The pale strings of light streamed through her window, the specially made glass projecting the light across the room. Light from Solis is rare, known as a gift from the Dea Kali. It was an unusual feeling because Cosimia had gotten used to the majestic darkness of Saturnus. The honeycomb texture of her walls was covered with armor, weapons, and drawings. It looked like the inside of a brain with all the drawings of planets posted on her bedroom wall. Her eyes fluttered, her multicolored eyes filtering the light. Cosimia shot up too fast, proceeding to bump her head on the rock hard ceiling.

"Oww!" she hissed, placing her cool hand to her temple, where she felt a dull throbbing. She pressed the release button and clutched the sides of her bed as she began to descend, the invisible stairs beginning to flicker to life. She stepped down, letting the bed fold itself up. Cosimia pressed her palms to the window, where the city of Zorias had woken up early, wanting to bask in the warmth of Solis. Zorias was like a patchy quilt; the city was constructed of small structures and soaring ones alike. Bursts of color dotted the widespread city. Cosimia sighed and rested her chin on her palm. She never got tired of watching Zorias come to life. The happiness radiated all the way to the top of the Minerva tower, to her room. For a minute, Cosimia was confused by the grand festivities. Usually, her city wouldn't awaken until late morning, and even then they were not this excited. The thought hit her like a speeding AirTran.

Today was Graduation Day. The others had to complete a series of tests to gain the spot while it was given on a golden platter to Cosimia, just as everything was. Her mother was the Commandant, the highest position in the Minerva Elite. She worked for the crown and dictated the school with an iron fist. Her brother was learning how to be a good king because King Sabra and Queen Rhea hadn't been lucky enough to have a boy. So naturally, her brother would get the spot because her family was right behind the monarchs of Zorias. Cosimia slid her index finger scanner, feeling the warmth of the laser on her finger. The scanner beeped a welcome, and her gigantic window slid open, giving her access to her favorite spot in the tower, her personal balcony. She sat dangerously close to the edge, but she wasn't worried. After all, the Minerva was trained for situations like these. Her room, small as it was, felt like Cosimia's only haven. Outside she was forced to put on a mask, be someone different. But here she didn't need to hide.

She grabbed her power drink, something that she had been drinking every morning since her first year at the school. Cosimia remembered trying it for the first time- it was the first moment where she had really begun to despise Geneva. 

"You'll learn, little sister, that as a member of the Minerva Elite, you have only one duty. To the throne and no one else, not even yourself. By drinking this, you will bring honor to Mother. Drink up." Geneva, her sister, held the bowl like it was made of glass. The clear liquid sloshed around inside and glittered like the stars. But it smelled like the acid volcanos in the Badlands, thick, putrid, and throat-clogging.

"But I don't wanna!" Cosimia whined, trying to scoot herself back until she was pressed against the wall. Geneva shoved the bowl under her nose and Cosimia felt her head beginning to spin round in circles endlessly. The stench was too much.

"Drink," Geneva commanded sternly, her dark eyes showing no sign of pity or regret for making her little sister suffer. Suddenly, like a breath of fresh air, Mathias swooped in, grabbing little Cosimia from the claustrophobic corner of the room and away from Geneva. Mathias, her favorite and only brother, had saved her again like he always did. She giggled with delight as he threw her up, feeling the cold air against her face as she came falling down. His strong hands gripped her tight.

"Don't torture her, Gen." He reprimanded, stepping into his big brother boots.

"She needs to know. You can't protect her all the time, Mathias," she said coldly, chugging the liquid without flinching. "She will disgrace this family." His face twisted into a grimace and he carried Cosimia out of the room.

"If you won't protect her, then I will," he stated, slamming the door behind him. 

In a flash, she threw the flask. It was blasted into oblivion by the invisible- and painful, as she found from experience- barrier, preventing anyone from going and coming in. The liquid fizzled and hissed like it was alive. She scowled and ran her finger over the tattoo, one that all the Minerva shared. It was a traumatic experience, especially considering she was only 10 years old and in her first year of training. Life was difficult already with the rigorous training that left her bones practically rattling. She was afraid to sleep because she would have to get up the next morning and suffer more. So when she awoke to the 2 older girls holding her down while one pierced her with a sedation needle, she was obviously terrified. She woke up with a fiery burning sensation on her arm and a head heavy with drowsiness. When she found a red-colored mark on the inside of her forearm, she felt like doing nothing but catching up on the hours of sleep she had missed. But she couldn't. She practiced, trained, and fought like any other day. She could tell it was painful for all the others but they stayed stiff and tensed like steel. So why couldn't she?

Cosimia stared into the city, watching the people buzz around, looking like grains of sand against the towering buildings and structures of the city. She herself was in one of the highest levels of the tower, and for a reason. She was trapped.

She heard a knock at the window, and she turned to see Isadora, one of her friends. Cosimia was just getting used to the idea of friends, and she liked it. Knowing that there was someone that you can trust with personal things was a relief. She definitely wouldn't talk to Geneva, or Mother and Mathias had priorities. At 19, she could take care of herself because she wasn't that scared girl that she used to be.

She stepped back into her room and Isadora leaned against the wall, staring at her unflinchingly.

"Ready?"

"When will I ever be?" Cosimia commented dryly, going to her closet and pulling on her grad day clothes given to her last week. Amorita, Carlin, and Eda, the other three competitors in the Trials, received theirs last week as well. Amorita, Carlin, and Eda were sisters and some of the most determined and dedicated Minerva so it really wasn't surprising that the Commandant picked them to compete. 

"Look, I know you don't want to do this. But if you become a Huntress you have the freedom to do what you want. You can use the Capsule Cars, go wherever you want, and finally be able to defeat your sister. And you can choose who's in your command." She stood silently, letting Cosimia register the fact. If she had freedom then she could finally explore and discover and learn everything she had always wanted to but never was able to without being caught. According to her mother, the Minerva didn't meddle in what wasn't their area of expertise. But now she finally could.

With the flame of determination stronger than ever before she turned to Isadora, who smirked.

"Ready now?" Without saying a word, she grabbed her weapons bag and stomped out the door. The hall was empty and deserted. Everyone was probably down in the arena, ready to watch. She slung the bag over her shoulder, the blunted point of her blades digging into her shoulder uncomfortably.

Pressing a few buttons, Cosimia stepped into the transport cars, steeling her stomach as they were shot up. With a boom, the car locked in and they stepped off, feeling the blazing rays of Solis on their faces. The practice was deliberately outside so they could fight in unfamiliar weather conditions. She went to her rest stop in the stadium and pulled the lever, murmuring the password quietly so no one would hear her. The barrier shuddered and she stepped through, the momentary chill from the barrier a wake-up call. It was time to be serious.

Cosimia unpacked her equipment which was personalized to her and set them in their proper spots. Electro Lockers for her weapons and tanks of melted ring ice which kept the armor clean and sweat-free. Sweating was not something that happened often on Saturnus because of Solis's rare occurrences. She dropped the armor in, careful not to splash any. In the corner, a secret stash of the power drink given to her by her sister. After staring at it for a while, Cosimia grabbed one of the bottles and chugged it down in one gulp, slamming the empty container into the ground. She winced from the burning aftertaste and smacked her lips together. Today, the horrid drink tasted even worse but she needed it to win. Her future depended on it. She knew that sounded overdramatic but it was true.

She went to the border of her equipment stall and stared out at the field, filled with 10th years warming up. Grabbing a piece of cloth, she tied her bright blue hair up, the few small hairs tickling her neck. In Zorias, everyone looked different. Cosimia had heard about the concept of genetics during her few tutoring sessions and how on some planets, like Terra, mothers and fathers could pass on their features and looks to their children. Her family was completely different; she had bright blue hair, Mother had black hair with multi-colored streaks, Geneva had dark blue hair with silver and purple streaks, and Mathias had shiny white hair with slight blue undertones.

She flexed her wrists and grabbed one of her practice weapons, an Armato. Each Minerva was given a different weapon each year. Because of who she was, she got two each year. The sword glittered in the sun, looking dangerously beautiful.

"Sister," she heard from behind her. Geneva stood seriously, wearing battle armor under her tunic.

"What?" Cosimia retorted, annoyed. She gripped the handle of her Armato tighter.

"You must win." Cosimia rolled her eyes, stomping past her sister. She practically said nothing else. The sound of metal against metal was so familiar, it was almost music. Solis beat down on her, and she felt herself heating up. The handle of Armato was slick and moist and Cosimia wiped it on her practice tunic.

"Cosi!" Airlia's bubbly voice called to her from somewhere down the arena. She saw her friend's pink-white hair and maneuvered around the sparring duos. 

"There you are! Where in all the rings have you been?" Airlia demanded, dragging Cosimia to an empty practice spot. They customarily touched weapons and circled each other. Cosimia leaped at Airlia who parried the blow and twirled around Cosimia in a wide circle.

"My, my, aren't you in a state today, my friend." Airlia giggled, wiggling out of the sword hold Cosimia had held her in.

"I need to win." Cosimia ground her teeth and leaped forward again, focusing on every lesson in combat ever taught. Keep your eyes on your opponent. Hands up, legs bent. Ready to pounce. Before she knew, she had won the match and they bowed to each other before taking a quick refresh break. Stationed around the arena were fuel stations, equipped with water and other necessities.

"What will you do if you win?" Airlia leaned against the cool stone of the wall, desperate to get away from Solis's overbearing heat.

"Everything." Airlia waited for more, but Cosimia said nothing else. The girls' chatter ceased and Cosimia knew that her family and the royal couple had arrived. Mother looked crisp and clean, showing no signs of suffering in the blistering heat. Geneva and Mathias stood on her either side. Mathias scanned the stadium until he saw her and winked. Airlia sighed dreamily beside her. Cosimia didn't have the heart to tell her that the wink hadn't been for Airlia. It was no surprise that Airlia liked her brother, as did many of the other 10th years, but Airlia was unaware of the fact that Mathias knew. Cosimia didn't want to be the one to tell her that Mathias wasn't interested in her that way. The horns blew, and Mother stepped forward.

"People of Zorias! On behalf of myself, Commandant Nedias, and our illustrious king and queen, we welcome you to the Kali Arenum. Relish this moment, for it will be the only time you will ever set foot here unless you are a Minerva parent. Now, I'm sure all the mothers and fathers of our students have already read the handout passed to you last week. If you haven't, shame on you." She spoke simply, coolly looking out over the audience. Her mother didn't stop for anyone or even bother to acknowledge what people are feeling. Solis shined down on everybody and Cosimia could feel droplets of sweat rolling down her forehead. The Kali Arenum was used only for particular events because it was said to be graced by the Goddess herself. It was one of the grandest buildings in the whole of Zorias and only few are privileged enough to see it. Cosimia looked up to the violet-blue sky. She could see the rings distantly from the arenum and yearned to go up there. The rings had always fascinated Cosimia and if she won, she might finally have a chance to see them. 

"For those who are simply bystanders, I have chosen four of the greatest Elites to combat for the position as huntress. To my students, remember our combat rules. Respect, drive, determination, and focus. Do not let anything bother you. And onlookers, if even a peep comes out of you expect to be excavated from the stadium, understood? Now, let the Trials begin!" She cried, thumping her fist with her chest twice as a sign of devotion to Dea Kali. Mother was known by all of Zorias. The people believed that she was making our city safe from threats by training the Minerva so they all loved and followed her blindly. With a quick fluid motion, she sat down in her chair. Cosimia retreated to her storage room, leaning against the back wall. She dragged her hand over her face slowly, feeling the skin stretch and fold on her face. How could she win? Yes, she was trained in combat but her heart wasn't truly in it. It never had been. How could she really believe that she could find that determination now? Her fight wouldn't be until later so Cosimia had a surplus of time to do one of her favorite things. Dream.

The barrier buzzed as she saw Geneva waiting for her, arms crossed impatiently. Cosimia pushed herself off the wall with her foot and slowly walked up to Geneva. She stood inches away from the barrier release button, finger poised over it.

"What do you want?" She demanded. Cosimia wanted to save her energy to fight and not have Geneva drain it. 

"Talk to you." Geneva said, rolling her eyes in over-exaggeration. Cosimia scoffed.

"Yeah, right." Her sister's dark eyes glinted as her mouth stretched into a smirk.

"I told Mother to pick you to fight in the final Trial." Cosimia whipped around, eyes blazing. Geneva saw her reaction and continued on.

"I knew you wouldn't be able to do it, so I signed you up for it. Think about how disgusted Mother would be when you lose." Cosimia clenched and unclenched her fists.

"Why do you hate me so much?" Geneva had the decency to look surprised but narrowed her eyes to slits.

"When you came into the world, with your perfect eyes and tiny blue wisps of hair, Mother was so happy because she had gotten a prophecy that one of her daughters would be one of legend. Before you were born, she thought it was me so she trained me, loved me, made sure no one hurt me..." Geneva dazed off, looking wistful. But she looked Cosimia straight in the eye, not breaking contact. "Until she had you. Then she forgot about me. Even more so when I didn't pass the entry test and became her personal assistant instead. Now you're in the final Trial, and she's been raving about how you got picked and how you'll win." Her face twisted into something ugly. "Now, she'll see that you're just as much a lost cause as I was."

"Am." Cosimia corrected, satisfied when Geneva's face lit on fire. It was true that she and Mother had a very different relationship than she did with Geneva, and she could tell Geneva was jealous. But she locked away the pity in a vault where it could never come out.

"So you thought that I'll fail the final Trial." Cosimia stated, arranging a plan. Geneva smirked and crossed her arms.

"You will. You're angry so you'll fight recklessly. And you'll lose."

"See, sister, that's where you're wrong." Cosimia lifted Rondali, one of the weapons she knew that Geneva had wanted for her coming of age. But since Geneva wasn't a Minerva, she only had three, the ones that Cosimia had rejected. Geneva twitched, grinding her teeth together.

"Anger is one of my greatest strengths, not weaknesses." She threw Rondali towards the barrier, the point almost touching Geneva's nose, right before it whizzed back into her palm.

"You always get better weapons. Mine doesn't even come back to me." She muttered, kicking the wall. Cosimia smiled sweetly at her glowering sister.

"Thank you for visiting, Geneva. But now, I want you to leave." She fluttered her hands. "Go on." She stalked off. Cosimia smiled. Geneva had just delivered the weapon that would make sure Cosimia won- anger. She was ready.