Day and Night

Chapter 1: Snow Kingdom

In the vast outskirts of South Korea, were two kingdoms which had a hundred year long rivalry. The Snow Kingdom was known for its exuberant snowfall and magnificent scenic views. The Forest Kingdom on the other hand, was famous for its lush forests and vibrant nightlife.

Both kingdoms possessed royalty consisting of the Bae family from the Snow Kingdom, and the Kim family from the Forest Kingdom. For hundreds of years, the kingdoms were at odds with one another - up until an accidental encounter between the princess and prince of each respective kingdom, turned the lives of their loved ones and citizens upside down...

Airena Bae

Princess Airena Bae of the Snow Kingdom, is a  28 year old princess who has been training to rule the kingdom since her coming of age. She has pale skin, dark hair and is quite petite in strature, yet she too is considered as the most beautiful woman of the kingdom.

Airena was preparing for her upcoming successor ceremony. The ceremony entailed that the princess or prince of the Snow Kingdom, be passed down a crown from their parents and become the Kingdom's next Queen or King. It was tradition for the successor to be 28 years of age and completed with their studies. Airena was preparing for this moment since she graduated University years ago, and couldn't wait to be the new voice for her country's people.

"Good morning Airena unnie! I've been informed by your mother that today is time for you to visit the Snow forest and go for your, and I quote, 'Nature walk'." Airena's best friend and confidante, Windy Son, said as she strolled in Airena's room carrying a white long sleeved garment.

"Ah thank you Windy! We can have breakfast first and then we'll head out?" Airena was dressed in her bathrobe and done with her makeup, getting up to dress into the garment Windy brought.

"Hey, there's a disclaimer though." Windy sat down on Airena's bed as Airena entered the bathroom to undress.

"And that is?" She asked.

"The Snow forest is near... Near the Dark forest - Basically the Forest kingdom." Windy heard silence from Airena until she re-emerged wearing the white dress.

"The Forest kingdom you say? Well, I'm not afraid of anyone or anything from that kingdom. We haven't made contact with them for years, why would that happen today?" Airena touched her friend's shoulder before sitting on the bed and putting on her snow boots.

Windy pursed her lips and nodded in agreement. "I guess you're right. I'm just a bit concerned. I mean I've heard crazy things happening at the border."

"We'll be safe my friend! I mean, I've got you to protect me." Airena shrugged before getting slapped gently on the back by Windy. "The cheek! Anyway, let's go get that delicious Bae breakfast and head out!"

The pair walked downstairs and got greeted by Airena's parents as well as a delicious smell of breakfast.
"Good morning appa, good morning omma!" Airena greeted her parents who were waiting for her.

"Good morning princess, did you sleep well?" Asked her father.

"Yes, very much. And how did you and omma sleep?" Airena and Windy helped themselves to bacon and eggs, as well as some orange juice.

"This man can wake up the whole world with his snoring." Airena's mom confessed making everyone around the table laugh.

They spoke for a while when Airena and Windy got ready to depart for the Snow forest.

"Don't forget, you have to be back by noon. Even though our kingdom never sees the dark of day, it can still be dangerous if you wander around too long." Airena's mother hugged her tightly, as did her dad.

"I know omma, I know. I'll be back before then. And Windy will always by my side. Whatever happens to me, she'll definitely protect me."

"Aww come onn" Windy nagged getting giggles from Mr and Mrs Bae.

"Good luck ladies. See you soon!"

The two women drove in Windy's sports car, admiring the stunning views as they passed though two towns before arriving at the Snow forest.

"Oh... My... Goodness. This place is absolutely beautiful!" Airena beamed climbing out of the car.

"It is indeed. Who would've thought that your great grandmother, grandmother and mother has all been here before their princess graduation ceremony?" Windy said climbing out the car and hooking her arms in with Airena's.

"I knooow! Wow, I've been waiting for this day since my coming of age ceremony. We're finally here. "

The two women started walking into the forest seeing various birds and non dangerous wildlife in the forest. Windy took out her camera and started snapping pictures of Airena in her dress along with the scenery around her.

Airena noticed an opening between some shrubs and walked towards it, only to see it was a secret pathway.

"Windy, come and take a look over here." Airena called to Windy who immediately walked over.

"Look, it's a secret pathway. Did you know about this?"

Windy got a fright and started acting nervous upon Airena's discovery.
"Ah well... Uh... We forgot to cover that up." She awkwardly murmured, "When I did my combat training, this was the pathway we used to infiltrate the Forest Kingdom." She admitted.

"What do you mean you infiltrated the Forest Kingdom? Did something happen?" Airena walked through the opening, and as nervous as Windy was about Airena walking through this place, she couldn't deny any orders her superior and friend gave her.

"Well, yes. One of the Snow Kingdom's citizens accidentally crossed over to the Forest Kingdom. We had to do a search and rescue but it was too late. The citizen was never to be seen again."

Airena frowned after hearing one of their citizens might have fallen victim to the Forest Kingdom. They walked down a long path when they stumbled onto the other side of the Snow Kingdom.

Airena couldn't believe her eyes. This was a side of the world she never saw before. Dark green trees were all around with the sky having a purple hue in it.

"This... This is the dark kingdom?" Airena asked astonished.

"Yes it is Rena. I couldn't believe my eyes too. It's so beautiful, yet it holds the darkest energy around." Windy and Airena stood in front of a fence separating the Light and Dark kingdom.

"Unbelievable. Windy, can you take pictures please?"

"Great idea!" Windy snapped some pictures of the Forest Kingdom, and too took pictures of Airena who did not take notice of the camera in her direction.

Airena then leaned against the fence when it suddenly opened, giving her a fright. She then, without thinking, walked through the open gate making Windy panic.

"Uhhh Rena, I... I don't think that's such a good idea..." Windy said while Airena walked in a daze through the the forbidden kingdom. Windy didn't know what to do, but followed her friend all while trying to get her back to the Snow Kingdom's side.

"Airena please, this is dangerous we need to —"

Suddenly, a tranquilizer dart shot through Windy's neck making her fall down immediately.

"Windy!!! Oh God, what should I do?!" Airena broke out of her daze and ran to Windy's side, trying to pull the younger woman back into the opening, but too felt a sharp prick hitting her neck. Just before she lost consciousness, a figure dressed in all black picked the woman up, carrying her bridal style, before she drifted away into the darkness...

———

Hi Everyone!

I'm so excited for this new story of mine!

I won't be using btsvelvet's real names but it sounds very similar to it. The rest of btsvelvet will be revealed soon - Who do you think belongs to the Snow/ light and Forest/ dark kingdoms? Find out soon...

Read you on the other side ;)

Byeee ~