The scent and aromatic fragrance of new spring, invaded my sense of smell once I stepped outside to my mother's garden. Those long cold nights of winter are finally over and now gone. I don't really have a problem in winter but, let's all be considerate on others who can't enjoy the beauty of it.

Enjoying winter is a privilege but for the poor it's cruel and vile. I'd rather be considerate than be ignorant. I walked towards the golden tree, that my mother took care of when she was still alive and healthy. As I arrived in front of the tree I can't help but be amazed on how magnificent it is. The tree itself is one of a kind and odd. It's not like any other tree you would see, the branch was bronze and the leaves shined like diamonds and yet the leaves were golden. It was truly one of a kind. The tree was 3 years older than me. And mother was the one who planted and flourished, until she died due to some unknown sickness. I was 14 year old when she left me in the care of my aunt. As I examined the tree in front of me a heavy and long sigh escaped my lips.

"It's been almost five years Mom since you left me all alone. How are you in Heaven mother?" I murmured beneath my breath. I sat down beside the tree and started reading the book I brought with me. Books are the only thing can calm and relieve me. That's probably because I grew up with them and with the warmth within it. I read the book and never looked at the time until a maid came and told me that it was already dinner time and my aunt finally arrived. I closed the book and went back inside the house, and informed the maids that I'll be in the dinner table once I finished refreshing myself. As I arrived at my room I put the book back to my bookshelves, and went to the bathroom to wash my face.

I wiped my wet face with the dry towel and looked into the mirror. People always say I resemble to my mother a lot. I never believed them when I was still a child but now, I think they were right. My features were like my mother's, no matter what angle and direction I was looking at. I did resemble to my Mother. Except for my eyes though, my eyes are the only part of my face I hate the most, my mother told me I got my eyes from the father I never knew. Mother's eyes were crystal blue and it shined like stars, while me... my eyes were Scarlet Red. Was that the reason why mother named me Scarlet Estelle, was it because of my eyes? My eyes they're red as blood and it shined like a Ruby. I hate it. No more like I loathe it.

"Stupid eyes" I'd rather go blind than inherent the eyes of the man who never took his responsibilities which was us and he never even once shown his face to me. I loathe my so called Father but my Mother, when she was still alive she would sometimes scold me for saying ill mannered names to that man. She sometimes told me that there was a reason why that man was not with us. I couldn't care less about the man who abandoned me and Mother. He could rot in hell for all I care. I threw the towel in the sink and went out of the bathroom. I sat down in the chair and took the comb to brush my hair.

After brushing my hair I headed downstairs and went straight to the dining table where my aunt was waiting for me. Once she saw me she sweetly smiled at me "Hello dear, come on sit down. The food is getting cold" she said in her usual sweet tone. I only nodded in respond and obliged. I sat down at my usual spot and we both ate dinner in silence. I'm use to this, but it's rather a comfortable silence. My aunt is a busy woman since she takes care of the family business so I have no right to complain.

But then she broke the silence and asked "Scarlet dear, your 19th Birthday is coming in a matter of 2 months. Do you want anything as a gift?" I stared at her for a couple of seconds before answering No to her offer. I don't need anything right now but... A sword with my name would be nice. But on second thought I don't think Aunt Cana would like that Idea. But still my "no" left a bitter expression and a pout in my Aunt Cana's face. Looks like, she doesn't take no for an answer.

"Why is that dear? Don't you want anything you'd like for your 19th Birthday?" she asked in a more rather curious and disappointed tone. I sighed in defeat. I'll probably disappoint my Aunt with what I want.

"There is something I would like to have and own Aunt" With that Aunt Cana's eyes lit up with glee and anticipation. She eagerly asked me what I wanted. I heavily sighed.

"I want a Sword with my name carved on it Aunt" I thought Aunt Cana would contradict and disapprove about it but to my surprise she clapped both of her hands and happily agreed and told the maids to get the Blacksmith to meet her tomorrow for a meeting and agreement and documents in owning a sword. My Aunt is full of surprises indeed. I thanked my Aunt for allowing me to own a Sword. Yes, I do know how to wield and use a sword. Besides reading, practicing the sword was one of my pass times. Well, I have many hobbies but I don't stick to them, I change hobbies in a matter of weeks once I get bored and once I was skilled in those hobbies I leave them and find a new one.

I am indeed a fast learner I quite know a lot of things including, knitting, cooking, fighting, gardening, writing, painting,singing, playing various instrument, and a lot more. I get bored with only one hobby, so as much as possible I want to learn those things and have knowledge with them. Who knows maybe my knowledge might be useful in the near future.

I finished my food and I excused myself and went to my room to finally take a bath and then sleep it's been a long day might as well sleep. The maids were the once who prepared my bath, once they were done with it. I told them they can finally go and rest and so they excused themselves. I took off my clothes and step inside the hot warming bath that filled with roses and a very good scent.

"Alone at last" I sighed in contentment. Finally I can be alone without anyone around me. Mother's dead anniversary is almost near. I might make a gift to offer to Mother, but what gift though? I sank half of my face to the water and thought what might be a worthy offering for my mother. But nothing came to mind. With that I fully went down to the water and closed my eyes for a while.

*"Welcome to the world Scarlet Estelle"*what the!? Who? I heard myself calmed down and I looked up to who said my name. It was a man but I couldn't see his face but I felt him..he held me into his arms and hug me as if he was yearning and have been waiting for me. I felt his tears and the warmth of his voice.

"Darling.." I suddenly heard my...mother's tired voice. The man went near my mom and gave me to my mom..wait what!? I couldn't see that clearly everything was a blur. But I could hear their voices and I knew my mother's voice. I've been yearning to hear her angelic voice once again.

"Darling, she has your beautiful eyes" ..... what? What does mom me—

"MOM! DAD!" A boy and teen's shouts filled the room.

"Good timing sons. Meet your baby sister Scarlet Estelle" ....I felt those two boys presence near me and one held me into his own arms while he caresses my cheeks. A older brother's touch that's what his caresses feels like. WHAT IS HAPPENING?!

"She's a beauty Mom" he said in a soft and tender voice. Before my mother could answer my breathing was already at its peak and....

"HUGGGGHHH HUGGGHH HUUHHHG!!" I got off the water and I was out of oxygen in my lungs. I was in the water for too long than I intended to be. I inhale and exhale for awhile to regain the air I had lost. And once I was breathing properly once again. I rested my back to the bath and realize what I had just seen in my dream—no more like a glimpse of a vision or memory...

I got up from the bath and straightly dried myself and changed my clothes. Would I dream about it again if I go to sleep? I don't know and I'm not sure. And I don't want to believe in it, it was probably just a trick in my head. I have been so tried and busy that it probably made my head to have illusions or so.

"It was probably an illusion or a dream" I told myself as I combed my hair. Once I finished combing my hair I placed down the brush to its rightful place and I went to my bed to finally sleep.

I need to sleep. I turned off the lamp and I covered my body with my duvets and blankets. The only light that reflected in the room was the moon and stars. I looked at the window to see the moon and night. It was still beautiful but it was too quiet and lonely. I roll my eyes at my own thoughts. I'm use to this loneliness so why I'm I saying such things?

I pinched the bridge of my nose and shake my head slowly. I really need to get some sleep. I sighed and laid my head down until I felt my soft pillows. I stared at the ceiling with a blank stare but my eyes started to feel heavy and so without noticing I was already sleeping, but the vision I had earlier never visited again. So it was really just a trick and illusion my head made.

1 month later....

"My Lady Scarlet, what desserts do you want to have in your 19th birthday? We have various choices so please pick at least 5 of them" The head chef asked me and asked the maids and butlers to place all the desserts into the long and wide table in front of me. I stopped reading and closed the book I had in my hands and placed it into the empty side in the table before looking, tasting and deciding what desserts to choose.

"The bread pudding, Tart cake, strawberry cake, chocolate mint cupcake and the cheesecake, that should be enough." I said after placing my fork down and getting my book back into my hands.

"Very well My Lady." The head chef bowed his head to me and then informed the other chefs and bakers. I excused myself and went to my studies. When I arrived at my studies, I continued reading the book while looking at some documents. It took me about an hour and thirty minutes to finish scrolling and looking through the documents, I was about to return all the documents in place when someone knocked at the door.

"Come in" The door opened and I saw my aunt enter my studies and I greeted my Aunt Cana in return she also greeted me with a smile in her face. I offered her a sit and called out a maid to give us some tea and coffee. Once the tea and coffee arrived my Aunt took a sip and asked.

"Scarlet dear, may I ask something to you?" She said while holding something or more rather a gift. I nodded in respond and she continued.

"How fast can you read a book?" Wait, what? That's her question? I stared at her for a couple of seconds thinking that it was only a joke but she was serious about it. I cleared my throat and responded.

"Depending on how long the book can be. Why did you ask?" I said as a respond. It's unusual to be asked such question. She pulled out the thing she came in with and she gave it to and told me to open it, and so I did. When I opened it, it was none other than a book. And it was quite a thick book, if I might guess I think the pages were either 800 or a 1000 long. Not to mention it was quite enormous not like a normal book. It was like a big history book or a world map book where every kingdom and continent are written on it.

"How long do you think you can read that kind of book dear?" I scrolled through it and looked at the writing. The writing was peculiar and unusual, but I could still read the words in it so it maybe just the way it was written.

"About 5 days only Aunt Cana, well if only I wasn't this busy preparing for the party then I might finish it only for 3 days or so" I responded while I still flipping each page. It was a very interesting book. And it was surreal kind of book. The appearance of it was extraordinary and very extravagant. It was covered with rosewood red, the spine also covered with little bits of pure gold including the back of it. But the front it was the most extravagant part of the book. It had 4 Ruby gem attached to it, and looked like it was missing something but I didn't know what was missing with but it felt like it did. I was about to ask where Aunt got such grand looking book but she beat me to it.

"Well then, please read this book first and do your best to finish it dear" I looked at her with curiosity filling my eyes. My Aunt noticed and only smiled at me caressed my cheeks.

"Just do your best dear. Your mother wants you to read this so you'll have some knowledge." My brow raise, knowledge for what though?

"What do you mean?" My curiosity was already hungry for the right answer. My mom wanted me to have knowledge of the writings contained in this enormous and extravagant book? How so?

"You'll see dear" with that Aunt Cana stood up and said she has a lot of things to do. She said her goodbyes and went outside my studies and I was left alone in my studies with the book in my hand. I stared at it for a couple of seconds before opening it to start reading. If mom wanted me to read this then so be it. I'll read it.

~5 hours later...

"What a strange book indeed" I murmured to myself. I flipped the page to the next one as I read in privacy and peace. It maybe strange but it was interesting and entertaining to read a book just like this. The book was formatted like a history or some origin about kingdoms, faeries, spirits, and this energy power source called Anima or its common called name Mana, and various things that I simply found amusing to read. Whoever wrote this has such a wide imagination. But the thing I was more interested was the Spirits they call superior to everything. It said that the spirits have lived more than billions of eons. It was also written that most spirits was there when the world was still even created. And they don't grow old and they don't die unless they were killed by their weakness which was not written.

"Unknown weakness? Well they certainly have so much advantage." I said to myself, I haven't read such interesting book in ages. It's worth the read then. I flipped to the next page and read what information might have in it. And now it's about the Kingdoms and people in it. It said that people don't age and die that easily also. They can also live for more than thousands of centuries, reason being that they're blessed by the faeries and spirits. Faeries they look like humans but has pointed and long ears and most faeries have wings. Wings have various appearances for Faeries and they second the rank of the most superior. So kingdoms are ruled by Faeries, there are 5 kingdoms that are separated by mostly forests, and rivers but some are separated by borders either by magic or a field and once you enter you'll most likely to die or sent to prison for trespassing. Anyways, it said that the kingdoms are ranked based on the Magic Gems or Anima Gems they have. On the 5TH place we have the Taffelit Kingdom which is the lowest ranked kingdom due to the shortage and weak of Anima magic energy which is found in the gem they have. 4TH ranked kingdom is the Heliodor Kingdom there just short in Anima Magic Energy. The 3RD Ranked is the Emerald Kingdom they're not lacking nor overflowing with Anima Magic Energy, it's just enough for the Kingdom and its sources and people, The second strongest kingdom is the Sapphire Kingdom they're kingdom is flowing with a lot of Anima magic Energy with that the kingdom holds the 2ND greatest soldiers and keeps a lot of valuable, strong weapons for war. But the very 1ST ranked kingdom was really the one that was really overflowing with Anima Magic Energy and that was the Ruby Kingdom, not only that it was overflowing with such enormous magic the Queen in the Ruby Kingdom was the Mother of all Spirits. The King of the Kingdom was also so powerful that he can wipe out a whole continent in a matter of seconds. And every soldiers and warriors, never loss in a single war for over the last thousands and thousands of years.

"That's incredible" a wide smile formed my lips. To believe such powerful beings are so fascinating even if they aren't real it's amazing to know their own strength. It's amazing and my curiosity wants to know more. When I was about to flip to the next page, I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in" I said without looking away from the book. I heard the head maid's voice as she greeted me and told me that dinner was already ready and Aunt Cana wants me to join her to eat dinner. I sighed, dinner already? Oh dear, I was to adsorbed by the book that I forgot the time. I nodded in responds and closed the book, I stood up and grab the book with me as I went outside my studies until I arrived at the dining table to eat dinner with Aunt Cana.

"How is the book dear? Is it to your liking?" Asked Aunt Cana, I looked up to her and smiled at her before nodded in responds..

"It's interesting to say the least Aunt Cana. Where did you find a book such as this?" I asked Aunt, I want to know where and who written this book and I want to meet that person. If I ever meet that said person I will seriously praise him or her for having such an imaginative brain and excellence in writing these kinds of genre.

"I'm glad it's to your liking dear, I was afraid you wouldn't read such book because of how.... Surreal and unrealistic it is." Aunt Cana said with a hit of relief of her voice. Was she really that worried that I was going to put the book aside and not read it because It's unrealistic? How peculiar.

"It is unrealistic Aunt. But I don't judge a book based on fiction or non-fiction I'll read a book if it's to my liking or I'm interesting in its writing." I said as I looked at my Aunt Cana in the eyes. She only gave me a nod and a smile.

"What a mature women you have grown into dear. Your mother would have been proud of you." she said in a soft voice. I only looked away from her and nodded in respond. If only Mom was really here to see how I've grown up to be a women. I finished my dinner and I was about to stand up when I felt an excruciating pain that was spreading all over my body. I coughed and I spitted blood out. Too much!

"Scarlet!?" I heard my aunt shouted in a panic. All the maids and butlers were in a panic.

"My Lady?!"

"Lady Scarlet!"

All of them caught me when I felt my body was losing its balance. What is happening to me? It's too much! Everything is a blur my whole body is aching and it feels like fire and ice were fighting over my body. I felt so cold yet at the same time hot. And it's overflowing!

"AHHHHHHHHHH!!" I shouted as the pain gotten even worse! Damn it! I felt something was flowing from my nose and mouth. And I tasted blood. Damn it!

"Call the healer now!" Aunt Cana shouted towards to some maids and they obliged in a panic. Even the chefs and more like everyone in the mansion were in a panic about me. Damn it. My eyes are starting to close. No, don't...don't.

As I tried to fight it, darkness already consumed my well being and I couldn't even hear the last thing my Aunt Cana said.

Aunt Cana POV~

NO!! Is it already the time!? It can't be. It can't be!

"Mistress Canaria, It's about time to tell her" The healer told me as I held Scarlet's hand. It's so cold. I looked up to the healer. A lone tear escape my eyes.

"It can't be. It can't be the time! Not now" I said, denying the truth. All of the helpers were also in denial everyone in the house we're all in denial. The Healer was about to say something when a bright red and white light glow.

"No, no please" I begged. But begging won't hide the fact that it was really the time.

"It's alright Mistress." One of the maids inquired. I looked up and saw her smile while tears were streaming down her cheeks. I looked at all of them and they nodded and smiled only knowing what was to come. I dried my tears and nodded.

"I'll tell after in her birthday" 

Scarlet Estelle's POV

2 Weeks Later....

It's been 2 weeks since that incident happen. And to my surprise I woke up only yesterday. I've been asleep for a week and 5 days. And there is only 2 days left for my Birthday that's why everything was in a rush. I was still not allowed to get out of bed since I was still recovering.

I was still at shock on what had happened to me. And no one would even tell me why I had that pain and why it felt like a source of energy was flowing through all over my body. I was still in complete and utter disbelief. Even my Aunt Cana was still in a panic about the situation that she told me to only rest and read the book until I finish it and she'll take care of the preparations for the party. Well at first I declined but she insisted and kept telling me to rest. So to avoid her for being too paranoid I obliged and did what I was told. I'm still in my bed and reading and being taken care off.

Which I hated, I don't like depending on other people that often and I don't like the idea of being taken care of. But I'll consider it today. I was in the middle of reading when the maids told me that it was time to drink the medicine. I nodded and closed the book and then placing it above my duvets and comforter.

They handed me my medicine and a glass of water. I drank the bitter medicine and then quickly drank the water. I coughed a little and handed over the glass.

"Thank you" I said with a small smile in my face. The maids smiled and bowed there head.

"You are welcome my lady. It is an honor to serve you and the mistress" with that they excused themselves and left me all to myself in my room to read. Everyone seems to be acting quite weird today. Or is it just my imagination? I sighed and shake my head. I don't know anymore. I continued reading the book until it was already late in the afternoon.

"I'm hungry" I said to myself. I was about to call a maid but then I soon realize I could just bake the food myself. Yeah, that would be nice. It's been a while since I baked something. I got off bed and slip my sandals in my feet and went outside my room. I should ask Aunt Cana if she wants something to eat also. I went to Aunt Cana's studies and knocked. But no responds. I knocked again. No respond once again.

"Is Aunt Cana not in her studies?" I mumbled to myself. I knocked once again and waited for a few minutes but still no respond from Aunt Cana. I was about to leave and look for her when I heard her voice from the inside of her studies. I stood in front of Aunt Cana's door hesitant to either eavesdrop or enter or just leave. But I was too curious on what Aunt Cana was talking about. Was she talking with someone else or just the butler? And so I choose to eavesdrop. This is so not me but curiosity drove my body on its own will.

"Canaria, you know what situation we are in." Canaria? I haven't heard of Aunt Cana's full name in a while.

"I know about that, but it's already happening. And we cannot contain nor hide it anymore. Once it breaks then that's it. They'll find her and you know we cannot protect her. I can't protect her!" Frustration was heard in Aunt Cana's tone of voice. But what are they talking about? Protecting who? Is it me?

"I already talked to him about it but even he can't do anything about. He's already busy and irritated about what's happening" Who? Him? What is going on?

"I know that Sire! But we can't ignore this!" Aunt Cana spat out of anger and irritation. And with that I entered and asked.

"Ignore what Aunt Cana?" The room filled with silence as I walked towards them but I wasn't close enough to the man that was in the room and he wore a cape with a hood that covered his face. He stiffened when he saw me. I can't even see his face. Aunt Cana's face went white and she paled as if she saw a ghost.

"S-S-Scarlet..d-d-dear...what...wha—" she stuttered as she stood up and went near me. Even the butler went near me and asked what I need for me to be here.

"Ignore what Aunt Cana? What were you discussing about? Was it about me and what happened to me?" I asked ignore their question to me. Aunt Cana, went silent and was confuse on what to answer.

"S-Scarlet dear, it's still not the time." Not the time? Not the time to tell me what the hell is actually going on with me or even my life?!

"Not the time for what Aunt Cana? Aunt Cana, I think I deserved to know. Especially, after what had happened to me." I said in a tone that made them silent and even more scared to tell me the truth. I looked at the man who wore the hooded cape. I know he was looking at me I couldn't look at him since his face was covered.

"Who are you may I ask" I questioned him but he didn't answered. He just stood there. He stood like he owned everything too much confidence was flowing through him. I could feel him trying to intimidate me but I didn't even try to avoid looking at him. I was about to ask him again but Aunt Cana finally spoke.

"Scarlet, Its best for you not know yet. I'll tell you everything the day of your birthday" Aunt Cana said. I looked at her and was about to oppose but pain swept through my chest until through my stomach. Which made me lose my balance but strong arms caught me before the cold floor hit my body. I groaned in pain when it worsens. Not again. Aunt Cana panicked and told the butler to get the Healer.

"Aaaggrhh!! Aunt C-cana." It hurts! My eyes watered in the pain I felt. This is no normal sickness. This is not normal at all! I groaned and groaned until something snapped in me that made the pain unbearable and I screamed and cried even louder.

"WHERE IS THE HEALER?!" The man holding me shouted that made me even shiver. And with his shout everyone was in a panic and my head started to get even dizzier. I held his hand even if mine were shaking.

"P-p-please...do..don't..s..shout...my..h..head..hur...hurts..when..you..shout.." I said as my voice weakened. I can't anymore...the pain is too much for me!

"I...I'm sorry" He picked me up as he stood up and asked where my room was. One of the maids told him where my room was located and as soon as he knew. He went outside and two maids followed assisting him. Once we reached my room he gently laid me down my bed.

"You're going to be alright" he said gently to me. I only nodded weakly. I was still crying and my whole body was shaking and shivering and it wouldn't stop anytime soon. In fact it even got worse. I don't know what snapped inside my body but I do know that when it snapped the pain gotten unbearable an intolerable.

The healer finally arrived and checked me. He took my hands and felt my pulse. He looked at my Aunt Cana and the Man. He looked at them, and gave them a look. This made my Aunt gasped in horror.

"A...aunt..." I called out my Aunt with my very dwindle voice. Aunt went near me and held my hand. The healer whispered to the man and nodded in responds. The man went near me and he told me to close my eyes. And so I did.

I don't know what he did but when he touched my forehead I fell asleep. I couldn't feel the pain anymore. What did he do? How did he do it? I have so many questions that are left igno—

"There's my little Scarlet at"

Who? I looked behind me and I saw it. I thought darkness was all I could see from here but then when I looked again. The darkness faded away and replaced by a scene of a very fantastical and beautiful garden. And I saw a little girl...wait.. is that me!? It couldn't be me. I never met my Father before and I don't have red hair and white silver hair on the end tips.

"Daddy!!" the little girl giggled and went to the man whose face was a blur. The little girl hugged the man who she called Daddy. What is this again? An illusion made from my pain or another trick?

"Daddy, Scarlet missed you! Where did you go today with big brothers?" the little girl pouted adorably. The man let out a laugh and kissed the little girl in the cheeks before answering.

"We were in the central princess. And I miss you too my princess" the man said in a father like voice. Why do I feel like I'm yearning for that kind of treatment from a Father?

The man and the little girl bonded and played like a true father and daughter. I'll admit I am jealous while looking at this scene. But why do I feel like I already felt the feeling of having a loving father? I don't understand at all!

"Are you two having fun without me?" I froze. I looked at the person who said those words. It couldn't be my mother. When my eyes found that person my whole body weakened. No, it couldn't be. Mother has chestnut brown hair not white silver hair. But no matter how many times I blinked it was my mother. She was my mother. But what?! What is happening with my memory!?

"Mommy!!" the little girl squealed and ran towards my...mother. Mother bent down and hugged the little girl, and carried her while kissing her forehead and her nose. Like the way she use to with me. It was definitely my Mom.

"Did you miss Mommy Scarlet Estelle?" Mom smiled sweetly as she said those words. My eyes widen even more. So... it...is...me? My head suddenly felt dizzy and I the scene was beginning to fade the last thing I saw in the scene was two boys hugging my little self and a Happy Family of 5.

With that the scene faded and darkness covered everything.