Episode 1: The Ugly Girl Enrolls

The gates of Antarcia University were built for giants.

Gold inlaid, taller than three men, and with the iron mettalic gate. So, interesting!!

-- Arin

I kept my head down as I walked through them.

Hair greasy, glasses crooked, shirt faded and two sizes too big. My bag had a rip I didnt bother to fix.

Let them think I was broke. Let them think I was ugly. Let them think I was harmless.

Because harmless girls don’t get targeted twice.

“Transfer student! Over here!” Three upperclassmen blocked the main path, arms crossed, grins predatory. Standard welcome committee. "Transfer fee. 50,000 credits. Pay up or we help you carry your bag.”

I stopped, gripped my bag tighter, and let my voice waver.

“U-um… I dont have that much. My f-family isn’t… we’re not like that.”

Perfect. Their eyes glazed over. Boring. Pathetic. Not worth the effort.

That's when they make mistakes. That's when they look you in the eye.

Flash...,.........

A past life. A battlefield. This one Derek had run, leaving his squad to die for a promotion.

He still dreamed of it. Still woke up screaming twice a week. And he'd kill to keep it hidden.

“Last warning, freak.”

Before I could answer, a voice cut through the air. Calm. Annoyed. Used to cleaning up messes.

“Leave her alone.”

The student council president. Tall, sharp uniform, that I'm too busy for this face. Derek and his friends backed off fast.

“Just doing our job, President,” Derek said, bowing. “She's safe.”

Safe. Right. I kept my head down, letting a few fake tears slip.

“T-thank you, senior…”He glanced at me once. Once was enough. His eyes were sharp. Calculating. He didn't buy the act. Trouble,I thought ...but useful trouble.

“Get to orientation, first-year. Don't let them catch you alone again.”

He walked off without waiting for a reply.

I exhaled.

Act 1 complete.

The rumor would spread by lunch:

"Celeste's youngest daughter is back. She's ugly, awkward, and useless now. Unlike her brother who's a good looking man and honored student in this Antarctica university. She's no good to his brother. She's boring ."

Everyone still gossiping her even it was her 1st day of school.

Good. Let them underestimate me. - Arin

Because the girl they ignore is the one who remembers everything.

And at this school, every person I meet is a clue.

Who pushed me down those stairs?

Who killed my mother?

Who made my father look at me like I was the monster?

I didn't come here to make friends.

I came to hunt.

And the hunt starts with looking as weak as possible..

Characters:

Marinette Synne Celeste