Two Months Ago

A gust of wind blew and I shivered as a sudden cold air hit my skin. The sky was dark and the reason I was coming home this late was because I stayed at Diana's house for over 4 hours after school.

She didn't come to school today because of a sudden fever and she asked me if I could come visit her since she missed me already though I know well that it was to ask me for notes for the upcoming exam.

As I was walking in the alley, I heard a noise from behind me that made me stop on my feet.

I slowly looked back over my shoulder but all I saw was utter darkness. I felt a sudden fear flowed through me as I realized what I was seeing.

"What happened to the lights? Damn why is it so dark?" I whispered to myself.

Clenching my fists as means of gathering my courage, I shouted with my trembling voice.

"Is anyone out there? You know, it isn't time for any stupid pranks, I'm tired."

After a long minute with no response, I decided to let it pass and continue walking.

Though I cannot just brush it off since it might be a pervert. Who wouldn't be scared when you're walking alone in this dark alley?

I rarely come home this late.

Suddenly, the street lights lit up again and I heaved a sigh of relief.

Finally. I might die of fear if I keep walking in this long alley without any lights.

Since I was alone anyway, I just decided to hum a happy song to lessen my fear and thought of possible excuses to tell my mom why I came home late.

My face lit up as soon as I could see the end of the ally ahead of me. Thinking of finally getting home gives me feelings of happiness and security.

But those thoughts and relief disappeared when I felt a hand covered my mouth and the other hand was wrapped around my waist to secure me.

My eyes widened and I tried to escape but he just tightened his hold of me.

I felt his hot breath on my ear as a deep voice whispered to me.

"If you want to live, give me your money."

My heartbeat quickened that I could hear its loud beats in this dark and quiet alley.

I tried to move but a sudden cold touched my neck and I froze when I realized it's a knife. I gulped as the moonlight glinted upon the sharp blade, reminding me that it's the end of my life once I made a wrong move.

Maybe this is the end of my life. And my tragic death would hit the news and people would talk about how pitiful I died. A high school girl found dead in an alley around midnight. They'd talk about me as if they pity what happened to me but they just want something to gossip about.

The usual society.

I know I'd die tonight since there's no one else around except the the thief and the victim.

I couldn't bring myself to shout for help since he had his hand on my mouth, preventing me to do anything.

I'm helpless.

What should I do when I didn't have something in me to give him except 20 pesos that was left from my allowance this day?

I know I couldn't do anything to escape him but atleast I should try doing something. I didn't wanna die giving up.

Think. Think.

"Mm-"

I tried to to say something.

"What is it, little girl?"

He asked with a hint of rumor in his voice as if he was making fun of me.

He loosened his hand on my mouth enough for me to speak in an audible voice. He shifted the knife, reminding me to behave.

"Can you, um, let me go to my house first so I can grab some money to give you?"

I know I sounded stupid. I mean, here I am, about to die yet still able to to say absurd things. But what could I do? I didn't wanna die yet but I didn't have anything with me to give this man.

The man didn't find this amusing though, I could feel his annoyance radiating through his body.

"What the hell do you mean? Do you want to die now? Give me your money, now!"

I stiffened at his angry voice. I gulped and gathered my courage again to speak. I needed to explain to him that I didn't have a money unless 20 pesos was enough for him to let me live.

"C'mon. Look I don't have anything with me today so if you want my money, you can wait for me outside my house so I can beg mom some money."

I closed my eyes as I waited for him to lose his patience and just kill me instead. I know it would happen now since my offer insulted him.

After a long minute of waiting for my death, suddenly I heard a loud sound like something hard hitting the ground followed by voice of a man who groaned in pain.

Was that the voice of my attacker? What the hell happened?

And why...

Then I realized as I opened my eyes that I was no longer in captive.

Frowning, I looked behind me and there he was, my attacker, lying on the ground and was crouching in pain.

I shifted my gaze and noticed another person standing. He was wearing a mask with a face of a wolf that covered his whole face. He was also wearing a fancy suit that I suddenly thought of a prince.

Who's that guy? It seems that he just saved me from my attacker. But why is he wearing a mask like that? Why is he hiding his face?

Is he a Song?

My train of thoughts was suddenly interrupted by the annoyed voice of my attacker.

"Who the hell are you? Can't you mind your own business?"

My attacker slowly got up. I gasped as I noticed a hint of smile on his face as he suddenly charged towards the masked guy, knife in hand.

"Look out!" I warned but the masked guy just stood still as if not bothered that he was being attacked.

My attacker aimed for his chest but the masked guy got hold of his wrist before doing any damage, snatched the knife from him before slamming him to the ground.

As he did that, I noticed a small glint of light that flew along with my attacker.

What was that?

I looked at the masked guy but he still kept his cool demeanor, looking at my attacker as he twirled the knife with his fingers. I glanced to find my attacker seriously beaten.

He glared at the masked guy and growled his teeth.

"Leave." the masked guy said in a low voice before my attacker could say anything.

My attacker shot him a glare before admitting his defeat. He grabbed something from the ground before dashing away.

I watched him run away from us until his silhouette completely disappear in the dark alley.

Letting out a sigh of relief, I turned to look at the masked guy to give him my gratitude for helping me. But he was no longer there.

I was once again alone.

Frowning, I looked around me. But he's already gone. Where did he go? I felt bad but maybe he didn't want to be known thinking of the mask that he's wearing.

Such mystery.

Giggling, I headed home thinking that I just met my mysterious knight in shining armour.

Whoever he was, I was glad he came to save me. I hope I could meet him again.



I put down the plate of meatballs on the table and called my mom for breakfast.

I decided to be the one preparing for breakfast today since my mom received a lot of orders from her customers yesterday so she would be quite busy with her work as a tailor.

It's just a small business that she started ever since she and dad separated. Though I know it's not quite enough to cover our expenses, particularly my tuition and other school bills, so I took a part time job at Le Charme, a restaurant. I spend my 3 hours there after school and come home around 9pm.

When my mom heard about it, she scolded me of how risky it was and demanded me to quit but I never did and was still working on there.

She started becoming over protective to me ever since crime incidents increased two months ago, especially here in Aurora city.

Though I never encountered any such incidents.

The last time something happened to me was the incident two months ago.

I was nearly a victim of a robbery and thought it was the end of my life if not for the masked guy who mysteriously saved me from such unfortunate fate.

Until now, I was still curious about him.

"That smells good." Mom said as she entered the kitchen.

I smiled at her and she went to turn on the tv to watch news before joining me in the table.

"Be careful of not staining your school uniform" Mom said, reaching for the meatballs.

"Yes, mom." I responded cheerfully as I put food on my plate.

I turned to watch the tv as I eat my food. As usual, the news was all about the constant crimes happening to this country. Murders, kidnapping, robbery, rebels.

With all of those incidents that were happening, we never heard or saw any action from the Sky Castle, except for a single word "We'll do something about it", and that's from a month ago. After that, the Sky Castle became silent.

No one knows the reason why Sky Castle seemed to be abandoning its responsibilities as the country's leader. That's why the number of rebels were increasing.

But as from what I could remember, the Sky Castle had it's own crisis four months ago. The two Princesses, or what we call Keys suddenly disappeared without any traces.

Until now there's still no news about them. And that soon became crisis of the Cradle itself, our country.

Maybe that's why the Sky Castle was gradually losing its power. The disappearance of those Keys was the core of today's crisis.

And there's a rule that Sky Castle could only summon new leaders if a specific member was dead. As long as a leader was alive, they were bound to the Kingdom.

The two Keys disappeared and no one knew if they were dead or alive so the King couldn't summon a replacement yet.

Moreover, there were rumours that the Sky Castle was having other issues regarding its members, the Songs. The so called Princes of the Sky Castle.

Though we didn't know for sure what kind of issue it was, but one thing we did know was how unstable Sky Castle had become.

The Kingdom of Cradle was on the verge of collapsing if there would be no action to be done.

"Medley, honey, the more I hear about the news, the more I want you to quit your part time job. It's really not safe for you to come home at night.", Mom said, her face and voice etched with worry as she looked at me.

I just smiled at her and assured her that I was being careful with my surroundings. But we both know it wouldn't lessen her worries.

"I feel bad as a parent. Because of my incompetent I'm putting my own daughter at risk."

"What, no mom. It's me who put myself on this situation. You don't have to blame yourself mom, and I'm stronger than you know. I could beat anyone who wish to harm me, okay?" I said with a mask of assurance in my voice.

I know how risky it was to go home at night knowing all the crimes that were currently happening. But doing this part time job actually did help us with our expenses, especially at school.

I no longer ask mom for allowance and share her some of the little income I get from the restaurant instead.

So having this part time job was actually helpful for both of us.

My mom just glared at me and returned her attention to her food. I just chuckled at her expression and occupied myself as I feasted on the food on my plate.

The bell rang, signalling the end of the class. As soon as the teacher exited the classroom, my classmates started chattering as they walked out as well.

I sighed and leaned on my chair. It's lunchtime but I wasn't feeling hungry today.

"Hey, what are you doing Medley? Let's head to the cafeteria, I'm hungry. I didn't eat this morning." Diana said, who was already on her feet, frowning at me.

Diana and I were classmates here in Dumas High School ever since our junior high. And with the years that we had been always together until we turned senior year high school students, we became sort of best friends.

At first, I thought that we wouldn't get along well because of our differences in personality since Diana was a social butterfly and attractive. She had a small face and silky brown hair that fell below her shoulders and her small figure just added to her cuteness.

She could get along with anybody without putting much effort. I wasn't bad myself, but I was always lazy when it comes to entertaining people. That's why I always stick with her because she's the only one here at school whom I feel comfortable with. Yet I couldn't deny that I was also blessed with good looks, of course.

I showed her no sign of moving from my seat and she rolled her eyes. Maybe I'd just spend my lunch break taking a nap.

I opened my mouth to say my excuse but she cut me off.

"Besides, I need to talk to you about something."

I glanced at her and noticed that her face softened. I sighed and grabbed my bag before rising from my seat.

"Knew it, you'd fall for that!" She exclaimed in a high-pitched voice then laughed when she saw me glaring at her.

She stopped laughing and smiled at me, her face softened again.

"No, I really want to talk to you."

I let out a long sigh and put my hand on my face.

"You are an idiot. "

"We're the same, then." She said, chuckling and I shoot her a glare.

"Just stop talking."

We carried on with our bickerings as we headed out for the cafeteria.

Diana greeted cheerfully anyone she knew while I just smiled sheepishly at whoever noticed me.

As we were eating peacefully, Diana suddenly blurted out her thoughts.

"So, my brother and I fought."

I looked at her but she was facing down, eyes staring at her plate.

I waited her to continue so I didn't say anything.

I remembered that her brother was the only family she had right now. Her mother died in cancer when they were still young and their father went abroad for work three years ago. They were looking out for each other ever since.

Diana's brother was four years older than her and was now a college student at Henry University.

"He didn't come home last night."

Diana told me what exactly happened to her and Isaac, her brother. When her brother started going out with this girl named Cherry, who turned out to be his senior, things never went right with her brother. He always came home late, and sometimes reek of alcohol. He also spent a ridiculous amount of money for the girl.

When she met her, Cherry had an attitude. She treated Diana like a little kid and if Diana talks back, Cherry would complain about her on his brother. Shockingly, his brother would always side with her and scold Diana which upset her.

Yesterday, Diana finally confronted her brother regarding with his girlfriend but his brother got mad at her for interfering with their relationship. That's when last night her brother didn't come home.

"I don't know what to do, Medley." Diana said, teary eyed.

She's worried that her brother was really upset at her but didn't regret hating Cherry. She believed that Cherry wasn't good for her brother.

I tried comforting her but I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. I understand what she felt right now, the fear of losing her brother.

Because I once had a brother.

My brother was three years older than me. I lost him when I was just 11 years old. It all happened when my parents separated and my father took Max with him by force. I never expected that since he always hurt my brother and never cared for him.

Then one day, we heard from someone that my father had a car accident, but fortunately he survived. But when I asked about my brother, all they said was that there's no boy with him.

I never stopped crying after that, thinking that Max probably got lost or worse, dead.

After our lunch break, we headed back to our classroom and I spent the remaining time napping.

Diana sure was strong. She never showed any signs of worrying until the class ended. She kept her act of enthusiasm while she hid her real feelings deep inside. I envied her strength.

I went straight to the restaurant for my job after school. I greeted my coworkers nonchalantly as I walked to the changing room.

As soon as I was all prepared and headed out the room, I heard excited voices and checked to see what the ruckus was all about. The people's eyes were looking at one place but I couldn't see what got their attention since some of them were on their feet, huddled around the table where that certain person was seated.

"What's going on?" I said out of curiosity.

Ray, my high spirited coworker put his arm across my shoulders.

He's also working part time here and was a year ahead of me.

"My, my, Medley. It normally happens when there's a leader here."

I frowned at him in confusion. Did he just say leader? So there's from Sky Castle in here right now?

"Someone from Sky Castle?" I asked, dumbfounded.

It's actually surprising for me since we never heard of them for so long and now we had one as customer?

Looking at their faces, they show little surprise compared to mine. Maybe they already had them before a lot of times and I was only working here for a month, so that explained my stupid expression right now.

"Yep. And he's a Song."

I stared at him, dumbstruck. I never actually had any opportunity to see any member of Sky Castle this close, particularly a Song.

Songs were actually Princes that serve the King and the entire Cradle Kingdom with their beautiful and magical Melodies. Those melodies were magic from Songs which served as protection for this country of any harm or misfortunes. But ever since the Sky Castle became silent, a country dull of melody weakened that protection.

I jumped when Ray suddenly clapped his hands as gesture of reminding the crowd of their behaviour.

"Now, now, we don't want to scare away our precious guest, do we?"

Surprisingly, they returned to their seats and I took that chance to peek at him.

I gasped as I realized I was looking at a real prince. He was honestly good looking with that wavy blond hair of him that shone in the sunlight that was coming from the glass wall. His eyes twinkled as he laughed coyly with the people around him.

He's wearing a fancy suit that made him looked more attractive. Watching him laughing innocently like that felt like looking at a prince from a fairy tale. Like there was this light around him that made his whole existence shining.

"So this is how looking at a Song this close." I muttered and Ray glanced at me, grinning.

"Oh I see, this is your first time having one as a customer, eh?"

I just nodded, still distracted by the presence of the Song when Ray continued.

"He's the First Song, by the way. Thought you might want to know."

"He's the first Song, by the way. Thought you might want to know."

My eyes widened in both surprise and confusion as I stared at Ray. He cocked an eyebrow and tilted his head that caused his dark hair to fall into his left eye.

Sky Castle had a total of 11 Songs and they were ranked according to the magical melodies they produce.

And as far as I know, the first Song's melody was Love. Therefore, he's also known as the Love Prince.

Since I had never met any of the Songs before, I felt so much pleasure of meeting one now, finally, and luckily he's the first Song.

"The Love Prince." I breathed, mesmerized.

The people inside the restaurant still couldn't hold their excitement of meeting the Song. They took pictures of him here and there.

Despite the attention he was getting, he remained calm while showing them his gentle smile.

I looked at my coworkers and felt astonished at how they handled themselves in this situation. They were so professional including Ray. Even if they had already met a leader before, it's still a pleasure to have one this close. Since it's rare for any leaders to show themselves in broad daylight. Especially today after Sky Castle had been silent for a month when crimes had increased in Cradle.

Since we had a leader's presence in front of us now, would there be anyone who'd dare to confront him in regards of the country's crisis?

After I checked out every customers, it seemed that they were all busy fawning over him. I guess it's not happening and even if I wanted to, I must behave myself and do my job professionally.

The Song was looking at the menu then realization hit me. I suck in my breath as I saw that the other servers were busy taking care of other customers.

Oh no, don't tell me...

As if to increase my anxiety, the Song raised a hand and I averted my eyes.

I know it's a pleasure to serve a Song, but damn, I felt so nervous to think that I was actually the one to do that. What if I did something embarrassing in front of him? What if I stuttered and showed him how awkward I was?

"Oh, it seems that our special guest is ready for his order." Said Ray with his usual lively voice.

I slowly looked at him, my face masked with helplessness, trying to give him a sign as I shook my head in a slow motion but he just gave me a smile.

"Now Medley, please take care of him."

As I made my way to him, I kept on whispering encouraging words to myself inwardly. I could feel the heavy stares of the people around me so I tried so hard not to look at anyone other than the table of the guest I would be serving.

As I reached his table, I took a deep breath and uttered those practiced words.

"May I have your order please?" I felt my face flushed in embarrassment as I realized how monotonous and unfriendly I sounded.

I stole a glance at Ray and saw him comically reminding me to smile.

"Oh, hi. So this is my order."

He said, his voice was calm and gentle.

He moved the menu so I could properly see what he's pointing at, then he suddenly stopped.

I looked at him and suck at my breath as I found him already staring at me with those of his eyes that were deep and blue like the ocean.

Having him this close, I realized that he's even more beautiful. His skin was crystal clear and glowing and his eyelashes was perfectly long that shadowed his blue eyes.

I didn't know if he's really a prince or an angel. Seriously, there's actually someone so handsome like this existed? His looks wasn't fair.

"I'm sorry, but may I have the pleasure to know your name?"

I was taken aback by his sudden question. I had never serve anyone who asked for my name before. It's the first, and he's a Song!

"Oh, erm...Medley." I was aware of the people watching us so I kept my cool demeanor. "My name's Medley."

"Medley? What a lovely name." He gave me that gentle smile of his before turning his eyes back to the menu.

What was that about? Damn Song, he surely knows how to flatter a lady's heart.

With my face flushing, I listed his order and as soon as we're done, I quickly went back and gave the piece of paper to Ray, who was laughing at me.

"What's so funny?" I said to him in annoyance but he just laughed even more.

My job went good so far that day. As I served him the food that he ordered, he thanked me and I could feel my face reddening. Ray made fun of my blushing face as soon as I headed back to the counter.

After the Song was done, he waved goodbye to us until he disappeared into the light as the door closed after him.

Ray made fun of me the whole shift. He told me how stiff I was and that I barely smile at all.

I also learned that having a Song as guest rarely happens. And that some of my coworkers actually wanted to bring up the current crisis but instead chose to be professional on their job.

That night, after I returned home I told mom about what happened at work and she was surprised, expectedly, about our special guest.

We both giggled as I reached the part where the Love Prince asked for my name and mom jokingly said that he might be my soul mate.

Though I never got the chance to know his name. Then I shall call him the Love Prince.

While in my bed, I couldn't stop thinking about the Song. Not about the pleasure of meeting him, but about why he just showed up like nothing serious was happening in our country.

What's the plan of leaders right now? What's happening inside the Sky Castle while Cradle suffers from constant crimes incidents? Moreover, what really happened to the Keys?

Soon those thoughts and questions drown me to sleep. And the next thing I know, I was dreaming about my brother.

I was 8 and Max was 11.

I was running with excitement as I chase after my brother.

"I will catch you, brother! And I will tickle you." I shouted at him.

I know my brother's weakness, he was very ticklish.

We were running around our backyard for half an hour now but I always lose to my brother.

We took this chance to play since father went out to work.

I suddenly tripped on my little feet and I hit the ground hard.

"Ley!" Shouted Max and ran towards me, his face worried.

He helped me sit and took a look at my feet.

"You hurt your knee. Come, lemme treat that wound." He helped me walked until we reached home.

He quickly grabbed the kit and treated my wound gently.

"I'm sorry," he muttered under his breath and I frowned.

"For what? It ain't your f-" I started but he cut me off.

"Should have let you win at least." He smirked and I lightly punched his arm.

He laughed and I just smiled at him as he treated me.

Fortunately, father wasn't here.

Father was very strict and he always scold us, especially Max.

Whenever he's with us in the house,we behave ourselves. Even so, he always finds a way to scold and beat Max.

He always hurt him but Max never says or do anything. Mom couldn't do anything either since he'd end up hurting her also if she interfered between him and brother.

Brother just always tells me, "I will stay here. I wanna protect you."

Though those words always confused me. What did he mean by saying he will stay here? Did father want him gone? Why would he? I never understood why he hated my brother this much.

"I want to stay with you, Ley."

I woke up with the sound of my alarm and reached out to push the snooze button. Just 5 minutes more.

I shifted position and thought about my dream. It happened always that I would dream about my brother, Max.

I glanced at my table across my bed and saw my picture together with mom and father when I was still four years old. Brother wasn't there.

I reached out and grabbed the other picture. It was me and brother when I was six years old. I remember that mom was the one who took this picture.

Tears started to well up in my eyes as I stared at my brother's picture. It was the only picture that I had with my him.

My brother was always there for me ever since. He always protected me from anything especially from father.

He was always there for me, yet I didn't have any memories of him until I was six years old.

Why couldn't I remember my brother who's always been there for me?

At school, I told Diana about yesterday and she whined how lucky I was and that she wished she was there. Like me, Diana never met any members of Sky Castle before. The last time the castle held an event was two years ago and we only watched from a distance.

We laughed as I told her also about my awkwardness as I served the Love Prince.

On my way to work, as I was walking on the street I was greeted by three strange persons wearing dark grey cloak. Their faces were hidden in their hoods so I couldn't see what they looked like.

My heartbeat quickened and I looked around me, hoping someone could help me. To my disbelief, people seemed to not notice us and fear cascaded through my body.

"Good day, miss Medley." Greeted one of them, his voice belonged to a man.

My eyes widened when I heard them said my name. I clutched my bag as I tried to utter a word.

"W-Who are you? How did you know my name?"

The one in the middle reached out his hand in attempt to touch me but I took a sudden step backwards.

"Don't touch me or I'll scream." I said in a shaking voice and grabbed this chance to run away.

Who are those cloaked men? How do they know me and what do they want?

I did not dare to look back. I was so afraid and confused with this sudden event.

Suddenly I bumped into someone and he held my arms to steady me.

"H-help me. Someone..."

"Someone who?"

I froze. That voice belonged to one of the cloaked men.

I opened my mouth to shout but his hand was already there before I could make a sound.

"Behave, Miss Medley. We mean you no harm." The cloaked man who was holding me said in a stern voice.

"Yes, miss Medley. Forgive us for our sudden appearance but we're merely following the King's order." The other cloaked man said, his voice was calm.

At the mention of the King, I stopped fighting the man in front of me and he removed his hand from over my mouth.

I took a step backwards and looked at them, my face covered in confusion.

"What do you mean by following the King's order?"

They looked at each other before turning to me. The one from behind stepped forward so I could have a good look at him.

"We are the Disciples of the Sky Castle, serving under King Orpheus. We are ordered to summon the girl name Medley Donahue as a Key to the Sky Castle." they all said in unison at the same time they let down their hoods, revealing their faces.

They were men who looked to be around 40's but without their hoods, their appearances didn't emit any scary demeanor.

My jaw dropped and asked them again as if I just gone deaf. After they repeated the same information, I still couldn't fathom this unexpected event.

Me? Summoned as a Key? Then that would mean the two Keys were already found but it's too late? And that's why they were summoning a replacement now? But why me?

I should be happy and excited right now, suddenly becoming the new Princess of my country was just so great. But no, in reality, it would only leave you confused and uncertain about all of this.

So all I did was just stare at these men while I tried to gather my messed up thoughts in a puddle of confusion.