, and she's currently screaming at the top of her lungs so nothing out of the ordinary here.
Oh fuck me she's heading this way-
*WHACK!*
I felt a swift but powerful kick from my teacher as she sent me flying to a nearby wall. Thankfully Stella let go in time so she didn't get dragged with me and for some reason it seems she's more confused than scared.
"So little Yui, what's your excuse this time huh!"
My teacher says as she pulls me up.
"Well Emma, I got caught up helping a little kid that's all"
I replied gazing at my teacher's not so pleased expression. She was a Forte with an impressive build, long spiky black hair and horns.
I don't think I need to reveal to my teacher that the little Caprinae with me is an infected.
"That infected kid over there?"
Emma throws a thumb causally in the direction of Stella.
Wait what- She already figured it out?
"Huh? You think I'm stupid or something?"
Emma then proceeds to flick my forehead.
Ow.
I instinctively rub a hand on the spot where she flicked me.
"I suppose nothing's getting by you"
"Of course not"
Emma sighs before continuing to speak.
"Before you hand in your field report what are you going with that kid anyway now that you bought her all the way here?"
"Well since I don't have a roommate and I found out she doesn't have any parents to go back to I was thinking of letting her stay in my dorm room"
I nervously explained and then Emma kicks me in the gut, a much softer blow this time but still hurts like a bitch.
"You idiot did you think that was going to fly around here?"
"Ow….forward….planning…was never my my strong suit"
"No its not"
What a fast deadpan response!
"Alright Yui here's what's going to happen, I'll put in a word with the Headmistress so she can shelter the Caprinae kid, don't worry your little head about it she'll be safe with her"
"Hmm….I guess you're right…"
I got up, brushed the dirt off my skirt, walked towards Stella and crouched down at her eye level.
"Ok so just do what that big lady over there says you'll be safe alright?"
I try to speak in a nicer tone kinda like how adults would when speaking to children, I even gave her a flashy smile just to reassure her.
Stella appears hesitant at first but then softly nods an "Ok"
Emma walked up to the Caprinae and extended her hand.
"I'm Emma, what's yours little one?"
"….Stella…."
"Stella eh, well take my hand and follow me I'll get you a place to stay"
Stella meekly accepts Emma's hand and then casts a gaze towards me, one filled with worry.
Emma notices and speaks up
"Don't worry I'm sure you'll get to see her again soon"
Stella appears convinced at Forte's reassurance and walks with my teacher into the Academy.
"By the way Yui just put your report on my desk, I'll look over it later"
"Right got it"
With that the day basically ended, I went to Emma's classroom placed the report I had in my bag on her desk and headed to my dorm room so I could throw myself on my bed, its soft mattress enveloping me.
Is what I wish I could say but since this was a double bunk bed I always had to climb the small ladder first before laying down.
Why don't I just sleep in the bottom bunk since I don't have a roommate?
Well I just like sleeping on the top bunk.
As I lay in bed face first my mind wonders thinking about Stella.
I'm sure she'll be alright, I've met the Academy's headmistress she's a really kind person and Emma at least from what I've heard is close to her so I'm sure it'll be fine.
XXXXX
The next day I sit in a classroom which was next to the window and gaze out mindlessly into it, my hand serving as a headrest.
There seems to be a lot more chatter amongst the students before class I wonder if something happened.
I don't care enough to listen in though and just wait until class actually starts, which will be a history lesson about the Londinium crisis.
Since its the Terran year 1104 that means that that crisis happened about 6 years ago? Yeah I think that's accurate.
"Now now settle down class today we'll be having a new student joining today, please make sure you make her feel welcomed"
The teacher at the front of the class said as she stacked papers neatly preparing for today's lesson.
Anyways a new student…? I think I heard that correctly, maybe that's why people are chattering more than usual.
I decide to listen in and hear bits and pieces.
"A new student?"
"I wonder what she'll be like?"
"I hope she's cute!"
"Who cares"
"Regardless I'll always be the strongest!"
What a myriad of thoughts I guess.
Well let's wait and see cause I think that might be our new student.
Ch.1 End