Dark Reincarnation: Nightshade

Chapter 1

                   Author's Note

   So I'm just going to say it, this is my very first time actually writing a full story. I know it's going to have issues and won't be the best but I'm improving everyday. So hopefully you'll be able to give it a chance. I can promise that by the second part in the series I'll have improved a lot.

----------Time Skip: 10 years----------
                    Alice's POV

      "Finally, today's the day.." I say to myself as I brush my hair. Looking at myself in the mirror I still can't believe this is how I look now. I'm currently ten years old and only about four foot tall. I have long midnight black hair that reaches down just past my waist. I'm a little on the pale side naturally which makes my violet purple eyes stand out like crazy.

"I'm finally going to learn what affinities I have, I can't wait!!"

  
     Sadly, even after having had ten years since I was reincarnated in this world, I still have all my memories from my last life. I remember all the pain and trauma as well as how bland that world was. At least this time around things are a lot better, even if my parents avoid me. At least they don't abuse or mistreat me. But the best part about this world is that it has actual magic.

      Yet even though there is magic and almost everyone is supposed to be able to use it by the age of five, I've been forbidden to even try it. I'm not sure why my parents won't teach me magic and since there was none in my previous life I had no idea where to even start. But today is the day all that changes. Today I get to learn what magic I should be able to use.

     Apparently it is required by law around here for all children to go to the temple when they turn ten. Something about assessing and registering their mana levels as well as which elements they have an affinity for. Those with unusually high mana are then instantly enrolled at the magic academy in the capital. I'm assuming its so they can try and keep an eye on them since they would technically be more powerful then most so to speak. Since it's required by law my parents have no choice but to take me and I'm really excited.

       It took about an hour to get to the temple by carriage. It was a pretty long hour considering there was an awkward silence the whole trip as my parents didn't even say a single word to me. Sadly, I'm actually used to it.

      As we come to a stop in front of the temple I couldn't help but stare at it speechless. To say the temple was big was an understatement. It was at least six stories tall with big stained glass windows and appeared to be made entirely of white marble. I was suddenly pulled out of my daze as my father opened the carriage door motioning for me to get out. As i step out I notice there's about twenty other kids here with their families waiting to go inside.

        When the temple doors open we are immediately separated from our parents. They were to be seated on benches so they could watch the ceremony while we were put into a single file line in front of the alter. Just as everyone got settled down the main priest walked onto the stage while two servants followed behind him pushing a small cart with some kind of crystal ball on it.

       "I welcome you all here on this joyous day, for today will mark the beginning of these childrens lives and mark the paths for their futures." The main priest said as he stood next to the crystal. "We shall now begin the ceremony. As I call you forth, you shall come up and place both hands on the crystal. It will then glow according to your mana capacity. The brighter it glows the more mana you hold. It will then start to turn colors according to with elemental affinity you may have. Now shall we have the first come forward."

         The kid in the front of the line then walked up to the crystal and placed his hands on it. After a few seconds the crystal started to glow a little bit. The priest looked neither impressed or upset. He just looked like he was already bored. The crystal then suddenly changed first to red then to green.

    "You have a pretty average but decent mana capacity and your elemental affinities appear to be fire and air. Well done child, you may go sit with your parents. Next child please."

     I was last in line due to me getting sidetracked looking at the temple earlier so it was going to be awhile before I was called. I was starting to get more and more nervous as time went by. The next three kids that went up had around the same result. A mild glow and one or two affinities. However, when the next kid went up and placed his hands on the crystal it started to glow a lot brighter before turn red then brown then green. Fire, earth and wind.

       "My, my, three elemental affinities and a huge mana capacity, looks like we have this year's first extra talented one."   The head priest said with an unsettling smirk on his face. "You may go say your farewells to your parents then precede through that door."

     The first kid to be immediately enrolled to the magic academy. As he walked away from the altar I could see a huge smile on his face as he practically ran to his parents. I watched as his mother hugged him and his father held back tears with an equally huge smile. He seemed well loved by his parents, they must be happy for him. Must be nice.

      Lost in thought I hardly paid any attention as the rest of the kids took there turn before finally it was my turn.
As I started walking up to the altar I glanced back at my parents and all I saw was that same look of fear I've grown so accustomed to.

       "Place your hands on the crystal child, so that we may continue." The head priest said trying to usher me on.

         I do as he said and raise both hands, placing them on the crystal. Almost immediately a strange quietness developed the temple, everyone temporarily shocked at what they saw.