One thing that started everything

Chapter 1: Decision Day

Are you really sure it's a good idea for me to attend that academy, Mrs. Chiaki?" Mizuki asked with a deep sigh, staring at the registration paper in her hand like it was a ticking bomb.

"Of course, sweetie." Mrs. Chiaki's voice was gentle but firm as she reached over, her fingers coming through Mizuki's midnight-blue hair, lingering at the striking white tips. "I wouldn't have given it to you if I wasn't sure. It's the perfect chance for you to step out of your shell—maybe even make a friend or two." She pinched Mizuki's cheek playfully, causing a faint blush to bloom across her face.

"But Abhivira Akademiya?" Mizuki groaned, covering her face with her hand. "It's the toughest, most elite academy in Nirvana! Everyone knows that."

Mrs. Chiaki sighed dramatically, giving her a light punch on the shoulder. "Exactly. People are dying to get into that place. You should be grateful, Mizuki. Don't waste this chance."

Mizuki rolled her eyes and grabbed her shoes. "Fine. I'll think about it... after my morning walk. But no promises." She darted out to the door before Mrs. Chiaki could protest, eager for some fresh air.

The bustling streets of Nirvana stretched out before her, alive with energy. People milled about, ice cream in hand, as the August heat shimmered in the air. But just as Mizuki began to lose herself in the hum of the city, a sudden, piercing scream shattered the calm.

"Help me! Somebody, please!"

Mizuki's instincts kicked in. She sprinted toward the sound, heart racing. Rounding the corner, she froze. A hulking, grotesque creature loomed over a terrified teenager, its grotesque from towering nearly twice the height of any man. Its skin was dark and scaly, with muscles bulging beneath it, radiating raw, primal power.

Without a second thought, Mizuki's hand flew to the nearest wall. Ice erupted from her fingertips, spreading rapidly across the brick surface before surging toward the creature. In an instant, it was encased in a prison of frost, frozen mid-roar.

The teenager scrambled to their feet, eyes wide in disbelief. "T-Thank you! Thank you so much! They bowed quickly, their voice quivering before they turned and fled.

As Mizuki dusted her hands off and prepared to leave the scene, the unmistakable wail of police sirens dew closer. She quickly ducked out of sight. Two officers arrived, taking in the iced-over monster with grim expressions.

"Another one?" one of them muttered, shaking his head. "That's the fifth this month."

Mizuki's brow furrowed. Monsters? In Nirvana? She hadn't heard anything about this. Keeping a low profile, she quietly slipped away and continued her walk, her thoughts now buzzing with questions.

Eventually, she found herself in front of a quaint little drink shop, a welcome distraction from the chaos in her mind. Stepping inside, her eyes were immediately drawn to the menu. One item in particular stood out—Nebula Nectar. Its description promised a swirling galaxy of colors—purple, blue, and silver—crafted from starfruit harvested from celestial vines. She ordered it, handing over five shimmering Luminas coins, each glowing faintly like they were holding starlight itself.

Drinking in hand, Mizuki made her way to the park, seeking some peace amid the city's clamor. She settled on an empty swing, letting the cool breeze wash over her. But just as she was about to take a sip of her celestial drink, a presence approached.

Mizuki turned to find the teenager from before, now standing awkwardly behind her. The hood of their cloak fell back, revealing lemonade-pink hair and hazel eyes, shyly avoiding Mizuki's gaze.

"Umm... Thank you for earlier."

Mizuki slowly nodded and answered. "Don't mention it. But... if you don't mind me asking, how long have these monsters been showing up?"

The girl sighed and sat on a nearby bench, looking down at her hands. "Since July. They only appear during crowded times and... attack people." Her voice wavered as she spoke.

Mizuki's eyes narrowed, intrigued. Why is this happening now? She glanced at the girl.

"I'm Aneko, by the way," the girl added softly.

"Mizuki," she replied, giving a slight nod. "Nice to meet you."

Aneko stood, offering a smile. "Thanks again, Mizuki. I hope to see you around." She bowed before turning to leave, and Mizuki responded with a wave.

As the day wore on, Mizuki found herself wandering back to the apartment. The sky was now tinged with orange as the sun began to set. Mrs. Chiaki greeted her with a knowing smile.

"How was your morning walk? Though it's more like evening now," she teased.

Mizuki grumbled, kicking off her shoes. "I'll give you my decision after I shower." She disappeared upstairs, but the events of the day replayed in her mind like a broken record. The monster, Aneko, the academy—everything was colliding at once. When she finally returned downstairs, her decision had crystallized.

Mrs. Chiaki was waiting at the dinner table, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "So?" she asked, leaning forward.

Mizuki took a deep breath, her voice steady and certain. "I've decided. I'll go to Abhivira Akademiya."

A silence fell over the room, but it wasn't the heavy kind. It was the kind of silence that follows after something monumental. Mrs. Chiaki's eyes sparkled with joy as she stood up and practically danced to the kitchen, returning with the registration papers and a pen.

"I knew you'd come around!" she beamed, practically thrusting the pen into Mizuki's hand. "Just fill this out, and leave the rest to me."

Mizuki stared down at the paper, her fingers brushing the edge of it. The questions were laid out in neat rows, each one more daunting than the last.

Why should we accept you?

What are your powers?

How well can you control them?

Mizuki's hand hovered over the page for a moment before she started writing. Each word felt heavy with meaning, but also with the weight of what she was signing up for. When she finished, she placed the paper on the table and glanced at Mrs. Chiaki, who had fallen asleep on the couch, a serene smile on her face.

Mizuki covered her with a blanket before heading upstairs. Alone in her room, she collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. She grabbed her pillow and smacked herself with it, groaning.

"Why did I agree to this?"