December 3rd, 2002.
The day finally arrived. Viola's second and final attempt at her hardest trial, and a battle against her most dreadful opponent so far. The stakes were high, for she knew she'd be sent back home if she failed, which was the first, yet the last thing she wanted.
"Do not let me down," Silver muttered to himself, arms crossed and leaning under one of the cherry blossom trees in the distance. Viola heard him and thought to herself.
I won't. I will not disappoint anyone here today, especially Yukari!
Further away from him on the treeline, Cervena had just passed by, but curiosity made her stay. Meanwhile, the rest of the Hunters watched from near the mansion, cheering for her, especially Emily.
"You look different today," said Yukari, standing several feet away opposite her, holding a wooden sword. Viola gazed back with a determined frown, no longer shivering nor hesitant. "Then, I won't hold back as much, this time."
They both took their stances. Viola closed her eyes and focused on her goal and why this victory was so important to her. And when they flashed open again, magical energy flowed throughout her body, originating from the heart, focusing on her fists.
"Watch out."
In a flash of a second, Yukari closed the distance between them and aimed her weapon at Viola's side. But the violet-eyed was quick to stop it using her hand. The impact resulted in a rumble that chased away the wind. Yukari kept disappearing and striking Viola from random directions. Her movements were invisible, and she would only be seen when her attacks were blocked. It reminded Viola of Silver's training.
So this is the true extent of Yukari's power. Or, at least, when she's not using magic offensively.
She finally took out the sword that hung on her back and, using her ears and aura senses, fought back against Yukari on equal footing. They constantly vanished and reemerged at random spots all over the battlefield. Sounds of metallic blades clashing echoed throughout while powerful gusts of wind blew at everyone and everything.
"She's able to keep up," Zane spoke, his expression widening. "She's actually able to keep up!"
"And with no magic reinforcement aside from her weapon," said Emily. "That's purely her own strength. It's scary as much as it is amazing…"
"I can, undoubtedly so, say that," Aurelia remarked, "if everyone were to face her without using magic, even considering our experience and skills…Viola would win."
"But even if it's only for reinforcement," Luna mumbled worriedly, "Yukari's magic is far superior still. And she's fighting sword against sword…"
One powerful strike, and Viola was pushed far back.
"Violet must do something a lot more remarkable to win here."
Yukari paused, glaring from a distance. Viola held her weapon firmly with both hands, but she looked bruised and out of breath. Her sword hadn't cracked yet, but she wasn't making much progress either. Her opponent still stood strong and unmoving.
"Something remarkable," Viola muttered to herself, hearing Luna's words. She remembered a conversation she had with Silver during their training.
"Something…unique."
(Flashback)
"But what's the point in fighting with the same weapon as Yukari?" Viola asked Silver with a frustrated frown. "My fists are the only thing to rely on, and even then…it's not enough!"
"Emily fights using fists, too," Silver said, "but you still won, didn't you?"
Her head lifted high.
"Two boxers facing each other in a ring are using the same weapons—their hands. Yet, one manages to surprise the other with a move never seen before."
Violet eyes opened wide.
"Combine that common tool with something of your own, and you'll discover something unique. Something that'll even surprise those who have seen everything."
(Present)
"In that case…"
Aurelia's expression widened when she noticed a much brighter glow of violet in the girl's hands. Pointing her blade at the enemy, Viola threw the weapon like a spear. Yukari scoffed and slightly tilted her head to avoid the projectile. However, Viola had disappeared.
"Violet Magic is an ancient art. No one from this generation will know how it works or how to counter it initially. Use that to your advantage."
Yukari turned around just in time to find Viola grabbing the weapon mid-air to strike at her. Their blades collided, Viola's had a faint violet glow, and, though Yukari held her ground, the impact created cracks below them on the floor. The clash of blades continued at a speed that could not be perceived by the ordinary. Each impact resulted in further destruction of the battlefield. Yukari's blade had already begun to chip a little, as she thought to herself.
Her magic skills have improved, and she has never once stopped reinforcing her weapon. She's far more agile, too. Is it something to do with Violet Magic?
Viola was pushed away several feet with a powerful strike from Yukari's sword. But Viola swiftly followed up by flicking at her from a distance, shooting a little beam of violet energy. Yukari blocked it, but the pressure stung her hands.
I get it now…
Taking advantage of Yukari's stunned pose, Viola closed the gap again, continuing their close-quarters brawl.
Violet Magic…is the manipulation of force. By multiplying the amount of force exerted in her strikes, she can land explosive blows or even speed up her movements. And when she flicked into the air earlier, she projected the kinetic energy outward, like a flying punch. And with her superhuman strength on top of that…she is quite terrifying, dare I say. No wonder He wanted her on his side. And…that's all the more reason for us to protect her.
Viola slipped and almost took one to the face, but immediately disappeared from everyone's sight before running around in circles and shooting more beams of violet energy from all directions. Yukari recalled this trick from their previous brawl, swiftly cutting away every projectile from a different angle instead of blocking them head-on. Viola reappeared a few feet before her, chucking her sword like a spear.
No, this cannot be the same move. She's far too improved to make the same mistake.
Yukari thought to herself as she deflected the sword with an upward swing. But she did not notice Viola closing their gaps in a split second, and a sharp pain struck her gut as a flash of violet caught her vision. However, she was only pushed a single step back and quickly regained her composure. Viola thought to herself.
Unsurprisingly, her body is reinforced too. It felt like trying to punch through a thick wall of steel. Her magic prowess is quite terrifying…
"You landed a hit," Yukari remarked, "not bad." Before lurching forward to strike Viola in the neck. However, violet eyes glowed as several wooden knives rained down on her. Hazel eyes widened before turning into a frown, as Yukari tried to avoid and deflect them all. She thought to herself.
Such incredible magic control for a beginner! She had thrown them earlier and suspended them midair by nullifying their force. Then, she changed their trajectory to drop down on me before reapplying force. And each one has multiplied impact to detonate upon contact!
Everyone watched with bated breath as the two forces created a firework show of violet and green. Each time her blade collided with the projectiles, Yukari's grip on her sword loosened. She counted up to ten knives, but a realisation hit her mind on the eleventh.
Didn't her sword go flying in the air? Why hasn't it fallen yet?
"Violet Style: Basic Art—"
When she glanced back at Viola, it was already too late.
"Dual Convergence."
Within half a second, Viola lurched forward and punched Yukari's hands holding the weapon, followed by her own blade reaching out from the opposite direction like a lightning bolt, tearing through Yukari's and breaking it in half, before the two violet hues detonated with enough force to cause a little rumble shaking the entire place, covering the battleground in a cloud of dust and violet smoke.
"Did she…do it?" Emily mumbled, her heart racing alongside everyone else's at the spectacle, aside from Silver and Cervena.
"To come up with and unleash a magic technique this soon," Aurelia said, "she already has an excellent grasp of her element."
"This was nothing like when we were training," Luna added. "She's learnt so much in so little time!"
"She sure learns quick when she puts her heart to it!" Zane chuckled.
"Impressive," Cervena said, her eyes wide open. "Though that Samurai won't simply stop at a broken blade. If she hasn't disarmed her, that is."
"A compliment from you?" Silver glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "Then I'd say she has already won."
When the dust finally settled and the smoke faded away, Yukari and Viola could be seen standing in the middle with a few feet of gap between them, facing away from each other. The latter's sword was rooted to a tree, but in shape. And the former's?
"I…"
Viola turned around as she whispered, finding the other weapon broken in two pieces lying on the ground. Her cold frown shifted into a widened expression, while the spectators near the mansion had all kinds of smiles slowly taking shape.
"I…won?"
There was a long pause. Her heart was in her mouth, while the adrenaline continued running all over her body. Yukari's head hung low, so her face wasn't visible. Silence settled in, the wind blowing at the grass being the only thing everyone heard. They all stared, anxiety and curiosity piling up the longer it dragged on.
"You," the final trainer declared, "have passed."
Emily closed the distance in a split second, rushing in for a tackle hug and shouting, "You did it—" But was punched to the face.
"I-I'm sorry!" Viola apologised with a sharp gasp, seeing the blue-haired stumble away. "I-I wasn't sure if it was over, so I had my guard up!"
"T-That's probably a good thing!" Emily chuckled awkwardly, gaining back her composure and hugging her companion nonetheless. "I'm fine, don't worry!" She tried to assure everyone, even though her vision blurred and spun slightly. A golden light flashed for a second on her face, and she felt better.
"A-Are you sure—"
"Yes, it is over."
Viola was taken aback upon hearing Yukari speak in a soft and gentle tone. Emily pulled away as the final trainer turned to face them, and the trainee was left astonished. Yukari lifted her hand and placed it on Viola's head. Tears welled up in violet eyes as they witnessed an image that they could never have foreseen.
"You've completed your training," she continued, patting the other's head. "You are now officially a Void Hunter."
A proud and heartfelt smile.
"T-Thank you," Viola said, wiping a tear and smiling back. "But I have mixed feelings…since I've lost my only shot at going back home…"
Cervena had begun walking back inside without addressing Viola even once, but paused the moment she heard that last sentence.
"Oh, not really," said Yukari, retracting her hand. "I know about your situation and why you can't return to your family. I could never forgive myself if I sent you back."
Cervena eyed Viola curiously from a distance.
"T-Then why did you…?"
"People usually bring out their best when the lives of their most important ones are in danger. So, I had to lie to push you forward." She bowed slightly. "I apologise for that."
"And I was worried about nothing…"
Viola looked dumbfounded while the rest around her laughed. Cervena continued walking towards the mansion. No one caught her staring at Viola. None except Aurelia, who remained leaning on the mansion wall, while everyone else converged on Viola.
"The road ahead will be rough," Yukari spoke in a gentle yet stern tone. "You will be facing many challenges, some of which would seem impossible to overcome. But remember that you'll never be alone. Just like how everyone guided you through training, we will continue helping you whenever you require it."
"Except for one person, I suppose." Emily sighed, and everyone nodded.
"I will do my best!" Viola spoke, determined, and thought to herself.
And one day, when I'm strong enough...I can finally return home!
While everyone else talked of the fight and spoke their praises for Viola, Silver let out a breath of relief as he walked towards Aurelia. "This won't last," he said to her. "This joyous moment."
"Then let her enjoy until it does," she replied, smiling on the outside, but worried at the heart.
"Draven is specifically targeting her," he added in a concerned tone. "And no one knows why. Are you sure we should let her go out on missions?"
"If she attracts the Void, then she must be prepared to face it. Shielding her here would be fruitless. Learning about the dangers through experience so she could protect herself when needed is the only way."
"I never doubted your decision-making, Mother," he said, leaning on the wall beside her and gazing at the rest. "But you better be right about this. A user of an ancient art has suddenly appeared in the modern world out of nowhere. She must be special, and we cannot let Draven get His hands on her."
"Worry not." She smiled widely at him. "I have a plan." She then thought to herself.
She bears the blood of those who doomed us…and the power to end what they began.
"Just place your trust in me, like you always have."
I already drowned in this darkness. And soon, as much as I hate it, she'll be dragged under as well…
Her smile faded.
If she must sink too...at the very least, please let her rise where I never could.
On the roof of the mansion, right above everyone's gaze, the spectator went unnoticed again.
"And when the time comes...place your trust in her, too."
…
The next morning, Viola decided to write another letter to her parents. Aurelia had informed her not to send too many, and this would be her third letter. She was seated in the chair and writing at her desk. The window was wide open, the fresh, gentle air blowing at her face, picking up the fragrance of the flowers hung right outside.
Mom, Dad.
I hope you are doing well. Even after almost three months of living here, the place still feels empty without you. However, I am doing much better than on my first day. I've become a bit more acquainted with the rest. I still don't fully trust everyone, but I believe they all have good intentions. They're fighting the good fight, just like you taught me to.
Today begins my life as a Hunter. I have completed their training and will set out on my first mission. As anxious as it makes me, I'm not afraid. After learning so much from my allies here and having fought those monsters before, I feel brave. I feel like I've become much stronger. You need not worry about me, I know I got this!
I will return soon, I promise. So please take care, and I will too.
Viola.
Placing the pen aside, she folded the paper. The golden bird apparition, resembling a pigeon, arrived just on time, settling down on the table. Smiling, she brushed her fingers softly along its neck, feeling the warmth of its golden feathers, before letting it carry the letter and fly off.
"It's time."
Closing the windows and curtains, she moved to the door. Placing her left hand on the doorknob, she glanced at the ring she wore. She smiled slightly at it, then lifted her other hand to clutch the silver pendant hanging below her neck. Her eyes shut as she thought to herself.
Your little Violet is about to embark on something unknown. Like the Moon and the Stars at night, please light the way when it gets too dark. As you always have. And perhaps…I'd find you out there.
Eyes flashed open as she turned the knob and pushed the door. Shutting it behind her, she walked out and headed towards the Master's room. And, after a few minutes, she stood in front of it. Taking a deep breath, she gently knocked on the door, and it opened slightly by itself. Pushing it further, she entered.
"Good morning, Viola," a soothing voice greeted her, "I hope you have rested well. An eventful day awaits you. Are you prepared?"
"Yes," she answered, walking towards Aurelia and standing before her desk. "But what exactly is a mission? Just hunting creepers?"
"Usually, but not always," Aurelia explained. "You see, creepers are in every part of the world that humanity inhabits. Usually, their numbers would be too few to cause a difference. But sometimes, in some areas, that number exceeds dangerous levels. And, when that occurs, I send a Hunter or two to take out the creepers until the area is safe again."
"What about you?" Viola asked. "Don't you go out on missions?"
"No, I can't leave for…certain reasons." Her gaze lowered. "Besides, I'm the only one with magic that can detect if any area has too much Void activity throughout the world. The Hunters cannot function without me." Dull golden eyes lifted again, smiling at Viola. "So, I must stay here."
"I figured…but what about Luna? I've noticed she doesn't go on missions either."
"Oh, she…she's a special case." She sighed deeply. "Her mind is not…stable enough to roam the outside world and hunt the Void. I'm sure you've also noticed that…she's a little too immature for her age. She must…figure herself out before she can join the fight. And Emily was the one who found her." Aurelia chuckled softly. "The two are inseparable, like siblings."
Emily has a knack for recruiting Hunters, huh?
"Everyone's got their own little quirk, I suppose." Viola smiled. "And she is…eerily adorable."
Still, something's off about Luna. And I hope the rest are looking into it…even if that doesn't seem the case…
"So, for your first mission," Aurelia said, before closing her eyes. "I recently sensed an unusually large Void activity in this area, which appears to have gradually increased in a few months' time. I've neglected this area until now, since it was of low priority, and everyone else was, and still is, already busy with more important things. But, with you here, I can finally send someone." Golden eyes slowly unravelled.
"To the city of Deepshade."
Viola's face lit up, and her heart skipped a beat upon hearing that name.
"As I mentioned, the rest are busy," the golden-haired continued in a slightly worried tone, "I will have to send you alone. Is that okay?"
"O-Oh, sure! I don't mind!"
"You seem a little too eager suddenly." The Celestial eyed her curiously. "Are you really that excited?" Viola nodded with a wide grin in response. She chuckled lightly before adding, "But let me tell you something. There are two ways a certain area gains in Void activity. One, has anyone told you about an 'enchanted creeper'?"
Viola shook her head. "I haven't even had the creeper talk ever since I came here."
"An enchanted creeper is a creeper that lived long enough to evolve into a higher and more dangerous form. They look either slightly or extremely different from a normal creeper, and are far stronger. You have, in fact, encountered one back when they attacked your home."
Viola recalled the incident, and the image of the abnormally large creeper was still fresh in her mind.
"They're rarer and are capable of forming a group of normal creepers, all of which would follow the 'leader'. It takes a long time, several months at least. But, eventually, they will create a little army, posing a greater threat to the area they're situated in. But once the enchanted creeper is killed, the rest will scatter away in fear."
"So my job…is to hunt down a stronger creeper?"
"It hasn't been too long," she went on after nodding, "I am sure there will only be one of them. You are no longer the person you were that day. You've grown stronger, and I have faith that you can defeat it." She gave an assuring smile.
"I…I won't let you down!"
"Oh, and before you go…" Aurelia pointed at a bookshelf on Viola's right. Looking in the direction, she discovered a long, slender, stick-like object fully covered in a white cloth wrapped by a few ropes, which lay leaning on the bookshelf.
"Your custom-made weapon, as requested~"
Viola walked to it and gingerly picked it up. It was light, though she knew it was metallic, and the fabric felt cool to the touch. Her heart rose as she stared at it for a moment. "Open it." Aurelia chuckled, sharing in the excitement. The girl took in a deep breath before untying the ropes and taking off the cloth. The reveal left her mesmerised.
The sheath and handle were pitch-black, similar to Yukari's, though the handle had a few small white dots, seemingly resembling stars in a clear night sky. Viola gasped at how accurate it was to a certain treasured memory. And the handguard was a white, hollowed outline of a star symbol, with a full moon at the centre. Unsheathing it revealed a clean and serene light-silver blade.
"So," the creator of the weapon asked, "what do you think?"
"I-It's beautiful!" Viola exclaimed with joy. "It's exactly what I had in mind!" She then noticed a symbol at the very bottom of the blade, right above the guard. It was the Japanese kanji '菫'. Staring at it with narrowed eyes, she asked, "What's this?"
"It stands for 'violet flower'." She chuckled softly. "Thought it'd be a fitting touch. I hope it doesn't ruin your vision."
"No, not at all!" Violet eyes sparkled at Aurelia. "In fact, it elevates its beauty! Thank you very much for fulfilling my request!" She then gazed at her new toy. "Though I am a bit afraid of using it. Like…what if it breaks?"
"Don't fret," the golden-eyed spoke in an assuring tone, "I made sure to create it using the best of my magical abilities. It is tough like a diamond, and will not break so easily, even if you slip up a few times."
"I'm glad you took my incompetence into account." She returned with an awkward smile while rubbing the back of her head.
"Or…it was a special request that I made sure to give my best to fulfil." Aurelia smirked at her. "Silver pendant, silver sword, and a certain person whom you've named Silver…I wonder what's the connection…"
"What? N-No!" Viola's face flushed a warm red. "Yes, I call him Silver. But…he has nothing to do with this! I have my own reasons!" The other laughed a little at her response. "I-I will head off then!" She declared, sheathing the sword and covering it up again with the white cloth, before hanging it over her back via a sling attached to the fabric. She bowed before turning around and walking away hastily, though she paused to gaze back at her Master. "Uh…how do I get there?"
"I have just the right person waiting outside for you." The golden-eyed winked, which did not aid in Viola's flushed situation. She gingerly nodded and continued on her way. But, the moment she placed her hand on the doorknob—
"It seems…you have forgotten something."
The Master spoke in a rather ominous tone. Viola slowly turned around to face her, gulping at the sudden change of mood. "There are two ways a certain area gains in Void activity," she continued, "and I have only shared one."
"Oh…right! S-So, what is the second way?"
"A Slave of the Void."
"What?"
"They are even rarer than enchanted creepers, and the chance of one appearing during your mission is very low. Recognising them might be difficult…due to their human appearance. But they are extremely dangerous. If you do come across one…please retreat immediately and report back to me. I will have someone else take care of it."
Viola gulped.
"Do not try to fight them. At your current level…you will not win."
The chills ran down her spine when Aurelia uttered the final sentence. She nodded and rushed out of the room. Recalling the Celestial's words, she headed outside the mansion. And upon reaching the front door, she took in a deep breath before stepping out.
"I knew it—"
Silver stood waiting for her in the front yard. She walked up to him, unsurprised by his presence.
"Are you ready to head out?" he asked. "And what's with the red face—"
"N-Nothing!" she interjected. "I'm ready!"
"Then, follow me." He began walking towards a cherry blossom tree. Viola followed behind until the two stopped in front of a tree. Silver placed the palm of his hand on the trunk and closed his eyes.
"So," she asked, furrowing her brow, "what are we doing?"
"Just do what I do." His eyes flashed open as his hand was slowly absorbed by the tree, until his whole body went through it. She flinched in her spot and peeked behind the trunk, expecting him to be there.
"W-Where did you go?!"
A hand came out of the tree and grabbed her, dragging her inside. Before she could protest, she was already on the other side, but in a different forest.
"Head straight from here," he said, pointing north of their direction. "And you will reach the city."
"I had forgotten about the tree trick!" She chuckled with embarrassment upon seeing his disappointed face. "T-Thank you, I'll be on my way then…" But stopped when she realised her hand was still held by him.
"I-If you let me go?"
The realisation hit him, and he swiftly retracted. The two blushed a little, and she gave him an awkward grin before continuing on her way. "Are you sure about doing this alone?" He asked in a worried tone.
She paused and pondered the question. Was she really ready for this? Had she learnt enough skills to survive and cut through every danger? Or would she run back home? Because no matter the reason, in the end, she never wanted his life.
"I'll be fine."
She gazed back at him, smiling slightly.
"I will not let everyone's efforts on me go to waste."
Because no matter the protest, in the end, she cannot return home.
"I have to be strong for them."
Not yet.