Dear Sillia,

I apologize in advance for what you are about to read; it's not very cheerful. I never thought I would reach this point in my life… I could never have imagined this turning point. Why must I force myself to live this life when everyone else is in danger? I have to do something.

Don't be afraid, but when I accompanied Father, I overheard him talking with some other kings about power, domination, and destruction. You will probably read this letter when you are much older, maybe even after Father has achieved what he wants, or perhaps the planet will be destroyed, but I took the chance to warn you, even if it's probably years later.

This planet holds great power; you must know the legend from Mother. She used to tell me about it all the time. The six stones of power; wind, fire, earth, water, light, and the most powerful, darkness. Each holds its own unique power, guarded by the spirits of the stones. It is said that whoever possesses all the stones will rule the world, but one person will be able to stop the one who wants to use this great power.

You see, the six stones are separated and controlled by several people for a good reason. The one who dreams of power will be overwhelmed by it when they use the stones together. But the chosen one, "a princess with unknown power and a pure aura," will stop that corrupted soul.

Anyway, time is running out; coincidentally, Father sent me to retrieve some sort of map leading to a stone supposedly belonging to our family for millions of years. I don't think I will return, nor survive there. I know this letter doesn't contain much information, but believe me, you will find out.

I love you, little sister, and no matter what happens, stay strong and know that I am with you. The compass will show you the way to follow. I hope to see you again someday, little sister.

With love, Joshua Myo

Sillia sat on her bed, staring into space, her mind consumed by the weight of the revelation she had just read in the letter. Her brother was dead, and she couldn't help but blame their father for the tragedy. Although they never knew the real reason behind her brother's mission, it was Father who had sent him away, and now, he is gone forever. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes and began to flow down her cheeks. Grief mixed with anger as she questioned why her father would make such a decision, robbing her of her beloved brother's presence in the castle and the chance to become the new king. Why didn't he come back? Did he try to warn someone else of the danger he faced? So many questions, and no answers seemed to satisfy her sorrow.

She stood up, putting on her outing clothes—a white pants with gold details and a small beige corset-style top adorned with cherry blossom tree details. Her purple boots with golden reflections completed her ensemble, each boot adorned with two white and purple flowers. With the letter in her hand, she couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. She needed to find answers and unravel the mystery surrounding her brother's death.

As she prepared to leave her room, an unexpected visitor landed on her windowsill—a majestic owl with white fur and a golden beak. It was unlike any owl she had ever seen before, and she couldn't help but marvel at its beauty. The owl carried a letter with the initials "JM", her brother's initials, attached to a rope around its neck. Sillia's heart skipped a beat. What could an owl possibly have to do with her brother, assuming it was really him? She approached the owl, cautiously taking the letter, not wanting to startle it. The owl glanced at her briefly before flying off, as if it had delivered its important message.

The coincidence of receiving another letter, this time from an owl, in the same evening she discovered her brother's letter felt strange, but she didn't have much time to dwell on it. Sillia packed her travel bag with the newly acquired letter, her brother's map, and his compass. Without further delay, she left her room, rushing through the castle corridors, narrowly avoiding collisions with other people as she apologized along the way. Her destination was the throne room, where her mother resided.

Sillia's emotions were in turmoil as she confronted her mother with the newly discovered letter from her deceased brother, Joshua. The weight of the revelations and the hidden truths she had stumbled upon were too much to bear. Her voice trembled with anger and sorrow as she poured out her frustrations, no longer able to suppress her tears.

In response, her mother tried to console her, urging her to calm down and handing her a chair to sit in. Despite her best efforts, Sillia found it hard to stop her tears from flowing. As her mother read the letter, the emotions within the room intensified. Sillia could hear her mother's sobs at certain points, which only made her heartache deepen.

When her mother finished reading, she stood up and embraced Sillia, offering comfort and understanding. Sillia clung to her mother, seeking solace and reassurance amid the turmoil of emotions.

"I... I didn't know any of this; your father never told me anything. I thought Joshua died because of an accident when he went to visit his best friend in the vampire kingdom, as I told you," her mother explained, her voice filled with remorse and regret.

Sillia looked up, her eyes searching for answers in her mother's gaze. "Do you really think Father would have done that? Do you think he knew what would happen to Joshua by sending him there?" she asked, her worry evident.

Her mother shook her head, a mix of uncertainty and sorrow in her eyes. She honestly admitted that she didn't know the full extent of her husband's actions, and she was as shocked as Sillia by the revelations.

Feeling a desperate need to understand more, Sillia reached into her bag and retrieved the other letter—the one from her brother asking for help. She unfolded it and began to read it aloud, sharing its contents with her mother, hoping to uncover any additional clues about the mysterious events surrounding Joshua's disappearance.

Dear little sister,

I must be quick. Never did I think I would write under these circumstances, but I need your help; you are the only one who can do it. I learned about your marriage, and though I know you must not be thrilled, believe me, you are in good hands! (Yes, I know who your dear husband will be!) Anyway, you must have already read my other letter from a few years ago. I won't give you the answers in this letter, but as soon as we see each other, you will have all the answers to your questions, I promise.

For now, we are in a hurry. I need you to join me in the forgotten woods between the kingdom of the elves and the werewolves. I'll be there until dawn. I can't stay long; if the king finds out, everything will go wrong. Hurry and come to me! I can't wait to see you again, my little Sillia.

With love, Joshua Myo

As Sillia's tears threatened to spill, her mother's comforting touch provided solace, pulling her into a warm embrace. Snuggled against her mother's arms, Sillia couldn't help but smile at the thought of reuniting with her elder brother, Joshua.

"No matter what I say, you will go and see him... So I won't hold you back. Go see him, my dear, and give him my greetings. I'm sure it's your destiny, and whatever happens, be strong and take care of yourself, my princess," her mother said, her voice filled with love and understanding.

Sillia nodded, grateful for her mother's support and blessing. She knew deep down that she had to embark on this journey, not only to see her brother once more but also to uncover the truth and fulfil her destiny.

"I will bring him back to the kingdom because the throne belongs to him. And don't worry, I'll fetch NC, who is passing by here, to come with me. I won't be alone. I'll return as soon as possible, I promise!" Sillia reassured her mother, determination gleaming in her eyes.

Her mother nodded, her concern mingled with pride in her daughter's bravery. "Keep me informed as often as possible, my princess. Be cautious!" she advised.

With a gentle kiss on her mother's cheek, Sillia rose from the embrace, knowing that time was of the essence. She hurriedly packed a few spare clothes into her bag, determined to be prepared for whatever lay ahead. Grabbing her travel cloak, she swiftly left her room.

However, as she approached the castle exit, her path was unexpectedly blocked by her father, the king. Sillia's heart skipped a beat, and she wondered how she could get past him without revealing her intentions.

"Where do you think you're going like this, young lady?" her father's stern voice resonates, his eyes scrutinizing her attire and the bag she carries.

"I'm going to see NC since he's passing through, and you won't be able to stop me," Sillia retorts, determination clear in her voice as she deftly bypasses her father and continues toward the castle entrance, still running. "Oh, and as usual, don't worry about my absences; I might be back in a few days! I'll enjoy my freedom a bit longer!" she calls out over her father's angry shouts.

Finally, she steps out of the castle, slamming the door behind her, and makes her way to the palace stables. The beauty of the cherry blossoms in bloom at the beginning of April catches her eyes as she passes through the garden. Donning her lilac-coloured cape, adorned with the kingdom's emblem, she enters the well-kept, sparkling, barn, where the animals reside. Making her way to her destrier's stall, she picks up its saddle along the way. Oxya, her magnificent unicorn, demands attention, nudging its nose against Sillia's shoulder. Sillia plants a kiss on Oxya's nose before explaining that they don't have much time. She quickly grooms the unicorn, then saddles it up and places some carrots and apples in a pouch attached to the saddle. Taking its brush, she leads Oxya out of the stall, closing it behind them.

Oxya's white coat with silver highlights glistens beautifully in the glow of the setting sun, and its golden horn sparkles brightly. Sillia feels lucky to have a unicorn as her destrier. She mounts Oxya, and just before they set off, she feels something moving in her bag. Curious, she checks to see what it is and finds her rabbit, Luss, comfortably nestled among her clothes. It must have sneaked into her bag while she was looking for her cape in her bedroom.

Gently stroking it, she closes her bag but leaves a small opening for it to breathe. With one last glance at the castle, she turns her attention forward and heads toward the forest of the forgotten woods, ready to embark on her journey to reunite with her brother and uncover the secrets hidden in the past.

Sillia's father had sent guards to chase after her, but she was determined not to let them catch her. With her heart pounding in her chest, she urged her unicorn, Oxya, to gallop through the city at full speed, hoping to shake off her pursuers. However, the guards seemed relentless, never losing sight of her.

Feeling the pressure of the chase, Sillia's mind raced, searching for a way to evade her pursuers. Finally, she spotted a small dark alley and swiftly guided Oxya into it, hoping to find a momentary hiding spot. As they entered the narrow passage, Sillia held her breath and made not a single noise, hoping the guards wouldn't discover her whereabouts.

In the shadows of the alley, she waited anxiously, listening intently to the distant voices of the guards. "Which way do you think she went?" one of them asked.

"I have no idea; I looked away for barely a second. Let's keep searching; she couldn't have gone far," replied the other guard as they continued their pursuit.

As the guards moved away, Sillia felt cold sweat running down her back. She cautiously emerged from the alley, her senses on high alert. With the coast seemingly clear, she decided to make her way to NC's house, knowing she could seek his help and protection. Passing through the village centre, the people recognized her emblem and made way for the princess and her unicorn.

Sillia found NC with a young girl with turquoise hair, who seemed enchanted by the festivities of the kingdom's one-thousandth anniversary celebration. Approaching slowly, Sillia cleared her throat to get NC's attention. He turned around, surprised to see the princess there. Despite the rarity of her appearances outside the castle, everyone knew who she was.

"Hello, Sillia. What brings you here?" NC asked, concern evident in his eyes as he noticed the urgency in her expression.

"Sorry to interrupt your romantic stroll, but I need you, and we're in a hurry. My brother is waiting for us," Sillia repeated, determined.

"Firstly, this isn't a romantic stroll. Let me introduce you to my distant cousin, Hirana; she comes from the land of mermaids. Be more polite next time and learn to greet people properly. And secondly, your brother is waiting for us? The same brother who died eight years ago? Don't you think you're delusional?" Night responded, crossing his arms.

Sillia maintained her composure, nodding in acknowledgment of Hirana's presence. "Nice to meet you, Hirana," she greeted politely before addressing Night again. "And yes, that same brother. I don't have thousands like you do."

"I'll have you know I only have three brothers. Now, can I get more detailed explanations?" Night inquired, his scepticism giving way to curiosity.

Sillia proceeded to explain the situation, sharing the shocking revelation from the letter she had found. Night's initial doubt faded as he absorbed the gravity of her words.

"That's... quite shocking," Night murmured, his arms dropping to his sides. "I had no idea your father would keep such a secret from you."

Sillia nodded solemnly. "Neither did I. But now I can't sit back and do nothing. I need to find my brother, and I could use your help, Night."

Night's expression softened, and he reached out to place a comforting hand on Sillia's shoulder. "Of course, you have my support," he said warmly. "We'll find him together."

"Thank you," Sillia said gratefully, feeling reassured by Night's willingness to help.

Hirana, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "I may not know Joshua, but I can see how important this is to you. If you need any assistance, count me in as well," she offered kindly.

Sillia smiled at Hirana, appreciating her empathy and support. "Thank you, Hirana. Your help means a lot," she said sincerely.

With their determination united, the trio set off on their quest to find Joshua, unaware of the challenges and dangers that lay ahead. But they were resolute in their mission, determined to uncover the truth and bring Sillia's brother back to the kingdom.

After a few hours of riding, they finally reached the entrance to the Forgotten Woods. Sillia was determined not to waste any time, fearing that her brother might no longer be there if they delayed their arrival. Along the way, she had explained everything to Night and Hirana, recounting the contents of the letters and her brother's request for a meeting and assistance. As they approached the forest's edge, they dismounted from their horses, remaining vigilant for any signs of danger or potential traps.

Sillia decided to remove the hood of her cape, which she had worn to avoid drawing attention as the princess left the kingdom just weeks before her wedding. She cautiously approached the forest's edge, scanning the surroundings for any signs of her brother. Her senses heightened, she strained to detect even the faintest noise.

Then, she heard a barely audible sound. "Joshua? Is that you?" she called out, with Night drawing his sword and positioning himself protectively in front of Sillia, while Hirana stood close to her, trembling with apprehension. "It's going to be okay, Hira... Joshua? It's me! I'm only with two friends; I hope that's alright."

A figure emerged from behind a tree and slowly approached them. They took a slight step back, uncertain if this man was truly Sillia's brother. The man spoke, his voice carrying a mix of emotions. "Don't be afraid," he reassured them, and tears welled up in Sillia's eyes. "I'm so glad to see that you're still as beautiful as you were eight years ago, and still as adventurous!" he continued, stepping out of the woods, revealing his face.

It was indeed Joshua, Sillia's long-lost brother, now standing before them after all these years. Night and Hirana watched the heartfelt reunion, moved by the siblings' bond and relieved to have found him. He had a slight beard that complemented his fine features and black shoulder-length hair, tied back in a quick ponytail. His caramel-colored skin showed that he spent his days outdoors. He seemed very tall, even from a distance, probably around six feet tall. Sillia recognized him instantly, despite the eight years that had passed since their last meeting. Without further thought, she ran into his arms, crying with joy and holding onto him tightly, as if fearing he might disappear at any moment. The emotions overwhelmed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I'm so glad to see you, little sister," Joshua said, stroking her back. "You've grown so much and become more beautiful! Your husband is so lucky to have you!"

Wiping her tears, Sillia managed a smile and playfully tapped his shoulder. "First of all, he's my future, albeit unwanted, husband. And secondly, why did you ask me to meet you only today? Why did you fake your death? You left me alone to face Father, who controls me like a puppet! And finally, I want some explanations!"

"Calm down, 'Llia... Let's go to the camp first. You must be hungry, and besides, I'm with someone too. We can introduce everyone once we're all together. Then you'll get answers to your questions," Joshua suggested, trying to soothe his emotional sister.

Sillia sighed but followed her brother deeper into the forest, her friends and the horses trailing close behind. After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at Joshua's camp, where another young man, about her brother's age, was waiting for them. He had white hair with red tips, and even while sitting, his tall stature was evident. He was dressed in a black shirt and clean black pants, giving the impression that he could have come straight from a fancy party. As they approached, he stood up and greeted them warmly, taking Sillia's hand and kissing the back of it.

"Pleased to finally meet you, Princess! I've heard so many stories about you; it's an honor to meet you" he said, smiling at Sillia, and then turning his attention to her companions. However, he froze in his tracks when he locked eyes with Night, the surprise evident on his face. "NC?! You never told me you knew the princess!" he exclaimed as he approached Night, and they shared a friendly hug.

"Wait... You know each other?!" Sillia and Joshua asked simultaneously, both turning their attention to Night.

"He's the son of my father's best friend, so we practically spent our childhood together when we visited the fifth kingdom, me and my family," Night explained.

"You must be Z then!" Sillia said, making the connection with the stories Night used to tell when he returned from the fifth kingdom.

"Exactly! I see he talked about me! I hope it wasn't all negative!" Z responded, ruffling Night's hair playfully.

"Quite the opposite! Only positive things, like you being a great friend, a good cook, playful, generous, though sometimes selfish, and especially that Night was jealous of your looks," Sillia said with a little laugh, feeling a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. "And I totally understand that part," she added.

"You had to mention the last part!" Night exclaims. "That was when we were kids! And I wasn't even jealous! Anyway, enough about that! What are we doing in this forest exactly?"

"Well, long story short," Joshua begins, turning to his sister, "Father has been trying for several years to retrieve the power stones, without ever succeeding, claiming they are family heirlooms. But as I grew older and reached the age of 'going on an adventure,' as my father put it, he sent me on a quest to find these so-called heirlooms. What I didn't know was that these stones are what maintain the balance of our land," he explains, showing them a small grey-coloured stone. ''It may look like an ordinary stone, but when I found it just a few days ago, it was sky blue, almost white. As soon as I took it with me, it turned into an ordinary grey stone. The only difference is this symbol," he says, showing them a cloud-shaped symbol on the back of the stone.

"But if they can't touch them, how do they plan to keep them away from Father?" Sillia asked her brother, her brows furrowed with concern. "You must realise that he's still after them, and ever since I left, he's even angrier. I fear for Mother..." She sighed, her gaze locked with her brother's eyes.

In response, her brother smiled and continued his story, but Sillia's mind was preoccupied with worry for her mother. She couldn't help but hope that she was alright and that nothing untoward happened to her. Leaving her alone with their father, who was likely seething with rage, troubled her deeply.

"Sillia..." a voice whispered.

Startled, she turned around suddenly, reacting to the sound of her name being called again.

"Yes? Sorry, I wasn't listening," Sillia said, looking around, only to find everyone giving her surprised looks. "Who said my name?"

"Um... No one, little sister. We were discussing the stone, but seeing you lost in thought, we decided to leave you be. I know how you get when you're lost in thought like that; it's better not to disturb you," her brother responded.

"Really... I must have imagined it then, as I'm sure I heard my name," she murmured to herself. "I'll go for a walk to clear my mind; it'll do me good," she added, taking her cape in her hands and putting it on before heading deeper into the forest.

"If you continue in that direction, there's a clearing with giant trees; I think you'll like it!" her brother called after her before she disappeared from his view.

Sillia signalled that she had heard her brother's directions and continued on her path. After a few minutes of walking, she arrived at what she assumed was the clearing her brother had mentioned. Climbing up a giant tree, she settled on one of its branches, taking in the beauty of the night sky and the stars above.

"Sillia..." the voice called out once more.

Startled, she turned around, her senses on high alert. "Is there someone there? NC? Zirar? Big brother?" she asked, trying to identify the source of the voice.

"Don't be afraid..." the voice reassured her.

Confused and cautious, Sillia inquired, "But who are you? What do you want from me? Are you one of the people my father probably paid to follow me?"

"Calm down, Princess... Do you not remember me?" the voice gently responded.

Her eyes scanning the surroundings, Sillia spotted a little blue light flitting through the forest. Intrigued, she said, "Wait!" and swiftly descended from the tree, landing gracefully on the ground. She began running towards the blue light, determined to uncover its identity. "Who are you finally!?" she called out as she chased the elusive glow.

The chase led her to another, larger clearing, featuring a small body of water with a quaint bridge, where the little blue light had settled. More of the same coloured lights joined the first one, creating a mesmerising spectacle.

"Why have you brought me here? And why do I feel like I've been here before?" Sillia asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You really don't remember... You've been here before, not physically, but in your dreams... And we know each other, Sillia... Just wait a little, and you will remember!" the ethereal voice explained.

As she observed her surroundings more closely, the memories of the dream the light referred to began to resurface. Sillia couldn't help but find the situation surreal – conversing with a light. Then, to her astonishment, the light started taking on a human-like form, illuminating the clearing with its radiant presence.

Sillia's eyes widened in astonishment as she called out, "Aoi?! Is that you?"

The voice completed their transformation, revealing their male form. They stood tall with well-defined muscles, dressed in dark blue pants and a dark grey shirt. Sillia felt a mix of emotions, relief, and guilt for having forgotten about them.

"You took quite some time to remember me, I almost cried..." They said, wrapping their arms around her as she ran into their embrace. They held each other tightly, sharing a moment of joy and connection.

"It's been so long! I almost forgot about you... I feel so guilty..." Sillia confessed.

They comforted her gently, saying, "Hey, don't cry... It's normal that you eventually forget about me; I'm the one who stopped visiting you in your dreams... I should have at least informed you of my absence before leaving, but there was an emergency... One of the power stones was removed, and its location is unknown... We're searching for it everywhere..."

"We? Who are you talking about?" Sillia asked, her curiosity piqued.

"The guardians of the stones... And precisely, the wind stone, which was entrusted to me, disappeared one evening when I was visiting you. Who would have thought that after days of visiting you, that evening would be the one when the stone disappeared... Your father, the king of the elven kingdom, has been seeking their power for several years now. Initially, he came to us to obtain the stones, promising to use them to help all the kingdoms. We knew our world was slowly dying... So we were close to giving him the stones to save our land, but he added that he wanted to destroy the eighth kingdom, the one of humans, and blamed them for the state of our planet. Since my stone was stolen, most likely by one of your father's men, I've been searching for it... Without it, I can't fully appear in my human form; I'm only my soul, or you can say a spirit... I'm very close to it; it's here in this forest... I can feel it..." they explained.

Sillia listened intently, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation. She then wondered, "But how did you find me? I mean, you didn't even know I came here in the first place..."

They smile, "Well, my dear princess, this forest is under my protection, so anything that enters it, I sense its life force and power. When I felt something familiar, I immediately called for you and brought you here."

"Sorry for my incessant questions, but which stone are you exactly talking about?" Sillia inquired.

"The wind stone," They replied, and the revelation left Sillia with a mix of awe and concern.