Lost Princess

* A Simple Farmer

With a final huff Runo wiped away the sweat from her forehead and watched with a triumphant smile at her patch of flowers and cabbages. The sun was blazing hot and not a single breeze was enveloping the country. Her light yellow shirt clung to her boy, surely stinky by now but she could care less at the moment. She brushed away the dirt from her hands over her dirty old blue overall and took the woven casket next to her in her hands.

Being a farmer in Wardington had its perks all right but she always found herself full of pride whenever she saw her small lilies and daises sprouting over her family's garden. To some extent it was tiring as hell, the only ones working on the field were her and her dad and that was during the mornings, while most part of the evening her time was filled with having turns at their local restaurant run by her mother. It was hectic all right and she really did wish to have more time to herself from time to time but it wasn't like she had anything better to do.

Wardington was a small town right next to the capital, Kawadori in Haos. While they indeed have close connections with the capital she had never set foot in that place in her eighteen years of living. Her parents always had deliveries at the end of the month to Kawadori to sell all of their flowers and vegetables to the castle, but she never went in those trips. They would always assign Baron Leltoy, a neighbor of them, to make the deliveries and while yes he was younger, her parents insisted on her not going.

"Well the end of the month is tomorrow, I'll manage to go there somehow." She muttered under her breath as her port device beeped in her jeans. Runo managed to pick it and with her thumb dialed a series of numbers over the screen. Her small patch started sprinkling water in a matter of seconds, spurting new seeds as it did so. She turned her head, watching the vast field of crops and flowers her family owned a sigh leaving her lips.

"Better activate the system too." She muttered, walking inside the great maze of flowers as she made way towards her home and turn on the irrigation system. Runo brushed away her ponytail as she trudged her way, the casket full with her flowers. It was already noon and she felt as if a lifetime had already passed by. The rest of the townspeople where in their respective fields and works, each of them living their own lives.

"What a small town this is…" She said somehow solemnly. Thoughts of never leaving Wardington suddenly flooded her mind and she was set in a more depressing mood than before. Runo shook her head "Not the time for this! You'll leave this town once you get enough money to live in Kawadori"

It's not like she disliked living in her town. The only problem she had with it was that nothing happened here. Everyone was pretty much a farmer and led simple lives among the town. That idea really didn't please her at the least. No, she wanted to travel and explore all of Vestroia. Go to the beaches in Subterra and even bask in the enormous green fields in Ventus.

"You got to keep working for that…" She muttered as she finally reached the backdoor of her house. It was a small cottage, enough for her family. It was two stories high while at the ground floor the restaurant was located. Runo climbed up the small steps and turned to her family's crop fields. With a small smile she typed another set of coordinates and numbers over the screen of her port device. The irrigation system turned on and the sprinklers went off, watering all of the flowers and vegetables over their terrain.

With a final satisfied look she entered her home and went to the kitchen right away, casket still in her hands. The restaurant wasn't that big enough. They had around seven tables at the most and a small counter that separated the kitchen from the main space. The place had a rusty old look, with wooden chairs and stools and paintings hanging from the walls. Lanterns were neatly organized over the ceiling, giving it a more joyous look overall.

Runo entered the kitchen and got to work right away. She started washing the vegetables one after the other, skinning them and cutting them up one after the other. With the flowers she started cutting off the hem and getting them rid of any thorn in place that she hadn't seen.

"Runo dear are you free?" The voice of her mother startled her and in a swift motion she cut her finger with one of the thorns. She cursed out loud and sucked on her thumb. Runo looked back at it, the cut wasn't that deep but blood was still coming out from the wound. At the entrance of the kitchen there was her mother, Yue Misaki. Her mom was a woman in her late forties, with long luscious blue hair and vibrant blue eyes to go with. A playful smile was over her lips as she watcher her "How many times have I told you to use gloves when cutting the thorns off the flowers"

"I don't like using them" Runo muttered under her breath, still hurting from the small cut. Her mom chuckled a bit before moving towards her, already taking out the first aid kit from the kitchen counter. She only extended her hand for Runo to show her the wound. The woman shook her head, a playful smile over her lips as she applied disinfectant over the wound, making her flinch slightly.

"I was going to ask you if you can cover two more shifts tonight." Her mother said as she placed over her cut a small bandage. Runo scowled a little bit but before she could hide her mother saw it "I know you don't like working as a waitress, but no harm will happen if you help me tonight"

"Mom you always say the same things…" She pouted getting back into the task of cutting the hems of her flowers. Her mother gave her a look and her pout grew even more. Runo grabbed a glass vase and placed the flowers inside, arranging them to look extra pretty. Then an idea struck in her mind "I'll help you but I want something in exchange" She said as she placed the flower vase over the counter.

"Depends on what do you want" Her mother only crossed her arms over her chest, watching her with curious eyes. She was going to get a scolding for even suggesting it, but it was worth a shot after all.

"I'll do it if you let me deliver the milk tomorrow to Kawadori-"

"Absolutely not." Her mother flat out refused, her tone changing to a more irritated one. She brushed her long blue hair out of her face "You know how much I'm against you going there"

"But mom!" Runo whined "I'm already eighteen, everyone has been there except for me! It's not like it's going to do much damage, I'm only going to deliver milk after all!"

"That's why we have Baron for that" Her mother cut her off "You'll do the two extra shifts anyway but you're not going to Kawadori"

"What? That's not even fair!" She argued back, stepping back as her mother gave her a pointed look "Nothing will happen if I go to Kawadori, I'm old enough to go and return completely fine!"

"Don't raise your voice to me Runo." Her mother looked her straight in the eye, but Runo only looked back. It always ended up like this whenever they even mentioned the capital and honestly she was getting quite frustrated by the lack of response from her mother. Why was it a sin to go to Kawadori? "You're not going to Kawadori and that's final"

"Mom!" That's when the door to the house burst open.

"Yue, Runo! Look the Leltoys gave me a huge basket full with tomatoes!" Her father, Tetsuro Misaki entered the house, a bright smile over his lips. He kicked the door closed and walked over to them a happy aura all around him. Her father had sandy blonde hair and bright green eyes to go with it. He was wearing his usual attire, a light orange t-shirt along with a pair of blue jeans and on top of it a yellow apron. His brown combat boots had mud all over them and his face was full of scars and mud as well.

"I'm sure this much will be enough for your delicious tortilla soup my love!" Her father said in a dreamy tone of voice. He shifted his eyes towards them and the smile stilled for a moment "What's wrong?"

"Runo here wants to do the delivery of tomorrow to Kawadori" Her mom answered, sending daggers his way as well. Runo noticed the slight shiver going down his spine he even looked a bit terrified now "May you remind your daughter why we don't let her go there?"

"Oh please as if you haven't recited it enough already" Runo shot back, earning looks from both of her parents for arguing back.

"Though I don't appreciate the tone you're using young lady," Her father reprimanded "I have to say I'm with you on this one." Runo turned to her dad, a look of surprise clear on her face. Her mother on the other hand could kill them with just one look her way "Look sweetie I know you don't like the idea of Runo going to Kawadori, but it's going to happen sooner or later."

"Absolutely not! Tetsuro we've talked about this and I'm not changing my mind!"

"Kawadori has been peaceful for some years now" Her father sighed "Look what if Runo accompanies Baron to deliver the milk?" He started inching closer to her mother, but she in turn only looked away "She's not going to be wandering alone in Kawadori and besides Baron will be with her!" Her dad gave Runo a wink, a cue for her to help him.

"Oh yes, I'll just accompany Baron to deliver milk" She twirled a bit on her spot as she inched closer to her mother as well, the frown replaced with a smile "You know how responsible Baron is, we'll just the deliver the milk and head back to Wardington in a flash!" Her mom only glared but she was actually pondering on the idea.

"I'm not sure…"

"We can have all the day to ourselves my love," Her father chimed in "If Runo goes with Baron we won't have to do the crops tomorrow, we can sleep longer and not open the restaurant…" Her mother turned to him, eyes glistening with the little bit of hope "That is if you are okay with Runo accompanying Baron"

"The idea is not bad…" Runo and her dad shared a silent high five of victory before her mother looked up to her once more "Promise me you will follow Baron and not get in trouble?"

"I solemnly promise" She held up her hand in sign of completely agreeing. Her mom gave her another look and then turned to her dad. It was if there was a silent conversation going on between them. Runo sometimes wondered how in the world they were able to do that.

"All right then" Runo almost jumped in happiness, but held back, her lips stretching in the biggest smile "But you'll have to help me with the two shifts tonight" She fist-bumped the air in victory and gave her mother a sloppy kiss over her right cheek.

"I'll help you with three if that's what you want!" Runo squealed in delight and jumped in excitement once more "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She screamed giving both of her parents a big hug before bolting up to her room. Her parents shared a sheepish smile as she climbed up the stairs and entered her room without missing a bit.

Another squeal released from her mouth as she hopped up and down in excitement. She shut her door and threw herself in her bed, excitement getting the best of her as she rolled around in the mattress. Her room was a simple one. The walls were painted in a soft creamy color with the exception of one, which was painted in a light orange. Her bed rested next to the right wall, a huge window right next to it that had the scenery of the town. Her closet was at the far end corner along with a small nightstand where photos of her and her parents rested along with a small vase with lilies on it. A white rug was settled on the middle of the room and at the left wall there was a small projection of bubbles thanks to a small projector.

Runo sat up once more, excited smile still on place as she looked out her window. Far off in the distance she could see the faintest look of the Haos castle where both Queen Serena and Princess Fabia lived. She had heard stories about the castle countless of times, how it seemed to shine at sunset and even radiate a sense of beauty and simplicity all together. She knew that it wasn't like she would get a huge tour in Kawadori, but it was a start so far.

"I'm so excited!" She squealed once more and lay on her bed once more. Taking her port device on her hands she swiped away the projection of the bubbles and played the latest news report from New Vestroia. The face of a woman appeared along with a series of clips and images right next to her as she explained the events of the past days.

"-People at the castle of Vestroia are still mourning the late King Hoshi and the Queen Sakura, may they rest in peace. Their son, King Joe doesn't look like he's recovering from his illness. After all he is not attending the meeting at the Haos Capital tomorrow evening" The woman started explaining just as Runo turned to her, listening "On another news the Pumpkin Festival in Pyrus is quickly approaching and people from all over New Vestroia are coming to visit and enjoy the festivities!"

A video of the Pumpkin Festival of last year started playing. Apparently the festival was to commemorate the coming of Autumn and it build huge statues and burn them down in the name of an ancient god named Apollonir. Along with it the Pyrus Royal Family opened up the doors of the castle and throw a huge party in honor to all of the residents. She saw with wide eyes as a huge statue of a phoenix burst into flames and everyone on the video cheered along with it.

"Sakura flowers are still blooming at the South of Ventus!" The reporter continued but at this point Runo had tuned her out completely, her gaze shifting back to the outline of the Haos Castle. She knew her chances of even touching its walls would be a miracle but she could only hope.

"Runo! Come on down your shift starts now honey!" Her mother called her from downstairs. Sitting up she finished the clip of the news report and played the projection of the bubbles once more. With a small groan she stood up from her bed and stretched out, looking once more at the castle. Something was tugging at her heart but she couldn't place her finger on it. With a shrug she tossed her port device to the bed.

"I'm coming!" Runo responded and descended down the stairs.


"So Miss Runo are you excited for this?!" Baron Leltoy exclaimed from the pilot cabin of their small flying ship. Her parents had purchased a small and rusty Cassiopeia, Class 2 flying cargo ship back in the day and it was mainly used to transport the merchandise from Wardington to Kawadori. The engine room and a stocked dock with a satellite were at the back. While at the main level were the cargo bay, cockpit, galley kitchen, a crew quarter, and a washroom.

It had been years since traveling by air had been invented at New Vestroia, and now more and more people purchased small flying ships to travel from one land to the other. Cars were still available, but many preferred using air travelling. Though the down side was passing the pilot test imposed by the government and having to be older than eighteen. Runo herself hadn't been able to pass it just yet but she had the age for it just fine.

"Yeah a little" She showed him a sheepish smile ad she looked down at the scenery before her. It was somewhere around eight o'clock in the morning, the sun barely rising as the land before them stretched and the capital was clearer than ever. Not many ships were on sight, but she could distinguish some leaving Kawadori in different directions all together. Baron chuckled loudly as he continued to steer the ship towards the capital.

"Well don't worry we'll be there in a couple of minutes!" The purple haired boy smiled, keeping his eyes straight into the sky. Runo only nodded and looked down at her attire. Her mother insisted on her at least leaving back the overalls. She looked the same if she had to admit it. Her hair was still in a long ponytail, blue jeans along with brown combat boots, yellow blouse and a light brown jacket over it. The sun was hitting her right in the face but she couldn't hide the excitement that was bubbling inside of her.

It was like a scene from a movie, as the castle became clearer and clearer as they reached their destination. She had seen the castle countless of times at new reports and videos but seeing it right in front of her was a completely different thing. The castle was made out of completely white marble, around five towers looming around it and a structure so beautiful that made her speechless. Large windows decorated the castle, each with different figures and designs making her heart swoon.

Kawadori was another thing as well. The city had as center its castle, as the houses spread all around it. Rooftops made out of red and orange wood decorated the whole town, as well as flags placed as decoration on top of the houses. So many trees and flowers decorated the whole town that it looked almost as if a forest was trying to swallow the town. But the townspeople were peacefully going on with their lives. Bridges and stairs connected with each other making it look almost like a maze of routes.

Runo couldn't tear her eyes away from the sight. She was too entranced to even notice Baron descending the ship. It was until the scenery changed and she saw how the ship approached the castle and slowed to a stop. A little robot appeared right in front of the ship, scanning it with a red laser. Baron then typed a couple of coordinates onto the ship's pod as the robot gave them a little nod and scurried off to the side.

"They implemented the scanning system after King Soichiro's death a month ago" Her neighbor spoke up as they made their way once more. Runo turned to him for a brief moment "Apparently everyone's worried someone might plan an aerial attack or something" The boy shrugged and continued to pilot.

"Well it's only been a month. I wouldn't expect them to be okay with it just right away." She muttered under her breath. King Soichiro Hoshi and his wife, Queen Sakura had died just a month ago on a plane accident. According to news reports they were flying somewhere near Ventus when the ship burst into flames. Many believed that Ventus was the one behind it, but King Chihiro Suzuki withheld a good relationship with the King of Vestroia. Nonetheless the people across New Vestroia mourned them for a whole week and people in Vestroia were still mourning them. She recalled offering her usual patch of lilies to them for a week along with her parents, but she couldn't say she felt very drawn to them. In any case that would be with Queen Serena.

Their Queen at Haos was fair and just, very beautiful at best but it seemed like she didn't leave the castle that often. Or well that was Runo's perception of it. Queen Serena did appear on annual festivities like the Lantern Carnival, but only at Kawadori. Sure she suspected that being queen had its perks but she had never heard of any news about the queen going to another town. It was nothing out of the ordinary really with the missing of the previous queen and the burning down of the castle around fifteen years ago.

Her parents had told her about it some time ago, but she couldn't recall exactly what had happened. Their former queen, Queen Saki had just given birth to a daughter and while everyone on Haos was thrilled not many believed in the monarchy she was leading. During a royal party commemorating her daughter's birthday the castle burned down. Many managed to escape, including the royal families of the neighboring lands, but apparently Queen Saki and her family weren't that fortunate. Haos mourned them for a month as well but there were rumors that the family had fled the castle.

While it could be true, Runo really doubted if that was the case. Information regarding Queen Saki and her husband, King Tatsuo was strictly confidential and while there were people still searching for them, she believed it was futile. The incident had happened fifteen years ago and since then Queen Serena had taken over and Haos had managed to thrive.

Not to mention the crazy belief that the unknown princess could be the hope and salvation not for the people in Haos, but for the people in New Vestroia. It was true that King Zenoheald wasn't the best monarch but she didn't think he was all that bad. There were all sorts of rumors going on around him. How he was the one behind King Soichiro's death along with the on going plan of going to war against Pyrus. Call her crazy but how could a missing girl stop such a powerful man? And if finding Queen Saki was risky it was even more finding the Lost Princess. The only feature she had were a pair of dazzling blue eyes.

Anyone on Haos could have blue eyes. Most of the population in Haos had either blue or green eyes, herself included. It was impossible. People were holding on to false hope about the Lost Princess. Runo rolled her eyes thinking about such matters always brought her a headache.

She could now see the houses of the town more clearly. Most of them were made out of white stone and with windows each of them. Plants and vines circled their way around the structures of each one of them. The flags were usually from the official crest of Haos, which was a little sun with seven yellow rays.

They kept going until the castle was almost right in front of them. That's when Baron descended and parked the ship. Many other ships and carriages were lined up around them as well, it's owners each taking out their merchandise and making way towards the castle. Runo looked up, the castle loomed on top of them. It looked even bigger from her point of view now.

"Come on Miss Runo, we have to deliver the products!" Baron exclaimed, as he opened up the hatch and made his way towards the storage room, taking big crates filled with bottles of milk. She nodded, mostly to herself, and turned to help him out, setting up a decent wagon cart. They both started stocking it up until nothing was left. The purple haired boy closed the hatch "Follow me Miss Runo, hopefully we'll finish soon and I can take you sight seeing!"

"I thought that was prohibited" She chuckled as she pushed the cart from behind as Baron pulled from the handle up in front. She saw the tip of his ears turning a bright shade of red and she burst out laughing "I'll be our secret then!" Baron smiled back at her.

"I'm sure it won't harm you at all" The boy exclaimed, "Just look at this town isn't it marvelous!" He chuckled and she had to join in as well. He looked just as excited as her, or so she assumed. His golden eyes were wide with excitement as he saw every corner and noticed every single person on the alleys.

"Baron" She called out to him, and he turned his head to look at her "You like coming to Kawadori right?"

"Oh I love it Miss Runo" The boy fist bumped the air and chuckled even more "Don't get me wrong Wardington it's beautiful in it's own way. But being here is a completely different experience"

"Yeah I get you" She smiled contently to herself as they kept walking towards the castle. Runo took the opportunity to look around her and marvel at Kawadori. The streets were made out of cobblestone, light posts were at each side of the street and houses were all lined up against each other. Small corridors separated each of them, many houses were just right next to each other. Everything looked quite lively.

Why did her mother hate the town so much? Kawadori seemed peaceful enough and even more exciting than Wardington in a thousand ways! She couldn't think of a reason as to why they would prohibit her from coming here. So far nothing had happened to her. Runo shook her head and rid herself from those thoughts. The point now was that she was here and she was going to enjoy it to the fullest.

"This is it Miss Runo!" Baron exclaimed. She looked up as the castle stood tall and proud. The rays of sunshine was giving it a dreamy look, as ships flew pass by it and birds stood on top of it's towers. A large number of people were around it, each with their merchandise as palace guards examined the product and paid them.

Many people in the crowd were shouting out complaints as they tried to get past the others and get to the guard first. Runo grumbled in discomfort as they trudged on. Baron didn't seem to mind at all as he pushed the cart forward.

"Baron I don't think it's a good idea to keep going" She tried to say above all of the chanting and pushing. It didn't seem to reach him as he trudged on, swiftly dodging one person and another without a care. Many of them were even shooting daggers at them as they passed them by. Runo ducked her head as more shouting was evident "Baron are you listening-?"

Someone shoved her to the side and she ended up loosing her footing. She shrieked as he lost hold of the cart and fell head first into the ground, the people not even bothering to help her. Runo grunted and quickly got up from her spot. She tried to find Baron in such a large crowd but she couldn't see a single speck of purple hair in the crowd. It was as if the crowd had swallowed him whole.

"Baron!" She called out to him but no response only more chanting. She received a couple of more shoves but she stood her ground as she trudged on in the crowd. Runo dodged person after person, trying to find her neighbor but nothing "Baron!" Reaching out for her port screen, she cursed remembering she had left it back at the ship.

People around her gave her odd looks but kept pestering the guards in front of them. 'What now?' She thought as she kept walking inside the crowd and craned her neck to find Baron. The crowd was getting bigger and bigger and she honestly couldn't see an end to it as she trudged forward. Maybe if she made her way to the guards she would have more chance to see Baron from there.

Not caring from the glares she was receiving, she moved forward, swiftly dodging the people. Runo kept walking and dodging, trying to get any sign from Baron anywhere, but she was shorter than most people around her. She tried tiptoeing but she could barely see a thing as well. Cursing under her breath she kept going, finally reaching the main point with the guards.

"Finally" She huffed, trying to regain her breath once more. Passing the sea of people and into the clearing was a feat in itself. "Now to find Baron…" She muttered and just as she was about to call out to him once more a guard got in her face. Runo halted right there, eyes wide as she looked up at him.

"You're here for the position of maid am I correct?" He said. She frowned at the question but before she could answer he interrupted "Matron Ran is waiting for you inside, I'll escort you"

"Wait, wait, wait! You got it wrong!" Runo moved her hands in front of her face "I'm here to deliver some milk, I'm no maid!" The guard gave her a look before frowning.

"Then where is your cart?" He asked. She sighed but before she could explain, the guard had taken hold of her lower arm "Don't worry Matron Ran isn't that terrible, she told me it would be your first day here. I'm sure you'll only have to clean up a few statues" Runo exclaimed, trying to remove his hold from her but the man was sturdy as a rock. She turned to the crowd, eyes searching frantically for Baron.

"But I'm telling you I'm not here for the position of maid!" She said, but they kept approaching the castle step by step. Before she could get away the guard had reached the building and opened up a steel door. Runo turned her head in desperation, trying to find someone to intervene for her. The guard kept on dragging her as she tried to get out of his grip.

Inside the steel door there was a long narrow corridor, looking somewhat creepy on the outside, nothing compared to the beauty outside. Both of them entered the building as the door quickly shut behind them. Her eyes were wide as plates as they continued walking inside the corridor. She would be in so much trouble after this.

Runo looked from one side to the other, but there was nothing other than the narrow corridor. It kept going and going and she honestly had forgotten about the exit. The guard didn't say anything else as he kept guiding her. Suddenly another door was in front of them and they entered that one as well. It was like that for a while and if she was correct they had passed around five doors in total.

It was until the sixth door that once it opened the scenery completely changed before her eyes. A large room appeared before her, filled with women and men from around thirty and upwards. They were bustling around shouting directions at each other. The walls were brown cobblestone and she could distinguish thousands of cleaning supplies at the walls. Mostly everyone in the room was dressed in a typical cleaning service uniform. The women had a black long-sleeved dress with an apron tied around their waists, while the men had loose black pants with a long-sleeved gray shirt.

"Remember the royal families from the other lands are in the castle! We must not disturb them and finish out duties without a problem!" A woman in the middle started instructing everyone. She looked over fifty with small rounded glasses over her eyes as she straightened up everyone's uniforms "Everyone knows their duties, move out!"

A chorus of 'Yes ma'am' was heard throughout the room, as the people started moving from one spot to another taking cleaning supplies. The room was emptied in a second and that's when the older woman took notice of her. Runo tried moving away, but the guard kept a firm grip over her.

"Matron Ran I found the girl you were looking for!" The guard exclaimed in a happy tone. The woman gave him a brief glance and then turned to her. She had a small frown over her face, but kept silent as she examined her.

"Ah yes I thought you weren't coming dear, after all the entrance is at six o'clock in the morning not at ten" The matron said with disdain "But I suppose it wouldn't hurt for me to leave you a small task" Runo was about to protest, clearly this woman was confusing her with someone else as well, but the woman intervened "You'll clean the statues over at the fourth floor and come back to me when you're done." She leaned in real close "No exceptions."

"But ma'am you got this wrong, I'm not-" Runo tried saying once more but the woman sent her a cold gaze, clearly not happy about it. She bit down her lip. She had to say something before she ends up trapped in the palace. Surely Baron must've noticed her absence by now. But a small idea lit up in her mind, eyes widening. She could see the palace from the inside.

"You're not what child? I'm wasting my time here come out with it" Matron Ran tapped her fingers with impatience. Runo glanced at her briefly, her mind still at jumbles from what to do. If they find out that she was merely just a stranger they would surely throw her in jail. But if she was careful enough, maybe she could pull it off.

"Nothing, I was just imagining things" She answered a modest smile over her lips. Baron would have to forgive her, but she had to take some sort of opportunity after being dragged in here. The matron only shook her head and tossed her a change of clothes.

"Change into those and leave your clothes with me. The bathroom is over there," She pointed at one door in the room "I'll escort you to your working position when you're finished changing" The guard released her from his grip and moved to the side to let her through. Runo didn't say anything else as she went directly to the bathroom to change.

Her mind was screaming at her to turn and run out of the place, she was trespassing the castle in one way or another. But her heart was racing with adrenaline as she kept going with the plan. She changed in a flash and before she knew it Matron Ran was already guiding her towards the fourth floor. They were using some sort of secret stairs since the passage was still made out of cobblestone and the only light came from small switches at the ceiling.

Runo fidgeted with her hands. The dress looked completely fine on her but this whole plan was a complete utter mess. She was almost starting to regret her decision until the matron stopped and opened up a door at their right. Both of them stepped outside and her mouth opened in awe. She was already inside the castle after all.

The hallway stretched enormously and the ceiling was way higher than she would've imagined. White and gold marble columns decorated each side of the hallway, along with long sky blue curtains all decorating the right side of the hall. Paintings and sculptures were located right next to the left side and a couple of small chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The ceiling was also decorated with golden arches and the rays of sunlight hit them just right, making the room wash in golden light.

She was amazed at the sight before her just as Matron Ran passed her by, without even sparing a glance. Her feet followed after the woman but she could honestly care less, she was even more entranced by the beauty of the castle so far. She peered outside the windows and she felt her heart flutter even more. From her point of view she could see the same rooftops as when she was back in the ship along with the flags decorating them. The ships flew by giving Kawadori an enormous sense of peace.

"You'll be stationed here." Matron Ran ordered, making her snap out of her trance. Runo turned to her just as the woman handed her a piece of cloth along with a small bucket. She took them from her hands and gave the woman a confused look "It's punishment fro coming in late"

"Eh?" She exclaimed "But I'm sure the cleaning bots are used for this!"

"While it is true that cleaning bots might helps us," The woman said in a very low and firm voice "Queen Serena opted to use man power instead to give the unemployed a chance at a job. If you don't want to do it, you can not come tomorrow, but this will teach you a lesson to not come in late to any further job meeting" Runo bit down on her lip, looking down at the supplies at hand "You'll scrub each of the statue here and leave it as impeccable as possible"

Her eyes looked up to the matron and then back to the rest of the hallway. From what she could see, there were roughly around twenty statues. And that was only the ones she could see along with the fact that the statues were at least three feet taller than her. She cursed to the Gods in her head as she only nodded at the matron.

"Good then" Matron Ran turned back to the door where they had come from "This'll be the task for today. Don't leave this hallway. The Royal Families of Vestroia are coming to visit Queen Serena and Princess Fabia. There are cameras installed along the hallway if you indeed decide to go and explore" The woman gave her another glance before nodding and leaving her alone in the hallway.

"Oh yes Runo lie about having a job here" She started mumbling to herself as she took in hand a used washcloth and headed towards the first statue "You'll be able to explore the castle of course" She kept jabbering as her hands kept cleaning. The statues varied from mythical strange creatures, raging from a mighty lioness to an enormous jellyfish. Aside from that she was still quite impressed by the hall in itself and how beautiful it was.

She took a small peek at the windows in front of her. Would Baron be okay? Was he even looking for her? She really doubted that last question, as she kept on scrubbing, her hands starting to ache from the labor. Living with her parents she was used to this, but one thing was cropping and the other was scrubbing white marble statues.

Runo huffed once more as time went by and she kept cleaning. In all truth while it was indeed quite tiring and frustrating, she felt herself calm enough to keep doing it. Not because of the small lesson Matron Ran wanted to induce in her, but because she felt a sense of peace being in the castle. It was weird really. It was like she was back home with her parents.

Her eyes continued roaming all throughout the hallway, contemplating the beauty of the small part of the castle. This was nothing compared to her home back at Wardington that was obvious. But she couldn't shake the feeling of belonging. Maybe even slight nostalgia with the building. 'But you've never been here idiot' She thought as her hands kept cleaning the statue.

Just when she was about to focus on cleaning the seventh statue, the creak of a door opening surprised her. Runo looked up to see a white door wide open at the end of the hall, no one on sight near it. She scrunched her eyes, trying to see if someone was going to close it or pass through the hallway. Minutes ticked by and no one was coming or going.

"Someone must've left a window opened or something" She mumbled to herself as she finished cleaning the statue and made her way towards the door. Her eyes then looked back at the windows, brow furrowing as she noticed they were all closed. Turning to the door once more she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as she approached it "You're just going to close it" She reminded herself, but it almost felt like she was being dragged to do so.

Runo reached the door and held the handle to close it until her eyes landed on the room that was on the other side. It was an enormous room, even bigger than the hallway by far and it stretched longer than she could even see. Light blue and golden curtains were drawn shut, the sunlight not filtering the room for a second, making it look almost somber and macabre. Enormous columns stood on each side of the room, decorated by twirling patterns and glistening colors, along with an enormous blue carpet at the center as it trailed at the far end of the room.

A chandelier hung at the very center of the room, the small light bulbs dimly lit and golden cloths draped over the ceiling. Runo was mesmerized by it all that she couldn't help but to walk inside the room. She carefully closed the door behind her, promising herself to return to her labor as soon as she took a closer look at it. Her eyes went back to the hallway behind her as she walked further inside. A small cloud of dust enveloped the room and she frowned as she kept on going.

Her feet followed the blue carpet along until it continued over a small set of steps. She looked up, eyes widening as she realized where she actually was. Two thrones made out of white marble and fine golden embroidery stood before her. Two crowns rested over their respective seats, tiny specs of diamonds glistering, twisted together in an arc. Runo gasped, hand over her mouth in an instant as she looked at the two thrones in front of her.

It was the Throne Room used by Queen Saki back when she was the Queen of Haos. After the fire fifteen years ago, Queen Serena had been proclaimed as their new leader and so a new Throne Room was constructed to commemorate such event. The old Throne Room was left in the dust, many people being quite scared or sad at the thought of their former queen being missing.

Runo quickly stepped away from the carpet, landing next to the two thrones as she continued to marvel at it. Who would've thought that she was going to end in such a high place like in that one. She shook her head, not wanting to spend more time in such an old and sacred place for her people. Just as she was about to turn for the door, her eyes caught sight of a couple of black curtains drew to a close over a small opening at the wall.

Her eyes could distinguish the figure of a frame over it, but the curtains didn't reveal anything to her. 'No you must go back before they behead you for even being there' She thought in her mind, but curiosity was getting the best of her. She cursed at herself for being like that. Biting down on her lip, she moved forward and carefully withdrew one of the curtains to look at the picture.

It was a painting of Queen Saki and King Tatsuo. They were both sat down on the very same thrones resting before her, kind smiles over their lips as well. Queen Saki had her crown up over her head, her long and lustrous light blue hair flowing all over her back as she wore an elegant long sleeved green dress. King Tatsuo had blonde hair and a vibrant smile, wearing the usual attire, a blue-guard uniform jacket, along with several medals and pins over his attire. A black cape was draped over his shoulders as a golden crown rested over his head.

Runo was then when she noticed that Queen Saki had someone over her lap. It was a small baby girl, no older than four years old. She had a cute little pout over her lips, a small crown over her small curls of light blue hair. The small child was wearing a green dress, similar to her mother's as she clung to her hand for dear life.

What greatly surprised her was the pair of vibrant blue eyes that seemed to look back at her directly. The little blue orbs of the small girl were painted with such life that she couldn't help to feel drawn to them in some way. Her hand moved over towards the painting, stretching out towards the pair of eyes, something in her mind clouding her vision. She couldn't describe what was happening to her but suddenly her hand made contact over the blue eyes.

A vision snapped in her mind. Screams and flames engulfed her, a rapid flow of images and sounds replaying right before her eyes. Something clicked inside of her as she saw the former queen and king looking down at her with fond smiles. Images of rooms and hallways she had never seen before filtered her mind and danced over her eyes. The vibrant music of violins and cellos filtered her ears as the chandeliers lit before her. All of it was soon engulfed in flames and despair. People she didn't know ran past her and towards the exit as an unknown ballroom was consumed by heat.

Runo gasped out for air and shut her eyes. She drew her hand away from the picture as if it burnt and quickly stepped away from it. Her feet weren't responding quite as well as she toppled to the floor, heart beating wildly and labored breaths coming out of her mouth. What in the world was that? She brushed her fangs away as she looked back the picture once more. She continued to gasp for air, a cold sweat trailing over her forehead.

Her eyes focused on the small girl's once again. Something very strange and familiar was filtering her mind but she couldn't place her finger on it. Whatever it was, it was about to bring trouble that much she knew. But an image kept repeating over and over in her mind. Queen Saki running along with her husband among the flames, as they kept shouting out a name. Her name.


HEY GUYS! I finally finished the second chapter for this story! I got super blocked with how to write this story and dragged it along around the whole month, it was super tiring and the words just wouldn't come like in other stories. But well, here's now the chapter and well how the story all starts actually hahaha the chapter is a bit long really, but for this story I'll try to make it that way since I won't be updating it that often like I told you. I mean I'll try to get out a monthly chapter but in case I don't make it, I'll make the chapters extra long so you can enjoy more of the story. Don't know if that makes sense hahaha

Another thing, the other main characters of Bakugan will soon make an appearance just be patient with me hahaha as the story progresses well more characters will end up being introduced to the story and such. I already have planned out like the first part of this story or the next ten or twelve chapters for it, and hopefully it'll be easier to write them out hahah

So without further ado, I hoped you liked the chapter if you have any questions, doubts or comments do please leave a review or PM me! Thanks for all of the support so far and hope you will continue to enjoy the rewritten version of this story! Have a great week!