Disclaimer – Unfortunately, I don't own anything. Please read and review
but most importantly - ENJOY!
A/N – This may sound a bit like Disney's version and it is very similar as I used that script to work from. But I have changed most of the storyline to fit all our favorite characters in. But the basic storyline is Cinderella, hence the title. Please review and tell me what you think!
Once upon a time in a far away land there lived, in a stately mansion, a married man. He was a kind and gentle father, and a loyal friend. So when the daughters of his friends were left orphaned after a terrible accident he adopted them. Then tragedy struck at home. The body of his wife was discovered when he returned from a trip away. She had locked the three girls in a cupboard to protect them from robbers but could not escape them her self. Their only son had disappeared. It took some time but the remains of the once happy family survived the horror and grew to become a loving part of their town once again.
Although he gave every comfort to his children he still felt that they needed a mother. So he remarried again, choosing for his second wife a woman of good family and who had two daughters the age of his own girls.
It was, however, on the untimely death of the father that the step mothers' true nature was revealed – cold, cruel and bitterly jealous of the three sisters' charm and beauty compared to her own daughters.
Thus as time went by the house fell into disrepair. The family fortunes were spent on the vain and selfish step sisters. The three sisters were abused, humiliated and finally forced to become servants in their own home.
And yet, though it all, they remained ever kind and gentle. Their pasts weren't nice but the girls worked on to make sure their futures would not be the same. They would not give up on their dreams.
Three girls slept in a circular room, at the top of a tower. Light slowly crept into the room as the curtains were drawn back by two small birds. More birds came until there were two birds to one of the three beds. Then, each pair of birds tried to wake the occupants of the beds.
One pair sang into the girl's ear until she opened her eyes. Another pair ruffled their wings on her face until she too opened her eyes. The third pair also sang but their girl simply turn around and put her pillow on her head. One of the birds went under only to fly out, seconds later chirping loudly. The girl laughed as she sat up.
"Serves you right, waking people up at the crack of dawn." The purpled haired teen declared.
"Yolei, you really should have got used to this by now. We've been doing it for years." The youngest girl in the room replied as she brushed her light brown hair.
"If I was meant to get up this early in the morning I'm sure I would have gotten used to it by now. But I wasn't so you can't blame me for that!" The other two girls laughed.
"Kari's right, we have been doing this for years now. I'm sure you'll get used to it one day."
"The day that comes, Sora, is the day that I'm not bossed around by any body! Now, let's get ready for another day!" At her words the young girls got up and started on different jobs. Kari began to make their beds, with some help from the friendly birds, while Yolei swept and Sora washed.
"Why didn't you want to get up any way?" Kari called as she washed and Sora and Yolei got dressed. "Were you dreaming about a handsome Prince again?"
"I can't tell."
"Why not?" The brunette came out from behind the screen and started to dress.
"Because a dream is a wish that your heart makes when you're asleep and if you tell a wish, it won't come true!"
"You believe that?" Sora asked as she tied her auburn hair back.
"My mother told it to me." The three girls lapsed into silence, each remembering their old family lives.
"Do you remember-"Kari started but was interrupted.
Dong
"Oh that clock!" Sora cried out.
Dong
"Kill joy." Yolei muttered.
Dong
"I hear you, I hear you!"
Dong
"Time to start another day!"
Dong
"Even he orders us around." Kari murmured.
Dong
"Well one thing they can't order me to stop dreaming and perhaps one day the dreams that I dream will come true." Yolei stated, making the other girls laugh.
"Come on, we wouldn't want the mistress to wake and find some of our jobs not done." Sora led the way as the three girls left their shared room and went down into the rest of the house to start yet another day of chores.
The three sisters had divided the house between them, and were on a rotor so each week they had different jobs. Kari had the outside, cleaning the yard and looking after the animals, Yolei had the kitchens and the dining rooms and Sora had the bedrooms and bathrooms. But they would all be ready to help the other in their jobs.
It had been years since they had been allowed in these rooms, apart from cleaning them. The only time they were allowed to wear proper dresses instead of rags was when an old friend was visiting. His name was Genai. He had been friends with the girls father and they had grown up knowing him. Every year he would visit, just once. But that one week was the best of the whole year for the three sisters. He would shower them with gifts and they lived how they were supposed to live, instead of the servants they had been forced to become.
But as much as they looked forward to his visits they also dreaded them. For each year the elderly man would ask if there was anything wrong and they had to smile and lie to him. Their step mother had threatened that if they told him how they really lived she would hurt the elderly gentleman. And he was the only thing left in their lives that reminded them of their past happiness. So they stayed quiet, only complaining when no one could hear them. And only sharing their secrets with each other.
They would work for about two hours before their step mother and step sisters would rise. Then breakfast had to be served.
Lady Ava sat at the head of the long table, in the place where the head of the household should sit. She had had the chair her late husband had sat on thrown out and a very expensive new chair designed just for her. Yolei had somehow managed to save their fathers' chair and they now had it hidden up in their shared room.
To her right sat her eldest daughter Rhonwen. She was just a year oldetr than Sora but she treated it like ten. She had ebony black hair and her face was a pasty white. Her nose turned up, which suited her personality as she looked down on everybody. Rhonwen believed she was better than every one else and so should be treated that way.
Gwendolyn was seated to her mothers' left. She was two years younger than her elder sister and treated very much like she didn't belong to the family. She did not have the same belief as her mother or her sister and was punished for this. Her red hair was dull and lifeless, representing it's owners feelings. And her skin held hardly any colour to it. Her mother had been successful in molding her over the years but there were times when she tried. Gwendolyn had been changed by her mother and no matter how hard she tried, it didn't look like she would be able to change back.
The three sisters sat at the other end of the table, separated from the fine china their mother ate from. They ate from wooden bowls. They only ate with the rest of their family so their step mother had someone to order around and insult. Today was no different.
"Look at you child, you are dressed in rags! You think you belong to this rich and wealthy family? Ha! You are servants! Start acting like it!"
"Would you kindly wash before serving us? You're smell is most unpleasant and your face is dirty. Servants are supposed to be clean so that when their masters see them they are not revolted!"
"In future wear hats. The colour of your hair is disgraceful! I do not want our friends and company to see it! I feel ashamed just having you in this house!"
"Where are your manners girl? You only eat what you are allowed to eat! And you certainly cannot eat the same food we do. Food like this would be wasted on servants like you!"
But the three sisters never answered back, never showed what they were really feeling, they never gave their step mother an excuse to tell them off even more. It was harmless anywhere, they had heard the insults too many times and knew they weren't true. They simply did not let it affect them.
After breakfast the three sisters cleaed up and set about their chores. They walked together towards the back door, as the front door was off limits unless answering the door.
"I swear if she says one more thing about my hair..." Yolei made a motion as if strangling someone and the other two laughed.
"Now where would that get us? We'd be murders!" Sora pointed out while Kari nodded in agreement.
"We'd be happy murders." Yolei muttered and the three laughed again. The gong of the doorbell sounded and the three sighed.
"I'll get it." Kari volunteered and she retraced her steps to the dining room before continuing on towards the magnificent oak doors that served as the main entrance point to the house. She opened them to be greeted by a young boy wearing the seal of the royal family.
"May I help you?"
"Ladies Ava, Rhonwen, Sora, Gwendolyn, Yolei and Kari?"
"Yes."
"You are cordially invited to a ball his royal Highness is throwing for his sons, the Princes. Invitations..." At this the young boy handed Kari six white envelopes, each with the royal stamp printed on the back.
"His Majesty wishes that you all attend and hopes you enjoy this special event." The boy sighed as he finished and Kari laughed.
"Only another hundred houses to go." The boy stated and Kari smiled at him.
"Just keep reminding yourself what it'll feel like when you've finished." She advised and the boy smiled.
"What do you think I've been doing to get this far? Oh, I picked up your mail." He handed Kari a few envelopes which she accepted with thanks before he left and she closed the door.
"That took a long time, were you flirting again?" Yolei's words made Kari flush before she showed them the royal invitations.
"A ball! Wow, imagine what it's going to be like!"
"That's it, we'll have to imagine. 'Mother' will never let us go." Sora replied as they made their way towards the lounge their step mother and sisters were in. Kari shared a look with her sisters before knocking and entering.
"Child you wait ntil you are given permission to enter a room!"
"Sorry step mother but these just arrived from the king."
"The king?" Rhonwen and Gwendolyn chorused. Lady Ava stood and Kari handed her the envelopes.
"We have all been invited to a royal ball." The elderly woman read from her letter.
"All of us?" Rhonwen asked. "They cannot go! Can you imagine them dancing with a Prince in their rags!" The eldest daughter laughed soon joined by her younger sister, but Gwendolyn's eyes were unfocused.
"Yes it would be quite disgraceful. But they have been invited." Lady Ava continued, making her daughter stop laughing.
"Mother, you are not considering letting them go?" She demanded. Her mother spilt the invitations into two piles, Kari's, Yolei's and Sora's in one hand. She slowly walked towards the fireplace.
"They have worked very hard lately..." She threw her daughter a look and Kari's stomach started to squirm. "And they have served us faithfully..." As she talked her hand got closer and closer to the fire in the fireplace. Finally her hand was mere inches away from the flames and the letters slipped into the fire.
"But you have to have an invitation to go." She finished, laughing with her daughters. Yolei balled up her fists and opened her mouth but Sora stepped towards her and shook her head. Quietly the auburn haired woman led the younger girl out the door. Kari watched their letters burn before turning to her step mother.
"Also in the post was a letter from Genai. He'll be here tomorrow." She got a moments' satisfaction from the looks on their faces before turning and leaving the room.
Kari followed her sisters up to their room, climbing the long flight of stairs in silence. Once in their room the silence stayed and they each just sat, thinking of the evnts that happen mere minutes ago.
"How did father marry her?" Yolei burst out, ending the silence.
"She had everybody fooled, remember?" Sora replied.
"Not Genai though, he never did like her."
"Genai?" Kari nodded.
"There was a letter in the post from him, he's arriving tomorrow." A smile broke Yolei's sad face.
"Genai's coming? Really?" Kari nodded again and the purple haired teen laughed. The mood in the room was now happy again and the girls began to chat about why their old friend would be coming so soon in the year.
When they went down to serve lunch they were met with a grumpy Rhonwen and a somewhat happy Gwendolyn.
"Mother says you are to return to your rooms tonight! If any of your clothes don't fit then you are allowed to go into the cupboard and pick something new!" The three smiled at the happy girl in front of them. She was definitely different from her mother and sister.
"But you still have to do your chores for the rest of the day." Rhonwen interjected. "And mother would like to see you Hikari." Sora and Yolei shot her worried looks but Kari just nodded before heading towards her step mothers' chambers.
For some reason Lady Ava seemed to hate Kari the most out of the three sisters. Perhaps because, since she was the only member of the original family the estate belonged to, she was the rightful owner. And when she turned eighteen it would be hers. And there was nothing Lady Ava could do about it.
She knocked on the door, waited for an answer, then entered. Her step mother was sitting on her couch, stroking her ebony black cat. Kari was sure that the animal had the same cruel nature of it's owner for whenever she was cleaning the floors the feline liked to come and mess the floors up, meaning she had to start again.
"You wanted me, step mother?"
"Yes. You're attitude this morning was not one befitting a servant. And it will not be tolerated in this house. After Genai has visited you will be taking a trip away, a friend of mine needs a servant for a while and I have offered her your services. You will be on your best behavior. If anything goes wrong you will be severely punished."
"Yes step mother. May I ask a question?"
"You already have."
"Then another two?" Lady Ava scowled at how fast the girl picked up on her mistakes.
"One more question then."
"How long will I be away for?" The step mother smiled and Kari shivered.
"Only about...three years."
"You can't be serious!" Yolei cried as Kari shared her news.
"Three years?" Sora asked quietly. "That means..."
"I wouldn't be here for my eighteenth birthday. And I have to be here otherwise the estate goes to-"
"Our dear step mother." Yolei finished and Kari nodded. "She must have planned this from the start."
"Don't give up, we'll think of something." Sora comforted but her eyes showed what she really thought. Yolei nodded and the girls headed down to their old rooms. A quick tidy and they looked like they had been lived in. Their old clothes still fit so they put them on but covered them with aprons. They still had to do their chores.
That night, dinner was a quiet affair. Kari not saying anything as not to anger the elderly woman, Sora trying not to give her real feelings away and Yolei not speaking as she knew if she did all three sisters would regret it.
Rhonwen was practically beaming, as was Lady Ava. Gwendolyn seemed caught in the middle so did not say anything as well. That night Lady Ava and Rhonwen's laughter could be heard all over the house. Gwendolyn had said she was sick and retired to her private chambers.
As the three sisters went to bed Sora opened her mouth but Kari shook her head. She left her two older sisters in the hallway before they too went to bed in their own beds. It was a long time before any of the three girls were asleep.
"Greetings from afar! And now from here!" Kari was greeted with this as she opened the door before being pulled into a hug.
"Genai. It's wonderful to see you again!" The old man's voice had drawn the other members of the household to the door and now Sora and Yolei were also receiving hugs.
"Ah, Gwendolyn. Lovely to see you again, and growing more beautiful still." It surprised everyone when the old man hugged the younger step sister. He turned and just nodded to Lady Ava and Rhonwen.
"Well, once I have settled in I shall give out the presents! My usual room, I presume?" Lady Ava nodded but stopped the older man when he went to go past.
"Presents?"
"Just some dresses I saw when I was traveling. Thought the girls might want to wear them to the ball." The three sisters grinned at the look on their step mothers face. But then she smiled.
"The girls are not going. They declined to go, even threw there invitations away. And our household rubbish was cleaned away just this morning." Rhonwen smiled at her mothers' word while Gwendolyn's smile faded. Genai gave each of the sisters a piercing, searching look before smiling.
"No worries, I have two spare tickets-"
"But there are three girls." Lady Ava pointed out. "But I will consent for Sora and Yolei to go. Kari is young, she will have other chances. And she is making a big trip away soon, I would not want her to tire." Genai nodded, considering her words.
"If my Goddaughter agrees-"
"Which she does." Kari stated. Her sisters threw her looks but she kept on smiling.
"Then lets get Genai settled in so you mey received your gifts." Lady Ava smiled before leading Rhonwen away. Gwendolyn stepped forward.
"You can have my invitation, I don't really want to go anyway." Kari smiled.
"That is kind of you but our mother would never allow it."
"Gwendolyn!" Both girls turned to see Rhonwen glaring at the brunette. "Mother wishes to see us both, she wants us to try our dresses on." With a quick nod the red head followed her elder sister.
Kari and Sora picked up Genai's bags while Yolei helped the elderly man up the stairs. Once inside his room Genai gave Kari another hug.
"I am sorry. You have suffered so much, child, and now this."
"I don't think we should go, it isn't fair if Sora and I get to go but not Kari!"
"I agree." Kari shook her head and stared at both her sisters.
"Please, I would much rather hear of the good time you had and what a royal ball is really like then have all three of us sit at home, being miserable. I don't mind."
"She is right." Genai agreed and slowly Kari talked Yolei and Sora into going to the ball.
"Now for your presents." He opened one of his many bags and drew out beautiful gowns. Each was designed differently and were new styles to their eyes.
"These are amazing." Sora breathed as she held up one of the dresses to her body and stared at herself in the mirror. Yolei opened another bag and found all sorts of make up, in shades never seen before.
"Where did you get all of this?"
"I travel a lot, you know that. If I see something I think you'd like I pick it up. I just happen to see a lot of things." Genai shrugged and the girls laughed.
"You must have spent a fortune on us." Kari commented, staring straight at Genai.
"You are worth it." He replied before opening more bags and bringing out more gifts. He spent some time giving each girl something special and soon all the other gifts had been divided between the three of them.
"Oh look at this." Kari held up a gorgeous green dress, simple yet elegant with green ribbon running around the sides before joing at the neck. "Gwendolyn would love this. It's exactly the shade of green she likes, she would look gorgeous in it."
"Then lets give it to her!" Yolei exclaimed before turning to Genai. "If that alright with you?" The elderly man nodded and the three girls rushed from the room to give the gift away.
Genai stared at the door for a minute before bringing out another, unopened bag. He had concealed it behind the bed. He muttered something before it vanished into thin air. Then he turned and left the room, as if nothing had happened.
All throughout dinner Genai received thanks, from the three sisters and from Gwendolyn. Rhonwen was unusually quiet as she was furious that she had received nothing. Lady Ava's false smile was fading and fast.
The next morning the house was filled with movement, as the four girls got ready for the royal ball. Kari spilt her time between helping Yolei, Sora and Gwendolyn. Lady Ava had shut herself and Rhonwen away in her private chambers and neither had been seen since.
As the carriages rolled up the drive Kari stepped back from her sisters and smiled. Each of them looked amazing.
Gwendolyn was dressed in her green dress. It was a v neck with sleeves that ended at her elbows. The ribbon brought out her slim waist before the skirt flared out and then ended at her knees. Simple green low heel sandals finished the effect and her long red hair had been pulled back into a bun, with a few wisps framing her face.
Sora was dressed in a light blue dress. The fabric was sheer, almost see through and it clung to her in all the right places. Instead of flaring out it went straight down to the floor and pooled around her feet. Her shoes, a darker blue, weren't visible until she moved. Her hair was pinned back so that the ends curled out, leaving her face clear.
Yolei was dressed in a cream coloured, off the shoulders satin dress. The sleeves ended at her elbows but a see through material frilled out around her elbows. The dress went down to just past her knees and again, the see through material frilled out, bringing attention to her legs when she walked. Her hair was pulled back in a half pony tail but two tendrils were loose, falling down over her shoulders.
"And last but by no means least, the finishing touch." Genai, dressed in a tux with a white tie, pulled out several masks.
"Masks?" Gwendolyn asked as he handed them out.
"It is a masked ball." Gwendolyn quickly reread her invitation and nodded in confirmation to his words.
Each of the masks were only different in colour. They covered the top half of the face, leaving only the eyes to be seen. Around the eye holes were gems and jewels and at the edge, where the ribbon that held the masks in place fastened, were several gold and silver feathers.
"They're beautiful." Yolei stated as Kari helped her put it on. There was a knock and Lady Ava's voice sailed through the door.
"Rhonwen and I are leaving now, enjoy your selves tonight!" The four girls stared at each other as they heard their step mothers footsteps going down the hall.
"Se didn't try anything." Gwendolyn said in amazement. Genai chuckled.
"Oh don't be worried, she's sending our carriages away without us." The three girls shared horrified looks.
"How are we supposed to get to the ball?"
"My own carriages." As he spoke two beautiful carriages arrives, each glowing with what seemed to be their own light.
As the four left the house Genai pulled Kari aside and smiled at her.
"You are such a kind girl, doing this for your sisters. Bu you must have your own fun. I have left a special package in my room, one for you only. Have fun and see you tonight." With a wink the elderly man left and Kari stared as the carriages pulled away. For a moment she was staring at nothing then she turned and headed towards her godfathers room.
She raced upstairs but then slowed to a walk as she reached the second floor. She slowly walked towards his room before, even more slowly, pulling the door open. There, lying on the bed, was the most beautiful dress ever. A pale pink yet silvery colour with two straps and a full skirt.
Lifting it up it was almost as light as a feather and in the middle of a slightly dipped neckline were three real diamonds. Kari just stared at the dress, wondering if it really was reall or whether it was her imagination.
"You better hurry and put it on, we'll be late otherwise." The new voice startled Kari and she whirled around, still holding the dress. A man of about forty was standing in the doorway, smiling at her.
"Kari?" The brunatta just nodded. "I'm Mack, a friend of Genai's. He didn't want you to not go to the ball, so he rang me. My partner Eloise will help you dress. Oh, another gift." The man had been turning to leave but he stopped and stepped forward, handing Kari a package. As he left a woman, of around late thirties, entered and smiled.
"Genai did say you were beautiful, come on lets get you into this dress." Kari gently led the small package down on the bed before allowing Eloise to help her change into the beautiful gown. Another few minutes were dedicated to make up and her hair before Kari finally got to see the newest gift of her godfather.
It was a mask. But very different from those her sisters wore. The eye holes were bigger and lined with gold. Again, real diamonds had been attached to the beautiful garment and at the edge were two silver feathers and one pure gold one in the middle. The colouring was such a light pink that it was hard to notice on first glance. Eloise helped her put it on before she was led to a carriage similar to the one her sisters had left in.
As they set off Eloise turned to Kari and smiled.
"You look like a princess." Kari blushed and smiled. "But unfortunately this has to end. You must be back in this carriage, and far away from the palace, by the stroke of midnight."
"Why?"
"These clothes were not made by human hands. They were made by creatures who are not known by this world. Your godfather is a special man, he knows these creatures and has helped them. They wanted to repay him for his kindness so when they heard of his dilemma of not being able to help you they took the opportunity to help him. But these beings do have restrictions. So your clothes will disappear at the stroke of twelve. Do you understand?"
"Of course. Will I ever get to meet these creatures and thank them?"
"You never know." Eloise replied and smiled before settling back and enjoying the rest of the ride. As they drew up to the entrance to the palace Kari felt butterflies fly around her stomach. Eloise opened the door for her and Kari solely climbed out.
"Remember, twelve o'clock, Midnight. Have fun."
A/N – Not much of a cliffhanger but it seemed like a good place to stop. Of course, you'll have to wait to find out how it all ends...So it is a kind of cliffhanger, yay! I'm happy! Please review and tell me what you thought, and even what you think is going to happen! More of our favorite characters will be introduced in the next chapter and the story continues. Stay tuned folks!
A/N – This may sound a bit like Disney's version and it is very similar as I used that script to work from. But I have changed most of the storyline to fit all our favorite characters in. But the basic storyline is Cinderella, hence the title. Please review and tell me what you think!
Once upon a time in a far away land there lived, in a stately mansion, a married man. He was a kind and gentle father, and a loyal friend. So when the daughters of his friends were left orphaned after a terrible accident he adopted them. Then tragedy struck at home. The body of his wife was discovered when he returned from a trip away. She had locked the three girls in a cupboard to protect them from robbers but could not escape them her self. Their only son had disappeared. It took some time but the remains of the once happy family survived the horror and grew to become a loving part of their town once again.
Although he gave every comfort to his children he still felt that they needed a mother. So he remarried again, choosing for his second wife a woman of good family and who had two daughters the age of his own girls.
It was, however, on the untimely death of the father that the step mothers' true nature was revealed – cold, cruel and bitterly jealous of the three sisters' charm and beauty compared to her own daughters.
Thus as time went by the house fell into disrepair. The family fortunes were spent on the vain and selfish step sisters. The three sisters were abused, humiliated and finally forced to become servants in their own home.
And yet, though it all, they remained ever kind and gentle. Their pasts weren't nice but the girls worked on to make sure their futures would not be the same. They would not give up on their dreams.
Three girls slept in a circular room, at the top of a tower. Light slowly crept into the room as the curtains were drawn back by two small birds. More birds came until there were two birds to one of the three beds. Then, each pair of birds tried to wake the occupants of the beds.
One pair sang into the girl's ear until she opened her eyes. Another pair ruffled their wings on her face until she too opened her eyes. The third pair also sang but their girl simply turn around and put her pillow on her head. One of the birds went under only to fly out, seconds later chirping loudly. The girl laughed as she sat up.
"Serves you right, waking people up at the crack of dawn." The purpled haired teen declared.
"Yolei, you really should have got used to this by now. We've been doing it for years." The youngest girl in the room replied as she brushed her light brown hair.
"If I was meant to get up this early in the morning I'm sure I would have gotten used to it by now. But I wasn't so you can't blame me for that!" The other two girls laughed.
"Kari's right, we have been doing this for years now. I'm sure you'll get used to it one day."
"The day that comes, Sora, is the day that I'm not bossed around by any body! Now, let's get ready for another day!" At her words the young girls got up and started on different jobs. Kari began to make their beds, with some help from the friendly birds, while Yolei swept and Sora washed.
"Why didn't you want to get up any way?" Kari called as she washed and Sora and Yolei got dressed. "Were you dreaming about a handsome Prince again?"
"I can't tell."
"Why not?" The brunette came out from behind the screen and started to dress.
"Because a dream is a wish that your heart makes when you're asleep and if you tell a wish, it won't come true!"
"You believe that?" Sora asked as she tied her auburn hair back.
"My mother told it to me." The three girls lapsed into silence, each remembering their old family lives.
"Do you remember-"Kari started but was interrupted.
Dong
"Oh that clock!" Sora cried out.
Dong
"Kill joy." Yolei muttered.
Dong
"I hear you, I hear you!"
Dong
"Time to start another day!"
Dong
"Even he orders us around." Kari murmured.
Dong
"Well one thing they can't order me to stop dreaming and perhaps one day the dreams that I dream will come true." Yolei stated, making the other girls laugh.
"Come on, we wouldn't want the mistress to wake and find some of our jobs not done." Sora led the way as the three girls left their shared room and went down into the rest of the house to start yet another day of chores.
The three sisters had divided the house between them, and were on a rotor so each week they had different jobs. Kari had the outside, cleaning the yard and looking after the animals, Yolei had the kitchens and the dining rooms and Sora had the bedrooms and bathrooms. But they would all be ready to help the other in their jobs.
It had been years since they had been allowed in these rooms, apart from cleaning them. The only time they were allowed to wear proper dresses instead of rags was when an old friend was visiting. His name was Genai. He had been friends with the girls father and they had grown up knowing him. Every year he would visit, just once. But that one week was the best of the whole year for the three sisters. He would shower them with gifts and they lived how they were supposed to live, instead of the servants they had been forced to become.
But as much as they looked forward to his visits they also dreaded them. For each year the elderly man would ask if there was anything wrong and they had to smile and lie to him. Their step mother had threatened that if they told him how they really lived she would hurt the elderly gentleman. And he was the only thing left in their lives that reminded them of their past happiness. So they stayed quiet, only complaining when no one could hear them. And only sharing their secrets with each other.
They would work for about two hours before their step mother and step sisters would rise. Then breakfast had to be served.
Lady Ava sat at the head of the long table, in the place where the head of the household should sit. She had had the chair her late husband had sat on thrown out and a very expensive new chair designed just for her. Yolei had somehow managed to save their fathers' chair and they now had it hidden up in their shared room.
To her right sat her eldest daughter Rhonwen. She was just a year oldetr than Sora but she treated it like ten. She had ebony black hair and her face was a pasty white. Her nose turned up, which suited her personality as she looked down on everybody. Rhonwen believed she was better than every one else and so should be treated that way.
Gwendolyn was seated to her mothers' left. She was two years younger than her elder sister and treated very much like she didn't belong to the family. She did not have the same belief as her mother or her sister and was punished for this. Her red hair was dull and lifeless, representing it's owners feelings. And her skin held hardly any colour to it. Her mother had been successful in molding her over the years but there were times when she tried. Gwendolyn had been changed by her mother and no matter how hard she tried, it didn't look like she would be able to change back.
The three sisters sat at the other end of the table, separated from the fine china their mother ate from. They ate from wooden bowls. They only ate with the rest of their family so their step mother had someone to order around and insult. Today was no different.
"Look at you child, you are dressed in rags! You think you belong to this rich and wealthy family? Ha! You are servants! Start acting like it!"
"Would you kindly wash before serving us? You're smell is most unpleasant and your face is dirty. Servants are supposed to be clean so that when their masters see them they are not revolted!"
"In future wear hats. The colour of your hair is disgraceful! I do not want our friends and company to see it! I feel ashamed just having you in this house!"
"Where are your manners girl? You only eat what you are allowed to eat! And you certainly cannot eat the same food we do. Food like this would be wasted on servants like you!"
But the three sisters never answered back, never showed what they were really feeling, they never gave their step mother an excuse to tell them off even more. It was harmless anywhere, they had heard the insults too many times and knew they weren't true. They simply did not let it affect them.
After breakfast the three sisters cleaed up and set about their chores. They walked together towards the back door, as the front door was off limits unless answering the door.
"I swear if she says one more thing about my hair..." Yolei made a motion as if strangling someone and the other two laughed.
"Now where would that get us? We'd be murders!" Sora pointed out while Kari nodded in agreement.
"We'd be happy murders." Yolei muttered and the three laughed again. The gong of the doorbell sounded and the three sighed.
"I'll get it." Kari volunteered and she retraced her steps to the dining room before continuing on towards the magnificent oak doors that served as the main entrance point to the house. She opened them to be greeted by a young boy wearing the seal of the royal family.
"May I help you?"
"Ladies Ava, Rhonwen, Sora, Gwendolyn, Yolei and Kari?"
"Yes."
"You are cordially invited to a ball his royal Highness is throwing for his sons, the Princes. Invitations..." At this the young boy handed Kari six white envelopes, each with the royal stamp printed on the back.
"His Majesty wishes that you all attend and hopes you enjoy this special event." The boy sighed as he finished and Kari laughed.
"Only another hundred houses to go." The boy stated and Kari smiled at him.
"Just keep reminding yourself what it'll feel like when you've finished." She advised and the boy smiled.
"What do you think I've been doing to get this far? Oh, I picked up your mail." He handed Kari a few envelopes which she accepted with thanks before he left and she closed the door.
"That took a long time, were you flirting again?" Yolei's words made Kari flush before she showed them the royal invitations.
"A ball! Wow, imagine what it's going to be like!"
"That's it, we'll have to imagine. 'Mother' will never let us go." Sora replied as they made their way towards the lounge their step mother and sisters were in. Kari shared a look with her sisters before knocking and entering.
"Child you wait ntil you are given permission to enter a room!"
"Sorry step mother but these just arrived from the king."
"The king?" Rhonwen and Gwendolyn chorused. Lady Ava stood and Kari handed her the envelopes.
"We have all been invited to a royal ball." The elderly woman read from her letter.
"All of us?" Rhonwen asked. "They cannot go! Can you imagine them dancing with a Prince in their rags!" The eldest daughter laughed soon joined by her younger sister, but Gwendolyn's eyes were unfocused.
"Yes it would be quite disgraceful. But they have been invited." Lady Ava continued, making her daughter stop laughing.
"Mother, you are not considering letting them go?" She demanded. Her mother spilt the invitations into two piles, Kari's, Yolei's and Sora's in one hand. She slowly walked towards the fireplace.
"They have worked very hard lately..." She threw her daughter a look and Kari's stomach started to squirm. "And they have served us faithfully..." As she talked her hand got closer and closer to the fire in the fireplace. Finally her hand was mere inches away from the flames and the letters slipped into the fire.
"But you have to have an invitation to go." She finished, laughing with her daughters. Yolei balled up her fists and opened her mouth but Sora stepped towards her and shook her head. Quietly the auburn haired woman led the younger girl out the door. Kari watched their letters burn before turning to her step mother.
"Also in the post was a letter from Genai. He'll be here tomorrow." She got a moments' satisfaction from the looks on their faces before turning and leaving the room.
Kari followed her sisters up to their room, climbing the long flight of stairs in silence. Once in their room the silence stayed and they each just sat, thinking of the evnts that happen mere minutes ago.
"How did father marry her?" Yolei burst out, ending the silence.
"She had everybody fooled, remember?" Sora replied.
"Not Genai though, he never did like her."
"Genai?" Kari nodded.
"There was a letter in the post from him, he's arriving tomorrow." A smile broke Yolei's sad face.
"Genai's coming? Really?" Kari nodded again and the purple haired teen laughed. The mood in the room was now happy again and the girls began to chat about why their old friend would be coming so soon in the year.
When they went down to serve lunch they were met with a grumpy Rhonwen and a somewhat happy Gwendolyn.
"Mother says you are to return to your rooms tonight! If any of your clothes don't fit then you are allowed to go into the cupboard and pick something new!" The three smiled at the happy girl in front of them. She was definitely different from her mother and sister.
"But you still have to do your chores for the rest of the day." Rhonwen interjected. "And mother would like to see you Hikari." Sora and Yolei shot her worried looks but Kari just nodded before heading towards her step mothers' chambers.
For some reason Lady Ava seemed to hate Kari the most out of the three sisters. Perhaps because, since she was the only member of the original family the estate belonged to, she was the rightful owner. And when she turned eighteen it would be hers. And there was nothing Lady Ava could do about it.
She knocked on the door, waited for an answer, then entered. Her step mother was sitting on her couch, stroking her ebony black cat. Kari was sure that the animal had the same cruel nature of it's owner for whenever she was cleaning the floors the feline liked to come and mess the floors up, meaning she had to start again.
"You wanted me, step mother?"
"Yes. You're attitude this morning was not one befitting a servant. And it will not be tolerated in this house. After Genai has visited you will be taking a trip away, a friend of mine needs a servant for a while and I have offered her your services. You will be on your best behavior. If anything goes wrong you will be severely punished."
"Yes step mother. May I ask a question?"
"You already have."
"Then another two?" Lady Ava scowled at how fast the girl picked up on her mistakes.
"One more question then."
"How long will I be away for?" The step mother smiled and Kari shivered.
"Only about...three years."
"You can't be serious!" Yolei cried as Kari shared her news.
"Three years?" Sora asked quietly. "That means..."
"I wouldn't be here for my eighteenth birthday. And I have to be here otherwise the estate goes to-"
"Our dear step mother." Yolei finished and Kari nodded. "She must have planned this from the start."
"Don't give up, we'll think of something." Sora comforted but her eyes showed what she really thought. Yolei nodded and the girls headed down to their old rooms. A quick tidy and they looked like they had been lived in. Their old clothes still fit so they put them on but covered them with aprons. They still had to do their chores.
That night, dinner was a quiet affair. Kari not saying anything as not to anger the elderly woman, Sora trying not to give her real feelings away and Yolei not speaking as she knew if she did all three sisters would regret it.
Rhonwen was practically beaming, as was Lady Ava. Gwendolyn seemed caught in the middle so did not say anything as well. That night Lady Ava and Rhonwen's laughter could be heard all over the house. Gwendolyn had said she was sick and retired to her private chambers.
As the three sisters went to bed Sora opened her mouth but Kari shook her head. She left her two older sisters in the hallway before they too went to bed in their own beds. It was a long time before any of the three girls were asleep.
"Greetings from afar! And now from here!" Kari was greeted with this as she opened the door before being pulled into a hug.
"Genai. It's wonderful to see you again!" The old man's voice had drawn the other members of the household to the door and now Sora and Yolei were also receiving hugs.
"Ah, Gwendolyn. Lovely to see you again, and growing more beautiful still." It surprised everyone when the old man hugged the younger step sister. He turned and just nodded to Lady Ava and Rhonwen.
"Well, once I have settled in I shall give out the presents! My usual room, I presume?" Lady Ava nodded but stopped the older man when he went to go past.
"Presents?"
"Just some dresses I saw when I was traveling. Thought the girls might want to wear them to the ball." The three sisters grinned at the look on their step mothers face. But then she smiled.
"The girls are not going. They declined to go, even threw there invitations away. And our household rubbish was cleaned away just this morning." Rhonwen smiled at her mothers' word while Gwendolyn's smile faded. Genai gave each of the sisters a piercing, searching look before smiling.
"No worries, I have two spare tickets-"
"But there are three girls." Lady Ava pointed out. "But I will consent for Sora and Yolei to go. Kari is young, she will have other chances. And she is making a big trip away soon, I would not want her to tire." Genai nodded, considering her words.
"If my Goddaughter agrees-"
"Which she does." Kari stated. Her sisters threw her looks but she kept on smiling.
"Then lets get Genai settled in so you mey received your gifts." Lady Ava smiled before leading Rhonwen away. Gwendolyn stepped forward.
"You can have my invitation, I don't really want to go anyway." Kari smiled.
"That is kind of you but our mother would never allow it."
"Gwendolyn!" Both girls turned to see Rhonwen glaring at the brunette. "Mother wishes to see us both, she wants us to try our dresses on." With a quick nod the red head followed her elder sister.
Kari and Sora picked up Genai's bags while Yolei helped the elderly man up the stairs. Once inside his room Genai gave Kari another hug.
"I am sorry. You have suffered so much, child, and now this."
"I don't think we should go, it isn't fair if Sora and I get to go but not Kari!"
"I agree." Kari shook her head and stared at both her sisters.
"Please, I would much rather hear of the good time you had and what a royal ball is really like then have all three of us sit at home, being miserable. I don't mind."
"She is right." Genai agreed and slowly Kari talked Yolei and Sora into going to the ball.
"Now for your presents." He opened one of his many bags and drew out beautiful gowns. Each was designed differently and were new styles to their eyes.
"These are amazing." Sora breathed as she held up one of the dresses to her body and stared at herself in the mirror. Yolei opened another bag and found all sorts of make up, in shades never seen before.
"Where did you get all of this?"
"I travel a lot, you know that. If I see something I think you'd like I pick it up. I just happen to see a lot of things." Genai shrugged and the girls laughed.
"You must have spent a fortune on us." Kari commented, staring straight at Genai.
"You are worth it." He replied before opening more bags and bringing out more gifts. He spent some time giving each girl something special and soon all the other gifts had been divided between the three of them.
"Oh look at this." Kari held up a gorgeous green dress, simple yet elegant with green ribbon running around the sides before joing at the neck. "Gwendolyn would love this. It's exactly the shade of green she likes, she would look gorgeous in it."
"Then lets give it to her!" Yolei exclaimed before turning to Genai. "If that alright with you?" The elderly man nodded and the three girls rushed from the room to give the gift away.
Genai stared at the door for a minute before bringing out another, unopened bag. He had concealed it behind the bed. He muttered something before it vanished into thin air. Then he turned and left the room, as if nothing had happened.
All throughout dinner Genai received thanks, from the three sisters and from Gwendolyn. Rhonwen was unusually quiet as she was furious that she had received nothing. Lady Ava's false smile was fading and fast.
The next morning the house was filled with movement, as the four girls got ready for the royal ball. Kari spilt her time between helping Yolei, Sora and Gwendolyn. Lady Ava had shut herself and Rhonwen away in her private chambers and neither had been seen since.
As the carriages rolled up the drive Kari stepped back from her sisters and smiled. Each of them looked amazing.
Gwendolyn was dressed in her green dress. It was a v neck with sleeves that ended at her elbows. The ribbon brought out her slim waist before the skirt flared out and then ended at her knees. Simple green low heel sandals finished the effect and her long red hair had been pulled back into a bun, with a few wisps framing her face.
Sora was dressed in a light blue dress. The fabric was sheer, almost see through and it clung to her in all the right places. Instead of flaring out it went straight down to the floor and pooled around her feet. Her shoes, a darker blue, weren't visible until she moved. Her hair was pinned back so that the ends curled out, leaving her face clear.
Yolei was dressed in a cream coloured, off the shoulders satin dress. The sleeves ended at her elbows but a see through material frilled out around her elbows. The dress went down to just past her knees and again, the see through material frilled out, bringing attention to her legs when she walked. Her hair was pulled back in a half pony tail but two tendrils were loose, falling down over her shoulders.
"And last but by no means least, the finishing touch." Genai, dressed in a tux with a white tie, pulled out several masks.
"Masks?" Gwendolyn asked as he handed them out.
"It is a masked ball." Gwendolyn quickly reread her invitation and nodded in confirmation to his words.
Each of the masks were only different in colour. They covered the top half of the face, leaving only the eyes to be seen. Around the eye holes were gems and jewels and at the edge, where the ribbon that held the masks in place fastened, were several gold and silver feathers.
"They're beautiful." Yolei stated as Kari helped her put it on. There was a knock and Lady Ava's voice sailed through the door.
"Rhonwen and I are leaving now, enjoy your selves tonight!" The four girls stared at each other as they heard their step mothers footsteps going down the hall.
"Se didn't try anything." Gwendolyn said in amazement. Genai chuckled.
"Oh don't be worried, she's sending our carriages away without us." The three girls shared horrified looks.
"How are we supposed to get to the ball?"
"My own carriages." As he spoke two beautiful carriages arrives, each glowing with what seemed to be their own light.
As the four left the house Genai pulled Kari aside and smiled at her.
"You are such a kind girl, doing this for your sisters. Bu you must have your own fun. I have left a special package in my room, one for you only. Have fun and see you tonight." With a wink the elderly man left and Kari stared as the carriages pulled away. For a moment she was staring at nothing then she turned and headed towards her godfathers room.
She raced upstairs but then slowed to a walk as she reached the second floor. She slowly walked towards his room before, even more slowly, pulling the door open. There, lying on the bed, was the most beautiful dress ever. A pale pink yet silvery colour with two straps and a full skirt.
Lifting it up it was almost as light as a feather and in the middle of a slightly dipped neckline were three real diamonds. Kari just stared at the dress, wondering if it really was reall or whether it was her imagination.
"You better hurry and put it on, we'll be late otherwise." The new voice startled Kari and she whirled around, still holding the dress. A man of about forty was standing in the doorway, smiling at her.
"Kari?" The brunatta just nodded. "I'm Mack, a friend of Genai's. He didn't want you to not go to the ball, so he rang me. My partner Eloise will help you dress. Oh, another gift." The man had been turning to leave but he stopped and stepped forward, handing Kari a package. As he left a woman, of around late thirties, entered and smiled.
"Genai did say you were beautiful, come on lets get you into this dress." Kari gently led the small package down on the bed before allowing Eloise to help her change into the beautiful gown. Another few minutes were dedicated to make up and her hair before Kari finally got to see the newest gift of her godfather.
It was a mask. But very different from those her sisters wore. The eye holes were bigger and lined with gold. Again, real diamonds had been attached to the beautiful garment and at the edge were two silver feathers and one pure gold one in the middle. The colouring was such a light pink that it was hard to notice on first glance. Eloise helped her put it on before she was led to a carriage similar to the one her sisters had left in.
As they set off Eloise turned to Kari and smiled.
"You look like a princess." Kari blushed and smiled. "But unfortunately this has to end. You must be back in this carriage, and far away from the palace, by the stroke of midnight."
"Why?"
"These clothes were not made by human hands. They were made by creatures who are not known by this world. Your godfather is a special man, he knows these creatures and has helped them. They wanted to repay him for his kindness so when they heard of his dilemma of not being able to help you they took the opportunity to help him. But these beings do have restrictions. So your clothes will disappear at the stroke of twelve. Do you understand?"
"Of course. Will I ever get to meet these creatures and thank them?"
"You never know." Eloise replied and smiled before settling back and enjoying the rest of the ride. As they drew up to the entrance to the palace Kari felt butterflies fly around her stomach. Eloise opened the door for her and Kari solely climbed out.
"Remember, twelve o'clock, Midnight. Have fun."
A/N – Not much of a cliffhanger but it seemed like a good place to stop. Of course, you'll have to wait to find out how it all ends...So it is a kind of cliffhanger, yay! I'm happy! Please review and tell me what you thought, and even what you think is going to happen! More of our favorite characters will be introduced in the next chapter and the story continues. Stay tuned folks!