1 The Trials and Tribulations of Being an Outcast

I looked in the mirror putting on the finishing touches of my outfit for the festival tonight. As spring came so did my dread, in just a few short weeks, we'd be evaluated again. I'd chosen to wear a luxurious emerald green robe attire, it resembled the hanfu worn as formal attire by the moon children. Although theirs were shades of beautiful whites blues and purples. They dawned beautiful silver and gold accessories that made them look as if they'd been kissed by the stars. Their complexions were all perfect, smooth skin that was just ever-so-slightly flushed with soft pinks. The men and women alike had long hair with never one strand out of place. This accentuated their elegant tall bodies. In my eyes, and in the eyes of the world, they were perfect, heavenly creatures. I wanted so badly to become one of them.

However, I am far from heavenly. In fact, I more so resemble a vampire than a heavenly figure. Light porcelain skin, without a breath of pink, quite tall, and a lean build, although how muscular I am makes it difficult to distinguish whether I'm a man or a woman (which I'm holy grateful for). Complete with long, wavy, dark chestnut hair, angular facial features, slim lips, and heterochromia, causing one eye of mine to be sage green, and the other a deep crimson. Lastly, two dark beauty marks on the corners of my eyes. Not to mention my abilities consisted of shape shifting and green fire. It's well renowned in local schools as "the devil's fire". See? Not heavenly at all.

I was admiring the delicate headpiece I wore and the way my hair had been swept into a warrior-like half up half down, complete with an emerald ribbon. As I stroked my hair some pieces got caught in the many rings I'd chosen to wear. Just as I was putting my Nazar bead earrings in I heard a call. It was a familiar voice "Sky! Come here so we can walk together, we'll get beaten silly if you make us late." I'd only managed to get one earring in before I swiftly wrapped black cuffs around to finish my undergarments and went running down the stairs. The bells and ribbons, crystals, beads, and any other pretty ornament I could find that'd been braided into my hair clinked as I frantically ran down the stairs and put my boots on. As I carelessly opened the door and stepped out, I tripped on the threshold, which caused me to fall rolling onto the dirt road. As I got up and brushed myself off I could hear the sound of a voice laughing almost pitifully. "Shut up Soreli, it's not funny" I heard myself call. Across from me was a girl with tan skin and curly caramel locks. She wore a white sundress with delicate gold accessories and just a hint of glitter above her eyes. She giggled and called back "Okay let's go, the sooner we get there the sooner you can be reprimanded for your behavior."

"But I haven't even done anything wrong yet!" I protested.

"You've never made it through one of these events without finding trouble," she answered in a calm voice.

I sighed in submission. She was right after all. The walk was quiet and scenic. The big open fields on either side of the dirt road were green and flowering, and the sunset flirted with the horizon.

As hard as I tried, I couldn't stop thinking about what Soreli had said earlier, I mean she was right, I'd never made it through an event without conflict. However, I never sought it out. It's not as if I wanted to have my skills and motivations questioned, my background looked down upon. I didn't want to be forced into situations where I had to defend myself. Although I can't blame Soreli for not understanding, she comes from a well-respected family and has the gift of purity and sunshine. But still, my least favorite thing on the planet is being misunderstood.

I'd been silent and deep in these thoughts for too long apparently, as I heard Soreli ask me what was wrong.

"Oh sorry just spacing" I responded

"Well anyway, do you want to train with me for evals?"

"I think that's sort of futile"

"But if you don't do well at those, nobody will hire you!"

"Mhmm"

Yet another thing she didn't understand, it's not that I didn't want to do well, but countless teachers have already told me that nobody would want me no matter how good I was, I was too tired to see the point in trying. Although theoretically, since I'd been adopted by a well-off family which was second only to Soreli's I should be well renowned. Unluckily for me, everybody in the city knew I was originally abandoned by peasants as a young child because they believed me to be demon spawn.

When we arrived at the spring festival it was beautiful, the sun was setting and the streets were bustling with people dressed in vibrant spring colors. Decorations and lanterns lined the streets, along with vendors in stalls selling all sorts of treats. It was really a delightful gathering, especially for a countryside city like ours. The joy this day brought was like no other. Soreli and I had to weave our way through the crowd to meet our families at our assigned positions.

Each of the 6 most prominent families in Beiyang have run the festive rituals every year for generations. The eldest child of each family takes a torch and adds it to the large bonfire at the city's heart, then takes their place around the fire with their elders. The younger children of each generation will add wood and straw as fuel for the fire, and take their respective places. Finally, they will kneel to pay their respects to the gods for whom the offering is for. Typically commoners will also pay their respects by prostrating themselves before the six families and the fire.

Soreli and I went our separate ways since she'd be carrying straw and I was to carry a torch. Since I'd come of age, bringing the fire every year had never gotten any less daunting, I despise the feeling of all those eyes on me. When it was my turn to walk and present my offering I could feel my legs shaking, and sweat on my brow. Luckily for me, I managed to make it through the ceremony unscathed, however, this would not be the end of the trails this night had in store for me. My elders soon whisked me away to exchange due formalities.

"Ahhh young master Xie, it's been a while, it's a pleasure to have you tonight"

"You flatter me, I'm honored to be welcome here tonight sir"

"Nonsense, you know we enjoy it when you come around."

Master May was the only head of a prominent family that treated me with such kindness, on one occasion he even insisted I called him "uncle". The eldest son of the May family, however… never treated me with much courtesy

"Young Mistress Xie." He addressed me in this way very nonchalantly, as if that was not a direct dig at my authority.

The Xie family had never had any sons, despite having three other biological children. To let my sisters live easy lives, and because of my age and power, I took on the title of "Young Master". This is a very common occurrence in the capital city, but in the countryside, I was the only one of my kind, as if I needed to stand out anymore. Naturally, I could not allow this remark to bother me, even though I could feel my cheeks burning with anger. Still, I responded with a very calm face and eyes.

"Ezra, we are like family at this point, there's no need for such formality, you may just call me Skylar."

"My apologies, "Sky". I'm just quite tired of you behaving as if we are equals." He spoke in a quite resentful tone.

With this remark, he took a flying kick at me. As I dodged out of the way he became even more aggravated and attempted to throw a punch. I raised one of my hands and caught his punch. I stood there stoically for a moment, watching his shock as he realized that his efforts didn't move me an inch. I pushed him several paces back in warning.

"I'd caution you to not get into further physical altercation with me. I fear it will not end well for you, Brother Ezra."

With this remark, I turned to leave when I felt a wind beside me. He had been stupid enough to try to attack me again! This time I mobilized some of my power, letting out just enough green fire to obscure people's views and to burn Ezra's eyebrows and hair off. He deserved that at the very least. While views were still obscured I jumped up to the top of a building and stealthily made my way out of the festival back home. I had hoped my manners would curry the favor of the public, but something told me this would somehow be made my fault. Yet again.

-

The day of our evaluations came, much to my dismay. Other children of nobility always used these events as an excuse to provoke me. Regardless, I had no choice but to go. I'd gotten ready in a haste, having overslept in the morning. After washing my face and hurriedly tying my hair up, I got dressed, and then looked in the mirror. This was when I froze. Despite my reputation, those who meet me face to face are usually met with elegance, and kind eyes. I'm much more caring than the people in this city give me credit for. Typically I appear intellectual and composed. Never in a million years would anybody suspect somebody with a countenance like mine would bear the "violent nature" I have. Or at least that's what I hear the rumors say.

But today. Today was a different story.

Looking in the mirror… For the first time, I understood why so many commoners found the rumors about me to be believable. My wavy hair half-haphazardly thrown into a high ponytail had many strands escaping, and the gaps in the black leather armor I wore showed my deep red clothes peeking out from beneath me. The contrast caused my multicolored eyes to seem like they were glowing. The black armor also offset my very pale skin. Predictably, Soreli calling me from outside broke off my chain of thought. I found myself anxiously adjusting the cuffs at my wrists and tucking the stray fabric into my boots in an attempt to make myself look more composed. It was useless though, my tardiness had betrayed me. I didn't even have enough time to exit through the front gates of my household, instead, I lept out my window to meet Soreli outside.

She opened up her mouth to say something then froze, appearing bewildered.

"Yeah yeah yeah, I know, I'll run us late if we don't hurry, let's get going."

At this remark, Soreli seemed to snap out of her trance "mhmm" she murmured.

She led me to the roadside where she'd already had my horse taken out of the stable and prepared for me to go, she must've predicted I'd rise late. Without any further discussion, we mounted our horses and set off.

I looked over at Soreli and couldn't help but feel shocked that she was riding abreast with me. She was wearing delicately made metal armor, which was covered in many colorful ornamental designs. She was dressed in a white blouse and skort, with white boots and shin guards matching her baby blue and gold armor. Some spots were also decorated in red as well. Soreli, with her caramel hair back in two braids, appeared as if she was floating while riding her snowy white horse. It struck me that she looked rather other-worldly at the moment. Maybe this would be the year the Moon Children would recruit her and take her away from me…

"What are you looking at? Have you had breakfast? Here!" With this remark, Soreli threw a pastry at me.

She really had made a habit of interrupting my thoughts.

Catching the pastry and taking a bite I said "You really shouldn't worry about me so much…It might make your husband jealous one day" The second half of my words affected a teasing tone.

"My husband would have to be an oaf to think you were a threat" She shot back, sounding rather defensive.

"Whatever. Are you nervous?" After all, this was to be Soreli's first evaluation.

"Mn." She nodded. "I want to do well, I fear I'd disgrace my family if nobody gave me an offer."

"I think I've thoroughly disgraced my own family enough for the both of us." I felt somewhat dejected as I realized this.

The Xie family had taken me in as one of their own and were always very patient with me. My younger siblings look up to me like I'm their own blood relative. Mr. and Mrs. Xie even made sure to incessantly remind me that the rumors about me are not my fault. They told me that they were just intimidated by my power and that I'd get a good job and be well renowned one day. However, as I did not want to go into business or politics, my other option as a child of the aristocracy was cultivation. Hence I trained day and night to be skilled enough at fighting and at using my powers to receive offers from a good group to take me in. What I'd never expected was that despite placing at the top rank for three years in a row, nobody would dare take me in.

Typically, when children turn 16 and are eligible is when they begin to attend evaluations, and when they turn 20, they are no longer eligible. This year, I have turned 19 and this will be my last chance. Unfortunately…Soreli, who is three years my junior, is more likely to get an offer than me.

I'd long been aware that there were clear differences between me and my peers, but shunning me and claiming I'm the child of a demon still feels a bit dramatic. Regardless of my unparalleled sense of propriety, my hard work in schooling, and my combat talents, I still haven't been able to stop the constant circulation of rumors. On one occasion somebody tried to have me exiled over a claim that I'd allegedly killed the only son of the Xie family so I could have all the power to myself- which, for the record, was a farce. Despite this, the pretense others have made for my identity has still rendered me incapable of finding a path I can take. At this rate, I'll either become a house-dweller all my life or have to move far away and live as a commoner.

-

As I entered the arena walking side by side with Soreli, I could hear all the other young adults present whispering. I've had unnaturally good senses since I was a child, to me the world is very very clear. In turn, this gave me some quite awful headaches in my early youth, because I was so sensitive to stimulus. It wasn't until I turned 14 that it started getting much better. The people around us were whispering about me out of disdain, and Soreli out of envy. The problem with being members of the aristocracy is your life will never be low-profile. I should know, I've spent all my life trying to blend in. The only time I get to be normal is when I'm in my house, taking care of my sisters, or keeping my parents company. Besides Soreli, they're the only people who don't treat me any differently.

Naturally, hearing all the gossip, I looked at Soreli and quietly scoffed.

"Looks like we have some dedicated fans" I hissed while rolling my eyes

"They're just being like that because they're jealous of both of us," Soreli remarked with a sweet tone in her voice.

"They're jealous of you, they're scared of me," I said matter-of-factly. However, Soreli was quick to respond.

"They fear you because they'll never be able to do what you do they're probably secretly quite envious"

She had a point.

"I'm supposed to be the one keeping you calm, not the other way around."

Soreli smiled and let out a small giggle.

I've known Soreli since she was born, and I was three years old. Our families work closely with each other so it was natural we made acquaintance with each other very early on. As soon as she could walk, Soreli was coming over to my residence to play. Since then, I frequently found myself looking after Soreli. To me, she's like a fourth sister. This may be because when we were kids, our parents had planned to marry Soreli, the youngest daughter of the Sun, who hadn't already had a fiance arranged for her, to the eldest son of the Xie family. Unfortunately, this plan went out the door when the Xie family never bore a male heir.

"Well, would you look at that the princess and her bodyguard have arrived?" Somebody called in a slightly mocking tone.

It was Hua, he's the youngest son of the Grey family, and he's holy obnoxious. The Grey family is the lowest ranking of the six influential families in Beiyang, yet Hua still has the nerve to behave so pompously.

"Are you here to offer your hand in marriage to m'lady? Because I'm certain she'd reject you" I answered back, my voice dripping with apathy.

Since the situation with arranging the marriage between the Sun and Xie family had not worked out, I'd been constantly trying to find somebody else for Soreli to be engaged with. Actually, Hua is perfectly fine other than his pridefulness, which will likely fade away in time. I'd even go as far as to call him a frienemy. He's Soreli's age, rather skillful, and he's from a pretty decent family as well. However, Sorel has turned down every suitor I've found her, so I was fairly confident I would not mess up future engagement by making this remark.

Instead of responding, Hua just moved sideways allowing Soreli and me through, appearing rather wounded.

The evaluations we were put through lasted six hours. The trails consisted of archery, swordplay, power demonstration, unarmed combat, and freestyle combat. I'd be lying if I didn't say I felt rather prideful that I was number one in every category. 400 people were attending this evaluation. Though I'd always been first overall, this was my first time winning any single category, never mind all of them. Soreli had done well, placing in the top 20 overall. I felt relieved in the knowledge that many spectators had seen her do well, which meant she'd get a good job. On the other hand, I already knew my fate. It didn't matter that I'd won every trial with flying colors, nobody wants the drama and gossip of adding me to their ranks.

As I predicted before we even left the arena to retrieve our horses and ride back, Soreli had received an offer to go train with the phoenix battalion, which took up camp in Toulan. Toulan is only about three days' travel from Beiyang, and she wouldn't have to depart until half a month later. I felt thankful that I wouldn't have to be too far from Soreli, even though she would have to leave.