Elli

Age: 23

Hair & eyes: Has long light brown hair and deep blue eyes.

Lives with her step-family. Tries to remain strong even though her family treats her harshly. Was close to her father and was devastated at his passing. Among everyone in her step-family, Elli only gets along with her step-brother, Kiyoshi.

Kiyoshi

Age: 26

Hair & eyes: Has short dark raven black hair and vivid green eyes.

Looks out for Elli. Is pushed around by his younger twin sisters and mother because he doesn't do what they want him to.

Kira: 24

Hair & eyes: Has mid-length raven black hair and violet eyes.

Reina: 24

Hair & eyes: Has long brunette hair with grey eyes.

"Sigh..." A bright eyed girl gazed sadly out the window wishing she could explore the world outside, but unfortunately she was was chained to her home.

Elli lived with her step-family in the manor. Every since her father passed away her step-mother had treated her cruelly making her do all the chores around the home. Elli's family wasn't poor by any means though she may as well have been with what little they gave her. Elli use to get along with her step-sisters but they suddenly started to bully Elli after her father passed away, probably due to their mothers influence. Only her step-brother, Kiyoshi looked out for her and did all he could to help out.

Elli's step-mother wouldn't even allow her get a job and liked to restrain her to the home. Elli truly missed her father and wished he was still alive. Many a time Elli would be found daydreaming about times past and recieve a scolding for it.

"Elli! Get to work now!" Elli could hear her mother screaming from downstairs. She rolled her eyes and turned around, "Coming!" Elli replied, "...Old hag..." Elli mumbled in frustration as she left her room.

"The floor is dirty. Clean it." Elli's mother demanded with a smug look. "Yes, mother." Elli bowed her head and got straight to work. She went to get a bucket filling it with soapy water and then grabbed a rag and got down to scrub the floor.

"Can I help?" Elli heard a voice speak to her from above and stopped cleaning and looked up, "Oh, Kiyo. I'm fine. I don't want you to get in trouble." She shook her head with a smile but he didn't look happy, "...I see. Take it easy, okay?" There was a sad smile on his lips as he spoke in a soft whisper before walking off. "Thanks, Kiyo..." Elli muttered and got back to work.

"Reina, Kira! Come here now!" Elli could hear her mother calling out to her sisters from room over. "Hmm?" Her curiosity was peaked, Elli wondered what they were talking about. She stood up from where she was kneeling and carefully stepped up to the door to listen in.

"There is a party being held at Tres Spades." Elli's mother held up an invitation in her hands, "This is our chance to impress . If one of you married him we could take over his buisness." There was a sly smile on her face. Elli's mother was hungry for money and power and would do anything to achieve that.

"Really?!" Elli's sister Reina looked surprised. "Interesting. I'll be sure to wear my finest dress." Kira said with a wry smile. "You two better not mess up." The mother said in a stern voice, she looked very intimidating. "Yes, mother!" The girls quickly bowed their heads. Even though they were mean to her, Elli felt sorry for them and could understand why they do what they do. Their mother was frightening, to defy her is to defy life itself.

'A party at Tres Spades? I wish I could go but I don't even have anything to wear...' Elli sighed and dropped her gaze to the floor. "I can get what you need." Elli jumped when she heard a voice in her ear. She quickly spun around to see her brother standing there, "What do you mean?" She asked curiously. Her brother grinned, looking pleased with himself, "I can get the materials needed for your dress. But you will have to make it yourself. Is that okay?" Elli's eyes went wide, she was speechless at his offer, "What... Are you sure?" She asked and he nodded, "Don't worry about it. I'll handle it." He replied with a smile.

Elli was in disbelief, she would actually be able to attend the party? It didn't seem possible at first, but now with her brothers help that was looking more and more to become a reality. Though she would need to keep it hidden from her mother and sisters.

That night, Elli was resting in her room when there was a knock on the door, "Elli, it's me." She could hear her brothers low voice speaking from the other side. She got off her bed and opened the door. "Here." Kiyoshi handed her different materials for the dress. "Thank you." Elli said with a bow. She was overjoyed at the prospect of attending the party. "That should cover most of it. Good luck." He smiled and left the room. Elli watched him go with a smile before turning around, a fire lit in her eyes, "Let's do this!"

Elli got right to making the dress with the materials provided by her brother. She spent many nights working on it as it was too risky to do it through the day.

"Yawn..." Elli let out a big yawn as she ate breakfast. "And why are you so tired?" Her mother asked with an inquiring look. "I guess all the work has been catching up to me." Elli smiled innocently like she knew nothing but her mother didn't look convinced. "Elli, clean my room." Reina said with a smug grin and Kira also spoke up, "Mine too! It's sooo dirty. Clean it for me won't you." She said with a wicked grin while curling her hair around a finger. "Of course." Elli smiled, though inside she was thinking of many Insults she wanted to spout to them.

The day of the party was fast approaching. Elli was going over the final details of her dress, making sure it was perfect. "Beautiful... I can't wait to wear this." Elli clapped her hands together excitedly as she admired the dress she had made.

It was finally the day of the party. Elli's family was in a frantic to prepare themselves. *knock knock* Elli jumped at the sound of the knock and carefully opened her door. She was relieved to see it was only her brother. "Kiyo..." Elli let him in and was surprised to see him wearing normal clothes, "Aren't you attending the party?" Elli cocked her to the side. "Nah." He shook his head, "Parties aren't for me." Kiyoshi shrugged, "I came to help you prepare." He said. "Oh. Are you sure?" Elli asked and he nodded. Elli went to get the dress out and was preparing it with the help of her brother.

Just then, the door slammed open and her mother and twin sisters barged in the room, "I knew something fishy was going on." Her mother scowled. Elli had hoped they had already left but sadly that wasn't the case. They seemed to be waiting to see what Elli was hiding. Elli's heart nearly stopped at the appearance of her mother, all the color drained from her face. "You don't really think you were going to attend?" Her mother said and eyed her dress with malice, "Hah. Don't make me laugh." She scoffed and marched up to the beautiful silver dress Elli had created.

"Wait...! No..." Elli helplessly watched as her mother started to tear into the dress. Her legs gave out beneath her and she fell to the floor. "Mother, stop!" Kiyoshi yelled and tried to stop her but his sisters stood in front and together shoved him away knocking him off balance and he fell to the floor. Nothing could be done as the pair watched the dress being torn to shreds. "You will stay in your room." She hissed to Elli, "And you," She leveled her gaze on her son, "You better be careful or I'll throw you out." That was all she said before leaving the room along with her daughters.

"Elli..." Kiyoshi kneeled next to Elli who was sobbing on the floor. "Kiyo... It's okay." Elli looked up, forcing a smile, "I was a fool. I never should have believed I could attend. ...I'm okay." Elli clasped a hand on his shoulder, trying her best to reassure him she was okay. After that, Elli wanted to be alone, though Kiyoshi didn't want to leave her, he listened to her wishes.

"Father... Why did you leave me? ...I miss you..." Elli whispered sadly as she gazed at the night sky from her bedroom. 'I wish I could attend that party. I would do anything to be able to go...' Elli sighed sadly.

"Do you really want to go?"

"Huh?" Elli looked around the room but there was no one there. "Am I imagining it?" Elli shook her head, she thought she might be going crazy. "I'm no imagination. I can grant your wish."

"What?! Who are you?" Elli asked in surprise and a light laughter filled the air. "I shall grant your wish." Elli couldn't believe it. Was someone really going to grant her wish? Suddenly a bright light filled the room startling Elli. When things returned to normal, Elli spotted a dress far prettier than she had ever seen resting on her bed, "Wow." Elli ran her fingers along the silky dress. A pair of silver gloves laid besides it, they sparkled raidiantly like diamonds under the light.

"Am I dreaming?" Elli pinched her cheek, "Ow... I guess not." A broad grin spread across her face and she hurried to get dressed.

Elli was admiring herself in the mirror when there was a knock on the door. Her head snapped around and she carefully opened the door, "Kiyo..." He was standing with a tray of cookies in his hands, "I brought you- Huh?" Kiyoshi's eyes widened in shock when he saw what Elli was wearing, "How?" Elli giggled at his reaction, "It seems I have someone looking out for me." Kiyoshi didn't quite understand but he smiled nonetheless, "If we hurry you can still make it to the party. I'll do your hair and makeup." He said and put down the tray of cookies on a nearby table. "Huh?" Elli looked surprised. "Don't look so shocked. I use to always do my sisters hair for them as kids." He shrugged and a sadness flickered in his eyes, "Though at some point things changed and they wouldn't allow me any more... Any way, let's do this!"

Elli sat in front of the mirror as Kiyoshi tended to her hair. 'Hmm, he really is quite handsome when he is focused.' Elli smiled to herself as she watched him, "What is it?" Kiyoshi asked and Elli quickly averted her gaze, "N-Nothing." She said shyly and he chuckled. "Hey." Something suddenly came to Elli's attention, "Why do you still live here? You have a well paying job and could have moved out by now but yet you continue to live here." Elli asked with curious eyes. Kiyoshi jumped slightly at her question and his eyes widened, he didn't seem to know how to reply, "I have my reasons." He said and continued on her hair, "I couldn't leave you alone..." He mumbled so she couldn't hear.

"And done." Kiyoshi smiled seeing the final result. "Wow. I'm like a whole other person. Thank you!" Elli jumped at him and hugged him tight. "Y-Your welcome." Kiyoshi couldn't help but blush from the sudden contact. When Elli realized what she was doing she quickly pulled away and looked off with an awkward gaze, S-Sorry." Kiyoshi waved a hand, telling her not to worry about it, though his heart was beating a mile a minute.

"Here." Kiyoshi handed her a mask. "Huh?" Elli cocked her head. "It's to hide your identity, silly." Kiyoshi chuckled and flicked her on the forhead, "Oww..." Elli rubbed her forhead with a pout. "Now let's get you to that party."

They got in Kiyoshi's car and were on their way to the party.

"Are you sure you want to wait here all night?" Elli asked. Kiyoshi insisted he would wait for her until it was over to take her home, "I'm fine. Go and enjoy yourself." He shooed her off with his hands, "Good luck." He muttered with a smile, there was a distant look in his eyes.

Elli hurried inside. She was astonished by just how lovely the interior looked. "Now is not the time to gawk at my surroundings." She quickly made her way to where the party was taking place. 'I can't believe I'm actually here.' Elli sighed in relief and started to wander around the room, making sure to stay clear of her step-family.

Elli was making her way around the room, enjoying the party when she accidentally bumped into someone, "Oh, I'm so sorry." She quickly bowed her head in apology. Then suddenly someone had grabbed her chin and forced her to look at them, "Huh...?" Elli was completely taken by surprise at the action. "You don't pay attention to your surroundings do you?" The man said with a frown. "I am really sorry." Elli repeated herself and started to fret when she heard a chuckle and her chin was released, "You don't hide your emotions very well." He smirked. 'What the...?! He's a jerk...' Elli glared at the man and then it hit her who he was, "Wait, you are ." She said, her mouth hanged open from surprise. "That's right. Who else would I be?" He said with a look of arrogance. "You are the first person who has ever glared at me in such a way. You sure have some spunk. Or maybe you are just stupid?" He chuckled. "What? ...You have no right to talk to me like that." Elli pursed her lips and frowned. "Are you sure you want to talk to me like that?" He asked with a look of amusement. Eisuke looked like he was enjoying himself.

"Why should it matter how I speak. I don't belong to you." Elli huffed and folded her arms with a look of defiance. "Heh. You really aren't like those other girls with their superficial smiles." Eisuke looked interested. "I have nothing to hide." Elli said and Eisuke raised an eyebrow, "Then why are you wearing a mask?" Elli flinched at his question, her eyes darted about, she knew she wouldn't be able to answer, "That's not your concern." Elli curtly replied. 'Huh?" Elli could feel the other ladies shooting daggers in her direction, 'What? Hey, it's not like I'm interested in this arrogant jerk. I mean look at him...' Elli peered closely at him and was suddenly breathless, 'Huh... He does look quite handsome but still... He needs an attitude adjustment.'

"What is it?" Eisuke asked with his usual smirk and Elli quickly jumped back, "It's nothing!" She raised her voice, shocking even herself. "I mean, I should be going now." Elli bowed her head and tried to leave but Eisuke stopped her, "Huh?" Elli had tried to leave but he grabbed her arm. Just then it was announced over the speakers that dancing was about to start. 'Oh for the love of...' Elli sighed and shot a look at Eisuke, "What do you want?"

"You will dance with me." He said with a look that showed no room to deny him. "Why me? There is far prettier ladies out there, so why me?" Elli asked but he didn't say anything and pulled her along to the dance floor. Eisuke wrapped an arm around her waist and took her hand. Elli's heart was beating rapidly, he was too close for comfort. 'I-I can feel the warmth of his hands through my clothes...' Elli's cheeks flushed pink. "Heh." Elli looked up to see Eisuke with a devilish grin, "You sure have quite an attitude on you but when It comes to close contact with a guy you get all shy." He smirked and leaned in, "Never had a boyfriend before?" His hot breath tickled her ear and she froze. 'How dare he... Why can't I talk back? Ugh, I'm not use to this...'

The music was about to begin, "You know how to dance, right?" Eisuke asked and Elli looked off with uncertainty, "Umm..." She could hear him sigh, "Just follow my lead. Relax." Elli nodded her head and relaxed into his hold as she followed along. By the time the dance was over Elli was breathing heavily, "You need a lot of work. You were lucky I was such a good lead." Eisuke said, a proud expression on his face as he boasted. "Whatever. You made me dance." Elli frowned and refused to meet his gaze. "Come with me." Eisuke suddenly grabbed her wrist, "Huh?" Elli looked surprised as he dragged her off. "Where are you taking me?" She asked but he didn't respond. Elli kept looking down to where he held her, she couldn't take her mind off it.

"Here we are." Eisuke had led Elli outside. Nothing but the stars in the moon filled the night sky. "Wow. The sky is beautiful tonight." Elli sighed in awe from the sight. Eisuke had a slight smile on his face from her reaction, "Pfft. You are easy to please. Don't expect much do you?" He teased and Elli turned towards him with a mean look, "You are such a jerk." Elli said and tried to lightly hit his arm but he caught her hand, "And you are the one being violent. I think we are even." He said with a sly grin and Elli looked indignant, "Yeah, whatever." She mumbled. "I've never met someone like you." Eisuke suddenly spoke up in a soft tone, surprising Elli. She turned towards him to see him gazing at the night sky with a far off look. "Hmm..." Elli wandered what was on his mind. Noticing her gaze on him, Eisuke turned back to her, "It's rude to stare, you know." He smirked and Elli quickly looked away, "I wasn't staring." She closed her eyes and puffed up her cheeks.

As they stood side by side, a thought came to Elli's mind and her eyes went wide, "What is the time?!" She asked in a panic which shocked Eisuke. "Huh." He looked at his watch, "It's nearly midnight." He replied. "Oh no. I have to go!" Elli cried out and started to run. "Hey, wait!" Eisuke called out and started to chase after her. "I'm sorry, It was nice meeting you." Elli said as she ran. "Ack!" Elli felt him grab her hand but she quickly tugged her arm away, losing her glove in the process. "I don't even know your name!" Elli could hear Eisuke's voice getting further and further away as she ran but she couldn't turn back. Elli had to keep running. She had to make it home before her step-family did.