Grell's Chronicles

Chapter 1-Huntress

      I remember that fateful day. The day Xanthia wreaked havoc on my village. The day I lost my wings. The day my parents died. My mom always read me stories before bed. Stories about huntresses. They weren't like the princesses in fairytales. They didn't need a prince to rescue them. They were strong and independent. My mother never was one to follow the crowd. I dreamed of being like the women in the stories. That's why tomorrow, I'll be heading to Shuryo Academy. Now, this isn't your ordinary school. This is for warriors. This is for people like me.   

      "Grell, you have to start packing!" That's my adoptive mom, Ninfu. She's a small, energetic nymph. "I'm packing!" I yell back. Let's see... Toothbrush? Check. Toothpaste? Check. Hairbrush? Check. I put the items into a worn leather bag. I'll really miss the village. I'll miss my neighbors. The village used to have only nymphs, but now us angels live among them. Some households are nymphs, some are angels and some are nymphs and angels. Along with Ninfu, I live with my adopted sister, River. Like me, she is also an angel. Her parents and brother had died. She, however, has her wings. 

      "Sis, I'll miss you so much! Send me postcards, OK?" says River. She handed me a white tank top. "Don't worry, I will," I replied. I'm sincerely going to miss her. "Grell, come downstairs!" Ninfu said. I hopped down the spiral staircase, the polished wood railing against my hand. "Grell, are you sure you're ready for this? You're only 15! Most of the kids there are 18!" "Ninfu, I'm ready. I was lucky to get this scholarship," I said. "I'll send postcards, I promise." Ninfu breathed a sign of relief. "Grell, you should get some shut-eye. Tomorrow is the big day!" Ninfu squealed. "I'm coming with!" River exclaimed. 

      "Grell, I'm going to miss you," River sniffed. "River, I'll miss you too." I felt River grab my arm. "Riv, where are we going?" I asked. "You'll see," she said. She brought me to the balcony. River grabbed my waist. "River, we're sisters," I scolded. "No, it's not like that, silly!" I watched as my feet started to get off the ground. "River, what the heck?" River flew forward, holding me tight. "Ow, Grell! You're digging into my arm," she said. I stretched my arms. "Let me be your wings," said River. I really started to get into it. "Left!" "Right!" "Do a loop-de-loop!" I felt the cool breeze flow through my hair. "We should head back now," River said. "Aw, why?" I complained. "You really need to sleep." River dropped me off onto my bed. "Night sis." "Night." And I drifted off to sleep.