Disclaimer: I do NOT own Gakuen Alice or any of its characters, however, I DO own this story's plot and title.

Author's Note: Oh and before you proceed, I just wanted to say that this story is inspired from one of Vocaloid's song and you might notice some grammatical or typographical errors so please be kind enough to warn me about those and please don't flame. Thank you.

Tainted Cinderella

Sixteen years ago, the kingdom of Alstromeria was once ruled by the kind-hearted Yukihara family, who was intentionally killed by an unknown traitor, however, one of the kind-hearted couple's offspring survived and was raised by a loyal servant. A month after the brutal kill, the Hyuugas came and took the throne, ruling the land with an iron fist, the people in the land weren't happy and wished that if only there was still a survivor of the perished family, everything will return the way it was…

Mikan yawned at the sound of the birds humming cheerfully outside her window, bits of sunlight passed through the broad branches of the Sakura tree finding its way in her room. She forcefully opened her still sleepy eyelids revealing a pair of sleepy hazel eyes. Sighing, she dragged her well shaped legs off her bed before doing her morning stretch. Then her pink pouty lips tugged up to form a happy smile before running downstairs.

Thump, thump, thump, thud!

"Ow!" She wailed as she rubbed the bump that was forming on her head. And if you're asking me what happened, she only fell down the stairs, no biggie. It was always her morning routine anyway.

"Mikan, are you alright?" A kind old man asked.

"I'm okay oji-san!" She said as she pumped her right fist into the air before standing up, "I'm used to it."

The old man scratched his almost bald head as he stared at her wistfully, "That's what I'm worried about child, and I won't know what to do if you fell down and have brain damage of some sort." He said, "you're parents might be disappointed of me." He added, whispering the last few words so she wasn't able to hear.

"Oji-san, what's our breakfast for today?" She asked as she tried to peek at their dining table.

"Oh that? I've heated some milk and cooked a bit of porridge." He replied as his right hand went to his pockets in search for money, "I was about to buy bread and some fruits but since you're already awake, can I rely on you to go to the bakery and buy those for me?" He said as he handed the girl a few silver coins.

"Sure!" She replied energetically as she received the money, then she hurriedly went upstairs to change her clothes and to comb her tangled brunette hair.

Thump, thump, thump, flop!

Guess what? She fell again, only this time, she fell flat on her stomach, "Ouch!" She wailed as she limply got up, "I should really stop falling down." She mumbled before rushing out the door.

"You do that Mikan!" her grandfather half-shouted when he heard what she said before chuckling to himself which was hurriedly replaced by a grim smile by the time she's out of sight, "If only things will always be like this." He muttered under his breath, his jolly expression turned sad, his happy eyes void of any expression but sadness.

A door upstairs let out a soft squeak as the bottom part of it brushed against the wooden floor, it was then followed by soft graceful footsteps traveling from there towards the staircase. "Oji-san?" A soft sleepy voice called from the stairs. Once the old man heard the voice, his void expression turned jolly again as he faced the raven-haired girl.

"Good morning Aoi-chan!" He greeted as he threw her a cheery 'good-morning' smile "How's your sleep?" He asked, his voice coated with kind and loving concern.

"Sleep was good." She replied, her sleepy voice replaced by a cheerful one as she rubbed her eyes to chase sleep away, "I had a nice dream Oji-san." She added as she trudged forward to take her seat on one of the living room's vintage sofa, resting her elbows on one of the arm chair, her chin cupped delicately on the palms of her hands.

"Really?" He asked in an interested voice as he delicately laid the porcelain plates on the dining room's old wooden table. "What was it all about?"

"In my dream, me and Mikan-nee was a princes– " Aoi started but was immediately cut off by the short sound of broken porcelain, "Oji-san? Are you alright?" She asked with a voice filled with worry as she immediately stood up and ran towards her grandfather.

"I-I'm alright." He replied almost shakily, "T-the porcelain slipped out off my hand." He reassured, "My I'm really getting weak, and I'm not growing any younger." He quickly added with a laugh to lighten up the mood.

Aoi sighed with relief, "Oji-san, you shouldn't scare me like that." She scolded before laughing along with him.


"Thank you Suki-san!" Mikan said as she bowed her head to show how thankful she is at the kind lady.

"My, my Mikan-chan, it's nothing compared to what you did for us." The kind baker replied referring to the days where Mikan would volunteer her help to her fellow citizens, whether in baking, sewing, painting, anything, Mikan would always help them.

She stood straightly and stared at Suki-san thankfully, "I also consider them as my thanks for helping me, Oji-san and Aoi, it's no big deal." She said, "Thanks for the bread; Oji-san will be happy!" She added as she turned to leave.

"Come back anytime Mikan-chan!" Suki-san called as she waved at the girl's retreating figure. She smiled as she placed down her hand in her pocket, "My, she just reminds me of the deceased king. So cheerful and helpful." She murmured to herself, "Now, back to work." She said.


Mikan hummed cheerfully as she trudged down the narrow dirt path surrounded by Sakura trees, which, by the way, is in full bloom. Nightingales flew gracefully above the trees, swallowtails hovering over wild flowers that were growing below the tree's trunk and the sweet smell of both Sakuras and wild flowers lingered in the air, giving off a refreshing atmosphere. She sighed in delight as she gracefully twirled around once as if to dance with the wind. Inhaling the sweet summer scent, she ran over the wooden bridge and headed towards Yamato-san's fruit stand, her left hand clutching the handle of the basket tightly while her right hand waved in the air, "Yamato-san! Yamato-san!" She called cheerfully as she approached the fruit stand, but stopped midway as the look of horror crossed her face. She was shocked, frozen in fear as she watched the king's guard's brutally punch Yamato-san across the face.

"S-sir! Please stop! Sir!" He begged pitifully at the guards who in utter horror just looked discriminatingly at the old man, "I don't have the money! Please! I'll pay the tax as soon as I earn one!" he begged again, but the guards brutally laughed at him.

"It's the king's orders to pay the tax on time." The guard with red hair and slanted brown eyes said as he kicked the old man on the gut.

"B-but my wife is sick! I have to pay for the hospital bills!" He contradicted which didn't please them.

"Just give us the damn money!" The one with ebony hair said.

"Sir I told you! I don't have one!" He tried again only to get punched at the face and kicked by the legs.

Mikan, not being able to bear it any longer searched her pockets for money as she hurriedly ran towards them, "Stop please!" She begged as tears spilled out from the corner of her eyes, which immediately caught the guards' attention, "I'll pay for him!" She declared as she handed the money –which is supposedly to be used for buying the fruits– "Please stop hurting Yamato-san. This is more than enough right? Please leave." She begged.

The guards sneered at her before snatching away the money, "Tch. You're lucky this pretty girl here helped you, if not you would've been dead by now." He said at the bleeding man.

"Please leave." She begged politely, her voice somewhat demanding them to follow, the strict yet pleading look in her eyes made them obey what she said.

The one with ebony hair was surprised by the charisma of the lady, though a commoner, she has this certain charm that is captivating, she has the demure look of royalty. This reminds him of what his grandfather used to say about the deceased queen, "Queen Yuka has this demure look of a royalty, her kind personality enthralls men, her hazel eyes, though, common among this land is both captivating and sincere." His grandfather used to say gleefully. "It's a shame that someone like them killed the royal family." He'll add with an angered look on his face. "Tch. Let's go." He ordered as he fiddled with the money.

"Yamato-san, are you okay?" She asked as her forehead creased with concern.

"I'm fine Mikan-chan." He said, trying to reassure her, but failed miserably after coughing out blood.

"Come on Yamato-san, let me tend your wounds." She offered as she placed the old man's arm over her shoulder and supported the limping man towards his house.


"Mikan-chan, what's your business here?" He asked as he stared at the young girl bandaging his sore legs.

"I was actually going to buy some fruits." She replied as she tied it securely before collecting all the first-aid materials, "But I guess I won't be able to do that now."

"Gome nasai (I'm sorry) Mikan-chan." The old man said apologetically as he rubbed the back of his head, careful not to touch any bruised or aching spot.

She smiled reassuringly as she stands up, her hands supporting the first-aid materials that are orderly placed in the basket, "It's okay Yamato-san, I'm sure ji-chan won't mind." She said as she took graceful strides towards a nearby stool, before balancing the wooden basket on it. "Besides, we could still live with bread and porridge for breakfast." She added, beaming at the old man.

"Say Mikan-chan, since you lost the money for me, to compensate for my tax, I'll let you take as much fruits as you like from the backyard." The old man said, placing his arm down.

She stared at him wide-eyed, happiness visibly seen in her innocent hazel colored pupils, "Really?" She asked, "Hana-san won't get upset would she?"

"Well of course Mikan-chan, you've helped me quite a lot today and I'm sure my wife is fine with it. She fancies you actually." He replied.

She smiled a much bigger smile before bowing down, "Arigatou (Thank you) Yamato-san!" She said.


"Mikan-nee-san." Aoi greeted as she opened the door for Mikan, "Let me take that for you." She offered kindly as her small candle-like fingers reached for the basket.

"Ah, good morning Aoi-chan." She greeted as she went in, "Sure." She quickly added, surrendering the basket to Aoi. "Have you eaten breakfast yet?" She asked

The raven-haired girl shook her head. "We decided to wait for you." She replied as she arranged the bread and fruits on the table.

"Mikan-chan." Oji-san called, acknowledging her presence, "Let's eat." He said kindly as he pulled one wooden chair for him to sit on.

"Hai (okay/yes)" They replied with a happy smile etched on their faces.


Oji-san paced around the small living room, his thoughts preoccupied by the dream Aoi told him about earlier. It was the exact events that happened before, but the thing that she and Mikan dressed in lavished clothes fit for royalty might be a premonition. Right now, he's terribly confused to whether or not to tell them about their true identity. But if he tells them, he can't, wait that's the wrong term; he won't allow their past to destroy their future. He can't let those cheerful and innocent faces be eaten by anger and revenge, he didn't want that. He lets out an exasperated sigh as he took a seat on one of their shabby sofa to rest his tired muscles, he hasn't even reached 50 seconds of pacing and he's already dead tired, what more when he grows older? He sighed again, but he shouldn't keep it forever. They have the right to know, especially Mikan; they are the only ones who can save Alstromeria from the king's ruthless dictate.

He stands up, the firm decision implanted in his head; they need to know the truth and they need to know it right now, before it's too late.


"What is it Ji-chan?" Mikan asked as she and Aoi looked at Oji-san with a look of pure innocence tinted with curiosity.

"Mikan, Aoi," He started as he seated himself on the wooden stool just beside the shabby sofa, "It's about your parents."

"What about our parents?" Mikan asked, a whole lot more confused, "But Ji-chan, they're dead." She said, "That's what you said." She added as she rested her elbow on the worn-out arm chair and her chin on her pointer finger.

"Yes, but Aoi-chan's parents are still alive." He admitted as he looked, avoiding the intense stares his getting from his adoptive grandchildren, "Aoi-chan's parents are King Hyuuga and Queen Hyuuga, the current rulers of Alstromeria…" He said trailing, allowing him to glance at them briskly, just enough to see their reactions. Aoi looked like she didn't believe what he said just by the way she furrowed her eyebrows and Mikan looked shocked and confused, "Mikan, as you can see, Queen Hyuuga and Aoi had a striking resemblance, they both have raven hair, crimson eyes, a fair complexion and a kind heart." He pointed out.

"But how is that possible Ji-chan? If my parents are the king and queen, why would I be here?" Aoi asked confusedly.

"It's you're father." He replied briskly as his face darkened, "You're father didn't want you Aoi because you're a girl, he thinks you're useless, a good-for-nothing-child who'll become a spoiled brat when fully grown. When you get married, you won't be able to carry the Hyuuga family name, he already had a son –your brother, the prince and the heir to the throne, and he wants nothing more. He didn't want to spend money on someone like you." He explained, as kindly as he could without looking at her, even though he tried his best to not make the words come out harsh, he knows it still hurts her.

"But that's unfair!" She cried, "Why is he discriminating us girls so much?"

"That is something I don't know and never will know Aoi. But it must've had a relation to girls being weak." He said.

"That's not true!" Mikan contradicted, "Girls are strong-willed people who can do as much as boys can!" She reasoned out.

"Too bad King Hyuuga doesn't think that." He said sadly, still looking down as if the wooden floor is the most interesting thing there is at the time right now. "But Mikan, there's something you need to know too." He said, breaking his trance before staring at his grandchild.

"What is that?" she asked, innocence and curiosity filled her voice once again, as the faint sobs of Aoi's realization faintly reached their ears.

"You parents are the deceased king and queen." He said as he looked away, unable to hide the guilt that is contaminating him.

"What?" she asked, making sure that she wasn't hallucinating things, "I'm the child of whom?"

"King Izumi and Queen Yuka, the kind-hearted royal couple that once ruled the land." He replied. "And I know who killed them Mikan." He said, his expression turning solemn, "Many of us loyal servants of the family knew, but we just can't voice it out, we're too afraid for our lives and a few of us tried to save them but failed and died with them instead…

It all happened during winter, the snow was pouring outside as the six sided snowflakes fell onto the frozen land. The adults are either busy making fire or snuggling inside their houses to keep themselves cozy and warm, playful children were running outside, busy playing with snow or playing tag with each other. Each and every villager was happy and content and would want nothing less than what they've already experienced.

Meanwhile, inside the strong walls of the castle, the king and queen sat by the fireplace, making themselves warm and comfortable by the comforting heat of the fire. The king stared fondly at the dancing fire before shifting his gaze towards his wife who was looking fondly with their child, playing with their child's fingers and cooing sweet calming words into their baby's ear. Feeling happy and content, he walked silently towards his family as they gave them a loving hug. Their maids, butlers, guards and attendants stared fondly at them, the single ones wishing their life would be like theirs, humble, complete, content and happy while the married ones reminiscing the times they shared with their first bundle of joy.

"When are we going to tell our colleagues about our little bundle of joy?" The king asked his wife as he stared lovingly at them.

She looked up and smiled tenderly at him, "It's still too cold outside Izumi," She replied, "The baby might get sick, let's just introduce her to the people when she's at least a month old." She added, as she looked back at their child, who in turn stared at them as if she sees them and smiled.

"She has your smile Izumi." Yuka commented.

"And she looks exactly like you." He replied.

"Sire! Sire!" A guard called, scurrying towards the royal family, "Someone broke in to the castle!" he informed, practically panicking.

He laughed it off, "What's wrong with that? Why don't you just let him in?" He asked.

"But sire!" He objected, "He's here to kill you! He have comrades with him, they're probably scattered around the castle!" He said, frantically throwing his arms in the air, "We can't let them in!"

The kind king furrowed his eyebrows and stared at his wife, who in turn stared worriedly at him, "Then please stand on guard." He said, "Fend them off without resulting to bloodshed, we can't let the people know the situation, they'll panic." He added.

The guard bowed, "Yes sire." He replied. Then he straightened his back and saluted him.

"Oh and please, don't let anyone know about the baby." He said.

"Yes sir." He said, bowed down then left.

"Izumi?" She whispered worriedly, "Are we going to be alright?" She asked.

"I don't know," He replied back, "But we must ensure our baby's safety first." He said as he stared at his smiling child.

She nodded as she stood up, careful not to make the baby cry, "Shinju-san!" She said, calling one of her maids.

"Yes your highness?" Shinju said as she approached the queen and curtsied to show her respect.

"Please take care of Mikan." The young queen uttered as she handed the baby to her, which she accepted with great gentleness.

"I will." She replied, as she gently pressed the baby against her chest.

Yuka took off her rose choker and hung it around the baby's neck before giving the baby a kiss goodbye, "Okaa-chan's going back to daddy 'kay? You stay with Shinju-chan and behave." She cooed before holding her skirt up so she could walk back briskly without tripping on her lavishly long dress.

"What's happening here?" Ji-chan asked, a bit confused with all the commotion.

"Intruders." Shinju answered.

"Please don't hurt him!" A woman screamed defensively, practically begging the intruders to spare their lives. "Hyuuga we were friends!" She added.

"Milady!" Shinju cried as she hastily handed the baby to ji-chan. "Take care of her, I'll make sure if the queen is safe." She said before storming in room where the royal couple is in.

Ji-chan stared at the child helplessly, seemingly confused of what to do. "Ah!" A shrill voice screamed which he identified as Shinju's.

"Shinju!" Both the king and queen wailed.

"Please Akihiro, we can talk this out!" he heard the king say as calmly as he could.

His eyes are now wide open, unable to process what's happening. Intruders… murderers… screams… fear…agony… then it clicked, the castle is under attack and none of the townspeople knew, the family's life is now at stake and the only hope they'll have if the couple might get killed is the little bundle of joy he have in his arms. He legs began to shake fearfully as he thought of only one thing to save himself and the child that's with him: RUN AWAY! His mind screamed which he obediently followed. He ran and ran, until the castle is out of his sight and the rest is history…

… The next morning, the news of the king and queen's death spread like wildfire and the townspeople were terribly sad for their loss, the cheerful town became gloomy and days after the incident, the Hyuugas came and dominated the land. At first the people were happy because they thought that King Hyuuga is kind, but months later, he started implementing laws that were injustice, the rich became richer and the poor became poorer. The innocent were sentenced to jail while the sinners ran around town without a care." He finished with a sigh.

"Oji-san," Mikan uttered to get his attention, "Who killed them?" She asked.

"It's the current ruler himself." He spat, his voice filled with venomous hate and displeasure.

Aoi gasped, not only is her father injustice, prejudice and greedy, he's also a murderer.

Mikan on the other hand is busy preventing her tears from falling as her heart ached with fury, her hand gripping her skirt.

"Mikan." The old man called softly, his voice filled with comforting worry and concern, "I hope you wouldn't change after this." He said.

Mikan snapped from her trance as she stares at him, confusion visibly dancing in her pupils, "What do you mean?" She asked.

"Please don't take revenge on the king." He said, "It'll be futile." He explained and with that he left.


Mikan dragged her feet lazily across the room, feeling the cold wooden floor against her bare feet, the cold feeling of it seems to match the eerie coldness of her soul and the shallowness of the hollow that seemed to form in her heart. She sighed. She can't believe this, it seems so impossible, how can she be the daughter of the perished royal couple? But then again, it may not seem so impossible, each time she runs around the village with that infamous cheerful smile of hers, helping her colleagues in anyway she can, she can hear them murmur of how much she reminds them of the couple. She sighed again, for the second time in this hour. She threw herself on the bed landing with a soft thud; she curled herself in a ball, the soft faint light of the moon illuminating against her back as she closed her eyes trying her best to get some sleep.

Maybe, just maybe, she can help her country stand up against the tyrannical king, but before that, she'll have to get some sleep and start afresh tomorrow…


"Mikan-nee-chan! Mikan-nee-chan!" Aoi called as she jumped on the brunette's bed repeatedly to wake the sleeping girl up.

Mikan groaned as she squinted her eyes shut, trying her best to escape from the raven-haired girl's wake up call, "Go away Aoi, I'm trying to get some sleep." She mumbled as pulled the covers above her head.

Aoi puffed her cheeks in annoyance, "Mikan-nee-chan!" She whined, "Today's the day! We're going to visit to the orphanage right?" She asked, reminding her supposedly sister, of the activity planned today.

Mikan's eyes jolted wide open. "Oh!" She quickly uttered as she scrambled out of her bed.

"Well that did the trick." Aoi mumbled to herself as she hopped of the bed, trailing behind the frantic Mikan.


"Ji-chan, we're going to the orphanage." Mikan yelled, a basket filled fruits in one hand and a book of fairytales with the other. Aoi trailed behind her carrying a pitcher of juice and a paper bag filled with sandwiches. And if you're asking, no they're not rich, but they're not greedy either, they share what they have, unlike a certain someone that I know so well.

"Hai, iterashai (take care) Mikan-chan, Aoi-chan." He said as he bid them farewell.

"Hai!" They replied before leaving.

"Don't you think its weird Aoi?" Mikan suddenly asked out of the blue as they walked down the narrow dirt path. The earthly scent wafted in the air as the two tried their best not to stain their incredibly long skirt that reached their ankles.

"What's weird?" The little raven-haired girl asked.

"Um… nevermind." She replied as she focused her gaze down the road.


"Yes, the rumors are true sire." A guard reported to the king, who lazily sat on his chair, his right hand holding a luxurious wine glass embed with rubies shaped like roses.

"Eh? So Yuka did have a child." He muttered, sneering at the report, "IMPOSSIBLE!" He screamed as he threw the wine glass on the carpeted floor, the guard shivered as the deafening crack resonated in the room. "Yuka is a barren woman! She can't give birth to a child! And if she did, she might've died after giving birth!" He said, refusing the pathetic idea.

"B-but sire, we've asked all of the servants of the queen who survived after you kill-"

"What did you almost say?" He asked, challenging him to state it again.

"N-nothing sire." The guard shivered in fright.

"GO!" The king roared making the guard yelp in fear and scramble outside the throne room. He exasperatedly sighed as his gaze shifted to the broken glass, red wine scattered on the lion fur carpet. Sneering he got up from his throne room and decided to pay a visit in the specialized dungeon in the tower.

He opened the door cautiously upon entering, "Oh Yuka, my dearest Yuka." He muttered possessively at the lovely woman in her early forties dressed in the finest satin.

"What do you want Akihiro?" Yuka snarled back at the murderer, "Just leave me alone." She said as she turned her back.

"Oh, no can do my beloved queen." He said, "I'm afraid my heart would die if I won't get the chance to see you."

"Then I'd just kill myself!" She replied.

"Oh you can't do that." He said as he grabbed a nearby pitcher and a glass and poured himself a glass of water.

"Oh I can!" She retorted.

He calmly took a sip at the water before eyeing her, "Would you leave your child alone?" He sneered.

She looked unfazed, though her mind is panicking, "I'd do what I like, you can't use that useless threat against me since I don't have one." She declared boldly, though a part of her is guilty for lying, but she had to do it, for her daughter's safety.

"Hmm." He smirked, "I knew you didn't have a child, its impossible for Izumi to even touch a worthless woman like you."

She made no retort.

"But I can make you feel like you're in heaven, just open up your heart to me." He said as his features softened.

"No." She firmly stated.

"Fine!" He said, "No dinner for you woman!" He yelled as he left.

"Fine with me!" She shouted back at him as her hands clutch the golden metal that hindered her from freedom.

Mikan, my sweet Mikan, I hope you're okay, I missed you so much.. She thought with a sigh before slumping back on the fine feathery soft mattress.


"Bye Mikan-nee-chan!" The children said bidding her goodbye.

She smiled at them as she waved her hand good and turned to leave, only to be stopped by small dainty hands that clung to her arm. Surprised, she looked down and smiled kindly at the auburn-haired girl with bright emerald eyes, "What do you want Shiori-chan?" She asked as she bent down to her height.

"May I go with you?" The five-year old girl asked shyly, her gaze avoiding hers as a blush adorned her cheeks and according to her point of view, making her look adorable.

"Sure." She agreed, "But let me remind you that it's not safe."

The little girl nodded as Mikan cupped her in her arms and carried her, "It's much safer this way, and you won't get lost." She explained at the confused looking Shiori.

"Mikan-nee-chan, can you drop by Ji-chan's house? I forgot to bring my change of clothes." Aoi said as she sweatdropped, "And the kids are really eager to play with me." She said as she glanced back at the eager children who are shouting her name in a chorus.

"Sure." She replied before walking away.


"Wow." Shiori exclaimed happily as she twirled around enjoying the soft whispery breeze against her fair skin, her cute pink dress move along with her.

"Be careful Shiori-chan, the groceries you're holding might fall." Mikan reminded as she followed after her, holding 2 paper bags tightly against her chest, a single basket containing fresh fruits hung securely around her elbow.

The little girl continued to twirl around carefully not putting a though in what Mikan just said, causing her to bump onto a stranger with crimson eyes and raven hair clad in black cloak.

"Oof!" Shiori said as her twirling stopped abruptly, "I'm sorry mister." She apologized as she bowed.

"Hn." He irritably as he glared mercilessly at the girl, but only to soften up when he saw how sincere and innocent the girl looked, "Next time, watch where you're going. Others might sentence you to jail just by merely bumping onto them." He said.

"Okay mister." She said as she bowed apologetically again.

"Shiori!" Mikan called as she ran towards the little girl, "Are you okay?" She asked, concern evident in her eyes.

She nodded curtly in reply and Mikan sighed in relief before facing the stranger, "Thank you for not being mad at her sir." She thanked (although it may seem as if it's really nothing, but in a country like theirs, when you merely bump into someone they can accuse you with stealing) as she fixed her gaze with his. Crimson clashed with hazel and for a minute, they were both paralyzed, time seemed to stop, their hearts beating loudly in their chest.

He cleared his throat as he broke off the trance, "Make sure you keep an eye on her." He said as he left.

Mikan let out her breath she didn't realize she held in as she stared at the retreating figure in front of her. I wonder who he is. She thought as she absentmindedly held Shiori's hand. Sighing she stared gleefully at the girl as she smiled at her, "Let's go." She said, "We still need to drop by my house." She reminded.


"Oof!" An old man with an extremely familiar voice cried in pain, "I-I don't know what you're talking about!" He explained as he coughed, blood gushing out from the side of his lips.

They sneered mercilessly at him as a grim and devilish expression filled their faces, "Tell us what you know about the queen's daughter!" One commanded.

"What can I say?" He retorted as he held his stomach stinging with pain, "The queen never had a child!" He lied, his face full of determination.

A smug expression took over his expression, his eyes still portraying a merciless look, "Stop lying old man." He spat, "All other servants admitted that she had!"

"It's not a wonder!" He said feebly, "With a treatment like this, they'll be forced to utter the answer you'd like to hear." He said earning a kick from him. This made him cough out blood.

"Tch." He commented, "Old man's so strong." He mocked as his colleagues agreed with a matching mocking laugh.

Ji-chan just stared at them with a pleading look as he continued coughing.

"Just tell us the truth old man!" One shouted as he kicked him in the guts.

"She didn't have a child!" He lied, "She's barren!" he kept on lying and they kept on tormenting him.


Mikan arrived at the house with the Shiori trailing behind her with that same cheerful smile plastered on her face. "Tadai–" she greeted but stopped midway as she watched with horror at the looks of her home. Shiori hid behind her fearfully, hesitantly peeking at the view in front of them.

The house is a mess, lots of things were cluttered outside, blood can be seen a few centimeters from the door making a trail of blood that led to the coughing old man.

"Oji-san!" Mikan cried as she ran towards her weak grandfather and kneeled beside him, the little girl ran behind her, "Oji-san, what happened?" She asked.

The old man smiled meekly at her, attempting to make a goofy sort of smile, "Aren't you going to ask me if I'm alright?" He joked, his voice faltering. He's literally gasping for air.

She looked sternly at him, "No, cause I'm sure you're nowhere near okay." She replied, "Now what happened?" She asked.

"The guards." He gasped, "They found out." He gasped again.

"Do they know that it's me?" She asked.

He shook his head feebly.

She sighed in relief, "Oji-san, hold on for me okay?" She pleaded, "I'm going to ask for help." She said.

He clutched her hand, "Don't leave." He said. She stared at him, "Promise me Mikan, after this, you won't do anything irrational." He said before coughing out blood.

She looked away, "I'm sorry ji-chan, I can't promise that." She replied, "Not after this."

"Mikan please." He pleaded, "You're our only hope, don't do anything to harm yourself."

She stayed silent.

"Mikan, Aoi's mother lived 2 kilometers from here, she owned that big house near the river." He said, "Do you remember that place? We visited it once." He asked.

She nodded, "That's where this kind lady welcomed us in." She answered.

"That's Aoi's mother." He said before coughing, "You go there," he instructed, "Bring Aoi an–" He added but was cut off for lack of breath, and that's when his eyes closed.

"Ji-chan!" Mikan called, "Ji-chan!" She called again, shaking him. "Ji-chan." She whispered softly as tears welled up in her eyes. "I will certainly avenge your death." She muttered her voice barely audible.


Her eyes gleamed with both sorrow and revenge as tears fell freely from her eyes, gently cascading down her cheeks. He killed her parents causing her to become an orphan, he wanted Aoi aborted just because he thinks she'll turn into a spoilt brat causing Aoi's mother to give her away, denying her of her rights to live in the life she's supposed to have and now, that same man killed Oji-chan, the one who cared for his daughter and her.

The flames of hatred grew bigger and bigger and she thought of those, but one thing is certain from all her thoughts, she must avenge their death, she will restore the life that they have been denied of. She will do anything for the sake of justice. She just hopes that everything will turn exactly as planned. She wiped her tears away as she stared at their grandfather's tombstone. Eyes already sore from all the crying.

"Mikan." A soft voice called, "Let's go home, it's getting dark soon and you know that the streets aren't safe during that time of the night."

Mikan faced the woman, her hazel eyes examining the woman's features. Just like Aoi's. She thought. It's no doubt that she's Aoi biological mother. She nodded in response as as she clutched her sister's hand much tighter than before, but gentle enough not to hurt the little girl.

"Aoi let's go." The woman called snapping Aoi from her trance.

The raven-haired girl snapped from her trance as she stared at her mother sadly. "Okay Okaa-sama." She said respectfully before sucking her tongue as if she's tasting some sort of foreign food.

"Okaa-chan will be just fine Aoi." She replied as she smiled kindly at her daughter.

"Hai, okaa-chan." She replied as she forced her smile. Okaa-chan. She repeated in her thoughts, Okaa-chan. She repeated again, obviously not used in using such a foreign word. But the light tingling feeling in her stomach felt pleasant, and although it was weird for her, she can't deny the fact that she's feeling euphoric.

Finally, a real 'kaa-chan, a 'kaa-chan by blood. She thought as she walked towards her mother with Mikan still clutching her hand who was trailing behind her. Kaoru embraced her daughter in a comforting hug as she whispered soothing words to the sobbing Aoi.

Mikan let's go of Aoi's hand as she watched them enviously, wondering how it feels to hug or be hugged by your biological mother. She never thought of it before since she has Ji-chan and Aoi who was there to comfort her, but now that Ji-chan's gone and Aoi has her mother, she can't help but feel like a freeloader.

The two broke their hug and together with Mikan, they went back to Kaoru's house. The two's new home.


Ever since the tragic death of ji-chan, Mikan strived hard. She asked Kaoru to hire a teacher who can teach her martial arts, who in turned gladly comply with her request, but along with that, she also hired teachers who teaches them the basic academics and good etiquette. She did her best in learning and was very good at it. She conquered sports, learned archery and swordsmanship, although her clumsiness gets the best of her, but besides that she was very good.

At her free time she would sit down and do embroidery or cooking, sometimes she would go to the orphanage and read the little kids stories, usually Cinderella or the summarized version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. There's something in those stories that the kids just loves.

A short knock was heard across the nearly isolated hallway furnished with expensive European inspired potteries and figurines, roses were placed in crystal-like vases giving off its fresh rosy scent. Shortly after the short knock, a creak was heard and a warm beaming smile greeted the maid, who in turn greeted her with the same gesture.

"What brings you here Shiro-chan?" Mikan asked.

"Kaoru-sama told me to inform you about the coming ball for Natsume-sama's 17th birthday. She told me that you should come." She informed.

"Oh." She muttered, clearly not interested in coming, "When is it?" She asked, although she has no interest in coming to the ball, she fell indebted with Kaoru.

"Three weeks time." She replied before bowing down then left.

She sighed as she closed the door, her gaze falling on her needlework then shifted towards the one beside. Cinderella. It read, the words written in cursive gold letters. She grinned a mischievous grin. She might be able to have her revenge after all.


She gawked at herself when she saw her reflection in the mirror. The dress she had just made fits her perfectly. The top part of the dress is made of scarlet satin covered with a fancy black lace that is patterned with roses, it was cut in a low V showing off a bit of her cleavage, the dress is sleeveless tied together at the back of her neck. A big red rose sat at the center, centered by a set of two smaller red roses. The lower and the upper part was divided by another set of roses that circled her hips, below the roses, the black skirt fell freely touching the floor, but it ballooned a bit though it wasn't puffy, just enough. Random glitters are scattered all over the skirt making it glitter against the light. The lowest part of the skirt was embroidered with scarlet threaded roses that swirled around the tips. A set of scarlet red lace trimmed the bottom. She wore laced gloves that ended one and a half inches below her elbows, black in color; it was paired with a red choker that is made from a ruffled red cloth and a see-through black ribbon that was sewn in the center.

Alluring, seductive and provocative –that's how she looked, even with the absence of make-up, she looked stunning. Grinning a mysterious smile, she fixed the handmade butterfly mask over her face; it was plain black, studded with rose-shaped plastic gems that twirled at each side, joined together by a swirl of plastic emeralds. Oh! And have I told you that the dress is backless too?

She made the dress herself for the last 2 weeks and half, spending her free time making the dress and the mask, though it paid of greatly. You can see by the way she shines in wearing that dress.

"Sugoi onee-chan (Amazing big sis)!" Aoi muttered in amazement as she looked at Mikan's handmade dress. She on the other hand is busy double checking the dress making sure that each detail is according to the design she thought of.

Hearing her sister's praise she threw her a thankful smile through the mirror as she straightened herself up. "Do you think its okay?" She asked.

Aoi nodded, "It looks perfect Onee-chan!" She replied, "Never knew you had that talent in you."

She beamed at her little sister. "Thank you." She muttered.


Natsume's gaze landed on the lake just a few meters located from his mother's house, as his thoughts suddenly became preoccupied with his father's news. It was sudden, he didn't even get to have a say in this. He swiftly ran his fingers through his silky raven-locks as he replayed the event that happened a while ago in his mind…

"Natsume." His father, the king, said stoically.

He bowed. "What have you called me for my king?" He asked, hiding his disgust from his tone of voice. He can't even address his father as "father", not that he cares though. He was really fine with his father's attitude until he heard him tell his mother to abort his sister, thank Kami-sama that she didn't take his advice and instead let her sister get adopted. His father didn't know of course, he thought that Aoi –apparently, that's his sister's name, is dead.

"Straighten your back Natsume." The devil, er, he meant his father ordered, he followed, "As you know, there is an upcoming ball." He started as he stared at his son with a serious look on.

"Yes my King." He replied, and again, he can't feel but be disgusted, this man doesn't deserved to respected, he deserves to be thrown in the dungeon along with all those greedy ambassadors and noblemen.

"I want you to choose a bride." He said as he took a sip of his wine.

"Is it really necessary?" He asked, with a slightly raised tone.

"You dare talk back to your king?" He challenged as he raised an eyebrow, his glass of wine getting refilled by a shivering servant.

He looked down, "No." he answered softly, though his mind keeps on yelling at him to just strangle that old man in front of him, but he can't –as of now, he can't. But someday, when he'll take the throne, he'll do the right measures and have that old man beheaded.

"Good." Replied the kind as he stared accusingly at his son, "As you know Natsume, you're coming of age, you're almost 18, you need to choose a suitable wife." He explained, his gaze turning soft and kind, "And if possible, choose someone you love." He added, his voice gentle, not dictating.

Natsume arched his eyebrows, not being able to believe what his father have said as the said man raised his right hand studded with pure gold rings and gems dismissingly.

"Hmm…" he muttered slightly amused, someone you love huh? He thought as a brief image of a brunette haired girl he met a few weeks ago flashed in his mind. He shook his head, he's not about to get absorbed in unimportant thoughts such as her, for all he knows, she doesn't even know him. Well, sure he's the prince of the kingdom, but only few people knows what he looks like, particularly his family (except Aoi), the servants of the castle and a few noblemen and women who went to the castle for business purposes.

Ruffling his raven-tussles, he sighed. Sighed, outwardly, a something he has never done before. He sighed, dreamily if I might add, just by the thought of her. Her apologetic face, her silky brunette hair glistening under the sun, her smooth fair skin… it's all driving him nuts. Frustrated, he grumbled to himself, muttering curses from time to time, mumbling something that has something to do with "love", "impossible" and "crazy". A few minutes later, he ended his useless charade as he glanced thoughtfully back at the lake. A tiny voice inside of him hoping, praying that that brunette girl would come to the ball.


Soft classical music drifted in the air, entering the ears of the guests, soothing them as they animatedly chat with each other. The sweet smell of Roses lingered in the air, filling the nostrils of the guest, giving them a good reason to refresh themselves for their stay at the castle.

Natsume stared at the gigantic clock placed in the far east of the castle's grand ballroom, he watched it as the seconds ticked by, glancing occasionally at the huge Mahogany door, before letting his gaze go around the room once more. The room is generously decorated with white, red, yellow and pink roses, all arranged neatly and are either placed delicately on top of the tables in small crystal vases or are either placed in huge golden vases studded with rubies and emeralds that are either shaped like a leaf or a rose that twirled around the center. Golden silk curtains hung on the windows, an expensive golden colored carpet with an exquisite pattern of roses is found in the middle of the ball room, complimenting the room even more. The arched ceiling is free from cobwebs and is sparkling neat. He blinked as his eyes started to wonder towards the crowd, extravagant dresses, expensive jewelries and a rich demeanor. There's no doubt his father invited the best and richest (albeit corrupted) nobles found throughout the land and a few from the neighboring kingdom. Well-known kings and queens (along with their daughters) also attended the ball.

His crimson eyes traveled back to the door as it opens, revealing his mother wearing a golden gown, trimmed with frills and bows. It was extravagantly beautiful, complimenting his mother in every way. The crowd drew their breath as two elegant young ladies wearing a mask entered the room, right after his mother. One has raven-hair and wore a black and white sweetheart gown. The other is clad in a red and black dress. They both look stunning, but the latter is all the more alluring, since she looks seductive and tempting yet at the same time, innocent. Seemingly looking like Cinderella, yet her colors are more on the provocative side, tainting her innocent look. Yes, a Tainted Cinderella, that's how she looks like.


Well, I hope you liked this... It took me weeks just to finish the first part.

But just to warn you, I won't be updating this story anytime sooner. My periodical test is coming next week and I'll be using my time studying, but anyway, I will try to finish this before the year ends. It's like a long 3-shots. It took 25 pages in Microsoft.

I would really love to hear your thoughts about this one, so please read and review!

Zen