As the sun sets on the island, the students have once again gathered on the Grand Hall in time for the evening ball meant to welcome them all. The hall, huge enough to accommodate 200 students with more room for movement, glitters of glass, silver and gold. Each and every part of it is straight from dreams that no one could even dream off. But for all it’s beauty, all eyes are still drawn to the statue of silver and gold dispensing nothing but the finest of wines in the whole wide world standing as backdrop for the grandest stage one could ever see. And on the stage is the white-haired gentleman who’s ruby eyes pierce through the souls of the crowd.

“Good evening, students.” The crowd went silent as he spoke. All eyes turned towards him. His very existence commands obedience, and his voice demands attention. “I am pleased to welcome you all to our wonderful academy of Olympia. I am James Grace de Olympia, first prince of the Gracian Empire, and Headmaster of this school.

As it stands, this academy is going to be the final mountain you must climb if you seek greatness. Established over a century ago, Olympia has served as a guiding light for the world as a whole. Know that each and every one of you here today has not only proven yourselves to be capable enough to finish College, but outstanding enough to attend our Academy. As such, know that you are already on the path to become the future leaders of our world. Now, please enjoy your night.”

The crowd gave a round of applause as the Headmaster left the stage. Soon, the hall was filled with all the trappings of a partying crowd - music, laughter, cheers, whispers, and everything in between.

“You know, he kinda looks like you.”

Venus jumped at the voice that came from behind her. She turned around quickly, assuming a defensive stance as if an enemy will be jumping towards her at that very moment.

As fate would have it, though, it was just a confused Julia standing behind her.

Seeing how it’s not an adversary, she took a deep breath and calmed down. “You scared me… I thought I told you not to do that again…”

Julia smiled sheepishly, tilting her head sideways. “Sorry. I just thought I’d approach you for a talk. You looked kinda lonely here…”

“Thank you for your sentiment but I’m not…”

“By the way, the Headmaster kinda looks like you.”

Venus tilted her head as she combed her index and middle fingers through her hair. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you look eerily similar. Almost as if the two of you are…”

“Lady Marigold!” a familiar voice called out to her. “Ah, Gavin…” she sighed. “I was just having a chat with my friend here.”

“I see…” He turned to face Julia, bowing his head. “I’m Joseph Gavin. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Julia looked shocked, as if she did not know how to respond. It’s clear from her reaction that she’s yet to meet anyone with such formality.

A faint, nervous chuckle came out from her as she backed away. “I’m Julia…”

She leaned into Venus as if to whisper something. “Your friend is weird…” she said.

Venus smiled faintly as Joseph stood back up to full height.

“Lady Marigold, I suggest that you retire for the night. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.”

Venus nodded as she turned to face Julia. “I’m sorry for cutting our meeting short, but I really do need to rest…”

“Oh, please don’t worry about it! It is pretty late already, anyways…” Julia smiled.

This prompted Venus to walk away, escorted by Gavin.

“Fine work,” she said.

***

The day has been long but the night is longer. A long and tiring journey at sea and a day settling down in his new room, Louis is now trusted into a night of party. It has never been his strong suit, but all students are required to attend Welcoming Party at the Grand Hall and there’s nothing that can be done about it.

He’s about to leave as soon as the Headmaster finished speaking, yet something caught his eye.

A white-haired man with ruby eyes is walking around the party, chatting up everyone he came across. Louis isn’t one for socializing with the people that surrounds him, but this person is one he knew he couldn’t forget.

“Charles!” he called out to the man he saw. “Charles!”

The white-haired man turned around to face him, momentarily confused. As he closed in, though, the man gave a soft smile. “Louis?” he said.

“You… still… remember?”

“How could I forget? You were like a little brother to me!” Charles ruffled his hair. “You seem exhausted, though.”

Louis chuckled a bit. “I wasn’t able to go out often after moving to the European Federation.”

“I see…” Charles smiled. “I also see that you managed to get yourself into Olympia?”

“Of course!” Louis stood up proudly, like a kid reporting to his parents.

“Now if only my little sister is here with us…”

“What happened to Athena? Did she fail to get in?”

“If only that was the case,” he said. “Sadly, Athena disappeared five years ago. To this day, we are unaware of her whereabouts.”

“I- I see…”

“But please, do not let it drag down your hopes. Athena would be happy that you made it back here.”

***

Venus walked down the midnight streets of Olympia. The moon, high above her head, gently illuminates the path she took back home. Gavin, her aid, has requested to stay in the party longer.

And yet even the empty city felt cramped for her. It’s as if she’s been enclosed in a room with no doors or windows, nowhere to run or hide. Unable to leave.

But that is no longer the case. Now she is stronger. She’s not enclosed in a box anymore. She’s no longer running, no longer hiding. No, this time, she will be standing her ground.

One by one, the lights of the empty city went out. Each post, sign and building turned off, even the magnificent lights of the Grand Hall where the party is held. Soon enough, the city is shrouded in total darkness. Finally, a single flare flew into the night sky, exploding in a magnificent display of red and gold.

A chilling laugh echoed through the empty city that night.