As the sun begins to move higher in the sky, people come out of their houses. Everyone heads to their work. Kids make their way to the academy, women begin their house work,Soldiers begin to march back to the castle after their early morning patrol. Streets of Asuka (Capital of Mirae) are as busy as always.

In the heart of this lively city, there is a large residence area. Houses are lined on either side of the streets.

Door to one of the smaller houses opens slowly and walks out a girl with a black hooded cloak covering her body and face.

She closes the door behind and begins to walk past some kids that are playing around the streets as they are too young to go to an academy. They stop to look at the girl but ignore her and continue to play. This was a daily routine to them. Everyday, a mysterious lady came out of the small creepy house and walked past them. None of them had ever seen her face or talked to her but it was clear that she meant no harm so they just ignored her.  Ailina had been living in Asuka for seven years and always wore a cloak. As Asuka was filled with travelers and tourists, she blended right in and never caught much attention. Attention was the last thing she wanted. Just like this, she was living her life in silence.

............ Flashback..........

Ailina was standing in the middle of the ball room giving directions to the maids and butlers who were running around the castle.

Ailina: Can you put that a little higher!.....Yes that looks fine!..... Where's the cake sample?!... Hurry up Nozomi!..... 

She sighed heavily and sat on a chair nearby.

Nozomi: Is everything Okay Princess?

Ailina: No! I want this to be perfect! It's Yakira and Yukio's birthday party after all!

Nozomi: You've been working on it for days! I'm sure they'll love it!

Ailina: I hope so!

Tomorrow is Ailina's younger siblings' birthday. Like every year, Ailina is preparing for the grand celebration. 

Ailina's Mother walks in the room.

Sandra: Ailina dear, this is lovely! Yukio and Yakira will be so happy!

Ailina: Thank you so much mother.

Ailina happily smiled at her mother.

....... End of FLASHBACK........

Ailina is walking towards her workplace, blending into the crowd.

"If I had known what would happen that day, I would've held them close to me and never let go! I would've protected them with my life! If only I had known what was coming our way.... All I'm left with now is regret and a desire to turn back time....." 

........FLASHBACK.....

Ailina is standing in front of the mirror, looking at her dress. While Nozomi does some final touches.

Nozomi: Here, all done! You look gorgeous princess!

Ailina: Thank you Nozomi. Today is my brother and sister's birthday. I should go and welcome the guests.

Nozomi: Yes. I'll go and check on the kitchen staff.

Ailina: Yes please do.

Just then, someone knocks on the door. Nozomi goes and opens it. She bows slightly at the person.

Nozomi: Hiromitsu-san, Princess is all ready.

Kaito: Very well. You may go now.

Nozomi bows and leaves.

Ailina: Kaito! What are you doing here?

Kaito: I wanted to be the first one to see you look so breathtakingly beautiful..

Ailina blushes and looks at the floor. Kaito approaches her and gently holds her hand, kissing it.

Ailina: Whats gotten into you today? You're usually not this flirty...

Kaito: What are you talking about? I'm always crazy in love with you.

Ailina blushes even more as he lifts her chin up so their eyes meet.

Kaito: You really are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen....

He slowly leans in and places a soft kiss on her lips. 

Ailina: Kaito.... Don't you think we should get going...? (She asks nervously)

Kaito chuckles. 

Kaito: Of course. 

He offers her his hand which she gladly takes and they both head to the ball room.

15 minutes later....

Sandra: Ailina dear, Where are the Birthday twins?

Ailina: They must be getting ready mother. I met them before I got ready. I've told Nozomi to go call them.

Kiyoshi: Good...

Sora: I'm impressed Ailina! You really worked hard for this party.

Ailina: Of course Brother. Only the best for my little brother and sister! They've been behaving so well. They deserve the best party!

Sora: If that's the case then I expect something even better for my birthday.

Ailina: Nah! You can eat cake alone in your room!

Sora: Seriously?! I'm your brother too you know!

Everyone begins to laugh.

Just then, Nozomi comes running towards them.

Nozomi: They are not in their room! The princess and prince are missing!!

Ailina: What?! How's that even possible?!!!

Sandra: Oh my! I told them not to run away today! Those kids!

Ailina: No Mother, I met them. They were looking forward to this party and they promised me not to leave without permission! They never break their promises!!! 

Sora: I'll search for them!

Kaito who was talking to some men , saw Sora running towards the castle gates. He rushed to Ailina's side. 

Kaito: Ailina! What happened?!

Ailina holds Kaito's hand as tears fill her eyes.

Ailina: The twins! They're missing! 

Kaito: Don't worry! I'll search for them immediately! Guards! Follow me!

King: Search for them all over the castle grounds! And send some men to look for them in the city!

Soldiers: YES YOUR MAJESTY! 

The guests were asked to leave. In just a few minutes, the castle was filled with maids and butlers running around looking for the twins. The king was giving orders and comforting the crying queen while Ailina was also looking all around the castle for her siblings. Kaito and hundreds of soldiers were looking for the pair in the city under the moonless night sky. Sora sent the word to other cities. Everyone desperately searched for the twins.

......Two days later.....

Ailina was standing in the balcony of her room, staring at the rising sun.

Ailina's thoughts: Two days.... Where are they?! Why hasn't Onee-san found them yet?! What is Kaito doing?! I just want my precious brother and sister back! I hope they are okay!....

Just then, Nozomi slowly opens the door to her room.

Nozomi: P..Princess.... Prince Sora... is back.... H...he.... found them.... (Sobbing) 

As soon as Ailina heard this, she ran towards the throne room ignoring Nozomi's silent sobs and tears.

Ailina: Finally! They're back!

She ran into the throne room with a huge smile and teary eyes.

Ailina: YAKIRA! YUKIO! You're back..!!!!

But as soon as she saw her mother, her smile disappeared and she froze.

Right in front of her was her mother on her knees, crying loudly, next to two coffins. Even her father, brother and fiance were crying silently. She couldn't process what was happening. She slowly walked towards the coffins and saw the royal crest on them. Kaito stared at her with teary eyes. She tightly held onto his arm and screamed.

Ailina: W...What.... is going on here?! Where are the twins?!!!!

Kaito held onto her hand.

Kaito: Ailina.... I'm... I'm sorry.....

That's when the reality hit her.

Ailina: N..No....

Ailina fell on her knees as Kaito held her tight.

Ailina: No.... No! No! No! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! YAKIRA!!!!! YUKIO!!!!!!!!!!! NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ailina began to cry frantically.

 "What... is this feeling? Like my soul has been sucked out of me.... Like the world is ending... Like I can't breathe anymore...... Is this what they call "Pain"?......  Pain of loosing someone dear?...."

............ End of Flashback......... 

"That's when I felt true pain for the first time... When I experienced true heartbreak.... THIS was the beginning of my tragedy..... Destruction of the life of a naive girl who didn't know how cruel the world really is...."  

.......TO BE CONTINUED......

Hey!

I'm so so so sorry for this late update! My life was hell this past year and I couldn't find time, energy or motivation to write. But now things are getting better so I am trying to go back to writing. I hope you understand. I'll try to be more consistent with my updates but I can't promise. Other than that, as always, I hope you liked it and maybe cried. Make sure you vote and comment so I can know your thoughts. I'm always open for suggestions. That's all for now.

Love, Mary.