The sun had eventually set over the horizon, slumbered at its regular juncture. Passing the duty to the night shifter, the moons, illuminating the dusky street that was, even though it was dim.

However, under this cold, sluggish night in the under realm, two blueish gleaming moons were seen to be woken in this starry night sky, hung side after another.

Many once watched and worshipped these moons as they resembled two legendary Demonkins and were named after them. The bigger one was known as Karra, and the smaller one was Enrra.

These two legendary Demonkins were told to be accounted for calming and bestowing the senses to the Demonkins who were once savages.

Karra and Enrra were siblings, sister and brother precisely, who were also the offspring of the once self-proclaimed God of the Underworld, Andrrak Kon, who was later slayed by his own offspring with the help of Azemos, mainly of his horrendous tyranny and cruel and sadistic temperament.

As the stream of times flowed like a turbulent river, the moons eventually lost their worshippers. Where it now functions, nothing but an ordinary moon will.

While the moon gleamed upon this drowsy chilly night, there was a familiar figure gazing upon the moon from her chamber's window, resting on her ornamented queen-sized bed, reenacting the day before the night. It was none other than Mina.

*...*

*Hmm... Too many things have happened today, so Mina is kinda getting fuzzy by it...*

*So Mina believes the best solution to deal with these knotty thoughts of Mina is...*

*Sleep.*

And so Mina fell asleep...

...

...

...

A moment before long, Mina rose from her bed and uttered,

*Wait! Mina wanted to pee!*

And so Mina woke up and stepped down from her ornamented bed, exited through her chamber door, and rushed to the closest lavatory.

The hallway was painted with sheer darkness, clouded with pure silence and coated with chills, as it was desolate. Mina wasn't terrified by a bit and solely continued, wanting to fulfill her natural calling.

During her journey to the lavatory, she coincidentally spotted someone patrolling this vast and cold hallway. It was Chester, a royal guard under her rule.

Mina was thrilled to finally see someone on her boring venture, so she approached Chester without hesitation and patted his solid, heavy metallic armor.

However, Chester wasn't tingled by the touch but jolted by it instead. He immediately clinched on his sheathed sword and swung backwards out of sheer reflexes like a tiger got its tail stepped. Luckily Chester ceased his sword before the worst had to come, which was slicing the princess of Vuzgaria. His sword landed right next to Mina's neck, and immense dread was left of him upon his realization. Chester quickly laid his sword on the ground, agitatedly kneeled before Mina, uttered in sheer panic,

"I'm remarkably sorry for your royal highness! My impulsive act had nearly led to devastation against your priceless life! And this one believed he had committed the error that is irredeemable, and should be retributed purely with death!"

"It's okay, Chester! Mina forgives Chester! Mina believes it's no biggie since Mina is still fine as a fiddle. And everyone makes mistakes in Mina's book, so Chester is not otherwise!" Mina agitatedly responded,

"Mina means she was kinda wrong in the first place. That Mina shouldn't be teasing you during your patrol first of all..." she continued in a remorseful tone,

"No, your royal highness! Your calling must always be prioritized, no matter the circumstances! So this one believes he should be the one who bears all the faults here!" Chester asserted.

The conversation wasn't going anywhere as Mina was in a hurry for relief. In order to defuse this intense circumstance, Mina came up with a rushed answer,

"Then let's just call it even! Mina means Mina and Chester are both at fault here. So, no one should be the blame for everything!" she stated,

"But this one-"

"Please no more, Chester... Mina is actually in an emergency, so she must go now!" Mina interrupted Chester for further admission of guilt and bore nothing but a wish to finish her relief. But before she could depart, Chester worriedly retained Mina and asked,

"What's the matter, your royal highness? This one feels unsettling regarding your unanticipated appearance at this deep at night with an urgen-"

"Sorry, Chester, Mina didn't really want the conversation to end this early, but Mina got to pee-!" Mina immediately dashed off from the side of Chester who was kneeling. Joining in a mist in a mere second, putting Chester in a speechless state.

"Oh..." was his only response.

***

***

***

"In this suspenseful dawn, frozen winds shivered down Oriana's spine, administering nothing but sheer cold and unpleasantry. Despite the journey being daunting, Oriana's determination and resilience eventually placed her at the great mountain's peak. Upon she stumbled on the mountain's top, sweats and exhausted breaths were the sole echoes, there was no celebration nor glee instead of a beaten rant,

"Maybe the villagers were right on abstaining from climbing on this mountain... I'm frazzled..."

Oriana lay flat on the icy, rocky surface, extensively panted in fatigue. Half-mature daylight softly illuminated the mountain, but not entirely. As the mountain was shrouded with dense fog, concealing each speck of vision, causing Oriana to lose her sense of direction.

Oriana wasn't thrilled with the circumstance, as her vision barely functioned in these dense clouds. She clung to the boulders resting on the mountain's top, staggering through this rowdy course. The advance was slow but rather steady, as her vision was limited. Her devastating fall from this imposing mountain could deduce if one was not cautious.

As time forged on, the sun rose higher and grander, and the fog eventually scattered ethereally. Illustrating an apparent road before Oriana, lightening her mood immensely.

As the sun soared high, warm light shone on her skin, basking her with the lost confidence she once bore.

As she recollected herself and stumbled down these rickety roads without further prolongation. And there, a shabby broken down hut, inordinately chained and encompassed with sigils, manifested like a cage that sealed a beast that may wreak havoc on the realm.

Oriana was shocked by the hut's outrageous demeanor and rooted to the ground of worries.

She tightly clutched the cloth on her chest and took a deep breath. And firmly closed her distance from the hut.

But before Oriana can approach the hut at her fingertips. An eminence and menacing voice ceased her movement with a blaring demand,

"Please refrain further steps be wrought, mortal. I demand you leave now when the chance is yet bright. Or the catastrophe will befall upon your feeble presence."

"Hi, I'm Oriana, Oriana Ar'en, your almighty one."

"Your name doesn't concern me, mortal. Speak your mind."

"I- I- had heard many great tales about yo- you, your almighty one. However, one of your tales has placed me in relentless doubt... And so I figured the way to quench my bewildered thought is to seek the answer through you, your almighty one..."

Oriana jittered.

"It's lamenting to heed such irrational doubts. The answer you crave will not be gratified here, mortal. Begone at once, before the set of the light. Or your life will cease to exist once the twilight is woken, as the mist of night will devour any beings that rested upon this peak." the mysterious being demanded,

"Bu-" Oriana tried to sound her voice but was ceased by Azemos.

"This place is nothing but solitary confinement to retribute my perilous existence. This is no temple of doubtful fulfilment, mortal. I'm no answerer nor fortune teller. Thus, it's rather insensible to desire for a satisfying answer from my presence."

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"Pardon for my assertion, but I have traveled across a thousand horizons, climbed over this dreadful mountain and now finally bestowed myself before the almighty one, so I'm not going nowhere until my answer is quenched, so if you must, your almighty one. Please bestow me your echo. Fulfill my journey with that mighty voice of yours." Oriana wasn't thrilled with Azemos for his immediate dismissal and retorted out of reflexes.

The indignation of Oriana was supposed to provoke Azemos, but it didn't; instead, it inject nothing but sheer laughter from him.

"Hmm... you're a feisty and interesting one, Oriana. No one in existence yet has the audacity to question my sovereignty, yet your persistence defied my absolute. You're indeed a bold one. Take heed, Oriana. I like you, but not in an affectionate way, of course. *Cough* Then shall you be obliged for your sound bestowed upon my heed!"

"Sur- sure, your almighty one. Then please be pitied for my recklessness, as all I ever wanted to ask is-"

***

***

***

As the sun woke from its slumber, it soothed the street with its warm beams as the bell of Dragania sang through this crowded street that trod with pure richness and intellect, which were the students of Dragania. Some attended their first-ever class, and some returned from a break granted after a semester conclusion.

In this prestigious street, some students are transversed to the ground by feet, some by luxurious vehicles and some by spells.

And there was Mina, arriving Dragania with an ostentatious carriage that encompassed with hundred guards.

"Mina doesn't like the way she is surrounded by so many guards," Mina huffed,

Once the carriage surfaced before the Dragania's ample and menacing gate, a butler tended to Mina by opening the carriage door and bowing upon her descent, and Lilia was posted before the carriage awaiting Mina's descent. She then tidied up Mina's appearance and ensured it was freed from rumples.

Before Mina was off to the school, Lilia lightly placed her palms before Mina's shoulders while kneeling, advised in a tender tone,

"Mina, remember to behave and be acquainted with anyone you come across! Since it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to explore the world beyond your castle. So, please, Mina, please refrain from causing ruckuses around the school ground since your presence will be in the spotlight. As for your unladylikeness will most likely damage your reputation and sever the chance of Mina befriending anyone. And I bet Mina doesn't want that, right?"

"Hmm... but Mina never has the worries of her reputation or thoughts of befriending anyone else, though." Mina's unanticipated counter placed Lilia in a speechless and baffled state.

"So... Mina doesn't want a friend...?" Lilia responded,

"Well... Mina doesn't feel like she has the urge to do it," Mina added,

"Then may Aunt Lilia ask what has heightened Mina's eagerness?"

"Hmm... probably Mina gets to explore more of the place outside her castle."

"So... Mina just wants to explore..." Lilia muttered.

Before Lilia sent Mina off to the school, she warmly added,

"So let's cut to the chase... Aunt Lilia does hope Mina gets to experience the world beyond her compass. Savor every little thing during the moment. And let's not hold Mina back any longer and mind how you go. Aunt Lilia wishes you a pleasant trip ahead!"

Mina subtly nodded and uttered,

"Yes, I will, Aunt Lilia!" before running off to the school with a wave of farewell through a slight twist of her tiny body.

Mina then heartily jogged to her house room or classes. During Mina's advance, unexpectedly, the backside of someone she was familiar with manifested before her.

And it was none other than Keena, who was coincidentally advancing to her house room too. Since Keena shared the same house with Mina, she traversed in the same direction as Mina.

While Mina was stuck in her mind, figuring out who that familiar backside belonged to. And only shortly after a repetitive investigation of Keena's figure, Mina realized it was the same person who got lost together during the orientation.

Who immediately enthusiastically hollered at her with a high pitchy voice,

"Good morning, Keena!"

That acquainted yet troublesome sound pierced Keena's ears and injected nothing but a chill in her spine. Unlike Mina, Keena already knew that troublesome voice to whom it belonged the moment she spoke.

Keena sighed deeply as she decided to turn around and face that worrisome princess with a greeting,

"Good morning, Mina," Keena replied.

After greeting one another, Mina rushed to join Keena's companion and journeyed to their house room in concert.

"So, does Keena think that Mina and Keena are going to get into trouble because of yesterday's incident?" Mina voiced.

"Well, now you mentioned it, I don't actually know, but based on what our handler said yesterday, we should indeed be receiving retribution any sooner," Keena replied.

"Mina is then genuinely sorry for the ruckus she had caused yesterday... Mina hopes Keena can forgive her for her misbehaving-" As Mina regrettably apologized, she was interrupted by Keena,

"It's okay, Mina. I believe everyone makes mistakes, including the heir of Vuzgaria, I guess..."

"But... there's still one more thing that has been puzzling Mina since her steps landed on Dragania's soil..." Mina added,

"What is it, Mina? If it's anything related to the incident yesterday, just don't mention it."

"No... it's not that... it's just that Mina doesn't really know where her house room actually is since we skipped the house room visit yesterday..."

"Hmm... well, it's funny you say that... because I also have no clue where our house room is and have been following you ever since."

Both of them then, stunned on the spot, stared at each other, speechless, not knowing what to do. And right before the stare turned into a competition, the silence was broken by another familiar sound, but this one was rather obnoxious to them.

Because it was the boosting boy they met during the orientation, Dalius.

"I never thought of myself would once again intervene with these imps, ever." he scornfully said.

"And just to notice you standing here, wasting time to attend the house room, really did make me believe my statements about you both are downright. Bunch of good for nothing, that is." he added while sniggering,

"Shut up, potty-mouth boy. Mina has no interest in you. Get lost." Mina irritatedly uttered,

"Aw... the little princess is getting riled up once more. Only pathetic-minded creatures will get offended by such silly comments. I guess I was right to ridicule your presence, you wimpy princess."

"Mina, resist! Don't let him get into your mind!" Keena quickly turned to Mina and attempted to calm her down.

"Mina is trying, Keena... But that fella manages to get on every possible nerve Mina has, purely from his presence..." Mina was so incensed she clenched her fist, and veins popped out on her forehead like the vines on the tree's trunk.

"What you gonna do about it, princess? Assaulting me will only result in deeper trouble."

Before Mina this squabble turned into a tussle, Mina lifted her chest, deeply breathed, and composed herself. Upon her nerve was loosened up, she casually responded,

"Sorry, Dalius. But Mina and Keena don't have time to play such a childish game with you. We are taking our leave now. See you later."

Mina immediately hooked her hand across Keena's, pulling themselves away from the scene. Mina's snappy comeback placed Dalius wordless, not realizing he had been quipped. Only after a while, Dalius finally kicked in with the insult and erupted with sheer aggression upon Mina, bellowed,

"YOU DARE TO CALL ME CHILDISH, YOU INSOLENT PRINCESS! WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING? I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET! YOU SCATTERBRAINED, FEATHER HEADED, IMBECILE-"

Mina and Keena briskly walked off while Dalius raved in pure resentment.

During the retreat, Mina puffed her cheek in annoyance, stoutly dragging Keena along with her. Before they strayed much further, Keena halted Mina by saying,

"Wait, Mina. I know this doesn't sound appealing, but we are yet to figure out how to go to our house room. Maybe we should just directly ask Dalius about it."

"Is Keena serious? Bowing Mina's head to that fella is a great dishonor to her and her family!" Mina snarled.

*I never thought I would see the princess having such anger over someone else...* Keena murmured in her mind.

"Mina just doesn't want to lower her head to someone like him. But Keena and the others are fine," she replied,

"Alright then... Mina... Any idea on how we should arrive at our house room without getting late?"

Keena tensed up as she was getting anxious about the impending lateness. Contrastingly, Mina just snickered, like she was already plated up with a plan.

"Keena looks. Mina doesn't really need to put herself before that potty mouth boy to get what she wanted."

"I don't like the sound of it, along with that cheeky look of ya..." Keena worried.

"Be not afraid, Keena! Just lend Mina your ear for a few seconds." Mina asserted.

"You're getting more sketchy the more you say." Keena worried even more.

"Well, if Mina and Keena just silently rely on that potty-mouth boy, then Mina and Keena are gonna get what they wanted!"

"What are you trying to imply, Mina?" Keena anxiously queried,

"Mina believes if Mina and Keena just stealthily follow him, then Mina and Keena will eventually reach the destination without worries. Mina means that since Mina and Keena shared the same house room as him, we are going in the same direction!"

"Is this really necessary, Mina...?" Keena squinted at Mina, doubting Mina's proposal due to her last performance that led to the debacle.

In the meantime, Mina just responded with a vigorous nod of her head, which immediately jumped into one of the bushes that vantaged on Dalius's whereabouts.

After settling in the bush, Mina passionately beckoned Keena to join her. Instead, Keena wasn't keen to join her, hesitated like a stray cat to a stranger calling, and muttered,

"Mina, you are losing yourself in the spotlight here. I'm not really sure about this plan of yours. It's kinda embarrassing..."

"Keena, no more dallying! The potty-mouth boy is about to have his first move! Mina and Keena gotta follow him. Otherwise, we won't arrive at the house room in time, and Mina doesn't want Keena to be left behind."

While Mina was posing herself bizarrely by poking in the bush, each passing student would immediately be glued to Mina, puzzled by her queer action.

Some chuckled and laughed while some were concerned, especially Keena, who added in a quiver tone,

"Come on, Mina. Please, let's not do that... Everyone is watching-"

"Keena, fast! The potty mouth boy made his first move! Press on!" Mina interrupted before Keena could warn her, who then swiftly pursued Dalius, leaping from one bush to another.

While Keena just blatantly tailed Mina in plain sight, refused to comply with her "stealthy plan" by hiding in the bushes and prompted,

"Mina, can't we just follow him more naturally?"

"No, Keena, Mina doesn't want to break her cover just to face that obnoxious tongue of his," Mina responded,

"But doesn't Mina think she kinda attracts too much unnecessary attention here...?" Keena concerned,

"I mean, open your eyes and look around us, Mina. All eyes are locked onto us, and mainly at you... So can't we just walk normally?" she added in a nervous tone.

After continuous reasoning from Keena, Mina wasn't fazed even a bit and annoyed Keena by bits. Who then continued in a rather irritated tone,

"Mina, please... you're a princess over and all, you must cease any action that leads to your indelicacy... Otherwise, you're gonna get rumors around the school."

"No worries, Keena. Mina doesn't fashion those little things done by others. Mina now just wants to go to her house room before she is late. But still, Mina is appreciated by Keena's generous concern." Mina's nonchalant response eventually snapped Keena,

"Bu- Bu- but! You know you're gonna get humiliated by the public, right!? It's gonna be as bad as Dalius mocking you!"

Thanks to Keena's unyielding comments, it seemingly finally captivated Mina's heed as she subtly turned toward her, hinged her eyes to Keena's, uttered,

"Keena, you're falling behind. The potty-mouth boy has already gone way ahead of us. We've gotta move now. Otherwise, we will never arrive at our house room before the time. Let's move out!"

Keena was lost to that response, knowing her words ain't going anywhere into that thick simple-minded skull. Exactly like a man trying to convince a cow to join his cult. Resorting to her being devastated, questioning her existence,

*What have I gotten myself into... Did she even listen to me?*