Star's POV:

Well, that just happened. My friends and I glance at each other in confusion and worry as I look at his parents. "Can someone explain to me what just happened?" I ask as my voice echos within the walls.

"I don't know…" My dark haired friend responds after a moment looking at the king and queen. "He never reacted that way before."

Really? I blink as my gaze drift towards my friends who are fidgeting in their chairs whispering to each other. What are they whispering about?

"Had he never reacted that way in the past?"

My friends, with the exception of Estrella and Astrana, freeze at my question like a deer in highlights. The queen's eyes widen as an expression of fear crosses her face. Huh… how strange.

"Eliphas, you don't think that he remembers… her, do you?"

Her? Who is this her she speaks of? "It is possible," He places a hand on her shoulder. "But don't worry."

"How do you expect me not to worry?" Her tone rises with tears threatening to fall. "Did you forget what happened two years ago? He almost-"

"That won't happen again."

"You don't know that!" She breaks free from his hold. "You and I both know how much she means to him yet…"

Could this lady that they are speaking of be a first love? But why… what happened to her? "Enna, Enna," The king pulls her into an embrace. "It's okay. Besides, he hasn't mentioned anything about her."

"True, but what if he remembers? What then?"

He turns silent with a pursed lip. "If worse comes to worse… we could-"

"I refuse." Her gold eyes stare intensely at him. "We will not be doing that again."

"Psst, doing what?" I whisper to my friends as they shake their head and motion me to be quiet. Seriously?

Maria's POV:

"It's not in my place to say." I repeat for the tenth time sitting on the couch in my room.

"Please," She whines holding onto my hand. Her bright gold eyes shine in desperation and curiosity. "I want to know."

"As I said, it's not in my place to say or tell you." I savor the water as she huffs.

"Why? It's the first time I seen him act that way and I-"

"Didn't you say you were tired? Why are you in my room rambling?"

Her eyes widen. "How can I possibly rest when this odd occurrence happened?"

I guess she has a point. "Again, you won't get anything out of me." I place my cup down as she pouts. "If you want to know, ask Lily or your parents."

A sigh escapes her lips with a groan. "You think I haven't tried that? My parents are acting strangely." She pours herself a cup of water with a cough. "On top of that, Lily has been acting off as well."

Oh? "How so?"

"Let's see…" Her brows furrow. "When I tried to ask her what they were talking about… her expression…"

"What about it?"

My friend's lips draw into a thin line. "I don't know how to describe it. It was sort of like a mixture of disbelief, fear, and acceptance all wrapped up in one."

Fear, disbelief, and acceptance. My hand cover my eyes a bit rubbing them gently. Does she think he's going to do the thing she fears the most because he remembered Astraea?

A hand grips mine as I look up at my friend. "Maria," Her playfulness from seconds before is gone and in place is a serious expression that I rarely see. "Tell me what's going on? What were they talking about? Why was he acting that way?"

What should I do?

(Flash):

"Hey, wait up!" I run after him as he stops in front of his office with his back turned against me.

"You got some explaining to do." I stop a few feet from him. "What happened back there?"

"Leave me alone." My friend whispers gripping the doorknob.

"At least tell me why you're acting this way." I step closer as he stays silent gripping the knob until his fists turn white.

"Please…" My friend's voice tighten as it breaks into a horse whisper. "Don't ask anymore."

My eyes widen at the unparalleled sadness within his tone. He's… I reach out hesitantly and touch his shoulder. Did he remember?

"Do you…"

The person facing away from me nods as I notice tears dripping to the ground. Astral… My arms wrap around his waist into a gentle hug. Astraea…

"Why?" His breathing goes ragged as his hand grips the doorknob tighter. "Why did they have to make me forget?"

A cough emits from his throat. "Her only wish was for me to remember her yet I…"

My friend hyperventilates gripping the knob tightly still facing away from me. "Maria, don't tell anyone about this. Especially Astrana. If she knows about this, considering her impulsive nature, she might do something irrational."

I nod as I take my arm from his waist looking at his back. "Ok. I promise not to tell her but… are you going to be alright?"

…

…

…

"Yeah," The person in front of me states after a few long minutes. "I think so."

The door opens with a squeak as he steps with one foot in the room. "Oh, and look after Liliana and Melody for me."

(Flash)

Will he really be fine though?

"Maria, snap out of it!" A loud voice rings through my ears as I recoil.

"Astrana, what are you doing?" I ask a bit irked because my friend shouted in my ear.

"Were you lost in thought or something?"

Something like that. How can siblings be so different? One is reserved and calm, the other is… the opposite.

"Astrana, you're not going to get any information from me."

"Why are you so stubborn?" She exclaims crossing her arms.

Sorry. If you'd know the cause then you would probably ignite a rebellion against your parents.

A yawn escapes my lips as I glance at the clock. "Hey, it's late. Can you leave?"

She rolls her eyes. "Come on, you're no fun at all." My friend stands up plopping herself on the bed lazily. "You're too much like Astral. So serious."

A sigh escape my lips. This is going to be a long night.

Liliana's POV:

"Mommy?"

"Yes, honey?"

My daughter shifts closer so that she is hugging my chest. "Why were you crying?"

Uh-oh… My lips curve upwards as I pat her back. "You're mistaken. Why would I cry?"

"You're eyes are red."

I knew I should've used makeup! "My eyes get like that at times. Don't worry about it." I pull the blanket up to cover us. "It's past your bedtime."

Her head stares at the door then turns back to me. "Where's Daddy?"

I gulp straining a smile as her head lays in my chest. "He's very busy so he might not be able to sleep with us for a few days."

"Busy? Busy with what?"

"You know, paperwork and all of that." I lied as my daughter slowly nods. Oh how I wish it was paperwork.

"Is he going to sleep there too?"

"Most likely."

If he remembers her then… I bite the inside of my cheek. Then… what would become of me?

A hand touch my cheek as she kisses my forehead. Huh? My eyes widen as she pulls away with a grin. "Mommy, don't be sad."

Her head nuzzles in my chest as I blink stroking her locks. "I don't like it when you are sad." She whispers as I wave my arm to turn off the lights.

An orange hue glows, spanning across the room as her body relaxes. "Silly girl," My finger gently flick her forehead a bit. "I'm perfectly fine. Don't worry so much."

My daughter nods as a yawn escapes her precious lips. "Go to sleep, my sunshine." My lips press against the top of her head for a few moments.

She holds my hand gently. "Goodnight. Daddy and I love you the most." Her tiny body snuggles closer to me as my eyes widen.

Daddy and I love you the most… how I wish that was the case for your father. My fingers glide over her hair with a small smile. "Mommy loves you and your father the most as well."

"And the baby too, right?"

My hand gently lays on my stomach as I rub it in circular motions. My baby… "Yes, of course I love the baby."

"My little brother is going to be so cute!"

Brother? I stifle a laugh. "Why would you say this child is a boy? I mean, it could very well be a girl."

"Because it's a boy."

Huh? "There's a 50/50 chance of it being a boy though."

My daughter shakes her head. "It's a boy."

I blink blankly. Is she saying that she wants a brother? "What if this child turns out to be a girl?"

"No, Mommy. It's a boy not a girl."

She must really want a baby brother. "Why would you say that, sweetheart?"

"Because Daddy and Aunt Astrana are brother and sisters." She begins simply. "That must mean since I am your daughter, this child in your stomach will be a boy."

Is she basing the child's gender off of… A laugh escapes my mouth as I shake my head slowly. Oh, the mind of a child is sure simple.

Her head tilts a bit. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Hahahaha… no, no," I cough trying to suppress my laughter. "I thought of something amusing that's all."

"You know," My eyes drift down to my stomach as a hand lays on top of mine. "That it doesn't have to be a boy, right?"

"It could be a girl."

"Mmm," Her lips draw into a pout. "I don't wanna."

"Do you not like having a little sister?"

"It's not that I don't like having a sister." She pulls me closer. "If I I get a sister then you won't love me anymore."

What? My eyes widen. What is this about not loving her anymore? "Why would you say that, my little sunshine?"

"Because if you have another girl, you and Daddy will give her all the attention and abandon me."

"Wha… why on earth would you think that we would abandon you?"

"Because you two will like her more and I don't want to share you or Daddy with anyone." She nuzzles into my chest as my lips curve upwards.

Ah, so that's the case. "Honey, didn't I say that I will love you no matter what?" I begin as my fingers card through her silky hair. "That means that even if the baby turns out as a girl, my love for you won't change."

My beautiful daughter looks up at me. "Really?"

"Yes." I peck her nose as she giggles. "Now, it's way past your bedtime."

"Mmm," She yawns. "Goodnight Mommy."

My lips peck her head. "Sweet dreams."

Astral… My chest tightens. You finally remembered her huh? This was bound to happen sooner or later.

I lay my hand on my stomach blinking as tears fill my eyes. I only wish that I had more time with you, my dear husband.

Astral's POV:

Is this normal?

A flicker of silver shines in the sky as I open the windows letting the cool breeze in. Is it normal to feel like this?

(Flash):

"No." He states locking eyes with me. "We have never kept anything from you that we deem beneficial."

(Flash)

Liar. Why am I even surprised at this point? I mean like what did I expect from him? My fingers grip the banister. It's just like him to lie. After all, like he would let his only son get into a relationship with a commoner.

(Flash):

My eyes widen as arrows penetrate her being. Blood spews everywhere as things start moving in slow motion. Pink eyes meet with my mismatched as she starts to fall.

"Astraea!"

(Flash)

My body shudders as a throbbing headache slams into my skull with the force of a tractor. Ow… I clutch the side of my face with a hiss.

"Why does this keep happening?"

(Pulse)

"Did you miss me?"

"Seriously?" I ask in annoyance as he laughs. "What do you want this time?"

"I'm hurt, Astral. To think that you would want me to not pay you a visit." He utters in a sarcastic tone. "You're cruel."

I scoff rolling my eyes. "Enough with your shenanigans, Dark. What do you want?"

"Straight to the point as usual I see." He clears his throat. "Alright then, Mr. I don't know how to have fun."

"You remember her, do you not?"

My chest tightens at his words. "Yes." I respond after a moment. "I remember. I remembered everything that happened."

"You… you… remember everything that happened?" He utters in great shock. "Even about Empress Luna?"

…

"Luna?" I ask after a moment of silence. "Who is Luna?"

"Shoot. I wasn't supposed to mention that." He mutters in a panic.

"Who is-"

"So, how are you handling things so far? Still mad at your parents?"

"Of course."

"Yeah, I figured that was the case. I mean, who on earth would go seal a child's memories like that?" He growls. "You were only 16 when that happened."

"Yup."

"And your wife, she knew about this matter yet she never said a word," He huffs. "Honestly, if there's no trust between you two then why marry her?"

I stay silent at his words.

"From what I can tell so far, you married her because she was pitiful. She was bearing your child so you had no other option, is this correct?"

"Yeah."

"Think about it," He sighs. "Did you marry her of an obligation and feel pity towards her or do you really love her?"

"I don't… know…" I trail off after a few minutes. "Dark, must we talk about this now? My mind is already chaotic as it is."

He stays silent for a few moments. "How about this, why don't you set me free-"

"No way. Absolutely not happening."

"I know I've done things in the past that may or may not have gotten you in trouble but I'm a changed man now."

"I doubt it."

" You gotta let me have fun once in a while." He whines. "I've been stuck here since forever!"

"I would but your definition of fun differ mine drastically Mr. Throw my sister off a cliff to wake her up!"

He laughs nervously. "You remember that?"

I sneer at him. "Gee, you think? If I didn't realize it in time, who knows what you would've done to my precious sister."

" Oh, comon, I was young back then."

"She was four years old, Dark!"

"Ok, ok, calm down. I got to admit, that's a good point but still, give me a chance, Astral." He reasons. "Do you know how painful it is to be stuck here all day and night?"

"Plus," He continues after a moment. "You said you needed time to think this through, right? So why not let me out for a while?"

"First of all, no. I would be insane to let you out and secondly, I just need some time to process this. So, leave me alone."

"Well, first of all, I'm you so no. You will not be insane to let me out and besides, do you really want to face your parents after all they did to you?"

"Let's get one thing straight. You are not me." My voice rises. "I am not you. We are completely separate entities!"

He sighs with a groan. "When are you going to accept the fact that we are one? I am you and vice versa. I'm just trying to-"

"Stop. You are not me! You are not a part of me!"

" Astral-"

"Shut up!" I shout clutching my head. "Dark, listen closely, you are not apart of me."

" No matter how much you deny it, that won't change reality!" His breathing labors as he takes deep breaths.

"I am always going to be apart of you whether you like it or not. The sooner you accept this, the sooner this whole thing can be over."

"No way. You will never be me." I mutter shaking my head. "Why are you still here? Just leave! Go away!"

"There is no escaping me. I'm apart of you. I will make you accept it sooner or later." He exclaims in a deep menacing tone that send shivers down my spine.

(Pulse)

"Ow!" I hiss and rub my temples as my breathing labors. Who is he? What on earth is he and why is he in my head?

"Am I going crazy?" I mutter staring at the endless sparkle of stars that illuminates the sky. How am I supposed to go about this?

My parents, who I trusted and cared for, lied to me. They sealed my memories of my first love all because their selfishness!

And here I thought that they cared for me. "I'm pathetic." A chuckle escapes my lips. "I can't believe I trusted them this long."

"You're not pathetic."

"What the-Why are you here?" I growl as my eyes scan the room. Why is that guy here again? Man, can't I catch a break?

"If you're here, show yourself." My eyes narrow as I shut the window and walk to the bed. "Don't be a coward."

"Only you can hear me."

Only I can? Oh great… "Great," I roll my eyes. "As if I'm not already crazy and ill enough, a part from tuberculosis, schizophrenia is hitting me as well."

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

"I am simply not a mere delusion." He snaps with an angry tone.

"Then who are you?" I ask with my patience wearing thin. "Who are you? Why have you come here? What's your motive? Purpose?"

"I already said, I am you."

"Do you take me for a kid?" I scowl at the voice. "Stop lying and tell me the truth!"

"Listen, the sooner you come to terms with this, the better it would be for everyone."

"Oh, really?" Sarcasm drips from my tone as I roll my eyes. "And what would that be? The fact that my own two parents lied and sealed my memories or the fact that I'm hallucinating and crazy? Because I already came to terms with both of them."

He sighs deeply. "Ok. Now's obviously not a good time to talk."

"Now you realize?"

"I'm just trying to help-"

I bite my tongue. Deep breaths deep breaths! Got to breathe. "Have you considered leaving me alone for a while?" My hands clutch my head as I plop on the chair. "I need time to think and I can't do that if you're yapping in my ear all day."

He sighs. "Alright, I'll leave you alone for a couple days. Hopefully, you'll get my intentions." Finally!

"But, I'm still you. Even though you refuse to accept me, I'm still a part of you so-"

"I get it," I wave a hand lazily swatting the air. "You're me. The chaotic, dark aspect that I refuse to accept. Yes. We went over this already, Dark."

"If you get it then why won't you accept me?" He ask as I bite the inside of my cheek. "The only way you can stop this is to accept me. Let me in. Succumb to your destiny and all will be revealed."

"Must you be so cryptic? And accept you? Puh-lease, as if I would ever succumb to my memories." I did it once and what did it bring me? A mountain of pain. No way am I doing that again.

"Astral," A stern voice rings in my ears. "Exactly what are you so afraid of? What do you fear? Don't you want to know what happened? Don't you want answers?"

"You think I don't?" My voice rises a bit. "You think I want to live this life? Day in and day out, not knowing who you are or any recollection of your past. Do you think I want to live like that?!"

"Accept me. Unlock your sealed memories and the answers that you seek will flow through."

"I…" Is this the only way?

"I… I can't…"

"Why? Tell me why? You must have a reason!"

"Please, Dark, I don't know."

"I honestly don't know-"

"You do. You want to know the truth. You're just afraid."

"I'm not!"

"You are."

"I am not afraid!"

"You are afraid." He shouts as I cover my ears. "Astral, you got to get it together. Are you willing to live in a dream not realizing what happened when you were 8?"

W-What…? My eyes widen. "What happened when I was 8?"

He stays silent as I gulp. "Answer me," My voice cracks as tears blur my sight. "Dark, tell me. What happened when I was 8?"

"I… can't tell you…"

"Please!" I shout in desperation. "Dark, I don't want anymore secrets!"

My legs tremble as they sink onto the ground. "The two people I trusted sealed my memories of the woman I loved." I gulp as tears drip on the ground slowly. "H-How… How could they do such a thing?"

Why the heck am I crying? Stop crying like a baby. Where on earth did this sudden rush of emotions come from? My heart pounds against my chest as I clutch my mouth to muffle any noises. Keep it together. Come on, I got to keep it together.

I cannot break like this. I… I pull myself up to my legs as I stumble to my chair collapsing on it. I can't break so easily. I absolutely cannot! My fingers wipe the tears from my cheeks blinking a bit as I notice something on my left fourth finger.

(Flash):

"With this ring, I pledge my love and life to you," I said as I, slide off her engagement ring to put the wedding band on. Then I slide back the engagement ring on top.

She takes my hand and slides the band on my finger gently. "With this ring, I pledge my love and life to you."

(Flash)

This is… My eyes shut as I pull it off halfway. Why am I hesitant? It's just a ring. I should be able to take it off with ease.

"You're hesitating. Why is that?"

Oh great, he's back. Can't I get 5 minutes alone? "Can you please leave me alone?"

"I'm just asking you a question. No need to be so snappy." He mutters as I sigh.

Ay-yi-yi… this is going to be a common occurrence. "Dark, don't you have anything better to do than talk?"

"Dude, I'm you, remember? I still don't understand why you can't-"

"Forget it. You will not and I mean not take control."

"Fine, Mr. Snappy Pants." He retorts as I scoff. "Anyway, if you wanna take it off, take it off."

"Immature much?"

A laugh rings throughout my ears. "I'm surprised it took you this long to figure it out."

"Dark," I groan facepalming myself as he chuckles even more. Seriously, he's supposed to be me? I find that very hard to believe.

"And stop avoiding my question."

"I have no clue what you're saying."

"Don't act all dumb with me. You're struggling to take off your wedding ring. Why is that?"

I wish I know the reason as well. "You ask me, who should I ask?"

"You don't want to take it off, do you?"

I scoff suppressing a laugh. "Why would I not want to take it off? It has no value or meaning to me."

"Yeah, lie all you want but you and I both know that ring signifies something significant that you don't want to let go."

"Right… like it means something important."

"Then take it off." He utters. "Take it off and start a new life."

"After all, she kept this secret from you all these years. You must be furious with her."

True… why didn't she tell me about this sooner? Does she think that once they sealed my memories, I could forget all about Astraea and be with her?

My chest tightens as I slide my ring slowly off my finger placing it on the table in front of me. If she does think that way… then she's more selfish than I realize. I mean, who in the right mind would keep this from their husband? Isn't there supposed to be a certain amount of trust between a married couple?

I rub my temples laying my head on my desk. "Liliana, why on earth did you hide this from me?"

A sigh escapes my lips as my eyes snap shut. "What am I supposed to do now?"