-•-
Banwa Hamili, Kayunta (Morning)
"Lagusan ng Mahiwagan Hardin (Entrance to the Enchanted Garden)
Dingin mo ang aking kahilingan, (Listen to my wishes)
Magbukas ka para sa akin, (Open for me)
Papasukin mo ang may mabuting mithiin" (Welcome those with pure hearts)
In an instant, the tree that was once all bark and wood morphed into a shimmering entrance towards a golden space inside.
"Tayo na" Illumina retracted her hand and gestured them inside as she herself walked in first, Amaya scrunched her face at her sister's antics and held Xiuying's hand while Adrianna walked alongside her.
"What is this place Miss Amaya?" Xiuying's hair was blown away by the surging wind as she stepped into the enchanted garden. She was enamored by the flowering bushes and delicate swaying of trees as if she was into another dimension of tranquility. Golden butterflies flutter around as wisps guide their every move, dancing from leaves and plants alike.
"This is where Lady Alunsina rests in her times of peril, her tears and love became the very nourishment of soil these plants need" Amaya explained with a longing smile and directed them into an open space tea table where an attendant of the garden delivered a tray of porcelain set.
"Have some gumamela tea, it is infused with honey" The black haired woman poured her a drink. Xiuying looked at her master who gave a supportive gesture before downing the liquid which tasted somewhat tarty and sweet.
"Good girl" Amaya gave her a pat on the head, "Isn't this garden beautiful? Gardens from your mainland pales in comparison to ours" Xiuying nods almost forcibly at her prideful tone.
'If our Yín Fú Castle (Xiuying's birth palace) did not fall, it's certainly the most beautiful'
"Siyang tunay, aking kapatid…kaya ating pagbigyang pugay ang tagapag-alagang si Shēng Yúe ( That is true my sister, that is why we must praise the caretake: Shēng Yúe" Illumina added with her head held high as an older woman in her forties came by her side and handed a scroll. Xiuying may not be well versed in their lingua but she sensed their praise for this particular person and perceived her face familiar as if she have seen the woman around, Shēng Yúe herself met her sky blue eyes but only showed a glint of wonder before she took the scroll back and walked off. Xiuying left a thought for her to ponder later: That name…it felt Samaarian as well as the golden eyes full of silent mischief.
"Little princess, did you enjoy what you've seen?" Illumina finally acknowledged her presence and spoke in a cocky manner, Xiuying is but a guest to take it with no offense.
A princess without a kingdom must not take more enemies.
"I thank my gracious hosts for showing me such grand places" The young girl stood up and gave a courteous bow taught in her kingdom. Illumina suddenly burst into laughter as both Amaya and Adrianna shared their concern.
"Paumanhin (I'm sorry), you don't see a princess do this to you everyday" The dark haired woman held her laughter while wiping the remaining tears from her eyes when Xiuying seemed troubled and Amaya urged her to take a seat.
"Do not take it to heart, it was a humor to lighten the mood. Seems like Princess Urduja has to learn something from your 'humble beginnings'" Illumina assured then resumed sipping her tea after Adrianna glared daggers at her, "I believe we should discuss the pressing issues at hand, dear Illumina…I trust my apprentice is here to learn from you both".
Amaya herself became silent while Xiuying exhaled the pressure building inside her ribcage and drank her cup for distraction.
-•-
Cordaelia, Coronas ( Hour of Midsun/ Noon)
"Did you see him?" Linthea asked with a mirthful expression, pointing to a tall building before them. Hisako followed to where her senior's hand and saw a figure obscured in the shadows, "Ah..yea I see it" she calmly replied.
"Ibarra-gege~" Linthea called out in the highest frequency she can achieve, reaching distant areas that Ibarra himself fled in embarrassment. Gege. A conjunction she used to address belonged to her old nation that acknowledged an older male in a respectful manner—Hisako surmised.
The dark haired woman laughed out loud, clutching her stomach as she doubled over. Hisako looked at her expressionlessly, seeing how the woman shined brighter when she's enjoying herself.
"You seemed to be having a lot of fun" Calyx approached them from behind, his voice calm but stern.
"Don't come here if you're just going to lecture me" Linthea turned to him with her hands on hips, "I know you're serious when it comes to missions" She grumbled.
"I was actually going to ask you if you'd like a tour around Plaza la Paz…." Calyx trailed off while scratching the back of his neck Hisako watched the scene unfold, her senior nervously hiding his blush while the other was left in the air.
"Huh?" Linthea finally voiced out after a good minute of silence. The little girl couldn't help but pinch the bridge of her nose while Calyx seemed to plan his retreat by changing the topic.
"Prince Leo did say that the plan to enter the castle couldn't be till tomorrow afternoon. You could use the time to explore the city, senior Thea…with senior Calyx of course" Hisako pitched in when Calyx was about to open his mouth. Linthea thought about it deeply and seemed to agree with the girl's reasoning, "You're right! I don't see why not" She smiled innocently while von Vyrien looked as if he was shot twice in the heart.
'This is better than nothing senior Calyx…I'm already helping you' Hisako eyed him and quietly urged the man to carry on.
"Yes, you did say you wanted to enjoy Coronas before" Calyx cleared his throat as he straightened the tie around his dark violet hair, "I'll be waiting for you outside" it came out like a breath of relief that he walked out with the accessories of his attire chiming like bells.
—
"This is a surprise…" Calyx turned to his companion as they walked the wide hallway of the plaza.
"What's wrong?" Came a slightly raspy reply
"I took the wrong wallet" She gave him a smile that dealt a number on his heart. While his face remained unmoved by the sight Hisako can see how his eyes softened even for just a split second and sighed; she was supposed to stay indoors but was dragged along by them.
If there was a bet about these dense people, she surely would've won a fortune.
"Don't worry, I'll let you borrow" Linthea lightly poked his elbow with a chuckle, "Hehe, I knew I can always depend on you"
Solemn cherry red eyes trailed their movements before rolling over in repulsion as they walked the ceramic tiled pavements, intricately designed with patterns of flames and fierce themes that Coronas symbolises.
Plaza la Paz, the oldest, most lavish baroque place of leisure in the country. Enclosed with food shops, trinkets and other social establishments around it, the surrounding buildings are held up by smooth marbled columns and adorned with balcony railings of elegant craftsmanship, creating a sophisticated backdrop. Located at the center is a three headed lion—Coronas' insignia— symmetrically lined with fiery jacaranda trees and gardenia jasminoides shrubs carefully cared and cleaned after. If a date is what one is looking for, Plaza la Paz is the best option as it portrays a style of elegance and carries the mark of Coronas' legacy.
'By the Gods when will these two…' The girl shifted her gaze towards the curved bridge where a gondola is crossing underneath before admiring the flowering vines that lined the plaza's columns.
"Psst–
Do you think Hisako's having fun with us?" Linthea broke her silence while stealing glances over their junior who was distances away from them and in her own world.
"Could be" Calyx trailed off. How could she not when Linthea dragged her with them when the girl clearly pressed the idea of staying indoors.
"You know…I am happy she's back" The woman beside him started. For many instances of having her near him, Calyx admired how their height differs.
"I heard from my Master that she was subjected to a ritual back in Tiolas….and got fed by a Snake God's blood" He leaned over as she whispered by his ear, "She wouldn't have to worry, torture would'nt be enough for those people once I get my hands on them" Linthea smiled with a hint of mischief in her eyes as she punched her knuckles lightly to her palm.
"And here I thought you finally grew a heart" Calyx chuckled, eyeing some establishments for snacks and beverages the girls would like. "Ow!" A jab was sent on his side that painfully rattled his bones. He gave the woman a look of annoyance.
"Good for you to finally grow a personality" She haughtily comments and walks off, dark brown hair swaying side to side as her attire of violet shades allowed her to merge beautifully by the golden scenery.
..
…
….
…..
"Calyx." He was thrown off his trance, "You're getting left behind" came the flat voice of Hisako as she notified him of his current situation.
"Ah yes, thank you Hisako" Calyx cleared his throat whilst hiding a blush while Hisako peeked at him and showed a plain smile with a hint of mischievous delight.
"Heh, you're not so discreet" The girl trailed off before following Linthea who was already at the center of the plaza, admiring the humongous three headed lion fountain.
—
"AHHH"
"Oh what now" Linthea grumbled while picking her potato cheese rolls in one go as the three sat idle among the spare picnic tables around the open halls of Plaza la Paz while perfectly underneath a flowering jacaranda tree. Citizens dispersed like fishes to a disturbed water, flailing their hands as they panicked out of the plaza while the police surrounded the perimeter for evacuation.
"Looks like we have company" Hisako sighed as she finished her fries and held her book close.
"What's going on?" Calyx tapped a citizen, "The Caretaker is here!" He screamed in terror and sprinted away. Sounds of growling mammals were heard in the inner plaza as screams of pain intensified.
"Let's go" The Cobalt Ranger said before running towards the scene and the others followed, leaving their unfinished snacks behind.
—
The inner plaza is a mess. Broken glass. Torn fabrics. The town hall closed with few civilians still around while panthers and lionesses roamed the area. One of the creatures darted for Calyx but Linthea blocked its claws with her fan, twisting it a bit, making the creature yelped in pain coming from its paws.
Caretaker leaped from the rooftop of the city hall and went in front of her felines for protection, drawing out her long metallic nails and a spellcaster sign with her fingers.
"Step further little flower" She commanded behind her cheshire mask, her voice static and deep. Soon, heels clacked against the stone pavement as another woman joins the fray, she wore a mask reassembling that of a spider's as red lines dangled from her hands.
"Well done, Caretaker…you and your cats may leave"
"Fulfill the end of your bargain, Threadmaster" With a flick of her golden claw rings as a sign of her agreement, The Caretaker retreated, jumping from rooftop to rooftop with her felines following.
"We have The Caretaker, now The Weaver? What kind of tacky group is the Dark Arc assembling now?" Linthea commented with a laid-back smile.
"Sharp-tongued princess, maybe this will shut you up" The Weaver threw her arm forward as the strings attached to it also dragged a mindless citizens, aiming for his dagger to slash her but Calyx quickly took the metallic whip wrapped around his arm and blocked the attack, "She's using them as puppets, be careful not to use too much force" He quickly jumped behind his companion, drawing his bow as an arrow materialized from tiny droplets of water and was aimed for The Threadmaster who only lean aside while her threads continued to extend.
"I'll take that woman, you two just focus on her puppets" Linthea turned to him and lurched forward. Calyx sighed, "They're not just 'puppets' you fool", but the person meant to hear such words was long gone from his side. He then looked over to Hisako who's nimbly directing citizens towards stalls and trees to render them unconscious while smacking one with her grimoire. The dark haired man cracked his knuckles and dashed behind a mindless individual, striking a side of her neck that made her fall asleep.
—
"You're leaving them to fight me? I'm honoured" Threadmaster laughed, the voice came otherworldly from her mask.
"Don't get too excited that you're my target" Linthea hissed as a thread lashed her skin open, "Draw: Tornado Lift!" she forcefully drew her fan forward in the direction of The Threadmaster which threw her distances away from a small fiery tornado that erupted underneath her footing.
"Don't get too complacent Princess Guiying--" Linthea shivered at the mention of her royal name as the woman stood from a broken fruit stand. Her hooded body shakily stood from the rubble she caused, fabrics stained with tropical juices as she motioned her hands forward and in an instant, all the threads connected to them were snapped.
"--We're just getting started" Linthea caught sight of her deep bluish green hair as The Threadmaster conjured a piece of red thread from her fingertips. She held her fans in guard before it was quickly penetrated by that red line she saw—fast as lightning— straight to her heart.
Linthea felt the entire world shake and dropped to her knees, she clutched her head as everything seemed to be hazy with her heart pumping loudly as if it could get out of her chest, "What did you do to me!" She rasped, holding her pulsating head.
The Threadmaster walked towards her with a laugh, "Consider this an advance present from your dead parents". Cerulean eyes widened with anger and shock but her body cannot stand and defend herself, only to double over with a painful hiss.
She saw Calyx and Hisako forming a shield in front to protect her from Threadmaster before the princess lost consciousness.
-•-
Many years ago
Baizhen Loft, Samaari
Tiny footsteps can be heard over concrete ground as a young child ran carrying a sack of valuables, her azure hair dancing in the wind like ripples of water.
"Stop right there!" She heard an authoritative voice call out but her lithe body continued running down the road, carefully maneuvering curved pathways and avoiding climbing citizens.
The country of Samaari is mostly dominated by stone forests where its populace utilized to build their nation along elevated grounds, in which the highest mountain holds the castle for the royal family. Connected by hanging bridges and concrete pathways spiralling each peak, Samaari is renowned as the Pillar of Missenia and a dangerous place for faint-hearted individuals as a single wrong move can instantly plunge one to their death, although, a number of safety patrols roam around the stone forests making it less terrifying.
"Look out!" The young girl turned only to see it's too late as she crashed into another individual.
"Are you okay?" She heard a gentle voice and opened her eyes then closed it shut.
'Hae-woon, you really are the princess of misfortune! That's the prince you crashed into!'
Hae-woon sprang to her feet and helped the boy who cushioned her fall, "I-im fine" she stammered, beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she argued whether to run away or stay with Prince Jiahao. The girl felt for her valuables and found it scattered around them, she mentally berated herself before her expression turned horrified when the prince picked pieces of items she so worked hard to steal.
'If he knows then I'm doomed'
"Here" Hae-woon's face contorted to confusion, 'He-'
"Ah-yes, thank you…."She received her items with shaky hands, mind addled with anxious thoughts.
"Halt!" The indigo haired girl squeezed her eyes shut and waited for what was about to happen. Prince Jiahao positioned her behind him, shielding her face from the soldier's stony gaze.
"Prince Jiahao! I didn't know you were in these grounds" The soldier immediately greeted the young boy with a bow, "What seems to be the matter officer?" The prince asked with a tilt of his tiny head.
"We were chasing a thief who ran in this direction…H-have you seen anyone suspicious around here young majesty?" The guard stuttered, almost immediately breaking his stern voice.
Prince Jiahao smiled and shook his head, "No…I was just playing with my friend here, and now, you scared her" He narrowed his eyes towards the poor soldier who's only doing his job.
Hae-woon slowly peeked over Jiahao's shoulder to see what's happening and found her perpetrator in a defensive position. The prince is indeed an oddball as her family would describe.
"I suggest you search somewhere else or check the air patrol for any individuals"
"But-" The young master cleared his throat, "Are my orders below you Officer Feiyun of the Han Family? Should my father know about this?" Jiahao said with a condescending expression on his face that left the soldier defeated as his shoulders hunched.
" I deserve to die for my crude behaviour, Prince Jiahao!" Soldier Han fell on his knees and begged the prince for mercy who flicked his hand away.
"Don't bother us any longer now" The dark haired prince turned and gently grabbed Hae-woon's hand. He took the bag she's carrying and led her away from the scene.
—
"What's your name?" She heard him ask her while she was focusing her gaze on the thin bladed grass they were stepping; she should just stab herself with it. Prince Jiahao led them to the plains, away from the overlooking castle of his royal family.
The breeze blew a little song, lifting the vestiges of their clothes whilst urging their hair to dance. Hae-woon heaved a deep breath, "I am Hae-woon, your majesty" she stepped a few paces away and bowed.
He gave out an airy laugh that sparked her confusion even more.
"I hope I didn't scare you that much Hae-woon"
"No, it was really cool if I daresay" She meekly replied that drew a small smile on his face.
"Prince Jiahao…if I may ask, why did you save me?" Hae-woon finally voiced her thoughts. Their interaction in the future will depend on his answer. Her young heart pounded inside her ribcage as she awaits his reply.
"Like I said…you and I were playing a game to which I will expect you to meet me here again tomorrow, yes?" Prince Jiahao replied with a calm expression that left Hae-woon speechless.
'Just what has she gotten herself into'
"Yes.. that's right. If that's what young majesty wishes" She could only clutch her bag close to her chest. Hae-woon looked at him straight in the eyes to spot any potential motives but found none while he himself found his guard slowly lowering at the sight of her heterochromatic eyes.
"Then, I'll meet you tomorrow, Haye" He flicked his hand to the side and turned, walking away from her.
Hae-woon's gaze followed his frame until he was gone.
'Haye, he called me something other than my name!'
"Little sister, whatever has happened?" Her older siblings sprang into the open, carrying bags similar to hers.
"Congratulations little girl, you captured Prince Jiahao" Her older sister, Hyuna, clapped proudly. Her mind possibly devising baleful ideas as she flicked Hae-woon's forehead as painful as it gets.
"Make sure to fill your cup tomorrow okay?" The older brother, Gwangsik, who wrung his sack for melodic sounds of novelty, added.
Both of them chattered as they held Hae-woon's hands towards home, plans and decisions were laid out for their young sibling's meet-up but all of it dissipated before it reached the said sibling's ears.
'We were the same of age but-' To be honest, the young girl disassociated before they could even speak about Prince Jiahao as her mind focused more in infering terrifying things he would do that made her not dare cross him for now.
Flashback End
—
Trivia: Hisako Nobutaka
Hisako, Shigemi's younger sister has a worse case of anxiety about happiness; she believes that if she'll be happy, sadness and pain follows.